The account of a beautiful story 'Karmas-

The account of a beautiful story 'Karmas- Once Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati were sitting on the Kailash mountain. Shiva ji was sitting meditating. Then Parvati ji saw that he was smiling. The question arose in Parvati ji's mind that today Mahadev is smiling even in meditation posture. At the end of Bhole Baba's tomb, he asked him - Swami, I have seen you smiling in samadhi for the first time. Shiva ji told him that he was smiling after hearing the words of one of his devotees and his wife. Explaining the whole thing, Mahadev said that in the death of me, I have a Brahmin who is a priest in a temple of mine and is engaged in my service day and night. He lives with his wife in a small hut behind this temple. His wife wants him to have his own house and has a wealth so that he can spend his life with happiness, but the priest is only dependent on the offerings of the temple! And the donations coming to the temple can only run the expenses of his house with great difficulty from the south. Where will the house and other comforts come from, but he keeps on graceing me day and night to fulfill his wife's dream. Today his wife said such a thing to him that I could not live without smiling. Parvati ji asked what said that his wife who was distracted by you. Shivji told that his wife taunted him today and said that the naive Shankar you keep serving day and night, and they keep asking for me for me, they do not have a house themselves, they themselves live on Mount Kailas. Where will you give you home? I was smiling just hearing this. Parvati ji was very surprised at this, he said, "Swami, I felt very bad to hear this, she is taunting you and you are smiling." You give him a house and comfort so that he cannot condemn you. Shiv ji said that Parvati is not under my control. All these creatures live in the death of their previous birth as well as the fruits of the acts of this birth. And as soon as they get the fruits of their actions! And in the end they get liberation. That is why it has been called death. Man takes birth repeatedly and pays the account of his deeds. This karma is land, there is no speed without karma. Further, Shiva Ji said that this Brahmin was a moneylender in the previous life who pledged people's land, their jewelry, etc. and used to give them money and grab their land. And who used to get money in the jewelry and interest of others. It was also used by his wife. For this reason, it cannot be found home in this birth today and his wife who used those things is also enjoying this karma with it. It is serving me in this birth. Due to which the pains that were to be found in the fruits of its deeds are not getting it due to my devotion. Its life is cut off peacefully, but until the account of its deeds is complete, it cannot get home and other facilities. This is the law of law. Parvati ji said that it is fine. But what about his wife who is condemning you. Then Shiva said in the world as the time of Kali Yuga comes near. Man will start blaming them instead of doing devotion to God! It has been written at the beginning of the universe. The person who continues to serve me in this difficult time will get freedom from this death. Everywhere Shiva,

A King had 10 wild dogs

A King had 10 wild dogs. He used them to torture & kill any minister that misguided him. A Minister once gave an opinion which was wrong which the king didn’t like at all… So he ordered that the Minister to be thrown to the dogs. The Minister said, "I served you loyally for 10 years & you do this..?" The King was unrelenting. Minister pleaded, "Please give me 10 days before you throw me to the dogs". The King agreed. In those 10 days, the Minister went to the keeper of the dogs & told him he wanted to serve the dogs for the next 10 days… The Guard was baffled… But he agreed. So the minister started feeding the dogs, caring for them, washing them, providing all sorts of comfort for them. So when the 10 days were up… The King ordered that the minister be thrown to the dogs as sentenced. When he was thrown in, everyone was amazed at what they saw... The dogs were wagging their tails playing with the condemned minister... licking his feet. The King was baffled at what he saw, "What happened to the dogs?” He growled. The Minister then said, "I served the dogs for only 10 days & they didn’t forget my service... I served you for 10 years & you forgot all at the first mistake”… The King realised his mistake and Replaced the dogs with crocodiles 🐊!! Moral : When Management has decided ki tumhaari bajaani hai to bajaani hi hai... That's Final...

*What is Lipid Profile?*

*What is Lipid Profile?* A famous doctor explained lipid profile in a very good way and shared a beautiful story explaining it in a unique way. Imagine that our body is a small town. The biggest troublemaker in this town is - *Cholesterol.* He also has some companions. His main partner in crime is - *Triglyceride.* Their job is to roam in the streets, create chaos and block the roads. The *heart* is the city center of this town. All the roads lead to the heart. When these troublemakers start increasing, you can imagine what happens. They try to obstruct the work of the heart. But our body-town also has a police force deployed - *HDL* The good policeman catches these troublemakers and puts them in jail *(liver)*. Then the liver removes them from the body - through our drainage system. But there is also a bad cop - *LDL* who is hungry for power. LDL takes these miscreants out of jail and lets them back on the streets. When the good cop *HDL* goes down, the whole town goes haywire. Who would want to live in such a town? Do you want to reduce these miscreants and increase the number of good policemen? Start *Walking*! With every step *HDL* will increase, and miscreants like *Cholesterol, Triglyceride* and *LDL* will decrease. Your body (town) will come alive again. Your heart – the city center – will be protected from the blockage *(heart block)* of miscreants. And when the heart is healthy, you will also be healthy. So whenever you get a chance – start walking! *Stay healthy...* and *Wishing you good health* *This article tells you the best way to increase HDL (good cholesterol) and reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) i.e. walking.* Every step increases HDL. So – *Come on, move on and keep moving.* *Happy Senior Citizens Week* Reduce these things:- 1. Salt 2. Sugar 3. Bleached refined flour 4. Dairy products 5. Processed foods *Eat these things everyday:-* 1. Vegetables 2. Pulses 3. Beans 4. Nuts 5. Cold pressed oils 6. Fruits *Three things to try to forget:* 1. Your age 2. Your past 3. Your grievances *Four important things to adopt:* 1. Your family 2. Your friends 3. Positive thinking 4. Clean and welcoming home *Three basic things to adopt:* 1. Always smile 2. Do regular physical activity at your own pace 3. Check and control your weight *Six essential lifestyle habits you should adopt:* 1. Don’t wait till you are thirsty to drink water. 2. Don't wait till you are tired to rest. 3. Don't wait till you are sick for medical tests. 4. Don't wait for miracles, trust in God. 5. Never lose faith in yourself. 6. Stay positive and always hope for a better tomorrow. If you have friends in this age group *(45-80 years)* please send this to them. *Happy Senior Citizens Week!* Send this to all the nice senior citizens you know. May God bless you

SEEKING AND FINDING

Good Morning!!! SEEKING AND FINDING Around the Year with Emmet Fox June 4 People are very apt to find what they seek. You have noticed that people who go about looking for trouble, practically always find it. The popular proverb, "Listeners seldom hear good of themselves," is an example. We also know people who love to say that they never have any luck. When things seem to go against them, they exclaim triumphantly, “Wouldn't you know it? —that is what always happens to me!" Now, such a mistaken person needs only to alter this habit and he will automatically alter his life. It is often difficult to get such people to make this alteration, but if they do the result is never in doubt. Spiritual law says that it is never too late to mend, and that when we seek God's help we find it. “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else” Isaiah 45:22

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

When the mind is centered and free from fear, guilt, and anger, it has the power to heal any ailment.

MIGRATION OF BRAHMINS WHICH LED TO THE SPREAD SANSKRIT LANGUAGE AND CULTURE ALL OVER INDIA

MIGRATION OF BRAHMINS WHICH LED TO THE SPREAD SANSKRIT LANGUAGE AND CULTURE ALL OVER INDIA There were mainly 6 mass migration of brahmins from one part of India to another after invitation from the kings of those particular regions.This led to the spread of the sanskrit cosmopolis all over India. These brahmins have now integrated into the society and culture of the regions where they migrated to. The six types of brahmins who migrated to different parts of India are as follows:- 1)KULIN BRAHMINS(KANNAUJ TO BENGAL) The kulin brahmins are considered the brahmins of the highest order in the bengali hindu society. These kulin brahmins trace their ancestry to five families of the Kanyakubja Brahmins(Brahmins from Kannauj,Uttar Pradesh) A bengali brahmin priest from British India In the 11th century CE,the Buddhist Pala empire of Bengal had declined,it is believed that at this time,the king Adi Sura brought five Kanyakubja brahmins with their attendants to bengal to “educate” the already existing brahmins in bengal and to revive the orthodox brahminical hinduism.They were also brought to propagate the “ nine gunas” like-Peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, knowledge, wisdom and religiousness.

Primary school students write "My Aspirations"

Primary school students write "My Aspirations" Not to be president, Not to be a doctor, Not to be a scientist, None of them. My future aspiration is to be a grandpa, so cool. Because my grandpa: Can sleep in the morning, Can take a nap, Can watch TV and go to bed early in the evening. No homework, No summer and winter homework, No tutoring. When you have nothing to do, you can go under the tree to cool off, Or go to the park to find someone to play chess. No one cares how long you play video games. Drink coffee in the morning, Drink tea in the afternoon, Drink wine in the evening, Happy as a god. Bus is free, and if you meet a kind person, someone will give up their seat. Taking the high-speed rail and watching movies are half price. Eat whatever you want, Hot ones include oyster omelette, rice cake, tempura, vermicelli soup, stinky tofu, grilled sausage, radish cake, etc. Cold ones include tofu pudding, shaved ice, papaya milk, ice cream, jelly, pudding, mung bean jelly, cheese, As long as you don't eat too much, no one will stop you. You can do whatever you want, Sing, dance, paint, play the piano, play the trumpet, or climb mountains, hike, If you have money in your pocket, you can also travel. Being a grandpa is great! Inspiration~~~~~Grandpas don't even know how happy they are!!

Time is a rare luxury

Time is a rare luxury which can never be purchased at any cost. So when someone spends it for you, it defines the depth of care they have for you. Being in control of your life and having realistic expectation about your day to day challenges are the keys to stress management, which is perhaps the most important ingredient to living a happy, healthy and rewarding life. Don't mention a person's past mistakes when they are trying to change. That's like throwing rocks at them while they are struggling to climb a mountain. L We always overestimate our worries & underestimate our potential. Find your potential today and work on it. Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. Compromising on our values is like selling our soul for those who will not even remember that we took a turn just for their smile. No person in this world has ever been rewarded for what he has received. He is always honoured for what he has given to others

Secret of Happiness as per Judaism - A doctor *Afshine Emani* writes:

Secret of Happiness as per Judaism - A doctor *Afshine Emani* writes: Here's my secret. My first day in practice, I started with a networth of minus $1,000,000. I'd lost to the stock market all the money I earned working 80-hour weeks during residency and fellowship. I had loans and loans and more loans. But, every morning I entered the hospital at 6 a.m. and every night I left work around midnight, the nurses would ask me the same question: "How do you always have the biggest smile on your face?" I couldn't express the answer then as well as I can now. The secret is Judaism's three cardinal laws of happiness: 1- Start with gratitude; 2- Find your gift; 3- Give it away. This formula is the secret to true, deep happiness. 1- Start each day with gratitude for all you've been given. Talk about your blessings, not your problems. Start by feeling how much you owe the world, not how much you're owed. #ModehAniLefanecha. 2- What is your purpose in life? Why are you here? Why did God trust you with this life? Hint: To help others. To mend a broken world. #TikkunOlam Each of us has a unique gift in how we can accomplish this task. Mine is medicine. Yours may be singing, art, defending, raising children, nursing, comforting... It's up to you to find your gift and through it live a meaningful and purpose-driven life. 3- #Tzedakah Give your gift away. It must be money you've earned, but also your time, talent, love, effort. Give your gift away. Not all of it. Judaism requires 10%. Anyone can do this. Everyone can find things they are thankful for, right this minute. Everyone has a talent that makes them unique. Everyone can give without wanting anything back. When you live in sync with these three Jewish principles (and you don't have to be Jewish), your life becomes so much more than a mechanical day to day struggle. This is how I fought clinical depression and won. So now, I give you my secret as a gift.

