Army Vs Supreme Court Vs Human rights ???

Army Vs Supreme Court Vs Human rights ??? 🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷 Col. A.N.Roy I firmly believe that terrorists are born to be killed and they do not deserve any rights, forget human rights. Serving defense forces personnel in disturbed areas should be beyond questioning by the Supreme Court and a law to this effect should be made in the Parliament. I am forwarding this message to all the contacts in my phone book and request all of you to do so if you agree. *Brilliant response from an army veteran to the Supreme Court's order on human rights in Kashmir. An army veteran who lost a family member to a terrorist's bullet has raised a painful pose in the Supreme Court, *"How much do you know about the brutality of war? How many of you sent your children to the armed forces? Have you ever lost a family member in defense of the country? Do you know the pain of losing a young son or being a widowed daughter or watching your grandchildren grow up without their father by getting martyred so that you are safe? If not, please contact us . Don't hinder the war effort. Human rights feel great when you and your families are safe in safe air-conditioned homes, but not when you're facing bullets and stones from an unruly religious fanatic mob." Implementing the court's directions for the Pulwama incident, an FIR will be registered against Gunner Rishi Kumar, who risked his life to kill two terrorists despite their injuries sustained on their heads. Police investigations would haunt him for years, even when he was posted to other places in India. Courts will issue summons and demand his presence. He will be accused of depriving 'innocent' jihadists of their human rights and asked to justify the killings. They will be asked- "Are you sure they were terrorists? They didn't kill you, why did you kill them?" They will be asked- "Did you give them enough opportunity to surrender and improve themselves?" "Did you give them a fair chance to escape?" "Did you shoot warning shots in the air?" Instead of being praised for his heroism, he would be subjected to a judicial witch-hunt. What a shame for the country...! To subject active military operations to judicial review is a bizarre idea. While all nations give their soldiers the right to defeat the enemies of the state, India takes pride in fettering them. Addressing the US Naval Academy in April 2010, United States Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates said: "You have answered the call of the trumpet. For my part, I feel personally to each of you." as if you were my own sons and daughters.** and when I send you to harm as I wish, I will do everything in my power to see that you have what All you need to do is fulfill your mission - and come home safely." Clearly, the Supreme Court of India thinks differently. The human rights of the enemies of the state seem to be more important than the security of the country. As a serving officer finally remarked - "The Supreme Court has given us two options - get killed, the country will honor your martyrdom or kill the terrorist and face years of police/judicial investigation." Their fears are real and most shared. Wonder which soldier would be ready to serve in such a hostile environment! Appeal to all Indians:- However, let us all make it a mass movement so that the Supreme Court reconsiders the issue and appreciates its seriousness. We cannot fight for India on the borders but we can fight for the betterment of our soldiers from the safety of our homes. ☝🏽👍🏽👍🏽(Share this postplease)

GREAT SPEECHES !

https://youtu.be/InWbRAGzW9c?si=5hC5Xf8LiJY8mT33 GREAT SPEECHES ! General George S. Patton is famous for his powerful ( and vulgar ) speech delivered to the Third Army before the Normandy landings in World War II. The speech, known for its strong language and emphasis on aggression, aimed to instill courage, aggression, and a winning mentality in his troops. It focused on the brutality of war, the importance of victory, and the shame of cowardice. Patton repeatedly stressed the importance of winning and the shame of defeat, reflecting the American spirit of never giving up. He did not shy away from describing the violence and gore of combat, aiming to prepare his men for the harsh realities of battle. Patton addressed the fear that soldiers might experience, assuring them that even fear could be overcome through action and duty. The speech used harsh language and dehumanizing terms to describe the enemy, potentially fostering aggression and hatred. He explicitly condemned cowardice and praised bravery, reinforcing the idea that a true soldier fights even when afraid. While emphasizing individuality, Patton also stressed the importance of teamwork and fighting as a cohesive unit. The speech, though controversial for its language and sentiments, is widely considered a powerful example of leadership and motivation in wartime and remains an iconic speech by a military commander ! However, there has been criticism of the speech from many, as it contained profanity and graphic language, which some found unprofessional and potentially damaging to the image of the US Army. Patton's descriptions of the enemy, including phrases like "cutting out their living guts," while intended to incite aggression, could be seen as dehumanizing and potentially harmful to maintaining a sense of morality during wartime. Some historians have criticized Patton's leadership style, including his aggressive tactics and sometimes insensitive behavior, as potentially detrimental to morale and discipline in the long run. The speech, while intended to inspire, could be interpreted as promoting excessive aggression or even brutality. Patton emphasized the importance of the team, his own ego and individualism were also apparent, which could be seen as a negative trait in a leader. To conclude, Patton's speech to the Third Army was a complex and controversial piece of oratory. While it successfully motivated his troops and emphasized the importance of their contribution, it also employed language and imagery that could be seen as problematic. The speech serves as a reminder that leadership, even in the context of war, requires a delicate balance between inspiration, strategy, and ethical considerations !

*CLASSMATES AND THE TRICKERY OF LIFE*

*CLASSMATES AND THE TRICKERY OF LIFE* There is something both amusing and tragic about classmates. When we are young, sitting side by side in stiff wooden desks, everything feels equal. We wear the same uniforms, complain about the same teachers, and dream the same big dreams. We believe, with the foolish confidence of youth, that life will reward us fairly. That the one who topped the class will top in life, that the one who struggled will always struggle, that effort will always equal success. But life is not a classroom. Life is a trickster, a mischievous storyteller who loves plot twists. Then one day, years later, we meet again at ordinations, weddings, funerals, airports, or by accident at a supermarket. And suddenly, we see what nobody warned us about. The boy who never did his assignments now owns a mansion. The one who won all the academic prizes is still searching for relevance. The one who was always quiet now commands boardrooms, while the one who once led every debate now sits in silence, waiting for an opportunity that refuses to come. And we ask ourselves: how did this happen? Nobody told us that life does not follow the rules of the classroom. That hard work is important, but so is luck. That intelligence is valuable, but connections sometimes matter more. That some rise not because they are the best, but because they were in the right place at the right time. That life does not grade us like exam scripts, it rolls the dice and sometimes, the results are baffling. There is a good side to all of these: no matter how far life scatters us, when classmates meet again, the years disappear. Titles do not matter. Bank accounts do not speak. We laugh over memories of forgotten nicknames, of teachers we swore we would never forget but now struggle to remember. For a brief moment, we return to a time when we were just young with dreams, before life stepped in with its unexpected script. And just maybe, that is the real lesson: *Success in life is not just about who has more, but about who still has a heart that can reach and remember his friends

*This is not medical advice but an article describing a scientific research hypothesis. Please follow doctor's advice only.*

*This is not medical advice but an article describing a scientific research hypothesis. Please follow doctor's advice only.* *Appendix* What if the “useless” appendix is actually the brain’s secret ally in your belly? For decades, the appendix was written off as a biological relic useless, expendable, and routinely removed without hesitation. But cutting-edge research from Duke University is flipping that narrative on its head. Scientists have now discovered that the appendix is far from a vestigial organ. It contains over 200 million neurons more than the spinal cord wired into intricate networks that allow it to communicate directly with the brain and operate semi-independently. That’s right: your appendix may actually act as a second brain for your gut. This small, overlooked organ functions as a reservoir for good bacteria, preserving your microbiome during illness and helping repopulate your gut afterward. It also plays a critical role in immune memory and gut-brain signaling something people who’ve had theirs removed are now missing. In fact, studies show that individuals without an appendix may experience weaker digestion, higher vulnerability to intestinal infections, and slower gut responses to stress. The medical world is now rethinking routine appendectomies. Some hospitals are shifting away from surgery toward antibiotics for milder cases, recognizing the long-term value this organ may hold. And for those who’ve already had their appendix removed? There’s still hope. You can support your gut-brain axis and restore microbial balance by eating fermented foods, taking high-quality probiotics, and nourishing your gut lining with healing nutrients like collagen, zinc, and bone broth. Turns out, the appendix isn’t some leftover evolutionary scrap it’s a critical guardian of your gut and a key player in your body’s hidden communication network. #GutBrainConnection #AppendixTruth #NewScience #MicrobiomeHealth #FermentedFoods

*The Girl at the Beach – A Reflection on Life*

*The Girl at the Beach – A Reflection on Life* I was at the beach when I saw a young girl spot a candy at a stall. “Mama, I want that,” she said. Her mother smiled and bought it for her. A few steps later, she saw a small toy whistle. “Mama, now I want that too,” she said. The mother bought her that as well. Then came balloons. She asked again, and again, the mother said yes. Soon, the little girl had her hands full of all the things she had wanted. Then she saw the waves. She ran to her mother and said, “Mama, I want to go into the water.” The mother said gently, “You can go, but I will not hold your things.” The girl walked into the water, holding it all. One by one, the candy slipped away. The toy fell. The balloons floated off. And in the end, she came back with nothing in her hands. It struck me how much this felt like life. We keep wanting one thing after another. We fill our hands, our homes, our lives with things. And when it is time to enjoy the moments that really matter, we often find we cannot—because we are too busy holding on to what we do not really need. It reminded me that as adults, we need to pause and check what we are holding on to. And maybe more importantly, remember that our children learn by watching us. I believe that is a responsibility all of us carry— To live with enough, not with excess. To enjoy the moments, not just collect things. That is a lesson I hope I never forget.

