We are All

A misty morning, a rainy day
Yet sunshine pouring, with smiling gaze

Be there no dreams, this river floweth
Just watch the currents, as life passeth

I am no flower, and neither thorn
I am the seed, from which all was born

Why a Body cannot have multiple Atma

The question seems something like why didn't someone think of it before! Why can't a body have multiple Atman. You have to think about why a body exists, and why an Atman pervades in it.

Atman, involuntarily or voluntarily, puts life into a body so it can run through its Karmas. It wants, in human life, to be made aware to not be identified with this life. To realize its been going through such lives multiple times, with memory getting wiped out since that stays in that life's mind. Only the Samskaras, the impressions-both good and bad, have stuck to it like a stain whose effects have to be run through. This much is well known.

Now, what Vivekananda has said, and is the crucial point to answer this question, is that Atman, the Purusha, that pervades and illumines all, actually manufactures these mind-body complexes, based on its previous Karmas, and to run through those effects. Vivekananda goes on to say that Karmas have to be run through in the nature where they were accumulated, the rest are held at bay for the time being. Thus, we were humans before, running through these Karmas, and getting them worked out. If we show animalistic tendencies, we might go back to occupy an animal body to work those out, since that's easier to wipe out. Animals behave purely on instinct that intent, so they are actually working out those Karmic effects without accumulating any more.

So if an Atman is generating this body to work out its Karmas, to wipe out these stains, then there is no question of another Atman also coming in here. It automatically answers the question. Although within this nature there are instances where a person gets possessed by a good or evil soul. I believe it has to be permitted, and does not automatically happen. You have to will it, else it will not happen.

Of twitter raindrops, and gushing smiles

Where there is a child carefree
You feel really the spirit is free
No one expects anything less
A child to dance at none's behest

I am chaste, I hesitate
A child thinks not, an innocent lot
He jumps and dreams, and laughs and cries
He lives life truly, nature's child

The raindrops, seawaves, the chirping birds
He helps me notice, their inner joy
I had seen once, but now forgotten
The gushing smiles, beneath the karmic dust

I may be Ananda, but not yet Ananta

There are teachings and commentaries by Gurus, especially in the Yogas, which point straight to the final goal, with the desire to kindle in the aspirant what lies in the final beyond.

But often it also causes misconceptions and actually disappointments. A simple thing as a person levitating is something we can strive towards but never achieve. If that's the goal some seeker keeps, he'll only stay disappointed.

Likewise is the Sat-Chit-Ananda quote, which commentators often cite the Ananda analogous to Ananta. This should be avoided. You may and can and will achieve Ananda. And that's what you are, Ananda and Bliss. But until you are in Samadhi state, you cannot possibly achieve Ananta, and shouldn't run after it.

Tat Tvam Asi says the essence in the (say) the Sun, is the same in you. But you are not the Sun. We are all made up of the same conscious. The Sun covered by another karmic layer, and we, by ours.

Graceful Mother

Graceful mother, she sits in temple
Of mind and hearts that purity define

She is patient, no she is patience
She is ever, the shining divine

I think so not, she meant no more
Even when she anger expressed

Her love and protection
Is all she meant
Pay back, ever, if you can in smile

Karma keeps writing destiny..so turn off the lights

Sanatana Dharma (or Hinduism as the manipulated word placing location identification to the religion) is often claimed to be something that places destiny and fate above self-will and choice. This is actually just half-truth.

What the Law of Karma within Sanatana Dharma says instead is that your Karma determines your Destiny. In colloquial words, as you sow, so you reap. You are writing your destiny by your very actions every moment. As simple as, if you are resting now, you are writing the destiny that you'll be more energetic after the rest. Or if you study now, you'll have success in your studies.

Sometimes it's not immediately apparent. We study hard for an exam, as I used to do in Engineering, but the results show otherwise. Well, the results will come. The best advice is to let go of the attachment to results. Let them be whatever. Just do Karma as your duty.

Taking this further, many of the Karmas (good or bad) could bear fruit in subsequent births only. This is what explains children born in struggle, poverty or with birth defects. Or people who, due to lack of opportunity, struggle through life.

Spread the message, and let's make it a mantra for environmental conservation: If you conserve resources today, your destiny will be to share the saved resources. If you are wasting today, be sure to be struggling tomorrow, be it in this life or the one(s) after!

The power in ashrams and temples

While I completely agree that our own Self is the God we search about, that we pray to. But note that we are not that yet. That Self does exist, but until irrevocable realization, we still are covered by Samskaras and influences of Nature that divert us.

And there are holy centers of power the spiritually elevated ones among us have created, that these powers continue to get concentrated further, for the benefit of all that visit these spots. And that's the role temples and ashrams play, or the value they add to society and the ordinary folk.

But I also admit I'm not convinced just a physical visit to such a holy spot means how much. Or to put it differently, wouldn't I need to also be meditating and receiving the positive vibes stored in these places. I don't like the jostle and clamor in crowded temples, and sometimes think any place in isolation is better than this. But maybe just like a dip in medicinal waters washes off sin no matter what, presence in a holy environment does benefit no matter what the conditions around. Perhaps the devotion that each devotee adds by his visit, by his mind full of charity and gratitude, does add to the kindred and spiritual status of the place. I'm not sure on this point yet.

But the power bestowed to a stone, an carved idol, or a guru is not his own. It is contributed to by each one of us, by our concentration, if even for a second, on that object. Which is why these objects are ornamented to invoke the feeling of devotion in us. Concentration is Samadhi. It is what heals us in sleep, refreshes us in meditation. It is this same concentration when invoked that adds the power over nature on this idol. Some of which gets absorbed by the pleading, miserable person who comes praying. And benefits from. And in true cyclic effect, on better days, he repays back with a visit filled with gratitude and devotion.

To understand and realize this nature is fueled by our very Self, is at first incredible, then overwhelming, and eventually truly enlightening.

Nature has no control over you unless you want it to

I know this is true, I believe this is true, but this is so oh hard to imbibe..

One is you, your own Self. Which is neither this body, this mind, or feelings. Which just stands apart, and perhaps doesn't even direct, but only wills, and experiences. A mother is closest to this Self.

Then there is the Nature, the everything around us, including the body, mind, feelings. The trees, relatives, friends, even the play of circumstances, karmas and reactions. This world, this existence in here.

Straight to the point: This Nature can do nothing to me. At best, blow up my body to pieces, but still it cannot touch me. Like Swami Vivekananda said, even a snake's bite cannot kill us unless we want it to. At worst, Nature can only torment me through physical and mental tortune through its own medium, and perhaps make me forget temporarily that all this is just its play. An example of how Nala possessed by Kali forgets the true nature of his relationship with Damayanthi.

The Yogi stands at this other extreme of both perfect realization and response. He can be living among us, married or bachelor, man or woman, young or old, but has true bodha. The way to identify him is only in how he responds to external situations. No matter what nature does to torment him, he stands firm. It is not lack of compassion, but rather the true knowledge of how things are...And it simply doesn't affect how his response should be, to an external situation. Even if persecuted, he lives to serve and do, and do what's correct and apt..

Rickshaws drivers killing own business

An auto-rickshaw from Electronic City Infosys office to Sarjapura Road Wipro in Bengaluru costs me Rs 200. No meter, no negotiation. While an Ola Cab at standard rate costs me Rs 175, all calculated and charged on actuals.

Even the rickshaw driver admits the Ola cab will come cheaper. Well, then've you've had it buddy, don't complain later for being a savant to a corporate.

No wonder Ola has been able to intake Ola Auto service. I'm sure auto-rickshaw drivers were equally obliging to this. For no planned trip nowadays happens without Ola or Uber cab bookings.

And it's for the good of the customer, this movement to Ola/Uber cabs. Now that auto-rickshaws are finally metered rides in Bengaluru. The notoriety of the auto driver charging his own rates, and rounding off to Rs 20/30 more without giving change was indeed going overboard.

I really missed Mumbai autos where the driver used to return 50 paise change. I'm sure Ola, Uber won't take off there. Because the customer is happy enough with the ubiquitous auto with fair, metered rates.

Back to Bengaluru, the auto-driver has no reason to complain either for aligning himself with the cab service corporates. They let him charge convenience fees/higher rates during late hours. Plus he chooses if he wants to pick the customer. I've had times when Ola shows the auto nearby, but the driver doesn't pick the request.Just further proof of the fate he wrote for himself with the treatment meted out to the customer..

While population rises, buy a villa than a flat

Wisdom and common sense are often not well spread. And so till date wealth and virtue not widely distributed.

In a country where population continues to rise but the livable area hasn't, why do you buy a matchbox cube in a building for home.

Put your life savings on an undisputed land and see what it does instead. For future value and children memories of their own land and home.

There are many pros and cons to buying land and building a home. One is that we ourselves have to run after the bureaucratic mess. Well, it isn't as if as owner of an apartment I don't have to do most things myself.
Moreover, in India, you get agents to do almost everything for you at - I say- reasonable price than having to catch on to current laws and running pillar to post.

