By Admin 
Mock drill: When hearing the word ‘mock drill’, the mind has an image of pre -preparation of any war or disaster, such as fire fighting practice, earthquake safety or terrorist or enemy protecting the country’s attacks. But have you ever thought that the practice of practice in the scriptures of ancient India was long ago?
There are examples in the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Srimad Bhagwat Gita, Veda and Garuda Purana, where rehearsal, mental stability, strategic organization and crisis have been in the forecast center. In these texts, not only the preparation of war or disaster is described, but also at the level of the soul, the spiritual process like ‘drill’ is seen.
1. Srimad Bhagwat Gita: Best Example of Mock Drill
‘Yogastha: Kuru Karmani Sangan Tyaktva Dhananjaya.
Siddhyasiddhyo: Samo Bhootwa Samvatam Yoga Uchyate॥ ‘
(Gita 2.48)
Meaning of shloka
- Arjuna is distracted in the battlefield, but Lord Krishna stabilizes them through mental rehearsal.
- This is not the battlefield preparedness, but the inner preparedness.
- The preaching of the Gita was a deep ‘psychological mock drill’.
Learning:
In times of crisis, emotional control, policy clarity and duties are the greatest security of the person.
2. Ramayana: Strategic rehearsal and organization before Lanka War
Example 1: Strategy Before Sethubandh
- Lord Rama organized the monkey army without fighting.
- Build tap-neel bridges, it was prior preparation, study of sea behavior, and teamwork practice.
- Hanuman was sent first, like today Reconnaissance Team is sent.
Example 2: Hanuman’s visit to Lanka
This journey was like a ‘simulation exercise’, where Hanuman ji infiltrated the enemy’s land and gathered information. After this, the path of victory over Lanka was cleared.
Learning:
This episode of Ramayana gives knowledge that ‘surprised’ is not reacted, but is already facing crisis with well-thought out preparations.
3. Mahabharata: Importance of training and practice before war
Major characters: Dronacharya
- The Yuvrajas are trained in weapons, strategy, wrestling and policy before the war.
- It was a mock drill of war during peace.
- There was a ‘informal exercise’ between Arjun and Karna, which was a type of mock drill.
Learning:
This incident of Mahabharata shows that the army which is already practicing in crisis, is victorious. Never forget this thing.
4. Learning of consciousness and vigilance in Vedas and Upanishads
Rigveda Mantra: ‘Agne Tvam Parbhursi.’
(Rigveda 1.1.8)
Meaning of Shloka: Hey Agnidev, you protect us.
- In the Vedas, the crisisful form of elements like fire, air, water and measures for defense are given.
- Yajna, mantras and prayers are also spiritual forms of mental and collective practice.
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad:
‘Atman Viddhi.’ Know yourself. That is, understanding the nature, response and feelings of one’s own is self-reliant.
5. Garuda Purana: Preparation before death i.e. salvation drill
- It is told in the Garuda Purana that at the time of death, the soul has to go through.
- The creature should do ‘practice’ his actions, rites and meditation so that it does not stagger at that time.
- This is a spiritual mock drill, the practice of religion in life is the safety shield of the future.
6. Importance of rehearsal in Guru-disciple tradition
- Among the ancient Gurukuls, not only learning, behavior, war, morality, and collective exercises were taught.
- These Gurukul were the laboratory of leaders during the disaster and crisis.
Spirituality is hidden in knowledge, it would not be wrong to say the root of modern mock drill. Mock drill is not a modern concept, but is an esoteric form of the spiritual tradition of India.
In the Gita, it is mental drill, strategic plan in Ramayana, war exercises in Mahabharata, and protection from natural crisis in the Vedas, they all prove that India laid the foundation of Disaster Management thousands of years ago.