Journey…!

While planning the X’mas holidays,when our discussion seemed to get stuck at the ‘destination’ part, I suddenly realized that nobody should spoil the fun and excitement of the Journey for obligation and constraints of destination. Although it remains my life-time philosophy to enjoy the journey and never mind the destination, I was little perplexed how to put my point across…!

Two brothers decided to dig a deep hole behind their house. As they were working, a couple of older boys stopped by to watch.

"What are you doing?" asked one of the visitors.

"We plan to dig a hole all the way through the earth!" one of the brothers volunteered excitedly.

The older boys began to laugh, telling the younger ones that digging a hole all the way through the earth was impossible.

After a long silence, one of the diggers picked up a jar full of spiders, worms and a wide assortment of insects. He removed the lid and showed the wonderful contents to the scoffing visitors.

Then he said quietly and confidently, "Even if we don't dig all the way through the earth, look what we found along the way!"

Their goal was far too ambitious, but it did cause them to dig. And that is what a goal is for - to cause us to move in the direction we have chosen; in other words, to set us to digging!

But not every goal will be fully achieved. Not every job will end successfully. Not every relationship will endure. Not every hope will come to pass. Not every love will last. Not every endeavor will be completed. Not every dream will be realized.

But when you fall short of your aim, perhaps you can say, "Yes, but look at what I found along the way! Look at the wonderful things which have come into my life because I tried to do something!"

It is in the digging that life is lived.

And I believe it is joy in the journey, in the end, that truly matters.

Stay tuned and G-Y-P-S-Y…!

For GOD's Sake...!?!

Recently I got an opportunity to watch ‘Deool’ – a Marathi classic and I had to write about it voluntarily and with no strings attached…! This is not an archetypal review of the movie and neither intended like one, this just replaces the discussions we used to have with friends in good old times. The grown no. of friends, their respective busyness and time constraint are the factors contributing to this write-up.

Umesh Kulkarni, after ‘Valu’ and ‘Vihir’ brings a complete down-to-earth and genuine effort to present a satire on the evolution, development and manifestation of various human instincts. Set on a beautiful canvas of an Indian village in Maharashtra and spiced-up with absolute original humor, emotional drama, sentiments, belief systems and superstitions, not just about the Almighty, but about the so called authority and influential persons around, this work is absolute delight to watch.

While making you cry as you laugh, this will be an explicit milestone of Marathi Cinema finding its place in the band of all-time Marathi classics like –

Sadhi Manasa (1966 – Bhalji Pendharkar),

Samna (1974 – D r. Jabbar Patel),

Jait Re Jait (1977 – Dr. Jabbar Patel),

Umbartha (1980 – Dr. Jabbar Patel),

Mukta (1993 – Dr. Jabbar Patel),

Bangarwadi (1994 – Amol Palekar),

Dombivli Fast (2006 – Nishikant Kamat) and

Harishchandrachi Factory (2009 – Paresh Mokashi).

The bottom-line is no matter how ignorant, ordinary and vacant OR sophisticated, high-worth and busy you are; if you are still humane enough, you are qualified and compelled to watch this. And the force behind writing this is not my stake (?) in the movie but my belief in humanity and concern about it…!

Secondly, as it is apparent from the list above (prepared by myself with a single criteria of ‘touching my heart and making me THINK, facilitated me to unlearn some beliefs and relearn some humane values’), Marathi people get this opportunity hardly twice in a decade. So GO FOR IT…!

Stay tuned and H-U-M-A-N-E…!

Wrath...!?!

26/11/2011… Three years on, while victims of the most-coward worst-ever terrorist strike on Indian soil still await benefits of a rehabilitation package to reach them, the heads that had rolled in the wake of the 26/11 attack are back in the corridors of power - with full honors. In the course of action a word ‘Saffron Terrorism’ was coined by the so called leaders and diplomats.