The next is that for the area you can afford, you have to build multiple floors for comfortable living. Moreover your children don't have the park the society plans.
I say buy remote though you continue to optimise between commute time, school and safety. And then, get used to climbing floors!

Gated community perhaps is a good balance. The paperwork and park requirements are handled. And even if some have common elevation or not, either ways it's worth it.

Hatchbacks for Indian roads

It does not make sense but I see it a lot. Huge SUVs, gasoline guzzlers on indigenous Bharatiya roads. Roads where even on most highways the speed limit is 80kmph. And everywhere else, the roads are typically congested.
Why, and where, does it make sense to have it for your daily routine.

Such a car perhaps can fit, if at all, if you travel weekly on out-of-station sojourns. Even when I'd rather hire a vehicle so I can doze off when I want to than stress myself driving.

Equally for same reasons sedans are not really needed. The trunk space is mostly unused. You may for an airport trip, but an Ola cab or airport taxi makes more sense for these.

The room inside does not justify. Firstly for the average Indian's body size the hatchback is spacious enough, you don't need the SUV. The sedan does not have too much extra room inside compared to the hatchback. At least nothing that justifies it being bought and used as the daily-use car for commute.

Plus the petrol cost in an oil importing country as ours. Why then this obvious waste.

Get a hatchback. And get all the conveniences you want within. You can make all sorts of upgrades to make it comfy. Seats, stereo, rear view, GPS whatever you need...get the fuel efficiency, well at least until battery operated cars get the cost-benefit ratio right!

Your nature is bliss

A marvellous recounting of Sage Bhrigu's sadhana, on the true import of "Tat Tvam Asi":
- First he asks his guru is the body the Brahman. Then realizes it's bound by change and age and death, while the Self does no have this
- Next he asks if the Mind is Brahman. But the thoughts are vacillating
- Third he delves further and asks if the Prana is Brahman. But that too, though potent, is ever-changing force
- Even consciousness comes close, but keeps going away in sleep. So nature still has control over it.
- It is then he realizes that "Bliss" is his true nature. That which cannot change. But has to be realized.

And that is a key learning for all of us. No matter what the situation around us. That the feeling of "Bliss" we feel within, is our true nature. No matter how much the bodily pain when you sit in Vajrasan, or the stress of work, connect back to your feeling of "Bliss". That is you, not the Maya (nature) that seems to influence you. The true nature of your is "Bliss", and when you realize that, Nature has no control over you to erase it.

And the key import of this was, he himself realized this. His Guru just kept encouraging him, asking him to keep searching. The doctor can only prescribe medicines, or tie the bandage; the body has to heal itself. Likewise, the teacher can only guide, the student has to do the learning. 

Test tube babies do have souls

This was a confusion that is being debated and had been a confusion in my mind. Though the scientific, moral and philosophical debate can continue, I for one am clear on the question in my mind: will babies born without a mother's womb have souls. This question has been ever since sheep were cloned in my mind. I have my closure to this now: Yes, they will.

There are loads of texts on why souls try to find the right body for them to fulfill karmic debts, and achieve liberation. One method which Swami Vivekananda recounted in Jnana Yoga says they come via the rain and get in through the food, and form the life in the sperm and fertilize the egg (like the seed on the soil). Even if that is not the means and the soul comes to "possess" a life body already in the womb for them (to put it simply). Or even if you say the sperm is "artificially" created. Either ways you are not beyond the purview of Maya (nature in simplistic terms).

So yes, as long as the conditions are correct, and a life form is formed, a soul will occupy it to fulfill its karmic debt. There is no relation to the parent's body to fulfill the debt. Although I've read that the soul might come to possess some relative, well-wisher, again to settle karmic debts. The reason why we attract or repel to certain people beyond logic in this life.

The next question in my mind is if souls possess every life, even an Amoeba say.

Also if reincarnation is true: Somehow in my mind it isn't..

Is purchasing online like robbing poor small retailers

It is understandable when some items are not conveniently available like it is in the USA, to buy online. In USA, you have to go to a mall for everything because retail shops cannot keep everything. And anything less is not viable in a country that large with a population that less.

But India is not such a case. There are people and retail stores all around. Right now it only feels foolish to buy Mamy Poko diapers at ₹690 retail price when I could buy it at  ₹550 on  Amazon. Let's see who suffers when I do this.

I think the manufacturer does not.  Even at  ₹550 the wholesaler got it to me for,  he the wholesaler,  the manufacturer and  Amazon all have made money.

The guys who lost money in between is the small time retailer,  the only guy who earns less than me in this whole chain.

The mall that doles less discount to me,  the ones who cry crocodile tears and try to win sympathy against the online business in USA, are at the end of the day some corporate.  A business that first mercilessly killed the small time retailer there.  And later lay the coup-de-etat on his entrepreneurial spirit by employing him as a helper in this mall.

But all this should not divert the Bhartiya mindset. That is a different market from this.

You learn about charity being the means to salvation. Then first thing is to not rob those weaker than you of their dignity regarding running something of their own

So here should be your choice sequence when buying an item:
- Is it readily available at the small single retail store
- Is it available with the small retail chain
- Is it available online
- Is it available at the mall

Go ahead, take the walk, speak to people while you make the purchase. It's worth the little extra.

First rebuild the mosque, then build the temple

There is lot of history, but dates back centuries.
The country has disturbed today, chose to open those wounds

Hurt has been caused, it has pained a lot
Repercussions galore, people still pay to date
There was once a temple, but rebuild a mosque there first

Together we can walk, we are one countrymen
And condemn together, the happening at Babri
Both the building of the mosque, and the razing thereof too

The ones who brought the temple, not the innocents of today
But we are the ones, who stole the mosque that stood there now
The devout, the simple, their place of worship stands razed

What has happened, has happened
And build the temple, go ahead
But don't forget to, rebuild the mosque there first

The day recycles

The morning sun energizes us,
The post noon sun saps it up
The evening sun helps us rest
And the moonlight resets it

If every day is cyclic path
Why won't life, and what's so strange

This is where we have come to be
Why not live, this life full steam

Desires frivolous and changing

The candy you fought with sibling for
The same you minded against parents then
That and many such candies mean nothing
The sibling, the parents still mean the world

Desires are such, they distract they deviate
From where our priorities, our goodness lies
Put to test whatever the mind wants
None would forego their child for an angel next door

To Some more driving lessons in Bharat

Driving is stressful, it's well recorded a statistic even among drivers on the best of roads in US. Needless to say, it's worse off in Bharat (India).

Some more of my learning from recent past:

- The imported cars are of low height. And Bengaluru (Bangalore) speed-breakers, badly designed. So the base is bound to hit the speed breakers, especially if people are seated on the back seat, or the trunk has luggage. The way to avoid is to approach speed breakers at an angle, and opt for a bumpy tyre-by-tyre ascent on them.

- Street lights are a rarity even on the US freeways. But on Indian highways, there could also be speed breakers and potholes. So high-beam is a must if you are not following another vehicle at night. And that too, you need to keep safe distance with the vehicle ahead.

- The car will accelerate, don't hurry. This is something I still lose sense of, and press the accelerator to just get ahead fast. I forget that the street light is a great leveler, so why the hurry. And people and animals, aplenty. So why invite the tragedy. So if your feet is on the accelerator, let the engine choose the speed rise per its convenience. That's also best for the car itself!

To Life's Poetry

I write not to Life's Poetry
For Life is Poetry beyond comprehension

I bear not the capacity to sing
For Life's Song is seen best in evening

To Nature's powers is my limitation
For Life is throbbing even beyond the Universe

I step back to realize no good nor bad
For even tiniest creatures only kill to nourish

Forgive..

There was once a bird, who flew over the peacock's head
And little did he know, that poop he did on it
No matter how much he fell, the ego was unforgiving
This body by Mother Bhumi, but so much Ahankar..

'Cos did she ever, complain than give her best
A deep sacrificing power, we take for granted instead

To really know India (Bharat), you have to walk the streets

"India lives in it's villages" Gandhiji once observed. And a profound one at that, after travelling around the country. Indeed, it's not the intelligentsia who represent India (that is Bharat). They might be the ones who keep our country abreast with the rest of the world. But the true representation of Bharat is in its masses, the middle classes.

And while during Gandhiji's time, this representation lay unequivocally in its villages, that proportion has steadily been decreasing, well into 68%, but still the clear majority. A majority of simpletons trying to make ends meet, and first ensure their living conditions are taken care of. Who are easily swayed by a politician's words or the local goon's muscle. And the best reflection of this is seen in the quality of elected representatives.

And for the vastness and diversity that Bharat carries, and of course with due credit to its population size, you cannot take a driving tour and connect or understand this country. The only difference you'll then catch in such tours where you eat out of star hotels, and are taken around by the tourist guides, is the difference in local language and deities at most. Other than that, they just want you to marvel at the leftovers of a glorious heritage. If you want to understand the country, get to a place - a village, town or city - and walk it.

