What, in God's name, is going on?
Shobhaa De 03 October 2010, 10:37 AM IST
The Times of India
Dear God,
This is going to be a really tough letter to write. I mean, the world has changed, dude. Most young people don't believe you exist. When in doubt, they google you, and you know what? Your PR guys need to be sacked for complete and total misrepresentation ; check out the rubbish thrown up by the search engine. Depressing stuff, man. Totally not cool.
It's about time you got smart and joined some social networking sites. Tweet away, darling. We want the real thing. Gyaan in your own words. And no special privileges for being God – 140 characters like everybody else, okay? Set up a Facebook account – don't you want to know how many ‘friends' you have on earth? Get your own interactive website and watch the fun.
Business first. Where were you when we in India needed you the most? I mean the country was holding its collective breath on September 30, waiting for ‘The Verdict' . Anything could have happened, who can restrain our hotheaded netas but your good self? But you were Missing In Action: nowhere on the scene, leading to much confusion as various groups fought over your official residence . Silly people! Every child in the world knows you prefer to live in the hearts of believers. What's the fuss over a monument? Do you really need one? Have you ever needed one?
As for the h a a l a t of those three judges, they were landed with the toughest job in the world. Imagine being asked to decide which grand abode is your personal preference – a new temple or a demolished mosque? Nobody thought of asking you. If the monument is meant to please you, surely you should have a say in the matter ? We're having an informal, friendly chat, we can always ask for an SMS poll later. Speak your mind while there is still time. The three wise men have suggested a three-month pause. Three months is enough, right? It's called a cooling off period and we're hoping those who are in such a state of agitation right now, will calm down and think this through carefully.
They'll say 500 years of thinking has already gone into this debate. So what? Let 500 years more pass. You'll agree that what's most important at this point is sanity and calm. Status quo is not such a bad option. We human beings can be so stupid; here we are frothing at the mouth and making all sorts of claims over 2.7 acres of land. Agreed, land prices are going through the roof, but this is ridiculous. Fortunately, young people are more in tune with sensible solutions. Not for them the futile exercise of proving that this is indeed your favourite hang out. This generation is pretty smart. To them it doesn't really matter whether they party in this disco or that. So long as they have a good time.
With fundas like these in place, they are laughing at all those old fogies hyperventilating on television and telling them, "Get a life, you guys." These kids are absolutely right. But will anyone listen? No. Because it suits netas of various hues, it keeps them in business.
This is your moment, God. Get up and do your thing. Strut your stuff. Throw attitude . Tell those feuding fellows, you'll have none of it. They may ignore you completely since in any case you are incidental to this manmade controversy. There are so many worthier issues that need immediate and urgent intervention . Our bachchas need schools, colleges and toilets. Mandirs and masjids do not help their cause, but temples of learning do. Drill some sense into the chaps preparing for Round 2. Advise them to open their eyes to India's new realities; our restless youngsters are not interested in the politics of religion. They'll settle for jobs and a better life, any day. Let the netas coopt the desires and dreams of the majority – India's youth – into their agenda before launching another legal battle that could go on 18 or even 80 years. This is really too much, and as everybody was chanting that dramatic day, "We need closure."
The verdict is out. Three judges had the unenviable task of decoding the sentiments of a billion-plus people. The judgment is apolitical and bold. Who can possibly please and appease almost one-fifth of humanity? Not even you. There is talk of ‘reconciliation' but nobody is saying what exactly that means. Besides, can there be a board meeting without the chairman , which is you? Better that we put this centuries-old issue behind us as quickly as possible before a foreign hand stirs up trouble. What say? Till then, you can chill.
What an idea, Godji! Your devoted bhakt, Shobhaa
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
To Do or Not To Do?
I have been away for a looong time,
And that says it All...
I had been caught up with lots of issues (thanks to my foolishness and procrastination),
but now I realise how much I've learnt in the last 6 months and I would always look back to this phase as my Best Teacher...
But, today, at this very moment something crucial is raging inside me...
How often have I been selfish (I mean not using people or being egoistic or nastily diplomatic) but a genuine concern of how much I get caught up in my own circle of friends and family, my problems, their problems, my achievements, their achievements. How often do I really think about making my society, my city, my country, my world a better place?
Just saw a documentary on the Mumbai Railways and was really amazed to know about how Slumdog Millionaire is for real! A runaway kid, Balu followed all the jobs that could be done at the Thane Station and now that he is happily married with 3 kids and enough money to be safe and secure for the rest of his life, he has gone back to the Station.
He is now helping the hundreds of runaway kids to be independent and protect them from crime and exploitation, to save them from dangers he once faced. He is truly taking care of his own past.
On the other hand, I have graduated and starting a new phase of my life very soon.
Everythings perfect and with important lessons learnt I dream bigger and bigger.
But what do I dream about my fellow people? I dont want to become a billionaire while thousands still die of hunger outside. Something has to be done!
And I know, there is a smarter way to do it. And searching it is the new mission.
The new question is:
To Do and How To Do It?
Please help me find a way out :)
And that says it All...
I had been caught up with lots of issues (thanks to my foolishness and procrastination),
but now I realise how much I've learnt in the last 6 months and I would always look back to this phase as my Best Teacher...
But, today, at this very moment something crucial is raging inside me...
How often have I been selfish (I mean not using people or being egoistic or nastily diplomatic) but a genuine concern of how much I get caught up in my own circle of friends and family, my problems, their problems, my achievements, their achievements. How often do I really think about making my society, my city, my country, my world a better place?
Just saw a documentary on the Mumbai Railways and was really amazed to know about how Slumdog Millionaire is for real! A runaway kid, Balu followed all the jobs that could be done at the Thane Station and now that he is happily married with 3 kids and enough money to be safe and secure for the rest of his life, he has gone back to the Station.
He is now helping the hundreds of runaway kids to be independent and protect them from crime and exploitation, to save them from dangers he once faced. He is truly taking care of his own past.
On the other hand, I have graduated and starting a new phase of my life very soon.
Everythings perfect and with important lessons learnt I dream bigger and bigger.
But what do I dream about my fellow people? I dont want to become a billionaire while thousands still die of hunger outside. Something has to be done!
And I know, there is a smarter way to do it. And searching it is the new mission.
The new question is:
To Do and How To Do It?
Please help me find a way out :)
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Invictus!
Invictus...the Unconquered!
yes I just saw the movie and there are just too many things I loved about it that I couldn't wait to blog (brag :P) about it
Its a heart-rending story of how one visionary...a messiah so to say stitches together the pieces of a country broken by apartheid, fear and violence. How one man's devotion to his people turns a anarchic region into one of the greatest nations of modern times.