The fourth test between India and England put to pride by ChatGPT in the style of PG Wodehouse -

The fourth test between India and England put to pride by ChatGPT in the style of PG Wodehouse - *The Curious Case of Ben Stokes and the Unshakeable Indians** (A narrative in which Old Trafford resembles the Drones Club on a Saturday afternoon) The thing about India and Test cricket is that they have a tendency, much like an absent‑minded uncle who suddenly remembers he has a moustache, to surprise you at the most inconvenient moments. Old Trafford, Manchester, was no exception. England, bless their cotton socks, strutted out with the air of a chap who has just hoisted an absurdly large salmon onto the bank. Six hundred and sixty‑nine runs, Stokesy and chums informing anyone within a mile radius that India had about as much chance as a blancmange in a fencing match. A mere formality, said the pundits, dusting their jackets and adjusting their monocles. India, however, had clearly not read the script. Two wickets down for the price of a half‑eaten sandwich, yes, but then appeared Gill and Rahul, all poise and sang‑froid, as if they were sauntering into the Long Room to borrow the sugar tongs. Gill, who seems incapable of batting badly this series, whistled up another century, while Rahul produced ninety of the classiest runs ever seen outside a Savile Row fitting room. The plot thickened when Jadeja and Washington Sundar walked in. One expects chaps in such situations to look like condemned prisoners approaching the scaffold. Instead, they exuded the calm confidence of men about to order pudding. And order it they did—hundreds for both, the English fielders looking like people who had just been told the pub was closed early. Enter Ben Stokes, England’s captain, eyes aglow with what one assumes he thought was statesmanship, offering the Indian duo a handshake to call it quits. Rather like a chap in a losing poker hand suggesting everyone simply “call it even.” Jadeja, twirling his imaginary moustache, politely declined, while Sundar—busy crafting his maiden Test ton—merely smiled the beatific smile of one who has seen the menu and intends to have dessert. And thus, India batted on, unmoved, unbowed, and possibly wondering if they might fit in a quick game of carrom between overs. England huffed, puffed, and went home with a draw which, from their perspective, felt suspiciously like a loss. Moral of the story: If you plan to extend the olive branch, best not to do it when the other chap is still chopping wood.

Charles Joghin was relaxing while the Titanic was sinking.

Charles Joghin was relaxing while the Titanic was sinking. 🚢 There are many Titanic stories… but you probably haven’t heard this one. Meet Charles Joghin — the chief baker on the Titanic. He loved two things: making bread and drinking wine. And he put both to good use the night the world’s most famous ship hit an iceberg. That evening, Charles was relaxing in his private cabin as usual — sipping from a flask and testing out the moonshine distillate he’d made (the benefits of having no yeast limit). When a deep, ominous crunching sound came from the starboard side of the ship. Unperturbed, he picked up his flask and headed up to the deck — just as he heard Captain Smith order the lifeboats to be prepared. 🍞 What did Charles do next? He assembled his team of bakers and personally organized the distribution of bread to the lifeboats — because calories save lives in the cold sea. Then he returned to his cabin… and drank some more whiskey. When lifeboat #10, the one he was supposed to board, was ready — he offered his seat to another crewman and stayed put — sober and slightly tipsy. Finally, when all the lifeboats had been launched, Charles stood alone on the ship, throwing deck chairs into the ocean one by one — to serve as flotation devices for those in the water. And yes, he kept drinking. 🧊 When the stern of the Titanic lifted up, Charles quietly crossed the railing… And the ship sank beneath him — without pulling him out. He swam for two hours in the icy Atlantic Ocean — his hair dry and his mind perfectly balanced. When he was rescued, Second Officer Lightoller — who was sure Charles would be dead by now — was surprised to see him alive. Charles believed that alcohol had prevented his blood from clotting and his consciousness from slipping away. He survived. He saved others. And he survived the biggest maritime tragedy in history. 💬 After that? He went back to the sea again. He kept making bread. He kept drinking. He survived two more ship accidents. And he lived till the age of 78. Today, it is written on his grave: "The Baker of the Titanic". 🥃🛳 A man who raised the cup of life — when the ocean was about to swallow him. Moral Of The Story Drink alcohol whenever you have a problem

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji is the founder of the Art of Living Foundation,

Introduction:- Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji is the founder of the Art of Living Foundation, of the World Forum for Ethics in Business and through his teaching has reached half a million people in more than 180 countries in the world through programs that promote peace, well-being and social transformation. He's a tireless ambassador, not just for meditation but also mediation and brought to that solutions in more than 40 countries around the world in conflict. It's a big honor to have him here in Basel. Gurudev :- Dignitaries on this dias and dignitaries and my dear ones in the audience. You know, three things we are all born with. First, every child's play is part of every baby. Even before we start to walk, we start to play. So games are part of our life. The second thing is every child sings before it talks. Language comes later but it starts singing first. It's universal language, sports, music and third thing, if you observe a baby from the age of three months to three years, it is a yoga teacher too. It does all the yoga postures. Everywhere, you don't need a yoga teacher if you observe a baby. The way they breathe, the way they do their postures, they teach us a lot. Sports being so natural to us, where have we gone wrong today? If one third of world's population is feeling lonely, depressed, unhappy in spite of having sports and music, there is something that we all have to sit back and think about. The sportive spirit in the sports is being lost. I want to tell you an incident that happened. I was in Canada in somebody's house as a guest and the teenager boy at the home, he came in the evening. He had a long face, he was very sad, upset. I asked him, what's the matter? He said, I lost. Whom did you lose to? He said Another guy. In the sports, he won and I lost. It was a bad matter. I asked him, is he your friend? He said, yeah, of course. I asked him, if your friend wins, you are unhappy. How do you feel if you win and if your friend is unhappy? He just sat back and said, Gurudev, I never thought about it like that. I said, in sports, either you win or you make someone win. In either case, you should be happy. Sports should be taken in the sportive spirit. Winning and losing is not it. Just the act itself is joy. You don't wait for the end of the sports to celebrate. You celebrate from the moment you start the sports. When we understand this, ethics automatically will come into the sports. Otherwise, we see in all the sports arenas, so much violence happens. Because we play sports like wars. And sports have become so intertwined with business, politics, and it is losing its basic ethical values of creating happiness and uplifting human spirit and uniting people. What do you think? Isn't it? Something which is so natural to us, like sports, should unite the people of the world. And that's what it has been doing for quite some time. But of late, we find there are more heartburns, more violence, more depression, and sliding down the scale in ethics. Of course, sports needs competition. Without competition, there is no sports. There can be music without competition, but sports has an integral part of it, as competition is one of the integral parts of sports. Competition can be healthy. Competition also can uplift spirit. Competition need not always bring heartaches, heartburns in people. This is what we need to convey to our younger generation loud and clear, that we are all part of one human family. We are part of one globe. Concluding that incidence what I was mentioning about the teenage boy, you know, he suddenly lit up. He said, yes, I don't want my friends to be unhappy when I win. I want them to celebrate with me. I want them to come to the party, cut the cake, and be part of me. When this is what you expect from the other, you should also celebrate someone else's victory. You know, that boy next day brought his friend who won the match, and they all had a great celebration. So, it is just that little twist in our thinking, a little awareness of what we are up to, make a big difference. The whole life is a game. We have to see it from a broader perspective. If we can take the whole life as a sport, there will be no war in the world. There will be no heartburns. There will be no mistrust in that. You know, in sports, trust is a very important aspect. If you don't trust, you can't play with the person whom you are playing. Trust forms the backbone of ethics, and it forms the backbone of sports as well. And today, what we see in the world is lack of trust, perceived threat from the other. And this, unfortunately, has entered the arena of sports as well. So, it is so timely that we bring up this topic to the forefront of ethics in sports, and we all have to work for this. Don't you think so? In a world where there is desperation, where there is so much of negativity, I feel ethics in sports can uplift the whole scenario. Young people around the world have a passion for sports, and that passion should not be killed with unethical and irrational behaviors in any corner. When countries are in conflict, when people come together and play, it brings a healing touch of unimaginable magnitude. You know, when we had the World Culture Festival in Washington, D.C., we had a group which came from Ukraine to perform, and we had a Russian group too come to perform there. And the people are uniting. There was one group from Palestine, one group from Israel. So, music like music, sports can unite. India and Pakistan, cricket still is being played. So we should keep politics out of this arena of art, culture, and sports, even religion, I would say. Politics has its place. Life is not all politics. Life is not all religion. Life has a broader perspective beyond this, and sports is something that can soar our human values to that level. Thank you very much. Thank you, beautiful city of Basel, for hosting this conference. And all of you who are here, taking up this mission of bringing ethics in sports and encouraging our society to be a happier and healthier society. Thank you.

Why did Bhishma last longer as a commander in the Mahabharata compared to Drona and Karna, despite all being skilled warriors?

Why did Bhishma last longer as a commander in the Mahabharata compared to Drona and Karna, despite all being skilled warriors? Lasting long doesn't mean he was most efficient general. In fact, he was 2nd most pathetic commander after Shalya. Under his command, pandavas did not lose much significant warriors, nor major destruction for pandava army whereas Kuru army lost 2 akshouhinis. As for why it took longer, Bhishma was most protected warrior in the entire war, Duryodhana always strived to protect Bhishma from others. This can be seen on plenty of instances., 10th day at its best. For each successive general, this reduced greatly. Moreover each general among Bhishma, Drona and Karna were killed when Krishna decided to put them down.. Bhishma's commandership was hardly problematic for pandavas for first 8 days, in fact it was quite the opposite. Things were not going so greatly for Kurus. Provoked by Duryodhana’s harsh words on 8th night Bhishma tried to cause maximum damage to the army on 9th day. At this point Krishna decided to put him down and used Shikhandi as only Shikhandi' was capable as per Shiva's boon. For Drona's case, he was best in case of building and holding battle arrays. Even most complex arrays. The most powerful Vyuha was formed on 14th day (combination of 3 arrays - Chakra-shakata, suchimukh and Padmavyuha). The Chakrashakata vyuha was the outermost array guarded by Drona and it was only penetrated by 3 warriors, Arjuna through avoiding Drona, Satyaki and Bhima by vanquishing Drona after multiple failed attempts. The most impressive fact is none else apart from these 3 succeeded in entering the array till night. Dhristadyumna scattered this array multiple times but Drona held it together till evening. Not only that he killed multiple prominent warriors on that' day. Even more impressive is the fact that Shiva weakened Kuru army on 14th day as a consequence of his boon to Arjuna. Drona’s form on 15th day was so fierce, none could stop him. Krishna feared he would devour the army on that day itself and realised the need to put him down immediately by hook or crook hence used treachery, ie the famous Ashwatthama’s fake death Incident. This event later proved fatal for Pandavas. Ashwathama in rage unleashed two most powerful weapons in his arsenal extinguishing more than 1 Akshouhini. Drona's tenure was utter bloodshed in both sides severely weakening both armies. Kurus lost 4 full akshouhinis and Pandava army lost 3 full akshouhinis. And it would've resulted in more destruction for pandavas had they not cheated. Karna, as a general, proved highly effective, with both sides suffering almost equal losses, each losing about two akshouhinis. During earlier tenures, the Pandavas inflicted greater damage on the Kaurava army. Unlike Bhishma and Drona, who relied more on strategies, Karna’s command resembled a one-man show. In just two days, he decimated nearly 1.5 akshauhinis and became nearly unstoppable on the 17th day, armed with a more powerful divine bow. He could've won the war by capturing Yudhistira, but instead spared him out of benevelonce or promise to Kunti. Even Arjuna struggled greatly against him, resorting to multiple celestial weapons and even invoking the so called Mahapasupata against the adversary. Earlier, Krishna strategically pulled him out of the battle to save him from Karna when the latter unleashed the Bhargavastra. Eventually fate became the villain in Karna’s case,. When his chariot wheel sank, he lost morale and clearly showed weakness afterwards, leading to his downfall. Bhishma's achievements in 10 days combined too does not equate to Karna’s one on 17th day alone.

