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.