After 32 straight hours in the operating theatre,

After 32 straight hours in the operating theatre, two surgeons lay down on the floor, completely drained yet deeply fulfilled. They had just completed a complex, high-risk brain surgery to remove multiple tumors from a patient’s brain. No fancy celebration, no fanfare - just quiet exhaustion and the weight of what they had achieved. This moment captures more than just fatigue. It speaks to the commitment, precision and relentless focus it takes to do the impossible. Thirty-two hours without rest, holding someone’s life in their hands. The patient survived. The tumors are gone. And the surgeons? They gave everything they had. This is what real heroism looks like. Not in capes, but in scrubs.

The Whisper in the Minarets: The Mossad Agent Who Danced Through Tehran

The Whisper in the Minarets: The Mossad Agent Who Danced Through Tehran 🕯️ This is not a novel. This is not a fantasy. This is the bone-chilling, heart-thudding true story of a woman who turned the tide of war—not with guns or drones, but with silence, charm, and a poisoned pen. Her name was Catherine Perez-Shakdam. She was a paradox wrapped in shadow, a woman whose every step was a calculated defiance of fate. Born in Paris to a secular Jewish family, her blood carried the ancient echoes of Yemen—its deserts, its poetry, its secrets. A scholar of Middle Eastern affairs, she was no stranger to the labyrinth of geopolitics. Her mind was a map of fault lines: Sunni and Shi’a, Persian and Arab, power and betrayal. And then, she did the unthinkable. She converted publicly to Shi’a Islam. She draped herself in the black chador, its folds whispering against the cobblestones of London, then Tehran. She quoted Imam Khomeini with a reverence that could make clerics weep. She bowed her head in the holy city of Qom, her Farsi flawless, her prayers rhythmic, her presence unassuming. But beneath the ink-dipped fingers that penned odes to the Islamic Republic, beneath the veiled eyes that met the gaze of generals’ wives, she was a dagger. A dagger sharpened by Mossad. The Pen That Pierced the Republic Catherine did not storm Tehran with explosives or encrypted radios. She arrived as a thinker—a journalist, a poet, a woman whose words could weave tapestries of loyalty. Her articles graced Press TV, each sentence a carefully crafted hymn to the revolution. Her bylines appeared in the Tehran Times, her prose polished, her allegiance unquestioned. Most chilling of all, her words found their way onto the official website of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei himself, a digital shrine to the regime’s untouchable power. This was no accident. This was infiltration—surgical, strategic, devastating. Every article she wrote was a thread in a web, spun with precision. She studied the rhythm of Tehran’s streets: the call to prayer echoing from minarets, the clink of teacups in bazaar cafés, the whispered paranoia of a nation under siege. She learned to mirror its pulse. Her chador became her armor, her pen her blade. She was not a spy in the Hollywood sense—no trench coats, no dead drops. She was a ghost who walked in plain sight, her every gesture a performance, her every word a weapon. She wrote of unity, of resistance, of the sanctity of the Islamic Republic. And all the while, her true audience sat thousands of miles away, in a dimly lit room in Tel Aviv, poring over her coded reports. She Sat Among Lions By 2023, Catherine had become a fixture in Tehran’s elite circles. She sipped mint tea in the perfumed courtyards of Isfahan, her laughter mingling with the wives of Revolutionary Guards commanders. She held intellectual salons under the shadow of ancient domes, her voice soft but magnetic, drawing scholars and strategists into her orbit. She was invited into the private compound of President Ebrahim Raisi himself, where she walked with the poise of a believer, her eyes lowered but never blind. She moved through military academies, her bare feet brushing the cool tiles of inner courtyards, her lips murmuring hadiths with a reverence that silenced skeptics. She prayed beside the wives of IRGC generals, her whispered questions about their husbands’ work—so innocent, so empathetic—slipping past their defenses like a breeze. “How does he carry the weight of such responsibility?” she would ask, her voice a velvet blade. “Does he ever find peace at home?” And they would answer. They spoke of routines: the late-night meetings in Karaj, the weekend retreats to private villas in Mazandaran, the hushed arguments over troop movements in Parchin. They shared names—colonels, scientists, shadow operatives of the Quds Force. They revealed fears: the paranoia of surveillance, the dread of betrayal. Catherine listened. Her memory was a vault, her heart a metronome. Every detail—every name, every timetable, every whispered anxiety—was etched into her mind, to be relayed later in fragments, disguised as musings in her articles or casual remarks in coded phone calls. Mossad recorded it all. Operation Shabgard (Nightwalker) On the nights of June 13–14, 2025, the skies above Iran roared with retribution. Israeli airstrikes, guided by intelligence so precise it seemed divine, tore through the heart of the Islamic Republic’s defenses. Esfahan, Natanz, Parchin—names synonymous with Iran’s nuclear ambitions and military might—burned under the weight of surgical devastation. • Eight top IRGC officers, men who had shaped Iran’s regional dominance, were reduced to ash in their beds. • Seven nuclear scientists, architects of a program meant to defy the world, never reached their labs. • Three senior Quds Force commanders, ghosts who had eluded Israeli intelligence for decades, were exposed in a single night. The targets were not just coordinates on a map. They were lives, dissected with surgical precision: the hour a general returned to his villa, the secluded garden where a scientist smoked his evening cigarette, the hammam where a commander lingered too long. This was not satellite intelligence. This was human. Intimate. Devastating. Catherine’s whispers had painted the targets. Her conversations, her overheard snippets, her carefully curated trust had illuminated the Islamic Republic’s darkest corners. She had not fired a shot, but her words had guided the missiles. The Escape As the explosions lit the night sky, Catherine vanished. Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence awoke to chaos, their networks unraveling, their secrets exposed. They scoured her articles, her phone logs, her seemingly innocuous meetings in Karaj and Shiraz. They traced her steps to Qom, to the salons of Isfahan, to the prayer rooms where she had knelt beside their wives. But she was gone, a shadow slipping through their fingers. Her escape was as meticulous as her infiltration. Through the jagged peaks of the Zagros Mountains, under the cover of starless nights, she moved with the silence of a specter. In the Kurdish borderlands, where loyalties shift like sand, she waited in a dried riverbed near Sardasht. At dawn, a Mossad extraction team airlifted her to safety, the thrum of helicopter blades the only sound breaking the stillness. She left no trace. The Ghost in the Minarets Today, Catherine Perez-Shakdam is a phantom. Interpol has no photo of her post-escape. Her Farsi-written blogs, once a beacon of her cover, have been scrubbed from the internet. Her Twitter account, once a tapestry of Khamenei quotes and revolutionary fervor, now leads to a digital void. In Tehran, her name is a curse, whispered in rage by those who trusted her. In Tel Aviv, it is a legend, spoken in hushed awe by those who know the truth. They call her “The Minaret Whisperer.” “The Scribe of the Shadows.” “The Woman Who Burned Qom Without a Matchstick.” This is no James Bond fantasy. This is the raw, unfiltered truth of a woman who wrote herself into the heart of a regime and shattered it from within. Her weapon was trust, earned through years of performance, each smile a sacrifice, each prayer a gamble. Her cover was faith, a mask woven from the very fabric of her enemy’s convictions. Her mission was to disarm a nation—not with bullets, but with the quiet, devastating power of betrayal. And she succeeded. Alone. Unarmed. Unforgettable

At a college reunion

Good morning. Have a great weekend🙏 At a college reunion, a group of successful alumni—now doctors, lawyers, business owners—decided to visit their old professor. They chatted about their careers and families, but soon the conversation shifted to life’s pressures, stress, and constant chasing after more. After listening for a while, the professor smiled and said, “Hold on a minute. I’ll go make us some coffee.” He came back with a large pot and a tray full of cups—none of them matching. Some were fine porcelain, others were plain ceramic, a few were chipped glass mugs, and one even looked like it came from a diner. As everyone reached for a cup, the professor watched in silence. Once they all had coffee in hand, he said: “Notice what just happened. Most of you instinctively reached for the nicest cups—leaving behind the simpler ones. It’s normal to want the best for ourselves, but that’s often where the stress begins.” He gestured toward the cups. “The cup doesn’t make the coffee taste any better. What you really wanted was the coffee. But you still focused on the cup.” Then he paused. “Life is the coffee. Your job, your house, your income, your status—those are just cups. They help contain life, but they don’t define it. And the trouble is, the more we focus on the cup, the more we miss out on the coffee.” He smiled. “Remember, happy people don’t always have the best of everything. But they know how to make the best of what they have.” Have a great day

In a small village in Tuscany

In a small village in Tuscany, there's a bakery that opens every morning at 4:30. No one knows exactly how long it's been there. The smell of fresh bread drifts through the still-dark streets, and every now and then, someone stops by to buy a steaming loaf before heading to work. The baker's name is Mario. He's 74 years old. For 51 years, every single day without missing a morning, he's kneaded, baked, and arranged the loaves on the counter—all by himself. No vacations, no days off. When people ask him why he doesn't retire, he simply replies, "As long as someone needs warm bread in the morning, I'll be here." But what truly moves people isn't just his dedication. It's what he does every Friday, without ever telling anyone. Every Friday at 6:00 a.m., Mario leaves five bags filled with bread and focaccia at the door of the small local preschool—an old building with walls covered in children's drawings. No one sees him, but the teachers know. They found out years ago by checking the security cameras to discover who was leaving the anonymous gift. Once, they tried to thank him, but he only said, "The bread is for those who are growing. I lost my son when he was five. This is how I keep his memory alive." Since that day, every Friday, the children find their "magic bread" waiting for them, and the teachers tell them the story of Mario—without ever saying his name, out of respect. They call him "The Baker of the Heart." A month ago, Mario fell ill. For the first time in half a century, the bakery stayed closed. Word spread throughout the village, and the following Sunday, more than 200 people gathered outside his bakery. Each person held a homemade roll in their hand. In silence, they waited for the light inside to turn on. Mario came out wearing a flour-stained apron, his eyes full of emotion. He said only one thing: "I thought that after all this time, no one would remember me. But you are my warm bread."

