AOL Bhajans!

Sharing some AOL Bhajans I am enjoying lately :)

1.Lambodara


Lambodara Hey Vigneshwara
Shambo kumara Vigneshwara
Ambika Tanaya Om kareshwar
Hey Ramba Hey Ramba Vigneshwara

Mourya re bappa mourya re (Low , High )
Ganapati Bappa Mourya, Mangal Moorthy Mourya

Lambodara.wma

2. Jai Guru OmKara
Jai guru omkara, Jaya Jaya sadguru omkara, om 2

Brahma Vishnu Sadashiva 2

Hara Hara Hara Mahadeva, Shiva Shiva Shiva Sadashiva 2

Jai guru omkara………………..

Sadguru Omkara.wma

Love me Tender

Love me but love me tender babe
Hold me close and secure
But not so tight to hurt me babe

I’m a flower in your hands
You call me beautiful and lovely
Don’t try to crush it with your love

Don’t kill the love with your craze
Lest we lose it forever
& dwell on memories never to return

[This poem is not meant for anybody, please dont ask me any questions on that :)]

Some events..:)

Yesterday decided to get back home early around 4pm from office instead of taking the 5:40pm shuttle. Went out of the building in search of an auto, which isn’t easy to get on the outer ring road. There is a continuous stream of speeding vehicles and one may find it very difficult to get an auto. I am a little positive... :) so just lug my backpack and out on the long stretch of road waiting for an auto.

That was enough of an introduction. If it was Sridhar, he would get so impatient like "why all this background", "what actually happened ..? :) (now I extended it more for you guys, he he)

I finally see an auto coming by and 3 school students get out. It’s strange on that road. Anyways I wave at the auto guy to check and he waves back positively. Till then I see a lady in a Maruti car asking me from a distance if I need a lift. I signal her I don’t and point to the auto. I rush to the auto, tell him my destination and get in. I watch that the lady still waiting for me to get in, in case the auto guy refuses.

I was planning to thank her if this auto guy catches up with her...anyways that doesn’t happen. As I start enjoying the auto ride, (which I do as I travel a lot in the autos at Bangalore..:)), I see 2 certificates from top police official, Vijay Kumar Sinha and Ashutosh Kumar. It was written in all Kannada....and since I have learnt Kannada can read it with ease though trying to comprehend can be tough. I understand that this was certificate of appreciation for retuning a Dell Laptop and other important papers left by a passenger.

When I reached home, I asked the auto guy (his name if I remember right was Ravi Shankar) if that certificate was for returning the Dell Laptop. He was impressed that I could read Kannada...because my spoken Kannada is bad..:) I told him how impressed I was with his act because its rare one.

One eventful day worth sharing on this blog :)

Fear me? :-)

You cant evade me.
Try you may in reality
not in your dreams
0r your wakeful thoughts

Why run from me, why fear me?
I am the one you loved
the one You held
I dont mean harm

We dont need each other
We never did
We never would
Who needs any one anyway?

Love has no future
it has no past
its not about passion
Why care whats it about?

Give me your fear
and I give u this gift
Wrapped in this wish
life be happy for you
whatever road you choose

Dad's favourite quote!

Lord, give me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.
-Anonymous

Gratitude for everything!

Gratitude for the little things. Today decided to practise this and see how it can change my perspective.

Took a taxi to work as was not too well and had to be phyically in office for some hardware procurement work for our lab. The Taxi guy charges are really high and I was a little bugged but then thought this is a good opportunity to practice gratitude.

So while in the way, just thought about how thankful I am to have this nice person to drive me to work. Then the thought flashed 'damn he is taking good money for it'. Then I thought 'Well he is doing his job and doing it good and I must thank him'

When I reached work, I asked him "Aapka naam kya hai?". He told me "Ravi". I gave him the money and told him "Thank You Ravi". He was beaming. Also advised him on a short route to get back, he flashed a smile.

Hope to do this more and enrich my life. The Power of Gratitude!! :-)
Check this old post on my blog where I got introduced to this:

Post on Gratitude in my blog

Symbol of Gratitude

Get introduced to Gratitude

Cut the crap...!

Arent we always "looking good"? Sometimes even when I blog I am so conscious about how gud it will look when my readers review it...

What the hell..? Am I not losing my me then...lemme just cut the crap and say things I wanna say the days I wanna say...it aint always have to be sugar coated huh..infact why any time..
Just be the bitter me..and receive the love from the readers I was looking at...

Thats what I did when I wrote my post on 'Racism in India'....and so many loved it..why bcos it was more genuine than anything I wrote in my blog till date...:-)

I knew ppl wudnt like things I said but I still wrote it. I knew some would say she doesnt love her mother-in-law but I knew it wasnt abt hate or love. Also I knew some would think I have a problem with e'thing but I still wrote it...

And whats permanent...nothing..not even our negative emotions, our problems..so let it out once in a while folks..and lemme do it too :-)

We fear people

Its strange but true that we have an aversion from 90% of the people we meet. We fear people so much like every one is after to kill us. Ppl dont want to take the risk of making friends. Making friends?...we dont attempt to talk and the least make eye contact

These fears which we keep in us bcos of our past experiences....strikes on the face like a serpant...hissing...the deep rooted fear and we run, far away from the human as if he was an alien..
Hey dear he is human..just like u ..dont fear him...

Its worth a risk...loving another human, accepting someone as a friend, making eye contact, smiling..those are our connections in the world...keeps us alive...

Mobile painting!

I started this new hobby of mobile painting on my Motorola A780 last year in Aug 2006. Sridhar gifted me this mobile on my b'day and it was love at first sight :-)
Feb 2005, he had gifted me this Motorola A768i, liked it as it was my first introduction to a PDA mobile - the communicator. But I struggled without a keypad, it worked only with a stylus.

What does one do waiting at the doctor's clinic, at boring meetings ;-), airports etc...?

• I read books, loads of them :-)
• Watch people, make observations
• Day dream !!
• And nowadays a new way to solve the waiting problem :)...painting on my mobile :-)
  

Check out some of my Mobile Art: It aint as good as a paint brush but I am happy with the results as it aint too easy with a stylus..!! & it keeps my creative juices alive...! I miss painting and sketching I used to do on paper so I make up for that here!!

Understanding Shiva

Hey friends, today(Shivaratri) is a good reason to spend sometime understanding and praying to Lord Shiva. Read what I picked from a site:

Shiva is referred to as 'the good one' or the 'auspicious one'. Shiva - Rudra is considered to be the destroyer of evil and sorrow. Shiva - Shankara is the doer of good. Shiva is 'tri netra' or three eyed, and is 'neela kantha' - blue necked (having consumed poison to save the world from destruction. Shiva - Nataraja is the Divine Cosmic Dancer. Shiva - Ardhanareeswara is both man and woman.

He is both static and dynamic and is both creator and destroyer. He is the oldest and the youngest, he is the eternal youth as well as the infant. He is the source of fertility in all living beings. He has gentle as well as fierce forms. Shiva is the greatest of renouncers as well as the ideal lover. He destroyes evil and protects good. He bestows prosperity on worshipers although he is austere. He is omnipresent and resides in everyone as pure consciousness.

Shiva is inseparable from Shakti - Parvati the daughter of Himavaan - Haimavati. There is no Shiva without Shakti and no Shakti without Shiva, the two are one - or the absolute state of being - consciousness and bliss.

Continue Reading

Further you can check on the significance of Mahashivaratri

Ey Hairathe...

Humming this song today from the movie Guru and cant help sharing it with u all :-)

Lyrics:

(dam dara dam dara, chashm chashme naam - 2
sun mere hum dum
hameshaa ishq mein hi jeenaa) - 2
(ay hairathe aashiqui jagaa math
pairon se zameen zameen lagaa math) - 2
ey hairathe aashihqui - 3
dam dara dam dara, chashm chashme naam - 2
sun mere hum dum
hameshaa ishq mein hi jeenaa

kyon urdu faarsi bolate ho - 2
das kehthe ho do tolate ho
jhooton ke shehenshaah bolo naa
kabhi jhaankhon meri aankhen - 2
sunaeye ek daastaan jo honton se kholanaa
ey hairathe aashiqui jagaa math
pairon se zameen zameen lagaa math
ey hairathe aashihqui - 3
dam dara dam dara - 5

do chaar maheen se lamhon mein - 2
umron ke hisaab bhi hote hain
jinhen dekhaa nahin kal tak - 2
kahin bhi ab kok mein woh chahre bote hain
(ey hairathe aashiqui jagaa math
pairon se zameen zameen lagaa math) - 2
ey hairathe aashihqui - 3
(dam dara dam dara, chashm chashme naam - 2
sun mere hum dum
hameshaa ishq mein hi jeenaa) - 2

Play the song:

Ey Hairathe.mp3

Valentines Day :-)

For me...hmmm..e'day is Valentines Day...I aint kidding!!! :-)

My friend Tim has started a new blog, he has written a beautiful story about Valentines Day, its a must read, do check it:

Blog: The joy of four seasons

What a relief!!

