The Cosmic Dance The Cosmic Dance The Cosmic Dance

The Cosmic Dance Last year on Navami at the Art of Living Ashram, Bangalore, fifty thousand devotees rose in divine delirium and joined the chorus as Padma Shri Ananda Shankar Jayant and her troupe danced to the Mahishasura Mardini Stotram. The atmosphere reverberated with ecstasy and was surcharged with drama and emotion as the ensemble choreographed by Dr Ananda was performed at the sanctum sanctorum where Navaratri Pujas had taken place. To my mind this is the place where Shiva (the auspicious) performs. Shiva performs the Tandava, a vigorous dance that is the source of the cycle of creation, preservation and dissolution. In a way it mirrored the life of the protagonist. I marveled at the thought that this was a rambunctious performance by a colleague who conquered mammary cancer and was perhaps in the midst of what can be termed as a concert of a lifetime. “I have not been afraid to take risks and I have not been afraid to follow a dream. That is the essence of who I am”, once remarked Ananda. Dr Ananda Shankar Jayant, believes in freeing the mind and spreading the wings to achieve what is not possible. She invests a lot in the power of the mind to think positively and being grateful and counting our blessings. To her it is imperative to transmit positive signals to the universe so that in return, the cosmos bestows us with abundance. The cycle is incomplete if we are not grateful. So the trajectory is, “Law of Attraction “, followed by “Law of Gratefulness”. All this leads to a spiraling effect which Daren Hardy terms “The Compound Effect”. Dr Ananda Shankar Jayant, an Indian Railway Traffic Service Officer learnt dance under the tutelage of Rukmini Devi Arundale when only 11 at Kalakshetra. Ananda is a multi-faceted personality, donning several hats- prolific dancer, choreographer, leading a talented ensemble, Artistic Director of Shankarand Kalakshetra, poet, writer, championing women’s issues, inspiring figure for youth and students, delivering lectures to the corporate world and a TED talker. She is a post graduate in Ancient Indian History, an MPhil in Art History and holds a doctorate in tourism. Her body of work in Kuchipudi and BharatNatyam, earned her the Padma Shri. She is also a recipient of the much acclaimed Sangeet Natak Akademi Puruskar. But then, strange are the vicissitudes of life. It is packed with peaks and valleys. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2008. But for her, cancer was merely a zodiac sign and not a serious malady. For a performer, such an affliction may seem to be the end of the road, an abyss .The mind gets clogged by negativity and fear. Fear to her was one of the Navarasas to be portrayed in a show and not something to live with. The malignant lump became a part of her physical and mental self. The Bold and Beautiful overnight transformed into Beautiful and Bald. An affable personality became enfeebled by pain and agony and the mental chatter was depression. But she was a woman of substance who was mentally strong to combat the challenge. In such a scenario only faith can perform miracles. Faith is confidence or trust in a person. She trusted husband Jayant (her pillar of strength), chemotherapy and dance talent. This was the imagery to overcome the crisis of lifetime. Martin Luther King writes, “Faith is the taking first step even when you do not see the whole staircase.” From dancing three hours at a stretch, Ananda could barely climb a flight of steps. Such was the debilitating impact of the disease. By her own admission, she believes in the power of positive thinking and has used it not only to overcome the disease but opened new avenues in form of writing and inspirational talks. Statistics reveal that 1 in 22 urban Indian women suffer from this malady. Through her motivational TED talks the danseuse is spreading awareness about the affliction and encouraging people not to be subsumed by the illness but be proactive in life and focus on positive aspects of life.

MIND and HEALING

MIND and HEALING My Mother “The rain drop from the sky: if it is caught in hands, it is pure enough for drinking. If it falls in a gutter, its value drops so much that it can’t be used even for washing the feet. If it falls on hot surface, it perishes. If it falls on lotus leaf, it shines like a pearl and finally, if it falls on oyster, it becomes a pearl. The drop is same, but its existence & worth depend on with whom it associates.” Always be associated with people who are good at heart. This is what Swami Vivekananda said. My mother shares her birthday with Swami Vivekananda ( 12th January). Association and Satsang have been her strong points . She nurtured strong bonding with all religious faiths and spiritually inclined people . I recall her association with Satya Sai Baba, Ganapathi Sachchidanda Swamiji, Raghavendra Swami Mutt, Swami Chinmayananda , Jiddu Krishnamurthy Mahesh Yogi and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar . Not to forget her association with Mother’s International, Mother Teressa , CBCI and CARITAS. She wanted to pursue medicine but life did not take that trajectory. ” Faith plus action becomes unstoppable” writes Jonathan Lockwood Hue . So she upend the pyramid and became a qualified medical social worker and worked diligently at the Rajan Babu TB Hospital , Delhi . Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says,” Open your hands and sky is in your hands.” Inorder to combat and challenge the disease of tuberculosis she initiated several rehabilitation projects. This included creche for the children of those afflicted with this malady, stitching centre,candle and match making units. She used to tell patients and their children that” Fear is only as deep as the mind allows.” Thus patients afflicted with TB , but not bed ridden participated in the projects . This was what she called ” Diversionary Therapy.” The patient’s mind was diverted from the disease and recovery rate was rapid. In these endeavors she was extended tremendous support from eminent people like Shri A Rama Rao of Khadi and Village Industries , Professor sh Pathak of Delhi School of Social Work, Shri AVK Chaitanya a Trade Union leader and confidante of Shri George Fernandes , Bibi Altussalam a veteran Congress leader , Shri Dhanraj Ojha a RSS leader and Bishop Remegius and Bishop Rego of the Catholic Church( CBCI and CARITAS). The mission was to serve . And religious barriers did not pose any problems. As the objective and goal were so lofty the universal energy ensured that the left, right and centre all collaborated with certitude . ” Mind is not a dustbin to keep anger, hatred and jealousy . But it is the treasure box to keep love , happiness and sweet memories.” said Swami Vivekananda . Thus RB TB Hospital became the melting pot of all religions to forge hands and assist in the mammoth task of rehabilitation of the afflicted . The TB Hospital became a unique template for the methods adopted by doctors, para-medic staff , social workers , government bodies and NGO’s all to contribute in the rehabilitation of the patients. Climate changes, civilizations collapse , government change , political affiliations alter and even the best possible model collapses . This is inevitable . As Buddha says.” The only permanent thing in life is impermanence.” The lofty objectives were not approved by a new set of hospital administrators and the beacon of hope collapsed . This was extremely traumatic for my mother and she became a patient of paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia( PAT) . This is a type of arrhythmia ( irregular heartbeat) . Paroxysmal means that the episode of arrhythmia originates and terminates abruptly. Atrial implies the arrhythmia starts with atria or in the upper chambers of the heart . The tachycardia results in significant increase in the heart beat per minute. It abnormally increases the pace , like an athlete on a treadmill. PAT significantly increases the heart beat of an adult from the normal 60 to 100 to 130 to 230 and among infants and children it shoots up from 100 to 130 to 220 beats per minute. It is accompanied with severe sweating, dizziness,palpitations, angina and acute breathlessness. Normally a patient suffers from such a condition owing to emotional upheavals , physical exhaustion, deep anxiety , consumption of caffeine or alcohol. I saw my mother suffering from this condition on several occasions and being admitted to the ICU. It was a distressing and disturbing sight . While it is not life threatening affliction , it certainly disorients the psychology and attitudes of the patient. During her suffering we saw her clutching on to her rosary as a life saver , while we prayed fervently for her recovery. She was administered medication but it worked only to an extent . The real help came in form of a pentagon shaped talisman. That is through Siddha Healing, Pranic Healing , the 10 day Vipassana Course and the Part1 and Part2 Art Of Living courses. This is the infinitesimal power and scientific power of breath. Breathing techniques , meditation , medication and proper diet changed the trajectory of the life of the patient and brought back the mojo in her life. ” When you take breath in , let become your meditation that all the suffering of all the beings in the world is riding on that incoming breath and reaching your heart , and see a miracle happens” says Osho. She has retired now but continues with her Sadhana unfailingly. Senior citizens , those in pain and agony and even the able bodied should undertake the courses mentioned. Swami Vivekananda took Yoga to America and spread the Ramakrishna Mission. He was the Arjuna of Shri Rama Krishna Paramahamsa. This article is a tribute to Swamiji and also to my mother both born on 12th of January. My mother imbibed the trait of service to mankind by reading extensively about Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda.

The Old Farmer

The Old Farmer That life is not easy , is something we can all agree upon. It provides us with numerous challenges and along with that problems and disappointments. Who helps us in such inhospitable and adverse situations? Who provides succor during our trials and tribulations? Our families, friends and loved ones! Most importantly it is the faith in the Guru and Divine that bails us out from refractory situations. It is the unflinching faith and surrender to the supreme power which acts as a lifeboat during our inexpedient moments. Guru and Divine impart us immense knowledge and little realizations to circumvent trying circumstances. Humans can fortify themselves by practicing the Art of Detachment during obstreperous situations . Once lived an old farmer who had a horse. One day the horse ran away. His neighbors and other villagers commiserated the loss. The farmer laconically replied’ May Be’. Next day, villagers were astonished when the horse brought along with it three other wild horses.Villagers and neighbors congratulated the farmer. The farmer replied simply.’ May Be’. It so happened , the enterprising son of the farmer mounted one of the wild horses…. Unfortunately he could not reign in the horse and thus happened to break his leg. The retinue of villagers and neighbors expressed their sorrow and grief about the incident to the farmer. The farmer remained detached and merely remarked.’ May Be’. Shortly some army officials visited the village to draft strapping youngsters to the forces. But the differently able son of the farmer was not recruited. Congratulatory messages poured in from the villagers and neighbors. ‘ How fortuitous you and your son are’ , they claimed. Once again the farmer replied ‘ May Be’. The old farmer remained stoic and unruffled in all situations and maintained Zen like cool and was detached to the events which were unfolding. Instead of becoming cranky as he grew older , he was shielded by optimism , peace and detachment. Buddha says,’ Believe nothing , no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your reason and your own common sense.’ The old farmer imbibed this enlightened quote of the Buddha. Buddha expects humans to learn from personal experiences and not from the reviews ( read villagers and neighbors) of others. What suits one person may not

*Woody Allen's sense of humour is a class apart!*

*Woody Allen's sense of humour is a class apart!* "In my next life I want to live my life backwards. You start out dead and get that out of the way. Then you wake up in an old people's home feeling better every day. You get kicked out for being too healthy, go collect your pension, and then when you start work, you get a gold watch and a party on your first day. You work for 40 years until you're young enough to enjoy your retirement. You party, drink alcohol, and are generally promiscuous, then you are ready for high school. You then go to primary school, you become a kid, you play. You have no responsibilities, you become a baby until you are born. And then you spend your last 9 months floating in luxurious spa-like conditions with central heating and room service on tap, larger quarters every day and then Voila! You finish off as an orgasm!" Brilliant Woody Alle

From X:

From X: South Korea has played really smart with India. FDI Comparison- Korea total investment in Vietnam is 13-14 times higher than in India. Vietnam economy is only 1/10th India's size. Samsung alone exports $54 billion a year from Vietnam. India has huge market but gets less factories and jobs. Vietnam got the real manufacturing boom. Even Recently Samsung going to build new factory there in Vietnam, in case of china we know the problem but in case of South Korea they do business under Radar, even this is bigger than i Imagine How South Korea Used free trade deal with India is just a Case study - when yu read it in detail yu will get it. Korea got a free trade deal (CEPA) in 2010. Under that deal, Korean goods entered India at zero or low duties. Samsung, Hyundai, LG used this to sell massively into India - phones, cars, appliances. India's imports from Korea went from $10B to $21B. India's exports to Korea actually fell - from $8B (FY22) to $5.8B (FY25). The trade deficit tripled from $5B to $15.2B. But selling wasn't the only play. The real play was value extraction: Hyundai - Paid itself a ₹10,782 crore special dividend (7.2x its normal payout), then did India largest IPO - 100% offer-for-sale. Every rupee of the $3.3B IPO went to the Korean parent. Then raised royalty rates from 2.5% to 3.5% per car. Three moves, one after another, all designed to drain cash from the Indian subsidiary to Seoul. LG - Same template. 100% offer-for-sale IPO, $1.4B to the Korean parent. The Indian subsidiary now trades at $12.5B market cap - higher than the Korean parent itself. LG used Indian investors money to value an Indian business that it still controls and still pulls dividends from. Samsung - Royalties paid to Korea jumped 50% to ₹3,322 crore in one year. After Korea changed its tax law in 2023 (no tax on foreign dividends coming home), Samsung pulled ₹22B worth of dividends from all overseas units in 9 months. India was one of the biggest sources. Combined - Hyundai + LG alone pulled $4.7B out of India in 12 months. All legal under CEPA. Best way to fuck RBI stricter Foreign Outflow What Korea did in Vietnam (same period) Korea put $92B of FDI into Vietnam. India got $6.7B. India economy is 10x Vietnam size. Samsung alone runs 6 plants in Vietnam, employs 100,000 people, exports $54B/year from there - that's 13% of Vietnam's entire exports. Vietnam got factories + jobs + exports. India got imports + deficit + cash extraction. Why Delhi stayed quiet for 15 years Diplomatic politeness. Also, during 2010–2020, India negotiating leverage was weaker. India needed Korean investment, Korean tech, Korean defence platforms. So the imbalance was a known problem that time but that time of dealmaker didn't think of long term MEA Secretary Kumaran publicly named the $15.2B deficit before President Lee landed. Commerce Minister Goyal called the 2010 CEPA irrational and lopsided. This was intentional signaling. What India wants in CEPA 2.0 - Four things: Services access - Indian IT exports to Korea are only $200M (vs $200B globally). India wants visa quotas for Indian engineers in Korean semiconductor/AI projects, and recognition of Indian professional qualifications. Pharma access - Indian generic drug exports to Korea are just $167M. Korea has rules that kill generic price advantage. India wants those removed. Forced local content - Like what Vietnam and Indonesia did. India wants 50% local value-addition by year 5, 70% by year 10. If you want to sell in India, build in India. Reciprocal sourcing - For every $1B defence/steel/shipbuilding contract India gives Korea, Korea must buy equivalent value of Indian services, pharma, components.

A real story shared by A ola Driver of Kolkatta ...

*Just read it*👇 A real story shared by A ola Driver of Kolkatta ... I drive for Ola. I mostly work night shifts. Last week, around 11 PM, I picked up an elderly gentleman. White kurta and dhoti, tired eyes—but a strange firmness in his voice. As soon as he sat in the car, he said: “Tonight, you’ll have to take me to five places. I’ll pay you ₹5000. Cash. But don’t ask the reason until the end.” He handed me a piece of paper with five addresses written on it. First stop— An old house in South Kolkata. I stopped the car. He didn’t get down. Just lowered the window and kept looking at the house… for ten minutes. Tears kept flowing from his eyes, silently. “Let’s go… next.” Second stop— A primary school. The gate was locked. The playground inside was dark. He got down, slowly walked to a swing, sat on it, and gently started swinging. After twenty minutes, he came back and said— “I taught here. For 43 years. The best time of my life.” Third stop— A small old coffee house. He went inside, ordered a cup of tea, and sat alone at a corner table. He didn’t even touch the tea. Just looked around. After fifteen minutes, he returned with a faint smile— “This is where I first met Mitali… my wife. In 1969.” Fourth stop— Nimtala cremation ground. He got down, stood near a memorial, and softly said something I couldn’t hear. After half an hour, he came back. His eyes were red. “It’s been three years since she passed away.” Fifth stop— A large government hospital. He asked me to park. Then looked at me and said— “Now I’ll tell you the reason. I have stage four cancer. The doctor said… a few weeks… maybe just days. Tonight, I wanted to see my entire life one last time.” I put my head on the steering wheel and started crying. He said— “That house—where I raised my children. That school—where I found my purpose. That coffee house—where I found love. That cremation ground—where I said my final goodbye. And this hospital—where I will now be admitted. There will be no return home.” He placed ₹5000 in my hand. “Thank you. You took me through my life once again. My last stranger… who treated me with kindness.” I said— “I can’t take this.” He replied— “Take it. I have no one left to give it to. My children have grown so distant, they don’t even talk anymore. Friends are all gone, one by one. You gave me three hours—three hours of humanity. That is worth more than money.” He picked up his small suitcase and went inside. The next day, I went to the hospital. I asked— “Mr. Aniruddha Mukherjee. Cabin 412.” I went in with flowers. He smiled when he saw me— “You came?” “I couldn’t just leave you like that.” We talked for two hours—about Mitali Devi, his students, his estranged children. I started visiting him every day. I would bring tea, read the newspaper to him, or just sit quietly. One day, he said— “I thought I would die alone. But you are here. In my final moments, a stranger became my family. You have my blessings.” I held his hand— “You are not alone.” On Tuesday, at 3:17 AM, he passed away. I was sitting there, holding his hand. His last words were— “Tell everyone… look at strangers. Truly look at them. We are all going somewhere—some fast, some slow. Show kindness along the way. You did. You made my last days worth living.” The monitor turned into a straight line. At his cremation, there were only six people: Me, three nurses, a lawyer, and one former student. *43 years of teaching.* *52 years of marriage*. *81 years of life.* & *Six people*. I said— “Mr. Aniruddha taught me— Every stranger is someone’s entire world. Every passenger is a story. Every human being is living, dying, waiting… for someone to truly see them.” He gave me ₹5000 to drive on the road of life. But what he taught me… is worth far more than money. “Humanity is not an extra thing. It is everything.” Even today, those ₹5000 remain in my glove box. I have never spent them. Because every passenger might be on their last journey. Every stranger might be saying their final goodbye. So now, I drive differently. I ask. I listen. I truly see people. Because one elderly teacher once asked for a gentle night— and a stranger chose to stay. *Silent moments, unspoken truths.*

Dr. Abraham, a well known cancer specialist,

Dr. Abraham, a well known cancer specialist, was once on his way to an important conference in another city where he was going to receive an award in the field of medical research. He was excited about the award and so boarded a plane to the venue. However, two hours after the plane took off, it made an emergency landing at the nearest airport due to a technical problem. Afraid that he would not make it in time to the conference, he immediately went to the reception to make enquiries. He found out that he would have to wait ten hours for the next flight to his destination! He rented a car and drove himself to the conference city which was four hours away. Soon after he left, the weather changed and a heavy storm began. The downpour made it difficult for him to see so he missed a turn he was supposed to take. Driving in the heavy rain on a deserted road, feeling hungry and tired, he frantically began to look for any sign of civilization. He came across a small tattered house and knocked on the door. A beautiful lady opened the door. He explained his situation and wanted to use the lady's telephone but she had no telephone. She however asked him to come inside and wait till the weather improved. The doctor who was hungry and exhausted accepted the offer. The lady offered him something to eat and drink. She asked him to join her in prayers but he declined. According to him, he believed in hard work, not in prayers! Sitting at the table and sipping his tea, the doctor watched the woman pray many times beside a baby's crib. Feeling that the woman might be in need of help, the doctor asked her what exactly she needed from God and asked if God ever listened to her prayers. When he inquired of the child in the crib, the woman explained that her son was down with cancer. And they had been advised to see a doctor named Abraham who could cure him but she did not have enough money to afford his fees. She said that God had not yet answered her prayers but said that God would create some way out one day. She added that she would not allow her fears to overcome her faith! Stunned and speechless, Dr. Abraham began to weep! He was forced to say out loud, "GOD IS GREAT" and recollected to the woman, all the sequence of bad events: malfunction on the plane, a thunderstorm and how he lost his way. All of which had happened because God answers prayers, wanted to give him a chance to come out of his bondage of materialistic career pursuit and give some time to a poor, helpless woman who had nothing but rich prayers! Oh! What a God! *God may not answer your prayers YOUR WAY but he will always answer HIS way.* _*Behind the scenes, he will move men, the weather, events, circumstances, etc. in order to work out the best for you!_* Do not stop trusting! Do not stop hoping! God is busy planning your dancing this year! Hold on! Hold out! Look up daily! This touched and still touches me. I hope it touches you too,

In 1951, a 14-year-old Australian boy named James Harrison

In 1951, a 14-year-old Australian boy named James Harrison woke up in a hospital bed with 100 stitches across his chest. Doctors had just removed one of his lungs. To survive, he needed 13 units of donated blood from complete strangers—people whose names he would never know. His father, Reg, sat beside him and said something that changed his life: "You're only alive because people donated blood." Right there, James made a promise. The moment he turned 18, he would donate blood. He would pay back the gift that saved him. There was just one problem. James was terrified of needles. But in 1954, the day he became eligible, he walked into a blood donation center anyway. He sat in the chair, looked at the ceiling, and let the nurse insert the needle. He never watched. Not once. Not in 64 years. What James didn't know was that his blood was different. After a few donations, doctors discovered something extraordinary. His plasma contained an incredibly rare antibody—likely developed from all those transfusions he received as a boy. This antibody could prevent a deadly condition called Rhesus disease. Before this discovery, thousands of Australian babies were dying every year. When a pregnant woman with Rh-negative blood carried an Rh-positive baby, her body would attack the child's blood cells. Miscarriages. Stillbirths. Brain damage. James's blood held the answer. Doctors asked if he would switch to plasma donation. It meant longer sessions—90 minutes instead of 20. It meant coming in every few weeks for the rest of his life. James thought about his fear. Then he thought about the babies. He said yes. For 64 years, James Harrison never missed an appointment. He donated through joy and heartbreak. He donated while working as a railway clerk. He donated after retiring. He continued even after his wife Barbara passed away in 2005—what he called his "darkest days." Every single time—all 1,173 donations—he looked at the ceiling. He chatted with nurses. He studied the walls. Anything to avoid watching the needle. The fear never left him. But he showed up anyway. In a beautiful twist, his own daughter needed the very medication created from his blood when she became pregnant. His grandson Scott exists because of the choice his grandfather made decades earlier. In May 2018, at age 81, Australian law required James to make his final donation. The room was filled with mothers holding healthy babies—living proof of his quiet heroism. They thanked him through tears. James sat in the chair one last time, looked away from his arm one last time, and gave his 1,173rd donation. Over 3 million doses of Anti-D medication containing his blood have been issued since 1967. Scientists estimate his contributions helped save approximately 2.4 million babies in Australia alone. When people called him a hero, he shrugged it off. "I'm in a safe room, donating blood," he said. "They give me a cup of coffee and something to nibble on. And then I just go on my way. No problem, no hardship." James Harrison died peacefully in his sleep on February 17, 2025. He was 88 years old. We often search for heroes in movies or history books—people with superpowers, wealth, or fame. But sometimes a hero is just someone who keeps a quiet promise for 64 years. Someone who feels fear—deep, trembling fear—and does the right thing anyway. Millions of people are alive today because one man decided his fear mattered less than their lives. What small act of courage could you commit to, even when it scares you. Hats off to this great and humble personality.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