Only one who has renounced can truly love.- Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Only one who has renounced can truly love. To the degree you have renounced, to that degree you have the ability to love. Often people think those who renounce cannot love, and those who love cannot renounce. This is because so-called renunciants do not seem to be in love, and so-called lovers are very possessive and are in need. True love is non-possessive and brings freedom, and renunciation is nothing but freedom. Only in freedom can love fully blossom. When in love you say, "I want nothing, I just want this." Renunciation is, " I don't want anything. I am free." In love there is no other need. Renunciation is having no need. Love and renunciation, although appearing to be opposites, are two sides of the same coin. McQueen said -- They are the same side of the same coin. (laughter) Tara asked -- Does this mean the lover renounces his beloved? Guruji responded -- You renounce the attachment, the possessiveness. Renunciation doesn't diminish love; it enhances it. Only renunciation can sustain love and joy. Without renunciation love turns into misery, possessiveness, jealousy and anger. Renunciation brings contentment and contentment sustains love. Without renunciation one gets discontented, frustrated, sad, fearful, suspicious, analytical. And the whole soap opera begins. And this is what we find in society , don't we? The so-called renunciants have run away from life frustrated and disappointed. Real renunciation is born out of knowledge and wisdom, knowledge of life in the background of time and space and in the context of this magnanimous universe. 🌸Jai Guru Dev🌸

*From Wing Commander Sudarshan*

*From Wing Commander Sudarshan* (So well described Like Real scenes lived live Where Eagles Dare type Movie Relived Bravo Our Soldiers Jai Hind Mission Accomplished So many loud proof seeking Mouths Shut) *”Operation Sindoor”* Chapter 21 Operation Mahadev *14 Days, 1 Mission, Mahadev Peak*: How the Pahalgam Mastermind Was Hunted Down DAY 1 – Shadows over Mahadev The silent forests beneath Mahadev Peak, towering over the scenic Dachigam valley, hid a dark secret. After the blood-soaked tragedy in Pahalgam, India’s elite counter-terrorism units vowed retaliation — not in haste but with precision. Deep in the wild, at 12,000 feet above sea level, surveillance teams intercepted encrypted Chinese military-grade communication signals — cold, coded, and deadly. The chatter was unmistakable: “WY-SMS”, the infamous communication protocol once used by Lashkar-e-Taiba in 2016, was back. Its origin? Somewhere in the icy wilderness of Mulnar, Harwan, at the base of Mahadev. The hunt had just begun. DAY 3 – Phantom in the Trees The intelligence was staggering — the mastermind of the Pahalgam attack was hiding here: Suleiman Shah, alias Hashim Musa, a ghost with a blood-soaked legacy. A former commando of Pakistan Army’s Special Services Group (SSG), Shah had vanished into Lashkar’s shadowy world years ago. Hardened in jungle warfare, survival, and insurgency tactics, he had become a myth until now. Using satellite imagery, ground reconnaissance, and direction-finding radars, the Indian Army and intelligence agencies triangulated the source of the encrypted signals. The needle pointed toward a camouflaged cluster of hideouts deep in the Mulnar jungles — possibly an operational base. DAY 5 – The Steel Web Tightens The Army’s elite 4 Para (Special Forces) were inserted into the periphery — silent, unseen, and in pairs. Meanwhile, technical intelligence confirmed multiple foreign fighters were in the area. The jungle was rigged — escape tunnels, booby traps, motion sensors. The teams would need patience and planning. The snow-fed streams nearby ran cold and fast — masking every footfall. The op was codenamed: Operation Mahadev — not only after the sacred peak, but also the divine destroyer in Indian mythology. Destruction of evil was imminent. DAY 9 – A Clue in the Static At 0400 hours, the SIGINT team intercepted a short-range encrypted message: “Move before full moon.” The implication was chilling: the terrorists were preparing for a high-profile attack, possibly on a civilian target in Srinagar during the Amarnath Yatra. The operation could no longer wait. The next 48 hours would be a race against time. DAY 11 – Final Lock-On Using drone surveillance with infrared vision, a brief movement was detected near an abandoned shepherd hut — a brief glint of metal in the undergrowth. It was confirmed: Shah, Afghan and Gibran all Category A++ targets, armed with carbines, AK-47s, and grenade launchers. The Army sealed off the escape routes. Infiltration teams were silently positioned along the ridges. The entire forest was now a pressure cooker, and the lid was about to blow. DAY 13 – The Reckoning Begins The One-Minute War That Lasted a Hundred Hours. It began not with a gunshot, but a whisper in the wind. Somewhere high in the undulating terrain between the Mahadev and Zabarvan ridges, deep behind the shadows of Dachigam National Park, came intel—scant, raw, but credible. A trio of heavily armed terrorists had slipped through the LoC and were believed to be regrouping in the thick alpine forests. Their mission was unknown. Their movements, erratic. But one thing was clear: they couldn’t be allowed to vanish into the mist. Enter the 4 PARA (SF). Twelve men. One Major. No air support. No second chances. For over four days, these elite commandos became shadows in the forest—sleepless, silent, and calculating. The terrain was merciless. Temperatures dropped below zero at night, and the sun offered no kindness during the day. But not once did they complain or retreat. Their quarry? Three battle-hardened, Pakistan-trained infiltrators believed to be linked with Lashkar-e-Taiba. Heavily armed. Ruthless. Trained to kill and disappear. The search was a tactical ballet—slow, deliberate, and dangerously close to exposure. But the team held its nerve. Every rustle was noted. Every disturbed twig was logged. Still, the enemy eluded them. Until Day Four. The Revelation: Micro Drones, Macro Impact Just before dawn on the 100th hour, a nano drone the size of a palm lifted off silently from behind a boulder. Guided via thermal imaging and AI-assisted threat recognition, it skimmed past thick pine canopies and hovered near a makeshift camouflaged camp. There they were. Sleeping. Clumped together like deadweight. Three terrorists. AK-47s next to them. One grenade belt. Two radio handsets. All weapons accounted for. None on alert. That one aerial snapshot changed the game. The drone sent encrypted live feed back to the command tablet in the hands of the Major leading the mission—a 29-year-old veteran of three earlier cross-border operations. His eyes scanned the visuals, and he whispered just two words into his throat mic: "Initiate contact." The 4 Para team moved in like wraiths. Distance to target: 40 meters. Elevation: downhill gradient—perfect for a ballistic advantage. Night vision on. Safeties off. At 03:46 AM, a single suppressed round cracked the silence. First terrorist down. Two startled shapes stirred. Another double-tap.Second down. Before the third could even reach for his weapon, the Major himself squeezed the trigger. The shot struck center-mass. Third down. Total time: 58 seconds. Rounds fired: Six. Enemy retaliation: Zero. Not a single soldier was injured. Not a single noise that could give away their position to any potential backup squads. It wasn’t a firefight. It was a clinical termination. Aftermath Weapons, radios, and recovered mobile phones revealed chats with handlers in Muzaffarabad and GPS coordinates linked to infiltration routes. The entire operation, though bloodless on the Indian side, thwarted a planned attack likely targeting Amarnath Yatra pilgrims. As dawn broke, the soldiers melted away into the forest, leaving behind no trace—except the still bodies of those who thought they could outwit India's elite. Operation Mahadev wasn’t just a manhunt. It was a testament to India’s growing technological and tactical edge in high-altitude counter-insurgency. A story of patience, precision, and deadly silence. *The post-op sweep recovered:* 3 AK-47s, 17 rifle grenades, Chinese-origin encrypted radios,Night vision scopes, High-calorie Pakistani combat rations, Map with planned routes into civilian zones,It was no ordinary cell — this was a mobile command unit, a snake’s head severed. Every item recovered had screamed “ I am from Pakistan “ Back in Pahalgam, tears turned into a quiet prayer. Justice had been delivered. Not with fanfare, but with the cold precision of a nation’s resolve. Operation Mahadev was more than just a tactical success. It was a message — that no matter how well-trained, how deep they hide, India’s enemies will be found, cornered, and neutralised. From the cruel silence of Pahalgam to the roaring mountains of Mahadev, this was a reckoning long in the making. And it had just begun. The mountains and the Mahadev peak, for once, echoed not with gunfire but with the quiet pride of victory.