Drink the frequent coconut water, sugarcane juice or the ubiquitious chaaz (buttermilk), keep away from sun strokes, catch the local buses (not autos or taxis). Eat thalis (meals) at clean vegetarian places (which will introduce you to the varieties in local cuisines), and most of all, speak. Communicate the best you can to the locals, give your tourist guide the flavour of what you are looking for, and just see how delighted he'll be to open up!

Four Teachings of Swami Narayana Guru..Satyam, Shuddhi, Sneham, Seva

Had recently seen a movie retracing the life of Swami Narayana Guru, a film from 1986. I'd heard and did read a bit later about him as a social reformer to stood against the casteism that had taken deep root in Kerala in the early half of the century.

The film was amateurish in direction. But the person who eventually played the elder Swamiji performed well. The most striking part for me were the values he teaches as a young Swami, perhaps which formed a foundation of his philosophy: Satyam, Shuddhi, Sneham, Seva.

There were some profound statements in the film too that linger on:

- When someone mentions that Swami Vivekananda is tied down by casteism, Swamiji says those with "vivekam" would say thus only

- Another scene where an upper caste Brahman taunts him if there is anyplace in the Puranas where lower castes are shown to install deities, Swamiji taunts back that weren't these Puranas written and authorized by these very upper castes?

I've made this observation too in my recent (and in progress) reading of The Mahabharata. How at the very opportunity, the value of Brahmanas is extolled to the skies. I recollect Shashi Tharoor mentioning in the Incredible India BBC series that the Mahabharata had seen a lot of contemporary stories getting added to the original through the centuries. Was taken aback also by the mention that Brahmans very much partook in "sanctified" meat. At least that indulgent bit corrected itself in the most part through the centuries.

- I was amazed that while Swamiji preferred isolation, he would grant visits too the maximum extent of his capacity. And moreover, encouraged people to unite and stand for a cause

Truly casteism is something of a blotch in Hinduism. The domination of the Kshatriya class has been wiped out with the onset of Democracy for ruling people - a magnificent import from Greece - and the Corporate Culture and Public companies concept - that, well, has its pros and cons but rewards merit above anything for positions held.

What remains is the domination of the Brahmans in temple and puja culture. I guess spiritual leaders too are implicity vetted by their followers for the caste they were born in. But there will come a time I'm sure where the true meaning of Brahman as "the one who knows Brahman" comes forth, and true merit than the caste they were born into forms the basis of who conducts temple rituals.

You are only the medium..drop the anxiety

One of the primary reasons of not living life to the fullest is inhibitions. And the root cause of inhibition is fear.

One way that I could see helped me deal with fear is the realization, that we are only the medium. That we are only serving a purpose. And that purpose will be served. Do not get anxious that "this is is" and lose your calm. For you need your poise to give your best.

Loosen up, realize, and just do what you would like to do!

Inner connect

Need the walk, the meditative walk
In an ashram, green and serene

Need no talk, no chatter in mind
When among trees, their breath soothing

I have climbed them, rested on laps
I have scaled peaks, like mountain goats
Know not where I learnt these skills

There is instinct, but really is memory
And there is destiny, which for future I change

Act I must, so the walk I take
And connect inwards, for my true purpose

Watch what you feed kids..Soft Drinks

Again, will try to keep it simple. Yourself, and the kids, just stop drinking any aerated drinks. In addition, when buying fruit juices (if needed), ensure there is no added sugar.

Soft drinks dissolve everything that it passes over to put it simply. I've personally experienced acidity I never had before, but it had at the time only convinced me to keep away from the particular brand. I know better now.

Worst case you want to have something, say in a flight, I believe Gingerale at least does not have any caffeine.

Here are a few links for reference: Ten Reasons to avoid, Harvard Study, Medical Daily

I'm not sure why countries can take notice and spread the word ..instead I see the consumption increase across the world. You cannot entrust companies because this is a high margin business. Gutsy but still not enough is Indra Nooyi's attempt to build a portfolio of health foods/drinks, but I guess investor pressure will never really take Sodas out of focus. .

Enjoy the journey

For the peace that I feel within, am I at fault

That I don't feel the fire, but only the willness to work,
Do I lack drive

That I'm contented, am not restless
Do I lack purpose

That I don't list goals, only pursue what interests
Am I called Lazy

For what can assure, we can only intend
So let's enjoy the walk, be it grassy or stony
And detach from the result, the anxiety or the pleasure

Watch what you feed kids...Trans Fat!

I just want to keep it simple, for our busy lives: When purchasing any packaged food for your kids, just look at the Nutritional facts section, basically the black-and-white table which lists how much a single serving provides Carbohydrates, Protein, Fats. If Fat value is above zero (0), then search below for some asterisk value which provides how much of the Fat is Trans Fat.

Even if there is a wee bit of Trans Fat, just keep the product back.
Realize that consuming Trans Fat means who have consumed something that the body will NEVER be able to digest, and so too has your child (Wikipedia Link).

This will deposit somewhere in the body, most likely near the heart. Indians anyways are prone to heart diseases. The other possible areas are reproductive or other cancer causing areas.

Note that very few companies clearly specify in the Nutritional section about how much Trans Fat is present. They try to hide it in some asterisk. If you are unable to find for any reason, and Fat value is more than zero, then better safe than sorry. Reject the product. Your purchasing choice "vote" will pass the message to the Corporate.

There is no single pattern of what does and does not have Trans Fat. At a broad level, cream biscuits (yet to see an exception), chocolates (Amul brand is an exception), Chips (Maiyas is an exception), ice cream have Trans Fat.

Will end it here: Keep safe.

The value of relationships always after the departure

We all feel this. An inertia to go someplace new, then the adapting to it, and when you leave it, the pang that follows. I've observed it keenly all my life, and with wonder, as must have all of us.

Yet we know we must move on, and so we do. Perhaps the explanation is as simple as the survival instinct. That when arrives at some place, and gets comfortable, we do not want to move on to something else.

But also perhaps this is how human nature gives value to relationships. We realize the value we place on the people, based upon how comfortable we've gotten with them. It prevents us from taking them for granted, this pain of separation.

Mistake it not to be a sign to hold back. Realize and accept it as the need to cherish relationships after we've moved ahead.

Sharadambe..your grace

Sharade, dear Amba maate
You are blessed, and your grace blesses all

I visualize you, and consider
Your grace of that memory

If one trip to your holy place, could cast such spell on me
I wonder how much it elevates, those who reside by your shelter

I pray and delve, the opportune moment
To cast off all, and stay by your side

May sin and weakness, know me not
Salvation through your love, is all I pray for now

It was good..but Hrithik had to leave

Hrithik had never met the kind of disciplined person as Colonel Anupam. Due to the sensitive nature, he stopped by Colonel's home, late at night, and told him the reasons. Colonel slept 4 hours, and ran 4 miles every day, so his schedule was all tied tight. And yet he had time for all in his battalion.

Colonel understood, and with two pats, conveyed both his father-figure encouragement, and a bid-you-well. And that's how some people are, made of gold. It's a pity, that the true role-models, are not really leading the country. Or that such role models even shun to avoid the filth in the soul.

We both knew the price of this. No one would know, for my own security. Who, where and why...All my glories, all my achievements, for the nation and our borders, sealed off forever. An obscure government job will show my work history, to ensure the pension continue. Hrithik never existed in their records. It's a price that had to be paid. True glory need not lie in the applause of the people. It should lie in the heart within!

They became friends knowing separation is coming..

But that's how many a friendship is...Perhaps it's letting go the veil. Knowing you are going, you open up to the other. But also perhaps it's the hopelessness of how nature lays out life. A bit of nostalgia has to pine the heart..

Or this happens when life's last moments arrive. When the smallness of so many anxieties, the complaints and ill-feelings, become apparent.

But this happens to all, and one better cherish than hesitate, the next time it comes. The pain will follow, but so will the fulfillment!

The art of driving

While I'm no expert, some of the tips I learnt driving, in US and India. Ones that are not found in formal training sessions:

1) No point overtaking unless significant space on the other lane. The time saved, even on freeways is not significant for even significantly higher speeds
2) Always look at the blind spot when changing lanes. Some say this is applicable only in US, but I think it's more applicable in India, where two-wheelers try to cut and speed without notice.
3) This is true exclusively for Indian driving culture: Even if the left-right indicator is on, the other vehicle is using it as dare to still speed through. So be very slow changing lanes.
4) This is true wherever you drive: When accelerating, do you press the accelerator hard, even if the road's empty ahead. It's not good for your car. Accelerate so smoothly that your body doesn't feel the speed increasing.

