Who was Meera (Lord Krishna Devotee) in her previous birth?

Who was Meera (Lord Krishna Devotee) in her previous birth? When Lord Shri Krishna was doing Leela in Dwaparyug, Mirabai was also in Braj and her name was Madhavi. Madhavi was married to a boy from Vrindavan whose name was Sunder, who was a friend of Shri Krishna. went but Madhuri's farewell was not done when the time of Madhuri's farewell came near So his mother told him that look you are married in Vrindavan and there lives a boy named Kanhaiya. Madhuri's mother did not know that Shri Krishna is God, she thought that Shri Krishna was just an ordinary child. When Sundar was taking Madhavi away to his home, he told his wife Madhavi that listen here My friend Kanhaiya can be found somewhere on the way. Then Shri Krishna saw that his friend Sundar was coming with his wife, so he ran to him and said, "Friend! You will not introduce me to your daughter-in-law.!" Sundar said that she is your sister-in-law ,meet her. As soon as Madhuri came to know that Shri Krishna had come to see her, she covered her entire body and face with her sari. Because he remembered what his mother had said. Shri Krishna said, “sister-in-law, at least show your face. But Madhuri did not answer, then Shri Krishna said that you are not showing me your face, go from now on you will yearn to see my face. Saying this Shri Krishna left from there and Madhavi and Sundar also returned to their home. Now one day Sundar's mother went to Yashoda Maiya to seek her blessings for her daughter-in-law. Only then Shri Krishna came there and said to his mother that mother, give me something to eat, then the mother said that Lala, sit for a while, I will bring you something to eat. Then Shri Krishna saw that someone had come to his house. He asked mother who has come to the house, then mother said that your friend Sundar's daughter-in-law has come. When Shri Krishna heard this, he ran away from there. Because he said that now I will not see you. You will yearn to see me. Time passed slowly and the time came. At that time, due to pride, Indra rained heavily in Vrindavan. At that time Shri Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain. Madhavi was also among the Brajvasis hiding under Govardhan mountain, but it was night time, so Madhavi could not see Shri Krishna at that time. But when morning came, Madhavi thought who is this? The one who has lifted the whole mountain with one finger and she turned her gaze to see Shri Krishna and as soon as she saw the face of Shri Krishna she kept looking at him. Seeing his beautiful eyes, beautiful smile and curly hair, she lost her mind and started crying and said, Mother, what kind of education have you given me, this one who looks so beautiful after lifting a mountain, is not an ordinary person. Can. There must be God. And what kind of lesson have you given me that has deprived me of God. Then when Lord Krishna was leaving Vrindavan. Then Madhavi was crying a lot. Lord Krishna said to Madhavi. Madhavi now I will meet you in Kalyug. That's why Madhavi came as Meera in Kalyug.

Once you read this, you won’t be able to resist sharing it further.

Once you read this, you won’t be able to resist sharing it further. A wealthy man can become Prime Minister – Nehru proved this. A poor man can become Prime Minister – Lal Bahadur Shastri proved this. An elderly man can become Prime Minister – Morarji Desai proved this. A young man can become Prime Minister – Rajiv Gandhi proved this. A woman can become Prime Minister – Indira Gandhi proved this. A farmer can become Prime Minister – Chaudhary Charan Singh proved this. A man from a royal family can become Prime Minister – V. P. Singh proved this. An educated and multi-talented man can become Prime Minister – P. V. Narasimha Rao proved this. A poet can become Prime Minister – Atal Bihari Vajpayee proved this. Anyone can become Prime Minister – H. D. Deve Gowda proved this. That the country can function even without a strong Prime Minister – Dr. Manmohan Singh proved this. That it is possible to rule the country without even becoming Prime Minister – Sonia Gandhi proved this. But that a tea seller can rise to become Prime Minister, perform better than all of them, and make the flag of Mother India fly proudly across the world – this was proved by Narendra Modi Ji. The entire universe seems to be trying to bring one man down… Even God must wonder: “From what special soil did I create Modi?” Just think about it— The man who, after becoming Prime Minister, could make America take notice, cause panic in impoverished Pakistan, and appear in the headlines of a country like China… Surely, such a man can make India the World Leader. That much is certain. "Today, the nation needs Modi!" If this message upsets you, delete it. But if you truly care for the country, then do share it with 3, 5, 8, or 10 people. You only need to add one link to the chain— and soon the entire nation will be connected. .You will forward this, won’t you? Just a small forward…

Is Google an American company or an Indian company?