*From Wing Commander Sudarshan*

*From Wing Commander Sudarshan* (So well described Like Real scenes lived live Where Eagles Dare type Movie Relived Bravo Our Soldiers Jai Hind Mission Accomplished So many loud proof seeking Mouths Shut) *”Operation Sindoor”* Chapter 21 Operation Mahadev *14 Days, 1 Mission, Mahadev Peak*: How the Pahalgam Mastermind Was Hunted Down DAY 1 – Shadows over Mahadev The silent forests beneath Mahadev Peak, towering over the scenic Dachigam valley, hid a dark secret. After the blood-soaked tragedy in Pahalgam, India’s elite counter-terrorism units vowed retaliation — not in haste but with precision. Deep in the wild, at 12,000 feet above sea level, surveillance teams intercepted encrypted Chinese military-grade communication signals — cold, coded, and deadly. The chatter was unmistakable: “WY-SMS”, the infamous communication protocol once used by Lashkar-e-Taiba in 2016, was back. Its origin? Somewhere in the icy wilderness of Mulnar, Harwan, at the base of Mahadev. The hunt had just begun. DAY 3 – Phantom in the Trees The intelligence was staggering — the mastermind of the Pahalgam attack was hiding here: Suleiman Shah, alias Hashim Musa, a ghost with a blood-soaked legacy. A former commando of Pakistan Army’s Special Services Group (SSG), Shah had vanished into Lashkar’s shadowy world years ago. Hardened in jungle warfare, survival, and insurgency tactics, he had become a myth until now. Using satellite imagery, ground reconnaissance, and direction-finding radars, the Indian Army and intelligence agencies triangulated the source of the encrypted signals. The needle pointed toward a camouflaged cluster of hideouts deep in the Mulnar jungles — possibly an operational base. DAY 5 – The Steel Web Tightens The Army’s elite 4 Para (Special Forces) were inserted into the periphery — silent, unseen, and in pairs. Meanwhile, technical intelligence confirmed multiple foreign fighters were in the area. The jungle was rigged — escape tunnels, booby traps, motion sensors. The teams would need patience and planning. The snow-fed streams nearby ran cold and fast — masking every footfall. The op was codenamed: Operation Mahadev — not only after the sacred peak, but also the divine destroyer in Indian mythology. Destruction of evil was imminent. DAY 9 – A Clue in the Static At 0400 hours, the SIGINT team intercepted a short-range encrypted message: “Move before full moon.” The implication was chilling: the terrorists were preparing for a high-profile attack, possibly on a civilian target in Srinagar during the Amarnath Yatra. The operation could no longer wait. The next 48 hours would be a race against time. DAY 11 – Final Lock-On Using drone surveillance with infrared vision, a brief movement was detected near an abandoned shepherd hut — a brief glint of metal in the undergrowth. It was confirmed: Shah, Afghan and Gibran all Category A++ targets, armed with carbines, AK-47s, and grenade launchers. The Army sealed off the escape routes. Infiltration teams were silently positioned along the ridges. The entire forest was now a pressure cooker, and the lid was about to blow. DAY 13 – The Reckoning Begins The One-Minute War That Lasted a Hundred Hours. It began not with a gunshot, but a whisper in the wind. Somewhere high in the undulating terrain between the Mahadev and Zabarvan ridges, deep behind the shadows of Dachigam National Park, came intel—scant, raw, but credible. A trio of heavily armed terrorists had slipped through the LoC and were believed to be regrouping in the thick alpine forests. Their mission was unknown. Their movements, erratic. But one thing was clear: they couldn’t be allowed to vanish into the mist. Enter the 4 PARA (SF). Twelve men. One Major. No air support. No second chances. For over four days, these elite commandos became shadows in the forest—sleepless, silent, and calculating. The terrain was merciless. Temperatures dropped below zero at night, and the sun offered no kindness during the day. But not once did they complain or retreat. Their quarry? Three battle-hardened, Pakistan-trained infiltrators believed to be linked with Lashkar-e-Taiba. Heavily armed. Ruthless. Trained to kill and disappear. The search was a tactical ballet—slow, deliberate, and dangerously close to exposure. But the team held its nerve. Every rustle was noted. Every disturbed twig was logged. Still, the enemy eluded them. Until Day Four. The Revelation: Micro Drones, Macro Impact Just before dawn on the 100th hour, a nano drone the size of a palm lifted off silently from behind a boulder. Guided via thermal imaging and AI-assisted threat recognition, it skimmed past thick pine canopies and hovered near a makeshift camouflaged camp. There they were. Sleeping. Clumped together like deadweight. Three terrorists. AK-47s next to them. One grenade belt. Two radio handsets. All weapons accounted for. None on alert. That one aerial snapshot changed the game. The drone sent encrypted live feed back to the command tablet in the hands of the Major leading the mission—a 29-year-old veteran of three earlier cross-border operations. His eyes scanned the visuals, and he whispered just two words into his throat mic: "Initiate contact." The 4 Para team moved in like wraiths. Distance to target: 40 meters. Elevation: downhill gradient—perfect for a ballistic advantage. Night vision on. Safeties off. At 03:46 AM, a single suppressed round cracked the silence. First terrorist down. Two startled shapes stirred. Another double-tap.Second down. Before the third could even reach for his weapon, the Major himself squeezed the trigger. The shot struck center-mass. Third down. Total time: 58 seconds. Rounds fired: Six. Enemy retaliation: Zero. Not a single soldier was injured. Not a single noise that could give away their position to any potential backup squads. It wasn’t a firefight. It was a clinical termination. Aftermath Weapons, radios, and recovered mobile phones revealed chats with handlers in Muzaffarabad and GPS coordinates linked to infiltration routes. The entire operation, though bloodless on the Indian side, thwarted a planned attack likely targeting Amarnath Yatra pilgrims. As dawn broke, the soldiers melted away into the forest, leaving behind no trace—except the still bodies of those who thought they could outwit India's elite. Operation Mahadev wasn’t just a manhunt. It was a testament to India’s growing technological and tactical edge in high-altitude counter-insurgency. A story of patience, precision, and deadly silence. *The post-op sweep recovered:* 3 AK-47s, 17 rifle grenades, Chinese-origin encrypted radios,Night vision scopes, High-calorie Pakistani combat rations, Map with planned routes into civilian zones,It was no ordinary cell — this was a mobile command unit, a snake’s head severed. Every item recovered had screamed “ I am from Pakistan “ Back in Pahalgam, tears turned into a quiet prayer. Justice had been delivered. Not with fanfare, but with the cold precision of a nation’s resolve. Operation Mahadev was more than just a tactical success. It was a message — that no matter how well-trained, how deep they hide, India’s enemies will be found, cornered, and neutralised. From the cruel silence of Pahalgam to the roaring mountains of Mahadev, this was a reckoning long in the making. And it had just begun. The mountains and the Mahadev peak, for once, echoed not with gunfire but with the quiet pride of victory.

*The Deep Dive*

*The Deep Dive* *The US-India Trade Standoff: A High-Stakes Game of Give and Take* *Prologue: A Brewing Storm in Trade Talks* Imagine a tense negotiation between two powerful nations, the United States and India, where a big trade deal is on the line. An economist from East Asia has been watching closely, and he isn't surprised by the recent news: a threat of a 25% tariff from the US on Indian goods, plus pressure over India's oil imports from Russia. This situation, while not final, has been building up, and it raises important questions: Can India reduce this threat, and what will it cost them? This piece will break down why this trade dispute isn't a surprise and what each side wants, making it easy to understand the complex dance between these two global players. *Why This Isn't a Surprise: The Unspoken Realities* It might seem harsh, but the fact that India isn't getting the easy trade deal it hoped for isn't a shock to those who understand how these things work. Let's look at similar situations to understand why. *The EU and Japan Precedent* Think about what happened with the European Union and Japan. They faced a 15% tariff from the US, but eventually got some relief, especially for their car industries. This suggests that a 15% tariff is probably the best India could hope for. But even that seems unlikely. Why? Because to get that lower rate, India would have to offer a lot to the US, and it seems unwilling to do so. *Trump's Tactics: A Threat or a Promise?* This 25% tariff threat is similar to what former President Trump did with Japan before they agreed to a lower number. It's a tactic, and whether it's a real threat or just a bargaining chip is up for debate. But one thing is clear: Trump cares enough about these issues to talk about them publicly. *What Trump Wants from India* President Trump has a few key goals he wants India, and its leader Prime Minister Modi, to help him achieve. *Ending the Ukraine War and Russian Oil* One major goal is to get India's help in ending the war in Ukraine. However, India isn't very interested in getting involved. As a developing country, India buys oil from wherever it's cheapest, and right now, that's Russia. Trump wants to cut off Russia's oil money, but India doesn't want to stop buying the cheapest oil available. For India, Russia is neither an enemy nor a close friend. While Russia might be seen as an enemy by Western countries, India doesn't share that view. So, on this point, it's very difficult for India to agree. The cost to India would be having to pay more for its oil if it stops buying from Russia. Trump's tariffs are adding to these costs. *Opening India's Massive Market* The second thing Trump wants is to be able to proudly say that he has opened India's huge market to American businesses. He sees this as a win-win situation for both countries. India has shown some willingness to open up its markets, as seen in its deal with the UK. However, India is doing this at its own pace – very slowly and only in certain areas where it feels its own industries don't need protection, like ultra-luxury goods, and with small limits on imports. So, when it comes to cars, Trump isn't making any progress. This means the 25% car tariff will likely stay. For India, it might not be worth giving up too much of its own market if it doesn't export much to the US anyway. India might offer a bit more than it gave to the UK, but the UK deal shows that India wants to keep its domestic car markets protected. *Agricultural Access: A Tough Nut to Crack* On the farming side, the US wants to sell more of its main products like soybeans and corn in India. But this is also proving impossible. Why? Because India doesn't want to upset its farmers, who make up the majority of its population in terms of voting power and employment (about 40% of all jobs). So, on this issue, both sides are stuck. India could potentially offer to buy palm oil from the US instead of Indonesia, but there's a reason they buy from Indonesia in the first place (likely cost or existing trade agreements). Regardless, this particular issue is very difficult to resolve. India could also offer a large investment or purchase package to the US. However, this isn't typically how India operates. So, the detailed discussions are where the negotiations get stuck. *India's Unique Position: Not Like Vietnam* India is not like Vietnam, which might be more willing to make concessions to gain access to the US market. India has a massive domestic market that is valuable on its own. But giving access to that market comes with costs, and what Trump is asking for is forcing changes on a country that traditionally avoids taking big political risks. While India's willingness to take risks has grown, it's still not enough for these demands. *What Happens Next?* So, what's the outlook? The economist believes that this 25% tariff threat and the pressure over Russian oil might not stick. Or maybe they will. Either way, there's some room to reduce the tariff. The big question remains: Is it worth it for India if the best deal it can get is something closer to the 19% tariff rates seen with countries like Indonesia or the Philippines? *Epilogue: The Unfolding Trade Saga* As the trade talks continue, the tension between the US and India highlights the complex realities of global commerce. It's a delicate balance between economic interests, political agendas, and national priorities. The outcome of these negotiations will not only shape the future of trade between these two giants but also offer valuable lessons on how nations navigate their differences in an increasingly interconnected world. The world watches to see how this high-stakes game of give and take will conclude. *Credits: The East Asia Economist*

Why is Lord Vishnu holding Goddess Lakshmi's breast in ancient sculpture?