A Beautiful Bangalore Morning

Cherishable and calmin, a beautiful Bangalore morning
Breezy and cooling, a beautiful Bangalore morning

Not one that wants to wake you, but invites to take a stroll
Refreshing not polluting, a beautiful Bangalore morning

Subtle is the Life, the Lord and the Ways

Becoming friends, when looming separation
Seeking comfort, from one who is leaving
And unsaid trust, an underlying connect
Subtle is the Life, the Lord and the Ways

When knowledge is sought, with application unknown
When libraries are built, for the one who might not seek it
When donations are made, to temples than the poorest
You realize then, and see it clearly too
Subtle is the Life, the Lord and the Ways

You have to pass on, and so have all
Yet you invite, the young to this world
You build your dreams, on foundations temporal
The power of Maya, enrapturing, inescapable
Subtle is the Life, the Lord and the Ways

Rajasic is best. Accept this, and then be Sattvic

Nature works on balance, and there cannot be excess of good or bad. Or Nature has to crumble. So there have to be war and atrocities for good to exist. That just Is.

Practical applications?

• So while the Tamasic destructs, and we can seek him and destroy, and that perhaps just what the response intends it to be, we end up spending money confining and trying to reform him. 
• The Sattvic is pure, morally high, but in self-righteousness and stubbornness causes a lot of inconvenience, to say the least, to those around him. This is why those who carried on the crusades and burnt independent women branding them as witches, didn't feel it was wrong. That is why the caste system and anti-conversion mindset flourished, and stopped the spread of Sanatana Dharma, the most profound of teachings, at its very tracks.
• The Rajasic thus is the one most in tune with nature. He follows his senses when the time is right, while again keeping pragmatism when dealing with work. He will kill the Tamasic and provide for the Sattvic too. He is the true ruler of nature, verily acting per the rules the Universe runs on. He will follow, and achieve, based on the four ashramas in life.

Let's take the burning of the Khandava forest in the Mahabharata as an example. And let's keep aside the obvious indulgent holiday and hint of orgy that preceded before it. At the other end, let's set aside the mythology of Agni's demand (even if we set aside the question of whether that demand, or the acceptance thereof by Krishna and Arjuna was morally correct). The fact remains and Krishna and Arjuna, standing at the two extremes of the forest, burnt it down. And even did not let any of the living beings escape from it, shooting them them, leaving them with only the choice of running back to the forest. Then also, these are both heroes. Arjuna, who chose a 12 year vanavas over letting cattle be stolen on his watch. Or Krishna, who selflessly assisted the rise and Pandavas. 

Or watch the movie Unforgiven, and try undersand why the villain's really the villain, he himself can't believe it in the end!

We can sit and wonder and spend lives trying to understand why things are the way they are. And yet, if you simply accept, you could spend your time better indeed.

And then again, that you should. My whole point is that one must accept the balance, and strive towards the good. Denying unless we are ready is not the solution. And that's why reincarnations are needed. And yes indeed, the ultimate goal is to be the Sanyasi who truly realizes and merges with the Self.

Also realize that this Yuga has to end; Nature has to destruct. So to be Sattvic is not wrong, indeed that's how we should strive to be. But the true Sattvic is the one who first accepts and not the one who claims the moral high ground to enforce!

A Strange Climate

A dawn of autumn, the cloud rests outside the balcony
A morning of Spring, the air fresh and cooling
A noon as in summer, prickly that trigger a migraine
An evening as chilly a winter, I cannot even take a bath

O Bengaluru, what kind of weather, is this that you are blessed with
The denizens bodies confused, we all are falling ill
O Bengaluru, O Garden City
Come to terms now O Dear, stick to one or other
Something that we can live with!

Thank God, there are no Gods!

Thank God, there are no Gods
Thank God, there is no magic
For this world works on balance
And balance it has to maintain

Why do you think, a child fears dark
Why he instinctively, fears the Rakshas
For the Rakshas existed once, on this very Earth
Along with the Gods, whom we were modeled on

These Gods had to vanish, for the Demons also too
There is no way one could exist, without the other existing too
So Thank God we are alone, we are on our own
Thank God we don't witness, Good and Evil battle outside too!

A childlike curiosity

What is that seed, that lives within me
When will the soul enter, and which seed would it choose
Who created such potential, in an already miraculous universe
Who made me special, and its mother, the  deity of the child

If I am this Self, and am in each of them
Why am I reborn, where from I come within
Where was I before, and why I chose my mother and father
Who made him special, and my mother, the deity of this child

Sam the Spy - 1

Before he stepped out of the airport, he had his new assignment. Coming out on top of his hand-luggage from the X-Ray counter was an off-white envelope. A color he distinctly recognized. Before doing anything else, his next glance was around him. He had likened his expertise in foxing the fox. There had to be someone around making sure it's him who's picked up the envelope. And yes, he saw an Oriental person blink, as if thinking for a second if he's be recognized. That was him.

But this case was curious from the start. He had to travel to Russia immediately. No, that wasn't the curious part. But the fact that he got the sense of being watched, being followed from the get go. A spy by profession, and a veteran at that, there was no chance his intuition was wrong. There must be a mole, or maybe someone making sure the job is getting done. But that is not something he liked, he'd made it clear to superiors already. Hmm, must be a high-profile case. But need to call this out, will await the private line.

He flew to Russia. But once he stepped out and walked on the bridge outside Moscow International, a suspicious looking man walked towards him. He wanted to be noticed. Took his code name while walking past. And handed him an envelope. Felt like a gun. Upon opening, also had an address on it.

But where was his private line. There was none at home too. This had been too long. And once again, the intuition, this townhouse, there's something wrong. It's not in among residences to go unsuspected, but more isolated than usual.

Without a second's delay, he slipped out. The isolation and the woods around worked to his advantage. Maybe he was being paranoid, but his experience had taught him to trust his intuition more than any logic. He knew he couldn't go farther until darkness if what he feared was true.

And true it was, by nightfall the building got surrounded by men dressed in dark camouflage. He continued to watch from a safe distance. It dawned to him clearly now. He had been duped, by a mole in the org. The intent to wipe him out, to avenge soemething perhaps. For he had nothing to hide. All he knew were in the safety box from where the org could retrieve it.

A letter-head was stolen, to get him here, an enemy country. No other instructions were to be given anyways, for he was to be dead tonight. The gun was fake obviously, given to him so he feels protected and doesn't feel the need to slip out at the sound of people surrounding the townhome.

And then the shootout began, and Sam the Spy used the din to make easy his escape....

Urmila Matondkar

Filmgoers will perhaps know Urmila Matondkar only for Rangeela. Where she displayed considerable oomph. But you see, she needed that break, and I'm not saying in the sense that the role was regretful. Indeed, the film was centered around her, and gave her a lot of room to showcase her talent. Rangeela also gave Urmila the much needed "break". Although she was already a veteran in acting by then, believe it or not.

Urmila made her debut as a child artiste in Masoom. And even right then, you can see her body techniques, a kind of stiff but methodical style of acting and body language. It was just the nature of her acting skill, nothing you can do about. Which is perhaps why she sometimes comes out as fake in her expressions and emotions. But actually, she's pushed the boundaries by playing every kind of role out there, almost preferring roles with shades of grey. If you see her dance style, be it in movies or film awards, the stickling to method than grace is seen, but then, that's her!

Urmila's phase as a struggling heroine is seen in TV serials, and even "Chamatkar" with Shah Rukh Khan, when he was a struggling actor himself. She looked chubby and did a complete makeover in looks by Rangeela, recognizing the platform and the need of the role, and has hung on to those looks since then.

To her credit also, Urmila did not stick to Rangeela kind of roles, although she must've agreed to her mentor Ram Gopal Verma, to do the forgettable "Daud". Many of her roles, the crest of which was the award-winning performance in "Bhoot", were very difficult to perform.

Someone has once said I'm the first die-hard Urmila fan they've seen. But the fact is, I actually find Urmila's performances remarkable, and am not a fan due to her looks or ooze.

She seems to have taken a slow approach to career now, choosing roles and public performances selectively. I guess she has reached that stage. Hats off, and wish her an even more fulfilling career ahead!

This world is real, but not the truth

This world is real, there is no denying that. Anyone wanting to draw people to inquire further within themselves, cannot start by telling them that this world they lived by all along, the giver of all his experiences, is in itself false.

Nature, the world, this universe follows the cycle of Karma. If this world didn't even exist, there would have not been any compulsions towards following the laws. The message actually to be conveyed is, that's it's not just this. This world is not everything. The external experiences are not everything. There is a Truth. Which is what each of us, in our inner selves, strives to pursue.

There is a Truth about creation, about who we are. We are not just this body, and this is not our only life. All the hoopla about we all live just once is wrong. It draws us towards animalistic tendencies, and we suffer. The freedom, the realization of truth, the accomplishment of life, lies in pursuing this truth. And it does not exist in the external world. Inquire Within!

Narasimham series Part 5: Where it all begins

Part 4 | As darkness grew, his vision did not dim. How was he able to see this clearly in the dark with human eyes. Why were his legs not tired sprinting this fast. Till when will the heart sustain this high heart rate. And why, why amidst all this, is the mind without fear or concern.

He realized something. He was now just the Witness. Firmly established in his Self. Both the body, and mind, were taken over, by Narasimham himself. But why this conviction that it's Narasimham possessing him. Why doesn't any other Deity's name come to mind. It's only the mind that can carry impressions. And since the mind's no longer mind, it has to be coming from I, the All-knowing Self.