Is Google an American company or an Indian company? Trump warns Sundar Pichai… “Don’t try to threaten me. It was India that gave me education and knowledge. I am not serving America alone — I am serving humanity.” Sundar Pichai’s powerful reply! At the World Economic Forum, when U.S. President Donald Trump attempted to belittle India on the global stage, Sundar Pichai’s calm yet firm response created a storm at the international level. It was not just a clash of words, but a reflection of dignity, strength, and true leadership. Representing India at the conference were External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Google CEO Sundar Pichai. At that moment, Trump remarked: “India talks a lot about technology and democracy. But could India have achieved this progress without American companies and American institutions?” Trying to put India down, Trump’s words prompted Jaishankar to gesture to Sundar Pichai to respond. Pichai began speaking — his voice carried humility, yet his words carried weight and conviction. “Sir, I was born in India. My country gave me education and taught me values. Knowledge and technology do not have a passport. The sacrifices of Indian teachers, engineers, and families laid the foundation for my journey.” Sundar’s straightforward answer left Trump stunned. A little later, Jaishankar added, “Partnerships are not weaknesses, they are strengths,” thereby upholding India’s dignity. The entire hall resonated with applause. On the second day, Trump once again tried to intimidate India using his authority: “If India violates American rules, it will face trade restrictions. Tell me clearly, Sundar — is Google with America or with India?” Pichai remained silent for a moment, then replied: “I will always serve humanity first. America gave me opportunities, India gave me roots. I don’t need to choose one to respect the other. When I innovate and create, I serve both nations. I serve everyone.” His words highlighted the importance of humanity in a world divided by nations. Once again, the auditorium erupted in applause. On the final day of the summit, Trump openly displayed his anger: “India must completely open its market to the U.S. by tonight. Otherwise, it will face restrictions. Sundar Pichai, answer me now — is Google with America or with India?” Sundar Pichai rose calmly and said firmly: “If a nation or an individual tries to threaten me, I will not yield out of fear. I will never be cornered by intimidation. I bow only to respect, never to force. No matter which country it may be, if it demands submission, I will never surrender.” The leaders present stood up and applauded Pichai’s bold stand against Trump. This summit turned into more than just a business negotiation — it became a turning point for humanity, leadership, and principles. Sundar Pichai’s words instilled hope and pride in millions of young people. By refusing to bend before power, and instead upholding humility, respect, and truth, he safeguarded the honor of a nation. This incident strongly reaffirmed in world history that principles are mightier than authority.