I would like all of you to read an article about this, not by a Hindu Politician nor by a Muslim Leader but… I don’t know how many of you have heard of Francois Gauttier, a French author and journalist who lives in India . He is about 52 years old, was born in Paris and was brought up in a traditional Christian family. He was kind of “revolutionary,” for lack of a better term, and did not fit into the traditional Catholic system, so to speak. He moved to India in 1971 when he was about 19 and spent a few years at the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry and is married to an Indian lady. He writes for various newspapers and magazines, including The French Connection, The Pioneer and The Indian Express. He has also authored various books – among them: Arise O Indian, Cry Out My Beloved India, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, A Guru of Joy and few others, some in French and some in English.

The link below to the article 'The Hindu Rate of Wrath' was written by him and published in various magazines and newspapers in India, Britain, France.

http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?238886

Don’t you think, apart from burning candles, the least you can do is read it and spread it…!?!

Stay tuned and U-P-R-I-G-H-T…!

ABCD...!?!

The atmosphere all around has become very grey, negative and full of hatred with impatience, turbulence and indifferent attitudes. The least we can do to change this depressing picture is making the 'self' more Aware, Balanced, Composed and Diligent within the situations we are forced to live in. Here is a beautiful poem with a similar message that I found while browsing...


Pick out the folks you like the least and watch 'em for a while;

They never waste a kindly word, they never waste a smile;

They criticize their fellow men at every chance they get,

They never found a human just to suit their fancy yet.

From them I guess you'd learn something if they were pointed out --

Some things that every one of us should know a lot about,

When someone "knocks" a brother, pass around the loving cup--

Say something good about him if you have to make it up.

It's safe to say that every man God made holds trace of good

That he would fain exhibit to his fellows if he could;

The kindly deeds in many a soul are hibernating there

Awaiting the encouragement of other souls that dare

To show the best that's in them; and a universal move

Would start the whole world running in a hopeful, helpful groove.

Say something sweet to paralyze the "knocker" on the spot--

Speak kindly of his victim if you know the man or not.

The eyes that peek and peer to find the worst a brother holds,

The tongue that speaks in bitterness, that frets and fumes and scolds;

The hand that bruise the fallen, though their strength was made to raise

The weaklings who have stumbled at the parting of the ways...

All these should be forgiven, for they "know not what they do";

Their hinderance makes a greater work for wiser ones like you.

So, when they scourge a wretched one who's drained sin's bitter cup,

Say something good about him if you have to make it up...!

Stay tuned and be N-I-C-E...!

Polite...!?!

We all believe in the philosophy that the essence of life is talking.  Communicating with others is as necessary as food. If we dont, we tend to fall ill. Today people are rarely talking.

The art of conversation has almost died down. People just usually sit and chat in their office breaks about things that are not even worth thinking about. Lets face it; we all are going towards doom where each one of us is talking to pass/kill time. The art of using communication is no more existing. People are concerned about others influence in their lives and not about their influence in others life.

It is an unbelievable thing that an effective communication through polite words can have wonderful impact on you and others lives as well. You can win the hearts of many people, climb the corporate ladder, have promotions but not have wonderful relationship with people around you.

The path to a successful life comes thorough the stairs of politeness. An act of politeness can do wonders that no monetary thing can do. Let us go deep in the art of efficient speaking by these methods.

Talking about ideas and not people

Its truly said, great minds talk about ideas and small minds talk about people. Politeness is an attitude of life. Talking about ideas heightens your politeness towards innovations and stimulates your mind too. This is effective for the speaker and the listener both. To start talking about people you can breathe out all negative energies about anyone: latest crush, which dress she wears, which perfume she uses, her bad attitude. The idea is that everything you talk about people usually comes negative. This develops a feeling of self love and comparison at all means. You do not value your life as much as you do to others.

Using intellect instead of the tongue

Usually people chatter on at length not worrying about the impact it would have on others. Since people are so occupied in themselves they’d rather talk about themselves only. This instigates them to speak rubbish endlessly. Have you ever thought how much of an impact we can have on others by our words? By trying to use our brains before speaking, we will save others sentiments and preserve a healthy relationship between our near ones.

