According to Vedic Philosophy, every one of us is called upon to serve as a judge or jury, every moment of our life. One who is a true judge, without being judgmental, lives a life of peace within and harmony with all that surrounds! It is a state of true liberation – Samadhi. Judge Jackson has acquired her skills and ability through her “Constitutional Methodology” to remain neutral (objective) and set aside her personal views and stay in her lane (not being judgmental) through years of education, experience and honest reflection on her role in her professional life as a judge. How can the rest of us aspire to reach that exalted state of mental stability as a normal aspect of life?
Socratic process, is the basis for the Western Judicial system. We have noted earlier that this process may need a more precise framework to foster objectivity and neutral stance, essential for anyone in resolving any issue: https://sipractce.com/2024/03/28/jnana-yoga-and-socratic-metho/
In a recent “Fresh Air” interview broadcast at NPR, the eminent SCOTUS judge Ms. Ketanji Brown Jackson expressed her views on this topic. Following is a brief excerpt paraphrased from this interview:
I do not have a constitutional philosophy as much as a Constitutional methodology. It is an attempt to “Stay in my lane” with the court as one of the three branches of Govt. and not step into the role of executive or legislative lanes and their roles.
I also really strive to set aside my personal views. You learn at Law school to represent a client zealously in their best interest, and circumstances, irrespective of my personal views. I also learn through my years of experience as a clerk in the judicial system that it is important to rule without fear or favor and decide by being neutral. Through these you develop an ability to set aside your personal views.
https://www.npr.org/player/embed/nx-s1-5095923/g-s1-20843 Time slot 8.00 to 11.00 min.
To remain Objective and neutral anytime and all the time is the very essential foundation of Vedic Philosophy. Yoga and meditation are tools or means to foster this skill. It becomes second nature to anyone who instinctively and implicitly understands the true reality (i.e.) Everyone and everything is enabled by the same forces of nature, without distinction, difference or discrimination. All that exists – including everyone as individuals – are merely evidence, witness to the phenomena of nature and their effects (collectively identified as Brahman). Hence the Vedic Axiom: Everything is Brahman (Sarvam Brahma Mayam).
Self-awareness is nothing but the realization that all of us are the same, without distinction, like the drops of water in a body of water. From that stable platform we seek to resolve any perceived differences. The analytical framework to resolve the differences and arrive at the common foundation may be identified as Jnana Yoga (Self-reflection and reasoning with objectivity and non-attachment). The steps of Jnana Yoga are:
- Reflective mind, with a relentless commitment to probe and find the answers.
- Willingness to seek out all sources of knowledge – from anyone with greater knowledge (Teacher), associates, books or literature, self-analysis.
- Unrelenting faith in the belief that everything is “enabled”. The “enablers” are the forces of nature – invisible, eternal and omnipresent, visible only through their effects – “Scientific fundamentals” or the laws of nature!
- Compile and manage the data or information using the filters of Knowledge, Bias and Ignorance across the five components of any activity / subject matter under consideration:
- Unattached active engagement: Analysis and Action as required in the moment; Active engagement without attachment; Data driven; Opinions held in check; Without fear of the past or favor towards desired outcome (future).
- What (subject matter)?
- Who (agent(s))?
- Means or Tools?
- Circumstances or constraints?
- Prevailing forces of nature (which are eternal, omnipresent, show no discrimination)?
Most of us struggle with many issues in life when we do not pay attention to the simple issue: “Who is the relevant person in the matter that we are trying to address?” – item B, above! In the judicial system many cases are dismissed simply because the “plaintiff has no standing”. To establish standing, one must demonstrate:
- The plaintiff suffered or likely will suffer an injury in fact;
- The defendant caused or likely will be the cause of the injury; and
- The requested judicial relief likely will redress the injury.
If the plaintiff cannot satisfy all three requirements, the court must dismiss the case for lack of jurisdiction. https://www.jacksonlewis.com/insights/what-us-supreme-court-decision-standing-tells-us-about-challenges-corporate-dei-initiatives Paying attention to this simple detail will eliminate a large majority of problems in our life. We can simply dismiss them! We need not deal with those issues! Think of the myriads of issues where we poke our nose simply because of our bias or ignorance. Thanks to the attachment towards self-driven needs and wants we get involved and only see the mess and quagmire grow even more! Then we blame ourselves and others for the “out of control” situation! In the words of judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, often we fail to “stay in our lane”! Vedic Philosophy suggests that one can get out of such vortex anytime at will thanks to self-control, Objectivity and non-attachment (i.e.) Jnana Yoga. It is a methodology to serve as a judge and jury for one’s action at any time and in any aspect of life!
For more details on the above analytical framework as a way of life, please see: https://www.amazon.com/Spirituality-Practice-Exploration-collaboration-cohesiveness-ebook/dp/B0BT6WRZ27/
Spirituality In Practice 
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