*The Fourth Leg of Righteousness*

*The Fourth Leg of Righteousness* (as narrated by Shri J P Sarma) It was early morning when my wife and I boarded the Janmabhoomi train at Visakhapatnam station to attend my friend’s daughter’s wedding at Rajahmundry. The early morning breeze and the train’s rocking movement were soporific and we dozed off until the train halted at Tuni. I hailed a passing vendor and asked for two cups of coffee. I handed over one cup to my wife and took a sip. I complimented him on the coffee and asked, “How much?” as I opened my wallet to find that it had only 200-rupee notes. Hearing his response of twenty rupees, I handed over a 200-rupee note to him. “Don’t you have change?” he asked as he put down his flask and started searching for change in his shirt pocket. The train started, before he could take the change out of his pocket, and sped away. Our compartment was next to the engine so he got no chance to hand over the change though he did attempt to run after the train. I blamed myself for having ordered coffee without checking the availability of change. “Oh my God! How foolish of you! Could you not have taken the change and then handed over the note? What’s the use of your age and experience?”, my wife gleefully took the opportunity to snub me. I tried to justify my action, “Okay, suppose he had given the change and the train had started before I could give him the note…then would it not have been a loss to him?” “What loss? From morning, he would have met ten people like you and at the end of the day he will have only profit, no loss!” replied my wife, with a cynical smile on her face. “We should trust people; poor fellow, what can he do if the train starts? Will he subsist on our money?” My better half was irritated to hear me defending him. “They wait for just such opportunities. If he meets four simpletons like you, it will be enough to earn a day’s living,” grumbled my wife glaring at me. I maintained a stoic silence. “Anyway, you cannot expect him to be as honest and as principled as you are”, she concluded looking around at the other co-passengers, who were all looking at us. The train had picked up speed and we crossed the next station, Annavaram. Gradually, I let go of the slender hope that I had of getting back the change. My wife believes that I get cheated by people since I have a naïve faith in mankind and am kind. I was quite accustomed to being put down by her and being scolded since I believe that she is not correct in distrusting others. I strongly believe that we should see goodness in others and if anyone lacks it, their baseness should be attributed to the environment and conditions in which they grew up. I believe that inside each of us, there is the potential for both good and evil - what we choose depends on the circumstances. Though I have been proved wrong by her on many similar occasions, it did not affect my faith. I believe that dharma or righteousness is upheld by its fourth leg of trustfulness. “Let it go! Poor people! Are they going to build palaces with our money? Forget it!” I said trying to pacify her. She stayed silent, out of her affection for me and I was in no mood to prolong the conversation. The compartment was filled with many standing passengers. I let my gaze slide outside to the fleeing fields. By then many of my co-passengers were looking at me and assessing me according to their perception – some were thinking of me as a fool while others were looking at me with sympathy and pity; some were smiling to themselves about the free entertainment they had enjoyed and some were curious to see what would happen next. By the time the train reached the outskirts of Pitapuram, all had lost their interest in us and were lost in their thoughts. It was then that I heard a voice, “Sir, was it not you who bought two coffees and gave a 200-rupee note?” I turned towards the voice. Pushing his way through the crowd was a teenage boy, who stopped in front of my seat. Suddenly I felt elated though he did not look like the coffee vendor whom I remembered as being middle-aged. “Yes, Son! I did give a 200-rupee note to a coffee vendor but the train sped away before I could receive the change. However, I do not remember buying coffee from you,” I said honestly. “Yes, Sir! But are you the person, who drank the coffee at Tuni station”, he asked me again. “Why would I lie? If you want you can ask these people here.” “No! No, Sir! I do not doubt you but I was just confirming to avoid making a mistake!” Saying this, he took out the change of 180 rupees from his pocket and handed it over to me. “You are...?” “I am his son, Sir” I looked at him with surprise since he seemed to have guessed my doubt. “Sir, every day one or two such incidents happen at Tuni station because the train does not stop for long. In that short time, many people panic, give a note and the train starts before they can receive back the change. That is why, I usually board the train and wait. My father messages me giving details of the persons (of the amount, compartment, and seat number) to whom the change has to be returned. I returned the change and got down at the next station and returned to Tuni by another train. My father leaves some change with me for such transactions.” I was surprised but still managed to ask, “Are you studying?” “Tenth class, Sir! My elder brother helps father in the afternoon and I help him in the mornings”. When I heard this, I felt like talking to his father, so I asked him for his father’s phone number and dialled the number. “Your son has just returned the change for the 200-rupee note. I am calling to express my appreciation for your actions. I am so very happy that you are not only educating your children but more importantly instilling in them the values of honesty and integrity”, I said complimenting him. “That is very nice of you, Sir! I feel honoured that you are taking the trouble to call just to express your appreciation. I have only studied up to the fifth class. In those days, short stories about ethics and morality were narrated to us and textbooks also had material that strengthened values like honesty and integrity so we learnt to differentiate between good and bad, right from wrong. It is those principles, that guide me to lead a trouble-free honest life.” As I listened to his words on the phone, I was amazed by his words and thought process. He continued, “But today those values are not taught in schools. What children are taught these days is as unhealthy as giving spicy food to babies. When my children were studying at home, I used to listen to them and I noticed that the curriculum no longer has moral stories, inspiring poetry, or children’s books by Paravastu Chinnayasuri – nothing of value! That is why I entrust them with simple tasks like these to pass on the few values that I know. That is all!” I was amazed by the foresight of this man and I just patted the son on his shoulders. My wife was taken aback seeing the glow of joy on my face as I placed the 180 rupees, returned by the boy in my wallet. She gave me an apologetic sheepish smile because she knew that the joy was not in the money regained. I remembered that in Srimad Bhagavatham, righteousness or dharma is described as Nandi the ‘bull’ who stands on four ‘legs’—austerity, cleanliness, kindness, and trust or truthfulness. The Bhagavatham also predicts that all four legs will not be equally strong over epochs of time - representing the degree of decline of righteousness. In the world, during the Satya Yuga, the first stage of development, the bull would stand firmly on all four legs but as the yugas changed, one by one the legs would be broken and lost until finally in Kali-yuga (the present age) only truthfulness or trust would be the dominant form of Dharma or righteousness. *Reflection* This humble coffee vendor’s action appears to be proof that as predicted righteousness or dharma still flourishes in this World though it is on its fourth leg of truthfulness. As I watched the boy move down the compartment, I mentally saluted the coffee vendor! (Shri J.P.Sarma is a State Bank of India employee and the author of Edari Parugu: Kadhala Samputi in Telugu). [24/09, 09:40] Nazeeb Arif: Life does not bring these good endings - happily ever after - anymore, but it tells you of a world that could have been

