Guru Bhakti!!

Unconditional love,regard&bhakti ....we very often get to hear these words in different contexts though.

A mother's love for her child they say is unconditional .Nothing is expected in return from the child for all that the mother does for her child.

We get to read and hear about many great souls who had such Love and devotion for their Guru.
I had the good fortune of listening to an extremely splendid lecture series on Sri Adi Sankara by Brahmasri Nochur Venkatraman.

I have become a very big fan of Sri NV.He is simply superb.Have been listening to his lectures on Baghavath Geeta and Srimad Baghavatham the last few months and I must say it is certainly addictive. It is like you need the daily dose of Sri NV.

Coming back to his lecture series Shankara Vaibhavam,the life of Sri Adi Sankara.

Here Sri NV tells us about the chief disciples of Sri Adi Sankara.

There were four chief disciples PadmaPada,Sureshwara,Hastamalaka and Thotakacharya.

Each of these was very special and had only devotion and bhakti for their Guru.Nothing came in the way of their bhakti for their Guru.

Padmapada was the first disciple.Once when he was on the other side of the ganges his master calls out to him and without any hesitation or thought the disciple walks on the water to reach his Master.Every step of his on the water opens out into a lotus and thus the name Padmapada.



Giri was another disciple who was very dear to Sri Adi Sankara.Giri had so much love for his master,he went about serving his master all day with a smile.He was said to be not as knowledgeable as the others and did not many times understand what the others were talking.But this did not affect him in any way.He was a very loyal servant of his Master.

One day, Giri was washing his Guru's clothes, when Adi Shankara sat down to begin a lesson on Advaita Vedanta. He however did not start the lesson saying he was waiting for Giri to come back from his chores. At this, Padmapada pointed to a wall and said that it would be the same if Adi Shankara taught to this dumb object as he taught to Giri. Now, Adi Shankara wanted to reward Giri for his loyalty and devotion. Thus he mentally granted Giri the complete knowledge of all the śāstras (sciences). The enlightened Giri composed extempore the Totakashtakam, a Sanskrit poem in praise of the Guru Adi Shankara. Thus the dumb disciple Giri became Totakacharya.

These are just the few things that I managed to remember from the wonderful lecture.The Grace of the Guru can do wonders. The faith and love we have is of utmost importance.Just believe in the Almighty and trust that everything will be taken care of.

Jai Guru Deva!!!

The Lord Sees Us!!!!

Govindapuram near Kumbakonam is I have heard a beautiful place and must see for one and all. Every sunday morning begins with darshan of sri Vittal&Rukmini temple (Govindapuram)and Sri Vithaldas Maharaj's upanyasam on Bhakta Vijayam and unbelievable namasankeertanam.Simply awesome.

Today's topic was a continuation of last week about saint Jyaneshwar.The importance and mahimai of nama was so beautifuly explained.He says even if we take the Lord's name for a second(Kshana Bhari) the Lord is waiting to BLESS US.

There was another wonderful observationor rather explanation in today's upanyasam which I thought I should put down here.

Every kshetram these days is crowded and even to get a glimpse of the Lord we have to wait in long serpantine queues .It can go upto a few hours of waiting specially places like Tirupati,Shirdi to quote a few.After the long wait we get only a few seconds for darshan and many times (like Vithal Dasji mentioned)we have not even seen HIM.Inspite of all this waiting and also not being able to see to our satisfaction when we come out we are indeed truly satisfied and happy and come out saying we had a good darshanam.I have always wondered at this myself whenever I have been to Tirupati.I used to always think what is it that is giving us the satisfaction and happiness inspite of being able to just get a glimpse.The moment I come out I used to tell myself wonder when I get this opportunity next.
Today Sri Vithaldas Maharaj in his upanyasam mentioned the reason for our satisfaction and peace after darshan is because (though we have not seen HIM completely many times in the short time we are allowed inside) THE LORD HAS TAKEN A COMPLETE LOOK AT US!!!!!

Is'nt that wonderful!!!!!That is what makes us say we had a good darshan.Vow ,I thought that was a superb explanation given there.

Must say thanks to Jaya TV for bringing such truly great programmes to our houses.

Great Way To Begin Our Day For Sure!!!!
Jai Guru Dev!!!!

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star!!!!

Yesterday had a really wonerful an interesting moning walk.Wonderful because the weather was indeed very nice.The morning cool, fresh and gentle breeze has to be experienced,no words to express that.Vey clear sky and still being summer here,sun just coming up and it was all so amazing indeed.I was enjoying this and walking along when out a came a lone twinkling star.It was so beautiful to see that star twinkling there all by itself.Evrey few seconds it would disappear and again show up.I felt as though it was winking at me.As I kept walking along came the twinkling star,showing its bright face every now and then.It was there until I reached home. That little star up there made my day yesterday.Had a good day for sure.
As is the nature of all human beings generally,this morning as I left for my walk my eyes and my mind were totally occupied by the star.I was searching all around the sky to see if it would appear again today.During my morning walks I usually chant Nama and walk along.Thinking how wonderful it would be to see the star I finished half my walk.Way back I kept telling myself please show me (GOD)you are there,and lo!!! up pops the little shining star from between the clouds,assuring me.I couldn't believe my eyes truly,and that made me so happy,people walking would sure be have wondered what was wrong with me ,because of my broad smile all of a sudden..The tiny little star showed up just for a few seconds but that was enough I thought to realise the presence of GOD everywhere.
VOW!!! A lovely way to begin a day indeed!!!!
JAI GURU DEVA!!!!!

Nama Mahima!!!

We get to read so much these days about 'nama mahima'.Eveyone stresses that in Kaliyug only repeated chanting of 'nama'can give peace and happiness in the stressful life of the present days.This particular katha I heard was simply superI thought.So wanted to write whatever little I understood from the upanyasam.You can hear the upanyasam if you click here.
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who was responsible for introducing chanting nama(HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE,HARE KRISHNA HARE HARE) has changed the lives of robbers,dacoits and so on and made them chant 'nama'.The beauty is that Mahaprabhu could do it so effortlessly.Now to the story.
A Baghvatha sapthaham is going on in a house in a city.Everybody is so involved and busy.A thief thinks it a good idea to steal from this house.He is sure nobody will notice him.He makes a quiet entry into the house and sits in corner where he will go un noticed and pretends to listen to the katha.The topic that day is on Sri Krishna Leela.Description of Krishna,his beauty, the jewels HE is wearing is going on.This catches the attention of the thief and starts listening with great concentration and makes anote of all the jeweley HE is weaing, claculates the total worth of all the jewelley.He decides that just this one last act of stealing is enough fo his entie life now.So he listens very carefullyand decides and plans his next act of kidnappping Krishna..The days katha is over and everyone is dispersing.He waits fo all to leave and finally follows the person who narrated the katha.He follows him up to his door and says 'I want to kidnap the kid you were talking about today,tell me his address properly or I will kill you'.
The baghavthar is amused and decides he will have some fun so tells him,'sure you can',the thief asks him for the boys details, name,address &where he can find him.
He tells him the name is Krishna,he is a cowherd and you can find him in Brindavan.Before leaving the thief asks him to describe the jewels Krishna was wearing,the way he did at the katha.Vey patiently baghavathar starts decsribing,the thief listens very attentively and suddenly tells the baghavathar to stop...he says you forgot the addigai,so start all over again.This goes on and on and the thief has now made the baghavathar to repeat atleast a dozen timesto get the sequence and list right.Finally he is satisfied that he has the full list of jewels in order,so decides he will now leave.Before leaving he again asks the name and addressand tells him if he does not find him there he will come back.The baghavthar is amused and simingly tells him Krishna ,Brindavan.
The thief starts his journey,he is constantly repeating Krishna, Krishna,Krishna lest he forget the boy's name.On the way he asks a few people the way to Brindavan and after a long tiring walk he steps in Bindavan.He is very happy that finally he is here and very soon he will catch Krishna and shall soon be rich.Thinking on these lines(all the while chanting Krishna) the thief sits under tree and is thinking how and where he will be able to see Krishna, when he cannot believe his eyes and his luck.He sees Krishna coming with his cows and Balarama too,and he us dessed exactly as mentioned by the baghavathar.He tries to see if all the jewels mentioned are there.Krishna comes with his cows and the thief is mesmerised by his beauty and just keeps staring at him,tears flowing from his eyes.Krishna talks with him,and asks him what he wa nts.The thief tells him he came to take all his jewels but now says he does not want the jewels but if he can be with Krishna always.Krishna however gives him all the jewels,asks him if everything in the list is there,HE wraps everything in his peetambaram and gives it the thief.The thief is now a changed man and the jewels no more interests him.He wants only Krishna now.He however decides that he must thank the baghavathar who told him about Krishna.So he tells Krishna, 'please wait here only,I will go and give all these jewels to the baghavathar as a token of my thanks and come back'. Krishna promises to wait for him.The thief runs to the baghavathar's house,thanks him very much for giving him the address.He tells him Krishna is so beautiful.The baghavathar cannot believe him inspite of seeing the jewels,pitambaram of Krishna.He tells the thief to take him too and show him Krishna.The thief takes him to Brindavan to the place where he met Krishna.Krishna is waiting there for him under the tree,the baghavathar is unable to see him though.The thief pleads with Krishna to show himself to the baghavathar,Krishna tells him he will not because the baghavthar does not have bhakti like the thief.
This is the power of nama.Without his knowledge the thief repeated the Lord's name.He did not know Krishna is GOD.His goal was the jewels that Krishna was wearing.Krishna Blesses him and the thief after this stays with the LORD a changed man.
Hare Rama Hare Rama,Rama Rama, Hare Hare,Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna,Krishna Krishna Hare Hare!!!
JAI GURU DEVA!!!!