He was now running up a mountain. And once at the top, he could see something magnificant, yet oddly familiar. A huge palace lit up at the other side of the mountain. Glowing as if stars each with the brightness of the sun, within four walls.

He let out a loud roar, which even shocked him!! This, he knew, is where it all begins! | Part 6

That austerity not richness

Austerity and Richness are not two things..perhaps they are hand-in-hand...it's how each is perceived is what differs.

Almost every major religion in the world lays a premium on Austerity. It's a way you carry yourself. Simple wants. That does not mean the exemplars of these religions are in poverty. You might see grand luxury around them, but a total indifference to it in the hearts of these true practitioners. And a complete sense of satisfaction beaming in the aura around them.

True Richness is thus not to be confused with luxury. It's real existence lies in the heart. It's greatest symbolism is when a half-smile always graces our face. It's greatest feeling is a sense of Bliss felt within us.

It is not earned by ignorance to the world around. For that, although of immediate disturbance to this feeling, will leave us with a feeling of regret in the depth of our hearts. Rather it lies in a sense of Service. And dedicating every effort and every circumstance as an offering or blessing respectively of a higher power. Which also does not mean we lose our sense of balance. Every human knows when he's played his part. There is only so much that we are meant to do. Life is truly democratic. Every person, like a vote, matters. Each of us can do only as much as one person can. Be at Peace and dedicate it to Lord, the Benevolent you gave us this opportunity to be a medium for good!

What is our Identity, our Purpose

Our identity is one, that we all are One
Oneness of creation, just manifested different
Realize at one level, you are looking at this
You stand aside and you, are going through this

Our purpose is one, to reach back that One
That is the aspiration, our one final goal
That is the thirst, we try to quench in here
Realize that aim, will be fulfilled one day
So why not start, that journey within?

Alone, or Not..

Alone you think, you walk in this world
It's a perception reached, at half-walked journey
No attachments, no possessions, no one belongs to you

But walk a bit further, and you will see
That actually they all, belong to you
And not just humans, but every element around
And not just around, every element within

For you are in them, the same Essence Supreme
Every creation is manifest, a limited version
Go within to realize, your very true Self
And come out then to visualize, a whole new Life

Dear 2-wheeler driver, your life is your responsibility

Driving in India is getting harder: Auto-manufacturers tap into the middle class and especially the urban generation, and wean them away from public transport. While the erstwhile inefficient, indifferent public transport system catches on to what's happening and tries to pull up its socks, the customer base is already gone. This in turn lends to a vicious cycle where transport, even if attempting to be efficient, is not able to get ROI.

That's one end of the spectrum of discussion. The other outcome of this issue is this: We have a plethora of individual drivers on the road, increasing year on year. The road infrastructure in India is not geared to handle this. There is no more space! The result: more vehicles on the same roads. Frustrated drivers, trying to get to where they want to. It's a tempting incentive to bad driving habits, cutting other vehicles when driving, or worse, breaking traffic lights.

The vast majority in the private vehicle driving community are the two-wheeler drivers. And while they can always weave through and get ahead when everyone's stuck in a traffic light, I hardly understand why they try to cut other vehicles on the road, even when at high-speed. They literally hand over their life to the other driver, expecting them to be a defensive driver. If just one such vehicle is a driver like this two-wheeler, the person losing his life will be this two-wheeler driver, not the person behind a four-wheeler's steering wheel.

It doesn't matter then about the nitty-gritties. Whose fault, who should have been slower, did the two wheeler leave enough gap, blah blah. In most probability, your life's gone! And for sure, the person who's riding along with you, for 90% chances are, you haven't given him a helmet!!

Please think over this..I needn't preach on how to drive, and be safe...for it leads to nit-picking of the ideas suggested, or the infrastructure issues I already put the basic blam on, above.
My intent is every two-wheeler driver just think over this and take what's necessary to protect his/her life.

It's all a cycle

A woman walking into temple

Is like a Devi visiting the Goddess

Rain spraying the Earth

Is it not really, just returning home

All of nature, is reflection of itself

Just forms and cycles

And factors of time

I was here before, in different time and form

As rain water was, the vast ocean once

She is a Goddess, may not know it today

She walks into temple, to merge into One

Driving Culture of India: घुसो

If there is one word to describe the driving culture in India, there's no apt English equivalent word that comes to mind. In Hindi, it'd be घुसो (Push through is perhaps the closest meaning).

I'm so fed up with how people drive selfishly, just cutting other vehicles to get ahead. And then jamming junctions, just so that their vehicle can get out of the mess. Not realizing they just created one, and most likely, got trapped in it too!
And it's not like it's a freeway where you'll get an advantage (and mind you, even a freeway gives you just a 5-10 minute advantage of driving 10 miles above others).

So there's no real reason for not driving safe, defensive, but nobody does that. And like culture, it truly percolates. I find myself even falling for this.
Safe driving actually attracts blaring horns from other drivers, wanting to go about with their rash driving. Because they don't find you pushing ahead, doing the same.

Now go to a town, and see how driving happens there. People are more patient.
And well, even if you are in a downtown in any of the US cities, you know the rash driving I've described above.

So the real problem is not the people. The real problem is the lack of infrastructure. There is just wee little space on the two lane roads, to use after the encroachment and curb parking. People just get frustrated getting stuck, and fall for erratic driving which causes all the more problems.

I don't think anybody likes driving during commute hours. Yet they have to, because public transport infrastructure is not up to the mark or convenient. Although public transport is what makes sense, and should be viable for the levels of population here.
Yet, even though I have to commute from Sarjapur Road to Electronics City, I'll have to first walk to a bus stop for 5 minutes, then change 2-3 buses to reach work. Include waiting time, and I've taken double the duration I duration I would if driving. So why wouldn't I drive?

Though I'm all the time conscious what a cost to environment and efficiency it is, to be a single person driving in a car that can seat 4 comfortably. Each journey of 10-12km costs me Rs 65-75 (depending on the volatile petroleum price).
I'd happily pay 10% more if there were a bus that'd drop be to work.

But guess, that'll have to wait!

What be Death

Oh river, your water dissolves into the mighty ocean
Still not matter who puts a dam, you want to go to her

If death not scare, the meek against mighty
Why bravery, why not call it just course

Isn't death a true passing, through a door
Opening to another dimension

Isn't Vishnu, Shiva, Devi Sharada
All around me, just in different context

They stay hidden, because eyes can't see
For laid the rules, and through them justice

So there is indeed, no need for devotion
None but the, necessity to be free

The Dollar will Stay, due to...Immigration

America will continue to remain the most vibrant, and developed country in the world. Not because of the Dollar, or oil reserves or work ethic, but simply because of its openness to immigration, as a culture!

The only land which prides on being the land of immigrants. Where most of whom I've known were first or second generation immigrants. People eye it with jealousy, say it's on the way down due to lack of "morality". But I have seen, the prominence given to family, and community. The pride for religion, and tolerance to others'. Yes, there are the extremes, but that's true for every country. I've seen the respect being given to people or visitors from other countries. I was most touched when my father got a "Namaste" from an ordinary American, in the DC area.

So much pride is placed on liberty, that at times where the line needs to be drawn, is very difficult. That was the conundrum with LGBT rights, and currently with gun control. But through all the debates, as there should be, we can still see the country going in the correct direction.

It is this openness that attracts the best talent. Success will inevitably follow. And the currency will stay strong as long as innovation will keep happening.

Innovation cannot happen in a unilateral culture. It needs a cross-pollination of ideas. And the root has to take place in the upbringing, which currently only America offers. Where one grows up to know there are people of various races and faiths, and they are all good. We just have to be willing to listen, accept, and at times, just let be.

So the universities come up with most research papers, or companies come up with the best inventions or sciences come up with the best discoveries, not because of the dollar investment. But because of the talent attraction. The dollar value is but a byproduct of these outputs.

The hesitation the best talent faces before choosing to immigrate is departing from ones culture. It'll be a few generations more before faiths like Hinduism and Sikhism, and longer even for Islam, to feel at home in America. And this is the opportunity for other countries in the world, to take note, and take steps to retain their best.

India perhaps has the best chance, because it has an equally strong if not more representative democracy. Our foundations are strong in the acceptance of other religions. But riots do happen, and so too are we more narrow to personal choice. The neighbors opinion and social acceptance matter a lot here. It'll take a few more generations to develop a "let be" culture. And this is where we need to realize where USA had a lead ahead of us. of 180 years no less. So we have to be more accepting that even this acceptance of other cultures will take its time in India.

Each individual should, in that sense, look upon himself as being the foundation father of a glorious Bharat!

I the medium

When I put ink to paper, may poetry create
When I speak and sing, may Sharada be heard
When distress arrives, may I retain the calm within

I have come here and gone, many times before
I am that conscious Self who, drives all the life force
May each step of life affirm, who I really am

The purposes get fulfilled, for why I am here
May Karmas begotten, be washed, surrendered here
May I soak in true bliss, beyond or here
And Mukti attain, for the true union

Narasimham series Part 4: The Sense of Purpose

Part 3 | He was unable to remember, his very name itself. He looked and felt like the sadhu he was. But where was he now, and what he was doing, was unbeknownst to even him. Somehow, this place, was familiar yet not the same. Why!

