GOING WITH THE FLOW

Tue, 5 Nov, 20:01 (16 hours ago) to Good Morning!!! God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; and Wisdom to know the difference. Thy will, not mine, be done. *~*~*~*~*^Daily Reflections^*~*~*~*~* November 6, 2024 GOING WITH THE FLOW Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him... TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 96 The first words I speak when arising in the morning are, “I arise, O God, to do Thy will.” This is the shortest prayer I know and it is deeply ingrained in me. Prayer doesn't change God’s attitude toward me; it changes my attitude toward God. As distinguished from prayer, meditation is a quiet time, without words. To be centered is to be physically relaxed, emotionally calm, mentally focused and spiritually aware. One way to keep the channel open and to improve my conscious contact with God is to maintain a grateful attitude. On the days when I am grateful, good things seem to happen in my life. The instant I start cursing things in my life, however, the flow of good stops. God did not interrupt the flow; my own negativity did.

THE KAFIR DIDN’T KNOW

Good Morning!!! THE KAFIR DIDN’T KNOW Around the Year with Emmet Fox November 6 About the middle of the last century, a traveler was journeying along through what was then a remote part of South Africa. One day while smoking his pipe outside the hut in a native village, he noticed a group of little naked children playing what was evidently a native version of the time-honored game of marbles. He watched the game idly for a while, and then something about the rough stones caught his attention. They were quite small pebbles, dull, but—here his pulse began to steeplechase. He spoke to the children’s father, with studied carelessness, and the Kaffir said, “Oh yes, the children like these little stones. They have some more in the hut,” and he brought forth a small basket containing several more. Repressing his excitement, the traveler took out a large plug of tobacco, worth perhaps twenty or thirty cents in our money, and said, “I would like to take the stones home for my children. I will give you this tobacco for them. Are you willing?” The Kaffir laughed and said, “I am robbing you but if you insist, all right,” and the bargain was sealed— which not only enriched the stranger but led in time to the great discovery of the South African diamond fields. The fate of the Kaffir is really the fate of most human beings. Man holds a fabulous treasure in his possession— the power of the Spoken Word—and yet, in most cases, he does not know it. “The Lord shall open unto thee his good treasure … to bless all the work of thine hand”. Deuteronomy 28:12

If Aryabhatta invented 0 then how do we know that Ravana had 10 heads?

If Aryabhatta invented 0 then how do we know that Ravana had 10 heads? Originally Answered: If Aryabhatta invented 0, then how did we know that Ravana had 10 heads? This is one of the biggest misconception in India. It has created the huge confusion among the Indians. Aryabhatt never invented or discovered zero! He invented a unique symbol for mathematical purpose. Why did he do so? If the concept of zero pre-existed before Aryabhatta, then why does a mere mathematical symbol is so important to us? Actually there are two ways to write numbers. One is symboling form and other is alphabetic form. Before the discovery of zero, people used to represent the numbers largely alphabetically like saying 'ten', 'hundred' and so on. But there was a problem! In symbolic system,after each set of ten number system, we used to use a different set of number whose complexity gradually increases with respect to increase in numerical values like the way in Roman numbers. It was quite dificult to remember the higher order numbers in that way. What Aryabhatt did was to solve this problem was unique and very important. The properties of zero makes the number system a lot easier to cram due to it's simplistic repeadity.

*Election President USA*

*Election President USA* Democrats : Blue Republican : Red Summarised 👇 This is a self assessment A. *Electoral College* In United States, the Electoral College is the group of presidential electors that is formed every 4 years during the presidential election; its purpose: voting for the president and vice president. Voting on 5th Nov is for electing *538 member Electoral College*. If in a State a Democrat (Blue) is elected in this election, all votes polled in this round go to Democratic candidate for President. {Barring few exceptions above system is adopted by all States}. Winner is one who wins 270 Electoral College votes (> half of 538). In 2020 presidential election, Biden received 306 & Trump 232 of the total 538 electoral votes. Electoral College of 538 : Every State is allocated a number of votes equal to the number of Senators and Representatives in its U.S. Congressional delegation. Different States have different no. of Electoral College members B) *Swing States* : Where both major parties enjoy similar level of support among voting population (within a few percentage points of each other in polls). Since 2000, five states — Colorado, Florida, Nevada, Ohio, & Virginia — have matched the eventual election winner in all but one election. Hence they are called Swing States (this is a rough assessment). C. *7 Critical States* Arizona (Blue 11 Electoral college votes), Georgia (Blue 16), Nevada (Blue 6); Michigan (15), Wisconsin (10), North Carolina (16), & Pennsylvania (19). *Each have high no. of Electoral College Vote*. {In 6 of the 7 – all but North Carolina – Biden beat Trump in 2020, giving him a lead that allowed him to win the White House}. D. *Pennsylvania* The state which decides this election

Do The Right Thing Every Time

Do The Right Thing Every Time It was the year 1946. Germany stood devastated by the Second World War. The Allies had won the war, and many German cities, including Munich, had been severely damaged by the British Royal Air Force. Munich, the picturesque capital of the Bavarian region of Germany, and centre of the country’s diesel engine production, had suffered as many as 74 air-raids. More than half the entire city had been damaged or destroyed. On one gloomy morning that year, at the Munich Railway station, stood the Directors of Krauss Maffei, the reputed German engineering Company. They were waiting for the arrival of their guests from India. Founded in 1838, Krauss Maffei was a leading maker of locomotives of various types, and an engineering company with a formidable reputation. Unfortunately, the Company now stood devastated by the World War, since their factories had been destroyed by the Allied Forces. The guests from India got down from their train. They were Directors from the Tata Group in India. If you had been there, you would have seen JRD Tata, the young, tall, lanky Chairman of the Group, get off the train. And accompanying him was a forty-year old engineer, Sumant Moolgaonkar representing TELCO (now Tata Motors). They had come to Munich for discussions with Krauss Maffei, regarding the manufacture of locomotives in India. What they found, instead, were scenes of destruction and ruin. The Germans requested the Indians to take some of their unemployed engineers to India, alongwith their families, and provide them jobs and shelter. The Directors of Krauss Maffei are reported to have told the Tata Directors – "They are very skilled people. They will do whatever you ask them if you take care of them. They can also teach your people." This would have to be done without a formal contract, because the British, who were still ruling India, had forbidden Indian Companies from having any contracts with German Corporations, during those times of the World War. But this request was urgent, and compelling. Because in that year, with factories lying destroyed, unemployment in Germany was rampant, and the then German currency, the Reichsmark had become almost worthless. The Tata Directors agreed to this request, and assured the Germans that their people would be well looked after. The German engineers from Krauss Maffei then came to India, and they were provided good jobs and housing by the Tata Group. They were well taken care of, and they also rendered great service to Tata Motors. In 1945, Tata Motors had signed an agreement with the Indian Railways for manufacture of steam locomotives and this is where German engineers provided valuable technicalexpertise. They helped the Company manufacture locomotives, which were amongst the Company’s very first products. In 1947, India became independent. In the 1950s, Tata Motors moved on to manufacture trucks in collaboration with Daimler Benz. Many years had now passed since that fateful meeting at the Munich Railway Station. Germany had substantially recovered from the ravages of the war, and the reconstruction effort had borne great fruit. In one of these happier years, the Board of Directors of Krauss Maffei was surprised to suddenly receive a letter from India. This letter was from the Tata Group. It offered grateful thanks for the services of the German engineers and it contained an offer of compensation to Krauss Maffei for the skills which had been transferred by the Germans to Tata Motors. Krauss Maffei was surprised, even taken aback at this offer. There was no legal contract, and therefore no obligation for the Tata Group to pay any compensation In fact, I think, neither did this expectation exist, because the Tata Group had helped by providing jobs and shelter to the otherwise unemployed German engineers during those dark days. So, the Germans were astonished,as they read the Tata letter This story was narrated many, many years later, in the 1970s, by Directors of Krauss Maffei, to Arun Maira, then a senior Director of Tata Motors. Arun Maira is one of India’s most respected and distinguished business thinkers today. In a thoughtful article that he wrote for the Economic Times in 2005 (thank you, Mr. Maira, for this wonderful piece), he recollects how 2 elderly German gentlemen met him as part of a business transaction in Malaysia, jumped up, shook his hands, expressed their deepest gratitude to him. They narrated to him this fascinating story which, they said, is now part of their Company’s folklore. One interesting and unexpected sidelight of this story occurred when Tata Motors was asked to provide a legally binding financial guarantee in the 1970s, but this was rendered very difficult because of the Indian Government’s regulations at that time. This matter was taken up to German bankers, who said that a guarantee on a Tata letterhead, signed by the Chairman, was more valuable than any banker’s guarantee. I do not know what exact thoughts ran through the minds of Tata Directors in the 1950s before they sent that letter to Krauss Maffei, offering compensation where none was agreed upon or expected. But I think the Tata Group did this because it was the right thing to do. The right thing to do is never defined by formal agreements or legal contracts alone. Neither is it defined by the expectations that others have of us. What is right is defined by our own high expectations of ourselves, by the culture of fairness and trust that we wish to establish. Are we being truly fair to the people and the Companies we work with? We always know, if we listen deeply enough to our inner voice, whether we are being totally fair and right. The Krauss Maffei story holds such a beautiful lesson for all of us. 🙏.