Its sooo hard to believe that South Africa (officially the Republic of South Africa..and rightly so) went through such troubled times just about 16-17 years ago. Today it has been host to so many international sporting events...a true warrior for peace and global harmony.
And could this happen without the vision of one man...Nelson Mandela
The movie explicitly shows how he takes over bureaucracy and a widespread sense of vengeance to show light to the people...to unite the oppressed and the oppressors...to come together, forgiving the past...and look forward to a bright future
I could go on and on (thanks to wiki and many other sources :P).
But one of the most important things is how amazingly Sports binds people together. How 5-9-11-15 players giving their 100% make millions smile...
And this couldn't be more evident than Indian Cricket itself!
I don't really need to tell you again of how important Kapil Dev, Gavaskar, Kumble, Dravid, Ganguly and ofcourse the Master have been for modern Indian society. Everyone forgets his religion, caste, creed, occupation, grievances and what not when Sachin scores a double.
And thats what makes him different from sportsmen...the ability to handle pressure of a billion expectations...the responsibility of a billion smiles. And so has been the case of many more inspirations...Bobby Fischer, Vishwanathan Anand, Dhyaan Chand, James J. Braddock, Muhammad Ali, Don Bradman and many many more. The purpose of the Greek Olympics 2 millennia ago is now well served :)
I hope we get to see much much more of great sporting feats from all over the world, all sports of all countries...
Monday, March 8, 2010
वंदे मातरम |
First of all...
Happy Women's Day to everyone!
(even the guys...and heres why!)
Over the weekend there has been lot of written, read, said and debated about the importance of a Women's Day and there are some opinions that its not worth it...why should girls have all the fun?
theres no similar Men's Day for sure!
During such a discussion I simply stated it as an initiative for an awakening against gender bias, for the women who still don't go to school...who still have no say in the households...for those who still are beaten up for no reason...
And I couldn't be more wrong!
Today, just out of habit I smsd "Happy Women's Day! :)" to every girl I know...you know who...friends...classmates...school friends...
And suddenly there was a shift!
Just a small action...typing a msg and sending it to people but it felt really really good! And then I realised why its an important event...
We are surrounded by women all our life...d first person we saw in the world...our mother...is a woman...and at every stage of our life it has been a woman who is closest to our heart...mother, sister, spouse, daughter...
Women's Day is not a protest against sexual discrimination...but a humble chance to be sincerely grateful to the Divine Goddess...to enrich our lives by the care...the love...the trust...the support of every woman in our life...
Its stupid to even think we can clear the debt...but we can always be grateful...not always can we express our love, our care and such days give us a chance...
Forget about the social impact...just take some time out and wish every woman you know...be grateful that they came into your life and showered you with infinite motherly love!
If every man/woman/child on the Earth does this even for a day...we wouldn't require another Women's Day for social reasons...
P.S. : this blog post was also inspired by a girl...one of my Best Friends...she has just started blogging...and inspired me to start again :)
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
श्री सचिन तेंडूलकर आरती |
अविस्मरणीय खेळी तुझी द्विशतकाची !
सर्वांगी सुंदर उधळण चौकारांची !
आकाशी झळके माळ उत्तुंग षटकारांची !
जय देव जय देव जय तेंडुलकरा !
तुझ्या चरणी माझा मानाचा मुजरा !
जय देव जय देव ..
१४७ चेंडू खेळपट्टी वरी उभा !
सर्व गोलंदाजांची दिसे दिव्य शोभा !
मदतीला कार्तिक पठाण धोनी आले गा !
धावांचा डोंगर उभा राहिला बघा !
जय देव जय देव जय तेंडुलकरा !
तुझ्या चरणी माझा मानाचा मुजरा !
जय देव जय देव ..
दुमदुमले मैदान झाला जल्लोष !
थरथरला गोलंदाज मानिला खेद !
कडाडली बॅट चेन्डुचा शिरच्छेद !
असामान्य अद्भुत शक्तिचा शोध !
जय देव जय देव जय तेंडुलकरा !
तुझ्या चरणी माझा मानाचा मुजरा !
जय देव जय देव..
घालीन लोटांगण वन्दिन चरणं !
डोळ्याने पाहिले द्विशतक तुझे !
पोस्टर लावूनि, आनंदे पुजिन !
भावे ओवाळीन, "सचिन" नामा !
त्वमेव ब्रॅडमन, बॉर्डर त्वमेव !
त्वमेव गावसकर, लारा त्वमेव !
त्वमेव फलंदाज, गोलंदाज त्वमेव !
त्वमेव क्षेत्ररक्षक, ऑलराउन्डर त्वमेव !
गुड लेन्थ टाकले, यॉर्कर टाकले !
बाउन्सर टाकले , व्यर्थ सारे !
ड्राइव्स तू मारले, पुल तू मारले !
फ्लिक्स तू मारले, सार्थ सारे !
हरे सचिन, हरे सचिन, सचिन सचिन हरे हरे
हरे तेंडुलकर, हरे तेंडुलकर, तेंडुलकर हरे हरे !!
थरथरला गोलंदाज मानिला खेद !
कडाडली बॅट चेन्डुचा शिरच्छेद !
असामान्य अद्भुत शक्तिचा शोध !
जय देव जय देव जय तेंडुलकरा !
तुझ्या चरणी माझा मानाचा मुजरा !
जय देव जय देव..
घालीन लोटांगण वन्दिन चरणं !
डोळ्याने पाहिले द्विशतक तुझे !
पोस्टर लावूनि, आनंदे पुजिन !
भावे ओवाळीन, "सचिन" नामा !
त्वमेव ब्रॅडमन, बॉर्डर त्वमेव !
त्वमेव गावसकर, लारा त्वमेव !
त्वमेव फलंदाज, गोलंदाज त्वमेव !
त्वमेव क्षेत्ररक्षक, ऑलराउन्डर त्वमेव !
गुड लेन्थ टाकले, यॉर्कर टाकले !
बाउन्सर टाकले , व्यर्थ सारे !
ड्राइव्स तू मारले, पुल तू मारले !
फ्लिक्स तू मारले, सार्थ सारे !
हरे सचिन, हरे सचिन, सचिन सचिन हरे हरे
हरे तेंडुलकर, हरे तेंडुलकर, तेंडुलकर हरे हरे !!
P.S.: this is not my original work
this poem courtesy of Sakal newspaper
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Something Special!
Well its been a really long time since my last post...and not without a reason!
I was just waiting for "Something Special" to come up...and here it is (pun intended :D)
The last 3-4 months have been really like this...and today I suddenly realized that its foolish waiting for something special to happen...I have to make it happen!
Events and time will pass by as always...but its upto me to make them count...to explore the reason they are there, and to fulfill the Plan!