But there is something he felt, a sense of purpose. He had started walking fast, but it was the legs leading, not mind. There was an urge in him, to fulfill something. He was going somewhere for that; his body the medium.

The places he was walking, were all deserted. Although in specks around he could he smoke rising, like those from inhabited villages. Those paths were being avoided, but not by his conscious mind at least. He waded through a lake, which washed him of the blood stains. And as dusk gave way to night, he was only getting stronger. For some reason his legs, had now started running.

But despite all this, that he was going someplace, he realized one thing. Aah, how much peace! Just if the world realized, that to be at Ease, is not really laziness, but the very way to be. No matter what you do externally, let your inner world, your true self, be always at Ease! | Part 5

Get Along

Wars are fought, and hatred kindled
In name of religion, is mankind driven
Why not just rename, to spiritual bliss
Why don't we just, for once get along

Of all the complaints, of all this mess
It's a cycle, that never ever ends
You got hurt, and you blame me
Perhaps even knowing, I never intended to be

This world is large, throbbing with life
And its been like this, maybe forever
In a miniscule of time, and space we belong
Why matters thus, why not get along

If you throw a tomato from here, it will quelch

That's what he said, and looked at me straight. It was a threat. I'd known him long, and that didn't matter. He was most back-patting friendly when the occasion arose. And perhaps that's why I admired him. The way he was true to the moment.

He walked with a limp, but the physical limitation didn't seem to bother him. The way he said it would make any listener believe he could do it if he wanted to.

"And I'm not threatening you" he said, as if reading my thoughts, "This is to introspect on how to live life, as a ball or a tomato?" he added.

"Well that's not impossible too, reading thoughts, if only I can suspend breath a little bit". he said ironically assuring. My expression must be giving me away..Wow, who needs to read thoughts if you can read body language, I thought.

"Agree" he said. This guy knows me just too well. He knows my thought process, why'd he need to read my thoughts.

Isn't this the very reason I chose him as Guru (or was it the other way round). The very blessing I got this life. A Guru who knows and guides. Someone I could submit humbly to, to advise, and to guide.

Free the moment

It is not the end, the walk in the woods
Every cycle we trapped in, leads us back home

Every thing I learnt, was already known to Me
Each moment here, a gift of breath

I was here before, and will be here again
To remember or realize this, is true freedom

A birth now, and the way it is, a blessing
This moment a moment to strive, and grow beyond

Health is only the means to the end..

This is in continuation of my earlier article in this blog. That article attempted to assert that the goal of exercises is health, and not fitness (link).

My current article puts for the claim that even "Health", must be seen for what it is. We are not given health to protect it per se. So if you are healthy and think I should stay in a germ-free room to retain it that way, you are missing the point. You are losing out on living life, which truly, is the purpose of health.

Parents, with the protective mindset over their children, try to keep them from dirtying in the mud, or at extremes, from contact with other kids even if with runny noses. Guess what, while some might know that the physical level itself you are stifling this child's immunity. Most still do not realize that they are stealing the small pleasures from this child's life.

One has true understanding of life that health is best sustained by nature, and everything in it. The hint is from the very fact that the act of living itself sustains on a fine balance. If you don't take that next breath inside, your physical life ends. Health is given for the very purpose that you go outdoors and experience life, and contribute to it. That is in itself its best sustenance.

So to those who spend half their days counting calories, exercising, grooming, cleaning, my suggestion is, discretion. Your body is a temple keep it clean, but not to the extreme that you squeeze a sanitizer each time you pass from one room to the other. Watch what you eat, but stop counting calories. Do give in to some cravings sometimes. If you want to forego something first, start with meat!

Your goals should not be around losing weight or walking more steps this year. They will automatically happen, to optimal levels, if your goals are set higher, truly towards fulfilling the purpose of life.

Share, practice charity, serve others, make goals around ideals like these. Practices adopted around those will provide more satisfaction leading to better health. When you serve the needy, you automatically value what and how much you eat; you realize how much more of a privileged life you lead, and get more contentment.

At higher levels of maturity, when you see life for what it is, a repeating cycle, long if not endless, somewhat like the Truman Show, you will take a step back. And realize the need for higher spiritual goals.Health of the physical body (at least the sheath sustained by food) stops mattering at that point. And it takes on newer mental, spiritual meanings, and even definition!

Rainfall

Every rainfall, is witness to this
I miss, I really miss you Miss

You might think, this is nutcase case
I say it's really, my nuts and bolts

I walk behind you, I stutter standing beside
I don't know why, my heart leaps and flies

This sweet pain is something, I can feel upto lips
Will you ever, share with me, a kiss?

Why morning tea/coffee?

It's a tradition, or maybe a part of culture. But every morning, people all around the world, wake up to have a cup of tea or coffee. And funnily, just after they have brushed their teeth. And why so, only to get back some teeth stain?

Those who've researched it, know the reason. It is, at the end of the day, an addiction, because of the caffeine in it.  And many of those who've researched this even still continue to consume it. While there is freedom to choose, true freedom comes with reducing dependence correct?

I can understand someone feeling sleepy post lunch, and going for a cuppa to ensure his attention stays rapt in the subsequent meetings. But why mornings when you are supposed to have woken up fresh? Ironically, most consider this to be the exact reason why we consume tea/coffee in the mornings; to feel fresh! Well then, you have a problem at hand. Either you are not sleeping well, or not long enough. Fix that!

It's common experience that a hot cup of morning tea helps loosen the bowels, which as a practice is ideal from a health perspective. But I can assure you, the same effect can be delivered by both hot water, or even lukewarm water. It is only mental conditioning to credit a diuretic (that is, something that ironically causes your body to actually lose water) for it.

So, Think Again, and Revisit.

The magic of third gear

Some time back, I wrote about the joy of discovering the intricacies on driving with car's second gear (link). How it saved me from ceaseless gear-shifting when speeds go below 20kmph.

And now I'll say with more time behind the wheel, I've begun appreciating also the third gear!
I say the third gear is the ideal for optimal driving speed in India. The third gear too lets one start from a low speed of around 25kmph. And at least I've not seen it complaining unless the speed closes on 50kmph! Of course, the ideal range could be 30-40kmph.

On a typical drive, while I can stay at second gear on speed-breakers, I can smoothly shift to third gear when I'm around 25-30kmph. And kind of stick to this gear in city traffic. There, that's it! Between gear 2 and 3 much of my driving gets done.

I know vehicles cut you, and are trying to gain, one car at a time. Little do they realize that there are traffic lights on city roads. It's just not possible to get that far away. So why do it!
And then there are the dreaded motor-cyclists. Somebody please tell them their life is their own responsibility. They just choose to whizz past! If not for them, at least the hassle of ramming into on o them I choose not to have.

The important thing about driving in second and third gear, is to take half a clutch up, and then slowly release. Unless this is mastered, the car always throws tantrums just after gear change!

The thid gear speed also gives sufficient time to look around. If not at nature, then at address searches. As long as you are in the third grear, you can comfortably read the sign-boards and shop names, while the vehicle behdind still does not have reason to honk!

Obvious Errors

In a sea of passion, floats a world of wonder
And we are but one in many
I know not why, we think it all right
To commit all sins unforgiven

I know the rules, I feel the path
The conscience tells me so
Yet I do what others, will cheer me to
Because our world was captured by us so

To tell the truth, and do what's right
Has become a conflicting thing to
To bend the rules, and take it easy
Is what it has now come to!

Narasimham series Part 3: The Dawn of Realization

Part 2 | He could realize what is happening, but needed a witness. It took him some time, to even accept. His body was being traded, by another soul. And the other soul, happens to be Narashimha himself!

The Lord was protecting him, from those out to hunt him. He had a purpose, so the Lord would not let him perish. So whenever challenges insurmountable, were making their presence felt, he was being taken over, by a soul more adept.

But this sharing of the medium - the body that he now couldn't call his own - was coming at a price. Obviously he had no memory, of when his body was being possessed. But also he was losing his power of speech. He body felt stronger, though the human heart was beating harder. And even though it was dusk, his eyesight was sharp, but how? Somehow his physical characteristics, were being mixed up with a lion's. The realization startled him, and he rushed to the flowing river. No, he looked the same. Big relief!