Why is Lord Vishnu holding Goddess Lakshmi's breast in ancient sculpture? They are husband and wife and romantically love each other. Did your parents not teach you what this entails? From the ancient Shilpa Prakasha text, written by the very sculptors who made such carvings (specifically the great sculptor Ramachandra Kulacara): “In this context, hear the rationale for erotic sculpture panels; I will explain them according to the received tradition among sculptors. Kama is the root of the world's existence. All that is born originates from Kama, it is by Kama also that primordial matter and all beings eventually dissolve away. Without the passion Shiva and Shakti, creation would be nothing but a figment. Nothing from birth to death occurs without activation of Kama. Shiva is manifest as the great Linga; Shakti’s essential form is the Yoni. By their interaction the entire world comes into being; this is called the activity of Kama. Canonical erotic art is an extensive subject in authoritative scriptures; as they say, a place devoid of erotic imagery is a place to be shunned. By Tantric authority, such places are considered inferior and to be avoided, as if tantamount to the lair of death, of impenetrable darkness.” - Shilpa Prakasha 2.498–503

Gurudev’s brilliant knowledge-answers to insightful questions posed by a Bulgarian magazine. The original article, published today 29 July, is in Bulgarian.

Gurudev’s brilliant knowledge-answers to insightful questions posed by a Bulgarian magazine. The original article, published today 29 July, is in Bulgarian. *Q:* _What does it mean to be a spiritual leader?_ *G*: A spiritual teacher is someone who *upholds ethics and morality*, inspiring people to be progressive and dynamic. *They also provide hope in times of despair and helplessness.* A spiritual teacher also *cares for people's mental, physical, and social well-being.* *Q* : _Do you know anything about the Bulgarian prophetess Vanga?_ *G*: Oh yes, Vanga! She was a great prophetess who, despite being blind, could see beyond this world. She was a wonderful person, had deep inner spiritual experiences, and was able to explore other dimensions. I am fully connected to that dimension she spoke of. We have trained many people whom we call *“time scanners.”* They possess knowledge of time and can perform the same things Vanga did - enter higher dimensions and access knowledge that is normally not available through the five senses. Knowledge from the five senses is lower than knowledge acquired through the intellect. And knowledge from higher levels of consciousness is superior to the knowledge gained through intellect. Vanga had access to this consciousness-level knowledge, which is above the intellect or the logical realm. *I have trained 280 people to access this level of consciousness, which one can reach through deep meditation.* *Q*: _Why is there so much violence and wars around the world despite the positive efforts of many people, including those like you?_ *G*: you see how advanced technology is today. Despite this, people are not becoming healthier, at least at the moment, and more and more hospitals need to be built. The problem with wars is similar. Although a huge number of people meditate and fight for peace, the problems remain because we need to address them on a more fundamental level. It is important, when we talk about our desire for peace or mental health, to start dealing with these issues from a young age. They should be part of the educational system. Then there will be progress. At the same time, *world leaders need to become more compassionate and understanding.* They need to have *long-term thinking and put the well-being of people before their personal ambitions.* These people, who lead different nations, need to believe *more in dialogue than in domination.* Dialogue must come before domination for power. World leaders need to know that we have one planet Earth and humanity is one. They must realize that the entire world is *one family.* *Q*: _is all this violence because people are naturally bad and evil?_ *G*: Not at all. Not a single child is born as a bad child. Every child is born as a bundle of joy, full of positivity and enthusiasm. Internally, if you look through my eyes, you will see that no one is bad. Only their ideas, thoughts, isolation, fears, and many other factors make them what they are. We teach in prisons and have seen huge transformations in these people in Europe, the USA, Africa, and many other countries. And in the lives of these people, a 180-degree change occurs. *Q*: _Can everyone reach enlightenment?_ *G*: The possibility is there! Whether they achieve it or not is like asking if everyone can become president or prime minister of a country. The possibility exists. *Q*: _If I am neither my body nor my mind - who am I? For example, who is speaking to you now and who is hearing your answers?_ *G* : This is a question that a person must ask themselves. The question itself will lead you to the answer. You don’t need anyone else to answer it for you. *Q*: _You are traveling so much around the world and sharing your knowledge, don’t you commercialize it? Don’t you become part of the consumer system, but in the sphere of spiritual knowledge?_ *G*: A painting needs a frame to stand in. In a similar way, to spread spiritual knowledge and wisdom, a certain logistics and organization are necessary. This automatically includes the economic aspect as well. You can’t do charity with an empty bowl. *Q*: _Should we look/seeek for a guru (spiritual teacher, friend), or is every person their own best guru?_ *G:* The true guru will meet you with your true Self. And this wisdom is your guru. Just like with any sport, to learn how to play it, you need a coach. You even need an instructor to learn how to drive. Once you have learned, you can drive your own car. *Q*: _How do you help people live better? What inspires you to do it?_ *G*: My nature has always been to make sure there is a smile on people's faces. I dream of a society where there is no violence and life is stress-free. I have worked and continue to work for a society that is more harmonious and friendly, compassionate, understanding, and resilient in difficult times.

*Fair is Foul and Foul is Fair*

*Fair is Foul and Foul is Fair* *(For the fans of Shakespeare's Macbeth)* Beneath Dunsinane’s haunted glare, Three sisters stir the poisoned air. They chant upon the moorland bare: "Fair is foul and foul is fair." A soldier brave with valiant pride, By fate and fire is turned aside. The seed of kings they plant in jest— And wake ambition in his breast. The dagger floats, unseen, yet real, A bloodless sign, a deadly seal. He steals through night with silent breath And crowns himself through Duncan’s death. The queen, with iron soul and tongue, Drinks deeply from the dark unsung. Yet guilt will stain her moonlit hand— No wash can cleanse that cursed brand. Banquo's ghost walks through the feast, A warning from the murdered beast. And forests march, and swords arise, As truth breaks through Macbeth’s disguise. The throne once won through blood and fear Now trembles at Macduff’s spear. What fate had built on wicked clay Comes crumbling down by break of day. So heed the chant the weird ones share— "Fair is Foul and foul is Fair" For power gained by crooked art Will pierce the soul and break the heart.

*Who Am I?*

*Who Am I?* After retirement, with no job, no routine, and a quiet house echoing with silence… I finally began to discover my true self. Who am I? I built bungalows, raised farmhouses, invested in ventures big and small, yet now, I find myself bound within four simple walls. From bicycle to moped, bike to car, I chased speed and style — but now, I walk slowly, alone, inside my room. Nature smiled and asked, “Who are you, dear friend?” And I replied, “I am... just me.” I’ve seen states, countries, continents, but today, my journeys stretch only from the drawing room to the kitchen. I learned about cultures and traditions, but now, I simply long to understand my own family. Nature smiled again, “Who are you, dear friend?” And I said, “I am... just me.” Once I celebrated birthdays, engagements, weddings in grand style — but today, I count coins to buy vegetables. Once I fed extra bread to cows and dogs, today, even my own meal feels like a challenge. Nature asked once more, “Who are you, dear friend?” And I answered, “I am... just me.” Gold, silver, diamonds, pearls — sleep quietly in lockers. Suits and blazers — hang untouched in wardrobes. But now, I live in soft cotton, simple and free. I once mastered English, French, Hindi — but now, I find comfort in reading my mother tongue. I travelled endlessly for work, and now, I reflect on those profits and losses — measured in memories. I ran businesses, nurtured a family, built many connections, but now, my dearest companion is the kind neighbour next door. I once followed every rule, strived in education — but now I finally see what truly matters. After all of life’s highs and lows, in a quiet moment, my soul whispered back to me. Enough now… Get ready, O Traveller… It’s time to prepare for the final journey… Nature smiled gently, “Who are you, dear friend?” And I replied: “O Nature, You are me… And I am you. Once I soared in the skies, Now I touch the earth with grace. Forgive me… Give me one more chance to live… Not as a money-making machine, But as a true human being — With values, With family, With love.”

Gurudev’s brilliant knowledge-answers to insightful questions posed by a Bulgarian magazine.

Gurudev’s brilliant knowledge-answers to insightful questions posed by a Bulgarian magazine. *Q:* _What does it mean to be a spiritual leader?_ *G*: A spiritual teacher is someone who *upholds ethics and morality*, inspiring people to be progressive and dynamic. *They also provide hope in times of despair and helplessness.* A spiritual teacher also *cares for people's mental, physical, and social well-being.* *Q* : _Do you know anything about the Bulgarian prophetess Vanga?_ *G*: Oh yes, Vanga! She was a great prophetess who, despite being blind, could see beyond this world. She was a wonderful person, had deep inner spiritual experiences, and was able to explore other dimensions. I am fully connected to that dimension she spoke of. We have trained many people whom we call *“time scanners.”* They possess knowledge of time and can perform the same things Vanga did - enter higher dimensions and access knowledge that is normally not available through the five senses. Knowledge from the five senses is lower than knowledge acquired through the intellect. And knowledge from higher levels of consciousness is superior to the knowledge gained through intellect. Vanga had access to this consciousness-level knowledge, which is above the intellect or the logical realm. *I have trained 280 people to access this level of consciousness, which one can reach through deep meditation.* *Q*: _Why is there so much violence and wars around the world despite the positive efforts of many people, including those like you?_ *G*: you see how advanced technology is today. Despite this, people are not becoming healthier, at least at the moment, and more and more hospitals need to be built. The problem with wars is similar. Although a huge number of people meditate and fight for peace, the problems remain because we need to address them on a more fundamental level. It is important, when we talk about our desire for peace or mental health, to start dealing with these issues from a young age. They should be part of the educational system. Then there will be progress. At the same time, *world leaders need to become more compassionate and understanding.* They need to have *long-term thinking and put the well-being of people before their personal ambitions.* These people, who lead different nations, need to believe *more in dialogue than in domination.* Dialogue must come before domination for power. World leaders need to know that we have one planet Earth and humanity is one. They must realize that the entire world is *one family.* *Q*: _is all this violence because people are naturally bad and evil?_ *G*: Not at all. Not a single child is born as a bad child. Every child is born as a bundle of joy, full of positivity and enthusiasm. Internally, if you look through my eyes, you will see that no one is bad. Only their ideas, thoughts, isolation, fears, and many other factors make them what they are. We teach in prisons and have seen huge transformations in these people in Europe, the USA, Africa, and many other countries. And in the lives of these people, a 180-degree change occurs. *Q*: _Can everyone reach enlightenment?_ *G*: The possibility is there! Whether they achieve it or not is like asking if everyone can become president or prime minister of a country. The possibility exists. *Q*: _If I am neither my body nor my mind - who am I? For example, who is speaking to you now and who is hearing your answers?_ *G* : This is a question that a person must ask themselves. The question itself will lead you to the answer. You don’t need anyone else to answer it for you. *Q*: _You are traveling so much around the world and sharing your knowledge, don’t you commercialize it? Don’t you become part of the consumer system, but in the sphere of spiritual knowledge?_ *G*: A painting needs a frame to stand in. In a similar way, to spread spiritual knowledge and wisdom, a certain logistics and organization are necessary. This automatically includes the economic aspect as well. You can’t do charity with an empty bowl. *Q*: _Should we look/seeek for a guru (spiritual teacher, friend), or is every person their own best guru?_ *G:* The true guru will meet you with your true Self. And this wisdom is your guru. Just like with any sport, to learn how to play it, you need a coach. You even need an instructor to learn how to drive. Once you have learned, you can drive your own car. *Q*: _How do you help people live better? What inspires you to do it?_ *G*: My nature has always been to make sure there is a smile on people's faces. I dream of a society where there is no violence and life is stress-free. I have worked and continue to work for a society that is more harmonious and friendly, compassionate, understanding, and resilient in difficult times.