I often take some packages in the beauty parlor when I see I need some help on my skin, hair or some beauty treatment as I dont have time because of work.

I had taken this hair package and the guy who is working on me, Chandan went for vacation for 2 weeks. He told that in his absence another girl will take it for me but she wasnt there when I went the first week she had gone for some training and she didnt inform, I was furious. And the next week I cancelled the appointment, had some work to finish at office.

Chandan didnt return the next week as someone passed away unexpectedly so I decided to take appointment with that girl who Chandan had suggested. She started bugging me like why didnt u come for 2 weeks, now ur package validity will get over. All Chandan's clients are getting loaded on me and all that. I blasted her and told her to give the fone to someone at the front desk. They told Chandan should be back in 2 days..and well he is back and I finally got my hair massaged and washed. It feels so good today.

I am so happy Chandan is back :-) What I like about him his dedication to his work and he is so professional and kind in his words.
Some of the beauticians feel they r doing a favor on us..huh..!!!

May feel like a little thing for u guys..:-)...but I feel so relieved today :-)

Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

I have hit upon this site on the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

http://www.okonlife.com/poems/index.htm

Found some good poems, you can check out more :)

====================================
Every creature honor and respect
Bird or beast, plant or insect
If you look at life you will detect
From dust to dust, divine intellect.
=====================================
The hands of fate play our game
We the players are given a name
Some are tame, others gain fame
Yet in the end, we’re all the same.
======================================
To be aware of each moment spent
Is to live in the now, and be present
Worry for morrow shan’t make a dent
Caring for the now, your mind must be bent.
===========================================

Sorry for cheating!

Last year we started on this project for the old age home. We showed so many dreams and made so many promises. We achieved a few but then were totally out of sight.

Siddhartha came home on the weekend and felt that we cheated the people at the old age home. All the team members felt guilty about backing away from our responsiblities.

We are planning to get back into action and this time we will win your trust for good. We are trying!!!

Check my landmark blog for more on this:
Blog: Landmarkians

You can listen to the songs now :-)

Finally got this song thing working, so go ahead and check out the earlier posts with songs and enjoy :-)

Back to the Stock Market

After this crazy Sydney trip had forgotten my fav activity of trading in the stock market...
I dont do it for the money...really :-)
Just love the way the market is so unpredictable and yet we listen to all the analysis and predictions.
The fluctuations dont worry me even though I have so much money put in there..;-)
Bcos I know its a game and I m having some fun ..:-)

Anyways just put in some money for an IPO ....he he..!

Kewl Auto Ride ;-)

Yesterday Nidhi was running a high fever and missed going to a Gruhapravesh of a good friend and ex-colleague. Further missed meeting my gang of friends since I have shifted from my earlier job. Took Nidhi to the Doc and got a new set of medicines ;-) and Nidhi her share of chocolate from the Doc.

Today morning she was much better but in the night she puked like 3 times..so morning both of us woke up late. So that got me late to work, missed my shuttle so took this Auto right in front of Mom's home.

This guy's auto has a real kewwlll look. One end has been covered by a glass and gives mini-taxi look. The interriors are great ;-) and he has this great music system. I started to read my book but couldnt, he puts this FM channel with all these romantic hindi songs..and I go all dovey..and keep my book aside.

I didnt realise when I reached work, it usually takes 40 mins ...I really wished it didnt end...:-)

If you think I was sitting in the auto..yeah maybe but when I think about myself I was singing, dancing and flying around ;-)

"Love is in the Air"

Smile

How I appreciate this smile which comes from the depths of my soul. Oh I love you life. Getting to work as I look around the world, it feels like paradise. I feel so light footed and so often break into a smile.

I love this world and the people here. The entire universe is in my heart and I thought my heart was little, was small :-)

Its so blissful when one re-establishes the connection with the soul...!

Love is all around me....

Oh life is so sweet and sugary now :-) I am enjoying each moment...hope Sridhar's next travel is delayed :-)

I always call Srid "The Buddha". He is so peaceful and calm in any situation! Well he jokes that I am calling him the "Budda" (Old) :-)

One of Sridhar's fav song:

"Hazaroein Khwaishein Aisee ki...."

Hazaron_Khwahishen...

Shivoham

This is a beautiful chant titled Shivoham. If you have done the basic course in AOL would have surely listened to it.

Shivoham.mp3

Bulla ki jaana maen koun ?

Na maen momin vich maseet aan Na maen vich kufar diyan reet aan Na maen paakaan vich paleet aan Na maen moosa na pharaun. Bulleh! ki jaana maen kaun Na maen andar ved kitaab aan, Na vich bhangaan na sharaab aan Na vich rindaan masat kharaab aan Na vich jaagan na vich saun. Bulleh! ki jaana maen kaun. Na vich shaadi na ghamnaaki Na maen vich paleeti paaki Na maen aabi na maen khaki Na maen aatish na maen paun Bulleh!, ki jaana maen kaun Na maen arabi na lahori Na maen hindi shehar nagauri Na hindu na turak peshawri Na maen rehnda vich nadaun Bulla, ki jaana maen kaun Na maen bheth mazhab da paaya Ne maen aadam havva jaaya Na maen apna naam dharaaya Na vich baitthan na vich bhaun Bulleh , ki jaana maen kaun Avval aakhir aap nu jaana Na koi dooja hor pehchaana Maethon hor na koi siyaana Bulla! ooh khadda hai kaun Bulla, ki jaana maen kaun

Not a believer in the mosque, am I Nor a pagan disciple of false rites Not the pure amongst the impure Neither Moses, nor the Pharoh Bulleh! to me, I am not known Not in the holy Vedas, am I Nor in opium, neither in wine Not in the drunkard`s craze Neither awake, nor in a sleeping daze Bulleh! to me, I am not known In happiness nor in sorrow, am I Neither clean, nor a filthy mire Not from water, nor from earth Neither fire, nor from air, is my birth Bulleh! to me, I am not known Not an Arab, nor Lahori Neither Hindi, nor Nagauri Hindu, Turk (Muslim), nor Peshawari Nor do I live in Nadaun Bulleh! to me, I am not known Secrets of religion, I have not known From Adam and Eve, I am not born I am not the name I assume Not in stillness, nor on the move Bulleh! to me, I am not known I am the first, I am the last None other, have I ever known I am the wisest of them all Bulleh! do I stand alone? Bulleh! to me, I am not known

"Bulla ki jaana" - orginally sung by Baba Bulleh Shah, new rendition by Rabbi Shergill

bulla ki jana.mp3

If interested in the life of Bulleh Shah, check this link: http://www.apnaorg.com/poetry/bullahn/

Further, this song reminds me of Atmashatakam, follow link below for my earlier post:

Atmashatakam

Vaishnava Jana Tho

Yesterday night was humming this song and decided will add it to my blog the next morning. And I search on google, find it posted on another blog so I am adding that as a link here, check it:

Blog: Satyam Shivam Sundaram

Happiness and Reason!

Now another conversation with a good friend who is so shy and doesnt want his name mentioned :-)

I told him I am feeling very happy lately. He asked me if there is any particular reason. Well I told him there aint any reason at all, just feeling happy.

I added:
"U know happiness rarely has a reason
sadness does have reason/s"

Then he says "that is what i call bliss"

I go on:
"if it has a reason
once the reason goes
happiness goes away
too"

Further I mentioned "I feel like a saint suddenly :-)"

He jokes: "Mata Satyadarshini"


PS: Hey friend you missed reaching celebrity status by not having ur name published on this blog ;-)

Happiness

Manish is a true friend. Though I havent known him from long, he has really been a great friend during my tough times.