Bhakti (cont)

As I went about with my morning walk my thoughts were running through the story of Purandara Dasa which I am at present reading.He is said to be an avatar of Narada.
Before he was named Purandara Dasa he was named Raghunath Das by his parents.He was also referred to as Cheenappa Naicker.He was a successful money lender and believed money and his business very important.He never liked to part with his money for anything.His wife smt.Lakshmibai was a great pativrata and worshipped Tulasi mata.She worshipped Tulasi mata with great devotion.
One morning the lord comes in the form of an old Brahmin to Naicker shop asking for alms.Naicker is very rude to him and inspite of the old man trying all he could to get something from Naicker, he is unsucceessful.Naicker is rude,angry and pushes the old man out on the road.The old man gets up and decides to go to Naicker’s house and test his wife this time.It is a Friday morning, and when someones knocks at Lakshmibai’s door asking for alms, she is moved,and decides to give the Brahmin something without her husbands permission.She has her nose ring in her hands and gives it away to the brahmin.The brahmin leaves blessing Lakshmibai,and heads straight to Naicker’s shop and shows him the diamond nose ring and asks him for money in exchange for the nose ring.Naicker is a bit perplexed at the nose ring because he is sure it is his wife’s nose ring.He tells the Brahmin to sit in the shop and rushes home with the nose ring and asks his wife for her nose ring.Lakshmibai is now anxious and being a pativrata, has never ever done anything without his consent,has never lied to her husband .She runs to her tulasi mata and cries to herfor help and lo!! what does she find in her tulasi plant??A shining nose ring is there,she immediately takes it and rushes to her husband and gives it to him.Naicker convinced now goes to the shop only to find that the brahmin has disappeared from his shop.A rather confused Naicker comes home and asks Lakshmibai to tell him the truth.When Lakshmibai narrates what excatly happened, Naicker realises that it was the Lord himself who had come down and he did not recognise HIM.
This changes his whole life and Naicker now realises he is here to sing the Lord’s name and that he had wasted so many years of his life and so the story goes
The important thing here is the Bhakti of Lakshmibai .She has so much faith and bhakti that when she cries to tulasi mata she gets help.
In this context I would also like to add another story of Tulasi whch is very popular and also about tulasi Kalyanam which is very popular in most parts of India.

The Story of Tulsi Klayanam

The Tulsi plant is a variety of the spice we know as basil. The story of Tulsi and the holiday known as Tusli Kalyanam is a wonderfully symbolic story that resonates even today.

Tulsi Kalyanam, is the mythical marriage of the tulsi plant and Krishna, is celebrated on the 11th day of the bright half of the lunar month of Kartika. The festival is popular in all parts of India and particularly in the south.

Sage Narada who is the son of Brahma, the creator, takes the role of cosmic instigator. He is always sneaking in and out of these stories, usually starting things off by making devious suggestions which his unsuspecting target eagerly agrees to. Of course there are all sorts of interesting consequences and they are what make up the core of these stories.

During the time that Krishna was here on earth, the gods in heaven decided that he had been away long enough and that they missed him. They wanted him to come back to heaven. So with Narada, they hatched a plan to get Krishna to return.

While here on earth, Krishna had 2 wives; Satyabhama and Rukmini. Queen Satyabhaama enquired of the Rishi Narada how she could ensure that she would have Krishna as her husband in her next life. Narada told the Queen, and truthfully so, that you receive in the next life that which you give away in this life as charity (Daan in sanskrit). So Satyabhaama immediately gave Krishna away to Narada and they left immediately so that Krishna could go back to heaven.

But Krishna's wives Rukmini and Satyabhama sorely missed their husband, and both requested Narada to bring Krishna back. Narada said that they would have to give the gods something equal to the weight of Krishna if he was to return from heaven. Proud of all the jewels and valuables that Krishna had given her, Satyabhama set up a large weighing balance scale. Krishna came and sat on one side. Satyabhama, who as befits a Queen, was rather arrogant and brought out all her jewels and gold and silver pots to weigh against Krishna. But the more she piled onto the balance scale, the lighter her side became. Krishna just became heavier and heavier. Reduced to angry tears, she finally gave up.

Satyabhama asked Rukmini to do what she could. Rukmini removed all the gold and gems from the scale and plucked a few leaves of the wild tulsi plant growing nearby. She put them on the scale with all her love. The leaves proved to be far heavier than Krishna. With a smile, Krishna returned to earth to be with his wives.

Since that time, a tulsi leaf is added to any auspicious gift. A father also places a tulsi leaf in his daughter's hand during the Kanyadaan - giving away of the daughter during a Hindu marriage ceremony.

On Tulsi Kalyanam the yagya tradition is for the tulsi plant to be dressed up as if it were a murti. The ceremony of Vishnu’s marriage is reenacted in a puja called Kalyana Utsavam. A dainty wedding pavilion (mandap) is made of sugarcane stalks and the tulsi plant is decorated with a yellow bridal sari, miniature jewellery and red kumkum powder. Krishna wears a golden crown and the traditional bridegroom's attire. The wedding is conducted with complete wedding puja and homa rites. The Tulsi plant is offered a feast of seasonal berries, new tamarind, turmeric, amla fruit and rice. Krishna is offered sweets made of milk.

You might ask why it was that Rukmini, who was really Lakshmi, offered the tulsi plant to Krishna in this story. As is frequently the case in Vedic stories, it begins with a demon who has gained too much power and is troubling the gods. Since the strength of the gods can not always equal that of the demons, the gods have to win by some form of trickery. Of course ultimately it backfires and the gods have make amends.

In this case, there was a demon who was a famous warrior by the name of Jalandhar. By constantly annoying, fighting and defeating the gods he made his fellow demons happy and more and more of the universe came under their control. Jalandhar had a wonderful wife by the name of Vrinda who was a pure and spiritually dedicated soul and a powerful yogi in her own right. Because of her purity and spiritual strength, Jalandhar became invincible in all three worlds.

Desperately, the gods tried to find some way to defeat Jalandhar. Vishnu developed a plan and sent messengers to tell Vrinda that her husband had been killed in battle. The severed head and body of two monkeys were put in front of her, and after reciting some mantras, Vishnu, through his magical powers made her believe it was her husband’s dead body and she was plunged into grief.

Then Vishnu snuck away and took the form of a sadhu and seemingly innocent, walked by Vrinda. Faking compassion, Vishnu recited some mantras and joined the head and the body together again. Vishnu quickly took the form of Vrinda’s husband who thought that her husband Jalandhar stood there in front of her. She embraced him with passion and relief. But quickly she realized her mistake and discovered that it was in fact, Vishnu. In that conservative era, she immediately lost her spiritual virtue and power for having touched the body of man who was not her husband. She was distraught at having been tricked, but it was of no use. After Vrinda had lost her holiness and purity, Jalandhar lost the source of his power, and was killed in battle.