Old age shouldn’t catch you off guard

Old age shouldn’t catch you off guard — it deserves preparation, not empty hands. A little cash saved, a home that’s yours, and a car you can rely on — these aren’t luxuries, they’re the foundation of independence. When everything you have is truly yours, you stand a chance to experience the third chapter of life with dignity. ✨ Less is more. I’d rather live with less and breathe freely than be buried under a pile of possessions. The more things you own, the more energy they steal. There’s a fine line between owning your things… and your things owning you. True living is a subtle art — knowing how to eat with pleasure, sleep with peace, and not let anxiety about “losing it all” ruin your joy. Because in truth, nothing in this world really belongs to us. And we shouldn’t belong to things either. That’s just a quiet form of slavery. Live light. Live free. Live wise. — Robert de Niro

SEEDS OF FAITH

09:24 (1 hour ago) to Good Morning!!! God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; and Wisdom to know the difference. Thy will, not mine, be done. *~*~*~*~*^Daily Reflections^*~*~*~*~* August 4, 202​5 SEEDS OF FAITH Faith, to be sure, is necessary, but faith alone can avail nothing. We can have faith, yet keep God out of our lives. TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 34 As a child I constantly questioned the existence of God. To a "scientific thinker" like me, no answer could withstand a thorough dissection, until a very patient woman finally said to me, "You must have faith." With that simple statement, the seeds of my recovery were sown! Today, as I practice my recovery – cutting back the weeds of alcoholism – slowly I am letting those early seeds of faith to grow and bloom. Each day of recovery, of ardent gardening, brings the Higher Power of my understanding more fully into my life. My God has always been with me through faith, but it is my responsibility to have the willingness to accept His presence. I ask God to grant me the willingness to do His will. ********************************************** The Fellowship's Future "It seems proved that A.A. can stand on its own feet anywhere and under any conditions. It has outgrown any dependence it might once have had upon the personalities or efforts of a few of the older members like me. New, able, and vigorous people keep coming to the surface, turning up where they are needed. Besides, A.A. has reached enough spiritual maturity to know that its final dependence is upon God." ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Clearly, our first duty to A.A.'s future is to maintain in full strength what we have now. Only the most vigilant caretaking can assure this. Never should we be lulled into complacent self-satisfaction by the wide acclaim and success that are everywhere ours. This is the subtle temptation which could render us stagnant today, perchance disintegrate us tomorrow. We have always rallied to meet and transcend failure and crisis. Problems have been our stimulants. How well, though, shall we be able to meet the problems of success? 1. Letter, 1940 2. A.A. Today, p. 106 As Bill Sees It, P. 207 © 1967 by Alcoholics Anonymous ® World Services, Inc ******************************************* Step 1 Requiem for an Alcoholic The Circle & Triangle The circle & triangle represents the Alcoholics Anonymous solution to alcoholism. It is an overview of our three-part answer (unity, recovery, & service) to our three-part disease (physical, mental & spiritual). I get relief from Unity and Service. I get freedom from Recovery. Pg. v. contents: Doctor’s Opinion – Ch 3 = Step 1. The Problem Ch 4 = Step 2. The Solution Ch 5 – 7 = Steps 3-12 Direction & Treatment Pg. xxvi: Men and women drink…. Break down paragraph sentence by sentence, explain how it applies to you as to both drinking and thinking. Pg. 1: Read the first 8 pages of Bill’s Story. Check dictionary for words not known or understood In writing, identify with how he thinks, drinks, feels Step 1 on pg. 8 …. Quicksand. Pg. 9: Finish Bill’s Story, look for and mark Steps 2-12. Write out your story. Pg. 17 Ch 2: Go through, look up words not known, and write down identification notes. Pg. 27: “…ideas, emotions and attitude” write out “Am I ready for this revolutionary change? Pg. 28: “if what we have learned and felt and seen…” This is the Solution: Am I willing for this to happen in my life?” Write out answer Pg. 31: “here are some of the methods we have tried…” Add to list with both drinking and thinking and about methods used to think or live like other people; how they apply to you re: drinking and thinking. Pg. 34: _______= examples of persons who think they can control their own life. Give 10-20 examples of your own. Go through all 4 stories, describe thought that led them to drink give examples of doing the same. ####### Gratitude can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. It makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. MELODY BEATTIE

Exploring Body Mind Spirit- Dr Deepak Chopra

Exploring Body Mind Spirit Newsletter cover image Why Reality Isn’t Just a Story Author image Deepak Chopra MD (official) Read this article on LinkedIn to join the conversation Read on LinkedIn By Deepak Chopra, MD, FACP, FRCP People like to live out storylines, a habit that goes back thousands of years. Everyone has an individual story, one of eight billion as things stand today. But collective stories are more powerful, universal, and long-lasting. If you had been born in any age of recorded history, the dominant story would have been either religious or physical-materialistic. At the present time, the physical/materialistic story is so dominant, thanks to modern science and technology, that a crucial fact gets lost: All stories are mind-made. We are their source, but when enough people are convinced that a story is absolutely true, we forget this fact. Instead of holding on to our status as creators, we lapse into the subsidiary role of being a character in the story. One major tradition, however, was free of stories, namely the Vedic tradition in India. Although Hinduism was the offspring of the original Vedic teachings, Vedic knowledge itself is not religious teaching. They teach instead about consciousness. No story is attached, because consciousness is timeless. It has no historic events, turning points, breakthroughs, disasters, triumphs, or loss of self-confidence. Consciousness simply is, like existence itself. When this truth is lost, the mind fills in the space with stories. A story is whatever you live by that isn’t fully conscious. Of course, the world’s religions and spiritual traditions contain inspiring thoughts, some of them deeply imbued with pure consciousness. By the same token, physical/materialist eras are filled with impressive discoveries that bring subtle levels of Nature to light. But only consciousness knows consciousness. Every other source of knowledge is subsidiary at best, unreliable at worst.

The Pappu of Indian Politics

Rahul Gandhi thanked President Trump for calling the Indian economy "dead." Do you agree with him? There was a time when the Congress party was synonymous with patriotism and nationalism. Brilliant men and women of the caliber of Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Indira Gandhi, Nehru, Sastri, Rajaji, Sarojini Naidu worked steadfast to uplift India and bring it pride. For such a party to stoop to the level of Rahul Gandhi and side against India during a critical trade negotiation is a tragedy. No matter what their political differences were, the Congress men of the distant past would never abuse their country to score some points against their domestic opponents. Maybe if Ms. Indira Gandhi were alive and in power she would shoved her own grandson in the jail. While Congress party still remains an important force at the state level [where thankfully Rahul Gandhi has little sway and things are mostly run by local politicians], at the center it is attitude like this that keeps the Hindus and nationalists off Congress and keeps them at mediocrity for 3 elections in a row. World economy is at an important juncture where countries have to stay united to ward off the wrecklessness of US policies. Such lack of unity would give more ammunition to the US negotiators and harm India in a fairly intentional way. To side against the government at this point when such a stance has no chance of getting votes, is either monumentally stupid or something much worse. 14.7K views View 894 upvotes View 10 shares

Infidelity

I’m 39. Husband 42. One son. My brother’s wife left him — so she stayed with us “till she found work.” She wore short clothes at home, laughed loudly at my husband’s jokes. I thought, “She’s healing.” But then I saw them watching movies late night — just them. One night I found her sleeping on our sofa — my husband’s arm around her. I shouted — she laughed, “He loves me, you don’t deserve him.” I’m 39. Blood relations break you more than strangers do. If this hurts, write “No fake family help.”

Who killed Shivaji Maharaj?

Who killed Shivaji Maharaj? It is a controversial topic as it is still unknown if Maharaj was killed or died naturally. Shivaji Maharaj left this world in 1680 on 3rd April at the age of 52. It was the day of Hanuman Jayanti. The reason behind his death is unknown: different claims say different reasons, Portuguese recorded cause of death of Shivaji Maharaj is anthrax. Britishers say Bloody flux - Dysentery killed Maharaj Mughals say blood vomit. Krishnaji Anant Sabhasad say reason is fever. Some say he was poisoned by enemies (I personally don’t think this, as he had food tasters) Many say he was poisoned by his wife Soyrabai with assistance of minister Annajidatto to make Rajaram king. I don’t think he was poised by his close ones as no one would dare to do it. Also Maharaj’s minister had feud or disputes with Sambhaji Maharaj as Annaji’s corruption was always questioned by Sambhaji Maharaj after he started taking care of capital fort when Shivaji Maharaj was in battlefields. If Soyrabai and Annaji Datto wanted to make Rajaram next king, why will they kill Maharaj? Annajidatto tried to poison Sambhaji Maharaj but he failed due to alertness of guards and food tasters. Maybe Annaji poisoned Maharaj without knowledge of Soyrabai… God knows what happened, but Annaji was later sentenced to death by Sambhaji Maharaj for betrayal of Swarajya as he tried to help Siddis of Janjira. So it is natural to doubt his minister. There was no caste dispute between Sambhaji Maharaj and Annaji Datto like Brahmin vs. Maratha. This thing was bought to create tension between both communites. Some say Shivaji Maharaj died due to natural reasons as he never had luxury life, living in tents during wars, on horse and also he later he stopped himself fighting in wars due to knee pains and arthritis; and used to travel in palkhi. He never stayed at home for rest . So So due to very heavy, and busy life, he may have died due to natural reasons. But, whatever may be reason of his death, whole Bharat was in shock and an unusual strange feeling was felt by other Indian kings and Indians. Jay Hind!