*The Decline of Friendship :*

*The Decline of Friendship :* I recently read an article in the February issue of Harvard Business Review that deeply resonated with me. It discusses how the “Friendship Recession,” or the declining trend of meaningful friendships, is slowly taking root in our lives. According to the American Perspectives Survey, the number of American adults who say they have “no close friends” has quadrupled since 1990, reaching 12%. Meanwhile, the number of people with “10 or more close friends”* has decreased by one-third. I believe a similar trend is emerging in urban areas of India—while acquaintances are increasing, deep friendships are becoming rarer. In the past, people would easily strike up conversations with strangers at cafés or bars. Now, people sit alone, disconnected from the crowd. In the U.S., the number of people dining alone has risen by 29% in the last two years. Stanford University has even introduced a course called “Design for Healthy Friendships,” highlighting that forming and maintaining friendships now requires learning and effort. This is not just a social issue but a cultural crisis. Making time for friendship should no longer be a luxury but a priority. Loneliness is no longer a choice; it’s becoming a habit. If we don’t consciously prioritize friendship, not only will making new friends become difficult, but we’ll also lose old connections. Religious gatherings, clubs, sports, and volunteer organizations, which once fostered friendships, are declining. We’ve become confined to social media, family responsibilities, and even pets. Yes, some friends don’t meet because their pets can’t be left alone! Today, friendship is no longer a part of daily life; it happens only when other responsibilities are fulfilled. Yet, research emphasizes the importance of friendship. In Bonnie Ware’s book The Top Five Regrets of the Dying, one poignant regret stands out: “I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends” Research shows: - Social isolation increases the risk of heart disease, dementia, and mortality. - It’s as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. - Friendships improve mental, physical, and emotional health. - Harvard’s 80-year study* found that the greatest source of happiness and health in life is not wealth or career, but close relationships. True friendship is like an investment—forgive, call, make memories, and spend time together. As Mirza Ghalib beautifully said: “O God, grant me the chance to live with my friends, for I can stay with You even after death.” Cherish friendships, make time, and enrich your life with meaningful relationships.

Why can’t Sudarshan chakra harm Mahadev?

Why can’t Sudarshan chakra harm Mahadev? Because Sudarshana Chakra is not that powerful. Simple….!!!!! However, The case is vice versa. Here Sudarshana Chakra can't harm Mahadeva. On other side, Shiva's Trishul can't harm Narayana. Both Shiva and Narayana are beyond death. No weapon can anyhow harm them. Thankyou.

Who is Lord Satyanarayan?