We were just chatting up on messenger where he mentioned about watching a movie "The Pursuit of Happyness" where a struggling salesman (Will Smith) takes custody of his son. Manish says that life is so strange and its ways. He was quite touched by the movie.

I couldnt help remark the following from my experience in the past 1 month:
"Happiness is the only way, the natural state of being. We can be happy for a long time but when we are sad we are uncomfortable. We want to get back to be happy again. And when we shed our sadness and do so there is a sudden freedom and feeling of naturalness"

Also I felt that doesnt mean that bad things shouldnt happen. I was sharing with Manish "Bad experiences are blessings from God for our growth. They help us learn, move on and get happier :-) "

I wanted to capture this conversation so that we dont miss on this learning we created by this conversation.

Landmark in Action!!!

Hey Landmark friends, just want to inform that getting into action :-)

Keep watching my other blog for updates:

http://www.landmarkians.blogspot.com/

The world isn't cruel, it's indifferent

I was really upset from past few days bcos a person I thought was my friend was behaving cruelly, wouldnt bother to communicate or respond. So I thought let me check what Paul's tips site had to say and I read a beautiful article. Its not about being cruel, its about being indifferent. We just dont form in the scheme of things in every life we meet. I value friendship a lot and it hurt me greatly but then reading this article I realized that people have their own agendas and too busy in that and rarely care for the sensitivities of others.

Check this article:
"Many people feel the world is conspiring against them somehow. It's the classic symptom of suicidal thinking - "Good-bye cruel world" and all that. People believe others are plotting against them, or that mysterious forces beyond their control are manipulating events negatively.

It's a comforting thought to believe there's some kind of plan to it all. It keeps psychics, astrologers, new age gurus and other such "experts" in business. It also helps to maintain the illusion we all like to have that we are somehow at the center of the universe, with everything revolving around us.

I believe the evidence points to the fact that reality is much colder than that. The world is not cruel or kind to us, but overwhelmingly indifferent. Whether we live or die, are happy or sad, are safe or in danger, most of what's out there just couldn't care less. And that includes the vast majority of people and things we interact with.

Of course, there are small islands of caring among this ocean of indifference. Your parents and friends probably worry about you occasionally. The guy you're competing with at work for a promotion probably thinks about you. The cops will investigate if you're murdered, and the officials at city hall will probably do their best to prevent you from slipping on their sidewalks. But these are all just drops in the lake of reality we must live in. Most of the people we meet, most of the objects we interact with, and most of the forces that affect us are completely unconcerned with our wants and needs...."

To continue reading on this check this link:

http://www.paulstips.com/brainbox/pt/home.nsf/link/22012007-The-world-isnt-cruel-its-indifferent

Where's the party tonight? :-)

This is Nidhi's fav song and when she steps out of home she sings "Where's the party tonight? "
Writing this post as I wait for Srid to pick me up. He is a sweetie..:-) after 7 years of married life..still loves to pick me up and spend a romantic evening out ;-)

Anyways I am a party person and wish all the parties we had here during Dec and Jan just come back..but it looks like some wait for the gang to get together again!! :-)

Hey Srid is here...more tmrw..:-)

What are values?

Tim and I were discussing further and the discussion came upon values:

Tim says: "just the way i would see my so called decent friends with values"
I ask: "What are values?" (I knew Tim understands what I was heading to, because values is something defined by we humans. As my title of the blog, everything is the Truth, the right the wrong, everything :-) )

Anyways Tim replies: "values is something that is created by me/agreed upon in consensus with other, which is not really carved in the stone"

Oh that was beautiful way to put it.

And then further he says "which allways makes u fall flat on ur face"

We label, we define situations, people etc. We give meaning to everything and take it as Truth. But what is Truth? Its the meaningless approach to everything. Thats when we are able to see the Truth. As very well said in the Landmark Education "Forum":
"Life is empty and meaningless and its empty and meaningless that life is empty and meaningless"

Krishna's Response!

Chapter 2

verse 1: Sanjaya said: Lord Krishna thus spoke these words unto griefstricken Arjuna, whose saddened eyes were brimming with tears being overhelmed by compassion

verse 2: Lord Krishna said: O Arjuna from where has this illusion of yours appeared in this moment of crisis? This is not befitting honorable men nor conducive to the attainment of heavenly spheres and is the cause of infamy

verse 3: O Arjuna do not yield to unmanliness, this is not worthy of you. O chastiser of enemies giving up this base weakness of heart rise up.

verse 4: Arjuna said: O Krishna how can I counterattack with arrows in battle, Bhisma and Drona who are worthy of respect, O annihilator of enemies

verse 7: Now my natural qualities are beseiged by weakness and apprehension and my thinking bewildered regarding righteousness. I am asking you to please state what is definitely good for me. I am your disciple, surrendered to you, kindly instruct me.

verse 11: Lord Krishna said: you are mourning for those who are not worthy of sorrow, yet speaking like one knowledgeable. The learned neither laments for the dead or the living

verse 12: Certainly never at any time did I not exist, nor you, nor all these kings and certainly never shall we cease to exist in the future

verse 13: Just as in the physical body of the embodied being is the process of childhood, youth and old age; similarly by the transmigration from one body to another the wise are never deluded.

verse 14: O Arjuna, only the interaction of senses and sense objects give cold, heat, pleasure and pain. These things are temporary, appearing and disapperaing; therefore try to tolerate them

verse 15: O noblest of men, that person of wise judgement equipoised in happiness and distress, whom cannot be disturbed by these is certainly eligible for liberation.

verse 16: In the unreal there is no duration and in the real there is no cessation; indeed the conclusion between both the two has been analyzed by the knowers of the truth

verse 17: But know that by whom is this entire body is pervaded, is indestructible. No one is able to cause the destruction of the imperishable soul.

verse 18: The embodied soul is eternal in existence, indestructible and infinite, only the material body is factually perishable; therefore fight O Arjuna

verse 19: Anyone who thinks the soul is the slayer and anyone who thinks the soul is slain both of them are in ignorance, the soul never slays nor is slain

verse 20: The soul never takes birth and never dies at any time nor does it come into being again when the body is created. The soul is birthless, eternal, imperishable and timeless and is never destroyed when the body is destroyed.

verse 21: Oh Arjuna, one who knows the soul as eternal, unborn, undeteriorating and indestructible; how does that person cause death to anyone and whom does he slay?

verse 22: Just as a man giving up old worn out garments accepts other new apparrel, in the same way the embodied soul giving up old and worn out bodies verily accepts new bodies

verse 24: The soul is indestructible, the soul is incombustible, insoluble and unwitherable. The soul is eternal, all-pervading, unmodifiable, immovable and primordial

verse 26: O mighty armed one, even if you think the soul always takes birth or is always subject to death even then you should not lament

verse 27: For one who has taken birth, death is certain and for one who is dead, birth is certain; therefore you ought not to lament for an inevitable situation.

verse 28: O Arjuna, of created beings before birth is unknown, between birth and death is known and after death is again unknown; therefore what is the cause of lamentation.

verse 31: Moreover considering your righteousness you should not falter; indeed for upholders of justice there does not exist a more appropriate endeavour than a battle of righteousness

verse 33: However if you do not engage in this war of righteousness then abandoning your natural spiritual duty and reputation you will incur sinful reaction.

verse 35: The mighty chariot warriors will consider that you retired from the battlefield out of fear and for those whom you have been held in great esteem you will fall into disgrace.

verse 37: Either being slain you will attain the heavenly worlds or by gaining victory you will enjoy the Earth; therefore O Arjuna, confident of success rise up and fight.

verse 38: Being equipoised in happiness and unhappiness, profit and loss, victory and defeat; thereafter prepare for battle and this way you will not incur sinful reaction

Arjuna's predicament

Sridhar is reading the Bhagavad Gita lately. I had started too a year back but havent read it completely. Yesterday we had discussions on some chapters in there so I got inspired to start catching up on its teachings.