The Artist’s Masterpiece

The Artist’s Masterpiece There was once a young artist named Maya, who lived in a small, quiet village. Maya had a passion for painting, and her dream was to create a masterpiece that would touch people’s hearts and make the world more beautiful. However, Maya had a habit of criticizing herself harshly. Every time she painted, she found flaws—whether it was the brush strokes, the colors, or the details. She never felt her work was good enough. One day, feeling particularly frustrated, Maya decided to travel to the mountains to seek the advice of an old, wise artist who lived in solitude. This artist was known to have created the most beautiful works anyone had ever seen, and Maya believed he could help her find the secret to perfection. After a long journey, she finally found the old artist sitting quietly by a stream, painting the landscape. She approached him and explained her problem, how she never felt satisfied with her work and constantly compared herself to others. The old artist listened carefully, and when she was done, he smiled and asked, “Do you love your paintings?” Maya was taken aback. “Love my paintings? How can I love them when they’re full of mistakes?” The old artist placed his paintbrush down and said, “Let me show you something.” He took Maya to a small room in his home, where many unfinished paintings were stacked in the corner. Some were incomplete, others had smudges, and a few seemed like they were abandoned in frustration. “These are my mistakes,” he said. “They aren’t perfect, but I love each one because they are part of my journey. Every painting, whether finished or flawed, is a reflection of where I was at that moment. The secret isn’t in creating a perfect painting, but in loving the process and accepting yourself along the way.” He continued, “When you love yourself, you embrace all that you are—your strengths, your flaws, your growth. You are your own greatest masterpiece, and self-love is what brings out your true beauty. The world may never see the strokes of your heart, but they will feel the love behind your work.” Maya stood in silence, letting his words sink in. She realized that in her pursuit of perfection, she had forgotten to appreciate the artist within herself. She was so focused on the outcome that she had neglected the beauty of her own journey. From that day forward, Maya approached her art differently. She no longer painted for approval or perfection. Instead, she painted with love—for her craft, for her growth, and for herself. As she embraced this self-love, her paintings transformed. They radiated with an energy and beauty that touched the hearts of those who saw them. In time, Maya became known not just for her talent but for the love and authenticity in her work. Her greatest masterpiece, however, was not on canvas but within herself—the realization that she was worthy of love, just as she was. This story reminds us that self-love is not about achieving perfection but about embracing ourselves fully, flaws and all. Just like an artist’s work, our personal growth is an ongoing process, and loving ourselves is what allows us to flourish, create, and live authentically.

Where to Stop is Satisfaction.

Where to Stop is Satisfaction. In a recent episode of "Kaun Banega Crorepati", Neeraj Saxena was the fastest to answer in the "Fastest Finger" round and took the hot seat. He sat very calmly, without shouting, dancing, crying, raising his hands, or hugging Amitabh. Neeraj is a scientist, a Ph.D., and a Vice-Chancellor of a university in Kolkata. He has a pleasant and simple personality. He considers himself fortunate to have worked with Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and mentioned that initially, he thought only about himself, but under Kalam's influence, he began thinking about others and the nation as well. Neeraj started playing. He used the audience poll once, but since he had the "Double Dip" lifeline, he got the chance to use it again. He answered all the questions with ease, and his intelligence was impressive. He won ₹3,20,000 and an equivalent bonus amount, and then there was a break. After the break, Amitabh announced, "Let's proceed, Dr. Sahab. Here comes the eleventh question..." Just then, Neeraj said, "Sir, I would like to quit." Amitabh was surprised. Someone playing so well, with three lifelines still left, and a good chance to win a crore (₹1,00,00,000), was quitting? He asked, "This has never happened before..." Neeraj calmly replied, "Other players are waiting, and they are younger than me. They should also get a chance. I have already won a lot of money. I feel 'what I have is enough.' I do not desire more." Amitabh was stunned, and there was a moment of silence. Then, everyone stood up and applauded him for a long time. It is the first time I have seen someone with such an opportunity before them, who thinks about others getting a chance and considers what they have as more than enough. Today, people are only chasing money. No matter how much they earn, there is no satisfaction, and the greed never ends. They are losing out on family, sleep, happiness, love, and friendship while chasing money. In such times, people like Dr. Neeraj Saxena come as a reminder. In this age, satisfied and selfless people are hard to find. After he quit the game, a girl took the hot seat and shared her story: "My father threw us out, including my mother, just because we are three daughters. Now, we live in an orphanage..." I thought, if Neeraj had not quit, being the last day, no one else would have gotten a chance. Because of his sacrifice, this poor girl got an opportunity to earn some money. In today's world, people are not ready to give up even a single penny from their inheritance. We see fights and even murders over it. God resides in humans like Neeraj, who think about others and the country. When your needs are fulfilled, you should stop and give others a chance.

*What is the Meaning of Success in Life*

*What is the Meaning of Success in Life* 1. When you drive your car on the road you will find that there are always some vehicles in front of your car and some behind your car and all of them are going towards their respective destination. 2. You cannot overtake everyone and you cannot be behind everyone and you will get the same situation again whenever you drive your vehicle on the road. 3. So, if someone overtakes you, let them do so because their destination is different, they have to achieve something else in their life and they may be in a hurry to get there, and that is not your destination. 4. Everyone's destination is different here, so their timing and speed are different. Therefore, there is no point in feeling dissatisfied by comparing yourself with others. 5. So, if you are satisfied with your existence without comparing with others then you are a successful person. Excerpts: The Joy of Creation and Success Link: https://amzn.in/d/b3x1oIX

Did Draupadi mock Bhishma when he was in his deathbed?

Did Draupadi mock Bhishma when he was in his deathbed? After the Kurukshetra war, when Bhishma was lying on the bed of arrows waiting for his death, Draupadi and the Pandavas came to seek his wisdom. At that moment, Draupadi did ask Bhishma why he had stayed silent during her humiliation in the Kaurava court, during the infamous vastraharan. It wasn’t mockery, but rather a deep, painful question that reflected the emotional turmoil she had been through. She genuinely wanted to know how someone as wise and righteous as Bhishma could remain silent in such a crucial moment. Bhishma, in his reply, acknowledged his failure. He explained that at that time, he was bound by his loyalty to the throne of Hastinapur, and he was under the influence of his oath to serve the king. He admitted that his judgment was clouded, and he didn’t act as he should have. He said that now, lying on the bed of arrows, he had clarity and could see the error of his ways. So, while Draupadi questioned him, it wasn’t out of spite or mockery—it was more of seeking closure, and Bhishma's response was one of remorse and reflection. Full Video :

Building a Mental Retreat

https://www.dailypioneer.com/2024/columnists/building-a--mental-retreat.html

Anthony Hopkins once said:

Anthony Hopkins once said: What others think or say about me doesn’t concern me. I live with authenticity, grounded in who I am and what I value. I don’t chase validation or cling to others’ opinions, because I understand that true peace comes from accepting both life’s blessings and its challenges with open arms. By releasing expectations and welcoming all experiences, I find a kind of freedom that makes each day lighter and more fulfilling. We live in a time when appearances seem to matter more than the heart, and ceremonies often outweigh the sentiments they’re meant to honor. A world where people focus on grand displays, yet overlook the quiet, essential beauty of connection and presence. Funerals are crafted as tributes, yet often miss the essence of the person being celebrated. Weddings become more about the show than the love between two people. We value images, labels, and accolades, frequently overlooking the spirit, character, and kindness within. In this culture of appearances, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s truly meaningful. But I choose to live differently. I’m committed to going beyond the surface, valuing depth over display, and prioritizing the things that can’t be measured by likes or labels. Life becomes richer when we appreciate people for their souls, for their warmth, and for the genuine connections they bring into our lives. It’s liberating to step back from the noise, to avoid getting caught in the endless cycle of seeking approval or performing for others. Instead, I focus on nurturing my values, building meaningful relationships, and finding joy in the small, authentic moments that make life beautiful. Living this way is a quiet act of rebellion in a world obsessed with appearance. It’s choosing to honor inner strength over outer show, love over ritual, and the heart’s truths over society’s standards. I embrace simplicity and substance, understanding that real contentment isn’t found in the spotlight but in moments of peace, gratitude, and genuine connection. So, I’ll continue to walk my own path, unshaken by the noise of judgment or the pressures to conform. I am enough as I am, and my life is richer for valuing what truly matters. In a world that often values the wrapping more than the gift, I choose to live as I am—authentically, unapologetically, and joyfully—knowing that true wealth lies in the unseen qualities that shape a soul. - What does living authentically mean to you? - - - - - - - - - - - - - #Wayofwisdom #AnthonyHopkins #success #alexandradaddario #AngelinaJolie #MeganFox #margotrobbie #ChristianBale #AnneHathway #BrieLarson #elizabetholsen #JenniferLopez #JenniferAniston #JenniferLawrence #priyankachopra #consciousness #KristenStewart #HaileeSteinfeld #emiliaclarke #galgadot #growthmindset #DC #mcu

Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs was a truly visionary entrepreneur and inventor, and his quotes continue to inspire and motivate people to this day. Here are some of his most famous quotes: 1. "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life." 2. "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." 3. "Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn't matter to me... Going to bed at night saying we've done something wonderful, that's what matters to me." 4. "Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations." 5. "Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works." 6. "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I'm about to do today? And whenever the answer has been 'No' for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something." 7. "My model for business is The Beatles. They were four guys who kept each other's negative tendencies in check. They balanced each other and the total was greater than the sum of the parts." 8. "You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future." 9. "Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes... the ones who see things differently — they're not fond of rules, and they have no respect for the status quo." 10. "Stay hungry, stay foolish." These quotes capture his essence as a visionary, innovator, and design thinker, emphasizing the importance of innovation, design, and following one's passion.

Stillness Amidst A Flood of Thoughts

https://www.dailypioneer.com/2024/columnists/finding-stillness-amidst-a-flood-of-thoughts.html

"THE QUALITY OF FAITH"

Good Morning!!! God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; and Wisdom to know the difference. Thy will, not mine, be done. *~*~*~*~*^Daily Reflections^*~*~*~*~* November 5, 2024 "THE QUALITY OF FAITH" This. . . has to do with the quality of faith. . . . In no deep or meaningful sense had we ever taken stock of ourselves. . . . We had not even prayed rightly. We had always said, "Grant me my wishes" instead of "Thy will be done." TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p.32 God does not grant me material possessions, take away my suffering, or spare me from disasters, but He does give me a good life, the ability to cope, and peace of mind. My prayers are simple: first, they express my gratitude for the good things in my life, regardless of how hard I have to search for them; and second, I ask only for the strength and the wisdom to do His will. He answers with solutions to my problems, sustaining my ability to live through daily frustrations with a serenity I did not believe existed, and with the strength to practice the principles of A.A. in all of my everyday affairs. ************************************************** Where Rationalizing Leads "You know what our genius for rationalization is. If, to ourselves, we fully justify one slip, then our rationalizing propensities are almost sure to justify another one, perhaps with a different set of excuses. But one justification leads to another and presently we are back on the bottle full-time." << << << >> >> >> Experience shows, all too often, that even the "controlled" pill-taker may get out of control. The same crazy rationalizations That once characterized his drinking begin to blight his existence. He thinks that if pills can cure insomnia so may they cure his worry. Our friends the doctors are seldom directly to blame for the dire results we so often experience. It is much too easy for alcoholics to buy these dangerous drugs, and once possessed of them the drinker is often likely to use them without any judgement whatever. 1. LETTER 1959 2. GRAPEVINE, NOVEMBER 1945 As Bill Sees It, P. 197

Did Krishna marry Radha?