Who is Lord Satyanarayan? Satyanarayana is a form of Lord Vishnu. It is said that when Vishnu failed to get the end of the infinite pillar, Vishnu said the truth that he failed. Satisfied, Shiva gave the name of Satyanarayan to Vishnu (one who says the truth) and blessed him to have his own temples, idols, rituals etc. While Shiva cursed Brahma and Ketaki to never be worshipped and be neglected from all sacrifices and worships. Since then, Vishnu was as worshipped as Shiva and was famous as Satyanarayan.

In Hinduism in Yajurveda 32:3 it says "Na tasya Pratima asti"

In Hinduism in Yajurveda 32:3 it says "Na tasya Pratima asti" - "There is no image of Him". Why do Hindus then have pictures of gods in temples and homes? Sanskrit terms have several meanings depending on context. And this is one of Zakir Naik’s treasure which is completely taken out of context to deceive and to discombobulate. Even the Englishman Ralph Griffith translated it correctly. Here is the context. AGNI is THAT; the Sun is THAT; Vāyu and Chandramās are THAT. The Bright is THAT; Brahma is THAT, those Waters, THAT Prajāpati. 2. All twinklings of the eyelid sprang from Purusha, resplendent One. No one has comprehended him above, across, or in the midst. 3. There is no counterpart of him whose glory verily is great. In the beginning rose Hiranyagarbha, etc. (Sukla Yajur Veda 32 1–3) So here in the first verse, the poet is identifying ALL to the ONE Prajāpati – Lord of Beings. The fire, Sun, Wind, Moon, luminosity, Brahmā - the creator god and the waters from which all life arises are all modalities of Prajāpati. Because the Ultimate Reality transcends all concepts it is often referred to simply as THAT - beyond, gender differences and pairs of opposites. In the next verse he says that the Ultimate reality cannot be comprehended by the mind or cognitive processes. In the 3rd verse under discussion, the poet declares that THERE IS NOTHING LIKE HIM in terms of his magnitude and glory - in the beginning he assumed the Golden Germ i.e. seed or singularity from which the entire Universe has sprung. So you can now see this verse has nothing to do with ritual paraphernalia and devotional accessories. Hereby Zakir Naik’s odious deceptions are revealed to the gentle readers.

Sad but true Japan

Sad but true Japan – a country destroyed by two atomic bombs. But it never begged for help. It never stretched its hands for mercy. It rebuilt itself with self-respect and unshakable willpower. To this day, there is no history of Japan ever asking America for charity. An Indian who had been living in Japan for more than a year noticed something strange. People behaved kindly, politely, and helpfully. But not a single person invited him to their home for even a cup of tea. He was both surprised and hurt. Finally, he asked a Japanese friend: “Why?” After a long silence, the friend replied: “We are taught Indian history… Not for inspiration, but as a warning.” The Indian was shocked. “Warning?” he asked. The Japanese friend continued: “Do you know how many British ruled India?” He thought for a moment and said: “Maybe… 10,000?” The Japanese nodded seriously. “And India’s population? More than 300 million, wasn’t it