Chapter 1,
verse 28: Arjuna said: O Krishna, seeing all these kinsman assembled ready for battle the limbs of my body are weakening and my mouth is drying up.

verse 29: My whole body is trembling my hair is standing on my end, my bow Gandiva is slipping from my hands and my skin is burning.

verse 30: O Krishna I am unable to keep myself composed, my mind is unsteady and I see dire indications of inauspicious omens

verse 31: O Krishna I do not see any good in slaying kinsman in this battle, nor do I desire victory, nor a kingdom or even happiness

verse 32-35: O Krishna, of what value is living for happiness if the for whom our kingdom, material pleasure and happiness is desired: preceptors, fatherly elders, sons; and grandfatherly elders, maternal uncles, fathers in law, grandsons, brothers in law and relatives are all present in the battle field ready to give up their kingdoms and very lives. O Krishna what to speak for the sake of earth, even for the rulership of the three worlds; in exchange for slaying the sons of Dhritarashtra what happiness will be derived by us?

verse 36: O Krishna by killing these aggressors sin will surely come upon us; therefore it is not proper of us to slay the sons of Dhritarashtra along with our family members; since how by slaying our own kinsmen will we be happy.

verse 37, 38: O Krishna although these men their hearts afflicted by greed do not see the sinful reaction in quarreling with friends and the crime of destroying family members; why should we not refrain from this sinful act understanding this greivous crime of destroying family members

verse 39: With the destruction of the family the spiritual traditions of the family perish forever; when spiritual values are destroyed then unrighteousness predominates the entire society.

verse 44: Alas, how strange it is that we have resolved to commit great sin. Just because of greed for royal luxuries we are prepared to slay our own kinsmen

verse 45: Even if the sons of Dhritrashtra armed with weapons in hands slay unarmed and unresisting on the battlefield that would be considered better for me

verse 46: Sanjaya said: This having spoken Arjuna cast aside his bow and arrows on the battlefield and sat down on the seat of the chariot his mind ovehelmed with deep sorrow

And This Too Shall Pass

I was on google chat with Tim. Tim is my friend from 9 years. We discuss lot of things under the sun. Also we are there for each other when things go tough :-)

I asked him about how things were, last time he mentioned that he wasnt happy about some aspect of work, and then came out with these words:

"nothing lasts for ever sats"
"the worst of the experiences we have to move ahead"
the best of the experience we still...have to move ahead
so its okay
so not making a big deal of anything"

This reminded me of the King Solomon story we read as kids. You can check this link if you have forgotten:

http://www.wscribe.com/parables/pass.html

Some excerpts from Kahlil Gibran's work

I am reading this book "Selected Works of Kahlil Gibran", he has gone to such depths in discovering the human soul!

Some quotes:

"Our most sacred tears never seek our eyes"

"Every thought I have imprisoned in expression I must free by my deeds"

"Even the hands that make crowns of thorns are better than idle hands"

Reading time

Have been reading 2 books parallely, one by Irving Stone and the other by Kahlil Gibran. Both have deep insights and wonderful quotes. Sharing this one for today:

"We are cast in flesh but must live as Iron"

This is from Irving Stone's Novel.

Will give more details on my book reading in the next post.
Till then enjoy this post I had written 2 years back :-)

http://satyakadarshan.blogspot.com/2005/12/book-reading-2005.html

Ya Devi

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu
Shakti Rupena Sanshtita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai
Namo Namaha

Which means:
Prostrations unto Thee, O Devi (Ma)
who dwells in all beings in the form of Shakti (Energy)

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu
Budhi Rupena Sansthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastsyai
Namo Namaha

Which means:
Prostrations unto Thee O Devi (Ma)
who resides in all beings as Intelligence (Wisdom)

Ya Devi Sarva bhuteshu
Laxmi Rupena Sansthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai
Namo Namaha

Which means:
Prostrations unto Thee O Devi (Ma)
who resides in all beings in the form of Laxmi (abundance)

I dreamt of you!!

Dreaming and life is no different. When truth is the same in life as well as dreams. :-)
When living in pain becomes joy!! Life's purpose is attained!!!

When pain doesnt feel pain anymore and beautiful dreams show the way!! Woooh...I am blessed!

To love God and you feels the same and I dream of you!!!

God is my Love

As my friend Tim remarks Pain is a good thing. Its a sign of growing, movement upwards and getting close to God.

My being is in God, in his pursuit and in his love. I have embarked on the journey to be in one with God.

I was in pain and searched for you and found you God within me. My life now has no pain but just love for God and all his creation.

Living life for just oneself gives none joy. Life is about giving and forgiving. Its about the road we take to be one with him.

Now joy has no bounds, love has no limits, life has a meaning and purpose!! :-)

Whats with me?

I found my right job, I love it. Work is great, satisfies me. Love my family and we are having great times together. I had pained times when I lost my brother or when there were tensions in the family. I am supposed to be happy now but frankly I dont feel different from the times I experienced pain.

Is happiness not meant for us or is it that we dont appreciate whats around? Or is pain created for us to keep learning and growing.

I was having a long chat with a friend on the phone and he was discussing about some problems he had in his relationship. I told him I dont have any problems anywhere and still feel pained. He came out with this interesting levels of problems people are dealing with. There are people dealing with basic problems of food, shelter, clothing etc. Then the next level which he considered himself is the problem of dealing with relationships, job problems etc. And he declared that I was at a level where I had it all and still facing a problem and well he couldnt help laugh about it and I couldnt help wonder whats wrong with my life.

Why aint I Happy? What do we need to be happy? A good job, a good family, good friends or more...?

Yesterday a friend told me that she tried calling me when I was walking by but I was engrossed in another world. Which world is true this world or the other world? :-)
Someone remarked a week back "What are you thinking so much?"

What do you I say "I have bared my soul" and lost it. I search for it and now I am a dead person walking around.
Give me my soul, if you can dear friends I will then find my true happiness !!!

The shanti mantra, the invocation verse

Purnamadah Purnamidam Purnaat Purnamudachyate

Purnasya Purnaamadaya Purnameva Vashishyate


check link for explanation:

http://www.crystallotus.com/Upinashad/02.htm

Love by Kahlil Gibran

Then said Almitra, 'Speak to us of Love.'

And he raised his head and looked upon the people, and there fell a stillness upon them.

And with a great voice he said:

When love beckons to you follow him,

Though his ways are hard and steep.

And when his wings enfold you yield to him,

Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.

And when he speaks to you believe in him,

Though his voice may shatter your dreams as the north wind lays waste the garden.

For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you. Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning.

Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun,

So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth.

Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself.

He threshes you to make you naked.

He sifts you to free you from your husks.

He grinds you to whiteness.

He kneads you until you are pliant;

And then he assigns you to his sacred fire, that you may become sacred bread for God's sacred feast.

All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge become a fragment of Life's heart.

But if in your fear you would seek only love's peace and love's pleasure,

Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love's threshing-floor,

Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears.

Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself.

Love possesses not nor would it be possessed;

For love is sufficient unto love.

When you love you should not say, 'God is in my heart,' but rather, I am in the heart of God.'

And think not you can direct the course of love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course.

Love has no other desire but to fulfil itself.

But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires:

To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night.

To know the pain of too much tenderness.

To be wounded by your own understanding of love;

And to bleed willingly and joyfully.

To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving;

To rest at the noon hour and meditate love's ecstasy;

To return home at eventide with gratitude;

And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips.

Chants

I love chanting this: (all in my being today)

Shri Krishna Sharanam Mamah
Shri Krishna Sharanam Mamah
Shri Krishna Sharanam Mamah

Another fav one:

Om Namah Shivayah Shivaya namah Om
Om Namah Shivayah Shivaya namah Om
Om Namah Shivayah Shivaya namah Om

Jai Hanuman - Shloka

Manojavam maruta-tulya-vegam
Jitendriyam buddhimatam varistham
Vatatmajam vanara-yutha-mukhyam
Shri-rama-dutam saranam prapadye

Translation:
I find refuge in Lord Rama's Messenger,
who is swift as thought, powerful as the wind,
in control of his senses, supremely intelligent,
commander of the army of forest creatures,
and son of the wind-god.