And somehow, it takes me back into times where I had just chosen to wait...and the more I waited, the more the opportunities I lost...and more I pinched myself in regret! But now its so clear...
Nothing Special will happen until I act to make it happen!
Ofcourse this has been the case so many times...doing things in a quicky when I actually got down to do it, instead of just planning! Planning can be dangerous too :)
This is just one aspect of it...the more beautiful fact of life is...
everything IS Special in itself, whether I perceive it or not!
Its just what one needs to realize...Life is a dream, just an amazing flow of events that are too wonderful to comprehend, its an expression of Love and Joy that fills me up within...a travelogue of something in me that has never changed, and never will...
These words always keep me smiling...
"Life is Complex...
to Understand it, is even more complex...
but to Live Life is so Simple!"
why then do we need to constantly monitor our actions, our thoughts, our goals, or achievements...just relax! Theres sooo much more to life than just setting goals and achieving them...its so simple and efficient to achieve things happily...to enjoy the road and still reach the destination...that is the essence of this beautiful journey...
Its time to Stop Calibrating Life...
Its time to Start Celebrating Life!
I was just waiting for "Something Special" to come up...and here it is (pun intended :D)
The last 3-4 months have been really like this...and today I suddenly realized that its foolish waiting for something special to happen...I have to make it happen!
Events and time will pass by as always...but its upto me to make them count...to explore the reason they are there, and to fulfill the Plan!
And somehow, it takes me back into times where I had just chosen to wait...and the more I waited, the more the opportunities I lost...and more I pinched myself in regret! But now its so clear...
Nothing Special will happen until I act to make it happen!
Ofcourse this has been the case so many times...doing things in a quicky when I actually got down to do it, instead of just planning! Planning can be dangerous too :)
This is just one aspect of it...the more beautiful fact of life is...
everything IS Special in itself, whether I perceive it or not!
Its just what one needs to realize...Life is a dream, just an amazing flow of events that are too wonderful to comprehend, its an expression of Love and Joy that fills me up within...a travelogue of something in me that has never changed, and never will...
These words always keep me smiling...
"Life is Complex...
to Understand it, is even more complex...
but to Live Life is so Simple!"
why then do we need to constantly monitor our actions, our thoughts, our goals, or achievements...just relax! Theres sooo much more to life than just setting goals and achieving them...its so simple and efficient to achieve things happily...to enjoy the road and still reach the destination...that is the essence of this beautiful journey...
Its time to Stop Calibrating Life...
Its time to Start Celebrating Life!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Failure of Success...
Aaah...nothing really great to write about...having a "blogger's block" these days :D
Somehow over the last month things kept happening or maybe my mind wondered(or wandered, whatever) quite a lot...and now everything seems so balanced and rythmic...nothing unusual to be amazed at!...and perhaps this is again something unusual...well if you want to write a blog...you'll get 100 hundred reasons to keep posting...:D
But seriously...how many times do we get bored when everythings going perfectly?! And how many times do we get frustrated when something breaks your rythm, your momentum...thats the weird inertia of the mind...it just cant keep quite and can't tolerate things going out of its control...we just want to have a bit of a game with life...knowing that we'll always win!
Hard to believe...and yet so true...and thats the 'Failure of Success'!
When I started playing Chess about 15 years ago I always heard Makrand Dada(my Guru) that Chess teaches you to handle defeats...and I couldnt get it till years later...
My dad always said, "achieving something is easy...maintaining it is the real challenge...dis is what Jijau taught Shivaji!"
And now the meanings clear...its very hard to face a small failure or a tiny disturbance when you are in such a good harmony, and in total control of things...one off-day and Batsmen lose form, one wrong footing and bowlers go all cranky...
And its so wonderful to think how even these small agitations add spice to our lives...like I always say..."Ravanashivay Ramala mahatva nahi!(Ram's importance derives from Ravana)" and success isnt sweet if you get it very easily...perhaps, doing something easy isnt at all success!
Its all about a balance...good or bad...Nature will always maintain a universal and local balance! And its just our viewpoint that defines things as good or bad...Success always tends to blo your ego...problems always mature you more...its just a shift in how we look at things...and its such a wonderful game...India vs Pakistan...both great teams...equally good, and the twists just make the match more enjoyable...no matter who wins in the end!
Somehow over the last month things kept happening or maybe my mind wondered(or wandered, whatever) quite a lot...and now everything seems so balanced and rythmic...nothing unusual to be amazed at!...and perhaps this is again something unusual...well if you want to write a blog...you'll get 100 hundred reasons to keep posting...:D
But seriously...how many times do we get bored when everythings going perfectly?! And how many times do we get frustrated when something breaks your rythm, your momentum...thats the weird inertia of the mind...it just cant keep quite and can't tolerate things going out of its control...we just want to have a bit of a game with life...knowing that we'll always win!
Hard to believe...and yet so true...and thats the 'Failure of Success'!
When I started playing Chess about 15 years ago I always heard Makrand Dada(my Guru) that Chess teaches you to handle defeats...and I couldnt get it till years later...
My dad always said, "achieving something is easy...maintaining it is the real challenge...dis is what Jijau taught Shivaji!"
And now the meanings clear...its very hard to face a small failure or a tiny disturbance when you are in such a good harmony, and in total control of things...one off-day and Batsmen lose form, one wrong footing and bowlers go all cranky...
And its so wonderful to think how even these small agitations add spice to our lives...like I always say..."Ravanashivay Ramala mahatva nahi!(Ram's importance derives from Ravana)" and success isnt sweet if you get it very easily...perhaps, doing something easy isnt at all success!
Its all about a balance...good or bad...Nature will always maintain a universal and local balance! And its just our viewpoint that defines things as good or bad...Success always tends to blo your ego...problems always mature you more...its just a shift in how we look at things...and its such a wonderful game...India vs Pakistan...both great teams...equally good, and the twists just make the match more enjoyable...no matter who wins in the end!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The Secret...
"Itni shiddat se maine tumhe paane ki koshish ki hain...
ki har zarre ne mujhe tumse milane ki saajish ki hain...
Kehte hain ki agar kisi cheez ko sachche dil se chaaho
to use pura karne ke liye puri kayanat lag jaati hain!"
Hehe...I'm not showing off any dialogues memory nor am I admiring my favourite hero [:)]
but this statement or sutra or mantra has been so close to me all my life...can't resist from sharing it with you!
It is said that you mind has immense powers, much more than you ever perceive...and it is these "force-waves" so to say that can really turn things around! Whatever you Intend to do, put your complete Attention to it and 100% effort, it has to Manifest...and this is the Secret!
And its not just words, but I have been experiencing it all through my life...mostly unaware!