When Vrinda came to know the full truth of her husband’s death, she was wild with anger and cursed Vishnu saying, “Your wife will be taken away from you and you will have to ask help from monkeys to recover her.” A rishi’s curse is a powerful thing and not even the gods can escape it. It was after all, the result of Vishnu’s own actions coming back to him.

As we well know, this curse was realized when Vishnu took the form as Rama and Sita was taken from him only to be saved again by Hanuman, the monkey god.

After issuing her curse, Vrinda prepared the funeral pyre for her husband and jumped into the fire. Vishnu, whose job it is to protect everyone in creation, was very sorry because as a result of his deceit the poor widow had committed suicide. He remained sitting at the side of the pyre for many days, deep in depression. Worried about him because he was neglecting his cosmic duties, the gods planted three medicinal trees in the cremation ground; Tulsi, Amala, and Jasmine. Of these three trees the Tulsi was most dear to Vishnu and to this day is used in his worship rituals

Because Vrinda had for a while truly believed Vishnu to be her husband, when Vishnu appeared as Krishna, Vrinda came in the form of Rukmini and on the day which we celebrate as Tulsi Kalyanam, they were married.

JAI GURU DEVA!!!!!

Bhakti

Usually we relate bhakti to our daily poojas, visits,to temples and all the rituals we follow in our life.There are several types of Bhakti,to quote a few Vatslaya Bhakti,Mitra Bhakti,Madurya Bhakti,Nayika Bhakti,Kamyarta Bhakti.
We pray to God always asking for one thing or the other.It is generally never just a prayer because we Love to Pray and Think OF HIM.Not that it is incorrect but just to point that it is always asking for something.

I happened to have the good fortune of listening to a wonderful Srimad Baghavtha Upanyasam by SriSri Premi Anna, where a whole new meaning of Bhakti was explained so wonderfully.
Bhakti is the unconditional Love, PREMAA one has, it is total surrender.This was explained beautifully with a story of Krishna.
Krishna was ruling as King of Dwaraka and he decided that he should have a gathering where all could meet.Krishna wanted all his near and dear ones who had never met to meet each other.Devaki&Vasudeva had never met Nandagopa and Yasoda,Rukmini had never met Draupadi,Radha &the gopis of Brindavan, had only heard about them from Krishna.
So a huge gathering lasting four months(Chathur masya) is organised at Kurukshetra and everyone comes.The arrival of Yasoda, Nanda and the gopis was so beautifully explained,I wonder if I am even fit to write about it here.Anyways I just wanted to put down what ever little I could register from the upanyasam.
He says,all of them (Nanda and his group)come to Kurukshetra as simple villagers and are dazed at the dazzling look of Dwaraka and feel so proud that their Dear Krishna is the KING of this place.They look around and ask people there, where they can find Krishna, and that they have come from Brindavan to see HIM.
They are shown the direction and they walk with so much enthusiasm and Love and thrilled that they are going to see their Krishna after 100 years now.He left Brindavan as a young lad and never went back to Brindavan.Yasoda carries butter and curd for him still visualising him as the child Krishna who left Brindavanam.
Krishna who is in the midst of Kings from various different states hears Nandagopa's voice and comes running out to greet them, and the meeting is so overwhelming and filled only with emotion and Love.One can very easily visualise the scene.Krishna rushes to Mother Yasoda,gives her a huge hug,sits on her lap(remember he is now 100 years)and enjoys all the pampering including eating Vennai&Thair which Yasoda has so affectionately brought for HIM.
Vasudeva& Devaki come out too and they meet Nanda&Yasoda for the first time and are so pleased to see each other.Each considers the other more blessed.
Next, Krishna meets the gopis and Radha Rani.He so very sweetly tells her,"Radhe I told you I will come soon,but I had so much work, that I would always tell myself, I will go after this,after this and so soon 100 years have passed by.He asks Radha, How are you Radhe??Radhe is choked with LOVE and tears simply flow down and Radhe falls on his shoulder. All this is so wonderfully put in the upanyasam,it was like taking us to the scene there at Kurukshetra,a real feast for the mind I must say.Krishna introduces Radhe and all the Gopis to Rukmini and all his 16000+wives and Draupadi.
It is said that though it is 100 years later that Krishna sees them all, they are all as Young as when he left them.
Draupadi who is a great Bhaktai of Krishna asks Rukmini and all the other 16000+wives about their Bhakti and how they got Bhakti for Krishna.They all say that though they are his wives they are all his servants and would like to be a broom in his house, not even a maid.Though all them have plenty of maids all over the house, they always do everything personally for THE LORD.They are waiting to be of service to him in whatever way they can.They say they have learnt only from the Gopis and their love and bhakti for Krishna.Just imagine the Bhakti of the gopis if (Goddess Lakshmi)Rukmini Devi says she has learnt to do Bhakti only from the gopis,from all the stories Krishna told her everyday about Radhai and her Bhakti and pure love for Krishna.
The gopis pray that they may always cry for HIM and that is how he will be in their hearts always.That is the kind of Bhakti they had, total surrender.They never wanted him to come back and be with them, they wanted to remember him and cry.Such was their Bhakti.Bhakti is LOVE(UNCONDITIONAL) is what I have understood from this upanyasam.

Lord Krishna too showered his love and affection on each and every one.When Sudama comes to Dwaraka to meet him Krishna's eyes are filled with tears and he showers him with unbelievable with Love and affection.Just his Kataksham his glance was enough to give Sudama everything in this world.
Another close friend Of Lord Krishna Was Udhava.The lord says Udhava is closer to him than even Rukmini devi.
Oh it was a wonderful discourse yesterday, I am unable to do justice to all that I heard.Our prayers have to be filled with LOVE for the Lord and not a duty bound affair.
I wish everyone has the good fortune of listening to such divine discourses.
JAI GURUDEV!!!

The Door Bell Rings!!!

Haven't written for more than a month now.Have been wanting to write on so many things though.
The other day I was reading an article written by a Sai devotee.It said when you finish Sai Sat Charita parayan, make naivedyam(generally Sheera) and distribute prasad,if there is an old person in the midst to receive prasad then be sure it is Sai Himself.I was just pondering over this,thinking to myself blessed indeed is the person where Sai presents himself to receive prasad.I have read Sai Satcharita a few times now and usually I make food for my servant and his group of friends.Here in this part of the world it is difficult to find people to distribute prasad and hence I thought it will be good to feed these people because for them home food is a luxury and surely they will enjoy.
So yesterday while saying my morning slokas and while reading Sai Sat charita,the thought going in my mind was "where it is possible for me to distribute prasad here since I know no one,leave alone seeing an old man there waiting for prasad?"Atleast back home in Pune there are temples one can visit and distribute prasad.
With this thought at the back of my mind I finished my slokas and was about my routine.Here in this place, the door bell too rings only on appointment, unlike back home in Pune you have the bell ringing at all odd hours,and it is never a surprise.
To come back to the present, yesterday suddenly the door bell rang to my utter surprise and amazement.For a moment I had to think, who it could be at this time of the day,because even my dear friend (the sole friend in this building)never comes without making a call first.With a lot of doubt and hesitation I first peeped through the keyhole to see who it is,I could spot a person standing way far and so decided to open the door and see who it is actually.I see a middle aged man with a beard and a white robe(the local dress) standing and he showed me some photos from that distance and asked for some charity.I told him to wait,closed the door got some coins and then gave him,and then he walked away.I was indeed surprised because I have never in this past year or so here, had any man come asking charity,we have had a lady who comes once in a way though and it has usually been on Fridays.
Much later in the day did I realise and connect this to my thoughts during my morning prayer.I realised it is SAI assuring me that place is no restraint and HE can be present any where and every where.Only we need to sincerely look for HIM and feel his presence and acknowledge HIS presence and be "AWARE".
I could also recollect in Sai Sat Charita HE has mentioned that HE is always watching us wherever we are, be it across seven seas HE will sure reach us.
So for sure I can say that if we are sincere in our prayers they are answered.
JAI GURU DEV!!!!!

Inda Naal Iniya Naal!!!!