Hazaroon Khwaishe Aisi

1. hazaaroN KHwahishaiN 'eisee ke har KHwahish pe dam nikle
bohot nikle mere armaaN lekin phir bhee kam nikle

2. Dare kyooN mera qaatil kya rahega uskee gardan par
wo KHooN, jo chashm-e-tar se 'umr bhar yooN dam_ba_dam nikle

[ KHooN = blood, chashm = eye, tar = wet, dam_ba_dam = continously ]

3. nikalna KHuld se aadam ka sunte aayaiN haiN lekin
bohot be_aabru hokar tere kooche se ham nikle

[ KHuld = heaven, be_aabaru = disgrace, koocha = street ]

4. bharam khul jaaye zaalim tere qaamat ki daraazee ka
agar is turra-e-pur_pech-o-KHam ka pech-o-KHam nikle

[ daraazee = length/delay, qaamat = stature, turra = an ornamental
tassel worn in the turban, pech-o-KHam = curls in the
hair/complexity ]

5. magar likhwaaye koee usko KHat, to hamse likhawaaye
huee subah aur ghar se kaan par rakhkar qalam nikle

6. huee is daur meiN mansoob mujhse baada_aashaamee
phir aaya wo zamaana, jo jahaaN se jaam-e-jam nikle

[ mansoob = association, baada_aashaamee = association with
drinking ]

7. huee jinse tavaqqo KHastagee kee daad paane kee
wo hamse bhee ziyaada KHasta-e-teGH-e-sitam nikle

[ tavaqqo = expectation, KHastagee = weakness, daad = justice,
KHasta = broken/sick/injured, teGH = sword, sitam = cruelity ]

8. mohabbat meiN naheeN hai farq jeene aur marne kaa
usee ko dekh kar jeete haiN jis kaafir pe dam nikle

9. zara kar jor seene par ki teer-e-pursitam nikle
jo wo nikle to dil nikle, jo dil nikle to dam nikle

10. KHuda ke waaste parda na kaabe se uThaa zaalim
kaheeN 'eisa na ho yaaN bhee wohee kaafir sanam nikle

11. kahaaN maiKHaane ka darwaaza 'GHalib' aur kahaaN waaiz
par itana jaante haiN kal wo jaata tha ke ham nikle

[ waaiz = preacher/advisor ]

Ye dil tum bin

ye dil tum been kahee lagataa naheen, hum kyaa kare
tasawwoor mein koee basataa nahee, hum kyaa kare
tum hee kah do ab aye jaana-ye-wafaa hum kyaa kare

loote dil mein diyaa jalataa nahee, hum kyaa kare
tum hee kah do ab aye jaana-ye-wafaa hum kyaa kare

kisee ke dil mein bas ke dil ko tadapaanaa naheen achchhaa
nigaahon ko zalak de de kar chhoop jaanaa naheen achchhaa
ummeedon ke khile gulashan ko jhulasaanaa naheen achchhaa
humei tum been koee jachantaa nahee, hum kyaa kare

mohabbat kar to lekin mohabbat raas aaye bhee
dilon ko bojh lagate hain kabhee julfon ke saaye bhee
hajaaro gam hain is duniyaan mein apane bhee paraaye bhee
mohabbat hee kaa gam tanahaa nahee, hum kyaa kare

bujhaa do aag dil kee yaa ise khulakar hawaa
jo is kaa mol de paaye, use apanee wafaa de do
tumhaare dil mein kyaa hain bas humei itanaa pataa de do
ke abh tanahaa safar katataa nahee, hum kyaa kare

How Do I Love Thee?

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Om Mahalakshmi

Om Mahalakshmyai cha vidmahe
Vishnu patnyai cha dhimahi
Tanno Lakshmihi prachodayat

Translation: "Om. Let us meditate on the Great Goddess Sri Lakshmi, the consort of Sri Maha Vishnu. May that effulgent Maha Lakshmi Devi inspire and illumine our mind and understanding"

Dont feel like writing

Hi friends. Sorry havent written from a while. Sometimes the words dont form and its easier to copy-paste something from some where ;-)

Anyways love this song too, check it out :-)
=====================================================
chingaaree koee bhadake, to saawan use bhujaye
saawan jo agan lagaaye, use kaun bhujaye?
patjhad jo baag ujaade, wo baag bahaar khilaaye
jo baag bahaar mein ujade, use kaun khilaaye?

hum se mat poochho kaise, mandir tootaa sapanon kaa
logon kee baat naheen hai, ye kissaa hain apanon kaa
koee dushman thhens lagaaye, to meet jiyaa bahalaaye
manameet jo ghaanw lagaaye, use kaun mitaye?

naa jaane kyaa ho jaataa, jaane hum kyaa kar jaate
peete hain to jindaa hai, naa pite to mar jaate
duniyaa jo pyaasaa rakhe, to madiraa pyaas bhujaye
madiraa jo pyaas lagaaye, use kaun bhujaye?

maanaa toofaan ke aage, naheen chalataa jor kisee kaa
maujon kaa dosh naheen hai, ye dosh hain aaur kisee kaa
mazadhaar mein naiyyaa dole, to maanjhi paar lagaaye
maanjhi jo naaw dooboye use kaun bachaaye?
=====================================================
Well with this song
I hope koi dushman ko bhi aisee situation mein na dalein ;-)

Khaamosh sa afsaana (love this song)

Movie Name: Libaas (1988)
Singer: Lata Mangeshkar, Suresh Wadkar
Music Director: Burman R D
Lyrics: Gulzar
Year: 1988
Producer: Vikas Mohan
Director: Gulzar
Actors: Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi


Da da da da di da da, da da da da di da da - 4

Khaamosh sa afsaana paani se likha hota - 2
Na tumne kaha hota, na humne suna hota
Khaamosh sa afsaana
La la la la, la la la la

Dil ki baat na poochho, dil to aata rahega - 2
Dil bahekaata raha hai, dil bahekaata rahega
Dil ko tumne, oh, kuch samjhaaya hota
Khaamosh sa afsaana paani se likha hota
Na tumne kaha hota, na humne suna hota
Khaamosh sa afsaana

Sehme se rehte hai jab yeh din dhalte hai - 2
Ek diya bujhta hai, ek diya jalta hai
Tumne koi, oh, deep jalaaya hota
Khaamosh sa afsaana paani se likha hota
Na tumne kaha hota, na humne suna hota
Khaamosh sa afsaana

Kitne saahil dhoonde, koi na saamne aaya - 2
Jab majdhaar mein doobe, saahil thaamne aaya
Tumne saahil, oh, pehle bichhaaya hota
Khaamosh sa afsaana paani se likha hota
Na tumne kaha hota, na humne suna hota
Khaamosh sa afsaana

Pain

And a woman spoke, saying, 'Tell us of Pain.'

And he said:

Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding.

Even as the stone of the fruit must break, that its heart may stand in the sun, so must you know pain.

And could you keep your heart in wonder at the daily miracles of your life, your pain would not seem less wondrous than your joy;

And you would accept the seasons of your heart, even as you have always accepted the seasons that pass over your fields.

And you would watch with serenity through the winters of your grief.

Much of your pain is self-chosen.

It is the bitter potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self.

Therefore trust the physician, and drink his remedy in silence and tranquillity:

For his hand, though heavy and hard, is guided by the tender hand of the Unseen,

And the cup he brings, though it burn your lips, has been fashioned of the clay which the Potter has moistened with His own sacred tears.

Kahlil Gibran

Why did God create Pain? :-)

I wonder why life when its so happy and for no reason a storm comes by and leaves behind Pain :-)
Kept thinking about this and wondering why God would do that.

Pain is for the Heart what intellect is for the Brain. Pain keeps our heart cells active and stimulated :-)

I thank GOD for the pain, the lessons learnt and the love in my heart.