To start with, any exam...NTSE or JEE or whatever...I always kept thinking of how great it would be to excel, how would be my NTSE Interview?...or how would be my IIT Hostel?...and invisibly it gave me unfathomable fuel to keep driving towards my goals!
(And most of you know how I used this one sutra in 12th...not for JEE ofcourse :))
And today it appeared again...staring into my eyes like a happy angel smiling at me...
Last night I went home...quite tired of tuning the Laser for the lowest threshold after I sort of broke the Laser-Diode and had to again re-set-up things all over again...and just because of 5 careless seconds...in short, it was quite a frustrating day!
I just went back and had a good sleep for 7 hours...did my Meditation and Yoga(this is vey important...) and just took it as a fresh start..."come what may! I'm going to finish it today...whatever happens, I'll keep smiling and work with enthusiasm!"
And it just flowed out of me...maybe luck...maybe something else...but things just kept happening! I aligned the threshold and Laser in just over an hour (...fastest in tha past month!) had lunch...came back and started adjusting the parameters coolly...always thinking "come-on, give your 100%!" and after 2 hours or stabilisng the temperatures, I finally get it on resonance...and whoa!...just 5 minutes tweaking and I got the whole result...right there infront of my eyes...the thing I had come here for!!! Just 1 day...and it was done!
Wonderful, Amazing, Lucky, Stunned...my Post-Doc and I just stared at the oscillator in wonder...
Its not such a big thing...but the essence is sooo wonderful! Its not what you want to do or achieve...its about how you go about it...winners and losers are justa thought apart...
"Can I do it?"..."I can do it!"
Just going out there with an intent of giving the Best...your full potential...100% effort with an undying smile...and the jobs done! Whatever you wish for...from the bottom of your heart, with a determined mind and a smiling face...when it dissolves in your blood...when you become one with your intention...Nature will find a thousand and one ways to do it for you!
But beware...its a double-edged sword! If you think negatively...that manifests too...GIGO...Garbage In, Garbage Out...the Universe willnot differentiate between good and bad...if you keep thinking bad...you'll get even worse things!
Just recall the moments..."I dont want to bang today...no accident today...I'll drive slowly...safely..."...and BOOM!!!...you bang into somebody or just slip over somewhere...
Use this sutra constructively, for positive things...and in a positive way...or just keep away from the "Nuclear Energy"...it can kill!!!
Well...its pretty straight-forward...I shouldn't keep repeating the same thing over and over again...just felt like revealing a wonderful secret that has taken me places and beyond...
P.S.: please watch the movie called "The Secret"...
ki har zarre ne mujhe tumse milane ki saajish ki hain...
Kehte hain ki agar kisi cheez ko sachche dil se chaaho
to use pura karne ke liye puri kayanat lag jaati hain!"
Hehe...I'm not showing off any dialogues memory nor am I admiring my favourite hero [:)]
but this statement or sutra or mantra has been so close to me all my life...can't resist from sharing it with you!
It is said that you mind has immense powers, much more than you ever perceive...and it is these "force-waves" so to say that can really turn things around! Whatever you Intend to do, put your complete Attention to it and 100% effort, it has to Manifest...and this is the Secret!
And its not just words, but I have been experiencing it all through my life...mostly unaware!
To start with, any exam...NTSE or JEE or whatever...I always kept thinking of how great it would be to excel, how would be my NTSE Interview?...or how would be my IIT Hostel?...and invisibly it gave me unfathomable fuel to keep driving towards my goals!
(And most of you know how I used this one sutra in 12th...not for JEE ofcourse :))
And today it appeared again...staring into my eyes like a happy angel smiling at me...
Last night I went home...quite tired of tuning the Laser for the lowest threshold after I sort of broke the Laser-Diode and had to again re-set-up things all over again...and just because of 5 careless seconds...in short, it was quite a frustrating day!
I just went back and had a good sleep for 7 hours...did my Meditation and Yoga(this is vey important...) and just took it as a fresh start..."come what may! I'm going to finish it today...whatever happens, I'll keep smiling and work with enthusiasm!"
And it just flowed out of me...maybe luck...maybe something else...but things just kept happening! I aligned the threshold and Laser in just over an hour (...fastest in tha past month!) had lunch...came back and started adjusting the parameters coolly...always thinking "come-on, give your 100%!" and after 2 hours or stabilisng the temperatures, I finally get it on resonance...and whoa!...just 5 minutes tweaking and I got the whole result...right there infront of my eyes...the thing I had come here for!!! Just 1 day...and it was done!
Wonderful, Amazing, Lucky, Stunned...my Post-Doc and I just stared at the oscillator in wonder...
Its not such a big thing...but the essence is sooo wonderful! Its not what you want to do or achieve...its about how you go about it...winners and losers are justa thought apart...
"Can I do it?"..."I can do it!"
Just going out there with an intent of giving the Best...your full potential...100% effort with an undying smile...and the jobs done! Whatever you wish for...from the bottom of your heart, with a determined mind and a smiling face...when it dissolves in your blood...when you become one with your intention...Nature will find a thousand and one ways to do it for you!
But beware...its a double-edged sword! If you think negatively...that manifests too...GIGO...Garbage In, Garbage Out...the Universe willnot differentiate between good and bad...if you keep thinking bad...you'll get even worse things!
Just recall the moments..."I dont want to bang today...no accident today...I'll drive slowly...safely..."...and BOOM!!!...you bang into somebody or just slip over somewhere...
Use this sutra constructively, for positive things...and in a positive way...or just keep away from the "Nuclear Energy"...it can kill!!!
Well...its pretty straight-forward...I shouldn't keep repeating the same thing over and over again...just felt like revealing a wonderful secret that has taken me places and beyond...
P.S.: please watch the movie called "The Secret"...
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Destiny...
After getting used to Singapore, I'm back to writing my wonders...
I have always believed in a higher power that guides the Universe on its path...and perhaps thats what people call Destiny. Though some things are totally out of ones control, most of an individual's life depends on how he handles things and hows he adapts himself to the changes...
But still there are some things and events, which when pondered upon in a holistic way, seem to fit together magnificently, as though the mercury in the Terminator fuses back together to form something totally different from the original pieces! And thats when I again wonder about Destiny...
Well, frankly all this has been there in my mind throughout my life, but reading the Indian History recently bowled me out! I read Swami and Panipat, two great books that describe the Third Battle of Panipat and the start of the downfall of the Maratha Empire. But whats interesting is that had the Marathas not been defeated, the British could never have conquered the whole of India. It was only after the Marathas collapsed that the British took over, ultimately uniting the whole sub-continent and bringing in the Modern Age!
I have always credited the British colonial rule as an impetus for national unity, rationalism, scientific temper and modern education. Although India was the greatest ancient civilisation, it somehow lost its way in the mid-way and maybe its the British Raj and the amazing freedom struggle that is again taking India to its rightful place.