Did Krishna marry Radha? No. He didn't. There are many possibilities for that reason. He wanted to show the world the meaning of True Love. (Now this is beyond common man's intellect, passing through over the head ). He didn't need to marry Rādhā. They are eternally united. They didn't need to perform material traditions of this material world. He left Vrindavan at the age of 11 and had to do some serious duties. So it was not possible and nor was morally correct as you were not mature enough to do so. Radha Krishna were cursed by Sri Dhama. Bhagwaan Vishnu's vardan to his devotee No. It's not like that. They are married. Brahma ji conducted their marriage in Bhandeer Van. Point no. 1. This is most appropriate & suitable reason for why Krishna didn't marry Radha. It's best fit in logical views & consistent with scriptures as well. Point no.2 This is also relevant to some extent. But it would not fully satisfy one. Point no.3 This is also correct one. But again Not fully satisfying as Lord Krishna could have come back to Vrindavan to marry her beautiful lover Radha making some time of his busy schedule of his duties. Point no. 4. This is a folklore added to entertain the people. Logic 0 %. Point no. 5 Again a fictional tale to make confuse the general masses. Point no. 6. It's mentioned in Brahma Vaivarta Purana which is very much interpolated scripture. This chapter is deliberated action .The latter added one. No base as Krishna left Vrindavan at the age of 11 and never returned So there is no point of marriage to anyone at that time. Let's consider it to be true for a while - then It's only a playful Pastime -.(The sub - pastime). Go and read Brahmān Vaivarta Purana or Garg Samita which mention this event. Probably to keep a layman silent this story was inserted to the Purana. To summarise, Krishna didn't marry Radha because Krishna’s Love is a science, the spiritual science and we know that understanding science is difficult. However, It's not like that she is not married to Krishna in any way. Sri Radha is married to Krishna as Devi Rukmini. Sri Rukmini is a form/expansion of Radha Ji herself. (Skanda Purana 2.6.2). Lastly, Lord Brahmā is the son of Lord Krishna, (Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavat Purana) But according to this scripture, Lord Krishna’s son = Lord Krishna’s father in law (as Brahma Ji acting here as Father of Sri Radha and giving his daughter's hand to Krishna in Panigarahan sanskar & Where is Radha's real father Brishbhanu) Now you can see that it was purely an untrue event. So, हरि की लीला हरि ही जाने।।। (Only Hari Knows Hari’s acts)

How did Indra become the king of the Gods

How did Indra become the king of the Gods if Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma were the ultimate creators? Indra is not the name of any person rather it’s the post of the King of heaven. On performing 100 Ashwamedha Yagnas,any man can go to heaven and can obtain position of the king of heaven. He will retain the post of Indra until another person does more or same Yajnas than previous Indra and becomes eligible for this position. The present Indra (Sakra) became king of heaven by performing 100 Ashwamedha Yagnas as described in Shanti Parva of the Mahabharata: It is heard, O Partha, that the gods and the Asuras fought against each other. The Asuras were the elder, and the gods the younger brothers. Covetous of prosperity, fierce was the battle fought between them. The fight lasted for two and thirty thousand years. Making the earth one vast expanse of blood, the gods slew the Daityas and gained possession of heaven. Having obtained possession of the earth, a (large) number of Brahmanas, conversant with the Vedas, armed themselves, stupefied with pride, with the Danavas for giving them help in the fight. They were known by the name of Salavrika and numbered eight and eighty thousand. All of them, however, were slain by the gods.... The Horse-sacrifice, that grand rite, has been indicated as an expiation for thee. Make preparations for that sacrifice, O monarch, and thou shalt be freed from thy sins. The divine chastiser of Paka, having vanquished his foes with the assistance of the Maruts, gradually performed a hundred sacrifices and became Satakratu. Freed from sin, possessed of heaven, and having obtained many regions of bliss and great happiness and prosperity, Sakra, surrounded by the Maruts, is shining in beauty, and illuminating all the quarters with his splendour. The lord of Sachi is adored in the heavens by the Apsaras. The Rishis and the other gods all worship him with reverence.[1] Sage Kashyapa's wife Diti was the mother of Asuras and Aditi was the mother of gods. The gods fought with Asuras and conquered heaven. Then Indra performed a hundred Ashwamedha Yagnas in order to become worthy of being the king of the heaven. Then a grand coronation took place. Ever since Indra became king of heaven, he tried to make sure that no one else performs a 100 Ashwamedha Yagnas. That's why he stole the horses from the Ashwamedha Yagnas of Rama's ancestor Sagara. Bhagavata Purana states that Prithu performed ninety-nine ashwamedha yagnas, but Indra disturbed Prithu's hundredth one. The yagya was abandoned, Lord Vishnu gave Prithu his blessings and Prithu forgave Indra for the latter's theft of the ritual-horse. He also stopped Mahabali completing his hundredth Ashwamedha Yagna. Indra has always succeeded in protecting his throne from performers of Ashwamedha Yagnas. Once he had to leave his throne for killing a Brahmin and bound by a curse called Brahma Hatya which led to Yayati's father Nahusha taking over heaven. After Nahusha was cursed by saptarshis, gods requested Indra to take back the throne. Bhagavata Purana describes how Indra stole Ashwamedha horse of King Prithu: Text 11: When Pṛthu Mahārāja was performing the last horse sacrifice [aśvamedha-yajña], King Indra, invisible to everyone, stole the horse intended for sacrifice. He did this because of his great envy of King Pṛthu. Text 12: When King Indra was taking away the horse, he dressed himself to appear as a liberated person. Actually this dress was a form of cheating, for it falsely created an impression of religion. When Indra went into outer space in this way, the great sage Atri saw him and understood the whole situation. Text 13: When the son of King Pṛthu was informed by Atri of King Indra’s trick, he immediately became very angry and followed Indra to kill him, calling, “Wait! Wait!” Text 14: King Indra was fraudulently dressed as a sannyāsī, having knotted his hair on his head and smeared ashes all over his body. Upon seeing such dress, the son of King Pṛthu considered Indra a religious man and pious sannyāsī. Therefore he did not release his arrows

BRAINS OR EXCELSIOR

Good Morning!!! BRAINS OR EXCELSIOR Around the Year with Emmet Fox November 5 You all know the Great Law. One way of stating it is to say: Like produces like. What we sow in thought we reap in experience. People know that these things are true, and yet in spite of this transcendent knowledge they constantly use the Great Law for their own destruction. They would not dream of pouring water in the gas tank of their car, or sand into their watch, or broken glass into their food; but they do something just as foolish every time they think, speak, or act negatively. One cannot help wondering what such people have inside their heads— brains or excelsior. In future, when you catch yourself thinking negatively, say to yourself severely, “Brains or excelsior?” and immediately switch to what you know to be the Truth of Being. “Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord” Ephesians 6:8

Thomas Hardy's Two on a Tower

Thomas Hardy's Two on a Tower is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the isolating power of social class. Set in the picturesque Dorset countryside, the novel tells the story of Vivienne Venn, a young woman from a wealthy family, and her unlikely friendship with the enigmatic Thomas, a local astronomer. Vivienne, bored with her privileged life, finds solace in the company of Thomas, who is passionate about his work and deeply connected to the natural world. As they spend time together, a tender romance blossoms between them. However, their love is complicated by the vast differences in their social standing. Vivienne's family disapproves of her relationship with Thomas, and he struggles to overcome his own insecurities and self-doubt. The novel is also a meditation on the passage of time and the fleeting nature of human existence. Hardy uses the metaphor of the tower, a symbol of both isolation and connection, to explore these themes. As Vivienne and Thomas climb the tower together, they witness the beauty and fragility of the world below. Two on a Tower is a beautifully written novel that captures the essence of love, loss, and the human condition. Hardy's prose is evocative and lyrical, painting vivid pictures of the Dorset landscape and the characters' inner lives. The novel is a testament to the enduring power of love and the importance of human connection, even in the face of adversity.

Did Krishna really hide the Sun with his Sudarshan chakra during Jayadratha Vadh as shown in B. R. Chopra's Mahabharat?

Did Krishna really hide the Sun with his Sudarshan chakra during Jayadratha Vadh as shown in B. R. Chopra's Mahabharat? Krishna did not hide Sun as per Bori Critical Edition. Unabridged Editions got this hiding of the Sun. I prefer Bori not because I admire Arjun but for valid reasons. By the time Arjuna reached Jayadratha,Still there was enough time left( for a warrior like Arjun) to fulfill his vow. Jayadratha was right before him and even fighting with him along with his protection force,Kripa,Karna,Aswathama,Vrishasena,Salya etc. Then Arjuna, baffling the keen arrows sped by the ruler of the Sindhus, cut off at the same time, with a pair of shafts, the head of Jayadratha's driver and the well-decked standard also of Jayadratha. Its stay cut off and itself pierced and struck with arrows, that standard fell down like a flame of fire. Cxlv This was when according to Unabridged Editions Krishna offered to hide the Sun,but Bori did not say that. As per Bori Krishna at this point asked Arjuna to cut the head of Jayadratha,alerting him about Vriddhakshatra’s boon. etasminneva kAle tu drutaM gachChati bhAskare | abravItpANDavaM tatra tvaramANo janArdanaH || 15|| dhana~njaya shirashChindhi saindhavasya durAtmanaH | astaM mahIdharashreShThaM yiyAsati divAkaraH || 16|| 121 Arjuna proceeds to kill Jayadrath ,keep the head in space and place it on Vriddhakshatra’s lap. Hence there was no necessity of hiding the Sun,since Arjuna already was before Jayadratha and restrained his protection wing by repeatedly thrashing them severely. So hiding of Sun existed in Unabridged Editions but not there in Bori. My answer is based on authentic Vyasa Bharat Sanskrit version Drona Parva ch 121 Kisari mohan Ganguli English Translation Drona Parva CXLV 22.5K views View 115 upvotes View 1 share