But there was another thing that worried him, his overall memory itself... | Part 4

Devi

Devi graceful, who light-step treads
Into hearts and minds, of devotees
Pours nectar and peace, into restless beings
Makes true purpose shine, as crystal cleaned

Devi divine, all powers who manifests
Lord Shiva himself, whom Parashakti reflects
She represents my every, living breath
She is my very, action expressed

This Devi I bow to, I invoke her blessings
I pray she watches, my thoughts and feelings
She protects me I know, I hold tightly my mother
May she lend me the vision, I follow her path forever

I am the witness

Of late I have thought,
What good of me, but provide
What be of me, without this life
Family, job, and the daily grind

I then read that, I am not this
I am what witnesses it
What I should do is step behind
And watch if I am doing right

Am not the doer, oh not at all
But will be victim, as I direct him
If I quieten, the mind's chatter
In daily run too, will there be peace

For the year ahead

A year has ended, has arisen a new one
With hope and wonder, I look forward to this one

Lazy have I been, bound by routine
What I need really, is a desire to win

There is lots to do, and demands from many
To keep my priorities, will be the priced win

Memories of Twin Lake Towers

The beautiful apartment community Twin Lake Towers that we were once a part of had a beautiful lake, at the centre of which they have a fountain always turned on, even lit up at night. Huge green-grass ground, and baseball nets, and a pretty park. They have a small pond in the midst of the ground too, which also has a fountain and a bridge-walkway. Gives a romantic setting like watching it in a movie.

We moved here early May 2010 and lived here until 2011 Autumn sometime, and loved it for the most part. Utility bills have gone down, which is the biggest plus for me. Parents are happy that the entry-exit to the building is much more secure than Brook Hill.

We lived in both the one-bedroom and two-bedroom units of this apartment. With each we only saw distinct advantages. The only issue with the apartment itself was the geese-poop all around the trackway.

This is where we saw the World Cup Finals with friends, and had the best Indian restaurants in Westmont around the vicinity. I started going to King Car Wash and began visiting Whole Foods for organic foods on 63rd street (the apartment was on 59th street). Till date, Siam Thai was the best Thai place, which was very close, and so too Saffron Indian restaurant and the Chat place with the same name.

Upen Bhanu left for India in mid-2011 while we were here. Jyothi got pregnant. Shanthi stayed with us for some time. It was a wonderful time, in a wonderful place. It was nice.

Find the Sage Inside

When you have that compassionate smile
When you feel the pain inside
Rest assured, that he is in
Find that benevolent sage inside

When less than more is what you seek
When austerity gives you peace
Search him, for he is near
Find that content sage inside

When you do, without a gain in need
Result good or bad, you are still at ease
You are him, just realize
Find that enlightened sage inside

Narasimham series Part 2: Peace in Action

Part 1 | Compassion is common, when you have left community, ironically. He felt the oneness, the pain, of those writhing around him. His sense of calmness fast disappearing. Couldn't make up his mind, which way to go first. Some were counting, their very last breaths. Can he then, even help!

That's when he sensed,  a movement behind. He turned around  saw someone, and just then it happened. Again a blissful, lasting Samadhi. He had entered Nirvikalpa. Was it ages or a timeless moment, he couldn't tell. But when he woke up, he smelt blood.

His robes now blood red, and a shocking sight ahead. Two people bearing knives, their hearts torn out! | Part 3

Teri Yaad Mein

तुम थे तभी , तुम्हे पा ना सका
तुम्हे खो चूका, फिर क्यों ये सज़ा

ए ज़िन्दगी ऐसा क्या किया
मुझे तू ज़रा बक्श ना सका

याद में तेरी, जि रो रहा
पर  मैंने कभी ना गिला है किया

Early Morning

It was a tempting morning sun
The question was will I wake up
To the crimson clouded sky
A beauty rare to ever sight

But nah I had a late night
And a weary sleepy eye
It would be another morning
So I say to my own chagrin

Scientific Cricket Team Selection

I wonder sometimes why selectors cast aside the law of averages when selecting the team. Attitude issues and knocks under pressure (ala Azharuddin) might be the differentiator perhaps. But how much of a difference if the law of eliminations and the rigorous grinding through various leagues, from local onwards, wouldn't have taken care of these.

I feel 90% of the national team of any cricket nation would benefit from simply keeping spots open if the player doesn't make the cut after playing international competition from other nations.

I have a simple criteria when I look at Averages, Batsmen being the simplest.

One Day Internationals (ODI): Average above 40 and Strike Rate 75+
Test Matches: Average above 50 and Strike Rate 40+

That's it!

I mean, selectors make a big fuss of it, emotions (especially popularity) and lobbying playing a significant role.
And by averages above, I mean career averages. A poor run or bad form may be lived with, but if it falls below above threshold, then replace. Give the player some time off, or let him come back to form after some domestic seasons. Don't let massive egos affect team standing in the international arena.

One could ask what is the criteria to allow their debut in the international arena: Well you want to catch them young, but still after some experience. So say in one senior domestic season (played without injuries or skipping else he's not fit enough) if they play per above, give them a chance if some spots are open!

You'd also ask how long do we sustain with the person after debut, in the international arena. Again same answer, one season. And of course, he's always on the spot with sticking to those averages.

You may also question a Sachin Tendulkar with a heavy legacy might continue forever without his average falling below the threshold, even if they are in the worst form. I say that's correct, and they've earned that respect. Players of that class will not give you cause to regret, if the day they feel they are done, they'll hang their boots.

I also know that given by above criteria, a lot of greats might not have had such long careers. But then, my argument would be, their burden must have suppressed the rise of potentially greater players. That's the very thing I'm alluding to when I say selectors base their decisions on "emotional" factors than scientific.

Bowlers are the key to winning matches, although every form of the game thrives by making punching bags of them.

So selection of bowlers needs more thought. This is the criteria I came up with:

ODI: Economy Less than 4 OR (Strike rate less than 40 and Average less than 30). This is only if the bowler consistently bowls ten overs in an innings.

Tests: A bowler's not proved himself until he's taken 7 wickets in an innings and 10 wickets in a different match against a different opponent and a different country. Thereafter, he keeps his spot by keeping his Strike Rate less than 70 and Average less than 30.

For debuting and retaining the player, the same criteria as for batsmen (one year in domestic and international).

I hope this, or better thought through, but scientific methods become the norm in selection process to give more transparency to the game, and better value for money for the spectator.

Narasimham series Part 1: Woke up from slumber, Woke up to disaster

He woke up from slumber, a deep sleep he had entered. When he'd intended to just sit and meditate. But when he opened his eyes, all he saw around him was death and destruction. The tree he had sat under was in ashes, people groaning, eyeing him..was that a look seeking help or mercy.

He did not get it. He was just this bearded, ochre-robed young sadhu. A sanyasi who'd lost interest in the mundane rat-race and fallen in love with the eternal joy, pure bliss he felt within. He'd seen through the mist and risen above it.

But one look at his hands, and even he shuddered. Drenched in blood were they, and so too his feet. There was smoke and fire around, but still the calm within. What happened, what just happened here... | Part 2

Nidhi

Your body such beautiful treasure
Your name would right be Nidhi

Our union solemned altar fire
Seven stepped, garland blessed

I have loved you cushy tender
And miss those warm tight hugs

I not know if this dream or real
I do not see you now
I not know if this past or future
I do not see you now

The Youngest and the Oldest are the Closest to God

...And the younger ones, closer than the older ones. The innocence of the young reminds us of what a blissful, wishful life one could have. With no responsibilities, and be as you feel like. Express love and anger in full earnest. Cry out loud, and laugh away merrily so. The merriness in their ways is what makes them appealing to one and all.

Youth is wasted on the young, is a sane saying. For as we grow from childhood, and start "learning" to be "civilized" is when we lose touch of our true selves. Society shapes us to be what they want us to be, not what we want us to be. But the maturity to join laughter clubs comes late! That is, to laugh at oneself, to take it easy a little. To strike balance in life, and not be dogmatic about, well, really anything.

Glittery are the toothless smiles, of young and old alike.

Can we really imbibe this attitude. Can we be at peace with ourselves and the world around. Then only, verily, will toothy smiles be just as joyful to laugh along with!

Connect the Dots...

I'd once heard this remarkable speech by Steve Jobs whose basic intent was that we cannot really Connect the Dots looking forward, or know really how what we learn or experience currently will be of value in the future. We will only be able to do so looking backward, and so trust that all that experience today will make sense sometime in the future. He talks about how unplanned calligraphy classes later made their way into the first Macintosh computer. That was the first time I learnt of the philosophical side of Steve Jobs...

And it's not something we don't hear about also. Be it from religious texts or sermons or from elders when we are going through a bad phase, that it will all fall in place. Or all that happens, happens for the best. I learnt about my friend Niketan who'd unexpectedly returned from the US after quitting his job, had flown back. He and I know that it was indeed good he was here at this crucial time in India. Was it by design, Yes; but his design, No. But there is for sure someone or better put, an intelligent force above, which seems to have control over this. Across even the time and space limitations.

Albeit we get a few instances in this life to experience and trust this, we really might not find it justified or proven when we look at other peoples lives. Some people we think are suffering more than they ought too, and some people living a most privileged life without deserving it, or so we think. What we, and the people in context need to realize, that it's all been and will be accounted for. Across births. And it's not that we live an indulgent life and just take it away with a shot in the head like Hitler, and think we'll get away with it. The soul has always been the silent witness. And it'll go through the effects of our wilful actions for sure.