And then, I read more(lukkhagiri on wikipedia rocks! :P) about the Durranis and the infamous Nadir Shah and their success stories and how they united the Central Asia and the formation of today's Afghanistan! Its incredible how a small shepherd boy from the plains of the Central Asia has had such an impact on the history of the world greatest nation. Nadir Shah who plundered India ruthlessly and attained pedestals of cruelty was assassinated by his own son and chieftains trying to save the rebels from a massacre. And this gave the chance to the Afghans to unite under Ahmed Shah Abdali(Abdulla Durrani) and lay the foundations of Afghanistan.
And hadn't it been for Abdulla Durrani's might and skillful war strategies, the Marathas' campaigns in Nothern India would have gone unchecked! I am proud of the Maratha empire and its legacy, but there were many fanatic Anti-Muslim leaders who would have wiped Islam from the face of India, another indispensible factor in India's culture and modern indentity as the "Merging of Oceans"... (see Discovery's 'Story of India' :))
And the same events and the subsequent chain brought the Maratha empire, the last standing power standing against the British East India Company, to its knees and set another wonderful chapter in India's heritage.
The way the events fall into place and the immense global effects it has is just to be wondered about...
I have always believed in a higher power that guides the Universe on its path...and perhaps thats what people call Destiny. Though some things are totally out of ones control, most of an individual's life depends on how he handles things and hows he adapts himself to the changes...
But still there are some things and events, which when pondered upon in a holistic way, seem to fit together magnificently, as though the mercury in the Terminator fuses back together to form something totally different from the original pieces! And thats when I again wonder about Destiny...
Well, frankly all this has been there in my mind throughout my life, but reading the Indian History recently bowled me out! I read Swami and Panipat, two great books that describe the Third Battle of Panipat and the start of the downfall of the Maratha Empire. But whats interesting is that had the Marathas not been defeated, the British could never have conquered the whole of India. It was only after the Marathas collapsed that the British took over, ultimately uniting the whole sub-continent and bringing in the Modern Age!
I have always credited the British colonial rule as an impetus for national unity, rationalism, scientific temper and modern education. Although India was the greatest ancient civilisation, it somehow lost its way in the mid-way and maybe its the British Raj and the amazing freedom struggle that is again taking India to its rightful place.
And then, I read more(lukkhagiri on wikipedia rocks! :P) about the Durranis and the infamous Nadir Shah and their success stories and how they united the Central Asia and the formation of today's Afghanistan! Its incredible how a small shepherd boy from the plains of the Central Asia has had such an impact on the history of the world greatest nation. Nadir Shah who plundered India ruthlessly and attained pedestals of cruelty was assassinated by his own son and chieftains trying to save the rebels from a massacre. And this gave the chance to the Afghans to unite under Ahmed Shah Abdali(Abdulla Durrani) and lay the foundations of Afghanistan.
And hadn't it been for Abdulla Durrani's might and skillful war strategies, the Marathas' campaigns in Nothern India would have gone unchecked! I am proud of the Maratha empire and its legacy, but there were many fanatic Anti-Muslim leaders who would have wiped Islam from the face of India, another indispensible factor in India's culture and modern indentity as the "Merging of Oceans"... (see Discovery's 'Story of India' :))
And the same events and the subsequent chain brought the Maratha empire, the last standing power standing against the British East India Company, to its knees and set another wonderful chapter in India's heritage.
The way the events fall into place and the immense global effects it has is just to be wondered about...
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Learnings...
This ones not at all related to Singapore! but to much other aspects of life :)
Just got into a debate over how easy or difficult it was for Sonia Gandhi to enter the Indian Politics...well I dont want to start it again! Though very easy to ride on the wave of public sympathy for a disrupted family who have sacrificed 5 generations for the country, it was the courage and commitment of one lady, who had her husband and mother-in-law assassinated, two young children to bring up, struggled to fulfill her lover's dream...a better India!
Its amazing how a young lonely woman transcended all boundaries, broke out of her comfort zone of a rich prestigious family, to enter into the politics of a nation very foreign to her in tradition, history, culture and language. And thats what commitment is all about!
I personally do not favour the Congress or the BJP or any other party for that matter...but great individuals and great stories have always loads to learn from...
Commitment is giving your 100%, come what may! When you are focused on a particular thing, giving you whole and soul is commitment. Not drfiting away from the tracks is commitment. Being steady on the path is commitment. It is commitment that gives a direction in life...else its just a random array of events! Commitment is realising and honouring you inner abilities and to explore the infinite potential you bear...
When you take a task at hand, you must complete it successfully, or do not take up the job! That has been my motto for eons, and it is what gives immense pleasure. You may almost complete it, or complete it out of compulsion. Real happiness is in giving your Best at it. You may not be an Ussain Bolt or PT Usha, but running your heart out still gives the same joy! (unless you are a professional athlete :))
And it is this mantra that has changed my life...forever! Nothing else matter as much as seeing your job completed, successfully...the smile can't be matched enough! And it is this what I learnt from Sachin. Its not just his batting that makes him my idol...but the pure happy personality he is! You can see the dismay on his face, when India loses inspite of his century and the same person is sooo alive and active and cheerful on the field, as though a debutant! And thats the key to success!
I had a small poem in school called "The Fountain". The one line it had was a thought of the century... "thy work is thy rest!" Realise the joy we get when having our favourite food, watching our favourite movie, studying for our favourite subject! It is the intense passion for your work and the love of doing it...this is bliss! Interests may differ, we may not like our work, but it is our own choice to enjoy it! Just seeing it from a tilt...a different perspective makes even the most drudging topics lively! It is this that helped me be the school topper in Social Science in boards. And it wasnt the marks I got, but the happiness and sheer joy of learning geography... :)
Life has been very kind, to set such great examples before me to take lessons...and equally creating situations and opportunities to apply what I learnt thus. For me, life is like a classroom, you can learn from everything and anything...its the most beautiful documentary and I'm glad to be a part of it...
Just got into a debate over how easy or difficult it was for Sonia Gandhi to enter the Indian Politics...well I dont want to start it again! Though very easy to ride on the wave of public sympathy for a disrupted family who have sacrificed 5 generations for the country, it was the courage and commitment of one lady, who had her husband and mother-in-law assassinated, two young children to bring up, struggled to fulfill her lover's dream...a better India!
Its amazing how a young lonely woman transcended all boundaries, broke out of her comfort zone of a rich prestigious family, to enter into the politics of a nation very foreign to her in tradition, history, culture and language. And thats what commitment is all about!
I personally do not favour the Congress or the BJP or any other party for that matter...but great individuals and great stories have always loads to learn from...