MIND MATTERS AN OVERVIEW

MIND MATTERS AN OVERVIEW MIND YOUR MUNCHING – KNOW HOW MUCH YOU CAN CHEW “ Seeing to this , neglecting that , once the mind stops setting one things against the other, it is no longer craves pleasure,”- Sage Ashtavakra My dear friends, what is the difference between PK and PIKU. Two alphabet. I and U.Assume I is us( protagonist Amitabh Bachchan essaying the role of Bhaskor in PIKU) and U are them (an extra-terrestrial Aamir Khan playing a pivotal role as PK in the eochmaking film which scorched multiplexes). There; CPU is cerebral. And our CPU is at the level of abdomen. Or say for vast multitudes the focus is at the midriff. It would be quite captivating watching the main primemovers PK and Bhaskor sharing their thoughts and respective metabolisms in a spaceship. We ignore at our peril that food ( which includes liquids too) has a prodigious impact on our system. Humans do not quite comprehend this vital aspect of our existence. Improper diet first takes a toll on the metabolism and then attacks other organs of the body. Simply put intake of toxic foods generates repugnant thoughts and results in a weak mind and body. The chamber of our stomach consists of three parts of which a third is meant for solids , one third for water/liquids and the remaining third for air. Wellness of body and mind lies in consumption of superfoods. They consist of seasonal fruits and salads which get digested within 30 to 45 minues. A normal vegetarian diet which is not too spicy or sweet is absorbed by the system in about 6 to 7 hours. Non vegetarian fare normally takes around 72 hours to assimilate. And during this period toxins accumulate and this affects the mind and body. Liquids should certainly not included aerated drinks , drinks laced with drugs or alcohol . These psychedelic substances blurs the thought process apart from wreaking havoc on the mind and body. I remember the remarkable lines by from the master piece movie, “ Chakra” that Zindagi mein keval do hi chakker hein , ek pet ka aur ek uske neeche ka . Yes our thoughts are the baser levels. Ofcourse, there are sages,philosophers and the enlightened ones who transcend this level and attain a super conscious state . Imagine people suffering from mental disorders? Why does it happen? Pressure! Other reasons could be heavy drinking and smoking, improper diet, lack of exercise and basically a drive to excel at any cost. Rhonda Byrne, the noted writer of The Secret, Magic and Power among others says” You are the most powerful magnet in the universe. You contain a magnetic power within you that is more powerful than anything in this world, and this unfathomable magnetic force is emitted through your thoughts.” Human mind is an enigma and a reservoir of potential. But the moot question is as to how do we tap this potential? The mind is a movie theatre where we script and enact innumerable movies and soap operas. Some funny, a few mysterious, others idealistic and sheer tear jerkers . The mind is constantly on the move. It is hyperactive. It needs a relaxation room, wherein an individual can dump the garbage, declutter it and achieve something useful for the self and the society. “The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of your state of mind.” opines Wayne W Dwyer. The generation today is a product of SMAC, not SMACK. Smac is an acronym for software, mobiles, apps and cloud. Technology alone cannot be a substitute for the enormous potential of mind. It needs to be cultured, harnessed and harmonized with the needs and wants. Talent, energy and thoughts have to be channelized to become achievers. We need to focus on goals and objectives. Technology when misused can make people mental wrecks. A person can become addicted to watching porn, he could become a hacker or even a terrorist. We need to distinguish brain from the mind. The brain is an organ that serves as the centre of the nervous system in all vertebrate and most invertebrate animals. Only a few invertebrates such as sponges, jellyfish, adult sea squirts and starfish do not have a brain, diffuse or localized nerve nets are present instead. The brain is located in the head, usually close to the primary sensory organs for such senses as vision, hearing, balance, taste and smell. It is the most complex organ in a vertebrate’s body. Mind on the other hand is the faculty of consciousness and thoughts. It is an individual’s intellect or memory or his attention span or will. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has captured it very succinctly. He says, “Mind is like the sky and thoughts are like clouds.” Your thoughts make or mar the progress and development of the mind. In fact he further elaborates by saying that, “ Mind is like a kite and breath is like the string which can control the mind.” Through the practice of breathing techniques like Sudarshan Kriya, Pranayama and meditation among other techniques an individual can harness this enormous realm of possibility. Primarily, we need to quiten or silence the mind. We intend to live in harmony with ourselves and our environment. Or do we wish to listen to the endless chatter and cacophony of the mind? I reckon anyone would prefer symphony to cacophony or be silent. MIND – MAKE IT HAPPY To be happy in life and calm the obdurate and recalcitrant mind, human beings should be aware of certain intrinsic laws of nature. That is Law of Attraction and the Law of Acceptance. Further we need to train our minds to keep reminding ourselves that we are blessed, we are grateful and have abundance in our lives. Life is full of valleys and peaks. It can never be a rising curve or a straight line indefinitely. There are constant changes in life and we have to accept this reality without any strings. We may apparently like some peers and friends today and tomorrow move on with another group. It is inevitable and a natural process. As Buddha says, “The only permanent aspect in life is its impermanent nature.” So we need to move in life with equilibrium, equipoise and equanimity. Law Of Attraction simply states that if a person is joyful and happy the individual would attract such people and thoughts which are joyful in nature. Such a person is positive in nature and begets positivity. The reverse is also true. If the mind focusses on lack it would only attract lack. Therefore we need to be constantly reminding ourselves that we are blessed, be grateful with whatever we have and feel we have abundance. In such a situation we attract only positive energy or prana from the universe. In fact to such people universe conspires to provide more. The Bible says that if we are grateful for what we have, we will be given more and if we are not grateful and happy, all that was given would be taken away from us. The human mind vacillates between the past and the future. In the past, the mind is regretful and if it is in future it is anxious. In either case the mind is not at peace or in the present moment and so remains unhappy. Eckhart Tolle puts it, “Nothing ever happened in the past; it happened in the Now. Nothing will ever happen in the future; it will happen in the Now”. As we sweep our house, we need to declutter our mind. Sweep our mind from negative thoughts. Virendra Sehwag comes to my mind as a cricketer whose mind was not filled with cobwebs. With absolute panache he could score runs. Yes he could score a triple century and also got out on zero. But apparently it did not affect his mind. Unlike a Marcus Trescothik , who could not survive mentally on foreign tours . He suffered from multiple phobias. This leads us to various types of personalities. Personality is derived from the latin word “Persona”. The mask used by actors in Roman theatre for changing their makeup. Personality refers to our characteristic ways of responding to individuals and situations. Human mind is temperamental in nature and action. It has several attributes, different dispositions, moods and reacts and responds in a variegated manner. The mind can be our greatest friend or enemy and like a chameleon acquires various colors, characters, characteristics and keeps acquiring various patterns. Noted Psychologists, Paula Costa and Robert McCrae have developed a five factor model to elaborate various psychological traits of human personality. a) Open to experience- Those who score high on this factor are imaginative, curious and open to new ideas. b) Extraversion- People who are socially active, assertive, outgoing and fun loving as compared to those who are shy and introverts. c) Agreeableness- Essentially cooperative, caring and friendly people. Those opposite to this trait are hostile and self centred. d) Neuroticism- These are emotionally unstable people, irritable in nature and are hypersensitive. Those opposite to this trait are centred and well adjusted. And finally e) Conscientiousness- Those who score high on this attribute are dependable, responsible, hardworking and achievement oriented. Those on the opposite scale are impulsive in nature. So in which quadrant would we place our minds and personalities. WHY ARE WE SO STRESSFUL? OR WHY ARE WE STRESSED OUT? Are we running after a chimera? Or like Rama and Lakshman are we running after a non existent golden deer? Or like the Pandavas, save Yuddhistara we partake water from a poisonous lake. In all situations our mind is fully aware that what we are attempting is incorrect and inchoate, yet we undertake that activity. There are a couple of reasons for this hara-kiri or running after the hubris. We are not wakeful enough, neither are we listening to our gut feeling and or we have a woeful sense of time management. A) We are not wakeful (not sleepy in a literal sense) as we are not focused or centred. We cannot differentiate and distinguish between choices. Consequently we are gobbled by the snake in the game of snakes and ladders. B) Our mind and thoughts (a human mind on an average receives 50k thoughts a day) batter us endlessly . Now the company we keep and the food we partake has a significant impact on the human mind and body. Negative company drains a person and toxic food and drink totally enervates and debilitates our system. I was a victim and patient of alcoholism and realise the suffering one goes through it and following the techniques of Sudarshan Kriya and Pranayama overcame the disease. There is a deep connect between the stomach and mind. That is why it is called the gut feeling or the sixth sense. Our solar plexus keeps sending us signals. It depends as to whether we are conscious and wakeful enough to listen to those signals. Yoga is the latest buzzword. With regular practice of Yoga, especially Surya namaskar and pranayama our solar plexus develop to receive and transmit important signals. C) Tools for effective Time Management- a) The POSEC METHOD – That is to prioritise by organizing, streamlining, economizing and then effectively contributing. b) Do a SWOT analysis and become winners. c) Learn to work in groups and Art of delegation. d) Attempt all hard tasks first e) Build in flexibility in your schedules or else one would suffer from psychosomatic disorders. f) Develop hobbies, read creative books and self help books. g) Every morning and night while being grateful make an inventory of do’s and dont’s and must Do lists. h) Learn to say NO. Also learn to say YES. An oxymoron kind of a situation. However a Yes mind makes an individual take up responsibility. And taking up responsibility only can empower a person. Imagine a situation where you could have shouldered responsibility but evaded or shied away or a situation where you took up responsibility. Which box would you like to be in? i) Live life king size and learn to celebrate. We can celebrate only if we are able to quiten our minds. These are some ways to quiten our mind and develop a relaxation room or space in our minds. For that we can the following: Go for long walks, talk out our problems, hug a person ( perhaps someone whom you do not like), write down all our botherations, be in sync with our breath and movement, pursue a passion, be a daredevil, get out of our comfort zone, exercise vigorously( positive endorphins get released which have a soothing affect on the mind and body), have cold water baths to conquer passion and carnal instincts( they can be a distraction especially during examination times). Despite practicing all techniques, we may not be able to find our place in the sun. So what does one do? Just surrender to the immense power within ourselves and learn to accept. Realise that “Aham Brahmasmi-“ I am the infinite reality.”as written in Brihadaranyaka Upanishad . Our mind has that immense power. It needs to harnessed and realized. We just need to declutter our minds. “Your mind is aninstrument . It is there to be used for a specific task, and when the task is completed, you lay it down. As it is , I would say about 80% to 90% of most people’s thinking is not only repetitive and useless , but because of its dysfunctional and often negative nature , much of it is harmful . Observe your mind and you find this is to be true. It causes a serious leakage of vital energy.” writes Echart Tolle. Today he is a great philosopher. At the age of 29 he was about to commit suicide. There are several ways to channelize this energy. There may be some who may practice meditation, breathing techniques and observe silence to quiten minds. There may be others who remain focused by playing a game of tennis and sweating it out or pursue other passions. You have to choose the path that suits your personality. But the ultimate aim is to be in the present and lead a happy life. Feel blessed, feel grateful and feel abundance. Let your mind not be judgemental and complain and cling on to negativities. Willy nilly we provide the hook to hang the coat of negativity. Isn’t it? As Alice Walker said, “Look closely at the present you are constructing; it should look like the future you are dreaming.” In the pages that follow is a collection of articles on various facets of human life which is intrinsically connected with the mind.