70 years back, Gurudev sri Sri Ravi Shankar

70 years back, Gurudev came to this planet under the auspicious “ardra” nakshatra. It coincided with both Shankara Jayanthi and Ramanuja Jayanthi. Love, wisdom, joy and grace consolidated and manifested for the benefit of all of humanity. What a blessing for all of us! In the early years, Maharishi ji once took Gurudev with him to meet Anandmayi Maa in Rishikesh. When she saw him she proclaimed, “You have brought me the Ganga!” The Ganga washes away the sins of everyone who comes to her. in response Maharishi ji said, “ The sun( Ravi) has risen and there will be light everywhere!” And Shankara is the one whose very presence bestows peace. Today, we bow in infinite gratitude to Gurudev, our beloved Master whose presence shines the light of wisdom and anchors us in absolute peace and joy; whose words and silence bring serenity and tranquility to our mind; whose glance fills our heart with absolute bliss; whose benevolence showers the nectar of grace every moment; whose smile makes our life a celebration! He is the sacred essence of life! And we are so blessed and grateful that it flows in such abundance in ours. Millions of lives continue to blossom in their smiles with his blessings and grace. Thank you Gurudev for this wonderful and precious life! Jai Guru Dev -Smt Bhanumati Narasimhan (Gurudev's Sister)

I am having an affair and don't want my husband to find out. What do I do?

I am having an affair and don't want my husband to find out. What do I do? Im conflicted. Because you know that ole adage, what's done in the dark blah blah blah. So here goes your only 2 options: Leave your husband to find the woman who will truly love and honor him. Cause let's face it, you've proven not to be her. Stop having the affair. Now see the thing about this choice is that it dont guarantee he wont find out. You of all people should have realized by now, and ESPECIALLY based on your own actions, that people and their actions CANNOT BE CONTROLLED. (You never know a person til you live with them - in your case you never know a person until you share a secret with them. And the thang bout secrets is that the person with the least to lose holds the power. Make of that what you will but I hope you saw something deep in that sentence. Now. It would be remiss not advise of a third option. But given your behavior, I doubt that you would be brave or honorable to do it. Let alone the sincerity and accountability one would take if this option was chosen. Respect him enough to tell him the truth and accept his response/choice. Sure the respect comes too little too late but at the very least, it could show that you sincerely are out of the business of causing further harm. Its not an easy thing to do. But trust me, that level of accountability is LIFE CHANGING.

My wife had a secret affair with a man for 5 years

My wife had a secret affair with a man for 5 years before I found out. Can she really stop seeing him again? Very unlikely. I’ve been in an affair for a very long time (longer than your wife’s). I have even left him for long stretches of time, he has tried to leave me to “work on his marriage”. We always end up back together. This is painful now. I’m sure it’s excruciating. However, you’ll later see all the ways you weren’t compatible that are difficult to analyze now because of the shock. It’s very hard to accept that a person you love deeply is capable of hurting you in such a deliberate manner- at first. Take care of yourself and don’t swear off love for life because of her. Someone out there will love you the way you should be loved.

*The Strait of Hormuz may be the America’s end.*

*The Strait of Hormuz may be the America’s end.* *Ray Dalio* , a researcher of 500 years of imperial history and a manager of billions of dollars, published an article today. One sentence in it sums up everything: “Losing control of the Strait of Hormuz for America could be like Britain losing control of the Suez Canal in 1956.” Before you understand this sentence, I need to talk about 1956. Because what happened then may happen again today. ⸻ 1956: The End of Britain For 200 years, Britain was the world’s superpower. The British pound was the world’s currency, and its navy controlled the oceans. The key to its power: the Suez Canal A large portion of global trade passed through this canal. Whoever controlled it controlled global trade. In 1956, Egypt nationalized the canal, saying: “It’s ours now.” Britain threatened: “Reopen it or we’ll come.” Egypt refused. Britain, along with France and Israel, launched an attack. But then something happened. America said: “Enough.” The Soviets said: “Enough.” The United Nations said: “Enough.” Britain was forced to retreat. On that day, the world saw something: Britain was no longer a superpower. What happened next? The pound collapsed. Allies distanced themselves. Colonies began declaring independence. Capital fled Britain. Within 20 years, Britain became an ordinary country. A 200-year empire ended because of one canal. But not just a canal—it ended because of a perception: “This country is no longer strong.” The moment that perception took hold, money fled, allies withdrew, and the system unraveled. Dalio says the same could happen to America now. ⸻ Why is the Strait of Hormuz so important? 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through it. Oil from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Iraq all flows through this narrow passage. What happens if it’s blocked? Oil prices surge. The global economy stalls. Gulf countries can’t export. Europe faces an energy crisis. Asian factories shut down. Imagine it like this: There is only one tunnel on a highway. All trucks pass through it—food, fuel, raw materials—everything. Someone sits at the entrance and says: “No one passes without my permission.” That’s what Iran is doing now. Dalio says: if America cannot reopen that tunnel, everything changes. ⸻ Dalio’s Historical Formula Dalio studied 500 years of history and found a pattern: It always ends the same way. A superpower controls global money and trade routes. Everyone trusts it. Then a smaller power challenges it at a critical trade route. The superpower threatens: “Open it, or I will force it open.” The world watches. If the superpower succeeds, trust strengthens. Money flows in. The system continues. If it fails, everything flips. Trust collapses. Allies withdraw. Capital flees. Debt crises begin. The empire falls. This is how Portugal fell. The Netherlands fell. Britain fell. Dalio says: “When great powers are heavily indebted and show declining military and financial control, watch how they lose the confidence of allies and creditors, lose reserve currency status, and see their currency weaken—especially against gold.” Read that again. Now look at America. ⸻ America’s Situation Debt: $38 trillion Interest payments: over $1 trillion annually—about a quarter of tax revenue goes to interest. It lost in Vietnam. Withdrew from Afghanistan. Spent 20 years in Iraq, leaving chaos behind. The world increasingly believes America is no longer as strong. Now it confronts Iran. What did Trump say? “If mines are laid and not removed immediately, the military consequences will be unprecedented.” What does Dalio say? “I often hear senior politicians in other countries say privately: ‘Trump speaks forcefully—but when it comes to real conflict, can he fight and win?’” ⸻ The Critical Point Dalio’s key insight: In war, your ability to endure pain matters more than your ability to inflict it. ⸻ What are the Iranians doing? They are trying to prolong the conflict and escalate gradually. Why? Because they believe the American public and leadership have limited tolerance for prolonged pain and long wars. Iran’s strategy is simple: extend the war, make it painful enough—and America will withdraw. That’s what happened in Vietnam. That’s what happened in Afghanistan. For Iran, this is existential—a matter of honor, revenge, and survival. For Americans? Fuel prices. Midterm elections. This imbalance deeply concerns Dalio. ⸻ Is a deal possible? Dalio’s answer: No. “Everyone knows that not reaching a deal won’t end this conflict.” Whether Iran keeps control of the Strait or loses it, the coming period will be the worst phase of the conflict. Iran has stated: “All oil, economic, and energy facilities in the region linked to or cooperating with the United States will be immediately destroyed and turned to ashes.” This final war is approaching. Dalio says its outcome will reshape history—not just the Middle East, but the entire world. Trade flows will change. Capital flows will shift. China, Russia, North Korea, Europe, India, and Japan will all be affected. ⸻ If America wins: Confidence in the dollar rises. Demand for bonds increases. Allies align more closely. Trump’s power strengthens. U.S. dominance continues. ⸻ If America loses: The dollar collapses. Bonds are sold off. Gold skyrockets. Alliances fracture. BRICS strengthens. China’s rise accelerates. Dalio’s lesson from 500 years: Money and power always flow to the winner—and flee from the loser. ⸻ Conclusion Ray Dalio says clearly: The Strait of Hormuz is America’s final test. If it wins, its dominance continues. The dollar strengthens. Trump’s power grows. If it loses, a “1956 Britain” scenario begins: dollar collapse, gold surge, alliance breakdown, and the end of the American era. Five hundred years of history tell the same story: Empires end when they lose control of critical trade routes. Portugal fell. The Netherlands fell. Britain fell. *_Is it America’s turn?_* *_The answer lies in Hormuz._*

👆🏿An anthropologist

👆🏿An anthropologist once devised a simple game for children in an African tribe. He placed a basket of fruit beneath a tree and told them that whoever reached it first would win all the sweet rewards. When he gave the signal to run, the children didn’t race against each other. Instead, they joined hands, ran together, and reached the tree as one. Then they sat down and shared the fruit happily. Surprised, the anthropologist asked why none of them tried to win for themselves. The children replied, “Ubuntu—how can one of us be happy if the others are sad?” In their culture, Ubuntu means: I am because we are. Perhaps they understand something many modern societies have forgotten—that true happiness is found not in individual gain, but in shared joy.