Is Marriage a Free license for sex

Marriage is a license for free sex, whenever you want, wherever you want, however you want, show your right over your wife and do it. If you are a girl, then demand from your husband and do it. This is the key to a good married life and why not. As time passed in the youth, friends started getting married. After marriage, when all the friends met, this was the topic of discussion and after listening to them, I used to think when will I get married and when will I get to do it. After some time, the talk of marriage started, there was a strange fear in the mind of leaving the family and also a happiness. When marriage happens, everything runs smoothly. I was married in a middle class family, so everything had to be done by pressing hands. My husband respected me and took care of every small thing of mine, but this does not mean that he never got angry. He would say 4 things in anger. He even said that my life has been ruined by marrying you, but I knew that this is anger. The truth is the opposite. Marriage It had been 5 years, we had a son too, when responsibilities come upon us, the colour of sex and pleasure slowly starts fading And this happens not only with a woman but also with a man and our relationship was going through this phase Then the pandemic hit the country, and my husband who used to work as a manager in a hotel was fired from his job, we spent 2 years with a lot of difficulty, The situation was such that we had to sell Rajma chalwal momos on a scoty But one thing that increased in this stick of sorrow was the dedication of both of us towards each other, a man tries everything so that his family remains happy, but if due to some reason he is not able to do this work then it is not his fault, it is the fault of his situation I had decided, no matter how much I earn, this is my responsibility. Running the house in that, I did that, I did not make any kind of demand for the whole 4 years Anyway men do not know how to do anything for themselves, But because of this dedication and companionship our relationship has become stronger, I have faith in this man that whatever the situation is, if I stay with him, he will come out of it And he too my friend has faith that whatever condition I am in, my wife will run the house and will never leave me, Marriage is done after seeing the good times but no one knows when bad times will come with good times and the one who supports in bad times is the true partner Sex and intercourse after marriage, all this is good, but after a time it fades Marriage is done after seeing the rich and well settled family But I learned in my bad times, that whether there is money or not, whether the family is prosperous or not, for a boy, parents should take time to choose a partner who is true from the heart But nowadays everything is the opposite of this

KARMA

Mon 30 Jun, 22:07 (17 hours ago) to Good Morning!!! KARMA Around the Year with Emmet Fox July 1 Just as like attracts like, so like produces like. This is a cosmic law, which means that it is universally true throughout the whole of existence right up through the higher planes. As Jesus put it, you do not gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles; and he also said, “Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit” Matthew 7:17 So, it is with our thoughts and words and deeds. As we sow so shall we reap, sometimes almost immediately, sometimes after a long interval. But always, sooner or later like produces like. Reincarnation also explains the differences in talents that we find between one man and another. The born musician is a man who has studied music in a previous life, perhaps in several lives, and has therefore built that faculty into his soul. He is a talented musician today because he is reaping what he sowed yesterday. In the East this law of sowing and reaping is known as karma and the term is a convenient one. Note carefully, however, that karma is not punishment. If you touch a red-hot stove, you will burn your finger. This will hurt you, but it is not punishment, only a benign and reformative consequence, for after one or two such experiences in childhood, you learn to keep your fingers away from hot iron. So, it is with all-natural retribution— you suffer because you have a lesson to learn.

Not sure how much of this Cricket stats is true, but interesting way to look at the depth and terrain each one handled.

Not sure how much of this Cricket stats is true, but interesting way to look at the depth and terrain each one handled. Who is India's greatest Test batsman? Sherlock Holmes concludes his investigation Gavaskar, Tendulkar, Dravid or Kohli? Who is the greatest Indian batter? After a thorough investigation in Part 1, Sherlock Holmes deduced Kohli comes in fourth in this field of four. Readers agreed with Holmes overwhelmingly. In this second and concluding part of his investigation, Holmes narrows in on Dravid, Gavaskar and Sachin to find the greatest. Sherlock Holmes hunts for India’s Greatest Test Batsman. New Delhi,UPDATED: Jun 21, 2025 10:06 IST In the sitting room of 221B Baker Street, Sherlock Holmes’ piercing gaze settled on Dr Watson, who sulked while nursing an espresso. “Why so serious, Watson?” “My favourite, Kohli, is out of the running,” Watson sighed. “Fourth place for the King hurts. Who is next, Holmes? Gavaskar, Tendulkar, or Dravid?” Holmes, pipe in hand, tapped the desk. “Patience, Watson. Deduction demands precision. We now dissect the triumvirate: the saviour (Gavaskar), the destroyer (Tendulkar), and the protector (Dravid).” Watson leaned forward. “Let’s start with Dravid, the Wall. Steady, isn’t he?” Holmes nodded, switching slides. “Observe Rahul Dravid’s record: 13,288 runs, 164 Tests, average 52.31. His SENA average - in South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia - is 49.48.” A chart flared up, detailing Dravid’s resilience: 36 centuries, 63 fifties, 21000+ balls faced. Watson whistled. “That’s tenacity. But he’s not flashy. Fans love Tendulkar’s flair or Kohli’s fire.” Holmes’ eyes narrowed. “Triumph of substance over style. Dravid’s 40.84 average in fourth-innings shows steel and fire. He carried India’s middle order through crises.” “Now Tendulkar,” Watson urged. “The Master Blaster. Surely he’s the one?” Holmes’ slide revealed Tendulkar’s journey: 24 years, 15921 runs, 200 Tests, average 53.78, 51 centuries, 68 fifties. SENA average: 51.30, with 17 centuries, the highest for a visiting batsman. “Records are just half the story, Watson. For 24 years, Tendulkar carried the weight of a nation’s expectations, like a mountain on his index finger. When he batted, it felt as if all of India stood with him at the crease.” Watson nodded. “Everyone loves Sachin. Stadiums chanted his name. Sachin-Sachin, the chorus still echoes.” Holmes warned. “Tendulkar’s fourth-innings average, 36.93, trails Dravid’s. His 12 centuries in losses reveal brilliance, but not always impact. But, to carry so much weight for so long requires focus, determination, and nerves of steel.” “Fair point, Holmes. Do you rate him above Dravid?” “Dravid defeated bowlers with defiance. Tendulkar destroyed them with his aggression. Dravid looked to defend, Tendulkar to dominate. Dravid frustrated opponents like an impregnable wall. Bowlers feared Tendulkar’s bat like a thunderbolt; he was their worst nightmare - remember Shane Warne?” Watson chuckled. “Warne, bless him, lost the plot against Tendulkar. Confessed to mid-night visions of Tendulkar dancing down the track.” “Derailed Rawalpindi Express too,” Holmes' gaze wandered into the past. “Tendulkar’s record, his longevity, and fearless cricket make him a modern great. Perhaps the greatest of his generation.” Watson paused, struggling for words. “But not the greatest Indian batter, really, Holmes? I am stumped. You think it’s Sunil Gavaskar - the Little Master?” “I let facts speak,” Holmes said curtly. The projector shifted, displaying Gavaskar’s stats: 10,122 runs, 125 Tests, average 51.12. SENA average: 44.80. “SENA average is underwhelming,” Watson noted. “Watson, it’s unfair to compare Gavaskar with the other three,” Holmes’ words were heavy with nostalgia. “Why so?” “Context, Watson, is the king. A batsman’s greatness is defined not just by records. The quality of the bowlers and playing conditions are equally important. Tougher the test, the greater the achievement.” “Agree. Flat track bullies flatter in India but fizzle outside.” “Right. Gavaskar faced Holding, Marshall, Garner, Roberts without helmets,” Holmes noted. “He took on Lillee, Thomson, and Imran at their peak. Epic. No modern batsman endured such hostility. Thirteen centuries in the West Indies against that ferocious pack. That’s a master taming the giants with a wand.” Watson imagined a famous fight: Joel ‘Big Bird’ Garner hurling the ball from a height of nine feet at the Little Master on the Barbados pitch. A chill ran down his spine. “Gavaskar opened the batting. The new ball was a different beast, especially in the hands of Malcolm Marshall - he was thunder and lightning on the pitch...” “...And Michael Holding was Whispering Death. Tendulkar and Dravid also faced ferocious bowlers - Donald, McGrath, Waqar, Wasim. But, Watson, the Gavaskar era pitches were a different beast.” Watson cupped his chin. “Explain.” “The pitches were a middle ground between fully uncovered and modern ones. Partial covers reduced extreme weather effects, but pitches remained variable, deteriorating quickly and favouring bowlers more than today. Pitches were fast in the West Indies, turning in India, seaming in England, and bouncy in Australia. They tested the versatility of a batsman. Compared with modern pitches, they were less predictable, less batsman-friendly, and more prone to wear.” “Wow,” Watson whistled. “On modern pitches, with today’s protective gear, against bowlers less formidable than the West Indies pace quartet, Gavaskar would have averaged in the 60s.” “Perhaps,” said Holmes. "Test cricket changed a lot in the 90s. Market forces started dominating," he smirked. "TV broadcasters wanted Tests to last at least four days, so they pressed for batter-friendly pitches -- flat, slow and low. On these doctored pitches, flat-track bullies flourished. Averages shot up globally. Gavaskar would have been a relentless run machine on these pitches." Watson scratched his chin. “But only 125 Tests? Tendulkar played 200.” “There was less cricket back then. Also, longevity isn’t everything,” Holmes countered. “Gavaskar’s 70.20 average in the West Indies dwarfs Tendulkar’s 47.69. His 774 runs at an average of 154.80 in the 1971 West Indies tour redefined Indian batting.” “You missed something,” Watson chimed. “Gavaskar’s fourth innings average is 58.25, the highest in the world. He is the only Indian to have scored a double-century in the fourth innings. Phenomenal.” “Elementary, Watson. Batting last is the stiffest challenge. Gavaskar was at his best in the 4th innings. His 221 at The Oval in 1979, the greatest Indian innings in the 4th innings, eclipsed only by the Laxman-Dravid masterclass against Australia. But they were following on, in India.” Holmes picked up his violin and played moodily. “Watson, have you heard of swan songs? Gavaskar’s swan song was his greatest innings. He played it on a minefield in Bangalore.” Watson nodded. “Heard the legend - the ball was wriggling like a serpent, jumping like a mamba.” Holmes smiled. “Apt description. It was 1987, against Pakistan. Gavaskar scored 96, facing 264 balls. The second-highest score was 26. He later said he was in a trance - remembered just two balls. That was his last innings.” “Saved the best for the last, bravo,” Watson mocked a salute. “Great men write their own ending, don’t leave it to fate, Doctor. Sunny could have played longer. Retired at the peak, averaging 58.07 in his final season.” The Verdict Watson’s brow furrowed. “So, who’s ahead? Dravid’s resolve, Gavaskar’s courage, or Tendulkar’s genius?” Holmes leaned back. “It’s tight. Dravid’s consistency, clutch performances, and impact in wins make him formidable. Dravid’s team-first approach - keeping wickets (reguarly in One-Dayers, as standby in Tests), batting anywhere from opening to No. 6 - makes his case solid. Tendulkar’s brilliance, Gavaskar’s courage - equally compelling.” Watson’s impatience broke through. “Don’t play it safe. Give me a name.” Holmes paused, pipe glowing. “Dravid owned England, where the ball swings, but struggled in South Africa. Tendulkar bossed the Aussies, English and Proteas. Gavaskar was the don in West Indies and Pakistan. Tendulkar’s 100 international centuries, unmatched, and Gavaskar’s pioneering defiance against pace tilt the scales. Dravid, unfortunately, loses out. We are left with two.” “Grrr,” Watson feigned anger. “One name. Now.” “Putting a gun to my head, eh? Alright.” Holmes rose from his lounge chair, spread his arms, and bowed theatrically: “Ladies and Gentlemen, I go with Gavaskar, in a photo finish with Tendulkar.” “Blimey,” Watson said. “Gavaskar it is.” “Yes, he’s the greatest because he was fearless. Fought alone, didn’t have the luxury of batting with Dravid, Laxman, Sehwag and Ganguly. In his era, Gavaskar was India. Hope floated with his arrival, faded with his departure, a lone warrior who reshaped a nation’s cricketing destiny.” Watson leapt up. “Shall Iv blog it? Another poll?” “Proceed,” Holmes said, plucking his violin. “But warn your readers: facts, not fandom, crown the champion.”