MIND YOUR MUNCHING – KNOW HOW MUCH YOU CAN CHEW

MIND MATTERS AN OVERVIEW MIND YOUR MUNCHING – KNOW HOW MUCH YOU CAN CHEW “ Seeing to this , neglecting that , once the mind stops setting one things against the other, it is no longer craves pleasure,”- Sage Ashtavakra My dear friends, what is the difference between PK and PIKU. Two alphabet. I and U.Assume I is us( protagonist Amitabh Bachchan essaying the role of Bhaskor in PIKU) and U are them (an extra-terrestrial Aamir Khan playing a pivotal role as PK in the eochmaking film which scorched multiplexes). There; CPU is cerebral. And our CPU is at the level of abdomen. Or say for vast multitudes the focus is at the midriff. It would be quite captivating watching the main primemovers PK and Bhaskor sharing their thoughts and respective metabolisms in a spaceship. We ignore at our peril that food ( which includes liquids too) has a prodigious impact on our system. Humans do not quite comprehend this vital aspect of our existence. Improper diet first takes a toll on the metabolism and then attacks other organs of the body. Simply put intake of toxic foods generates repugnant thoughts and results in a weak mind and body. The chamber of our stomach consists of three parts of which a third is meant for solids , one third for water/liquids and the remaining third for air. Wellness of body and mind lies in consumption of superfoods. They consist of seasonal fruits and salads which get digested within 30 to 45 minues. A normal vegetarian diet which is not too spicy or sweet is absorbed by the system in about 6 to 7 hours. Non vegetarian fare normally takes around 72 hours to assimilate. And during this period toxins accumulate and this affects the mind and body. Liquids should certainly not included aerated drinks , drinks laced with drugs or alcohol . These psychedelic substances blurs the thought process apart from wreaking havoc on the mind and body. I remember the remarkable lines by from the master piece movie, “ Chakra” that Zindagi mein keval do hi chakker hein , ek pet ka aur ek uske neeche ka . Yes our thoughts are the baser levels. Ofcourse, there are sages,philosophers and the enlightened ones who transcend this level and attain a super conscious state . Imagine people suffering from mental disorders? Why does it happen? Pressure! Other reasons could be heavy drinking and smoking, improper diet, lack of exercise and basically a drive to excel at any cost. Rhonda Byrne, the noted writer of The Secret, Magic and Power among others says” You are the most powerful magnet in the universe. You contain a magnetic power within you that is more powerful than anything in this world, and this unfathomable magnetic force is emitted through your thoughts.” Human mind is an enigma and a reservoir of potential. But the moot question is as to how do we tap this potential? The mind is a movie theatre where we script and enact innumerable movies and soap operas. Some funny, a few mysterious, others idealistic and sheer tear jerkers . The mind is constantly on the move. It is hyperactive. It needs a relaxation room, wherein an individual can dump the garbage, declutter it and achieve something useful for the self and the society. “The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of your state of mind.” opines Wayne W Dwyer. The generation today is a product of SMAC, not SMACK. Smac is an acronym for software, mobiles, apps and cloud. Technology alone cannot be a substitute for the enormous potential of mind. It needs to be cultured, harnessed and harmonized with the needs and wants. Talent, energy and thoughts have to be channelized to become achievers. We need to focus on goals and objectives. Technology when misused can make people mental wrecks. A person can become addicted to watching porn, he could become a hacker or even a terrorist. We need to distinguish brain from the mind. The brain is an organ that serves as the centre of the nervous system in all vertebrate and most invertebrate animals. Only a few invertebrates such as sponges, jellyfish, adult sea squirts and starfish do not have a brain, diffuse or localized nerve nets are present instead. The brain is located in the head, usually close to the primary sensory organs for such senses as vision, hearing, balance, taste and smell. It is the most complex organ in a vertebrate’s body. Mind on the other hand is the faculty of consciousness and thoughts. It is an individual’s intellect or memory or his attention span or will. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has captured it very succinctly. He says, “Mind is like the sky and thoughts are like clouds.” Your thoughts make or mar the progress and development of the mind. In fact he further elaborates by saying that, “ Mind is like a kite and breath is like the string which can control the mind.” Through the practice of breathing techniques like Sudarshan Kriya, Pranayama and meditation among other techniques an individual can harness this enormous realm of possibility. Primarily, we need to quiten or silence the mind. We intend to live in harmony with ourselves and our environment. Or do we wish to listen to the endless chatter and cacophony of the mind? I reckon anyone would prefer symphony to cacophony or be silent. MIND – MAKE IT HAPPY To be happy in life and calm the obdurate and recalcitrant mind, human beings should be aware of certain intrinsic laws of nature. That is Law of Attraction and the Law of Acceptance. Further we need to train our minds to keep reminding ourselves that we are blessed, we are grateful and have abundance in our lives. Life is full of valleys and peaks. It can never be a rising curve or a straight line indefinitely. There are constant changes in life and we have to accept this reality without any strings. We may apparently like some peers and friends today and tomorrow move on with another group. It is inevitable and a natural process. As Buddha says, “The only permanent aspect in life is its impermanent nature.” So we need to move in life with equilibrium, equipoise and equanimity. Law Of Attraction simply states that if a person is joyful and happy the individual would attract such people and thoughts which are joyful in nature. Such a person is positive in nature and begets positivity. The reverse is also true. If the mind focusses on lack it would only attract lack. Therefore we need to be constantly reminding ourselves that we are blessed, be grateful with whatever we have and feel we have abundance. In such a situation we attract only positive energy or prana from the universe. In fact to such people universe conspires to provide more. The Bible says that if we are grateful for what we have, we will be given more and if we are not grateful and happy, all that was given would be taken away from us. The human mind vacillates between the past and the future. In the past, the mind is regretful and if it is in future it is anxious. In either case the mind is not at peace or in the present moment and so remains unhappy. Eckhart Tolle puts it, “Nothing ever happened in the past; it happened in the Now. Nothing will ever happen in the future; it will happen in the Now”. As we sweep our house, we need to declutter our mind. Sweep our mind from negative thoughts. Virendra Sehwag comes to my mind as a cricketer whose mind was not filled with cobwebs. With absolute panache he could score runs. Yes he could score a triple century and also got out on zero. But apparently it did not affect his mind. Unlike a Marcus Trescothik , who could not survive mentally on foreign tours . He suffered from multiple phobias. This leads us to various types of personalities. Personality is derived from the latin word “Persona”. The mask used by actors in Roman theatre for changing their makeup. Personality refers to our characteristic ways of responding to individuals and situations. Human mind is temperamental in nature and action. It has several attributes, different dispositions, moods and reacts and responds in a variegated manner. The mind can be our greatest friend or enemy and like a chameleon acquires various colors, characters, characteristics and keeps acquiring various patterns. Noted Psychologists, Paula Costa and Robert McCrae have developed a five factor model to elaborate various psychological traits of human personality. a) Open to experience- Those who score high on this factor are imaginative, curious and open to new ideas. b) Extraversion- People who are socially active, assertive, outgoing and fun loving as compared to those who are shy and introverts. c) Agreeableness- Essentially cooperative, caring and friendly people. Those opposite to this trait are hostile and self centred. d) Neuroticism- These are emotionally unstable people, irritable in nature and are hypersensitive. Those opposite to this trait are centred and well adjusted. And finally e) Conscientiousness- Those who score high on this attribute are dependable, responsible, hardworking and achievement oriented. Those on the opposite scale are impulsive in nature. So in which quadrant would we place our minds and personalities. WHY ARE WE SO STRESSFUL? OR WHY ARE WE STRESSED OUT? Are we running after a chimera? Or like Rama and Lakshman are we running after a non existent golden deer? Or like the Pandavas, save Yuddhistara we partake water from a poisonous lake. In all situations our mind is fully aware that what we are attempting is incorrect and inchoate, yet we undertake that activity. There are a couple of reasons for this hara-kiri or running after the hubris. We are not wakeful enough, neither are we listening to our gut feeling and or we have a woeful sense of time management. A) We are not wakeful (not sleepy in a literal sense) as we are not focused or centred. We cannot differentiate and distinguish between choices. Consequently we are gobbled by the snake in the game of snakes and ladders. B) Our mind and thoughts (a human mind on an average receives 50k thoughts a day) batter us endlessly . Now the company we keep and the food we partake has a significant impact on the human mind and body. Negative company drains a person and toxic food and drink totally enervates and debilitates our system. I was a victim and patient of alcoholism and realise the suffering one goes through it and following the techniques of Sudarshan Kriya and Pranayama overcame the disease. There is a deep connect between the stomach and mind. That is why it is called the gut feeling or the sixth sense. Our solar plexus keeps sending us signals. It depends as to whether we are conscious and wakeful enough to listen to those signals. Yoga is the latest buzzword. With regular practice of Yoga, especially Surya namaskar and pranayama our solar plexus develop to receive and transmit important signals. C) Tools for effective Time Management- a) The POSEC METHOD – That is to prioritise by organizing, streamlining, economizing and then effectively contributing. b) Do a SWOT analysis and become winners. c) Learn to work in groups and Art of delegation. d) Attempt all hard tasks first e) Build in flexibility in your schedules or else one would suffer from psychosomatic disorders. f) Develop hobbies, read creative books and self help books. g) Every morning and night while being grateful make an inventory of do’s and dont’s and must Do lists. h) Learn to say NO. Also learn to say YES. An oxymoron kind of a situation. However a Yes mind makes an individual take up responsibility. And taking up responsibility only can empower a person. Imagine a situation where you could have shouldered responsibility but evaded or shied away or a situation where you took up responsibility. Which box would you like to be in? i) Live life king size and learn to celebrate. We can celebrate only if we are able to quiten our minds. These are some ways to quiten our mind and develop a relaxation room or space in our minds. For that we can the following: Go for long walks, talk out our problems, hug a person ( perhaps someone whom you do not like), write down all our botherations, be in sync with our breath and movement, pursue a passion, be a daredevil, get out of our comfort zone, exercise vigorously( positive endorphins get released which have a soothing affect on the mind and body), have cold water baths to conquer passion and carnal instincts( they can be a distraction especially during examination times). Despite practicing all techniques, we may not be able to find our place in the sun. So what does one do? Just surrender to the immense power within ourselves and learn to accept. Realise that “Aham Brahmasmi-“ I am the infinite reality.”as written in Brihadaranyaka Upanishad . Our mind has that immense power. It needs to harnessed and realized. We just need to declutter our minds. “Your mind is aninstrument . It is there to be used for a specific task, and when the task is completed, you lay it down. As it is , I would say about 80% to 90% of most people’s thinking is not only repetitive and useless , but because of its dysfunctional and often negative nature , much of it is harmful . Observe your mind and you find this is to be true. It causes a serious leakage of vital energy.” writes Echart Tolle. Today he is a great philosopher. At the age of 29 he was about to commit suicide. There are several ways to channelize this energy. There may be some who may practice meditation, breathing techniques and observe silence to quiten minds. There may be others who remain focused by playing a game of tennis and sweating it out or pursue other passions. You have to choose the path that suits your personality. But the ultimate aim is to be in the present and lead a happy life. Feel blessed, feel grateful and feel abundance. Let your mind not be judgemental and complain and cling on to negativities. Willy nilly we provide the hook to hang the coat of negativity. Isn’t it? As Alice Walker said, “Look closely at the present you are constructing; it should look like the future you are dreaming.” In the pages that follow is a collection of articles on various facets of human life which is intrinsically connected with the mind.