Overcoming grief and loss He was a nonagenarian and had led a life full of vicissitudes. There had been high noons and some cathartic moments too. But he was a contented person as his children and grandchildren were ‘settled’ in their respective fields. However, impermanence is a fact of life and he succumbed to multiple organ failure. Today only his memories linger in his son’s house, residing in a framed photograph. Ill-health prevented him from meeting his older brother, (a centurion himself), who had departed for his heavenly abode sometime earlier. This had rankled considerably and he never quite recovered. By the time life was snuffed out of his body he was absolutely emaciated, with glazed and haunted eyes which perhaps saw impending death, and a parched mouth, wide open. The entire body was bruised and punctured with innumerable needles. The vital prana or the subtle life force which provides human existence and energy was quenched away by the mandarins of death. That night the mortal remains were kept in the hospital mortuary. One reckons his soul would have been meandering, hoping for redemption when the body would be consigned to flames. It is said that parents are our first teachers. Parents act as cicerones for their children, urging them to take baby steps into the world and to eventually take decisions and face various challenges in life. Once in adulthood, children still look to their parents for percipient advice as they navigate their lives. ‘Children’ feel mentally at ease that their parents, though in the winter of their lives, are around to provide succour. But the demise of elders, relatives and in particular parents, shears the concealment of protection. What does one do when a dear one ceases to exist? “Time will take care of it. Definitely, if someone you love crosses over, grief overtakes you. But see it from a broader angle — we all have to go one day, someone has taken an earlier flight and we have to take a later flight. When you see the impermanence of everything, you will gain the strength to overcome the grief. Again and again you have to put your attention on the impermanence of everything,” says Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Mindfulness and grief At the core of Buddhism is the concept of mindfulness, and it is inexplicably connected with impermanence. Impermanence is a Buddhist concept that has brought comfort to several people once they lose close ones. When humans value permanence they focus towards the future obsessively or dwell on the past. However, if the mind is convinced about impermanence humans begin living in the present moment. Sages from the ancient times – with enormous perspicacity- have developed palliative techniques to overcome cataclysmic situations. These include chanting of mantras, listening to religious texts, meditation, pranayama, Vispassana and the rhythmic breathing technique of Sudarshan Kriya. Mindfulness can act as a centrifugal force in life; a state in which one becomes aware of the present; of thoughts and feelings, various physical experiences, and the world around us. Once humans begin to accept the unalloyed truth that there is no permanence, they can examine the present and overcome every situation. How do mindfulness and acceptance of impermanence act as a sword to combat grief and the sense of bereavement? There are two common ways many of us cope with grief – either one is completely subsumed by the thought and feels entrapped like a bird in a cage. Or the mind is channelled by the techniques mentioned to become robust and mettlesome to grapple with ill disposed thoughts and is aware of an alternative paradigm to move on with life despite adversity. A question does plague the mind as to whether humans can conquer the devastation of grief in its entirety? The truth is perhaps that that does not occur. But it does help in altering the trajectory, intensity, the shape and form of the aftermath. Mindfulness, awareness and acceptance of impermanence assist in arresting the trend of obfuscation of mind by demons of gloom. This sets in the motion the acceptance of the reality of bereavement. It is said that time is a great healer to overcome grief and bereavement. Perhaps a few notches above that is performing Seva (service to the society) and surrender to the vast universe and the Almighty to combat grief. “The only permanent thing in life is impermance,” said Buddha.

Overcoming grief and loss He was a nonagenarian and had led a life full of vicissitudes. There had been high noons and some cathartic moments too. But he was a contented person as his children and grandchildren were ‘settled’ in their respective fields. However, impermanence is a fact of life and he succumbed to multiple organ failure. Today only his memories linger in his son’s house, residing in a framed photograph. Ill-health prevented him from meeting his older brother, (a centurion himself), who had departed for his heavenly abode sometime earlier. This had rankled considerably and he never quite recovered. By the time life was snuffed out of his body he was absolutely emaciated, with glazed and haunted eyes which perhaps saw impending death, and a parched mouth, wide open. The entire body was bruised and punctured with innumerable needles. The vital prana or the subtle life force which provides human existence and energy was quenched away by the mandarins of death. That night the mortal remains were kept in the hospital mortuary. One reckons his soul would have been meandering, hoping for redemption when the body would be consigned to flames. It is said that parents are our first teachers. Parents act as cicerones for their children, urging them to take baby steps into the world and to eventually take decisions and face various challenges in life. Once in adulthood, children still look to their parents for percipient advice as they navigate their lives. ‘Children’ feel mentally at ease that their parents, though in the winter of their lives, are around to provide succour. But the demise of elders, relatives and in particular parents, shears the concealment of protection. What does one do when a dear one ceases to exist? “Time will take care of it. Definitely, if someone you love crosses over, grief overtakes you. But see it from a broader angle — we all have to go one day, someone has taken an earlier flight and we have to take a later flight. When you see the impermanence of everything, you will gain the strength to overcome the grief. Again and again you have to put your attention on the impermanence of everything,” says Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Mindfulness and grief At the core of Buddhism is the concept of mindfulness, and it is inexplicably connected with impermanence. Impermanence is a Buddhist concept that has brought comfort to several people once they lose close ones. When humans value permanence they focus towards the future obsessively or dwell on the past. However, if the mind is convinced about impermanence humans begin living in the present moment. Sages from the ancient times – with enormous perspicacity- have developed palliative techniques to overcome cataclysmic situations. These include chanting of mantras, listening to religious texts, meditation, pranayama, Vispassana and the rhythmic breathing technique of Sudarshan Kriya. Mindfulness can act as a centrifugal force in life; a state in which one becomes aware of the present; of thoughts and feelings, various physical experiences, and the world around us. Once humans begin to accept the unalloyed truth that there is no permanence, they can examine the present and overcome every situation. How do mindfulness and acceptance of impermanence act as a sword to combat grief and the sense of bereavement? There are two common ways many of us cope with grief – either one is completely subsumed by the thought and feels entrapped like a bird in a cage. Or the mind is channelled by the techniques mentioned to become robust and mettlesome to grapple with ill disposed thoughts and is aware of an alternative paradigm to move on with life despite adversity. A question does plague the mind as to whether humans can conquer the devastation of grief in its entirety? The truth is perhaps that that does not occur. But it does help in altering the trajectory, intensity, the shape and form of the aftermath. Mindfulness, awareness and acceptance of impermanence assist in arresting the trend of obfuscation of mind by demons of gloom. This sets in the motion the acceptance of the reality of bereavement. It is said that time is a great healer to overcome grief and bereavement. Perhaps a few notches above that is performing Seva (service to the society) and surrender to the vast universe and the Almighty to combat grief. “The only permanent thing in life is impermance,” said Buddha. The secret behind marvellous miracles The time was 11 am when my personal assistant pressed the buzzer and mentioned that someone from Britannia Industries wanted to meet me. The gentleman was planning a trip to Tirupati and sought help for an emergency quota by train. During the course of our conversation, I mentioned that in 2005, I had worked on Guntakal Division of South Central Railway. The town itself does not have much to offer, but the division houses several important religious, spiritual and historical spots. Tirupati, Pannipakam, Sri Kalahasti, Mantralayam are significant places which attract the faithful in large numbers. Adjoining Guntakal Division is the Bangalore Division of South Western Railway. The division is home to Prashanti Nilayam, abode of Satya Sai Baba and the Art of Living International Centre of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Thus, there are a large number of places of spiritual importance located in the vicinity of Guntakal. Broadly recalling the importance of these significant places, the visitor mentioned a famous Hanuman Temple at Guntakal, which had slipped my mind. Thereafter our conversation veered to Mantralayam. Mantralayam is where Shri Raghavendra Swami entered Tejaroopa (spirit) in 1671 AD. This is where he was interned in a tomb upon attaining Samadhi. The faithful believe that Raghavendra Swami would be in the state of Tejaroopa for a period of 700 years. Raghavendra Swami succeeded his Guru, Sudheendra Teertha as the head of the Mutt and propounded the Dwaita philosophy. He is also believed to be an incarnation of Bhakta Prahalad. Following this discussion, the gentleman left. No sooner had he left, than someone else came to my room, with the prasadam of Raghavendra Swami. This was inexplicable! A miracle is an extraordinary and a welcome event, inexplicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore attributed to divine legacy. Osho said, ‘Be realistic. Plan for a miracle.’ Can we plan for a miracle? This happens through Positive Thinking, the Law of Attraction, the Law of Gratitude, the Law of Spiralling Effect and what Darren Hardy calls the ‘Compound Effect’. For things to materialise, we need to develop a highly positive intent. This positive intent sends signals to the universe and in return the universe conspires to provide us with what we really need. However, for the cycle to continue, humans need to be extremely grateful. This is no rocket science. It is not so distant from our inner self. This is an intuitive ability which we need to develop and harness. Our ancient Rishis realised this potential practice of yoga, meditation, pranayama and adopting a proper diet. Several years ago, while still at Guntakal, I was a confirmed alcoholic. Along with my maternal aunts, I went to the Raghavendra Swami Mutt at Mantralayam. I smuggled a bottle of liquor in that state of arrogance. My mind was fixated on the bottle and was conspiring to circumnavigate the rules of Brindavan. This is the character of the monkey mind. Brindavan is the place where Raghavendra Swami is in a state of Samadhi. There was an unbearable stench in my room. To my amazement, the bottle had cracked and liquor had leaked out; the seal was not broken. Everything was drenched with liquor except my puja material and the notes of Art of Living Part 1 course. Satan cannot affect what is pure and divine. This too was a miracle. ‘It is our faith that activates the power of God,’ said Joel Osteen. However, the human mind ignores and rubbishes such claims. Years later, while travelling by a special train, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar smiled in his inimitable manner and gave me Mantralayam prasadam as we crossed Kurnool district, where Mantralayam is located. Yet another miracle had occurred, I realised. Faith is an integral part of any miracle. Faith is complete trust or confidence in someone or something. It is a strong belief in the doctrines of a religion based on spiritual conviction than proof. ‘Faithless is he that says farewell when road darkens,’ says J.R.R. Tolkien. When the tunnel is really dark and our mind is plagued by fear, we deeply pray for a miracle to happen so that we do not get subsumed by the vortex of antipathetic thoughts. While thinking negatively, we transmit negative signals to the universe. In return we get shrouded by unfortunate events. Thus prayer, faith and miracles are all intertwined. For this to happen, human intent needs to be extraordinary. Power of healing through the mind Winter was quite chilly in Delhi and to keep himself warm, a middle-aged obese man had a swig of Old Monk rum. He felt warmer and chewed a piece of chicken with great relish. Soon, however, he started perspiring and feeling nauseous. His facial muscles began twitching and he felt a real thud in his chest region. The anxious homemaker rushed to the neighbours seeking help. The neighbours called for an ambulance and rang up the doctor. It was a state of emergency. Visiting the neighbours was an Art of Living teacher, who immediately rushed to the aid of the patient. He advised the patient to adopt a posture called the ‘Sanjivini Mudra’ and take deep breaths. The ‘mudra’ entails fixing the index finger on the base of the thumb and middle and ring finger touch the tip of the thumb, while the little finger is spread apart. While adopting the ‘mudra’ the individual needs to take deep ‘Ujjayi’ (victory) breaths. While inhaling ‘Ujjayi’ breaths, an individual feels the stimulation in the throat region. The duration of each breath increases and becomes finer, too. The patient afflicted with the heart attack surrendered to his saviour and continued with this breathing technique, till he was hospitalised. The ECG did not reveal any great damage to the heart and the medical team grudgingly accepted the intrinsic and therapeutic values of the ‘Sanjivini Mudra’. Along with the breath, the mind was relaxed during those tense moments as the patient was wheeled into the ICU. On recovering completely, the gentleman undertook courses of the Art of Living, which detoxified his system and cured him of the craving for alcohol. This helped him stage both a physical and mental recovery. ‘Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes a matter of great opportunity,’ said Hippocrates. This window of opportunity is provided by the opening in the human mind. If we feel that we are sick and chronically ill, then the healing process gets thwarted and impaired. The mind plays a pivotal role in the healing process of an individual. When we get up every morning, we should take a few deep breaths and feel grateful and blessed about whatever has been provided by nature and our Universe. This augurs well for the body and the mind. It would be a worthwhile exercise to scan the body and check our levels of freshness; are we suffering from any stiffness or soreness, headache, etc. to maximise the vitality of our system. The mind remains an enigma, with a reservoir of potential which we fail to tap. If exploited to optimum level, it can help in destroying carcinogenic cells, eliminating toxins, combating infections, fighting foreign bodies and enhancing self-repair mechanisms. The placebo effect also plays a major role in recovery. The mind has also been called an ‘amygdala’ which may harbour negative thoughts and wrong beliefs such as financial woes, relationship problems, work stress, general pessimism and feelings of threat. These attributes act as a roadblock to attaining good health. Stress at the workplace often results in various illnesses. A woman suffered from what is called Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia (PAT). In such a condition, the heart beats with great rapidity and the patient suffers from excessive sweating and perforce needs to be hospitalised till the condition normalises. The lady surrendered to the will of Lord, while reciting a deep and sincere prayer. Later in life, when her son turned an alcoholic, she once again developed a similar heart condition. She had to steel herself and became mentally adept and strong enough to undertake courses in Vipassana, the Art of Living, Siddha and Pranic healing. These courses had an immense therapeutic impact on the mind and body which enabled her to recover both physically and mentally. An Art of Living teacher taught her ‘Mudra Pranayams’, which have helped to fortify her system. The breath and the mind have a deep relationship. By simply observing the breath, toxins are expelled from the system and there is great mental clarity to view life in its totality. These processes clear the mind of several cobwebs and the thought process becomes positive. A power of discrimination dawns on the individual and he/she can focus on what the body really needs, the quantum of exercise to performed, exact intake of food required, the amount of medication needed, whether the job or living conditions are irksome and if any changes are required to be made and take necessary steps in that direction. An architect imagines a building, conceives a blue print and designs a beautiful home. Similarly, a dancer or a painter through mental imagery visualises a piece of art which is appealing and becomes the cynosure of all eyes. Soulful singers conjure melody and symphony which strike right notes and chords in our hearts and we are transported to an ethereal world. All this creation is the magic of the mind. Similarly, the middle aged man (who suffered the heart attack), the woman who was a long time sufferer of PAT, and the alcoholic son, surrendered their physical and mental unwelcome situations to a superior power and adopted various techniques and strategies of self-healing. However, the success of the therapies lies in the orientation of the mind. The mind has to be necessarily a YES MIND, believing that success is guaranteed, and their lives would be transformed with the power of mind injecting positive affirmations such as ‘I am transformed’, ‘I am healed’ and ‘I am feeling wonderful’. Why you must enhance Sattva and how to do it Sattva, the balancing force is associated with purity, intelligence, awareness, alertness, harmony, balance and equipoise. The quality is to remain extremely light in the mind, writes RAVI VALLURI Mahanama despaired at his spiritual anguish and the distraught state of his mind. Buddha analysed the pangs of his cousin and devotee’s problem and attributed it to the latter’s unfulfilled sexual desires and his struggle with sensuality. Lust and obsession, attachments and entanglements play havoc with the mental state of many a human and correspondingly the levels of ‘Sattva’ drop several notches. These act as a roadblock in the path of a layman or a seeker in search of bliss or the truth. Let us imagine or visualise an individual with a resplendent, radiant face, a bright pair of eyes, sporting a beatific smile, thick black mane, and in absolute harmony and sync with his self and nature. The visualisation is probably akin to observing a rainbow in the sky, snow-capped mountain peaks or perhaps a tranquil river or lake. Such evocative images impact the human mind or chitta, enveloping it with robust positivity. This adumbration conjures a positive disposition and increases the aura. Individuals possessing these unblemished qualities act as magnets to attract people. Usually we associate such dynamic qualities with only elevated souls perhaps dressed in saffron or whites, who exude enormous serenity and calm. It is not essential that only sages or spiritual masters possess these quintessential pristine qualities. Any individual has the potential to enhance these characteristics. ‘All actions of “Sattva”, a modification of Prakriti, characterised by light and happiness, is for the soul. When ‘Sattva’ is free from egoism and illuminated with pure intelligence of Purusha, it is called the self-centred one because in that state it becomes independent of all relations’, said Swami Vivekananda. As per the Samkhya school of Hindu philosophy, there are three gunas or traits present in humans and the creation -‘Sattva’, ‘Rajas’ and ‘Tamas’. ‘Sattva’ is associated with purity, intelligence, awareness, alertness, harmony, balance and equipoise. The quality is to remain extremely light in the mind. This is the hallmark of the awakening of the soul, a springboard of spiritual awakening. ‘Rajas’ denotes that energy which invariably causes imbalances. It represents change, constant activity, restlessness, passion, disequilibrium resulting in the fragmentation in the thought process of an individual. ‘Tamas’ is the attribute which reflects dullness, darkness, despondency, inertia, lack of awareness, decay, disintegration and long periods of sleep in the individual. The colour white, associated with purity and harmony, represents ‘Sattva’, while red is symbolic of excessive action and passion which is a metaphor for ‘Rajas’. ‘Tamas’ is delineated by black which also exemplifies darkness accompanied with disintegration. A ‘Sattvik’ individual is unwavering in his dealings and does not engage in mental chatter. Such individuals are vigilant, adept in quick decision making and are circumspect by nature. But they are truly joyous and radiant. For them life is a celebration. Persons with predominant ‘Rajasik’ qualities are lustful, full of passion, constantly attached to activity and get intertwined with various attachments and entanglements. ‘Tamasik’ individuals exhibit emotions and actions of anger, disruption, pride, putrefaction and ruination. But it is well-nigh impossible for everyone in the universe to be of ‘Sattvik’ disposition as the Gods like variety. They do not eat only Okra. If there is a Buddha, Mara would also be lurking in the corner. It would be discernment on part of individuals to constantly grow in ‘Sattva’, than to begin in the winters of their lives. Humans can then harness their true potential and develop the qualities of equilibrium, equanimity and equipoise. The Swadishtan Chakra entails and exhibits the qualities of both lust and creativity. We will gain by expanding our consciousness and focussing on the attributes of creativity than be merely lustful in nature. The human mind is immensely impacted by the food we consume, the company we keep, events which take place in our lives, places we visit among others. We have to live with some ‘Karma’ but can obliterate malefic effects of certain actions by practising holistic techniques. To begin with, humans should concentrate on the food consumed. Occasional indulges apart; it is sagacious to partake of ‘Sattvik’ vegetarian food which is easily digestible and reduces craving and avarice in our minds. Breathing practices like Vipassana and Sudarshan Kriya expatriate toxins from the body make it vibrant and oozing energy. Further it is always profitable to practice yoga, pranayama and meditation. The human mind is cannonaded by innumerable thoughts. We make it even more miserable by clinging on to gizmos, becoming prisoners of technology. Our sacred space has been destroyed and occupied. This space has to be reclaimed. Man is always known by the company he keeps. To increase and buttress our ‘Sattva’ we should attend satsangs and undertake selfless ‘seva’. By actively working on these areas humans can mitigate negative influences, ebb the ‘Karmic’ bondage and uplift the level of ‘Sattva’.