A TIME TO REST

Good Morning!!! A TIME TO REST THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT Around the Year with Emmet Fox August 4 Read Exodus 20:8-11. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Exodus 20:8 This commandment about the Sabbath Day was given to the people at the time of their leaving Egypt and going into the desert, and on the surface, it meant what it said for that age. It was a wonderful thing in Moses' day to insist that everybody set aside one day a week to think about God or at least to oblige him to stop his secular activities. No rule can make a man religious, or give him faith, but it can help. Like all the other commandments, this one is instruction in seeking the presence of God everywhere, particularly where the trouble seems to be. Where there is fear and doubt, He brings faith, where there is lack, He brings abundance. But here in this commandment about the Sabbath Day there is a still deeper meaning. When you are praying every day and recognizing that God is working in you and in all your affairs, there will be a sense in which every day will be a Sabbath, because for you every day will be a holy day. One of the most wonderful things about the Bible teaching is that we get rid of the distinction between the sacred and the secular. That is one of the most important steps in the whole history of the soul. God is present everywhere. For those who understand Jesus' teaching, it is always the Sabbath Day, and the place whereon they stand is holy ground.

A ROCK FOUNDATION

Good Morning!!! A ROCK FOUNDATION Around the Year with Emmet Fox July 22 Read Matthew 7:24-27 “Therefore, whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.” Matthew 7:24 One of the oldest symbols for the human soul is that of a building, sometimes a dwelling house, and sometimes a temple. The first thing that has to be done by the builder of a house is to select a sound foundation. On the shifting sands of the desert it is impossible to build anything at all, and so, when the desert dweller intends to put up a permanent structure he looks about for a rock. Now the Rock is one of the Bible terms for God, and the implication is very obvious. God’s word is the one and only foundation upon which we can build the temple of the regenerated soul with safety. As long as we are depending upon something less than that Rock— upon will power, upon so-called material security, upon the good will of others, or upon our own personal resources— we are building upon sand, and great will be our fall.

*The Guest House*

🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿 *The Guest House* *This being human is a guest house* *Every morning, a new arrival* *A joy, a depression, a meanness,* *Some momentary awareness comes* *as an unexpected visitor.* *Welcome and entertain them all !* *Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,* *who violently sweep your house* *empty of its furniture,* *still, treat each guest honourably.* *He may be clearing you out for some new delight.* *The dark thought, the shame, the malice,* *meet them at the door, laughing and invite them in.* *Be grateful for whatever comes.* *Because each has been sent* *as a guide from beyond.* *Jelaluddin Rumi.*

Did Arjuna also possess Narayanastra, Bhargavastra and Vaishnavastra?

Did Arjuna also possess Narayanastra, Bhargavastra and Vaishnavastra? Let's look at Arjuna's arsenal of astras first. During the Rangabhoomi arena. He showed the following astras. He created fire with an agneya weapon. He created water with a varuna weapon. He created winds with a vayavya weapon. He created rain with a parjanya weapon. He entered the ground with a bhoumya weapon. He created mountains with a parvata weapon. He made everything disappear with an antardhana weapon. Source: Jatugriha-daha Parva Chapter 125 critical edition. After obtaining a boon from Mahadeva, he has the following weapons! On your words, the mighty-armed one went out for weapons. Partha has obtained from Rudra a great and unrivalled weapon. It is known as Brahmashira and Rudra obtained it after great austerities. That terrible weapon arose with the ambrosia and Savyasachi has now obtained it, together with the mantras for withdrawing, repulsing and releasing it. O Yudhishthira! O descendant of the Kuru lineage! The infinitely powerful Partha has obtained other divine weapons too—like vajra and danda—from Yama, Kubera, Varuna and Indra. So it's clear that Arjuna possessed a large number of astras, including Vishnu weapons. Agneyastra Varunaastra Vayavya astra Parjanya astra Bhoumya astra Parvata astra Antardhana astra Indra's Vajra yudh Yama’s staff. Kubera’s astra Varuna’s moose Gandharva aatra Vishoshanastra Adityastra Jyotiskastra Aindra missile Samohana aastra Brahmastra Brahmashira And Pasupata( these two have interchangeable names in the epic. But I have still put them as separate astras). But did he possess the Narayanastra? Nope! He had no idea about the astra when Ashvathma used it. That weapon basically made Ashvathma unvanquishable on the battlefield. Bhagdatta’s Vaishnava astra also made him invincible, also that was because of the boon he had not exactly because of the astra. But Arjuna most likely didn't possess it. As for Bhargava Astra. Listen to what Arjuna himself stated: At this, Kunti’s son, Dhananjaya, spoke to Vasudeva. ‘Behold the extremely terrible bhargava weapon. O Krishna! O mighty-armed one! Behold the valour of the bhargava weapon. There is no means of countering that weapon in a battle. O Krishna! Behold the angry son of a suta in the great battle. The brave one is like Yama and has performed a terrible deed. He is repeatedly casting extremely terrible glances towards me. I do not see any means of running away from Karna in this battle. If a man remains alive in a battle, there may be victory, or there may be defeat. O Hrishikesha! For the sake of victory, how can one be victorious if one is dead?’ O venerable one! Janardana wished to leave to see Yudhishthira and thought that Karna would be overcome with exhaustion in the battle.560 venerable one! Janardana wished to leave to see Yudhishthira and thought that Karna would be overcome with exhaustion in the battle. If he had the weapon, then he would have countered it or atleast wouldn't said such terms. Some people think that Arjuna had stronger weapons like Brahmashira or Pashupata, so isn't that a contradiction? Not really! What Arjuna meant was that he had no other weapon to counter the astra other than higher level Trimurti weapons. He had no lower level or even medium or high level weapons which can neutralise the astra. Even Indra’s Vajra wasn't enough to subdue the astra. So although Arjuna probably could have neutralised it, he would have harmed his own army and probably even himself if he used the Brahmashira or Pashupata! Arjuna definitely did not possess all the astras in the known age. But, overall, Arjuna possess the highest number of astras, more than any other warrior in Mahabharata.( other than Shree Krishna ofcourse).

TAKING MATERIAL STEPS

Good Morning!!! TAKING MATERIAL STEPS Around the Year with Emmet Fox July 25 When you set out to solve a problem by means of prayer, you should take all the ordinary normal steps in addition. Do not simply pray and then sit down and wait for something dramatic to happen. For instance, if you are praying for a position, you should pray for it as well as you know how each day, and then go out and visit agencies or prospective employers, write applications, or insert advertisements in suitable periodicals. If you want a healing, treat about it in whatever way you usually find to be best and, in addition, take whatever material steps seem to be appropriate. If your business is not prospering, have a checkup to discover if you are managing it efficiently. If you find weak points, as you almost certainly will, you must correct them forthwith. We certainly cannot expect to go on breaking the laws of the plane on which we live, and expect prayer to compensate for this foolishness. “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might” Ecclesiastes 9:10

Who was the most notorious drug kingpin of all time?

Who was the most notorious drug kingpin of all time? You might think it was Pablo Escobar, or maybe El Chapo—but you’d be wrong. More than 100 year's before those guys were born, there was an incredibly powerful woman who controlled a drug empire so vast and so unimaginably lucrative that it made Escobar and El Chapo look like low-level street dealer's. She also didn’t have to conceal her ill-gotten gains from the government tax collector's, because the proceeds from her drug operation were funding the entire country. She was Queen Victoria, and she was running the British Empire. Queen Victoria was only 18 when she ascended the throne, and she routinely enjoyed using a wide variety of drugs. Opium was one of her favourites—but she didn’t smoke it in a pipe. In 19 th- century Britain, the more fashionable way to ingest opium was to drink it in the form of laudanum. This heady one-two punch of opium and alcohol was widely used to knock out pain or discomfort, whatever the cause. It was sort of like aspirin before there was aspirin—respectable doctor's even recommended it for toddlers who were teething. Queen Victoria drank a big swig of laudanum every morning. Cocaine was another of her darling's. It wasn’t illegal; it was brand-new, and Europeans were just starting to experiment with it. There were plenty of fun and exciting ways to consume cocaine back in the 1800's, but Queen Victoria’s personal preferences were chewing gum and wine. Cocaine chewing gum was perfect for a powerful blast of self-confidence, which was great if you were a young, inexperienced queen trying hard to project a strong, assertive image. She used a few other drugs, too. The queen sipped a liquid form of cannabis to relieve her monthly menstrual symptoms. And to cope with the agonizing pain of childbirth, Victoria enthusiastically embraced chloroform. She held a soaked handkerchief to her face for 53 minutes and described the experience as “delightful beyond measure”. From the moment she was crowned in 1837, the young queen inherited a king-size problem: British people drank too much tea. It wouldn’t have been a problem, except the tea was coming from China. The average London household was spending 5 % of it's income on Chinese tea, but Britain didn’t have anything to trade to China in return. China was getting rich, and Britain was growing resentful. The Brits were desperate to find something—anything—that Chinese people craved. Opium ticked all the boxes. The Brits had tons of it because it grew abundantly in India, which was under British control thanks to the powerful East India Company’s domination of the Indian economy. It was an amazingly effective painkiller, which meant the Chinese were willing to pay insanely high prices for it. And most important, it was super addictive; people who used opium got hooked almost immediately, which meant the Brits could jack up the price even more. Britain had been shipping opium to China for year's, but the amount grew exponentially once Queen Victoria assumed the throne. Thanks to the miracle of opium, the trade imbalance was reversed overnight. China was forced to return all the silver the British had spent on tea, plus a great deal more. Now it was China, not Britain, that was racking up ruinous trade deficits. China tried desperately to halt the opium trade. Opium was already illegal in China, but the law's were rarely enforced, so now the Chinese government started cracking down severely. The emperor of China assigned his top man to the job. The guy’s name was Lin Zexu, and he was a Scholar, Philosopher, Viceroy, and all-around teacher’s pet. His mission was to stop the flow of opium at all costs. He tried diplomacy, but it didn’t work...? He wrote a letter to Queen Victoria, politely pointing out the immorality of what she was doing: China was shipping goods to Britain that were beneficial and useful, such as tea, silk, and pottery—so why was Britain responding by sending China poisonous drugs that were turning millions of innocent people into opium addicts...? But the British Empire wasn’t ready to give up it's lucrative drug operation. Because now, opium sales were responsible for 15 to 20% of the British Empire’s entire annual revenue. The queen didn’t bother to read the letter. This meant the doggedly persistent Lin Zexu needed to find another way to get her attention—so, in the spring of 1839, he intercepted a fleet of British ship's, seized a massive shipment of opium, and ordered his soldiers to dump it all into the South China Sea...? This time, the queen noticed. Remember, she was only 20 year's old and was used to things going her way. So when Lin Zexu and his men dumped 2.5 million pounds of British opium into the sea, she reacted like any all-powerful imperial teenager would: She declared war on China, known as the "First Opium War". British forces laid waste to the Chinese army and slaughtered tens of thousands of Chinese citizen's. The emperor had no choice but to capitulate. He signed a blatantly one-sided so-called peace treaty that handed over Hong Kong to the British, opened up even more ports for opium to flood into the country, and granted immunity to British citizen's who were living in China. Even worse, the whole world watched it happen. The Chinese empire had long been regarded as fearsome and indomitable, but not anymore. A petulant teenage queen had demonstrated to the world that China could be defeated, and fairly easily. Thus began the period referred to in textbooks as China’s “Century of humiliation”. That’s how a bullying teenager brought an esteemed ancient civilization to it's knees. To the young queen, it was fine with her if untold numbers of foreigner's halfway around the world died, so long as silver kept flowing. It was this ruthless, unabashed self-interest that made her the most successful drug kingpin of all time. Though, because she genuinely believed that cocaine was a safe, healthy energy booster with no ill effects, Queen Victoria refused to sell it to the Chinese. She was happy to sell them all the opium in the world—whether they wanted it or not—but they’d better not touch her cocaine. From HUMAN HISTORY ON DRUG'S: An Utterly Scandalous but Entirely Truthful Look at History Under the Influence by Sam Kelly, published by Plume, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group.