This morning as I got up and sat in bed I felt something new about today and was wondering for a minute,what is special about today.After some pondering I realised today is 22nd July and it is my Birthday.Vow,I thought to myself,seems I am reaching a stage in life where I am forgetting my own bithday.
Anyways, went about the usual morning chores,enlightened my DH that it is my birthday today(he had forgotten too!!).Later in the morning I listened to some amazing Bajhans and was thinking about DH's birthday in April, when we had surprise visitors for lunch and we thoroughly were pleased with that.Initially, I thought will make some sweet today, but then postponed it to 25th thinking will combine it with DS's birtday too.Just as this thought was going on in my mind the telephone rang, and it was my one and only dear friend here in this part of the world.She called to say hello and wanted to know if she could come over for a chat.I was indeed thrilled at this.
We always look forward to sharing our happy days and moments with people usually.That is probably the reason I was so happy to hear from 'A'and even more excited when she came over.I remember last year I was in Boston for my birtday and we(DD&ME)went out to dinner at the Chinese place in Worcester.This year,I am here in Abudhabi.Is it going to be Canada next?????????????????I wonder!!!!!!!
So,coming back to the present, after all it was destined that a sweet be made today.Made batata vada and pineapple sheera,offered to God and then to dear 'A'.
It was wonderful that dear 'A' decided to come today and she too was extremely happy when I mentioned it was my birthday today.Had a good time with 'A',a wonderful human being for sure.
Another thing that made me happy was a mail from a dear,dear,friend Wishing Me A Happy Birthday.
I must mention that these little snippets in life can make us(and keep us) so truly happy and pleased and I for sure, am unable to think of these as coincidences.I do believe there is God's hand in every little thing that happens in our lives.HE made sure dear 'A'came over to meet me today.
Isn't that truly beautiful?????
Am enjoying my day today for sure!!!!!!!

Krishna Comes!!!

I was reading 'Miracles Do Still Happen'by Dadaji yesterday afternoon.I read about a Great Soul,I am not sure if I am even entitled to talk about them.
There was one incident which I am still unable to get over since yesterday afternoon.So thought I would put it down here in my own words.
She is a very young and beautiful girl(let us call her Priya) with doting parents and a blissful life.As we read and hear all the time The Lord always likes to put his chosen devotees through an acid test.Here too Priya's life takes twists and turns.Her mother departs to god's world after a brief illness and her father though he has immense love for his beloved daughter(whom he always calls 'Little Mother') is unable to take care of his daughter as he would wish to.He is totally under the spell of his new wife(let us name her Maya).
Priya faces her life bravely because of the faith she has in her Krishna&Radha Devi.She loves to dance and sing in the shrine in her house where there is a white marble murti of Krishna&Radha.She becomes one with the Lord and forgets this world when she is dancing.Once she wears Radha Rani's sari(meant for dressing Radha&Krishna in their shrine) and is blissfully dancing away when suddenly she hears a loud shout&realises it is Maya who is abusing her..She quickly changes her saree and comes out and asks Maya what the matter is.There is big crowd of people at the gate seeing all the commotion and noise.Maya tells Priya she has committed a grave sin by wearing Radha Rani's saree and dancing.Without a second thought Priya quickly tells Maya that it was Radha Rani she saw dancing and not her.Unable to accept and believe what Priya said and calling her a liar, Maya drags Priya inside the shrine (the whole crowd of people follow in)telling her that Radha Rani is white in colour where as Priya is brown, and Maya is sure she saw a brown figure dancing.
To her utter disbelief she sees Radha Rani's (white marble)murti brown and collapses on the floor unable to bear the shock of what she witnessed.Priya is overwhelmed with emotion and love for Radha Rani who saved her.
There were so many who witnessed this that day and Blessed were they all for sure.I was indeed so touched by the Bhakti and love.Though God puts us all through tests and trials HE surely comes to our rescue when we need.I wishI would be Blessed even with a small percentage of the faith and devotion.Needless that I must mention here that I do consider my self lucky that I have been graced to possess these books and had the opportunity of having darshan and blessings of Great Souls, Dadaji&Indra Ma.
Later,yesterday evening I was told there was an article in TOI that on Guru Poornima day at a devotees house in Banglaore Sri Sai Of Shirdi opened his eyes for his Bhaktas.
All this only reaffirms my belief that total surrender and belief in HIM sure shows us HIS Miracles at the right time.
JAI GURU!!!!!!!

Kismat Konnections!!!

Friday evening we decided to watch 'Kismat Konnections'.
A very clean and sweet movie I thought.Aziz Mirza has come out with a simple theme here,the movie based on superstition.We generally do hear of superstitions all the time in our day to day lives..Here we see that Vidya Balan(an activist with a boyfriend already) is lucky for Shahid Kapur.Whenever she is around him things workout positive for him.
I am not a great believer in superstition,but the simplicity of the movie was indeed impressive.The movie is shot in Canada Toronto and the story revolves around an architect(Shahid Kapur).He has many awards, medals, certificates, trophies to his credit as a student and has been a topper all the way.
He is out to face the big bad world as an architect and does not succeed in getting an opportunity to prove his talent.Every time he gets so close to getting a job but misses.He is left wondering why inspite of being the best student all the four years in his architecture college, he is unable to get an opening for five years.Influence and contacts are important in life to succeed is shown here.Academic brilliance alone is not enough it seems.Shahid's classmate is a successful architect today because his father is already a well known architect and civil contractor around.So all the new and big jobs go to him obviously.
A frustrated Shahid is pushed to believe that only a miracle can save him now.He goes to meet Haseena Bano(Juhi Chawla)who is a crystal ball soothsayer(one who sees people's future in a crystal ball), tells him that he will find his luck in a lady.He realises that Vidya Balan is his lady luck and so progresses the movie.When ever Vidya Balan is around things work out well for him.Finally success is coming his way because of lady luck and he makes sure she is around with him in all his meetings and presentations.
Vidya Balan (as we have seen her in Lage Raho Munnabhai)has a similar role here with a lot of senior citizens around her,whom she truly cares for.The community hall where they are housed has been taken over by a builder and they are in trouble now.Vidya Balan is fighting for the community hall to be retained for all the seniors for whom it is home.There is ofcourse the usual love triangle,Vidya Balan has a boy friend and is set to marry him.Shahid's entry in her life of course changes everything for her and as is expected All's Well That End's Well!!!!
The best part of the movie is I think the simplicity,the soothing and pleasant music(though of course I have to say none of the songs are catchy or great)and to top it all the pleasing faces that we see on screen.Shahid, Vidya, Hiten all look extremely charming I must say.One other point worth a note and mention is that there are no fighting scenes all through the movie.Needless to mention that Juhi,Ompuri and Bomman Irani do their role with ease and style,though they all have a brief role.
The movie left us smiling and absolutely with a feel good feeling for sure.
'Kismat Konnections' sure did take care our 'Kismat' this Friday was good.

Back After A Short Break!!!

Well,I had a rather short but surely a wonderful break and must say enjoyed every bit of it.It was indeed great to meet and catchup with family,uncles,aunts and cousins,some I have'nt actually met in years now.
Amma's birthday was celebrated in great style and with a lot of enthusiasm and fun.The ritual part of the function was very good too,there was ganapati homam,navagraha homam,aayush homam,mrutyunjaya japam etc.there was also the holy bath(all the kalasams filled with water and mantra japam to make the water holy and blessed) for amma which all of us participated in.
It was nice to see amma.Seems to have aged in the last 6 months but there was something new I observed about amma this item.I have many times heard people say that in old age people become like babies again.I could see that in amma this time around.There was a lot of child like innocence about her.That was indeed truly amazing.She enjoyed and was very happy all through,whether it was changing sarees or wearing the garland,and most of all seeing all her near and dear ones.
There was also the cake cutting(eggless cake!)which must be the first time for amma in all the 80 years and that was truly awesome.
When I sit back and think I am convinced that reaching 80 is a major milestone for anyone.In amma's case it is even more special because I cannot even imagine all that she has gone through since 1980.I think it needs great character and will power to emerge stronger after each test ant trial she has been through.These sure do firm our belief in God and that he is always with us.
After the birthday celebration it was time for us to leave Hyderabad for Pune.We decided to travel by train for a change and the train came upto an hour's distance (Daund)from Pune bang on time,we were indeed happy but not for long because we were informed the train is going to be held for the next three four hours for sure because of an accident ahead.So the train that should have reached Pune by 8.45 am was held on the outskirts of Hadapsar station.We decided to get down here and take an auto home and very bravely decided to get out of the train.Since the train did not stop at the station it was indeed difficult to jump down and I must thank god that I just missed a major injury there, by slipping the last step and landing down with a twisted ankle on the most uneven floor filled with stones.
We came out of the station and took an auto and again as luck would have it the rickshaw broke down, so took another one and finally reached home.It was great to be back home after six months and sure enough what was even more refreshing was our friendly neighour 'ajji' greeting and offering us a hot cup of tea and a bottle of water.