Sudarshan Kriya - key to peaceful life

Sudarshan Kriya - key to peaceful life Some years ago, while I was posted at Gorakhpur, an Art of Living devotee happened to read my maiden book, The Matter of the Mind, wherein I narrated the efficacy of the Sudarshan Kriya technique and how it extricated me from the cesspool of alcoholism. It seemed aeons ago, when my mind was subsumed by tenebrosity and hurtling down the hubristic path on account of excessive drinking. My wife in sheer desperation enrolled me for the Part 1 course (now called the Happiness Programme). Today by the grace of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the breathing technique of Sudarshan Kriya I am sober. The devotee connected me to an estimable psychiatrist and soon along with two other faculty members, we began conducting courses for alcoholics and drug addicts at a rehab centre. They were around 40 and we were three. Some looked menacing, others disenchanted, a few enveloped by ennui. But in our arsenal was the potent cassette of Sudarshan Kriya and enveloped with the divine benediction of Gurudev. We began with gentle warm ups. This was followed by pranayams and finally Sudarshan Kriya. A few hardened addicts attempted to derail the Kriya. But the febrile minds gradually settled as the rhythms of Soham resonated the dingy hall. Meaning of Sudarshan Kriya The unique breathing technique of Sudarshan Kriya is the fulcrum of the Happiness Programme of the Art of Living. Su means proper, Darshan implies vision and Kriya is a purifying action. Through the actions of our breath, we appreciate a proper vision of who we really are. It is momentous to understand that nature runs on a rhythm. For instance the sun rises and sets at a particular time, similarly seasons arrive and exit at predetermined times. Humans feel hungry or sleepy at certain times. Our emotions, feelings, thoughts are all cast in the symphony of rhythm. We are unable to distinguish between cacophony and symphony in this frenetic pace of life which is cannonaded by innumerable thoughts, continuous action and noise. When sounds are harmonised by the syllable of Soham we can term it as magical music. Enlightenment is not accruing anything providential but harmonising our whole being rhythmically. During the breathing process participants feel varied sensations, emotions, tingling sensations, laughter, weeping among others. But the objective is to keep breathing to the syllable of Soham in (chanted in Gurudev’s voice). Eventually all the accumulated stress is extricated and a person is thoroughly relaxed. One can experience this entire process only by undertaking the course. The breathing technique was cognated by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar after being in silence for a period of 10 days on the banks of Bhadravati River at Shimoga, a small town in Karnataka. Cassandra’s of doubt and prophets of doom have questioned the salutatory benefit of the course and the breathing technique. Researchers at NIMHANS and AIIMS have zeroed on the impact of the breathing technique, which improves the heart rate, benefits cognition, improves breathing pattern, restores calmness in the mind and body, arrests Alzheimer’s affliction, works positively on the endocrine system, all of which increase energy (or prana) levels in the human body. This technique has been used successfully used on victims of trauma, on terrorists and naxalites. This wonderful knowledge and wisdom has triggered humanness to blossom. Every cell and article of the body overflows with jollity and life is abundant with the glow of love and the body becomes the wick. Love and belongingness becomes a natural process of our inner being if practised unflinchingly and unfailingly. Several practitioners feel they can practice the breathing technique at home. But that is only walking half the path. It is indispensible and paramount that one must practice the technique daily and attend the follow up once a week, where a certified Art of Living teacher plays the chant of Soham in Guruji’s voice as it reinvigorates the body and mind. One should also be wary of imitations available on YouTube these days. Breath is the very kernel of our very existence. Therefore it is essential to breath to the correct technique. A person will gain more spiritually and physically by traversing on this journey by taking part in the bouquet of courses offered by the foundation.