*Do a good deed*

*Do a good deed* We are all getting old, so everyone should pay attention. Please take a minute to read this article. It may be helpful to you, your family and friends. There was a gathering of old classmates. A lady tripped and fell during a barbecue. Her friends suggested to see a doctor, but she was sure that she was fine. She just tripped on a brick because of her new shoes. The classmates helped her clean up and served her a plate of food. Then she enjoyed the rest of the time with everyone. After the gathering, her husband called to inform everyone that she was sent to the hospital and died at 6pm because she had a stroke during the barbecue. If they knew how to identify the signs of a stroke, she might still be with everyone now. In fact, stroke has precursors and can be prevented. A neurosurgeon said that if he could reach a stroke patient within three hours, he could completely reverse the consequences of a stroke. The secret is to identify the problem of stroke and get the patient treated within three hours, which is not difficult. *To identify a stroke,* let us remember the three steps of *S, T, and R*. Please read and learn! If people around you cannot recognize the signs of a stroke, the stroke patient will suffer severe brain damage. *Just ask three simple questions* *S: (Smile)* Ask the patient to smile The corners of the mouth will droop *T: (Talk)* Ask the patient to say a simple sentence (be organized and coherent) For example: Today is a sunny day. *R: (Raise)* Ask the patient to raise both hands. One hand will fall off Note: Another sign of stroke is: *ask the patient to stick out the tongue*. If the tongue is "bent" or tilted to one side, it is also a sign of stroke. If the patient cannot do any of the above four actions, he should call the ambulance/Hospital immediately and describe the symptoms to the paramedics! A cardiothoracic physician emphasized that If everyone who receives this email can forward ten copies to others, at least one life will be saved. I have done my part! I hope you will do your part too. Please forward and forward! *Give roses to others, and the fragrance will remain on your hands!* *Give this message to others, and the fragrance of virtue will remain in your heart!* Master said: No matter how busy you are, you should put merit-making deeds first! *Blessings to you🌹🙏🏼*

*..LEAKING BUCKET*

*..LEAKING BUCKET* Do you have one ?????? ~ You wake up early morning trying to do your Pooja / Prayers /Yoga but your mind is elsewhere and before you know it, you're done with it, without being mindful of it. (A leaking bucket) ~ You're very kind to outsiders / people in general and speak with them gently, but with your own family you're always harsh / rude. (A leaking bucket) ~ You honour and treat your guests well but when they leave, you gossip about them and talk about their flaws. (A leaking bucket) ~ You try to read as much religious books, listen to Satsang /Keertan, participate in social services/ Sewa but you swear, insult, curse daily. (A leaking bucket) ~ You help others but you're doing it to gain something in return from them and not doing those acts of kindness selflessly. (A leaking bucket) ~ You frequently advice/preach others, but practice none yourself. (A leaking bucket) ~ You slander other devout persons out of hatred/spite when your views do not meet one another. (A leaking bucket) ~ You look down on others and feel more superior than them, judging their level of knowledge, based on external appearances (A leaking bucket) *We struggle to fill our "lives"(the bucket) with "earnings" of religion and knowledge (the water), hoping it will retain inside but it is leaked by the many flaws (the holes) that we commit daily.* An excellent reminder for all, of us to try and patch up these holes up ( may not be possible 100% but atleast partially) so that we may progress further on this beautiful path of life.

Unveiling infinity - Colombia- Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Unveiling infinity - Colombia What happens when you wait? Waiting not all the time causes anger or frustration. Many times, you fall asleep. But there is a third thing that hardly anybody knows. Waiting leads you to meditation. Waiting enhances the patience in you. Waiting expands your consciousness. Waiting takes away a lot of pomposity and garbage we have been collecting. Just waiting rejuvenates your body and mind. Sleep rejuvenates you. There is no expectation in sleep. In waiting for infinity, expectations go down and rejuvenation happens. Can you embrace waiting? Then you get enlightened. There is a story about sage Narada. He used to travel around. When he was traveling he saw a man sitting and meditating. He went and asked Narada, "How long do I need to meditate? How many hours of meditation should I do? I have done so much." Narada said, "3 more lifetimes," and he got so angry that he threw his beads and asana and got mad. "I am no longer going to meditate. I will go party now." Narada was shaken. Then he met a young boy who was meditating. He went to him and asked him, "Don't you want to know when you will get enlightened?" And the boy said, "I don’t care, but if you want to tell me, that’s fine." Then Narada said, "You look at the tree and you see how many leaves it has; you will take that many lifetimes to get enlightened." The boy was excited and started dancing and said, "There are so many trees in this world!" (But he showed only one tree.) It is said the boy got enlightened immediately. Embracing the time is waiting. Resisting the time in the present moment is making the mind swing and foster all the negativity. Long time ago, I was in a rally station and the train got delayed, and there was an elderly lady who would go to the end of the platform and see when the train would come. I told her that the train is big and you will know when it is here. I was worried that she would fall. If you are alive in the moment while waiting then you are meditating, otherwise sleeping. Do you know why our creation is so beautiful? So many flora and fauna. In Peru, there are 3000 varieties of potatoes. There are so many types of fruits here in Colombia. New types of birds. The creation is so diverse and is amazing. Do you know why God created this? He could have created one potato and left you to eat that every day. God wants to charm you. Nature wants to charm you. Wants to create a wonder in you. Wonder! What happens on a birthday of a child? You give a gift to the child and you expect that they say "wow." Do you like it when they don’t get excited? God wants to create a wow in you, and what you do is the opposite. In the path of spirituality, the first thing is you are amazed at the creation. Wonder is the preface for yoga. When do people come to spirituality? Not only when depressed, but also when you are ready. We don’t even experience the wow moment in life. So busy and so busy. To appreciate the world, you need a meditative mind and vice versa. We keep crying for what we have and what we don’t have. Very strange. I was in England. One boy came and said, "I want to buy a Mercedes Benz." He was very desperate. I was more compassionate in the 90s and 2000s than now. And I said, "Ok." He got a loan and everything and bought the car. I thought he would be very happy. He said, "The streets in Birmingham are very short, that there is no parking anywhere. It takes too much petrol, and I am trying to sell it for the last 6 months and I am not able to sell it. Please bless me that I can sell it." I came to give higher knowledge and am stuck as an old car dealer. We are stuck in small things. Heard the story about the man going in the boat? A man is sailing in a boat and saw another boat coming his way and about to collide anytime. So what if I don’t continue the story? You want completion in everything, and I tell you, you never know, you may die anytime. The boat came, and this man started shouting, "Go away! Go away!" He got angry and started yelling, "Don’t come!" Nobody was hearing him. The other boat still came. The two boats collided. The boatman saw there was nobody on the other boat. It was moving by the wind. He felt so foolish. He was shouting for 20 mins and there was nobody in the boat. And he felt so foolish. Suddenly all his anger disappeared. What happened here? What is the moral of the story? All the anger he had, who suffered from that? Think about it. All your anxiety and anger is like that. Of no use at all. Many are interested in astrology. Ancient Rishis are very smart. They say, "When you say this problem or the other," they say, "Saturn is moving in this direction or Jupiter is going to some other direction." You are putting the blame on the planets. You can’t get angry at Saturn and throw stones at it. You are throwing the case of happening to the cosmic happening. That expands your awareness; that is the purpose of knowing astrology. This science has been misused and they stretched it too much. It has become another business of guesswork. In reality, what is the use of it? Expanding your awareness from the limited cause to the universal cause. If your spouse is behaving nasty, know that planets are not ok. Human mind is managed by many energies. Your mind is different in the morning, afternoon, and evening. The moods change. When certain moods are strong, they stay for 2 to 5 days, 4 or 5 days, and then it changes. Time and mind are connected. One is astonishment and the other thing that human mind develops as a child. We inherited it from our ancestors - curiosity. Curiosity is part of love. If someone is in love, they are very curious about what their partner is doing. "Where did you go? What time did you go?" and they want to know everything about them. The curiosity gets into policing. Nobody likes it. With policing come doubts. Curiosity - policing - doubt - divorce. From the age of 3, curiosity starts in life. They pour you with questions. They are not bothered what answer you give. What has happened from sometime in history is what we have been shutting down children from asking questions. "Just believe. Don’t ask questions." That led to fanaticism. But the ancient wisdom is not that. It says, "Ask questions." Ask questions to yourself also. Question is a double-edged sword. Ask your self, "Who am I?" Even that can lead you to meditation. There is an ancient Upanishad called Prasna Upanishad. How to ask questions. The presence of mind comes up with questions. If you ask a child "What, what, what," they say "nothing." The truth is beyond the intellect. The heights of intellect transcend thoughts and descend to feeling level, and going beyond the feeling level is divinity. 43 mins meditation Do you know why a horseshoe is a lucky sign? Your breath goes like the horseshoe. It goes in and goes out like a horseshoe. Know that you are breathing, and that is good enough to be feeling lucky. Just the fact that you are alive, you are lucky. Give a slap to all those who are depressed. Among millions of lives, human life is the most precious. Imagine you are a cockroach, how miserable you would have been. Feel lucky you are a human being. Horseshoe is a sign. This is what the Buddhists do. Vipassana. Keep observing the movement of the breath. People would sit 7-8 hours a day, keep observing the breath so their mind becomes calm. But today nobody has time to do that. That’s why nature gave you Sudarshan Kriya. In 10 minutes, you can calm your mind down. Forwarded as received

Buy Nothing!