*Delivery Man Hits Headlines*

🙏🏼 Good Morning 🌅 🌹 *Delivery Man Hits Headlines* Posted on August 6, 2025 This Ordinary Guy Did Something So Unexpected, The Whole Neighborhood’s Talking Just Another Day in Delhi… Or So It Seemed It was a humid Tuesday afternoon in Delhi. Horns were blaring, WhatsApp notifications buzzing, and life was going on as usual. But for Arun Mishra, a 26-year-old delivery rider from Lajpat Nagar, it was anything but ordinary. He had just picked up a standard dinner order—two butter naans, dal makhani, and a cold coffee—from a restaurant in South Extension. What happened next would put his name in headlines and his face in the hearts of thousands. A Routine Delivery with a Twist “I was just following my GPS,” Arun said later. “Then I saw something strange near the building gate where I was supposed to deliver.” There was a woman—elderly, barefoot, and visibly disoriented—standing in the middle of the road. She looked lost. Vehicles swerved around her, some honking, others yelling. But nobody stopped. Except Arun. “Daadi, Are You Okay?” Without hesitation, Arun parked his bike on the side of the road and ran toward her. “I called her ‘daadi’ out of instinct,” Arun recalled. “She looked like someone’s grandmother… someone who needed help.” The woman, later identified as Shanta Devi, 82, had left her flat in confusion. Her family wasn’t home, and she had early-stage dementia. She had wandered out, unable to find her way back. “She didn’t know where she lived,” Arun said. “But I couldn’t just leave her there.” He Didn’t Just Help—He Took Charge What Arun did next was something few would expect from a man on the clock. He took out his phone, called the number of the person who had ordered the food (who happened to be in the same apartment block), and said: “Sir, your food will be a little late. I found someone who really needs help.” Then, with the elderly woman gently holding his arm, he walked with her up and down the street, asking security guards, paanwalas, and local vendors if anyone recognized her. It took him 35 minutes to finally find the building watchman who knew where she lived. The Moment That Changed Everything When Arun helped Shanta Devi into the lift and walked her to her flat, her granddaughter had just returned from the market. What she saw left her speechless. “This young man had tears in his eyes while holding my daadi’s hand,” said Ritika Bansal, the granddaughter. “He looked more concerned than most relatives would.” Ritika offered him a tip, food, even a glass of water. He politely declined all three. “I have another delivery to make, ma’am,” Arun said, smiling. The Post That Went Viral Ritika was so moved that she took to Instagram and wrote a heartfelt post: “To the guy who cared more than most would… thank you. You didn’t just deliver food. You delivered faith back into humanity.” The post was shared over 80,000 times within 48 hours. Even the official page reposted it with the caption: “Heroes don’t always wear capes. Sometimes, they wear orange jackets and ride in traffic.” Reactions Poured In Social media exploded with praise: “India needs more Aruns!” “My mom cried reading this story.” “This guy deserves a medal, not just a 5-star rating.” Within a week, Arun was invited to a local FM station to talk about his experience. “I didn’t do anything special,” he said on-air. “I just did what felt right.” A Surprise Reward A few days later, surprised Arun with a new phone, a performance bonus, and a certificate of appreciation. But what truly touched him was a handwritten letter from Shanta Devi’s family: “To Arun, you’re no longer just our delivery guy. You’re part of our family now.” Not Just a Delivery Guy For most people, food delivery is about speed, accuracy, and ratings. But for Arun, it’s more than that. “Every time I put on my helmet, I know someone’s waiting. Not just for food—but maybe for kindness too,” he said. Final Thoughts We often scroll through...Request you to share this extensively