Atmashatkam

Mano Buddhi-ahankaara Chithaani Naaham Na Cha Shrotra Jihve Na Cha Ghraana Netre Na Cha Vyoma Bhoomir Na Tejo Na Vaayuhu Chidaananda Roopah Shivoham Shivoham Na Cha Praana Samjno Na Vai Pancha Vaayuhu Na Va Sapta Dhaatur Na Va Pancha Koshah Na Vaak Paani Paadau Na Chopastha Paayuh Chidaananda Roopah Shivoham Shivoham Na Me Dvesha Raagau Na Me Lobha Mohau Mado Naiva Me Naiva Maatsarya Bhaavah Na Dharmo Na Chaartho Na Kaamo Na Mokshah Chidaananda Roopah Shivoham Shivoham Na Punyam Na Paapam Na Saukhyam Na Dukham Na Mantro Na Teertham Na Vedo Na Yajnaha Aham Bhojanam Naiva Bhojyam Na Bhoktaa Chidaananda Roopah Shivoham Shivoham Na Me Mrityu Shankaa Na Me Jaati Bhedah Pita Naiva Me Naiva Maataa Na Janma Na Bandhur Na Mitram Gurur Naiva Shishyah Chidaananda Roopah Shivoham Shivoham Aham Nirvikalpo Niraakaara Roopaha Vibhur Vyaapya Sarvatra Sarvendriyaanaam Sadaa Me Samatvam Na Muktir Na Bandhah Chidaananda Roopah Shivoham Shivoham

I am not the mind, intellect, ego, or memory. (the 4 aspects of Antah Karanaas) Nor am I the ears, tongue, nose, eyes (and skin) (the 5 organs of perception) I am not the space, earth, fire, air (and water)- (the 5 great elements) I am pure Knowledge and Bliss. I am the self spiritual joy of pure Consciousness Shiva, Shivoham, Shivoham. I am not the Praana, I am not the 5 vital airs. I am not indeed the 7 materials, Surely not the 5 sheaths, Not the organ of speech, nor hand, nor leg, And not the genital organ, nor the anus. I am of the nature of pure Knowledge and Bliss. I am Shiva, the most Auspicious, I am Shiva. I have neither hatred nor liking, I have neither greed nor delusion, I have indeed neither pride nor jealousy, I have no duty (to perform), nor any wealth (to acquire), I have no craving (for pleasure), I am not being bound (for liberation), I am of the nature of Pure Consciousness and Bliss, I am all Auspiciousness, I am Shiva. I have neither virtue nor vice, nor pleasure, nor pain, nor the sacred chant of mantras nor pilgrimage, nor the scriptures, nor the sacrificial rituals, I am neither the act of enjoying, nor the enjoyable object, nor the enjoyer, I am pure Knowledge and Bliss, I am shiva, the Auspiciousness itself. I have no fear of death, nor have I any distinction of Caste, I have neither father, nor mother, nor even birth, nor relation, nor friend, no teacher, no disciple, I am pure Knowledge and Bliss, I am all Auspiciousness, I am Shiva. I am devoid of dualities, and I am formless, I exist everywhere, pervading all the senses, always I am the same, I have neither freedom nor bondage, I am pure Knowledge and Bliss, I am Auspiciousness, I am Shiva.

This is my favourite, love to sing it and feel its best sung by Chitra Roy (Art of Living fame)

Aisee Vani Boliye

Aisee Vani Boliye,
Mun Ka Aapa Khoye
Apna Tan Sheetal Kare,
Auran Ko Sukh Hoye

Translation
Speak such words, sans ego's ploy
Body remains composed, giving the listener joy

Understanding
This doha is a gem. It deals with human psychology, metaphysics and a basic tenet of the Indian philosophy. The ancients of the Vedic literature have laid tremendous emphasis on speech. They have mentioned in innumerable shlokas that our speech has a direct connection with our bodily humors. They proclaimed that sound and sight are the underlying source of all vibrations. This has been scientifically proven over and over again.
We know that all sounds create vibrations. And these vibrations affect both the speaker and the listener. Soothing, compassionate and loving words breed togetherness, while harsh speech breeds hatred. And, we also know that human speech is one of the main ingredient that differentiates mankind from the rest of the animal kingdom.
Thus, Kabir, in this doha crystallizes the power of the spoken word. He teaches us to speak in such a manner that keeps us harmonious and composed thereby making the listener feel a sense of joy in the communication.
Experiment yourself and rediscover the power of the spoken word.
– Rajender Krishan


For more Kabir Dohas, check the link below:

http://www.boloji.com/kabir/dohas/

हर एक बात पे कहते हो

हर एक बात पे कहते हो तुम कि तू क्या है?
तुम ही कहो कि ये अंदाज़-ए-ग़ुफ़्तगू क्या है?
रगों में दौड़ते फिरने के हम नहीं क़ायल
जब आँख ही से न टपका तो फिर लहू क्या है?
चिपक रहा है बदन पर लहू से पैराहन
हमारी जेब को अब हाजत-ए-रफ़ू क्या है?
जला है जिस्म जहाँ दिल भी जल गया होगा,
कुरेदते हो जो अब राख जुस्तजू क्या है?
रही ना ताक़त-ए-गुफ़्तार और हो भी
तो किस उम्मीद पे कहिए कि आरज़ू क्या है?
–
ग़ुफ़्तगू = Conversation
अंदाज़-ए-ग़ुफ़्तगू = Style of Conversation
पैराहन = Shirt, Robe, Clothe
हाजत-ए-रफ़ू = Need of mending (हाजत = Need)
गुफ़्तार = Conversation
ताक़त-ए-गुफ़्तार = Strength for Conversation

Ranjish hi Sahi (Another dose of Ghazal)

ranjish hii sahii dil hii dukhaane ke liye aa
aa phir se mujhe chho.D ke jaane ke liye aa

pahale se maraasim na sahii phir bhii kabhii to
rasm-o-rahe duniyaa hii niibhaane ke liye aa

kis kis ko bataaye.nge judaa_ii kaa sabab ham
tuu mujh se Khafaa hai to zamaane ke liye aa

kuchh to mere pindaar-e-muhabbat ka bharam rakh
tuu bhii to kabhii mujh ko manaane ke liye aa

ek umr se huu.N lazzat-e-giriyaa se bhii maharuum
ai raahat-e-jaa.N mujh ko rulaane ke liye aa

ab tak dil-e-Khush_faham ko tujh se hai.n ummiide.n ye aa
Khirii shamme.n bhii bujhaane ke liye aa

maanaa ki muhabbat kaa chhipaanaa hai muhabbat
chupake se kisii roz jataane ke liye aa

jaise tujhe aate hai.n na aane ke bahaane
aise hii kisii roz na jaane ke liye aa

Remembering Mr. Prabhu

Refer my earlier post "First Visit to the Old Age Home" http://satyakadarshan.blogspot.com/2006/05/first-visit-to-old-age-home.html

Post this visit we had formed a team of 5: Deepak, Sridhar (husband), Siddharth, Saumar & I. We had a first party at the old age home and all of us enjoyed. Siddharth took some pics too (I havent seen it as yet). Later we took some of the people at the old age home to the ISCKON temple. So there seemed to be some progress in our activities.

I got busy in a new job, travels (personal/official), moving to new office. Others in the group also got busy. Deepak and Siddharth also got a new job. Saumar was busy with his GMAT studies and well Sridhar also was traveling to US, Delhi and London for different work assignments. Our visits the old Age home stopped all together.

When I got back from Sydney I wanted to drop by at the Old Age Home. Last Sunday I took Nidhi along and dropped by their office. From a distance I kept looking at the window near which Mr Prabhu (Manager) sat and saw the empty chair. Thought it was a Sunday so he wouldnt be around as he is on leave on Sundays. I spoke to a person who is the Trustee. I told him about my reasons why I couldnt come. He told it was fine. I asked him about Mr Prabhu. I told maybe he hasnt come as its a Sunday. He told he wont be coming any more. I thought probably he left his job and then he told me that Mr Prabhu died 3 months back due to an heart attack. It was a real shock to me. Well I dont remember the Trustee's name as he didnt interact with me much earlier and wasnt too welcoming during our earlier visits. But he suddenly was softer and nice to me. He told that its all fate. I agreed saying its going to happen to all of us. Then I told him if it was ok if I could meet the people at the old age home. He told that they would be sleeping now post lunch and it wouldnt be wise to disturb then. I told what about the future he told me there is a new manager who has come and I can meet him and work out the details.

I will truly miss Mr. Prabhu and remember him for all the interactions we had. Now I need to get back to action and serve the people in the Ashram. Its better late than never!

Purpose of Life

Sometimes I wonder why we humans were created. There is Birth & Death and it keeps suprising or shocking us as new even though this is the natural way. There is so much happiness during birth, we are so awed by the creation. We forget that we ourselves are an outcome of the creation process :-)
And Death always shocks us, like it never happened before.

When I see my life and people around me, I sometimes feel the purpose of life is to just forget ourselves, our identity and live our lives for a bigger purpose beyond us. God provides us with situations every day, every moment so that we can achieve this but we cant see it, we have our small victories to achieve.