Buy Nothing! Nisha stopped by a bicycle shop on her way home from work. Her eight-year-old son wanted a new bicycle—a fancy blue one with gears and a helmet. But seeing the many expensive models in the shop left her confused. She and Ravi had built their life in a small town near Boston. Both worked in IT. Believing that buying during sales saved money, she would often stock up on things. Gradually, so much stuff piled up in their home that even their cupboards began to fall short. Purses, slippers, shoes, flowerpots, real and fake flowers, plants, books, a coffee maker, clothes, hats, photo frames, toys—thousands of things filled every corner of their house. As she browsed the bikes, she overheard two women whispering. "Don’t waste so much money on a five-year-old’s bicycle!" one said. "You’ll definitely get a kid’s cycle on 'Buy Nothing'." Nisha perked up her ears. The woman continued, “Get a bigger cycle only when the child grows up. Until then—Buy Nothing!” Curious, Nisha asked what this "Buy Nothing" was all about. They said, “Here’s the address and number. You’ll meet Rebecca there. She’ll explain everything.” Nisha followed the address with growing curiosity. A cheerful 50-year-old woman welcomed her. “My name is Rebecca. Welcome to Buy Nothing!” she said. Nisha asked, “What exactly is Buy Nothing?” Rebecca adjusted her glasses and said, “We started this Facebook group—my friend and I. About six or seven years ago, I was going through a severe financial crisis. I began asking people if they could lend me things temporarily. People even gave me meals! Once my situation improved, I started this group for essential items. Today, our local Buy Nothing group has more than a thousand members. There’s a nominal fee to join, and you have to answer a few questions. (I’ll check and confirm that part again.) If you want something, chances are someone among the thousand has it. Use it, and once done, return it. There’s absolutely no need to buy anything. Give away what you don’t use, and take what you need from others. It saves money, reduces global waste, helps the environment, and fosters connections. Only buy personal hygiene items. This town has its own group, and many towns do. There are over 1.6 million members worldwide now!” Right there, Nisha joined the Buy Nothing Facebook group and asked if anyone had a blue gear cycle. Instantly, 30–40 responses and cycle photos flooded in. She chose one—with seven gears! People were exchanging baby cribs, beach chairs, wheelchairs, kids' toys, books—thousands of things. And all without spending a single penny—so there were no arguments! Rebecca said, "Learn to care about people. Love things less. Just remember that.” Living the true experience of “The whole world is my home,” Nisha brought home the blue seven-gear bicycle. Ravi was stunned. Rebecca’s words echoed in her mind: "Why accumulate so much? You won’t take it with you when you go." One by one, Nisha began posting her unused possessions on the Buy Nothing group. Many people started using them. She now knows many people in her town. There’s an exchange of thoughts happening. Though she lives far from India, she often meets someone who feels like an aunt, uncle, or brother. Relationships are forming. All through life, we keep collecting things— Even though we know we can’t take any of it with us in the end! Instead, she’s now resolved to collect affection, friendships, and human connections. Shall we also adopt the Buy Nothing philosophy? --- Give something! Grow something! Create something! Donate something! Buy Nothing

COMMUNICATION WITH THE "DEAD"

Good Morning!!! COMMUNICATION WITH THE "DEAD" Around the Year with Emmet Fox June 24 Is it possible to communicate with those who have passed on into the next world? Extremists on one side say dogmatically that it is absolutely impossible to do so. Enthusiasts on the other side claim that heir deceased friends direct their actions. The truth is that communication does take place, but that the wise dead understand the necessity of our exercising our own power of choice and do not intrude. But they do often come to our aid. If you wish to investigate psychic things, do so thoroughly and scientifically. The chief objection to the running after mediums is that it may become a running away from the responsibilities of this life. Thus, seeking mediums becomes what is called in psychology an escape mechanism. Your business is to face up to your problems and to try to solve them. There is a truly spiritual mode of communication from which nothing but good can come. It is this: Sit down quietly and remind yourself that the one God really is Omnipresent. Then reflect that your real self is in the Presence of God now, and that the real self of your loved one is also in the Presence of God. Do this for a few minutes every day, and sooner or later you will get a sense of communication. For to this end Christ both died, and rose ... that he might be Lord both of the dead and living Romans 14:9

Maharashtra De-Addiction Program

Maharashtra De-Addiction Program DESPITE THE PERILS OF substance and alcohol abuse why do humans get addicted to these stimulants? The answer is always the same - a weak mind. The individual who is dependent on alcohol, drugs and other derivatives lives in a state of self-denial, dejection, self deprecation, feeling of absolute loss, loneliness and is looking for compassion, comfort and love. “Addiction is a brain disorder characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences. The two properties that characterize all addictive stimuli are that they are reinforcing (i.e., they increase the likelihood that a person will seek repeated exposure to them) and intrinsically rewarding (i.e., they are perceived as being inherently positive, desirable, and pleasurable).” - Wikipedia As per Hindu mythology, during the great churning process or Amrit Manthan, several jewels mushroomed (14 to be exact). Among them was Varuni – the Goddess of Wine. Further, consumption of cannabis was known in India since 2000 B.C. It is associated with Lord Shiva, the Adi Yogi. But he was a mendicant who had mastered all the senses and was the suzerain of his mind. But the hapless addicts and alcoholics are victims of this deadly pestilence, succumbing to its ill effects. It has been proven statistically that nearly 15% of individuals who consume alcohol develop a dependency and in the bargain become alcoholics. This is a major health problem, afflicting rich and poor alike. Further dependency on alcohol is associated with acute social stigma. There is nothing macho or brawny about it. This fatal attraction to alcohol deranges families and alcoholics get lost in the byzantine labyrinth of antipathetic thought process. Very often, they are discarded by loved ones and lead a life of ignominy. The major categories of drugs which swamp the minds of addicts include - alcohol, nicotine, tobacco, depressants like barbiturates and benzodiazepines, stimulants like amphetamines and cocaine, marijuana as well as opioids like morphine, heroin and methadone. Primarily such kind of addictions arise on account of peer pressure, poverty, impulsivity, relationship problems, family problems, poor coping skills among others. Shri Venkatesh Manglaram, a senior faculty of the Art of Living has been an inspirational figure in weaning away addicts from this lethal pestilence through some landmark work and contribution. Venkateshji opines that most of the participants gravitated towards such drugs on the assumption it might provide some handy solutions and some relief which triggers the human mind into obfuscating immediate problems, without realizing the immense damage it can cause to the human system. Venkateshji put it succinctly, “When someone drinks alcohol or takes drugs and becomes dependent on it; their family suffers; the surrounding suffers and it overall affects the society. Since I am a part of the society I feel responsible for the same.” The triumvirate of Venkatesh Manglaram, Nitin Pradhan and Ganshyam Gohile have conducted 23 Prana courses together which has upended the pyramid of around 330 addicts in the arid region of Vidharbha in Maharashtra. The fulcrum of the Prana course is to stress on absolute detoxification; de addiction is carried out with a holistic approach. The course is a unique combination of physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual practices such as yoga, meditation and imparting the unique rhythmic breathing technique of Sudarshan Kriya. The course has had a stunning and astonishing strike rate, with as many as 80% participants eschewing dependency on alcohol and drugs. The mind of an alcoholic or a drug addict swings like a pendulum. On one hand is the immediate feeling of euphoria and at the other end is an extremely enfeebled mind which is not robust enough to eschew the dependency. Thus registration of individuals becomes a gargantuan task, the biggest stumbling block. Once they complete the course the results are there to see; radiant faces and minds suffused with jollity. One such participant was Shrirang Jagtap, a resident of Amravati who was trained to be a civil engineer. However he was tragically caught in the vortex of alcohol consumption. In sheer desperation, the gentleman attempted various de-addiction courses at several places and was admitted at different rehabilitation centers but ended up only drinking, with no aperture of hope in sight. Eventually, he attended a Prana course and it has been more than two and a half years now that he is sober and clean. Yet another participant was Amol, a bus conductor in Yavatmal. He began consuming alcohol on account of certain family problems but ended up losing his job due to excessive drinking. The course has benefitted him in such a remarkable manner that presently he has been sober, without touching a drop for more than a year and a half. The duration of the course is such that the participants and teachers strike a chord and are able to empathize with each other. The afflicted can reach out to the teachers whenever they are desirous of giving vent to their feelings. Upon completion of the course it is mandatory to conduct follow up sessions and Satsangs, so that the recovered souls do not hurtle once again towards alcoholism or drug addiction. The success rate of abstinence has been as high as 80%, no mean achievement! In order to construct a ‘NO ALCOHOL’ society, it is imperative that tools of education and large scale awareness about the perils of alcoholism and addiction should be imparted. Venkatesh and his team are working towards this lofty mission. Physical and Mental Rehabilation of Alcoholics This is a riposte to a show about the banning of alcohol in some states of the country.’ We The People’ a popular programme of NDTV anchored by Barkha Dutt deliberated the issue on the 17th of April 2016 . Without getting in to the merits of the issue a simple question arises in my mind – can we ban thoughts? The mind is cannonaded by approximately 50 to 60,000 thoughts in a day. And an alcoholic’s mind is extraordinarily sharp despite suffering from this medical malady. An alcoholic will employ all possible means at his disposal to acquire the prized possession. Like fish is to water an alcoholic is to liquor.The cause of alcoholism is the negative and destructive pattern of thinking and a deranged thought process. The problem can be addressed by getting an alcoholic admitted into a rehabilitation programme, joining the Alcoholics Anonymous, a self-help group, undertaking the Happiness Programme of The Art of Living( where the unique breathing technique of Sudarshan Kriya is imparted) or undergoing the Vipassana breathing technique. These techniques can be of help only when the alcoholic acknowledges the problem , and does not live in the world of self-denial besides submits to a power which is much superior to him or her. Through the grave indulgence of Bacchus and reckless drinking , alcoholics wreck immense damage to all the organs of human body. This is no rocket science and is known to the afflicted. To begin with stomach, pancreas, liver, esophagus, the small and large intestine get adversely damaged.Once the gut is effected it has a debilitating impact on the circulatory and nervous systems. Alcoholics develop heart ailments, problems pertaining to blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis among others. One organ after the other starts collapsing and eventually an alcoholic becomes a vegetable. The alcoholic finally lands up in the ICU or is in the grave. The cause of alcoholism is the negative and destructive pattern of thinking. And in the amphitheater of mind nothing can be banned. This is an advisory for all alcoholics and recovering alcoholics( those who have turned sober through the gift of the Divine) regarding their eating and drinking patterns. Those who get admitted to a rehab or an Ayurvedic clinic fortuitously will be served a regulated diet for proper resuscitation. But there are a large unfortunate numbers who are caught in the vortex of drinking or continue to suffer from relapses. They should begin the day with several glasses of warm lime water laced with honey and not with a cup of coffee / tea. It goes without saying , SAY a firm NO to drink. Lime water with honey assists in detoxifying the system . Eating of fresh fruits for breakfast and not leftovers of the night helps in digestion. It is guaranteed that most alcoholics suffer from an irritable bowel syndrome and associated disorders. The fruit should be partaken as an entire meal and should not merely be a supplement. Tamasik and Rajasic intake of food invariably trigger the desire to consume alcohol. However consumption of Sattvik food will certainly enable to rectify the imbalances present in the body and diminish the craving for alcohol. There is a tremendous weakening of the immune system of the body of an alcoholic as precious minerals and vitamins get drained out. The resistance levels need to be enhanced through proper intake of nutritious food. The propensity of an alcoholic falling prey to opportunistic ailments is extortionate. This medical problem can be addressed only by a qualified medical practitioner. And what about the mental problem? Louise L Hay , in ‘ You Can Heal Your Life’ has identified the probable cause of alcoholism as negative thought processes such as – ‘ What’s the use ?’ Feeling of futility ,guilt, inadequacy and Self Rejection. And according to her the renewed thought pattern should be – I live in now. Each moment is new. I choose to see my self-worth.I love and approve of myself.