Commitment is giving your 100%, come what may! When you are focused on a particular thing, giving you whole and soul is commitment. Not drfiting away from the tracks is commitment. Being steady on the path is commitment. It is commitment that gives a direction in life...else its just a random array of events! Commitment is realising and honouring you inner abilities and to explore the infinite potential you bear...
When you take a task at hand, you must complete it successfully, or do not take up the job! That has been my motto for eons, and it is what gives immense pleasure. You may almost complete it, or complete it out of compulsion. Real happiness is in giving your Best at it. You may not be an Ussain Bolt or PT Usha, but running your heart out still gives the same joy! (unless you are a professional athlete :))
And it is this mantra that has changed my life...forever! Nothing else matter as much as seeing your job completed, successfully...the smile can't be matched enough! And it is this what I learnt from Sachin. Its not just his batting that makes him my idol...but the pure happy personality he is! You can see the dismay on his face, when India loses inspite of his century and the same person is sooo alive and active and cheerful on the field, as though a debutant! And thats the key to success!
I had a small poem in school called "The Fountain". The one line it had was a thought of the century... "thy work is thy rest!" Realise the joy we get when having our favourite food, watching our favourite movie, studying for our favourite subject! It is the intense passion for your work and the love of doing it...this is bliss! Interests may differ, we may not like our work, but it is our own choice to enjoy it! Just seeing it from a tilt...a different perspective makes even the most drudging topics lively! It is this that helped me be the school topper in Social Science in boards. And it wasnt the marks I got, but the happiness and sheer joy of learning geography... :)
Life has been very kind, to set such great examples before me to take lessons...and equally creating situations and opportunities to apply what I learnt thus. For me, life is like a classroom, you can learn from everything and anything...its the most beautiful documentary and I'm glad to be a part of it...
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
a Family away from home...
Last 5 days have been incredible! I have been sleeping for just 6 hours every night...travelling for long times, missing meals...still these were the best days in Singapore!
Saturday I went to Kiranji's place for Rudra Pooja and satsang...and just stepping in, I felt back at home! I could feel that belongingness, that love, that bliss, the home away from home...
And it kept being more and more blissful...the Om Namah Shivay chanting and my first satsang outside of India...they were just awe...wait for it...SOME!
On Sunday, Art Of Living Singapore had arranged for a blood donation drive at the Health Sciences Authority in the city. I donated blood, second time...feels wonderful to have contributed back to the society, back to the nature. Met wonderful friends...Ragahavendra, Selvi, Shalini...active volunteers here...making big difference in the lives of a distant land :)
I also got to attend the Mothers' Day celebrations here at Tiong Bahru. Art of Living members here have adopted 10 needy poor families and meets them regularly and communicates their problems and solutions to the government, which is more than ready to provide it. It was so touching to see them enjoy...the music, the games, the party...(videos are coming soon...)
Monday, there was the Maha Sudarshan Kriya at the Grand Park Plaza Hotel Ballroom! Its one of the best hotels in Singapore...in the City Hall area, one of the grand localities here. And it was just amazing and breathtaking to meditate in the Ballroom of a Five Star Hotel! It was phenomenal...
Today, on Guruji's Birthday we had a Maha Satsang at the Jalan Ampas AOL Centre. Chinese songs and A.R.Rehman's songs together...simply awesome! Great to meet so many people...different languages, different regions, different stratas...celebrating together with fun joy and bliss!
Thanks to the people I met, the friends I have here now, I dont miss home or India anymore...
With Guruji, every place on the earth just feels like home...
Saturday I went to Kiranji's place for Rudra Pooja and satsang...and just stepping in, I felt back at home! I could feel that belongingness, that love, that bliss, the home away from home...
And it kept being more and more blissful...the Om Namah Shivay chanting and my first satsang outside of India...they were just awe...wait for it...SOME!
On Sunday, Art Of Living Singapore had arranged for a blood donation drive at the Health Sciences Authority in the city. I donated blood, second time...feels wonderful to have contributed back to the society, back to the nature. Met wonderful friends...Ragahavendra, Selvi, Shalini...active volunteers here...making big difference in the lives of a distant land :)
I also got to attend the Mothers' Day celebrations here at Tiong Bahru. Art of Living members here have adopted 10 needy poor families and meets them regularly and communicates their problems and solutions to the government, which is more than ready to provide it. It was so touching to see them enjoy...the music, the games, the party...(videos are coming soon...)
Monday, there was the Maha Sudarshan Kriya at the Grand Park Plaza Hotel Ballroom! Its one of the best hotels in Singapore...in the City Hall area, one of the grand localities here. And it was just amazing and breathtaking to meditate in the Ballroom of a Five Star Hotel! It was phenomenal...
Today, on Guruji's Birthday we had a Maha Satsang at the Jalan Ampas AOL Centre. Chinese songs and A.R.Rehman's songs together...simply awesome! Great to meet so many people...different languages, different regions, different stratas...celebrating together with fun joy and bliss!
Thanks to the people I met, the friends I have here now, I dont miss home or India anymore...
With Guruji, every place on the earth just feels like home...
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Very Important...
There are three kinds of people in the world...
1] who take responsibilities and make things happen for themselves...
2] who just watch things happening and follow...
3] who keep wondering whats happening!
be a change to bring about a change.
Take responsibility about your own life, your family, your city, your country, your world!
take up the YES!+ challenge!!!
I belong to You!
1] who take responsibilities and make things happen for themselves...
2] who just watch things happening and follow...
3] who keep wondering whats happening!
be a change to bring about a change.
Take responsibility about your own life, your family, your city, your country, your world!
take up the YES!+ challenge!!!
I belong to You!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Short Term Pain...Long Term Joy!
As I promised yesterday...I'm gonna praise Singaporeans a lot for their discipline, tidiness and personal professionalism :)
(Please put your Indian ego aside...somethings may hurt...but I want India to be clean, organised, harmonious and comfortable!)
First of all...the cleanliness.
Singapore is really really clean. My hostel staircase is 10 times cleaner than my IIT room (n I do take care of it...you know better :D)
India had a lot of dust around...but whats important is people here dont litter around, and even clean shining floors are swept regularly. Its like having babies everywhere...keeping it clean as much as possible! There are garbage bins at every corner with clear signs...and none of them overflow. In the NUS canteen area...I saw 4 garbage bins in a line saying: "paper" "plastic" "food" "other". Its so blatant, that even a stranger will keep his discipline!