With Savita's help brought the house to shape and free from all the dust accumulated over six months.The next few days were indeed enjoyable ,what with the excellent cool breeze and the super sit out at KP house.There is nothing that can be compared to sitting out at the terrace with a hot cup of coffee and watching the morning walkers,the milk man, the paper man and so on so forth all busy with and focussed on their jobs..Miss all that out here, but I guess it is ok.
The four days went off so quick and it was time to get back.
The way back was good too, for we attended another 80th birtday function at Chedda nagar Chembur (one of DH's class mates parents).Our short holiday therefore started with birthday and ended too with octegenarian birthdays.It is wonderful I must say to see these senior citizens active and enjoying life to the full.
Pray God To keep them all Happy and Full of Energy All The Time.
Am yet to get back to the routine here,though working towards that.

Thanking My Mother On Her 80th Birthday!!!!

Dear Amma,




Happy Birthday to YOU
Happy Birthday to YOU
Happy Birthday , Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday to YOU!!!!


You gave the gift of life to me
And then in love, you set me free.
I thank you for your tender care,

For deep warm hugs and,........
just for being there.

You were there when I took my first steps
And went unsteadily across the floor.
Thro' my childhood you pushed and encouraged,
Till my steps took me out the door.


Happy Birthday to YOU
Happy Birthday to YOU
Happy Birthday , Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday to YOU!!!!

Mother, you had soooo many things to do,
From washing and ironing to tying a shoe.
You scrubbed, mended, cooked and sewed,
You kept us shod and you kept us clothed .

You were the doctor when we were ill,
Giving us a bandage, a hug or a pill?
You gave us love and patience, too
Mother you had soooo many things to do


It's no wonder that I soooo love you
THANK YOU AMMA FOR BEING THERE FOR ME ALWAYS


I find myself wondering...
Did I give you your due..
For all that you've done for me
Did I ever thank you?

For all of my childhood memories
For helping me deal with life's stresses
For helping me accept my defeats
And celebrate my successes?

Or
for teaching me the value of hard work,
Good judgement, courage, and being true
The laughter, smiles, and all that we've shared
Did I ever thank you?
If I have forgotten, I'm thanking you now.

You taught me right from wrong....I
hope you know how much you're loved and appreciated
I hope you, instinctively, knew all along .........


Happy Birthday to YOU
Happy Birthday to YOU
Happy Birthday , Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday to YOU!!!!!


AMMA, you're very precious
Solid platinum
So please enjoy your special day
To the maxi-Mum



Happy Birthday to YOU
Happy Birthday to YOU

Happy Birthday,Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday To You!!!!!

There are times when only a Mother's love
Can help us on life's way
And inspire in us,the confidence,
We need from day to day.

I know how often I took you for granted
When I was growing up back then,I always assumed you'd be there
When... ... I needed you
And you always were.

But I never really thought about what that meant
Till I got older and had children of my own,
I began to realise
How much time and energy you spent....
Devoted to me... so, for all the times I didn't say it before,
Thank you, AMMA....I love you so very much...


Happy Birthday to YOU
Happy Birthday to YOU
Happy Birthday,Happy Birthday,

Happy Birthday to YOU!!!!


God made a wonderful mother
A mother who doesn't grow old
He made her of iron,tough to face any situation,
And a heart of pure gold,
God made a wonderful mother,
And that wonderful mother is mine.


Thousands of stars in the night sky,
And shells on the shore together,
Hundreds of birds that go singing by,
Especially in sunny weather.
Millions of dewdrops to greet the dawn,
Thousands of leaves in the fall,
Hundreds of butterflies on the lawn,
But only one MOTHER that's all.


Happy Birthday to YOU

Happy Birthday to YOU
Happy Birthday , Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday to YOU!!!!!


How much I wish I could tell you,

AMMA...How much you mean to me....

But there are no words to say
How much I admire you...appreciate you...
thank you for everything you've done.love you
I wish you a happy, happy birthday Amma.


Amma, you're the best ,


Here's wishing a Happy Birthday
To my Number 1 relation.


Happy Birthday to YOU
Happy Birthday to YOU
Happy Birthday , Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday to YOU!!!!

Old Is Gold!!!!

This good old saying "Old Is Gold"came to my mind as I was going through the paper this morning.My thoughts were transported back to the late 60's&70's.The first thing I looked for in the news paper were the wonderful cartoon strips.Don't see them as they were then I guess.Listening to the radio was another major entertainment."Binaca Geet Maala" compered by Amin Sayani was my favourite and never missed that programme on Wednesday nights for anything.The Night 9'O clcok news was another important part of our daily routine.A day never ended without hearing the news "this is AIR and you are listening to the news by Mel Vil D'mello(if I remember the name right).I recollect my father pacing up and down in our verandah listening to the news.By the time the news ended I was fast asleep for sure.Sunday afternoons were reserved for 'Papa Malar& similar programmes on AIR.All that seems history now.Then came the black&white TV in the late 70's..We had an EC TV and many programmes there too were wonderful.'Chaaya Geet' was an all time favourite.Fridays evening we had "Tabassum compering'Phool Khile Hai Gulshan Gulshan". The first serial 'Hum Log' was another very good one. Sunday mornings was reserved for "Ramayan"which I believe in those days the whole nation watched with great interest.I must of course not forget the 'Tom& Jerry' cartoons.I think they are the best cartoons and enjoyable irrespective of the age.The restricted hours of TV made sure of the quality.Ever day there was a good programme on TV.
Photo albums too were a true treasure.It is always wonderful to flip through a photo album and relive old memories I must say.Every photo takes us back to the event attached.I for one never get bored seeing an album again and again.Today it is less of albums ,more of CD's and storing photos on your computer.Sharing photo albums with friends and family is indeed an experience to cherish.
Many of the movies made then were indeed so beautiful simple and filled with innocence.Some of my all time favourites are, 'Thiru Vilayadal','Ethir Neechal','Vietnam Veedu', 'Sarvar Sundaram','Thillana Mohanambal','Pattanathil Bootham', to name a few.They don't make such movies these days it seems.
I seem to be going into nostalgic memories very often these days and many times it makes me wonder what the reason could be.Maybe,I have too much time on my hands right now which takes me down memory lane often ,or may be it is the serials, movies, paper,the news items that I read.............. which makes me say "OLD IS GOLD".....................................

Oh God!!! Allow Me A Small Peek!!!!!!

Recently I was reading a blog where the writer is praying to GOD to just allow her a small peek into the future.It was a very nice piece of writing I thought and pretty realistic too.All of us would for certain be happy if we had an opportunity to peek into our future and know what is in store for us.It sure would save us of the anxiety and suspense that lay ahead otherwise.
This truly set me thinking.What if we actually could do that I wonder.Just imagine if in our dream every night we get to see what is in store for us the next day and all that is going to happen in our lives,there would be nothing to look forward to in life.Life will be so mechanical and uninteresting may be.I am sure even a routine happening like giving birth to a baby had its own share of suspense and thrills in the earlier days unlike the present days where parents know well in advance the sex of their baby.
Many times the anxiety of what is in store for us in the future sure wants us to be able to see our future now.I also got a fwd yesterday which tells of a man who gets a few dreams every night which he writes down and publishes because all his dreams are of the future of the universe and what is in store for all of us in general.Go here to know more about him and his dreams and what is in store for mankind in general.
In the anxiety of wanting our future to be the best, and the worry of our past not being what we ideally wanted it to be and how we could have done better if we had another chance,we forget to live the present moment.It would do a great deal of good if we learnt to live life for the present and now, because the present is the only one which we can be sure of.So enjoy each day and live every moment of your life being aware of the present moment.The past is over, the future is not known, only the present is yours. Every moment of your life is a Gift from God, and that is why it is called the 'Present'.............
So Live Life to the fullest today and enjoy every moment...............