SUDARSHAN KRIYA: GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS

SUDARSHAN KRIYA: GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS Some years ago, while I was posted at Gorakhpur, an Art of Living devotee happened to read my maiden book, ‘The Matter of the Mind’ wherein I narrated the efficacy of the Sudarshan Kriya technique and how it extricated me from the cesspool of alcoholism. It seemed aeons ago, when my mind was subsumed by tenebrosity and hurtling down the hubristic path on account of excessive drinking. My wife in sheer desperation enrolled me for the Part 1 course (now called the Happiness Programme). Today by the grace of the Master H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the breathing technique of Sudarshan Kriya I am sober. The devotee connected me to an estimable psychiatrist and soon along with two other faculty members, we began conducting courses for alcoholics and drug addicts at a rehab centre. They were around 40 and we were three. Some looked menacing, others disenchanted, a few enveloped by ennui. But in our arsenal was the potent cassette of Sudarshan Kriya and enveloped with the divine benediction of Gurudev. We began with gentle warm ups. This was followed by pranayams and finally Sudarshan Kriya. A few hardened addicts attempted to derail the Kriya. But the febrile minds gradually settled as the rhythms of ‘SOHAM’ resonated the dingy hall. Meaning of Sudarshan Kriya The unique breathing technique of Sudarshan Kriya is the fulcrum of the Happiness Programme of the Art of Living. “Su” means proper, “Darshan” implies vision and “Kriya” is a purifying action. Through the actions of our breath, we appreciate a proper vision of who we really are. It is momentous to understand that nature runs on a rhythm. For instance the sun rises and sets at a particular time, similarly seasons arrive and exit at predetermined times. Humans feel hungry or sleepy at certain times. Our emotions, feelings, thoughts are all cast in the symphony of rhythm. We are unable to distinguish between cacophony and symphony in this frenetic pace of life which is cannonaded by innumerable thoughts, continuous action and noise. When sounds are harmonised by the syllable of SOHAM we can term it as magical music. Enlightenment is not accruing anything providential but harmonizing our whole being rhythmically. During the breathing process participants feel varied sensations, emotions, tingling sensations, laughter, weeping among others. But the objective is to keep breathing to the syllable of SOHAM in (chanted in Gurudev’s voice). Eventually all the accumulated stress is extricated and a person is thoroughly relaxed. One can experience this entire process only by undertaking the course. The breathing technique was cognated by H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar after being in silence for a period of 10 days on the banks of Bhadravati River at Shimoga, a small town in Karnataka. Cassandra’s of doubt and prophets of doom have questioned the salutatory benefit of the course and the breathing technique. Researchers at NIMHANS and AIIMS have zeroed on the impact of the breathing technique, which improves the heart rate, benefits cognition, improves breathing pattern, restores calmness in the mind and body, arrests Alzheimer’s affliction, works positively on the endocrine system, all of which increase energy (or prana) levels in the human body. . This technique has been used successfully used on victims of trauma, on terrorists and naxalites. This wonderful knowledge and wisdom has triggered humanness to blossom. Every cell and article of the body overflows with jollity and life is abundant with the glow of love and the body becomes the wick. Love and belongingness becomes a natural process of our inner being if practised unflinchingly and unfailingly. Several practitioners feel they can practice the breathing technique at home. But that is only walking half the path. It is indispensible and paramount that one must practice the technique daily and attend the follow up once a week, where a certified Art of Living teacher plays the chant of SOHAM in Guruji’s voice as it reinvigorates the body and mind. One should also be wary of imitations available on You Tube these days. The Sudarshan Kriya cassette or i-pod is given only to qualified Art of Living teachers. Breath is the very kernel of our very existence. Therefore it is essential to breath to the correct technique. A person will gain more spiritually and physically by traversing on this journey by taking part in the bouquet of courses offered by the foundation. The entire voyage is to spread waves of happiness across the universe. THE X-FACTOR TO ANYONE, WHO IS agitated, apprehensive or discomposed I would recommend reading the Bhagwad Gita over and over again. As they pore into this masterpiece surely and certainly, they will find answers to their innumerable queries. A peerless and invaluable conversation had taken place between Krishna and Arjuna aeons ago. The Song Celestial is a potent message as relevant today as it was prior to the battle of Kurukshetra. Lord Krishna deftly assuages the foggy and shadowy mind of his sakha Arjuna, so that the latter could discern between pusillanimity and alacrity and seize the opportunity to make his mind robust and brawny and thus fulfil his dharma, overcoming his personal feelings. Today the minds of youngsters are cannonaded with innumerable choices. Presented with too many choices on the platter, many find they are unable to make the correct decision; be it the choice of career or their soulmate. Further the mind is constantly fusilladed by social media that they become addicted to gizmos and unduly smitten by the razzmatazz. In the process rationality in their choices is the first casualty. This has become an endemic problem spanning across generations. Technology and alternatives have changed the paradigm and the ability to make rational decisions. The human mind is a victim of continuous bombardment and is never in the present moment to view things from the prism of objectivity. The febrile and wavering mind which is never in the present moment and perpetually swinging like a pendulum between the past and the present is struck by certain feelings and emotions; feelings of attachment, entanglements, lust and obsession, greed and jealousy, anger and arrogance. Apart from this the mind is gripped by the fear of the unknown. “What would happen to me? “I am not feeling well,” “How long will it take for me to recuperate,” “Will I perform well in the examinations,” “How will I fare in the interview” “Am I ready to make a pointed presentation which would impress the management and the customers,” “Am I looking presentable to impress the girl next door,” and so on… The list is endless. The mind is cannonaded by such thoughts. It does not provide the aperture to accept efficacious and positive thoughts. The contributory reasons for negative thoughts are our low prana, qui or energy levels and lack of self-confidence. It is like Lionel Messi, Neymar or Cristiano Ronaldo in the cauldron, where rambunctious crowds are rooting for them, and they miss a spot kick much to the consternation of the maniacal crowds and his team mates. Why does the mind freeze? Individuals are unable to perform. This could be due to lack of self-belief, overconfidence or just being unable to cope with the enormous pressure. In various Art of Living programmes, participants bow down to the angels of East, South, West and North to overcome emotions like attachments, entanglements, lust, obsessions, greed, jealousy, anger and arrogance. In the Happiness Programme of the Art of Living, a precise and a spesh “Hum” technique is taught where in the individual releases fearful feelings and perturbation by literally screaming, “Hum”. This releases all pent up emotions. As per Gurudev, the Mother Goddess had slain the asuras (demons) by bellowing “Hum”. So when an individual’s mind is gripped by fear, it would be propitious to exercise the “Hum” technique rather than swallowing an anti-anxiety pill like Zapiz or Prozac. Sudarshan Kriya, the unique rhythmic breathing technique brings the mind to the present moment. This brings awareness and mindfulness in an individual. Now before practising Sudarshan Kriya, the seeker expresses gratitude to parents (our first teachers), ancestors (because of whom we are on this planet), to Mother Earth (which nourishes and sustains us), to the Sun God (which provides us light and energy) and finally to the Masters of the past, present and future who have imparted this repository of knowledge. Those who practice Sudarshan Kriya express their deep gratitude to H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar who has gifted humanity with this unique breathing technique and the profound knowledge. Thus Guru is the X –factor, the embodiment of Supreme Knowledge which metamorphoses and transfigures the mind. The Guru Tattva encompasses the Shiva Tattva and Narayana Tattva. Aeons ago the Kaurava and Pandava armies braced themselves for the battle of Kurukshetra, to decide who would be the rightful heirs to the throne of Hastinapur. The conceited and hubristic Duryodhana egged on by his uncle Shakuni and brother Dushasana refused to enter into any treaty with their estranged cousins, the Pandavas. Thus battling it out to don the prized crown was the only method to settle the contentious issue. As the armies faced each other, before the conch was blown to signal the commencement of war, the ace archer, Arjuna quite inexplicably requested his charioteer, Lord Krishna, to take him closer to the enemy army so that he could have a close sight of his rivals. The opponents consisted of the venerable Bhishma, his Gurus Dronacharya and Kripacharya and a hundred cousins. Beholding the sight, Arjuna’s mind was stricken with grief, remorse and guilt and he lay down his fabled arms and was of the opinion that it would be iniquitous to gain the lost kingdom by slaying his kinsmen. So much so he opined that the act could be termed as sinful and impious. As if struck by a seizure, Arjuna was mentally distraught and willing to be annihilated rather than embark upon the voyage of bloodshed to avenge the ignominy of exile, the disrobing of Draupadi and the machinations of the evil Shakuni to usurp their kingdom. Such was the fragmented condition of Arjuna’s mind. Lord Krishna rebukes Arjuna for such a pusillanimous attitude and thoughts. There upon he exhorts Arjuna to raise the cudgels and embark upon the battle, as his mind ought to focus only on “doing the action, which was worthy of a Kshatriya” and not delve upon the purported consequences. A true Yogi is one who is blessed with a brawny and robust mind, focussed with steely determination to execute the task on hand fearless of the consequences. But herein lies the catch. A resolute and authentic Yogi is one who is the sovereign of his mind. He does not get ensnared by cravings, lustful thoughts, unwelcome desires, and fearful thoughts but conquers his mind, attitudes and attains three inestimable qualities that is equilibrium, equipoise and equanimity. Lord Krishna thereupon reveals the secrets of life and death. The soul is indestructible and incombustible. The physical form which animate bodies assume is verily ephemeral. It is the soul which transmigrates from an individual to another. The human mind which is so precious should discern and grasp this aspect. In fact Lord Krishna chastises valorous Arjuna for not adhering to the tenets of Karma Yoga instead succumbing to filial ties. He added that “there is no purpose in grieving for the dead and the gates of heaven would welcome you with open arms.” The Lord further mentioned that even if Arjuna did not vanquish his adversaries, defeat would be equally glorious as he would have performed a deed befitting a warrior. An intrepid mind, a warrior is one who takes up challenges and responsibilities and does not shirk from them. Taking up responsibility empowers an individual. This is true of anyone who is in pursuit of truth. It is a weak and meek mind whose thoughts get obfuscated by the clouds of doubt. Non–action is an act of cowardice too. Thus it is essential for humans to act. For this purpose it is essential that the human mind is trained to respond to various situations and not get stuck in the cesspool of inactivity. A sagacious person, a true Karma Yogi discovers Divine peace in actions performed and is not bothered with the fruits of the action. The mind of such a person is pristine and the Yogi dwells in the body as a pure as the mind. The Bhagwad Gita is the Song Celestial, running into 18 chapters; a memorable dialogue between Narayana and Nara (Arjuna). The Lord revealed his splendorous, luminous and radiant form to Arjuna which encompassed the entire creation and destruction of the Universe. It is believed that Oppenheimer, the noted German physicist had similar visions when the first trial atomic test had taken place in the USA. More importantly, the sheer ferocity of the Vishwaroop Darshan of the Lord dispelled all doubts in the mind of Arjuna who was a transformed personality. His mind was at peace and all the cobwebs and demonic thoughts were torpedoed. He blew his conch “Devadutta” and strung the fabled “Gandiva” which sent shivers down the spine of his adversaries. The mind of the bowman was truly awakened, aware and rejoiced with joy as he was prepared for the battle. It is noteworthy to point out that the intrepid combatant had won from both within and without. In our most impenetrable situations it is only pristine knowledge which provides succour. The hallmark of a true Karma Yogi is to steadfastly remain in the state of this knowledge. Only an authentic and genuine seeker, whose mind is hollow and empty bereft with all prejudices and preconceived notions is able to accept this knowledge and act upon it. Thus Guru is the X-factor who imparts knowledge to a genuine seeker at his feet. Jai Guru Dev! Victory to the Big Mind. “In the infinity of life where I am, All is perfect, whole, and complete. I believe in a power far greater than I am That flows through me every moment of every day. I open myself to the wisdom within, Knowing that there is only One Intelligence in this Universe. Out of this One Intelligence comes all the answers, All the solutions, all the healings, all the new creations. I trust this Power and Intelligence, Knowing that whatever I need to know is revealed to me In the right time, space and sequence. All is well in my world,” wrote Louise L Hay. Her book “You can Heal Your Life” has metamorphosed lives of millions of people across the globe. - LOUIS HAY