(again...I'll post photos here...its coming its coming :))
Second...the Innovation and Technology
Singapore is full of small and simple innovative ideas make life easier...you just need to have the eyes for it! The most amazing was a big convex mirror put at every small turn on the road. The traffic here is quite fast...thanks to well maintained roads and disciplined traffic. So both the cars, the one on the road and the one in the lane can see each other much before and signal each other accordingly. I havent heard people honking here at signals or going "pom-pom" at every corner they come across. [photo coming here...very soon!]
Another was similar...they have two aligned mirrors so that the bus driver can see anyone standing at the backdoor and open or close the door properly.
There are many more things...cant remember all in a sitting...wish to convey it through photographs :)
Third...is the Harmony.
I am so happy to see the harmony and respect for everyone here...especially because this is the perfect example of "east meets the west"! Chinese, Indians, Malaysians, Westerners...Buddhists, Taoists, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Jews...everyone lives together...and all think of themselves as Singaporeans first and all other identities come second. It is so breathtaking to see each person helping others and respecting him/her. Women are given equal status...982 males per 1000 females!
A person's life is also cared for a lot! On traffic signals, on the marked patch even a 40 seater double decker will stop for a person crossing the road! There are signs everywhere in the metro to watch out for the gap between the train and the platform so that noone hurts his leg! There are notices to keep children away from escalator edges...an atmosphere of care and belongingness...
What I'm most happy about is the video I saw in the metro today(yeah thy have LCDs in there :))! It showed a suspiscious person leaving a bulky bag behind on the train and running away...and how alert people around call the driver an emergency, help the staff evacuate the train, search for the bag and the person...its was so well compiled and clear...that even once you see it, you can easily face a similar situation!
Well, there are lots of good things about Singapore, and I'm now sounding like a typical Indian...comparing a foreign land and crying over the mess back at home... :D :D :D
but yeah, we need to take inspiration from good things we see and give our best to make life easier for our fello countrymen!
Chalo then...
(Please put your Indian ego aside...somethings may hurt...but I want India to be clean, organised, harmonious and comfortable!)
First of all...the cleanliness.
Singapore is really really clean. My hostel staircase is 10 times cleaner than my IIT room (n I do take care of it...you know better :D)
India had a lot of dust around...but whats important is people here dont litter around, and even clean shining floors are swept regularly. Its like having babies everywhere...keeping it clean as much as possible! There are garbage bins at every corner with clear signs...and none of them overflow. In the NUS canteen area...I saw 4 garbage bins in a line saying: "paper" "plastic" "food" "other". Its so blatant, that even a stranger will keep his discipline!
(again...I'll post photos here...its coming its coming :))
Second...the Innovation and Technology
Singapore is full of small and simple innovative ideas make life easier...you just need to have the eyes for it! The most amazing was a big convex mirror put at every small turn on the road. The traffic here is quite fast...thanks to well maintained roads and disciplined traffic. So both the cars, the one on the road and the one in the lane can see each other much before and signal each other accordingly. I havent heard people honking here at signals or going "pom-pom" at every corner they come across. [photo coming here...very soon!]
Another was similar...they have two aligned mirrors so that the bus driver can see anyone standing at the backdoor and open or close the door properly.
There are many more things...cant remember all in a sitting...wish to convey it through photographs :)
Third...is the Harmony.
I am so happy to see the harmony and respect for everyone here...especially because this is the perfect example of "east meets the west"! Chinese, Indians, Malaysians, Westerners...Buddhists, Taoists, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Jews...everyone lives together...and all think of themselves as Singaporeans first and all other identities come second. It is so breathtaking to see each person helping others and respecting him/her. Women are given equal status...982 males per 1000 females!
A person's life is also cared for a lot! On traffic signals, on the marked patch even a 40 seater double decker will stop for a person crossing the road! There are signs everywhere in the metro to watch out for the gap between the train and the platform so that noone hurts his leg! There are notices to keep children away from escalator edges...an atmosphere of care and belongingness...
What I'm most happy about is the video I saw in the metro today(yeah thy have LCDs in there :))! It showed a suspiscious person leaving a bulky bag behind on the train and running away...and how alert people around call the driver an emergency, help the staff evacuate the train, search for the bag and the person...its was so well compiled and clear...that even once you see it, you can easily face a similar situation!
Well, there are lots of good things about Singapore, and I'm now sounding like a typical Indian...comparing a foreign land and crying over the mess back at home... :D :D :D
but yeah, we need to take inspiration from good things we see and give our best to make life easier for our fello countrymen!
Chalo then...
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Settling Down...
Yeah this is the most important part of the journey (or the odyssey...whatever you may call it...)
I just came here yesterday morning...it was a beautiful drive in a luxurious car(yes...the taxi was an accord!) fromt the Changi Airport to the Raffles Hostel on Clementi Road...southwest of NUS walking distance from the NUS and the Harbour.
I haven't uploaded the photos yet...still getting acquainted to blogger...but that will come soon :)
I am staying at a private hostel and mostly everyone heres studying in NUS...4 Chennai guys downstairs...2 chinese girls in the next room and some other people I havent met yet...but it really feels like an international congregation :P :D
I was a bit out at sea when I came...knew nobody, cudn't understand Singlish (thats what they callit over here...its English in Singapore accent...n its very similar sounding to chinese...) was really fed up of seeing chinese people all over...same built, same colour, similar faces...n a weird accent I cudnt understand!
What topped my 'waay-waay' (google 'Anand Rajendran' for this phrase...) was the utter discipline and organsiation in every second of life here...and I knew nothing...where to get a bus...wheres which place...how to pay for the ticket...and cudn't get what people aroung were telling me...but they help a lot!
People in Singapore are really nice, innocent, kind and disciplined people...and one can smell the spirit of a great organising harmony even in the smallest of things...
Now, that I've explored around a bit myself...thanks to the DSN I did, I feel at home everywhere in the world...I'm feeling just at home...like at IIT...with friends who understand me and are really nice people!
2 days in Singapore have really opened my eyes to innovations, organisation, management, rampant use of technology and most of all...Love for a disciplined life!
More to follow about this in the next post...
Bye Bye...
I just came here yesterday morning...it was a beautiful drive in a luxurious car(yes...the taxi was an accord!) fromt the Changi Airport to the Raffles Hostel on Clementi Road...southwest of NUS walking distance from the NUS and the Harbour.
I haven't uploaded the photos yet...still getting acquainted to blogger...but that will come soon :)
I am staying at a private hostel and mostly everyone heres studying in NUS...4 Chennai guys downstairs...2 chinese girls in the next room and some other people I havent met yet...but it really feels like an international congregation :P :D
I was a bit out at sea when I came...knew nobody, cudn't understand Singlish (thats what they callit over here...its English in Singapore accent...n its very similar sounding to chinese...) was really fed up of seeing chinese people all over...same built, same colour, similar faces...n a weird accent I cudnt understand!