Happy situations excite us and sad situations depress us. Is it wrong to be human and react so? Certainly not but an awareness of our behaviour helps us closer to our purpose!! :-)

Visit to the Butterfly park!

Sunday was not a smart idea to goto the Banerghatta National park which is 30 mins drive from our home but for Nidhi we decided to do so. The drive was smooth and we reached there quickly but when we entered the place it was crowed like the whole nation was there. The first thought was to get away from there :-) The line to get the entry tickets to Zoo was never ending, it would take more than an hour. So we decided to just park the car and hang around outside near the food stalls and go back. We saw an Elephant ride happening near the Parking area but we decided against that because of the crowd.

Sridhar had a roasted bhutta (corn) and I had some raw mangoes with the masala salt..ooh..it was fun! :-) Nidhi had little of the raw mango even though it was sour. I went in search of boiled corn and finally got it....Nidhi liked this compared to the roasted one..! I also had some bhelpuri which I shared with a beggar girl.

So now with the 'pet pooja' done we decided to head back home ;-) As we were nearing the car at the parking area we saw directions to a 'Butterfly Park'. We were quite excited about it and took entry tickets. There was not much of crowd here as it opened a week back and not many knew about it.

It was a beautiful place with all kind of butterflies in a huge enclosed garden. Also there was an exhibition area with posters, information and a video session. I remember one quote from the video session:
"Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you. ~Nathaniel Hawthorne"

Appreciation of Cooking

I got back from Sydney and was enjoying food cooked by our Cook. It was lunch time and we need to re-heat the food. When was done Sridhar and I sat to enjoy the food. Sridhar was upset that the 'Dal' was not heated properly. I got even more upset and commented "I took some effort to microwave all the food and you cant appreciate it"
We broke into a laugh after that because this reminded us of my earlier comments years back when I used to take the trouble of cooking :-)

THE TAME BIRD WAS IN A CAGE

THE TAME BIRD WAS IN A CAGE
by: Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941)

THE tame bird was in a cage, the free bird was in the forest.
They met when the time came, it was a decree of fate.
The free bird cries, "O my love, let us fly to the wood."
The cage bird whispers, "Come hither, let us both live in the cage."
Says the free bird, "Among bars, where is there room to spread one's wings?"
"Alas," cries the caged bird, "I should not know where to sit perched in the sky."

The free bird cries, "My darling, sing the songs of the woodlands."
The cage bird sings, "Sit by my side, I'll teach you the speech of the learned."
The forest bird cries, "No, ah no! songs can never be taught."
The cage bird says, "Alas for me, I know not the songs of the woodlands."

There love is intense with longing, but they never can fly wing to wing.
Through the bars of the cage they look, and vain is their wish to know each other.
They flutter their wings in yearning, and sing, "Come closer, my love!"
The free bird cries, "It cannot be, I fear the closed doors of the cage."
The cage bird whispers, "Alas, my wings are powerless and dead."

Lyrics of Chal Chale

chal chale apane ghar ai mere hamsafar
band darwaze kar sabse ho bekhabar
pyar dono kare raat bhar tootkar
chal chale apane ghar hamsafar - 2
na jahaan bheed ho na jahaan bhar ke log
na shehar mein base laakhon logon ka shor
chand lamhen tu inse mujhe durr kar
chal chale apane ghar hamsafar - 2
duriyaan dene ka jo bhi hai darmiyaan
aaj kuchh aise mil ek ho jaaye jaan
bhar mujhe baahon mein le duba chaah mein
pyar kar tu bepanaha khatam raaton ke ho silsilay
yun laga le mujhe aaj apane gale
durr har bandishen aaj mujhmein utar
chal chale apane ghar hamsafar - 2

Joy & Sorrow

Joy and Sorrow Then a woman said, 'Speak to us of Joy and Sorrow.'
And he answered:
Your joy is your sorrow unmasked.
And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears.
And how else can it be?
The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.
Is not the cup that hold your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter's oven?
And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the very wood that was hollowed with knives?
When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.
When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.
Some of you say, 'Joy is greater than sorrow,' and others say, 'Nay, sorrow is the greater.'
But I say unto you, they are inseparable.
Together they come, and when one sits alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.
Verily you are suspended like scales between your sorrow and your joy.
Only when you are empty are you at standstill and balanced.
When the treasure-keeper lifts you to weigh his gold and his silver, needs must your joy or your sorrow rise or fall.
Kahlil Gibran

THE STORY OF MY EXPERIMENTS WITH TRUTH

The following an excerpt from THE STORY OF MY EXPERIMENTS WITH TRUTH By Mahatma Gandhi, PART 2-CHAPTER VIII


...The train reached Maritzburg, the capital of Natal, at about 9 p.m. Beddings used to be provided at this station. A railway servant came and asked me if I wanted one. "No," said I, "I have one with me." He went away. But a passenger came next, and looked me up and down. He saw that I was a "coloured" man. This disturbed him.

Out he went and came in again with one or two officials. They all kept quiet, when another official came to me and said, "Come along, you must go to the van compartment." "But I have a first-class ticket," said I.

"That doesn"t matter," rejoined the other. "I tell you, you must go to the van compartment." "I tell you, I was permitted to travel in this compartment at Durban, and I insist on going on in it." "No, you won"t," said the official. "You must leave this compa rtment, or else I shall have to call a police constable to push you out." "Yes, you may. I refuse to get out voluntarily." The constable came. He took me by the hand and pushed me out. My luggage was also taken out. I refused to go to the other compartment and the train steamed away. I went and sat in the waiting room, keeping my hand-bag with me, and leaving the other luggage where it was. The railway authorities had taken charge of it.

It was winter, and winter in the higher regions of South Africa is severely cold. Maritzburg being at a high altitude, the cold was extremely bitter. My over-coat was in my luggage, but I did not dare to ask for it lest I should be insulted again, so I sat and shivered. There was no light in the room. A passenger came in at about midnight and possibly wanted to talk to me. But I was in no mood to talk.

I began to think of my duty. Should I fight for my rights or go back to India, or should I go on to Pretoria without minding the insults, and return to India after finishing the case ? It would be cowardice to run back to India without fulfilling my obligation. The hardship to which I was subjected was superficial-only a symptom of the deep disease of colour prejudice. I should try, if possible, to root out the disease and suffer hardships in the process. Redress for wrongs I should seek only to the extent that would be necessary for the removal of the colour prejudice.

So I decided to take the next available train to Pretoria...

To read more go to this link:
http://www.nalanda.nitc.ac.in/resources/english/etext-project/Biography/gandhi/

Reason and Passion

And the priestess spoke again and said: 'Speak to us of Reason and Passion.'

And he answered saying:

Your soul is oftentimes a battlefield, upon which your reason and your judgment wage war against passion and your appetite.

Would that I could be the peacemaker in your soul, that I might turn the discord and the rivalry of your elements into oneness and melody.

But how shall I, unless you yourselves be also the peacemakers, nay, the lovers of all your elements?

Your reason and your passion are the rudder and the sails of your seafaring soul.

If either your sails or our rudder be broken, you can but toss and drift, or else be held at a standstill in mid-seas.

For reason, ruling alone, is a force confining; and passion, unattended, is a flame that burns to its own destruction.

Therefore let your soul exalt your reason to the height of passion; that it may sing;

And let it direct your passion with reason, that your passion may live through its own daily resurrection, and like the phoenix rise above its own ashes.

I would have you consider your judgment and your appetite even as you would two loved guests in your house.

Surely you would not honour one guest above the other; for he who is more mindful of one loses the love and the faith of both.

Among the hills, when you sit in the cool shade of the white poplars, sharing the peace and serenity of distant fields and meadows - then let your heart say in silence, 'God rests in reason.'

And when the storm comes, and the mighty wind shakes the forest, and thunder and lightning proclaim the majesty of the sky, - then let your heart say in awe, 'God moves in passion.'

And since you are a breath In God's sphere, and a leaf in God's forest, you too should rest in reason and move in passion.

Kahlil Gibran

What is Love?