Avoiding gossip

The one who usually starts a gossip or backbiting about someone does not know that he is the one to have the last laugh. People who start commenting and spreading rumors about others usually end up in a muck of politics and bickering about themselves from the other end. Such people should be avoided at arm's length. Even listening to gossip is as harmful since the listener had the power to listen to negative communication. This unhealthy gossiping could have been stopped if the listener would have ignored the speaker.

 Exchange of compliments

We should not limit our compliment intake be restricted to our close relatives. People like our helpers such as servants, cleaners, house maids are those on whom we can count on. Speaking politely to them will ensure that your day is made. They are the ones who offer your services to make your life comfortable. So we should make endeavors to enrich their lives by complimenting and praising them.

Look for positive things in negative people

We all have negative and positive sides. Nobody on this earth has a squeaky clean nature. We all have flaws, however some people are observed negatively by their rude behavior and we become very judgmental about them putting them in the negative category. We should understand that people who are rude have their own weaknesses. They do not choose to be like that. Frustrations at work or domestic front make them act in this behavior. Such people should be offered more help than others comparatively. Talking politely with them will make a difference in their lives and yours too.

Feel positive about you all the time

Quite often we do not realize that we subconsciously become negative. Pent up emotions and unfulfilled desires make us behave rudely towards others and emit negative radiations from the body. Thus we tend to overreact and become rude and harsh to others in some or the other way. This might demolish the social circle that we have. So politeness in the hearts at all means will result in polite attitude.

Whatever is rested in your heart is bound to come out in the open some or the other day. Make sure you have a prosperous life with a polite attitude and selfless love. This will make you immortal in the hearts of millions as people are going to remember for your polite words and not by your status.

A photographer once clicked a photograph of ex-president of India, Dr. Kalam with a shawl placed on his shoulder. After the photo shoot was over, the photographer rudely took off the shawl and walked off. The President smiled. After being asked about his composed behavior, he politely answered that maybe the photographer needed the shawl more than he did, and continued his work.

People with big positions come and go but it is only their humble nature that draws millions of people towards them. Their polite words filled to the brim with modesty and love melt the hearts of even the rudest amongst the crowd. By talking politely to all we can make an impact on others lives.

Stay tuned and P-O-L-I-T-E…!

Lie Detector...!?!

SKS, Sach Ka Samana, is back once again on Indian Television and this time with a broader and social slogan ‘Against Corruption’…! A lie-detector technology is used to test the sincerity of the answers by the contestant on this show. Probing into LD while studying criminal psychology, I found 7 ways with the help of which you can initially detect a liar spot on. I thought it would be good to share this with you all for three reasons – 

1. It’s virtually inexpensive i.e. actually FREE…!
2. There is no harm in KNOWING it unless you think of it otherwise…!?!
3. As the ‘Development’ is in ‘Progress’, it is going to be a routine yet tough task to identify the liars among the people around you…! (Ref. - Big Boss)

Here are seven ways to identify a liar

1. Consider the person's recall: Liars never forget what they have to say but they may stumble when telling a tale by making contradicting statements. They're also eager to change the subject.

2. Observe the person's overall body language: Liars can look ill at ease, fiddling with their hair, stroking their throat, or rubbing their eyes. With their body often turned away from you, you may notice hand or leg fidgeting. Liars also have trouble swallowing and may shake their heads after a point has been made. When the subject finally gets changed, they appear happier and more comfortable, maybe laughing nervously.

3.Take notice of any defensiveness: Liars will often take offence to any indication that they're under suspicion. They're likely to throw any accusations you throw at them back at you. They will also talk too much, feeling the need to over-explain themselves.

4. Home in on facial expressions: Liars fail to control their micro-expressions. While fibbing, you may notice nervous twitching. Their hand may be covering or touching their face. People also tend to touch the mouth when feeling guilty or anxious. They're particularly good with fake smiles.