Dasavatharam!!!

I have not seen many movies as pathetic as this one which we watched yesterday evening.There was so much hype created and we too got trapped by it all and decided to go and watch the movie.We have usually heard and many times seen too Kamlahasan comes out with super hits and superlative performances,like Anbe Sivam, Pammal K Sambandham etc..This one Dasavatharam was different though I have to say.Kamalahasan I thought wanted to prove himself by playing ten different roles and some of them so very irrelevant to the theme.I am still wondering what he was trying to convey as 'Avtar Singh',probably he wanted to show that he could do all formats of dance with perfect ease.Beyond that I could not see any thing in that role.It was a pretty unrealistic role I thought. Another bad one was the role of patti which was again of no importance to the story.It is difficult to put the pieces together and make sense out of the movie.
The worst part was I thought people playing around through most part of the movie with a moorthi of Vishnu.It is I think such a shame to keep throwing the Lord's statue all over.I mean where is the respect for our culture and where are the values I wish to know???
As a common man I was unable to comprehend most of Dasavatharam.May be there was a hidden deep meaning in all the three hours of display of histrionics beginning with the 12th century Vaishnavite to the scientist, to the CBI, the patti, the politician, the sardarji and all the other roles he played.
Asin I thought over did her role of the tam brahm girl.Mallika Sherawat did her brief part with ease and style.Veteran's Nagesh and K.R. Vijaya had insignificant parts in the movie for sure.
I felt I was watching a video game in many places, the fight scenes for sure were for most part fantasy I thought........
The only good in the movie for me was the song sung by Hariharan, 'Kallai mattum Kandal"
and Sadhana Sargam's Mukunda, Mukunda.....
After all these years of acting , achievement and variety I wish KamalHasan would stop wanting to prove himself or whatever it is he attempted to with 'Dasavatharam'..........
All in all I though a not so good end to an otherwise decent weekend........

Good Old St.Mira's Days!!!

Today's morning walk was so cool and weather was wonderful,I thoroughly enjoyed the walk and I do wonder for what reason though,brought back memories of my college days and I decided to put it down here as it all unfolds.So here we go....... down memory lane .......flash backs of life &times between 1970-1974.
Those days it was so easy to get admission to any college,pretty uncomplicated procedures for sure.You just went to the college,bought the application form, filled it and paid your fees,as simple as that.Something unimaginable today.
Anyways I joined St.Mira's College for girls,the commerce stream and had the most wonderful four years of teenage.Coming from a typical Tam brahm family my parents were pretty conservative and so naturally a list of dos and don'ts came along too.The one that troubled me most was the dress code..........I was allowed to wear only "pavadai davani",salwar suits a big no no, unheard of among the orthodox tamil iyers inspite of living in Pune.It was either you go to college the way parents want you to or just stay back,so lost the battle for sure,trying to convince my parents that 'pavadai davani' was embarrassing as college wear.Anyways, I did manage to put my foot down on that one and settled for sari instead though I was just 16 and a little too young for sarees may be.
Our principal dear dear Dada JP Vaswani as he is popularly known used to conduct our assembly regularly,and attendance at the assembly was compulsory (we needed 80%attendance to appear for exams),and it was a pleasure to listen to his lectures and the small bajhan sessions that followed were wonderful too.Of course I probably did not realise the value all the wonderful lectures he used to give,because may be I was pretty immature to understand his teachings.Today I surely take pride in the fact that I had the privilege of studying in an institute which imparted values to its students.I feel more privileged that I had the gift of attending an institute who's principal is an internationally recognised and revered person.He is responsible for starting the World Meatless Day .To learn more about Dada and his missions and teachings go here.Probably this is one of the major reasons for the kind of person I am today.Maybe with or without my knowledge a small bit of Dada's teachings have registered in my mind.
We used to watch everyday our principal going on his daily morning walks and we used to be amused that all his disciples had to run to cope with his speed.These memories I do cherish.His sister too used to take our assembly some days and she was a very pious and religious lady.This year will see Dadaji JP Vaswani's 90th birthday.Back home in Pune whenever we get a chance we do not miss the chance of listening to dear dadaji on Sony tvevery morning at 6.30 am.
Ours was a small class of about thirty girls and we had excellent teachers and we had managed to be together too all the four years.Ekadashi was a special day at college when our college fed the poor.Students too were given prasad on Ekadashi days and the chole bread we used to get those days were simply delicious.I am yet to eat anything even close that till date.Our canteen too used to serve the best chole bread.
I was meted out partial treatment at home(none of brothers I believe got pocket money or so I believe till today) and my father used to give me a pocket money of five rupees every month.This money was basically for transport.I used to save up this money by walking to college with my friends(we were three of us who went together regularly until final year) .This money was used to eat masala dosa once a month at Mangal Vihar on East Street Pune whenever we had an off or when we decided to bunk a class.
Our accountancy classes were filled with fun and laughter,thanks to our teacher Shri ESV.He was a famous chartered accountant in Pune and had his own flourishing practise Today I am told his son's run the office.I also remember D who was the most witty students of our class and always up to some thing. Today D is a lecturer in Mira's College teaching accountancy and it was indeed very nice to meet her a couple of years ago.One of my seniorsUB who is a good friend too, is the principal of the junior college at St.Mira's and I do feel so proud and happy for all these people.Right from my school days I have had this quality of feeling proud and happy for all the achievements of my friends.
The second &final year B.com I did combined studies with one of the very rich Sindhi business girls in our class BK.She was a very good friend too.I happened to meet her at Pune airport in 1986 (with her baby boy and she was living in Bangkok she told me).after 1974.The beginning of final year B.com itself saw many of my class mates getting engaged, married and somehow after that I did not keep in touch with many.D and I were together at Ness Wadia college doing M.com(which incidentally I never completed).The most boring classes were Economics and I remember our class was punished once for regularly bunking economics classes and we had to face our principal JPV.All of us were nervous to face him and we had never before seen the strict side of our principal.He had decided to take action and punish us ,even while punishing us he showed no signs of anger and was very calm and smilingly said unless we were all ready with all the notes in economics (which we missed he would not allow us to sit for exams).After hours of pleading and promising we would not repeat he let us go.This was one incident which I was a little ashamed of in college which was otherwise filled with fun.
We went for a picnic too to Lonavala with our Commercial Law teacher Mrs A who was a very affectionate and motherly teacher.We went to Lonavala by the local train and it was one enjoyable picnic playing antakshari, word building, dumb sharads and many other games too.Not to miss out the famous batata wada at Karjat and also the famous Lonavala chikkis.
Mrs A was responsible for my interest in law.I was very keen on pursuing LLB which remains a dream till date.Will write about this one some other time though.
Will conclude with a couple of quotes from dear dadaji :
"Life is too short to be spent in fault-finding, holding grudges, or keeping memory of wrongs done to us. Forgive even before forgiveness is asked. Forgive and forget".

"An infinite potential lies hidden within us. We are unaware of it, because we think of ourselves as limited, restricted creatures. We have identified ourselves with a biochemical mental organism. Our true self is the atman. Tat twamasi! That art thou! There can be no limit to what we can do – and achieve!

And one which I will always remember "Never, Never, Never, Give Up!!!!!!!!"

A thought right now coming to my mind is that I must 'THANK GOD FOR ALL THAT HE HAS GIVEN ME UNTIL NOW'!!!!!!!!!

whowho was a
Ahe hheJhe PV
Thehe

Back To School!!!