The Amazing Power of the Human Mind

The Amazing Power of the Human Mind Realisation and awareness are two iconic qualities that shine the light on the amazing power of the human mind. Aeons ago lived, lived an ambitious king named Suddhodhana, chieftain of Sakyan republics. He was captivated with the thought of perpetuating the dynasty. However, his battle fatigued son Siddhartha, was not ensnared by the Mara of trappings and adornment of power, carnal pleasures and family life. Siddhartha eschewed violence, cast away royal clothing and adorned ochre robes in the search of quintessential truth. And over a period of seven years of intense and gut-wrenching tapas which transfigured his mind, he metamorphosed from Siddhartha to Gautama and then into the Buddha. It was at Sarnath that he delivered his first sermon on the Four Noble Truths, which was soon followed by the Eight-Fold Path for citizens to pursue. Upon attaining enlightenment, the Compassionate One dissected the bewildering characteristics of the human mind. He was soon to quantify, and in an unostentatious and plain sailing manner decree that. “We are what we think and our thoughts shape our lives.” A person may be a stock individual or a personality clouded and crowded with quotidian thoughts and practices, a seeker or a savant; all are governed by this cardinal principle of how the mind operates. In case the mind is bestowed with efficacious thoughts, humans are endowed with the enriching aura of positivity. This eclipses Sisyphean and nugatory thoughts and the persona is encompassed with the stamp of shimmering jollity which is alluring and attractive. However, if the human mind is cannonaded by antipathetic thoughts, there is depletion in the prana level. The mind is then not resplendent or robust nor suffused with ennobling thoughts. On the contrary the human mind is brim-full of gloom-ridden patterns which are distressing and obstructive. Individuals become mere retainers of negativity. Over a period of time, the mind that does not get propelled or fuelled to become empowered will not be able to unyoke itself from its negativity, rendering it unable to take up adultness and responsibility. Ironically, the moment an individual realises the magnetic potential and prowess of the human mind the Universe suddenly becomes magical in its desire to support all efforts. The mind remains an enigma. Our resoluteness and positivity are the lodestars to harness its embryonic ability. This is the key to scale the summit of triumph and glory. Once there was a Good Samaritan, Sudhakar (name changed). He happened to read the maiden effort of a civil servant called ‘Enormous Vistas of Human Mind’ and a few other articles that he had written. This gentleman, with some trepidation became a ‘Facebook friend’ of the mandarin and began persuading him to be interviewed by a few T.V. channels. However, the thought process of the public functionary- who was a recovered alcoholic- kept misdoubting and disbelieving the sincerity of the Facebook friend. In disgust, he ‘blocked’ and then ‘unblocked’ the gentleman, perhaps more to quell the pangs of his own conscience. Finally, in a dawdling manner and in sheer vexation he gave in to the entreaties of the ‘Facebook friend’. Soon an amazing pattern emerged and the government administrator was invited by several media houses and estimable institutions to deliver lectures as to how he combated and conquered the battle against the bottle. Only much later did he realise that Sudhakar had lost some close relatives to the perils of alcoholism, and that he found succour in espousing the cause of conquest over the disease. The autarchic mind of the bureaucrat was ossified and looking life through the prism of tunnel vision. One day, after a series of interviews, the functionary received a distress call from a lady, who had happened to listen to one of his interviews and was also reading the book penned by the bureaucrat, which captured his triumph over alcoholism. On receiving the call, he could empathise with the woman’s husband who was fighting a grim battle against alcoholism. He silently thanked his benefactor Sudhakar, who had provided the much-needed platform to address the grievous misadventure of millions of unfortunate souls. There was a sudden transmutation in the mind of the public servant. As tears of gratitude flowed from his eyes, he embarked upon the odyssey to combat this life-threatening disease in all sincerity. Realisation and awareness are two iconic qualities that shine the light on the amazing power of the human mind. Several centuries ago, Gautama Buddha was travelling with a group of disciples. The compassionate one felt thirsty and desired some water to quench his thirst. He asked a disciple to fetch some water from a nearby lake. The enthusiastic disciple rushed to the lake but was horrified to find the water turgid as a farmer had just crossed the lake on his bullock cart. He returned back remorsefully as he could not fulfil the wish of the holy Master. Buddha was to send the disciple a couple of times to fetch water to quench his thirst. But to the dismay of the tutee on each occasion the water remained dirty and turgid. While the devotees were fidgety and distraught, Buddha remained patient. Eventually, the devotee animatedly brought fresh water from the lake and offered it to the compassionate one. Buddha smiled and drank the water. He was to say, “You did nothing. The mud settled down and the water was purged of the impurities. Let your mind also settle all the dust accumulated over a period of time.” Make no effort, let the mind settle. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar succinctly says, “Effort is a state of the body and effortlessness is a state of the mind.” This can be achieved through regular and unflinching sadhana of yoga, pranayama, meditation and the unique rhythmic breathing technique of Sudarshan Kriya. Thus, effortlessness is the trailblazing quality of mind. This is the state of total surrender, where the grace of Guru flows and miracles unfold.

Idea, Ikea and Intelligence: Knowledge and Wisdom

Idea, Ikea and Intelligence: Knowledge and Wisdom Two thousand five hundred years ago, a prince from the formidable Sakya dynasty, in the quest of reality and truth, discarded his monarchical apparel to adorn ochre robes, and went on to become to become Gautama the monk. He and his mind incessantly wandered till the attainment of truth and insight. Upon attaining enlightenment after performing arduous tapas, Gautama the monk became Buddha the Enlightened and Compassionate One. The mind of the prince turned Bhikkhu had become hollow and empty from within and without to realise the pristine verisimilitude. There is also the story of Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu. Once a young evangelist who cast away the traditions and rituals of the Catholic order, only to serve the poor and infirm (particularly those afflicted by leprosy), she was first to become a sister, then Mother Teresa, after rendering selfless yeoman service to the populace of Kolkata (then Calcutta) and humanity at large. She was the fourth Indian to be canonised on September 4, 2016 and was set in stone as St. Teresa of Calcutta by Pope Francis for the phenomenal work and the miracles which have taken place. Buddha and St. Teresa were not confined to monasteries and convents respectively to live their lives as ascetics in contemplation, meditation, chastity, and poverty. Both were prototypical individuals who transcended boundaries to carve a niche for themselves by providing an alternative ideology. Meanwhile way back in the year 1943 a young Swedish national, Ingvar Kampard set up a company called IKEA. IKEA is an acronym for Ingvar Kampard Elmtaryd at Agunnaryd. Today it is one of the largest ready to assemble furniture companies in the world. These are individuals, who with their mettlesome moves hold the ordinary traveller’s gaze in askance. What differentiates them from the rest of the pack? It is not the opacity of their thought process, but looking for out-of-the-box solutions. While IKEA sets up furniture in our households, and Jio and WhatsApp provide the necessary seamless connectivity in communication, it is intriguing to decipher the letters of the acronym IKW. I stand’s for Intelligence, K signifies Knowledge and W represents Wisdom. Intelligence, Knowledge, and Wisdom need to be harnessed by humans in ample measure to metamorphose our minds and lives to become true achievers. In the wired world today, we are girdled with a far superior technology in comparison to a few decades ago, and are surrounded by a plethora of gizmos at our disposal. The product and service should necessarily be flexible, adaptable, and positively meant for public good. Only in such a scenario will the longevity of the article in question be ensured and assured. Siddhartha with his superior intelligence grasped that he was encumbered by misery and suffering; he gained knowledge through the various techniques of pranayama and meditation and ultimately wisdom dawned on him in the form of enlightenment. And today a seeker without living in the monastic order, living like any ordinary individual could attain and experience bliss and enlightenment by practicing the technique of Vipassana. Similarly, in the Art of Living, through the regular practice of the Sudarshan Kriya a seeker can live in the present moment by banishing antipathetic thoughts. St. Teresa of Kolkata too possessed enormous intelligence, knowledge, and wisdom to establish the order of the Missionaries of Charity to serve the distressed sections of humanity. The human mind should be developed into a sacred place, which is malleable to embrace positivity and confidence to harness the skills of intelligence and knowledge, so that the Gods bestow us with a bounty of wisdom.