"Love is like the sunshine; no matter how tightly you shut down your heart, the sunlight will find a way to shine into it. Love’s process is unstoppable. "

-Nurmuhemmet Yasin

Read this article, interesting one:

http://www.rfa.org/english/uyghur/2006/05/23/uyghur_yasin/

Meditation, or When Time Stands Still

"THE SPEAKING TREE: Meditation, or When Time Stands Still

Meditation is the opposite of doing. It is non-doing. We spend most of our lives in doing, striving, planning, and reacting. We tend to have little awareness of the constant and relentless activity of our own mind and how much we are driven by it. That's no surprise as we hardly ever stop and observe the mind directly to see what it is up to. It takes a while for us to start looking at our mind; to get comfortable with the richness of allowing ourselves to just be with our own mind. It's a little like meeting an old friend in years. There may be some awkwardness at first. It may take some time to re-establish the bond. "

Read complete article on:

http://www1.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/968134.cms

Aaj Jaane Ki Zid

Aaj Jaane Ki Zid
By Faiyyaz Hashmi
Translated by Ayesha Kaljuvee

Aaj jaane ki zid na karo Tonight,
[don’t insist on leaving]

Yunhi pehlu mein bethey raho
[Sit here close to me]

Haaye mar jaayein ge
[I will die]

Hum to lutt jaayein ge
[I will be lost]

Aisi baatein kiya na karo
[Don't say such things]

Aaj jaane ki zid na karo
[Tonight, don’t insist on leaving]

Tumhi socho zara
[Just ponder for a second]

kyu'n na rokein tumhey
[Why shouldn't I stop you?]

jaan jaati hai jab uth ke jaatey ho tum
[When my life leaves every time you go]

tum ko apni qasam jaan-e-jaa'n
[I swear to you, my love]

baat itni meri maan lo
[Listen to my one request]

Aaj jaane ki zid na karo
[Tonight, don’t insist on leaving]

Waqt ki qaed mein zindagi hai magar
[Life is trapped in time's prison but]

chand gharriya'n yahi hain jo aazaad hain
[These are the few moments that are free]

inko khho kar kaheen jaan-e-jaa\'n
[By losing them, my love]

umr bhar na tarastey raho
[Don't start a life of regret]

Aaj jaane ki zid na karo
[Tonight, don’t insist on leaving]

Kitna masoom aur rangeen hai yeh sama
[How innocent and colorful is the weather]

husn aur ishq ki aaj me\'raj hai
[It is the reign of beauty and love]

kal ki kis ko khabar jaan-e-jaa\'n
[Who knows what tomorrow will bring]

rok lo aaj ki raat ko
[Let's stop this night right here]

Aaj jaane ki zid na karo
[Tonight, don’t insist on leaving]

Good ghazals site

Liked this site on Ghaazal:

http://ghazallyrics.wordpress.com/

Love

Love only yourself, and you are alone.

Love only one other, and the two of you are alone.

Love only your family, and your family is alone.

Love only your nation, and your nation is alone.

There can be no communion, not even with yourself, except through love of God

Nothing is permanent

Refer to my earlier post"", there is a mention on similar lines on the uncertainities of life, I have something more from my fav site "Paul's Tips"

Check this exctract:

"Deep inside us all is a deep need to feel certainty about the world and our place in it. We like to think there are some things we can really rely on. Without certainty, life seems desperate and frightening.

In fact, it’s often when what we thought was true turns out to be wrong that we become most angry and depressed.

A man who finds his wife has been unfaithful, when previously he believed he had a wonderful marriage, finds the betrayal unbearable. Not only because he's lost something precious, but also because things were not as they seemed. A businessperson who thought they were indispensable to the company can be furious when they find themselves made redundant. A professor whose pet theory is shown false by new discoveries can feel as if she is threatened from all sides.

Having our certainties shattered can be a devastating blow.

But what really is certain in this life? The honest answer is – absolutely nothing."

For the entire article, check this link:

http://www.paulstips.com/brainbox/pt/home.nsf/link/26052006-Nothing-is-certain

Self Discipline

"This is strong evidence that what many of us already suspect is true - that self-discipline plays a big role in success.

This is good news in that it defines the problem for us. By being able to delay gratification when it's sensible to do so, we're more likely to lead good lives"

Check for the detailed artcile on:
http://www.paulstips.com/brainbox/pt/home.nsf/link/27112006-Evidence-that-success-comes-from-self-discipline

Death

Death isnt just the end
but also a beginning
A birth of new life
Realization of love, life & death

Reflections on actions done
Memories of each flower picked
and the ones forgotten

An introduction to end of life
Change of perceptions
& living life fully
for what it all takes
...till death

Life?

Are you there?
Life...?
Where are you?
Do you reside within me?
Is life in me or I am a part of life?

Are you love?
Is life about love?
Is it about all the love I give...
or Is it all the love I receive?
Or is it about both giving and receiving?

Are you sacrifice?
The sacrifice of the 'I'?
or the sacrifice of the 'we'?

Are you an answer to my questions...?
Or are you a question in yourself?

Suffering

I was reading this write-up by Suresh Jindal which is titled "Dependent Arising: The Delusion of 'I'". I want to share this excerpt from that which talks about the "cause of suffering". Go ahead and read what I pulled out:

"The Buddha taught that the True Causes of suffering are the three poisons of attachment, aversion and ignorance. Experientitally we know that other than bodily suffering, our mental and emotional suffering results from wanting to be in an uninterrupted embrace with sensual pleasures, and an aversion and hatred for objects and beings that obstruct this hedonistic warmth. Thus we want our wealth, health, fame, name, and romantic love to last foreer, and we fly into a demented rage of anger, despair and hatred against anything and anybody who blocks this sensually pulsating pursuit. The commonly held belief that things are permanent is a hallucination and an illusion. This ignorance of the true nature of reality is the root of delusion. This ignorance along with the aversion and attachment are the three poisons that are true cause of suffering. The afflictive emotions of anger, jealousy, pride, hatred etc. are result of our attachment to some experiences and persons and averion to others, on the assumption that they are permanent and last forever. This deluded way of perceiving reality causes the defilement and obsucarations that lead to suffering

Nidhi's 2nd b'day fotos

Hi friends. Lost all my fotos as it was part of my laptop and my Flash drive that got stolen. Anyways I was lucky Amit had these fotos on his blog, check it out:

http://joysandlaughter.blogspot.com/2006/05/nidhis-2nd-birthday.html

Astral Travel

From site http://www.spiritual.com.au/astral.html :

"Astral Projection or Astral Travel is one of the most amazing experiences I have had the pleasure to participate in. It is quite simply, consciously leaving your body as it sleeps. It's like being awake whilst you are dreaming.
You leave your body and enter the astral realm, which is the next closest dimension to us here in the physical world. The astral realm is actually all around us we just can't see it. The astral realm contains all our thoughts and emotions. It is the place that we go to when we sleep. In our dream state we stay close to our physical body and we project emotional content from our subconscious mind. We are not conscious during this process. Being awake and conscious in this realm is known as astral travel. The main barrier to astral travel is you. You need to conquer yourself and clear your mind of thoughts and emotions to be able to successfully astral travel at will. You do this through personal development. Try the free ebook 'Unlock your Personal Power' you get it when you fill out the subscription box up there on the right hand side of the page. Well worth it!"

Sahaja Yoga

"Sahaja Yoga is a unique method of meditation based on an experience called Self Realization (Kundalini awakening) that can occur within each human being. Through this process an inner transformation takes place by which one becomes moral, united, integrated and balanced.
One can actually feel the all pervading divine power as a cool breeze, as described in all religions and spiritual traditions of the world.This is the actualization of such transformation, which is taking place now, worldwide, and has been proved and experienced by hundreds of thousands in over "
visit web site: http://www.sahajayoga.org

Self Help Blog

Check this blog, lot of self help topics...liked it:

http://www.selfhelpzone.com/

Morning

When there is a spiritual awakening within your being, thats when your morning begins.
You freshen up, flush out the poisons, start anew and its a fresh day to start off with.

Shaadi ke baad

Shaadi ke baad –

Patni kaise badalti hai? Zara gaur kijiye.

1st year: Maine kaha ji Khana kah lijiye, aapne kaafi der se kuch khaya nahi.
2nd year: Ji khana tyaar hai laga du.
3rd year: khana bann chukka hai jab khana ho toh bataa dena.
4th year. Khana banakar rakh diya hai main bazaar ja rahi hu, khud hi daal banakar kha lena. 5th year: Main kehti hoon mujhse aaj khana nahi banega hotel se le aao.
6th year: Jab dekho khana khana aur khana abhi subah toh khaya tha…