OUR CHILDREN

Good Morning!!! God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; and Wisdom to know the difference. Thy will, not mine, be done. *~*~*~*~*^Daily Reflections^*~*~*~*~* September 26, 2025 OUR CHILDREN The alcoholic may find it hard to re-establish friendly relations with his children. . . . In time they will see that he is a new man and in their own way they will let him know it. . . . From that point on, progress will be rapid. Marvelous results often follow such a reunion. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 134 While on the road to recovery I received a gift That could not be purchased. It was a card from my son in college, saying, "Dad, you can't imagine how glad I am that everything is okay. Happy Birthday, I love you." My son had told me that he loved me before. It had been during the previous Christmas holidays, when he had said to me, while crying, "Dad, I love you! Can't you see what you're doing to yourself?" I couldn't. Choked with emotion, I had cried, but this time, when I received my son's card, my tears were tears of joy, not desperation. ************************************************* Dealing with Resentments Resentment is the Number One offender. It destroys more alcoholics than anything else. From it stem all forms of spiritual disease, for we have been not only mentally and physically ill, we have also been spiritually ill. When our spiritual malady is overcome, we straighten out mentally and physically. In dealing with our resentments, we set them on paper. We listed people, institutions, or principles with whom we were angry. We asked ourselves why we were angry. In most cases it was found that our self-esteem, our pocketbooks, our ambitions, our personal relationships (including sex) were hurt or threatened. "The most heated bit of letter-writing can be a wonderful safety valve – providing the wastebasket is somewhere nearby." 1. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, pp. 64-65 2. LETTER, 1949 *********************************************** Peace with the Past Even God cannot change the past. —Agathon Holding on to the past, either through guilt, longing, denial, or resentment, is a waste of valuable energy – energy that can be used to transform today and tomorrow. "I used to live in my past," said one recovering woman. "I was either trying to change it, or I was letting it control me. Usually both. "I constantly felt guilty about things that had happened. Things I had done; things others had done to me – even though I had made amends for most everything, the guilt ran deep. Everything was somehow my fault. I could never just let it go. "I held on to anger for years, telling myself it was justified. I was in denial about a lot of things. Sometimes, I'd try to absolutely forget about my past, but I never really stopped and sorted through it; my past was like a dark cloud that followed me around, and I couldn't shake clear of it. I guess I was scared to let it go, afraid of today, afraid of tomorrow. I've been recovering now for years, and it has taken me almost as many years to gain the proper perspective on my past. I'm learning I can't forget it; I need to heal from it. I need to feel and let go of any feelings I still have, especially anger. "I need to stop blaming myself for painful events that took place, and trust that everything has happened on schedule, and truly all is okay. I've learned to stop regretting, and to start being grateful. "When I think about the past, I thank God for the healing and the memory. If something occurs that needs an amend, I make it and am done with it. I've learned to look at my past with compassion for myself, trusting that my Higher Power was in control, even then. "I've healed from some of the worst things that happened to me. I've made peace with myself about these issues, and I've learned that healing from some of these issues has enabled me to help others to heal too. I'm able to see how the worst things helped form my character and developed some of my finer points. "I've even developed gratitude for my failed relationships because they have brought me to who and where I am today. "What I've learned has been acceptance - without guilt, anger, blame, or shame. I've even had to learn to accept the years I spent feeling guilty, angry, shameful, and blaming." We cannot control the past. But we can transform it by allowing ourselves to heal from it and by accepting it with love for others and ourselves. I know, because that woman is me. Today, I will begin being grateful for my past. I cannot change what happened, but I can transform the past by owning my power, now, to accept, heal, and learn from it. ********************************************** Be thine own palace, or the world's thy jail. —John Donne All of us have some difficult circumstances to face today. Some among us find ourselves in the hospital or in jail. Others are worried about pressures and frustrations at work. Tensions and concerns about war and the future of the world affect us all. We have many uncontrollable circumstances in our lives, but we don't have to give ourselves over to them. A man's body may be in jail while in his heart he is free. We build a palace for our spirits by maintaining contact with our Higher Power. We are always within the circle of God's love. Always! Knowing that helps us make peace with the limits on what we can do about our situations. Then we can go forth working to make peace in our relationships, accomplish what is possible in our lives, and make a contribution to others. Today, I will remember that the frustrations around me are not all of who I am. When I am at peace within, I live among spiritual riches. *********************************************** Things don't turn up in this world until somebody turns them up. —James A. Garfield We could learn from the bears in the woods how to turn up opportunities. To nourish themselves, they turn over logs and stumps to get insects. When they smell honey, they will climb a tree after it, and when they see berries, they will move branches aside to get at them. Like the bears, we need to turn up things for ourselves. Perhaps we can enter a drawing or writing contest. Maybe we can try out for a team sport or the orchestra. By doing this, we take risks, which foster our growth and build confidence, and we turn our lives into fulfilling adventures. Why wait for opportunity to knock when we can knock at opportunity's door. Whatever our interests, finding ways to enjoy them can make the most out of the opportunities around us. What opportunities are available to me today?