Temples of South India

Temples of South India A temple is essentially a building devoted and dedicated to the worship of a god or a pantheon of gods. “I am a believer of all religions. I will happily visit a temple, a mosque and a church. I do not differentiate between religions,” once remarked the talented trouper, Rishi Kapoor. Nevertheless, temples in South India stand out as wondrous architectural expressions of religion, learning and spirituality that globetrotters and the devout throng in humungous numbers to explore their sheer majesty, gargantuan size and the wisdom imparted. The incantation of ancient Vedic mantras in the agama style of rendition suffuses the mind with efficacious thoughts. These chanting wade through the swathes of the human mind where antipathetic and Sisyphean thoughts get purged and humans are filled with radiance and jollity. A mind that is stretched by new experiences can never go back to its old dimensions; thus, it is with the peregrination to a temple or any place of worship. Tourists from across the globe display immense interest in exploring the intricately carved and aesthetically designed temples of South India. These temples form an integral part of the rich cultural heritage of the region. Temples in Kerala It is noteworthy to mention that the testimony to the variegated legacy left behind by the kings of era bygone is graphically captured in the temples of Kerala. The construction of these temples has been singularly influenced by the tropical climate of the region. The temples of the state are characterized by steep and pointed roofs which are enveloped with copper sheets. The popular and most famous of temples in Kerala, the Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple and the Mannaarshala near Thiruvananthapuram, the grandiose Sree Krishna Temple at Guruvayur and the Vadakkunnathar Temple at Thrissur, are architectural gems. Millions of followers and tourists seeking redemption pay obeisance at these places of worship. Others marvel at the massive scale on which these temples were conceived and the science behind their construction. Temples in Karnataka Standing the test of time, the temples of Karnataka are exalted and acclaimed for their sheer architectural beauty. The rock -cut temples and temples constructed in Dravidian style are the pre-eminent attractions. These impressive shrines were built by the Chalukya dynasty. The temples built by the Hoysalas are characterized by the usage of a star shaped platform as the base of the temple. The monolithic pillars and sculptural motifs of these fabled temples distinguish them from other temples in South India. Some of the august and remarkable temples in Karnataka are the following: • The Chennakesava Temple situated at Hassan • The Virupaksha and Hemakuta Temples of Hampi • The Cave and Jain Temple embellished at Badami • The ISKCON Temple located at Bangalore (this last one is of course a very recent addition to the landscape of Karnataka) Temples in Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu is an abode of the most alluring and prepossessing temples of India. The glorious historical records of the era bygone indicate that the temples of the state were built by the potentates of Pallava, Chola, Pandya, Nayak and Vijaynagara dynasties. Carved out of rocks; these temples exhibit various architectural designs. Some are characterized by gigantic and mammoth halls and massive gopurams. A gopuram is the rising tower at the entrance of a temple which is embellished with intricate carvings and painted with a variety of mythological themes. The must-see list temples in Tamil Nadu includes several preeminent ones. The Meenakshi Temple was constructed in the honour of Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati and is situated in Madurai; the history of the temple dates back to the 18th century. The 12 stunning, towering gopurams of the temple are absolutely majestic and draw the attention of pilgrims and sightseers alike. The Rameswaram Temple is noteworthy for the longest corridor in the country and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other captivating temples are the Kapileshwar Temple, the Shore Temple, the Sarangapani Temple, Sri Adhikesava Perumal Temple, the Brihadeshwara Temple and the Kanyakumari Amman Temple which attract pilgrims, architects and trippers in large numbers. Temples in Pondicherry The Union Territory of Pondicherry is home to around 350 temples which have been built in an impressive manner. The Varadaraja Temple and Villenour’s Thyirukameswarar Temple were constructed in the 12th century and to date, hold their own with their old-world charm. The Tiruvandar Siva temple, the Bahur temple and the Manakula Vinayakar temple are the other attractive temples where the faithful throng to seek divine benediction. Temples of Andhra Pradesh The state of Andhra Pradesh is dramatic in the assortment of historical monuments, architectural beauty, natural attractions and several holy temples that it houses. Among the exemplar temples of Andhra Pradesh are the Tirumala Temple at Tirupati, the Diguva Mangalagiri Temple and the temple at Srisailam, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Temples of Telangana Geographically, Telangana lies in the Deccan plateau. It has several places of tourist attraction, several heritage sites, historical monuments and ancient temples. The celebrated temples in Telangana region include the Yadagirigutta Temple, the Bhadrachalam Temple, the Birla Mandir at Hyderabad, the Thousand Pillar Temple, the Bhadrakali Temple and the Meenakshi Agasteeshwara Swami Temple. It is said that there are around three thousand temples in South India and it is worth every penny to visit these places of worship.

Harnessing Inner Potential

Harnessing Inner Potential HIS ALCOHOLISM BECAME A quotidian habit. Dharmendra was making a last-ditch effort as he boarded a flight from Jaipur to the Art of Living Ashram at Bangalore. Fortuitously, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar had given him an appointment at 4pm that evening. Stinking of liquor, reeking of stale cigarettes, with an unsteady gait he landed at Bangalore airport. He needed a physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional, parachute. Only a ‘Master’ through grace could provide such a life support system. For some time, my friend was trying to seek redemption from the lethal disease of alcoholism. My inventory list was prepared: join a rehab, attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and undertake the Happiness Programme of the Art of Living. This was my road to sobriety. Gurudev, advanced the appointment to 11am, and on one glance asked my friend to get admitted to the Ayurveda Hospital in the Ashram for a complete detoxification of body, mind and soul, and after a 15-day rehab to undergo the Happiness Programme. T Harvekar, a psychologist writes, “If we challenge our minds and ourselves and make our container larger, we will watch the universe rush in to fill in the space.” The Guru had scripted a change in the life of Dharmendra, it was for his mind to grab the opportunity. But the monkey mind invented an excuse and Dharmendra left the Ayurveda Hospital and once again indulged in brinkmanship. He could not draw the redlines or flag the issues confronting his mind and succumbed to temptation. This typifies a weak and a fragmented mind. While the brain is an organ that serves as the centre of the nervous system, the mind is the faculty of consciousness and thoughts. It is an individual’s intellect, memory or the attention span and will, whose potential needs to be enhanced. It is said that vultures feed on the carcass of history. Similarly, my friend was not living in the present moment rather he was feeding on the past with no window of opportunity to escape the conundrum. Buddha further said, “Do not dwell in the past and do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” Such individuals are unable to break the patterns and barriers of the comfort zone. Their prana levels are exceedingly low. low and the pendulum of their mind’s swings to the past. They carry the burden of the past and attempt a course correction without any professional help (Guru) displaying false bravado in their imaginary worlds. They unfailingly try to also change the behavioural patterns of those close to them, essentially to market their point of view. Such minds invariably resort to short cuts in life, trying to please everyone without any success. Ignoring the larger picture, this is a cunning and selfish mind, which does not trust anyone: basically, short of confidence and haunted by fear. The human mind is an enigma. It has enormous

Sadhana in a Scientific Way

Sadhana in a Scientific Way Sudarshan Kriya is a unique rhythmic breathing technique which has been cognated by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. This breathing technique when practised properly brings back rhythm in the life of the practitioner. Everything in life has a rhythm. The sun rises at a particular time and sets at a particular time. Birds leave the sanctuary of their nests and return at a set time. Imagine listening to a guitar which is not strung properly. The seeker must necessarily follow a laid-down routine which enhances the quality of sadhana. The first step is to loosen the body and follow a strict yogic regimen to derive maximum benefit from the practice. Surya Namaskar – Sun Salutation The Sun God grants us the vital energy and radiance which provides us with enormous abundance in life. This illuminating star suffuses our lives with heat and light and consequently energizes our mind, body, and souls. Ayurveda extols the virtues of the Sun as the provider of health. Hence the worship of the Sun assumes tremendous significance. Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskar is more than a mere physical exercise. It exorcises fear from our mind. As per the Ramayana, Lord Rama was imparted this esoteric knowledge by the sages like Vashistha and Vishwamitra. A practitioner needs to be in total harmony with his breath (prana), sound and the physical movement while performing the Sun Salutation. Regular practice of the Sun Salutation increases our intuitive ability. The focus is on all parts of the body but particularly the solar plexus. The solar plexus which is normally the size of an almond enlarges to assume the size of a human palm through methodical and faithful practice. The physical exercise is an obeisance to the Sun and takes the form of twelve yogic postures, which are performed in a sequential manner of movements and flow. The practice should not be associated with any religion or a ritual. It has a deep spiritual connect with the cosmos and opens frontiers of profound dimensions of awareness and mindfulness. A fifteen-to-twenty-minute practice of the Sun Salutation augments the vitality and beauty of the yogic practitioner and makes him radiant. However, it should be remembered that this is more than a mere physical exercise. It is a sadhana to the life giver of this planet. Normally six to twelve sets of Surya Namaskars strengthen the body, mind, and build our intuitive abilities. This is followed by the practice of Padmasadhana (a sequence of yogic postures in Ujjayi breath (or the breath of victory). As per the Agama tradition, it is believed that the Devi (Goddess) is seated on a five-layered seat or asana. The base of this seat is a tortoise, which represents stability. The sadhak needs awareness as well to delve deep inside. Thus, the second layer is the snake, which represents awareness. Awareness propels activity in the mind. Now above the snake is perched the lion, which symbolizes grace. And seated atop the lion is the Siddha, the perfect sage. Finally, above the perfect sage is the lotus, which is symbolic of absolute blossoming. When the yoga postures have all the five qualities that is stability, awareness, grace, perfection, and full blossoming, only then does divinity dawn on the seeker and that is the quest of Padma Sadhana. This sequence ought to be made an integral part of our daily morning and evening yoga practice to unlock the inner energy. Upon completion of these yogic practices, the sadhak or practitioner must practise Sudarshan Kriya. This is a complete package of performing sadhana in a scientific manner.

Transforming the Mind

Transforming the Mind Recently I received a message on my cell," I am the son of Lord Krishna, I keep visiting Tirumala, yet I take drugs, why do I suffer, kindly help me?" My response was," Meet a psychiatrist, undergo counselling, and undertake a holistic programme of wellness. But the caller remained unsatisfied and kept pestering me with a flurry of such messages. This person was positively in a state of misery and fear. His crutch and life boat were Lord Krishna. The mind of the caller was both fragmented and deeply disturbed. He appeared to be in a state of imbalance Patanjali Yoga Sutras have identified the following as root causes of miseries in life- Avidya, Asmita, Raga, Dwesha and Abhinivesha. 1) Avidya- This is nothing but lack of knowledge or ignorance. Everything around us keeps changing constantly. It could be our cells, blood, stomach linings, hair to name some. But we are oblivious of the change. 2) Asmita- Is our intellect and our self. We get stubbornly stuck to our opinions. Like the caller was fixated with the idea that he was the child of Lord Krishna and stay put at Tirumala. Yet he was partaking drugs. 3) Raga- This is nothing but craving. Normally craving arises out of certain pleasurable experiences of the past. It has deep imprint on the mind. But such impressions only aggravate our wants and misery 4) Dwesha- Is nothing but hatred. Hatred is antithetical to craving. Though it arises out of craving, the premise is an unpleasant experience. This could be because of certain tragic moments in the past or unrealistic expectations which do not materialize. 5) Abhivivesha- This is fear of the unknown. An emotion which affects all of us. Only a clairvoyant sage through penance and austerity overcomes this barrier. The caller proclaiming to be the son of Lord Krishna was in obvious pain and agony. He could experience ecstasy only through scientific help that is, consulting a psychiatrist, taking proper medication a wellness programme. The troubled individual’s mind could have undergone say the Happiness Programme of the Art of Living or Vipassana to combat fear. But he remained an escapist by not attending them. This is how a how a fragmented and an escapist mind reacts. The caller continued to escape and obviate the inevitable. It keeps hunting for excuses, alternatives. Invariably the cloak of negativity and ignorance shrouds the mind from combating the problem. Exercising all love, caution, and care, I asked him to chant " OM NAMAHA SHIVAYA" - 108 times thrice a day to purge his mind from all negative thoughts and by making positive affirmations through writing" I AM HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PEACEFUL". This task was also to be done thrice daily 108 times; and the Tapas to be continued for 41 days. In case a day is missed for some reason, to repeat the process again for 41 days. Such signals to the mind are extremely useful and powerful. The mind then responds to positivity and discards negative feelings and emotions. He has not contacted me thus far. Presumably, he has embarked on the journey of Tapas and hopefully has found support and a beacon of light in the dark tunnel. His Ishta Devata, Lord Krishna wielded Sudarshan Chakra wading through negativity and impurity. Sudarshan Kriya, Pranayama, Yoga and Meditation will certainly swathe through the cobwebs of his troubled mind and increase his Prana, Chi, or energy to obliterate the negativity. I am waiting for the 41 days to end so that he can be happy, healthy, and peaceful and lead a purposeful life.