5. Don't overlook the Pinocchio reaction: When a human tells a lie, extra blood gets pumped through the body and the nose swells by a fraction of millimeter. Liars may subsequently touch the tip of their nose unconsciously.

6. Concentrate on the eyes: A liar has a troubled brow and downcast or darting eyes. They have trouble directly engaging your gaze. They also give you eye-accessing clues. If the person is telling you the truth, he'll look up and to the left since that's the side of the brain we use for recalling information. If she's lying, she'll look up and to the right, which is the creative side of the brain, because she's mentally constructing something that hasn't happened.

7. Note the person's voice: The higher the stakes are, the more the liar has a fear of getting caught. With this, the liar has a harder time controlling his body language or her voice. The pitch or rate of the speech may change, with the individual giving a lot of "umms" and "ahhs." Often, a liar will appear stilted and monotone. Answers may seem rehearsed.

Stay tuned and Beware of L-I-A-R-S…!

Be Aware...!?!

If you remember, at this same place I have shared a story about Buddha that when asked ‘who are you?’ he answered ‘I am Aware…!’ I am absolutely fascinated by this and that’s why I have this ritual to end all my daily mails with these two words… Be Aware…! Among all the questions I am confronted with every now and then from my friends, relatives, readers and well(?)wishers, the majority ones are –
What do you mean by ‘Be Aware’ when you convey it regularly…?

Why do you do what you do when there are absolutely no returns from it…?

Why don’t you do what you can do to earn recognition, wealth and status…?

For the first question the answer is ‘It is loud thinking and I say it to myself…!’

And for the collective response to all the sympathies as a whole, I am borrowing a story of Buddha by OSHO…

There was one great master, a Buddhist master, Nagarjuna. A thief came to him. The thief had fallen in love with the master because he had never seen such a beautiful person, such infinite grace. He asked Nagarjuna, “Is there some possibility of my growth also? But one thing I must make clear to you: I am a thief. And another thing: I cannot leave it, so please don’t make it a condition. I will do whatsoever you say, but I cannot stop being a thief. That I have tried many times — it never works, so I have left the whole sport. I have accepted my destiny, that I am going to be a thief and remain a thief, so don’t talk about it. From the very beginning let it be clear.”

Nagarjuna said, “Why are you afraid? Who is going to talk about your being a thief?”

The thief said, “But whenever I go to a monk, to a religious priest or to a religious saint, they always say, ‘First stop stealing.’”

Nagarjuna laughed and he said, “Then you must have gone to thieves; otherwise, why? Why should they be concerned? I am not concerned!”

The thief was very happy. He said, “Then it is okay. It seems that now I can become a disciple. You are the right master.”

Nagarjuna accepted him. He said, “Now you can go and do whatsoever you like. Only one condition has to be followed: Be aware! Go, break into houses, enter, bring things, steal; do whatsoever you like, that is of no concern to me, I am not a thief — but do it with full awareness.”

The thief couldn’t understand that he was falling into the trap. He said, “Then everything is okay. I will try.”

After three weeks he came and said, “You are tricky because if I become aware, I cannot steal. If I steal, awareness disappears. I am in a fix.”

Nagarjuna said, “No more talk about your being a thief and stealing. I am not concerned, I am not a thief. Now you decide! If you want awareness then you decide. If you don’t want it, then too you decide.”

The man said, “But now it is difficult. I have tasted it a little, and it is so beautiful — I will leave anything, whatsoever you say.” The thief said, “Just the other night for the first time I was able to enter the palace of the king. I opened the treasure. I could have become the richest man in the world — but you were following me and I had to be aware. When I became aware, suddenly — no motivation, no desire! When I became aware, diamonds looked just like stones, ordinary stones. When I lost awareness the treasure was there. And I waited and did this many times. I would become aware and I became like a buddha, and I could not even touch it because the whole thing looked foolish, stupid — just stones, what am I doing? Losing myself for stones? But then I would lose awareness; they would become again beautiful, the whole illusion. But finally I decided that they were not worth it…”

Stay tuned and B-E A-W-A-R-E…!