A weired pattern

At times I wonder why some men behave a certain way. They are so lovey dovey and caring when alone and act like a stranger when society sees them. Did you face such a situation? I saw many and I am citing some fictional stories not naming the respected individuals. No offense to the true men but wanted to address the hypocrite coward ones. Five men, five masks. Sweet in the inbox, strangers in the crowd. Let’s start. Would love to hear your thoughts. 1. The College Boy Riya’s phone buzzed at midnight. “Good morning, sunshine . I couldn’t sleep thinking about you. You’re my everything. Can’t wait to hold your hand under the stars,” typed Arjun. Riya smiled, though a little blush crept up her cheeks. The next day in the college canteen, she walked up to him. He was with three of his friends, laughing loudly. “Hi, Arjun,” she said softly. Arjun froze, then forced a fake cough. “Oh hey… uh… you’re in my English class, right? Sorry, what was your name again?” Riya raised an eyebrow. “Really? The same ‘nameless girl’ you send ‘my sunshine’ messages to at 2 a.m.?” His friends laughed awkwardly, and Arjun nearly choked on his samosa. 2. The Young Professional Every night, Meera’s phone glowed. “Babe, today was so hard at work, but you make it all worth it . You’re my secret smile.” She rolled her eyes but typed back anyway. At the office annual party, Meera walked toward him in her red dress. Everyone was standing in groups. Raj, the same “sweetheart-sender,” stiffened. “Oh, hello… colleague!” he said loudly, as though announcing to the room. “How’s the… uh… quarterly reports?” Meera smirked. “The reports are fine. Should I also update the team about your midnight poetry, or keep that in ‘draft’ mode?” Raj’s face turned the shade of a tomato- a rotten one. 3. The Married Man (Age 40) On WhatsApp, Anita read his line: “You’re the only one who understands me. My wife just doesn’t get me. Every time I see your name, my heart races.” At a wedding two weeks later, they crossed paths. His wife stood nearby, chatting with relatives. “Oh!” he exclaimed nervously. “This is my… distant friend. We just exchange… thoughts sometimes. Very formal, of course.” Anita folded her arms. “Yes, very formal. Formal enough to send fifty red hearts in one message.” His wife turned curiously, and he coughed like a man choking on his own guilt. But at the market, when they ran into each other near the vegetable stall, he nearly dropped his potatoes. “Namaste, beti!” he said loudly, glancing around. “How is your family? Good, good… study well, hmm?” She smiled sweetly. “Of course, Uncle. Though in your DMs, you don’t call me ‘beti,’ you call me ‘sweetheart.’ Quite the slip of tongue, hmm?” He fumbled with the coriander leaves, pretending not to hear. 5. The Retired Gentleman (Age 65) Every night at 10:30 p.m. sharp, his message arrived for Preeti: “Loneliness feels lighter when I talk to you. You make my evenings bright, my dear rose .” One morning at the park, his old friends were sitting on a bench when she walked by. He quickly waved and muttered, “Oh yes, she’s just the neighbor’s daughter. I barely know her.” The lady smiled knowingly. “Barely? You’ve been calling me your ‘rose’ for six months straight. Should I bring screenshots for your walking club?” His friends burst into laughter, while he hid behind his newspaper. One fine evening, fate — or maybe karma — decided to play its game. All five ladies happened to meet at the same cafe during a weekend open-mic event. Over cappuccinos, they started talking. Within minutes, the puzzle fit together — each one had a “Romeo” who was sugar-dripping in private messages but colder than an ice block in public. Riya laughed. “Mine calls me sunshine at midnight and ‘what’s your name again?’ in the canteen.” Meera smirked. “Mine turns from ‘babe’ into ‘colleague’ in front of the team.” Anita rolled her eyes. “At least yours aren’t married and calling you a ‘formal friend’ in front of their wife.” The others gasped, then burst out laughing. The “Uncle’s sweetheart” Nancy spoke next. “Well, I’m beti at the bazaar, darling in the inbox. He deserves a Padma Shri in acting.” Finally, the “Retired Rose” sighed Preeti. “And me? I’m a neighbor’s daughter by morning, but a rose by night. This man thinks he’s running a flower shop.” The cafe shook with their laughter. Just then, as if destiny planned it, the five men walked in — together — chatting loudly. Each spotted his “secret sunshine,” “colleague,” “friend,” “beti,” or “rose.” Their faces turned pale like milk. The women exchanged a look, then one of them stood up, raised her coffee cup, and declared loudly: “To the men who are Casanovas in DMs and monks in public. May their Wi-Fi always drop when they type my love.” The cafe erupted in claps and chuckles. The men, embarrassed and fumbling, tried to hide behind the menu. And just like that, the women enjoyed their coffee, leaving the men to sip their own hot brew of dualism and shame.