How to motivate the mind to excel

How to motivate the mind to excel Do the words micro-management or detail-orientated ring a bell or strike a chord in our minds? The geometry of the febrile minds of seekers, be it spiritual masters, 24×7 politicians, emblematic thespians, writers, painters, architects, achievers or unswerving and unwavering sportspersons, get cogitated to scale the summit. A passionate and zealous mind, perhaps to the annoyance of both his contemporaries and adversaries gets to the rub and kernel, addressing the focal point. This is the quintessential trait of a motivated mind. The celebrated and talismanic trouper Aamir Khan is a perfectionist, known for gargantuan and Brobdingnagian experimentation while essaying canonical roles. His robust and resolute mind is continually and perpetually engaged to embrace what may appear impertinent ideas on the surface, but at the subterranean level is alive and kicking to deliver something prodigious and colossal. A saturnine looking, rotund and oleaginous 24×7 politician – whose snigger and smile appear almost similar- who has a penchant for playing chess and pouring into Kautilya’s Arthashastra, is brimful of ideas. His mere gaze sends shivers down the spine of foes and friends alike. This incredible gentleman has expanded the base of the political party of which he is the President across the swathes of the land. His legendary skills are what psychologists would term as detail-oriented. Sunita, a demure looking girl who hails from a bijou town of Bihar was raised in refractory and obstreperous conditions. However, undeterred she burnt the midnight oil and toiled to break into the estimable Civil Services of the country. Her motivation being the fact that bureaucrats are revered like celestial beings, virtually immortalized in Bihar and neighboring Uttar Pradesh. Hemant Sharma, an army sepoy lost his limbs in a dastardly terror attack while patrolling the border in strife stricken Jammu and Kashmir. Despite his prosthetic limbs, the former soldier is determined to take part in an expedition to Mount Kailasa and is training extensively for the spiritual sojourn. He sports a beaming smile which camouflages and conceals the enduring pain and agony. The mind is suffused with jollity and has demolished all antipathetic and demonic thoughts. The former army personnel’s son Aman is a tutee in a college and doubles up as a waiter in an eatery. The strapping youngster is saving every penny to spring for his illustrious father’s expedition. They are all blessed individuals, who are indoctrinated with high levels of motivation to achieve excellence in their chosen field. Such individuals are self-propelled and goal driven. They have broken the false glass ceilings of frustration and cultural influences to attain their dreams and ambitions. Motivation is derived from the Latin word ‘movere’. Essentially, it refers to movement of activity. The bedrock of motivation lies in what is termed by eminent psychoanalysts and psychologists as motivation cycle. The trigger is a need which translates itself into a drive, that driver translates into arousal of thought process, which further results in goal-directed behavior. Consequently, the ecstatic human mind dives into achievement and eventually culminates in the reduction of the arousal of the need. Invariably deficit or extreme desire dispatch signals to the human mind. This flushed state leads to a condition of drive. It is an arousal state in the mind which results in tension and energizes the mind to engage in what is termed as random activity in psychological parlance. Sequentially, this leads random activities to achieve the desired objective, target or goal. Once the target is accomplished the excited and emotional mind is at peace and attains tranquility. But this state of hush and repose is not a settled issue. Once again, the motivational cycle that operates, Need-Drive-Arousal-Goal Oriented Behavior- Achievement- Reduction of arousal. It has been hypothesised by psychologists that our daily lives are governed by two kinds of motives. The first one is physiological, while the other is psychological. Physiological motives focus on causes such as hormonal balances, neurotransmitters, brain structures such as hypothalamus, limbic system. These result in our daily requirements like satiating our hunger, quenching human thirst and sexual motives. Hunger is triggered by stimuli for hunger. The motivation to quench thirst arises from depletion of water from cells and reduction of blood volume. Humans and animals covet sex because release of hormones. Sexual gratification is also predetermined by cultural factors and the company we keep. Today social media, technology has further fuelled the imagination of humans to explore that which was perhaps earlier cloaked under the garb of respectability. The underlying factors which contribute towards psychological motivation include the focus on psychological, social and environmental factors. An impenetrable and inviolable desire to be successful, recognised by the society at large, need for affiliation, requirement for unbridled power, sheer curiosity, exploring the unknown and self-actualisation are other psychological triggers. The motivational cycle certainly challenges the mind to achieve even that which seems impossible. However, an individual gets ensnared in the vortex of this motivational cycle which causes stress on the mind. Success feeds success; but over a period, success also begins to feed stress. So, the question is can human beings break free from the cauldron of motivational cycle? Sage Ashtavakra has extensively deliberated on the concept of the state of stillness of the human mind. The realisation that all acts arise, suffer, change and pass away and in no manner, should it disturb our mental equilibrium assuages a stressed mind. The path to salvation lies in being able to calm the mind through the practice of wakefulness or mindfulness. We feel light as a feather and experience jollity and bliss, when we neither grieve misfortune nor carouse in success. Thus nature has bestowed upon us the mechanism and springboard to motivate the mind to excel. However, we are often subsumed by avarice and greed as results appear startling. But these are merely illusory like the electricity produced by sensual pleasures. It is then that mindful awareness and a state of detached attachment acts as our lifeboat. Sudarshan Kriya - key to peaceful life Some years ago, while I was posted at Gorakhpur, an Art of Living devotee happened to read my maiden book, The Matter of the Mind, wherein I narrated the efficacy of the Sudarshan Kriya technique and how it extricated me from the cesspool of alcoholism. It seemed aeons ago, when my mind was subsumed by tenebrosity and hurtling down the hubristic path on account of excessive drinking. My wife in sheer desperation enrolled me for the Part 1 course (now called the Happiness Programme). Today by the grace of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the breathing technique of Sudarshan Kriya I am sober. The devotee connected me to an estimable psychiatrist and soon along with two other faculty members, we began conducting courses for alcoholics and drug addicts at a rehab centre. They were around 40 and we were three. Some looked menacing, others disenchanted, a few enveloped by ennui. But in our arsenal was the potent cassette of Sudarshan Kriya and enveloped with the divine benediction of Gurudev. We began with gentle warm ups. This was followed by pranayams and finally Sudarshan Kriya. A few hardened addicts attempted to derail the Kriya. But the febrile minds gradually settled as the rhythms of Soham resonated the dingy hall. Meaning of Sudarshan Kriya The unique breathing technique of Sudarshan Kriya is the fulcrum of the Happiness Programme of the Art of Living. Su means proper, Darshan implies vision and Kriya is a purifying action. Through the actions of our breath, we appreciate a proper vision of who we really are. It is momentous to understand that nature runs on a rhythm. For instance the sun rises and sets at a particular time, similarly seasons arrive and exit at predetermined times. Humans feel hungry or sleepy at certain times. Our emotions, feelings, thoughts are all cast in the symphony of rhythm. We are unable to distinguish between cacophony and symphony in this frenetic pace of life which is cannonaded by innumerable thoughts, continuous action and noise. When sounds are harmonised by the syllable of Soham we can term it as magical music. Enlightenment is not accruing anything providential but harmonising our whole being rhythmically. During the breathing process participants feel varied sensations, emotions, tingling sensations, laughter, weeping among others. But the objective is to keep breathing to the syllable of Soham in (chanted in Gurudev’s voice). Eventually all the accumulated stress is extricated and a person is thoroughly relaxed. One can experience this entire process only by undertaking the course. The breathing technique was cognated by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar after being in silence for a period of 10 days on the banks of Bhadravati River at Shimoga, a small town in Karnataka. Cassandra’s of doubt and prophets of doom have questioned the salutatory benefit of the course and the breathing technique. Researchers at NIMHANS and AIIMS have zeroed on the impact of the breathing technique, which improves the heart rate, benefits cognition, improves breathing pattern, restores calmness in the mind and body, arrests Alzheimer’s affliction, works positively on the endocrine system, all of which increase energy (or prana) levels in the human body. This technique has been used successfully used on victims of trauma, on terrorists and naxalites. This wonderful knowledge and wisdom has triggered humanness to blossom. Every cell and article of the body overflows with jollity and life is abundant with the glow of love and the body becomes the wick. Love and belongingness becomes a natural process of our inner being if practised unflinchingly and unfailingly. Several practitioners feel they can practice the breathing technique at home. But that is only walking half the path. It is indispensible and paramount that one must practice the technique daily and attend the follow up once a week, where a certified Art of Living teacher plays the chant of Soham in Guruji’s voice as it reinvigorates the body and mind. One should also be wary of imitations available on YouTube these days. Breath is the very kernel of our very existence. Therefore it is essential to breath to the correct technique. A person will gain more spiritually and physically by traversing on this

