Life is a Waterfall

 

https://www.freepressjournal.in/weekend/life-lessons-one-can-learn-from-a-waterfall

RECENT BOOK RELEASES

RECENT BOOK RELEASES 

By the infinite grace of Pujya Gurudev, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar I have been able to continue writing/publishing books through the last few months.

My book "NAMO 303 Words to Victory" has now been translated into Kannada and released recently. 

My first work of fiction "HEARTBREAK AT COFFEE SHOP An Array of Tales" has been translated into Hindi and was launched on various platforms a few days back. 

The English version of "HEARTBREAK AT COFFEE SHOP An Array of Tales" has been doing well and today received a very positive review in the prestigious newspaper, FREE PRESS JOURNAL, Mumbai. 

All this has been possible through the blessings of Pujya Gurudev.

Teachings from Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Teachings from Guru Nanak Dev Ji *1.Submission to the Will of God (WAHEGURU)* Guru Nanak Dev ji says that everything happens by God’s Grace, God knows better what is right or wrong for us. We should, therefore, accept His decisions without any grudge or question. *2. There is One God* Guru Nanak Dev ji said, ” I am neither Hindu Nor Muslim, I am a follower of god .In Sikhism, the god is omnipresent, shapeless, timeless, and sightless. ( Nirankar, akar, alakh). Sikhism stress that, before creation there was God, and because of His will ( Hukam), the Illusion ( maya of attachment and enticement) came into being. The God in Sikhism is not male/female, and can only be seen through inward eye. *3. Goodwill for all – SARBAT DAA BHALAA* Guru Nanak dev ji passed the message of Universal brotherhood. He said that religion is not mere consistence of words but actually looks all men and women equally. In prayer, we say this line towards the end of daily Ardaas – “Nanak Naam Chardi Kala Tere Bhane Sarbat da bhala”, which can be translated as: with your blessings, Lord may everyone in the world prosper and be in peace“ *4. SACH SUNAISI SACH KEE BELA – (to speak the truth)* Guru Nanak Dev Ji told in front of King Babar “You are not Babar but JABAR”. We should always speak the truth without any fear. *5. SEWA AND SIMRAN* Guru Nanak says that no one can save anybody else. to be saved, one have to follow the right path of SEWA and SIMRAN told by him. If we recite Gurbani with love, we will find the Guru is speaking to us. About SEWA Gurbani explains: In the midst of this world, do SEWA and you shall be given a place of honour in the Court of the Lord *6 The three Principals* Vand Chako: Sharing with others, helping those with less who are in need Kirat Karo: Earning/making a living honestly, without exploitation or fraud Naam Japna: Chanting the Holy Name and thus remembering God at all times (ceaseless devotion to God) *7 Shun five Evils* Guru Nanak Dev Ji asked his followers to shun five evils which leads to illusion ( maya) which eventually acts as roadblock towards attainment of salvation. The five evils are Ego, Anger, Greed, Attachment and Lust. *8 Importance of Guru* Guru Nanak Dev ji lay great emphasis on having the importance of Guru in one’s life. He put forward the thought that salvation occurs not from pilgrimage or rites etc, but through heart, spirit and soul. For this to happen continuous seeking of knowledge must take place which is dependent on one’s guru. Guru according to him is the voice of the god, the true source of knowledge and salvation. *9. No Discrimination* Guru Nanak Dev ji was strongly against all artificially created divisions and all discrimination, both in word and deed. He said that the caste of a person is based on what he does. His idea of a caste-free society transpired also in his concepts of Sangat and Pangat. *10. Against Rituals/Superstitions* Guru Nanak Dev Ji preached against superstitions, false rituals, worship of demi-gods and goddesses. He stressed that only One God, the Formless, is to be glorified. In this way, he showed the path of truth and enlightenment.

The Sun and The Cave

A beautiful Story" "The Sun and the Cave" "One day the sun and a cave struck up a conversation. The sun had trouble understanding what “dark” meant and the cave didn’t quite get the hang of “light and clear” so they decided to change places. The cave went up to the sun and said, “Ah, I see, this is beyond wonderful. Now come down and see where I have been living.” The sun went down to the cave and said, “Gee, I don’t see any difference.” --------- When the sun went down, it took its light along and even the darkest corners were illuminated. That's why the sun couldn't see any difference. I love one of the quotes from an old book that said "The enlightened ones can never be sent to hell or pushed into darkness. They carry their heaven on their shoulders all the time". We thought that heaven is a place where were we are supposed to go, perhaps it was a state of mind we were supposed to achieve. If you are full of darkness within, full of negativity, fear and doubt, you become a cave unknowingly. It's a hell within and no matter how much you accumulate, you still remain hollow. If you are illuminated like the sun, then the darkness of the cave wouldn't matter. You could be in the worse of circumstances, you'll still be able to find a blessing somewhere. You'll be carrying your heaven with you..

Chaos

Dear All Please read this article published in Free Press Journal Mumbai today. https://www.freepressjournal.in/weekend/art-of-staying-calm-and-cool-amidst-chaos

Happy Deepavali

Let this iridescent, opalescent, incandescent festival of fervour sink the tenebrosity into ravishing radiance, filling everyone's life with cornucopia of joy, peace, health and fine fettle... Evil elements be incinerated in a sparking show of lights and coruscation... Happy Deepaval

Empathy

A man, who regularly attended family meetings suddenly without any notice stopped participating. After a few weeks, one very cold night the leader of that group decided to visit him. He found the man at home, alone, sitting in front of a fireplace where a bright fire burned. The man welcomed the leader. There was a great silence. The two men only watched the dancing flames around the logs that crackled in the fireplace. After a few minutes the leader, without saying a word, examined the woods that formed the fire and selected one of them, glowing most brightly of all, removing it to the side with a pair of tongs. Then he sat down again. The host was paying attention to everything, fascinated. Before long, the lone member flame subsided, until there was only a momentary glow & the fire soon went out. In a short time what was *previously bright light and heat* had become nothing more than a black & dead piece of wood. Very few words had been spoken since the greeting. Before preparing to leave, the leader with the tongs picked up the useless piece of wood & placed it again in the middle of the fire. Immediately, the member piece of wood was rekindled, fueled by the light & heat of the burning coals around him. When the leader reached the door to leave, the host said: *Thank you for your visit and for your beautiful lesson*. I'll return to the group soon. Why is a group important? Very simple: Because each member that withdraws takes fire & heat from the rest. It's worth reminding group members that they are a part of the flame. It's also good to remind us that we are all responsible for keeping each other's flame burning and we must promote the union among us so that the fire is really strong, effective and lasting. *THE GROUP IS ALSO A FAMILY - It doesn't matter if sometimes we are bothered by so many messages, quarrels and misunderstandings*. What matters is to be connected. We are here to meet, learn, exchange ideas or simply to know that we are not alone. *Let's keep the flame alive.* Life is beautiful with friends & family. *THANK YOU FOR BEING A PART OF OUR FAMILY FIRE* Lets keep it burning