Putting that context to our lives, don't really think, even at the end of the life, that I didn't get my due, or I got an unfair part of it. Just lead a good life, till the very end. Like Jagadguru says, the summary of all of Adi Sankaracharya's teachings is: Do Dharmic activities; Do not do Adharmic activities.
Just repeat to yourself when you feel low: It's all been Accounted for!

And they just sat and talked

While time was running, and the days and nights flying
It seemed stood still, from where we watched the sky

And I saw through it, and ran off from which
But they, my dear friends, they just stayed and talked

And days went to months, and months into years
But whenever I passed by, they just sat and talked

I don't know if and when, they got up from those seats
If they knew that they had aged, that this life a privilege

I never asked them that, I never judged on that
For when I had to see them, I at least knew where to find them!

Why news"paper" still..

Whenever I step out early mornings, am surprised to note that news"papers" (the hard-copy) are still in circulation. We went to a friend's home who'd moved to Bangalore recently, and I noted they were signing up for not one, but multiple newspaper subscriptions. It got me thinking...

Maybe because newspapers in the US weaker on content (at least the reasonably priced ones) having an ads-to-news ratio of 10:1, and with news again largely focused on domestic sports leagues, I easily got rid of the habit of subscribing to newspaper hard-copies with a span of months there. When in India earlier (and this was the pre-smartphone era) I couldn't do without a daily dose of "The Hindu" and "The Economic Times". But in the US, WiFi was ubiquitous and I slowly started adapting to opening up news websites to read. And over time, with the advent of smartphones, to the newspaper apps, and now to news aggregator apps So the key I think is: Adapt!

Now back in India I see WiFi is equally fast and reliable, and news aggregator apps are aplenty the world over. The "Google News" App I relied on in US, is equally good here. In the sense, with sourcing content from local news and newspaper editions. It was surprising! India's come a long way in adapting to the digital era in the past decade.

So now it's time for mine and the generation after to think of weaning ourselves away from newspapers. I haven't done any research, but common-sense says that big bundle of "Times of India" which is half-filled with sleaze and gossip, and the rest mainly in ads and then content, comes with an environmental cost to manufacturing it. A cost higher that if you'd have opened up their website or their app, or added them as a preferred content provider in the Google News (or any other aggregator) app.

The cycle of supply-and-demand still subsidizes the annual news"paper" subscription cost, so we don't feel the pinch in continuing to subscribe. And this in turn keeps the vicious printing cycle going.  I know some who have "Think before your print" under their email signature but don't think much about subscribing to newspapers. Reasons varying from habit to eye-strain to the smell of the newspaper to well, nostalgia.

It's time to put an end to this. For it is only we, the readers, can put an end to it. And when the solution is only more convenient that the alternative, why not!

I can understand the generation before ours will find it harder to adapt.

But for the rest of us, my slogan is: Cmon, logon!

What is my Dharma

This is a call to all those, who like me, living in today's world, have lots to do but less time for it. It's a call for especially workalcoholics. People who think since they have to provide for family, or some who think work's what they do best or enjoy most. Pause. Ask yourself the question: "What is my Dharma (duty) at this moment?"

This simple question, when asked at any moment of perplexity, has managed to open by eyes. Give me insight as to what's the best action at that moment. You must firstly, of course, know what are the things you are responsible for. As a human given this birth, you are responsible for this temple you possess, your body. Then your mind, and every aspect of it (emotions, intellect, memory) and some things there that you need to control (ego, desire, greed, envy). You then have the duty towards your parents, your teachers (need not be all your school teachers, but those who your heart says imparted you something lasting; and including those who through experiences in life have taught you). Then you have the duty towards the spouse, the child, and the various fora of society you participate in (the place you live in say the society, the city/state/country i.e. social service), and to your occupation (your job or business that earns you a living to support your family) and your talents (hobbies or interests). Well, that's a lot, and I'm not expert, I might have missed something. But really, that doesn't matter. It's up to each individual's karma. For him to assume responsibility or not.

And from this sense of responsibility, flows various other actions in life. Optimum is the key. I can exercise the whole day, but it will be at a cost, of not giving my due to the other responsibilities I shoulder. Once this priority is set, it's also easier to manage time. Hygiene, optimal health (what's really needed to maintain it, including optimum diet and exercise), time and care for family and well-wishers, and dedication to work. And realize that automatically with this priority, many other things may fall at the bottom, with lesser time spent (wasted?) on them.

As we get better, we begin to make better decisions at a moment's notice. For example, as we all do, when we get a phone call. Whether to pick it up or not. What should I be doing now. Does my family need me at this moment. Have I given them my due, or is it the most relevant time now to give them time. Or haven't I done justice to work yet, and will plan to make up for this.

Also, we make more prudent decisions. Along with the priority, I'm talking about the ethical nature of it. Am I lying (tainting my soul and hurting someone else for personal benefit), or am I hurting the environment with this. Not every decision can be perfect, but let's do our best.

The most important thing is to dedicate every action to God. To lose attachment to any outcome. To thus award oneself forever bliss of existing (just being), and the process (with an attitude of devotion and inner peace, no matter what).

Wear your helmets

It is a very simple matter. A seemingly most obvious thing. But yet we see ourselves and those around not implementing it. The easy part of wearing the helmet when driving or ferrying someone on a two wheeler.

I'm not sure why it takes legislation. It's a striking matter that following this requires enforcement. I'm sure there must be even some pressure / lobbying against further policying on this. Which is why even in metros like Bangalore I see the driver putting on his helmet (because the traffic cops do a good job) but never bothering about the passenger they pillion.

This is not a question of driving skills. No, I'm not questioning skill, care while driving or experience. It's the simple fact that an accident is just that, an accident, a happening. And there is an equal if not higher chance of it happening due to external factors beyond your control. It might be purely the other driver's fault. Or bad roads or natural causes like poor visibility or rainy weather. But who loses, in the absence of the helmet!

It's a different matter that in my opinion Indian driving standards and traffic congestion are not even the place for two wheelers. But this is the bare minimum a two wheeler driver should ensure before he/she takes himself and someone along for a ride.

It was a heartening sight recently though to see a mother who was taking her kid along (who was standing in the front space of the scooty)making sure the kid had small helmet on. I've seen them going thus multiple times now.

I feel admiration but ask myself why. Isn't it that obvious!

The Goal of Exercise is Health, not Fitness

I see a lot of people putting a lot of effort into fitness. Body-building, running, ab exercises, those in effect to stay in shape. But these people forget the very reason why exercise is prescribed. A recent article of a youngster who collapsed running a half-marathon pressed me to write this today.

The Goal of Exercise is to stay healthy. At the very basic level, this is the fact. Staying in shape, or being lean or having muscles, are not really the goal; rather a distraction. If they happen, let them, but really, it doesn't matter.

At the next level, we'll get to introspect that even health is not an aim or end in itself. It's just the means to an end, and even the healthiest person, can die in a road accident! But let's delve into that later..

Ever since man walked out of the forest, his primary strength is his intelligence. Although he can, he's never required to build muscle. It really plays little role towards the goal of life. Of course, if your Dharma as  a soldier and sportsperson warrants these attributes, you need to do it as duty. But where your prescribed Dharma has turned out to be some other task, there rather focus on that task than the exercise itself.

More often than not, effort and time spent in exercise steals time away from your Dharma. It injures you, as any bodily regimen is bound to, and where you cannot maintain regular effort, it steals that "shape" with double the vigor. Instead, if you realize that the goal of exercise is to keep you healthy and not fit, then you will automatically look for exercises to maintain body flexible, breath calm, and mind at peace; rather than focusing on muscle toning or stamina building.

Meditation, Pranayama and Hatha-Yoga in that order are all the threefold "exercise" you need. And most importantly, they aid rather than come in the way of our daily Dharma. This they do by the added benefit of promoting inner health and  keeping you stress-free, sharper and more flexible/balanced.

Baby Kangaroo and Big Giraffe - 1

Once there was a Baby Kangaroo, one who walked past a Big Giraffe. Each had their unique gifts, different from most nature. The admiration was but mutual, and only difference was their age.

So this Kangaroo was a child, curious with lots of questions. And the Giraffe was wise, his mature stature even exceeded his height.

So this Kangaroo asked Giraffe: Why are fish so small, when they eat what we do.
The Giraffe smile and replied: Because they eat small as their size, you what you can hop on to, and I the way big trees!!

And the Kangaroo said: Just one more question.
For the Giraffe was about to sleep.
Kangaroo: How do I know what time of day
Giraffe: When Sun rises it's morning, when it's up high noon, and when it's setting it's evening. When no sun it is night! It's just that baby Kanga, we adults make it complex!!

Austerity

Woke up bathed in the sun, the time had past 9
Where was I in sleep, was it Sringeri or in bliss

There were many people I met, some family some friends
Do not know but that one, whom I befriended at once

He was tied up by the customs, some embraced and some thrust
I know not if he knew that, this was to be this life

In the rigor path that austere, what is gained and what lost
One learns much but still, remains innocent and untouched

The gains and loss are after, this life was just be shed
In Service and Sacrifice, giving away He earned most