I am reminded of my summer vacations and the fun we had.We were busy all day playing monopoly,cricket, gillidanda or the most enjoyable card game of bluff.Evenings were reserved for out door games or at the nearby Shahu udyan .During weekends parents would take us to the famous Parvati Hills .Climbing parvati hills used to be great fun,we would have a competition as to who reaches the top first.Nothing to beat the watermelon slices we had after the climb.Those were sure fun days,and for certain carefree days.
The last week of the vacation was reserved for getting ready for school aand the new class.First collecting text books from senior friends,then getting them bound to last through the year and last but not the least was covering books and note books and labelling them.All these were activities which we really enjoyed.
I am specially reminded of my VIII std at St.Helena's School Pune.We had alot of extra curricular activities which I thoroughly enjoyed.Base ball, net ball,badminton and singing lessons.I remember I was a part of the inter school choir too.
I used to be quite fond of my drawing teacher of class VIII Miss Dawson.We used to look forward to the weekly drawing lessons because every week she taught us something new and wonderful.Some of the art I really enjoyed were pencil sketching, portraits and still life.I remember I did preserve my drawing book for a long time,maybe till early 80's if I remember right.
I can still remember Miss Dawson though it is now almost 40 years since then.She used to be short and stout wearing glasses and I remember sometimes she used to smoke too.Anyways she was a very sweet teacher.
After about 40 years my interest in pencil sketching has been revived, thanks to A my wonderful neighbour in this part of the world.(Mussafah).My neighbour A is a wonderful person I must mention here,for she is always ever ready to impart all that she has learnt.I have heard my mother say: blessed are those who do 'Vidya Daan' (teacher's job I mean).Those words come to my memory today and for sure very true I think.
Anyways,coming back to sketching,I am learning pencil sketching and charcoal drawing from A these days and must say I am enjoying every bit of it.It was exciting going pencil, eraser&drawing book shopping for myself after so many years.The last time I went stationary shopping was I think when my chidren were schooling.I think all of us have the child in us always whatever be our age.Sometimes,I seem to just get carried away while doing my drawing,that I lose track of time.Oh it is fun though....
I must say I am indeed thankful to A for encouraging me all the way and getting the best out of me.Needless to mention here the support from family.... I guess it is never too late to learn anything.
I 'm having fun for sure......................

Guruji's Birthday!!!!!

13thMay a very auspicious day, poojya Sri Sri Guruji's birthday,and such a great coincidence that Guruji was born on Shankara Jayanthi Day(the birthday of Adi Shankara),in a place named Papanasam(meaning removal of sins)and christened on the 11th day which also happened to be the birthday of Sri Ramanuja,the renowned preacher of Bhakti or devotion.Such a wonderful and interesting combination of knowledge and devotion,in the consciousness of the new born.Isn't that indeed beautiful?????

The Abudhabi chapter of the Art Of Living organised a wonderful satsangh and celebration of Guruji's birthday on 13th May 2008.Being a member of the global family(AOL)I was witness to the celebration and I must say it was simply a blast.

The satsang was lead by Siddarth Mohan who had come all the way from Chennai for the occasion.His rendition of "Kaun Kehta Hain.........,Satchidanada,Jhoola Jhoole Nandala,Radhe Radhe Bol...were all simply awesome.The hall was reverberating with claps and dance and I guess you need to be there to truly experience the euphoria.Was ecstatic,really great.

I am indeed thankful to my teacher here at Abudhabi for giving this opportunity.

Sharing a few notes about Guruji which I read.,

Sri Sri is as compassionate as Jesus, as playful as Lord Krishna and as erudite as Adi Shankara. He has this uncanny ability of helping people unburden their stress-filled minds. His invaluable sayings act as balms for wounded souls. Here's a sample: " Life is a ball in your hands to play with. Don't hold on to the ball."

Guruji is a unique combination of wit and wisdom, seriousness and playfulness, who would provoke you to "celebrate while you are alone, celebrate when you are with people, celebrate the silence and celebrate the noise. Celebrate life and celebrate death." It is not surprising then that, the Art of Living is all about accepting life in its totality and its motto is to "only connect.

According to Sri Sri even though the world is a mixture of happiness and sorrow, it shouldn't deter any one from seeking enjoyment in whatever one does. He elucidates, "It is written in the Upanishads, the Atman, soul, is Satchidanandamaya (complete bliss). Spirituality is not boring. It is the Rasa (flavor) of life."
This blissful state can only be attained when one follows the religion of humanity, or in Guruji's term—Manav Dharma, by spreading love in each human soul. Beloved Guruji has even unfolded the path to this state, simply follow it: "How far to Heaven? Just open your eyes and look. You are in Heaven."

Just so, did go on a ride to heaven with the superb satsangh,needless to metion the sumptous prasad served.I believe anything served as prasad tastes that much more delicious because it has the blessings of the Guru.

Hope I am granted the grace of attending more such satsanghs in future and also a day when I will be blessed to have his darshan and receive his blessings.

Jai Guru Dev!!!!

Aditi Devo Bhava!!!!

Oh !! this is one of those experiences which anyone would for sure want to forget but for no rhyme or reason keeps coming back every now and then.Last year I visited USA and spent some enjoyable months with my DD.I also visited UK and spent some great time with my nephew and family.Also the fond memories and experiences of my maiden trip to UK during 1978-79 were there with me all through my stay at UK.

We went to Edinburgh and it happened to be the Edinburgh festival week, so lots of activity around,crowded &colourful and it all looked so very beautiful.We walked down the streets looking at all the fan fare everywhere inspite of the drizzles.It was decided that we will dine at one of the Indian vegetarian restaurants & so our table had been booked for 9 pm.After enjoying some good, lively &entertaining music on the streets and also quite a bit of window shopping we thought it was right to be at the restaurant on time,so headed there.We reached a few minutes early(my experience starts here),but were asked to wait out because it wasn't still 9pm(our table I told you earlier was booked for 9 pm).We thought it a bit rude that people will not let you in because you are before time,anyways we did not give too much thought to that and so waited till we were ushered in at 9.15pm (I thought so atleast!)Keeping to time seemed to work only one way!!!.We wanted to use the rest rooms so went in there.I am yet to see a rest room similar to that one(many Indian rest rooms are sure better off).Anyways,will not harp on the small and to be neglected issues.We were sitting and waiting for someone to attend for at least 15 minutes,and after what seemed ages a waitress did show up and wanted to take order for the number of glasses of water we needed.This was sure a funny beginning I thought(new to me people taking order for water),clueless about what was in store.Another 10 minutes later the same waitress turned up again to take our order.She was not very fluent in Englishand probably new to this place and so had to ask another person to take our order.A stiff and unfriendly lady stood there in front of us(I am not sure if she is the owner too).She was in a saree (and reminded me of the Indian government hospital nurses who were overworked, and so looked jaded and worn out) and was ready to take down our orders.We ordered a meal (thali)for all the five of us except one amongst us who wanted to have a snack.Here is where it all started.She started off in a very curt tone,' sir you must order a main dish for each one of you,I cannot take order for a side dish alone' (even if it be from one person).May be if she had conveyed their hotel rules in a more human manner we would understand and appreciate,but that was not to be.Her tone started getting aggressive and rude and finally reached a stage where one of our guests politely walked out asking us to enjoy our dinner.(I confirmed my opinion about the waitress ...overworked nurse!!!)I was right I guess,she was such a rude female.....someone like that in the hospitality sector is a bad choice for sure.Usually you expect to see smiling and cheerful faces when you want to enjoy a good dinner after a nice day.She was so off putting I must say.
Kids brought up in a decent and good surrounding are for sure upset and anxious when people raise their voices and sure enough, our kid expressed her displeasure by shedding silent tears and clinging on to mama for dear life.After a lot of contemplation we decided to walk out of the place which was so unfriendly and rude to people.We cancelled our order and what followed was simply unimaginable.We have the owner (or I don't know who)yelling at the top of his voice and shooing us out and also telling us of his two decades of experience in this business and what not . He had the audacity to come right behind us up to the street and continue his rants and bang the door on us."Oh God forgive them for they know not what they say"!!!
I must say it is embarrassing when you have people looking up at you wondering what is wrong,specially when you are not at fault.Anyways we didn't react to his rantings, we just walked out and found a beautiful Gujrati restaurant across the street and had a lovely dinnerYou can see the delicious spread (Raj bhog thali).There is a saying in Hindi which says "dane dane pe likha hai khane wale ka naam"!! It was destined that we eat here and not there.

What I wish to point out here is that,basic qualities of courtesy,a smiling and pleasing face and making guests feel at home and enjoy their meal there, are very important for people in the hospitality sector.I do hope there are not any more restaurants in this small world of ours like this one which has no respect for its clients.It probably reeked of racism which is again appalling because it only goes to say that you are against your own fellow brothers.

Somehow I was reminded of this today morning and so here goes!!!!

Just another incident in life but for sure I must mention that I did for sure enjoy my stay at Edinburgh and Aberdeen.A memorable trip for sure.

Why I enjoy The T20 matches!!!

Have had a really nice time watching the T20 matches last 10 days or more.
They have been real fun to watch.