12 The Alcoholics Anonymous Path

12 The Alcoholics Anonymous Path ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, a self help group established in 1932, have upended the pyramid of the lives of millions of addicts. They commence every single meeting by faithfully and unflinchingly reciting the Serenity Prayer; this is the starting point of their 12 step recovery programme. The critical element in the recovery of any alcoholic lies in admitting to the fact that he or she needs help. The alcoholic has to emerge from the world of self denial, the belief that everything is hunky dory and he/ she is not affected by the perils of alcoholism. There are several triggers which engineer addiction. However one can safely conclude that it is the recalcitrant mind and low prana levels which are the endemic to the craving, the compulsion and eventual enslavement to the Bacchus. In the swathes of the ether maniac’s cobweb filled mind the power of discrimination and discernment seem lost in the darkness of an endless tunnel. The Serenity Prayer provides immense succour to make a paradigm shift and a 360 degree change in an addict’s life; leading up to a complete turnaround and eventually to eschew dependency on alcohol. The first and the only step they have to initiate are to singularly submit to a superior power and admit their powerlessness over the Bacchus. Once this first step is taken the process of recovery begins. The Art of Living Way I TOO WAS AN ALCOHOLIC for several years. The disease impacted me immensely. It was only my wife and parents who stood by me, offering support in my most trying moments. My wife enrolled me for the Part 1course of the Art of Living while I was posted at Jaipur. Winter had set in Jaipur and the weather was chilly. Any stock individual would have preferred the warm climes of a quilt. Yet my wife faithfully dropped me and picked me from the centre for seven days where I had undertaken the course. Like a zombie I used to attend the course. I was in a state of haze every morning after endless drinking the previous night, sparring with my wife and petrified children. It was nothing but Divine grace that I could undertake the course and indeed I am most grateful to my feisty wife who ungrudgingly escorted me for the course. There I learnt the unique rhythmic breathing technique of “Sudarshan Kriya”, cognated by the spiritual master H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Today, by the grace of the Master and through the breathing technique I am sober for over a decade. As a faculty of the Art of Living I have been able to conduct courses for alcoholics and drug addicts. In the final analysis when a person hits rock bottom, it is the grace of almighty God which can extricate him from the cesspool of addiction. There are millions of alcoholics suffering from this pestilence who cannot remain without the spirit. By participating in various programmes of the Art of Living, I am sober today. There are several unfortunate ones who are struggling to rediscover their way from this lethal ailment. They need to upend the pyramid, detoxify their minds and bodies and once again discover love in their lives. It is paramount that they discard the feelings and emotions of futility, guilt, inadequacy and self rejection. They have to strengthen their minds and make it robust to eschew dependency on alcohol. Do they have it in them to stay half an hour without alcohol? How many people are appreciative, or even cognizant of the fact that the Art of Living is helping around 200 students who could not clear their SSLC examinations in Karnataka and were consequently placed in the supplementary category? These young minds are being imparted training to cope with stress and the harrying feeling of appearing for the examination. Coercion is being combated through various relaxation and meditation techniques. Such craftsmanship and techniques are encompassed in the Pragna programme of the Art of Living and is providing succour to students. Various Art of Living programmes address different sections of society to provide alternative and holistic therapies to ameliorate the physical and mental conditions of overwrought people. The vast gamut includes children, through what is now popularly known as the Intuition Programme and youth through Art Excel and Yes Plus courses. A person could be a stock individual, a home maker, a seeker or even an addict, through variegated Art of Living programmes help is always at hand. Meanwhile the year was 2017, the month, early November. The place was Gorakhpur. A devotee of the Art of Living happened to read my maiden effort “The Matter of the Mind” and passed on the copy to a psychiatrist. The doctor read the book and was taken aback at my recovery from alcoholism and the fact that I was sober for over ten years after undertaking the Art of Living courses. He quickly connected me with a rehab centre to provide alternative therapy in addition to allopathic treatment. This was a wonderful gesture on part of the psychiatrist. Soon I found myself at the rehabilitation centre along with two other teachers of Art of Living to ameliorate the pitiable state of the inmates. I could easily establish a connection with those in the centre as I too had once been a victim of this lethal disease. Alcoholism is essentially running away from the self. A person living in constant fear; unable to express or appreciate authentic love. Such an individual is unable to discover his/ her inner potential and really carouse in life. Gorakhpur is situated in a region steeped in vibrant history. The place is esteemed for the Gorakhnath Temple, of the Nath monastic tradition. It is also the birthplace of the mystic seer Paramahamsa Yogananda who had cognated Kriya Yoga. Strains of Buddhism can also be felt in the air at Gorakhpur. Several historical Buddhist sites are to be found in the vicinity of Gorakhpur. Not far away is Sarnath (the twin city of ancient Benares), where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon to humanity upon attaining enlightenment. Lumbini (in present day Nepal), Shravasti and Kushinagar are other places in the vicinity of Gorakhpur. Gorakhpur is also intertwined with modern Indian history, literature and philosophical schools. Eminent writers and poets like Firaq Gorakhpuri and Shrilal Shukla hail from this town, known for its widespread railway establishment which once was the headquarters of the North Eastern and North Eastern Frontier Railway. Chauri Chaura of the famous Chauri Chaura killings is also located in Gorakhpur district. Not far away is the world’s largest opium factory at Ghazipur; opium being the raw material for pharmaceutical products. It is believed that monkeys of this town are in a state of euphoria after partaking opium! Given this background of a rich historical, cultural and religious tradition, I could not but wonder at the high rate of addiction in the region. The strapping youngsters, quite like the monkeys of Ghazipur did not possess a resolute and determined mind and easily succumbed to alcohol and drugs. How does one conduct the course for hardened alcoholics and drug addicts, who are in a perpetual state of self denial? They looked at us in the most disgusted manner possible, with disbelief writ large on their faces. The three of us received sneering looks from the inmates. Some refused to do the course, others boycotted the course midway. We nevertheless persisted and as the course proceeded, several participants triggered into hysterical bouts of laughter. This was their attempt to distract us and derail the course. But we remained resolute and hardy in our effort and continued with the programme. Bowing down to the photograph of Pujya Gurudev, we sought his Divine benediction and played the cassette of “Sudarshan Kriya.” As the syntax of “ SOHAM” gathered momentum and the rhythm of the breathing technique permeated each cell of their body and soul, and soon the hysterical laughter gave way to tears of gratitude and silence prevailed. Cacophony gave way to symphony. Following this course we had regular courses of Art of Living for the addicts and follow up sessions. The breathing technique of Sudarshan Kriya and the knowledge points of Gurudev began to unfold, with a salutary impact on the minds of the addicts. They were slowly revealing the determination to metamorphose and transfigure their lives and eschew dependency on the substance. My heart bled for them as I too was one of them. The Guru Dakshina that we asked of them was to seek pardon from those that they had hurt and secondly to regularly practice the technique of Sudarshan Kriya. What really touched the core of my heart and being was when an addict broke down and said, “Sir. aap humko chod kar jaoge toh nahin?”(Sir, you will not forsake us.) Another person remarked, “Sir, aap roz aoge na?”(Sir, will you come and meet us every day?). I recalled the gloomy but riveting movie, One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest, how the inmates lodged in a mental asylum for treatment of insanity had reached a state where they were determined to break the bondage and run away. Similarly these youth and middle aged persons with families and children back home yearned for love and affection and pined to be with their loved ones and were determined to break the four walls of the rehab centre. Normally the mind of an alcoholic borders on futility, guilt, a gargantuan burden of inadequacy, self-rejection, self-depravation and self-dejection. After the initial treatment at the rehabilitation centre and subsequent exposure to the unique rhythmic breathing technique of Sudarshan Kriya they began to believe in the Power of Now, the efficacy of ‘Living in the Present Moment”. Every day was a new day, a harbinger of hope and the addicts realised their self-worth and the “Power of Love and Acceptance” and began giving themselves positive strokes. The concepts of the Power of Now or the Present Moment have been postulated by several masters of the past both in the oriental and occidental world. In India, Maharishi Patanjali, Gautama Buddha, the Advaita saint Adi Shankara have written and spoken about it extensively. In present times the quintessential rhythmic breathing technique of Sudarshan Kriya transmogrifies the human mind to the present. Authors like Eckhart Tolle, Robin Sharma, Deepak Chopra and Louise Hay too have emphasised on reengineering and polymorph sing the human mind to remain in the present moment to combat various challenging situations in life. The rehab centre was opened by a doughty lady whose husband too was once an alcoholic. As a goodwill gesture the couple inaugurated the centre and have made it their mission to provide shelter and comfort to those suffering from alcoholism. To this day they remain connected with me through WhatsApp and express their gratitude to H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the Art of Living Foundation for providing immense assistance in the recovery of those afflicted from this lethal disease to combat it. The inmates could remain half an hour without alcohol, can you? This is the question that resonates in my mind, the question I pose to any addict. This is possible only through surrender to the higher power / the supreme intelligence of the Universe.