*Some english puns*

*Some english puns* She fell in love with a banker but he showed no interest. She fell in love with an astronaut but he wanted space. She fell in love with a gym trainer, but it didn't work out. She fell in love with a librarian, but his time was always booked. She fell in love with an electrician but for him there was no spark. She fell in love with a cardiologist but he broke her heart. She fell in love with a geologist, but the relationship was too rocky. She fell in love with an economist but he couldn’t supply her demands She fell in love with a violinist but he said, "No strings attached." She fell in love with the linguist but he left her speechless She fell in love with a seismologist, but he was always finding fault. She fell in love with a cook, but he left her on the back burner She fell in love with a mathematician but she couldn't count on him. She fell in love with a scuba diver--on the surface everything seemed to be fine, but deep down she knew something fishy was going on ... She fell in love with a fisherman, but he wasn't a good catch. She fell in love with a mason but they never built a strong foundation. She fell in love with a teacher, but he had no class! She fell in love with a tennis player but love meant nothing to him. She fell in love with the magician but he kept turning tricks. She fell in love with a thief but she couldn’t steal his heart. She fell in love with a fireman but he threw cold water on her passion. She fell in love with a bartender but he wasn’t intoxicated by her charms. 😆🤣😆🤣

Pun, Pun, Pun, that is the question ❓

Pun, Pun, Pun, that is the question ❓ Be kind to dentists. They have fillings too, you know. All the toilets in the NYPD headquarters have been stolen. The police apparently have nothing to go on. I did a theatrical performance about puns. It was really just a play on words. Why did the can crusher quit her job? It was soda-pressing. What do you call a broken can opener? A can’t opener. Why do people love switzerland? Well, the flag is a big plus. Unlike Canada’s, which I could take or leaf. Becoming vegetarian was a huge missed steak. I was was going to tell a joke about a dead parrot, but it was way too Macawbre. How do trees feel in the Spring? Releaved. Why do defense lawyers go out for Mexican food when they’re feeling down? To get some case-ideas! Did you hear about the sale on paddles? It was quite the oar-deal. If a Wizard uses magic to hold up a camera and take a picture of himself, is that a Spellfie? Did you hear that the Devil is going bald? Yeah, there’s gonna be hell toupee. Why is Peter Pan always flying? He Neverlands. (Sorry, but that joke never grows old). What language do bridges speak? Span-ish. If a kid won’t take a nap, is that “resisting a rest”? What do you call a dog magician? A Labracadabrador Retriever. How many ears does Captain Kirk have? Three, the right, the left, and the final front ear. A king, wanting to host an elaborate wedding for his daughter, raised taxes on all citizens of the kingdom by thirty pieces of gold. Everybody paid, except for one young count. The king sent a tax collector, but the count refused. “This is unfair, and I shall not pay!” The king sent the sheriff, but the count refused. “I will not support the king’s new tax!” Finally, the king had the count arrested, and thrown in the dungeon. He explained to the count that failure to pay was treason, and he would be executed, yet still, the count refused. So, the king had him brought to the top of the tower, and neck on the block, with the executioner’s axe raised. The king asked the count to pay. He defiantly shouted, “Never!” Then, as the executioner’s axe began to fall, the count shouted “OK! I’ll pay!”. But it was too late, the executioner couldn’t stop the heavy axe, and the count was killed. The moral of this story? Don’t hatchet your counts before they chicken. Straws are for suckers. What do you call a lawyer who can cook? A sue chef Did you hear about the World War I soldier who survived both pepper spray and mustard gas? He was a seasoned veteran. Why do Buddhist monks avoid sending word documents? They’re supposed to avoid attachments. Why do teenage girls travel in odd numbered groups? Because they just can’t even. This girl said she recognized me from the vegetarian club, but I’d never met herbivore. I’m reading a book about anti-gravity. I just can’t put it down. I stayed up all night to see where the sun went. Then it dawned on me. Broken pencils are pointless

**A Thought-Provoking Topic: The Decline of Friendship**

**A Thought-Provoking Topic: 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.”*

Subject: Thank goodness for the Brits. Gotta love their play on words.

Subject: Thank goodness for the Brits. Gotta love their play on words. In the UK, some supermarkets have admitted there is horse meat in their home cooked burgers. Even places like Burger King have had to admit that there are "small amounts" of horse meat in their burgers. Tesco is a big supermarket chain in the UK. Within hours of the news that Tesco's 'all beef hamburgers' contained 30% horse meat, the following quips hit the Internet: I'm so hungry, I could eat a horse. I guess Tesco just listened! Does anyone want a burger from Tesco? Yay or neigh? Not entirely sure how Tesco is going to get over this hurdle. Had some burgers from Tesco for supper last night. I still have a bit between my teeth. A woman has been taken into hospital after eating horse meat burgers from Tesco. Her condition is listed as stable. Tesco are now testing all their vegetarian burgers for traces of unicorn. "I've just checked the Tesco burgers in my freezer ... "AND THEY'RE OFF!" Tesco is now forced to deny the presence of zebra in burgers, as shoppers confuse barcodes for serving suggestions. I said to my spouse, "These Tesco burgers give me the trots...” "To beef or not to beef, that is equestrian".....” I hear the smaller version of those Tesco burgers make great horse d'oeuvres. These Tesco burger jokes are going on a bit. Talk about flogging a dead horse. Since they're selling the meat wrapped in plastic, is that technically a "Trojan Horse?" Instead of choosing "rare, medium or well done, it's now Win, Place or Show” At first, I thought, "Oh great, I've been saddled with another email to forward, but something spurred me to do it.

The greatest gift

The greatest gift you can give someone is your time because when you give your time ,you are giving a portion of your life that you will never get back. Once you have matured, you will realize that silence is more important than proving a point. We generate fears while we sit; we overcome them by action. Fear makes us forget our goals. For true success, ask yourself these four questions: Why? Why not? Why not me? Why not now? Lesser the traffic of thoughts in your mind, easier is the journey of life.

Emotional Sobriety

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^*~*~*~*~* July 24, 202​5 HELPING OTHERS "Our very lives, as ex-problem drinkers, depend upon our constant thought of others and how we may help meet their needs. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 20 Self-centeredness was my problem. All my life people had been doing things for me and I not only expected it, but I was ungrateful and resentful they didn't do more. Why should I help others, when they were supposed to help me? If others had troubles, didn't they deserve them? I was filled with self-pity, anger and resentment. Then I learned that by helping others, with no thought of return, I could overcome this obsession with selfishness, and if I understood humility, I would know peace and serenity. No longer do I need to drink. *************************************************** Behind Our Excuses As excuse-makers and rationalizers, we drunks are champions. It is the business of the psychiatrist to find the deeper causes for our conduct. Though uninstructed in psychiatry, we can, after a little time in A.A., see that our motives have not been what we thought they were, and that we have been motivated by forces previously unknown to us. Therefore, we ought to look, with the deepest respect, interest, and profit, upon the example set us by psychiatry. "Spiritual growth through the practice of A.A.’s Twelve Steps, plus, the aid of a good sponsor, can usually reveal most of the deeper reasons for our character defects, at least to a degree that meets our practical needs. Nevertheless, we should be grateful that our friends in psychiatry have so strongly emphasized the necessity to search for false and often unconscious motivations." 1. A.A. Comes of Age, p.236 2. Letter, 1966 As Bill Sees It, p.267 *~*~*~*~*~*~* "It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark." –Howard Ruff Voices we prefer to ignore may speak words we need to hear. –Don Deal ~*~*~*~ Emotional Sobriety "Self-centeredness is a poison to my emotional system. It frustrates my every effort toward a comfortable and happy existence. A terrible chain reaction begins. Fear sets in. Anger, resentment, and self-pity become my guiding forces. My only escape is to put this awful selfishness aside and become involved with the world around me." December 1979 "The Root of Our Troubles," Emotional Sobriety David Madden