Why I think they are fun:

1)The match is over in 3 hours unlike the traditional cricket matches which take a minimum 8 hours (the one day cricket).

2)Makes the game interesting and fun viewing because of the number of sixes and fours.

3)Involves a lot of power shots which is good entertainment.

4)Players are all charged up because of the limited number of overs and hence are brilliant in the field.We get to see some unbelievable catches ,quite often.

5)I think this version of cricket is here to stay for all the good reasons though it has changed the basics of the game for sure.

Dhoni's super Kings have been real champions until now.Dhoni I must say has been a great captain.He has won all the 4 matches he has so far played.Yesterday's match was simply stunning.The way he converted a losing match to his benefit and won the match was simply outstanding.Dhoni's knock of 65 off 30 balls yesterday helped his team set a challenging target of 178 for 5 in 20 overs for the Royal Challengers Bangalore.See this for more on the match.
Though Rahul Dravid's Royal Challengers were off to a good start their middle order fell like a pack of cards and turned the match in favour of Super Kings.

I think Dhoni's Super Kings are going to be the champions after all, from their display until now.The Knight Riders(Ganguly'steam) are good too,but only after the Super Kings followed by Rajasthan Royals(Shane Warne's team).Let us wait and watch.

Harbhajan's Latest!!!

This is a shift from the usual topics I blog on.I am indeed shocked at the news I heard on NDTV.Bhajji slaps Sreesanth!!!Harbhajan 's Mumbai Indians lost their third match in a row yesterday night and that seems to be the cause for this outrageous behaviour from cricket's bad boy .This is unbelievable.I believe this kind of behaviour is absolutely unpardonable I think.Just imagine slapping somebody and making them cry because you are in a bad mood!!!Truly nastyI must say.If a player does not have sportsman spirit he is unfit to be playing a sport,and Harbhajan happens to be the captain of the team too.What an example for his team he must be???
What is more surprising is that he thinks he can get away by apologising and saying Sreesanth is like his brother.I would simply rubbish what Harbhajan has to say after slapping.We all understand players are charged up on the field,so sometimes words exchanged etc etc,but getting physical......isn't that crossing limits????Go here to read more about what Bhajji& Sreesanth have to say about the incident.
Some consolation of course, to read that BCCI will be taking action.I wish he is banned from the game.Only if some serious action is taken will it be a lesson for the short tempered players.If he is let off with an apology I'm sure there is possibility of such mishaps re occurring.
Unlike the pastI am sure this time around Harbhajan Singh is not going to get the support of his colleagues.So it seems that it is not only Australians who can get under our Harbhajan's skin......
what a shame I would think..........

An Appointment With Buddhinath!!!!

Recently I read a forward "Lunch With GOD".It was about a little boy who wanted to meet God.Realising that the trip to meet God would be a long one he packed his bag with goodies and left.He meets an old woman in the park sitting and staring at some pigeons.He sat next to her opened his bag of goodies and shared it with the old lady.They sat there all afternoon smiling and eating and drinking without saying a word.Since it was getting dark the boy decided it was time to get back home.Before leaving he Gives the lady a hug and smiles,The old lady gave him the biggest smile ever.Back home his mother asks him what made him so happy and the little boy replied "I had lunch with GOD",and you know mom 'SHE has the most beautiful Smile I've ever seen'.The old woman too tells her son she had 'twinkies in the park 'with GOD and said 'HE is much younger than I imagined'.


This story points out to us that we don't know what GOD will look like, that people come into our lives for a reason,a season or a life time.It is important to treat everyone equally and with Love.

This story also reminded me of a very memorable dream I had last year.

'I am lying down and reading a book on a lazy afternoon,when the door bell goes.I rush to open the door and I have a surprise visitor at my door.Dressed in a beautiful suit,and looking as sweet and charming as ever who do you think I find at my door "none other than our 'Lord Of Wisdom' Ganesha standing there".He tells me :"you had an appointment with me and you did not turn up,so now I have come to take you for the meeting.(he is talking to me in english)I tell him I will be there in a minute and rush to the car waiting for me.There I am sitting next to Lord Ganesha in the drivers seat.'Thud, I find myself on the floor of my room and realise that it was all a dream.Initially I was really thrilled with the dream (Ganesha in my dream and that too driving me),but with time the dream set me thinking and actually got me a bit worried and anxious.I started to rack my head as to what it is that I had forgotten to do (I am regular to the temples and as far as possible try to go and get darshan, blessings & prasadam on all important occasions like birthdays etc).Unable to get over my anxiety I went to the Rastapeth Ganesh temple which I regularly go to and after having darshan and doing namaskaram etc.I met our family panditji there and told him about my dream and asked him the significance.He assured me all's well and not to worry.You can listen to some great music on Ganapati Bappa by clicking on this link.I returned home wondering and reassuring myself that maybe HE is showing me a new road in life which I should follow.May be that is what is guiding me to spend my time usefully listening to kathas(by great people whom I revere) and reading Sai Sat Charita regularly.

Lord Of Wisdom
Lord Ganesha, the Lord of wisdom is the repository of all knowledge. His illimitable erudition makes even Goddess Saraswati and Sage Narada bow their heads in awe.

My humble prayers to Lord Ganesha!!

"Gajananam Bootha Ganathi sevitam

Kapitha jambu palasara bakshitham,

Umasutham,sokavinashakaranam,

namami vigneswara pada pankajam"......

The Wise Man!!

We come across so many problems in our day to day life and many times struggle to find a solution to our problems.We visit temples,say prayers,run after astrologers and try and do all that we are told by different people hoping frantically that there will be a solution at the end of it all. Only when we are unable to cross a bridge and only in turbulent times we generally turn to God.Not that it is unaccepted or wrong but if we make a sincere attempt to take the Lord's name and then begin our day, I'm sure we would be able to face life with more confidence.

I read a very beautiful story which tells us how involving GOD's name in our day to day activities helps us find solutions easily and wisely.A small prayer filled with true devotion and love before we begin our days happenings is enough to make the voyage of our lives easier and smooth.Enjoy the story:

(In the olden days when there were no motor cars, people used to travel on horseback.)

One rich man owned 19 horses when he died. In his last will and testament he had written that upon his death, half the horses he owned should go to his only son; one fourth to the village temple and one fifth to the faithful servant.

The village elders could not stop scratching their heads. How can they give half of the 19 horses to the son? You cannot cut up a horse. They puzzled over this dilemma for more than two weeks and then decided to send for a wise man who was living in a neighbouring village.
The wise man came riding on his horse and asked the villagers if he can be of any help to them. The village elders told him about the rich man's last will and testament which stated that half of the (19) horses must be given to his only son, one fourth must go to the temple and one fifth to the faithful servant.
The wise man said he will immediately solve their problem without any delay whatsoever. He had the 19 horses placed in a row standing next to one another. Then he added his own horse as the 20th horse. Now he went about giving half of the 20 horses – that is ten horses to the son. One fourth of 20- that is 5 horses were given to the temple committee. One fifth of twenty- that is 4 horses were given to the faithful servant. Ten plus five plus four made 19 horses. The remaining 20th horse was his own which he promptly mounted, spoke a few inspiring words, and rode back home.
The villagers were simply dumfounded, full of disbelief and filled with admiration. And the parting words of the wise man were inscribed in their hearts and minds which they greatly cherished and passed on to their succeeding generations till today.

The wise man said: In our daily lives, in our daily affairs, simply add God’s name and then go about facing the day’s happenings. Ever come across problems in life that are seemingly insurmountable? (Like the villagers, do we feel that such problems cannot be solved?).

The wise man continued: Add the God Principle in our daily lives and the problems will become lighter and eventually will disappear. In the manner of the ice which, with the addition of the heat principle will turn into water, and that will eventually evaporate as steam and disappear. And how do we add God’s name (God principle) in our daily lives? Through prayers, filled with true love and devotion with sincerity of purpose and dedication that only total faith can bring about. Meditation is a powerful means of directing the mind Godward.

But without true love and devotion entering into it, it remains like a boat without water. It is not difficult to push a boat that is floating in water, but extremely hard to drag the same boat on dry land. In the same way, if our life’s boat floats on the waters of true love and devotion, we can sail easily in it. When the mind is pure and the heart full of simplicity and holiness, such a devotee becomes an instrument in the service of the Lord.