Transformation of an insensitive addict

Transformation of an insensitive addict Raja began his day with Bacchus and ended it with Bacchus. During the day too he consumed Bacchus. One particular night in a sozzled state, he went to a parish in the neighborhood and broke down. The priest consoled him and narrated his own story. Apparently the savant of God was once addicted to morphine and snake bites. Raja’s body chilled and he remained transfixed, gazing at the cross and hoping for redemption . But this insensitive person , hosting an insensitive mind over a period of time had become an insensitive addict. Next morning once again in a state of stupor, he landed at the doorstep of Satya Sai Baba’s temple. The priest was performing Puja and was taken aback at the entry of this unwelcome visitor and admonished him for the aberration. He asked him to pray to Baba for grace and a speedy recovery. The insensitive mind again acted as a barrier for blessings to flow. Raja’s behavior did not transfigure and he continued with the consumption of alcohol. It had taken a severe toll of his system. He suffered from a bout of jaundice. On recuperation, he continued with the habit. His drinking had become quotidian n and there seem to be no light at the end of the tunnel. He had become alcohol dependent and there seemed no respite from the malady. Alcoholism is a defining moment in the life of an addict . It is a debilitating ailment which needs to be appreciated by the family and society and every addict needs treatment to combat this illness. The healing apart from being mere physical necessarily needs to be spiritual and metaphysical. There were fights, repeated squabbles and altercations within the family. His children were petrified and in a s constant state of anxiety and tension , while encountering their father. The mother ceaselessly and incessantly cursed the day she was married to the ungrateful and insensitive person. Raja began selling the silverware of the family and even dipping into his provident fund, to procure the daily quota of alcohol . The couple had minimal interaction. Sex with Raja was a tormenting affair and torturous to her body and soul. Her mind was scarred by endless abuse by her stone-hearted obdurate and inconsiderate husband. However, she bore the brunt with remarkable fortitude . Her life appeared dark and gloomy. But , she prayed for the recovery of her husband to Lord Hanuman and recited Hanuman Chalisa unfailingly apart from fervently praying to the Vishistadvaita mystic Sri Raghavendra Swami of Mantralayam . This was on the valuable advice and guidance offered by Raja’s grandmother. Prayer provided her with some mental comfort and succor and she had a space to declutter an overloaded mind which was teeming with negative thoughts and was brimful of a gloomy disposition. Who is an addict? A person who is addicted to any particular substance, say an illegal drug or alcohol ! What is addiction? A physical or psychological need of a habit forming substance, such as a drug or alcohol. In physical addiction , the body adapts to the substance being used and over a period of time requires increased amounts to reproduce the effects originally produced by smaller doses, without which the addict has withdrawal symptoms “Every form of addiction is bad, no matter whether the narcotic , be alcohol or morphine or idealism” wrote Carl Jung. An addict lives in a constant state of denial and becomes highly ego-centric and self centred individual. They can be termed as chronic self centredness or selfishness. Their monkey minds only crave for that additional stuff! Such individuals are obsessed with only their own selves and that is the centerpiece of their nightmarish and macabre existence. How does one bring about a 360 degree change in their lifestyles? They need to seek professional help under the aegis of a psychiatrist or get admitted to a rehab to rejig their lives. It is binding on the addict to surrender to a Divine Power and surrender without any strings attached and can seek the help of professional bodies like Alcoholic Anonymous. It is imperative on the part of the family and friends( if they still care) to make the addicts realise that their self centred behavior is hurtling them down the precipice of hubris. Practice of Yoga and Pranayama too have a salutary effect on the mind and bodies of the addict. Further the addict can undertake a course in the ancient Buddhist technique of Vipassana or join the Happiness Programme of the Art of Living. Most importantly , the addict should not live like a recluse and remain cloistered in the dark confines of their unlighted and unilluminated minds. He should be made to think about the problems faced by the society and emerge as a welfare oriented citizen. The idea and spirit of performing service / Seva to the society would channelize energies towards a positive direction. The problems encountered by the addict should appear smaller than those of the society. The addict should begin sharing his joys like toys and not merely sorrows . It is law of nature that what gets shared enlarges and magnifies . Incase joy and moments of happiness are shared , such thoughts get magnified. Such acts have a salutary effect on the mind and the addict begins to feel happy and make an attempt to get out of the hole. Then the million dollar realization dawns that there is life beyond the watering hole. The addict needs to live in the present moment and lift his level of Prana / Chi. Breathing technique like Sudarshan Kriya , has a palliative effect and bring about the awareness in the individual to start living in the present moment and he makes amends with himself, the family and society. Raja , is sober today and recovered with the abundance of love and blessings he received from several masters and by undertaking the Art of Living course. There are several people like Raja who are in dire straits who require immediate attention. They need to traverse the path from the present insensitive state to becoming sensitive to the needs of their selves, family and society. As the talismanic Barrak Obama says,” Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we have been waiting for the change we seek.” Overcome Addictions Through Sudarshan Kriya Harilal Gandhi was addicted to alcohol. He tried in vain to give up drinking but could never kick the habit and eventually succumbed to the lethal disease called alcoholism . He became quotidian smoker. Gandhiji’s son was also said to have committed adultery and for a brief while converted to Islam and was known as Abdullah Gandhi , much to the chagrin of his illustrious parents. ” I had very little opportunity to be very close to him,but the little time I spent with him convinced me that he was not a bad man. I regard him to be the most intelligent of the four sons of Bapuji. He was very humorous,very generous and very hospitable ; yet he was given to drinking . Why?Who is to be blamed?” writes Saraswati K Gandhi ( Harilal’s daughter-in -law). Perhaps it was the troubled relationship with the Mahatma that derailed Harilal’s life, the pent up anger and frustration in his mind. Tobacco and excessive consumption of alcohol lead to severe physical and psychological disorders . It has a deleterious and debilitating effect on the human body. Any individual can be addicted to sex, substance, food (bulimia), cinema, television or even social media. Such addictions weaken our resolve and diminish our aura. It depletes our physical and mental energy. Talking of smoking , our parliamentarians came up with outlandish theories stating that there is inadequate Indian evidence to correlate tobacco and cancer . WHO estimates that tobacco caused 6.4 million deaths in 2014 and 100 million deaths over the course of the 20th century. Similarly , the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes tobacco as “the single most important preventable risk to human health in developed countries and important cause of premature death worldwide.” Smoking is a major risk factor for heart attacks,strokes,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) including emphysema and chronic-bronchitis and cancer(particularly lung cancer , cancers of larynx and mouth, and pancreatic cancer).Cigarettes sold in underdeveloped countries tend to have higher tar content , and are less likely to be filtered ,potentially increasing vulnerability to tobacco smoking related diseases in these regions. Given this grim scenario how does one quit smoking and or those addicted to Bacchus, give up drinking? With my wretched experience, with unrelented smoking and drinking , I would recommend the courses of Art Of Living as a palliative for these addictions. We need to breathe properly to overcome these vices. The pivot of the Art Of Living Courses is the unique breathing technique called the Sudarshan Kriya. Sudarshan Kriya harmonises the rhythms of the body and emotions and puts them back in tune with the rhythms of nature. Being in sync , we feel positive about ourselves ,love flows naturally in all relationships( say what was lacking between MK Gandhi and Harilal Gandhi). Sudarshan Kriya technique enables us to skilfully use the breath to change the way we feel , and start having a say over our emotions . It reinforces the default rhythm within an individual and negative emotions of discomfort , discontent , unhappiness get purged. Regular practice of Sudarshan Kriya , pranayama , yoga and meditation brings about a 360 degree change in the personality of an addict or a person who is only looking back in anger . A renowned cardiologist from Hyderabad Dr Ramachandra of Sri Sri Holistic Hospitals recommends Sudarshan Kriya to all his patients for a quick rehab . Further he opines this breathing technique is almost like hyperventilation and relaxes an individual tremendously . Regular practice of this breathing technique infuses energy, optimism and puts a person in an auto mode (default mode of nature). We are cannonaded with almost 50000 thousand thoughts a day . Most of them are negative in nature . Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says breath is like a string and your mind is like a kite . Proper breathing ensures you float and not crash land in the journey of our lives. So let us breathe our problems away. The Serenity Prayer The abridged version of the Serenity Prayer which has been adopted by Alcoholics Anonymous is as follows: 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