What topped my 'waay-waay' (google 'Anand Rajendran' for this phrase...) was the utter discipline and organsiation in every second of life here...and I knew nothing...where to get a bus...wheres which place...how to pay for the ticket...and cudn't get what people aroung were telling me...but they help a lot!
People in Singapore are really nice, innocent, kind and disciplined people...and one can smell the spirit of a great organising harmony even in the smallest of things...
Now, that I've explored around a bit myself...thanks to the DSN I did, I feel at home everywhere in the world...I'm feeling just at home...like at IIT...with friends who understand me and are really nice people!
2 days in Singapore have really opened my eyes to innovations, organisation, management, rampant use of technology and most of all...Love for a disciplined life!
More to follow about this in the next post...
Bye Bye...
Singapore...
Hey guys...I'll be writing about my experiences and fun here in Singapore while I'm working at the NUS...really sad about not being able to talk to you personally...but this blog will convey all the feelings...
I'll be writing as frequently as I can... happy reading :)
Darshan
P.S.: Singapore is located in the GMT +8 time zone...thats 2:30 hours ahead of India...
this is the exact local time now...
I'll be writing as frequently as I can... happy reading :)
Darshan
P.S.: Singapore is located in the GMT +8 time zone...thats 2:30 hours ahead of India...
this is the exact local time now...
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Munich...
NO! I'm not going to Munich...nor am I going to talk about this place...but about what happened in the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich.
Palestinian fidayeens stormed the apartment of Israeli athletes and took them over as hostage to demand release of 200 Palestinian political prisoners in Israel. Israel as always tries to use power over diplomacy, and led to the killings of all the 11 Israeli players. The Israeli fighters did manage to decimate the attackers, but not before a mindless blood feud started between the Jews and the Arabs, spanning the whole of Europe and Middle East.
What shocks me most, is that how come the politicians and the men in charge did not see the effects of it?! How did the Israeli think of eliminating their targets by sending assassins all over the place? While they did get partial success, the Arabs blew up embassies, one after another! And this no-end-to violence still continues in the Gaza strip and West Bank area...millions of Palestinians still live in refugee camps on the banks of the river, and the kids throw stones at the Israeli check posts...while Israeli jets swoop over bombing the area as if spraying Baygon on a mosquito colony!
When will this stupid fight over religion end? None of Islam or Judaism license innocent killings...and yet they take glory in shooting down the "infidels". Now the conflict has taken a new(and worse too) dimension, with the Israelis occupying the Gaza strip. Two beeming populations who hate each other since millenias cannpt survive trying to capture each others' resources. And though the US, UK adn UNO try to construct a road to peace in the middle east...it will simply never work unless people themselves realise the futility of such barbarism.
I just saw the movie "Munich" last night and was so infuriated seeing the thoughtless actions on both sides, but finally the hero in the movie realises the truth and quits from the region. What if everyone in the middle east were to think the same way?
Bad thoughts will always bring bad actions, but it is not bad people who get bad thoughts, it is the idiotic negligence of goodwill that creates chaos!
Hope the future has something very good in store for humanity...
Palestinian fidayeens stormed the apartment of Israeli athletes and took them over as hostage to demand release of 200 Palestinian political prisoners in Israel. Israel as always tries to use power over diplomacy, and led to the killings of all the 11 Israeli players. The Israeli fighters did manage to decimate the attackers, but not before a mindless blood feud started between the Jews and the Arabs, spanning the whole of Europe and Middle East.
What shocks me most, is that how come the politicians and the men in charge did not see the effects of it?! How did the Israeli think of eliminating their targets by sending assassins all over the place? While they did get partial success, the Arabs blew up embassies, one after another! And this no-end-to violence still continues in the Gaza strip and West Bank area...millions of Palestinians still live in refugee camps on the banks of the river, and the kids throw stones at the Israeli check posts...while Israeli jets swoop over bombing the area as if spraying Baygon on a mosquito colony!
When will this stupid fight over religion end? None of Islam or Judaism license innocent killings...and yet they take glory in shooting down the "infidels". Now the conflict has taken a new(and worse too) dimension, with the Israelis occupying the Gaza strip. Two beeming populations who hate each other since millenias cannpt survive trying to capture each others' resources. And though the US, UK adn UNO try to construct a road to peace in the middle east...it will simply never work unless people themselves realise the futility of such barbarism.
I just saw the movie "Munich" last night and was so infuriated seeing the thoughtless actions on both sides, but finally the hero in the movie realises the truth and quits from the region. What if everyone in the middle east were to think the same way?
Bad thoughts will always bring bad actions, but it is not bad people who get bad thoughts, it is the idiotic negligence of goodwill that creates chaos!
Hope the future has something very good in store for humanity...
The Seeker...
There are six signs of a seeker.
1] Acknowledge that you know very little. Many people think they know without really knowing or they become trapped in their limited knowledge so they never learn. Thus the first thing is to acknowledge that you know very little.
2] Be willing to know. Many people acknowledge that they know very little, but they still may not be ready to learn.
3] Be nonjudgmental and open-minded. Some would like to learn, but heir judgmental attitude and close-mindedness do not allow them to learn.
4] Be totally committed to the path. Some are open minded but they lack commitment and one-pointedness. They keep shopping here and there and never progress.
5] Always place truth and service before pleasure. Sometimes even committed and one-pointed people avoid the path in pursuit of momentary pleasures.
6] Have Patience and Perseverance. Some people are committed and one-pointed and are not swayed by pleasures, but if they lack patience and perseverance, they become restless and dejected.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
P.S.: Not just the spiritual path, but everything we do follows these six rules. A seeker does not just imply a devotee, but a true spiritual person gains heights in all walks of life. So, remember these six signs and live upto them!
Jai Gurudev...
1] Acknowledge that you know very little. Many people think they know without really knowing or they become trapped in their limited knowledge so they never learn. Thus the first thing is to acknowledge that you know very little.
2] Be willing to know. Many people acknowledge that they know very little, but they still may not be ready to learn.
3] Be nonjudgmental and open-minded. Some would like to learn, but heir judgmental attitude and close-mindedness do not allow them to learn.
4] Be totally committed to the path. Some are open minded but they lack commitment and one-pointedness. They keep shopping here and there and never progress.
5] Always place truth and service before pleasure. Sometimes even committed and one-pointed people avoid the path in pursuit of momentary pleasures.
6] Have Patience and Perseverance. Some people are committed and one-pointed and are not swayed by pleasures, but if they lack patience and perseverance, they become restless and dejected.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
P.S.: Not just the spiritual path, but everything we do follows these six rules. A seeker does not just imply a devotee, but a true spiritual person gains heights in all walks of life. So, remember these six signs and live upto them!
Jai Gurudev...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