How to motivate the mind to excel

How to motivate the mind to excel Do the words micro-management or detail-orientated ring a bell or strike a chord in our minds? The geometry of the febrile minds of seekers, be it spiritual masters, 24×7 politicians, emblematic thespians, writers, painters, architects, achievers or unswerving and unwavering sportspersons, get cogitated to scale the summit. A passionate and zealous mind, perhaps to the annoyance of both his contemporaries and adversaries gets to the rub and kernel, addressing the focal point. This is the quintessential trait of a motivated mind. The celebrated and talismanic trouper Aamir Khan is a perfectionist, known for gargantuan and Brobdingnagian experimentation while essaying canonical roles. His robust and resolute mind is continually and perpetually engaged to embrace what may appear impertinent ideas on the surface, but at the subterranean level is alive and kicking to deliver something prodigious and colossal. A saturnine looking, rotund and oleaginous 24×7 politician – whose snigger and smile appear almost similar- who has a penchant for playing chess and pouring into Kautilya’s Arthashastra, is brimful of ideas. His mere gaze sends shivers down the spine of foes and friends alike. This incredible gentleman has expanded the base of the political party of which he is the President across the swathes of the land. His legendary skills are what psychologists would term as detail-oriented. Sunita, a demure looking girl who hails from a bijou town of Bihar was raised in refractory and obstreperous conditions. However, undeterred she burnt the midnight oil and toiled to break into the estimable Civil Services of the country. Her motivation being the fact that bureaucrats are revered like celestial beings, virtually immortalized in Bihar and neighboring Uttar Pradesh. Hemant Sharma, an army sepoy lost his limbs in a dastardly terror attack while patrolling the border in strife stricken Jammu and Kashmir. Despite his prosthetic limbs, the former soldier is determined to take part in an expedition to Mount Kailasa and is training extensively for the spiritual sojourn. He sports a beaming smile which camouflages and conceals the enduring pain and agony. The mind is suffused with jollity and has demolished all antipathetic and demonic thoughts. The former army personnel’s son Aman is a tutee in a college and doubles up as a waiter in an eatery. The strapping youngster is saving every penny to spring for his illustrious father’s expedition. They are all blessed individuals, who are indoctrinated with high levels of motivation to achieve excellence in their chosen field. Such individuals are self-propelled and goal driven. They have broken the false glass ceilings of frustration and cultural influences to attain their dreams and ambitions. Motivation is derived from the Latin word ‘movere’. Essentially, it refers to movement of activity. The bedrock of motivation lies in what is termed by eminent psychoanalysts and psychologists as motivation cycle. The trigger is a need which translates itself into a drive, that driver translates into arousal of thought process, which further results in goal-directed behavior. Consequently, the ecstatic human mind dives into achievement and eventually culminates in the reduction of the arousal of the need. Invariably deficit or extreme desire dispatch signals to the human mind. This flushed state leads to a condition of drive. It is an arousal state in the mind which results in tension and energizes the mind to engage in what is termed as random activity in psychological parlance. Sequentially, this leads random activities to achieve the desired objective, target or goal. Once the target is accomplished the excited and emotional mind is at peace and attains tranquility. But this state of hush and repose is not a settled issue. Once again, the motivational cycle that operates, Need-Drive-Arousal-Goal Oriented Behavior- Achievement- Reduction of arousal. It has been hypothesised by psychologists that our daily lives are governed by two kinds of motives. The first one is physiological, while the other is psychological. Physiological motives focus on causes such as hormonal balances, neurotransmitters, brain structures such as hypothalamus, limbic system. These result in our daily requirements like satiating our hunger, quenching human thirst and sexual motives. Hunger is triggered by stimuli for hunger. The motivation to quench thirst arises from depletion of water from cells and reduction of blood volume. Humans and animals covet sex because release of hormones. Sexual gratification is also predetermined by cultural factors and the company we keep. Today social media, technology has further fuelled the imagination of humans to explore that which was perhaps earlier cloaked under the garb of respectability. The underlying factors which contribute towards psychological motivation include the focus on psychological, social and environmental factors. An impenetrable and inviolable desire to be successful, recognised by the society at large, need for affiliation, requirement for unbridled power, sheer curiosity, exploring the unknown and self-actualisation are other psychological triggers. The motivational cycle certainly challenges the mind to achieve even that which seems impossible. However, an individual gets ensnared in the vortex of this motivational cycle which causes stress on the mind. Success feeds success; but over a period, success also begins to feed stress. So, the question is can human beings break free from the cauldron of motivational cycle? Sage Ashtavakra has extensively deliberated on the concept of the state of stillness of the human mind. The realisation that all acts arise, suffer, change and pass away and in no manner, should it disturb our mental equilibrium assuages a stressed mind. The path to salvation lies in being able to calm the mind through the practice of wakefulness or mindfulness. We feel light as a feather and experience jollity and bliss, when we neither grieve misfortune nor carouse in success. Thus nature has bestowed upon us the mechanism and springboard to motivate the mind to excel. However, we are often subsumed by avarice and greed as results appear startling. But these are merely illusory like the electricity produced by sensual pleasures. It is then that mindful awareness and a state of detached attachment acts as our lifeboat.

Channel anxiety the right way

Channel anxiety the right way Rambunctious crowds in the cauldron, millions riveted to the idiot box, and a zillion other connected through social media, with a bated breath follow an India- Pakistan cricket match. It seems eons ago that hockey was our national game and our pride. India were tipped to defeat arch rivals Pakistan in the 1982 Asian Games. But the home team was vanquished by the neighbors from across the border, 7-1. Gloom prevailed in the Indian contingent and the nation was ashen-faced as Pakistanis celebrated with euphoria. Meanwhile Kapil’s Devils, befuddling all cricketing pundits, forestalled the West Indians’ attempt to triumph in the Prudential Cup for the third consecutive time. Cricket was soon to replace hockey as our national passion and obsession. More than three decades later two crucial games were being played in the land of our former colonial masters, England, on 18th of June this year. India worsted Pakistan 7-1 in hockey (a similar score line when we lost in the year 1982). However, millions of hearts were broken as India suffered the ignominy of losing by 180 runs in the Champions Trophy. Did Virat Kohli err by opting to field, instead of relying on our famed batting potential? Were Indians petrified to face the breakneck pace of Pakistani fast bowlers? These are secrets which will perhaps forever remain in the closet. Sameer, was armed with a degree in management from an estimable institute. Having specialised in the field of marketing management, he was well versed with the 4Ps of marketing. The young trainee fantasised at this juncture of his life about joining a FMCG company, earning a Falstaffian salary and over a period acquire an opulent property in the up-market area of the town. But there was an element of hesitation in his mind about successfully crossing the final hurdle – the interview. As the mind was not in the present moment and fixated on the future it remained anxious and continuously agitated. Thus, it was not in a state of equilibrium, equipoise and equanimity. Meanwhile, Siddhartha his school mate majored in architecture and apprenticed at celebrated architectural firm in the city. Siddhartha however, was not content in designing buildings. He possessed a febrile mind which ached to pursue a greenfield area called entertainment design. The stripling self-taught himself and acquired ultra-modern and newfangled skill sets. Fortified with the newly acquired knowledge he launched to prepare a portfolio consisting of visionary and ingenious graphics, sketches and paintings. Yet, mentally he was anxious, tense and strained as to what lay in future. It is a normal human tendency to be apprehensive prior to anxious situations as it is not in the present moment. Several individuals become splenetic and waspish. Invariably there is a churning in the abdomen region and the mind is subsumed with anxiety. Arjuna, in possession of a lethal arsenal was benumbed seeing the mammoth army of the Kauravas. This, even though Lord Krishna was his charioteer. At zero hour prior to the showdown at Kurukshetra he lay down his weaponry. The consummate warrior could not distinguish between righteousness and malevolence. The demons in his mind were eventually dispelled through Vishwarupa Darshan of Lord Krishna and the song celestial- The Bhagvad Gita. It may be pertinent to mention that an element of anxiety is paramount to act as a trigger. It motivates the mind to accomplish the task on hand and excel to produce high octane stuff. However, if the level of fear and anxiety exceeds an optimum level, it acts as an impediment in optimizing performance and achieving the goals envisaged. The nervous system of an overwrought and flurried individual becomes highly stressed resulting in a below par performance. Psychologists have advanced a two-pronged strategy to combat such inhospitable states, firstly by closely monitoring the piquant state and taking prompt and effective action and second, by avoiding and blunting the situation. Monitoring involves taking several proactive steps. Advanced and well-rehearsed preparation prior to a significant event; this is tapasya and no one can relax on this ground. The mind should be resolute and robust to incessantly practice like the celebrated archer Arjuna. Another step is continuous rehearsals primarily involve the concept of visualisation. Creating conditions of a mock run of the event within the amphitheater of the mind is a time-tested strategy. In the process, the individual de-clutters the mind and gets rid of the baggage of anxiety and fear. The Inoculation technique is another effective strategy. An individual insulates the self against the perils of stress through constant exposure to rehearsals and role playing. This mentally toughens up the candidate to be prepared for the scrutiny and appraisal with utmost confidence and credence. Further, adopting a positive dispensation is invaluable. It would be sagacious for an individual to make an inventory of possible deficiencies and the ways and means to overcome them through efficacious thoughts. Finally, seeking the help of family members, peer groups, friends, reading motivational literature to suffuse the mind with affirmative and propitious thoughts. In addition, there are blunting tactics and strategies which help to augment the above. It is perspicacious and canny to drown in physical activity. It could be going for long walks, swimming, hitting the gym, taking up a sport or learning yogic techniques to destress. These activities release endorphins which assuage the mind. Simultaneously, an individual will appear chiseled and smart. There are other ways to remain happy. For instance, join the Happiness Programme of the Art of Living to learn the unique rhythmic breathing technique of Sudarshan Kriya which calms the body and mind. Lean pranayama and various techniques of meditation to remain in the present moment. For only when a human being is in the present moment which is inevitable is he insulated from anxiety and manages inexpedient and onerous situations.

Channel anxiety the right way

Channel anxiety the right way Rambunctious crowds in the cauldron, millions riveted to the idiot box, and a zillion other connected through social media, with a bated breath follow an India- Pakistan cricket match. It seems eons ago that hockey was our national game and our pride. India were tipped to defeat arch rivals Pakistan in the 1982 Asian Games. But the home team was vanquished by the neighbors from across the border, 7-1. Gloom prevailed in the Indian contingent and the nation was ashen-faced as Pakistanis celebrated with euphoria. Meanwhile Kapil’s Devils, befuddling all cricketing pundits, forestalled the West Indians’ attempt to triumph in the Prudential Cup for the third consecutive time. Cricket was soon to replace hockey as our national passion and obsession. More than three decades later two crucial games were being played in the land of our former colonial masters, England, on 18th of June this year. India worsted Pakistan 7-1 in hockey (a similar score line when we lost in the year 1982). However, millions of hearts were broken as India suffered the ignominy of losing by 180 runs in the Champions Trophy. Did Virat Kohli err by opting to field, instead of relying on our famed batting potential? Were Indians petrified to face the breakneck pace of Pakistani fast bowlers? These are secrets which will perhaps forever remain in the closet. Sameer, was armed with a degree in management from an estimable institute. Having specialised in the field of marketing management, he was well versed with the 4Ps of marketing. The young trainee fantasised at this juncture of his life about joining a FMCG company, earning a Falstaffian salary and over a period acquire an opulent property in the up-market area of the town. But there was an element of hesitation in his mind about successfully crossing the final hurdle – the interview. As the mind was not in the present moment and fixated on the future it remained anxious and continuously agitated. Thus, it was not in a state of equilibrium, equipoise and equanimity. Meanwhile, Siddhartha his school mate majored in architecture and apprenticed at celebrated architectural firm in the city. Siddhartha however, was not content in designing buildings. He possessed a febrile mind which ached to pursue a greenfield area called entertainment design. The stripling self-taught himself and acquired ultra-modern and newfangled skill sets. Fortified with the newly acquired knowledge he launched to prepare a portfolio consisting of visionary and ingenious graphics, sketches and paintings. Yet, mentally he was anxious, tense and strained as to what lay in future. It is a normal human tendency to be apprehensive prior to anxious situations as it is not in the present moment. Several individuals become splenetic and waspish. Invariably there is a churning in the abdomen region and the mind is subsumed with anxiety. Arjuna, in possession of a lethal arsenal was benumbed seeing the mammoth army of the Kauravas. This, even though Lord Krishna was his charioteer. At zero hour prior to the showdown at Kurukshetra he lay down his weaponry. The consummate warrior could not distinguish between righteousness and malevolence. The demons in his mind were eventually dispelled through Vishwarupa Darshan of Lord Krishna and the song celestial- The Bhagvad Gita. It may be pertinent to mention that an element of anxiety is paramount to act as a trigger. It motivates the mind to accomplish the task on hand and excel to produce high octane stuff. However, if the level of fear and anxiety exceeds an optimum level, it acts as an impediment in optimizing performance and achieving the goals envisaged. The nervous system of an overwrought and flurried individual becomes highly stressed resulting in a below par performance. Psychologists have advanced a two-pronged strategy to combat such inhospitable states, firstly by closely monitoring the piquant state and taking prompt and effective action and second, by avoiding and blunting the situation. Monitoring involves taking several proactive steps. Advanced and well-rehearsed preparation prior to a significant event; this is tapasya and no one can relax on this ground. The mind should be resolute and robust to incessantly practice like the celebrated archer Arjuna. Another step is continuous rehearsals primarily involve the concept of visualisation. Creating conditions of a mock run of the event within the amphitheater of the mind is a time-tested strategy. In the process, the individual de-clutters the mind and gets rid of the baggage of anxiety and fear. The Inoculation technique is another effective strategy. An individual insulates the self against the perils of stress through constant exposure to rehearsals and role playing. This mentally toughens up the candidate to be prepared for the scrutiny and appraisal with utmost confidence and credence. Further, adopting a positive dispensation is invaluable. It would be sagacious for an individual to make an inventory of possible deficiencies and the ways and means to overcome them through efficacious thoughts. Finally, seeking the help of family members, peer groups, friends, reading motivational literature to suffuse the mind with affirmative and propitious thoughts. In addition, there are blunting tactics and strategies which help to augment the above. It is perspicacious and canny to drown in physical activity. It could be going for long walks, swimming, hitting the gym, taking up a sport or learning yogic techniques to destress. These activities release endorphins which assuage the mind. Simultaneously, an individual will appear chiseled and smart. There are other ways to remain happy. For instance, join the Happiness Programme of the Art of Living to learn the unique rhythmic breathing technique of Sudarshan Kriya which calms the body and mind. Lean pranayama and various techniques of meditation to remain in the present moment. For only when a human being is in the present moment which is inevitable is he insulated from anxiety and manages inexpedient and onerous situations.