Learn the Art of Forgiveness

Learn the Art of Forgiveness Recall the iconic lines, of Amitabh Bachchan in the movie Deewar – looks intently at the idol of Lord Shiva and says, “Bahut khush hoge tum!” Bachchan, in the movie essayed the role of a smuggler and an atheist. However, eventually in the final stages of his life, he surrenders to the supreme power and seeking forgiveness. True enlightenment is the art of living in a compassionate manner. The human mind and heart reach a point of inflexion where an act of pardon remains an inescapable reality. A prosaic individual is unable to separate the chaff from the grain. It is full of antipathetic thoughts that he cannot transcend the barrier and is unable to exonerate anyone who has inflicted pain or hardship on him. The mind, full of gloom ridden and obstructive thoughts cannot perceive the divinity in others. It remains perpetually in a state of conflict. Such an emotionally distraught person would castigate even angelic and divine figures out of callowness. Several organised and structured religions lay prominence on the art of forgiveness. If an individual does not rise to the sublime spheres of compassion and forgiveness, then he gets trapped in the whirlpool of cause and effect. The unabated Karmic cycle continues without any resolution. The pivot is to fortify and protect the human mind to make it robust and compassionate. It attempts to extricate the self from the cause and effect of actions and even non-actions. Action and non-actions of humans indeed leave an indelible impression on the human mind. It would be a perspicacious to pose as to how non-actions are also a kind of Karmic activity and in what manner it impacts the human mind and consciousness. Non-action in a way represents not taking up the gauntlet. Sage Ashtavakra who authored the treatise Ashtavakra Gita posits a theory that an individual should break the bondage of guilt and anger to invoke the grace of remission. There is poignant Zen story which explains the exemplary tenets of compassion and forgiveness. Aeons ago a Zen Master summoned his tutees in a Temple of Knowledge and asked them if they harboured the antipathetic emotion of hatred in their minds. “Yes!” exclaimed the disciples. The Master directed his disciples to place a potato each in their bag and always travel with it as a reminder that despite the practice of meditation and breathing exercises their prana level was not high enough to exterminate and expatriate hatred and inculcate compassion. The number of potatoes was to increase depending on the quantum of anger and would be directly proportional to the antipathy in their minds. Some young monks ended up carrying a bagful of potatoes, which over a period became malodorous. In sheer exasperation, the harried disciples sought refuge in the grace of the master to dispense away with the bag. The Zen Master guffawed and chided his students to abandon the negative trait of abhorrence from their minds, lest the malodour of these traits become a burden all through their lives. To lead a warm, and healthy life individuals should embark upon the path of forgiveness and compassion. This suffuses the mind with immense strength and courage of conviction. It would be insightful for any individual to make positive affirmations, reinforcing love for every animate and inanimate object to build a divine society. Such affirmations would train the mind to remain unruffled and spread the quintessential gospel of forgiveness. Thereby humans would truly embrace fellow beings. If we construe the human mind to be the hardware, compassionate thoughts and forgiveness are part of non-negotiable software.

Be Calm and Composed

Be Calm and Composed Aeons ago in ancient China lived an old farmer who worked on his land for several years. One day his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, a group of neighbours came to commiserate with him. “Such misfortune,” the agitated group of villagers reacted. “Maybe,” nonchalantly replied the farmer. A few days later the horse returned, accompanied by three wild horses. Another group of villagers approached the house of agriculturist to sympathise. “Maybe,” replied the aged farmer. The following day, the farmer’s son tried to mount one of the untamed horses and was thrown off. The strapping youngster broke his leg. The overwrought neighbours once again queued up to offer their sympathies at this misadventure. “Maybe,” was the desultory answer yet again. A few days later some military personnel swooped on the village to draft young men. Looking at the incapacitated stripling he was disqualified from being recruited. The exuberant neighbours congratulated the old grazier on the unexpected turn of events. “Maybe,” was the laconic reply yet again. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, has succinctly elucidated the significance of the aphorism, ‘to accept people and situations as they are’ in his teachings. The 4 Ds of Abnormal Behaviour Abnormal behaviour can be construed as a behaviour which is disturbing (socially unacceptable), distressing, maladaptive (or self-defeating), and often the result of distorted thoughts (cognitions), as per Wikipedia. There are four strains in this abnormal behaviour. These are deviance, dysfunction, distress, and danger. Deviant behaviour is usually different, extreme, and unusual and could even include bizarre behavioural patterns. The second in the series is distressing behaviour. People who are related to such individuals feel unpleasant and unsettled in their presence. Dysfunctional behaviour discommodes the patient to such an extent that it acts as a deterrent in his day-to-day functioning and behaviour and interferes in his range of activities. There are five specific patterns of anxiety disorders which fall into this category. The first is termed as General Anxiety Disorder. This is a prolonged, vague, quite inexplicable fear having no objective basis, accompanied by hyper vigilance, and attached motor tension of the brain. Next is what in quotidian parlance is called panic disorder. These are none other than perpetual and frequent anxiety disorders and attacks which are accompanied with psychological symptoms such as breathlessness, palpitations, a trembling feeling, dizziness and even a sense of total loss of control over the self. Next in the line of mental disorders are phobias. Humans have irrational phobias such as Acrophobia (fear of heights), Glossophobia (fear of addressing an audience), Claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces), Aviophobia (fear of flying). In such situations a human being is preoccupied with a wide range of thoughts, which are normally viewed by sane people as irrational. Last, but no less distressing – on this ill-fated checklist is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These individuals suffer repeated and recurrent nightmares, flashbacks, impaired concentration, and emotional numbing which invariably follows traumatic or stressful events. Our country is plagued by three major issues namely, addictions, women’s issues, and psychological disorders. Generally, citizens approach tantriks, babas, and quacks hoping for a miraculous cure. It is paramount to meet a qualified medical practitioner. The first step to recovery is medication under the expert guidance of a doctor. Next, after a period of treatment, it would be prudent to contact self-help groups, which sustain the treatment. For instance, undergoing the Happiness Course of the Art of Living, where one learns the Sudarshan Kriya breathing technique which harmonises the body and thought. “No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again,” said Gautama Buddha.

Understanding the law of gratitude and gratefulness

Understanding the law of gratitude and gratefulness Almighty divinity, through the prowess of the grandeur nature, and the resplendent and ever mutating cosmos is eternally showering bounties on humans. However, the human mind is not wakeful or grateful to accept this materiality. A question of attitude It is primarily and predominately our attitude which reinforces gratitude within our personalities. The word gratitude strikes its roots in the word the Latin word gratus, meaning to be thankful. It is always sagacious to recite a short prayer before a meal. Language is no trammel. Annadata Sukhi Bhava. By remembrance of these lines (Sanskrit), we express our gratefulness and indebtedness to the agrarian community and the cook for producing and preparing the meal respectively. Body: a divine instrument Nature has gifted us with something incomparable and priceless, the human body. We have been provided us with a supercomputer of a brain. Prowess of the breath Next humans are blissfully unmindful of the power of our breath. It can be likened to a cell phone which nature has provided to connect us with divinity. Breath is perhaps the most potent form of effervescence and pizzaz of our personalities. Humans are insensible to the fact that ninety percent of toxins get expatriated from our bodies through the potency of breath. If we delve deep into the ancient practices like pranayama or the unique rhythmic technique of Sudarshan Kriya (imparted in various bouquet of courses of the Art of Living) the primacy of breath is understood by us. An inestimable nun Aeons ago lived an exalted and celebrated Zen nun. There were far and few like her. It was believed that few women could attain the venerable state like this pious lady. Once she had undertaken an arduous pilgrimage and arrived at a village as the sun sank in the horizon. In all humility she begged for lodgings for the night. However, the villagers slammed their doors and were unwilling to accommodate her in the village. They were opposed to the tenets of the Zen school of thought. They thought it to be exceedingly revolutionary in nature. Thus, the clichéd and conformist individuals were unwilling to accept the nun into their fold even for a night. The traditionalists banished her from the village and she was compelled to wage the battle against inclement weather out in the cold. At the stroke of midnight, she woke up abruptly unearthed the cherry tree which fed her ravenous body with sweet fruits, talking to the full moon which lightened up the sky. Immediately she was engulfed with waves of emotions and suffused with love and affection for all those who had exiled and expatriated her from the village. She experienced the quintessential silence of an awaked one. She was extremely grateful to the villagers who had not accommodated her, to the cherry tree which fed her, the meditative silence which encompassed her body, all of which had wily nily contributed to her awakening, an almost celestial spectacle. Thus, a stock individual, a savant, a sage or a nun becomes a Buddha the moment he / she accepts all that life brings with it variegated, paradoxical situations. The one who accepts these situations which gratitude and gratefulness, without admonishing anyone or carping verily becomes an awakened one – The Buddha. “Good men and bad men differ radically. Bad men never appreciate kindness shown them, but wise men appreciate and are grateful. Wise men try to express their appreciation and gratitude by some return of kindness, not only to their benefactor, but to everyone else,” said Gautama Buddha.