Trademarks and characteristics of a creative mind

Trademarks and characteristics of a creative mind Just like that one day, an apple fell into the lap of Isaac Newton and he went on to famously developed the Theory of Gravity. ‘Life is either a great adventure or nothing,’ Hellen Adam Keller was to pen these iconic lines in her prime. ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge,’ wrote the father of the Theory of Relativity. Yes, the German born physicist was a pillar of modern physics and a noted pianist and violinist. How do we separate these legendary figures from the jejune and quotidian individuals? How do these prodigious, incredible and astonishing individuals manage to take the world by storm and stamp their footprints on the sands of time? There must be something remarkable in the grain of their personalities that they can upend the pyramid and remove demons. Let us map a creative mind. The hallmark of an innovator mind is that it is brim-full of ideas and is a ‘Yes’ mind. It braces to face a gauntlet of challenges and is blessed with imagination, curiosity and originality. Aeons ago lived a Zen Master. He had four tutees. One day, following the command of their Master they embarked upon a journey. Suddenly they were caught in the vortex of a storm and the weather became extremely tempestuous and chilly. To warm themselves they built a protective cover of fire. Soon they began haranguing about the merits and demerits of objectivity and subjectivity. Soon the wrangling reached a feverish pitch. A senior monk who was meditating at a distance, began observing the squabble and started meditating on the sound. He continued to sport a beatific smile as he remained unperturbed and was only observing the process of inhalation and exhalation. Upon completing his meditation, the senior monk sauntered to the four disarranged and muddled up minds. He ventured to ask them, ‘There is a colossal stone. Do you consider it within or outside the boundary of your mind?’ In unison, they answered that from the Buddhist viewpoint every aspect of life is an objectification of the human mind, therefore the gargantuan stone would be embedded inside the mind. The Zen Master wryly smiled and uttered, ‘Your heads would be extremely ponderous and opaque with the weight of the stone.’ And he slowly disappeared into a nearby thicket. The young tutees were ashen faced and scrambled back to their temple of knowledge where the Zen Master directed his pupils to resume their meditations. A creative mind is not a febrile or a condensed one but open to ideas and always ready to acquire fresh inputs. It is not a fossilised mind but a greenfield one which is ready to alter the paradigm and existing covenants. An admirable and worthy school was organising a function. It was the diktat of the Principal that a set of one act plays be staged. And the administration barely gave ten days for the preparation and staging of the productions. Many teachers were skittish and lily-livered about the prospects of the success of the project. These hesitant and rabbity teachers discovered a plethora of excuses to derail the project. They tried everything from subterfuge to exculpation to scuttle the programme. However, those blessed with robust and intrepid minds were not given to bleach or blink at the assigned task. For taking up responsibility empowered them. Much to chagrin of their compatriots they decided to stage a set of one act plays for the school day. They stimulated their minds and summoned requisite hardihood to identify prospective actors among the students. Thus, these intrepid teachers could identify the problem, quantify and represent the possible misadventure, plan and execute plausible solutions, evaluate short term and long-term objectives and goals. They fortified their minds to evaluate the possible eventualities and in the amphitheatre of their minds they were mentally prepared with an array of all possibilities. This typified their tenacity, pugnacity and venturesome attitude. They were blessed with creative minds as their prana/ energy levels was at a high frequency or at the upper end of the auditory range of courage. Creative minds are normally wagers, who have the chutzpah to think of out-of-the-box solutions. But it is not essential that every creative activity needs to be an unusual or exceptional event. Routine, everyday activities such as writing, teaching, cooking, role playing, parenting, babysitting, storytelling, conversing, attempting to solve our daily chores, organising activities and participating in family and societal events, resolving conflicts or merely posing questions can be made prepossessing and riveting. These ordinary incidents of our lives can be made exotic and engaging provided we give our hundred percent and create an ‘Aha!’ moment. This captivates and ensnares the human mind. Everyday creativity is equally gripping and gut-busting as special talent creativity. But in the long haul, creative thinking is embarking upon novel and unusual solutions to variegated problems and misadventures in life. Novelty and originality are trademarks and characteristics of creative thought processes. Year after year humans procure new smart phones, watches, house-hold appliances, cars, scooters among others. Why? The mind gets ensnared by novelty, originality and uniqueness. Creative thinking also refers to what the eminent psychologist Bruner refers to as ‘Effective Surprise’. The product, should add value and evoke an unusual element of instant surprise which is highly evocative. Yet another school of psychology advocates creative thinking which characterises appropriateness so that it can appeal to the human eye and mind. Besides it should be non-conformist, a bizarre idea or even indulging in a fantasy world. Creativity should engage the human mind to buy an Apple product every year, or read about dark matter and even thinking of booking a ticket to the Red Planet… That is an elegant testimonial to the creative ability of the creator of an idea, however outlandish it may appear at the subterranean level.

Why it is important to alienate your anger

Why it is important to alienate your anger Aeons ago lived a disciple who was under the tutelage of an estimable Zen master. Even though he meditated unflinchingly, his mind was filled with zillions of vexing thoughts. Thus, he became a quotidian victim of resentment. Instead of being a lodestone, he was shunned by the other tutees of the Temple of Knowledge. Once a cynosure of a gargantuan number of disciples, he was now persistently rejected and virtually quarantined. Befuddled, in sheer exasperation he approached his teacher and blurted, ‘Master, while I have been practicing the credo and canons of Zen unfailingly, I have been rebuffed by my colleagues. There is an enormous load in my heart and consequently my mind is distraught.’ Further he added, ‘Holy Master, I beseech you to extricate me from this cesspool of rejection.’ The Zen Master smiled and closed his eyes and after a few minutes of cogitation said, ‘Son you are simmering with extensive anger and I discover that over a period of time you have developed an uncontrollable temper. Consequently, fellow devotees and tutees have developed towering antipathy towards you.’ He continued, ‘You were virtually on the verge of excommunication from this Temple of Knowledge. However, you were given a fresh lease to pursue meditation and various Buddhist techniques by the clergy to squelch the demons in your mind. Like the Enlightened one, they did not reproach you so that you could spread the quintessential truth of solicitude and benevolence.’ ‘Upon joining the seminary, you dazzled everyone. Through your methodical and scientific approach, you gallantly impressed those inhabiting this temple. Over a period of time you assumed an iconic and celebratory status. Soon your popularity spread across the land and in all Temples of Knowledge. But ironically that proved to be your nemesis. With your midas touch, whatever you touched turned into yellow metal and simultaneously your popularity skyrocketed phenomenally. Your febrile mind was unable to balance the three essential Es, that is- equilibrium, equipoise and equanimity. And soon you became haughty and conceited. It was apparent to all but your infelicitous behavior stemmed from your hubris, morphing you from perspicacious monk into an arrogant and abhorrible one. It is sheer providence that all the salutary meditation exercises undertaken over the years provided the much essential lifeboat in which you are sailing today.’ The sire was to add that the enlightened and compassionate Gautama Buddha had said, ‘Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else. You are the one who gets burned.’ The human mind is perpetually cannonaded by thoughts and negative emotions like attachments, entanglements, lust, obsession, greed, jealousy, anger and arrogance tend to predominate. Humans need to overcome such antipathetic emotions through relentless sadhana in continuum. However, sadhana/meditation is to be buttressed and fortified by acts of unalloyed seva and sacrifice. The attribute of doer ship- the Antichrist as it were, of the path of spirituality- often ensnares a seeker, a commoner and others on the spiritual path, rearing its ugly head ever so often. Thus, seekers are unable to break the false glass ceilings of anger and arrogance. Lord Buddha is perhaps one of the greatest students of psychology and the human mind. His faultless aphorisms are extremely pithy and authoritative. He was to say, ‘Be strong, but not rude. Be kind, but not weak. Be humble but not shy and be proud but not arrogant.’ Gloom-ridden and fatalistic words such as No, Not, Neither, Hardly, Scarcely, Rarely, Seldom, Nowhere, Never and Barely resound and resonate from the depths of an angry and arrogant mind. Life is a stream and continuum of processes. It assumes form in the shape of thoughts which result in beliefs, and these beliefs manifest as feelings and the feelings concretize into actions. The circle gets completed as actions undertaken once again result in thoughts. This karmic cycle of bondage is in motion incessantly. Positive thoughts shape into efficacious beliefs. Such constructive beliefs develop into propitious feelings and these mushroom into affirmative actions. And worthwhile actions shape into indubitable and inconvertible thoughts. So long as our deeds are bereft of ego and doer ship, the minds of even a hackneyed or middling individual or an enlightened seeker does not get ensnared in the cesspool of ego. George Harrison, the talismanic vocalist of the famed Beatles group soulfully sang of ‘sneaking around the corner’ to bypass ego. Thus, skillfully seekers and individuals alike have to cross the hurdle of ego or else will fall into the precipice and risk losing all their productivity. It would be sagacious not to launch a frontal attack on ego but, like a consummate virtuoso dexterously take a detour and stockpile one’s mind with positivity, in whichever form. When the human mind becomes fossilised in thought process, it assumes the monstrous shape of ego. This dullens the mind and makes it dense. The impish and subtle innocence gets lost and a hardened ego takes the shape of avarice and anger. Timorousness and insecurity also provide fodder to the canon of anger. A sinewy and a strapping mind eschews these negative emotions and provide a shield to overcome anger. Veritable and unfeigned humility in an individual or a seeker provides the buckler to address the misadventures which may arise on account of anger. Shallow and rapid breathing patterns are indicative of simmering anger in a seeker or an individual. Deep breathing and sound sleep are testimony, rather the litmus test that a person has at least combatted, if not vanquished this negative attribute.