Tuesday, December 30, 2008



Nothing like Music for relaxing...It is a form of meditation...and when you have chanting along with great instruments, the effect is heavenly...top that with a beautiful garden and great hosts like Avanti and Yash Birla!

All I can say is: Thankyou God!
Do read, Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Mantras/aum_and_chakras.htm

Sunday, December 28, 2008


Taking a cue from Street plays to give a message, Aarti and Sapna exposed idiosyncracies that women indulge in...Which better way to learn than to laugh at yourself? And it is working...Note an audience member wiping sweat from her chin and another ducking behind her...I must say that some women have got the message and have made an effort to stop silly behaviour :)
I must also state that it can be called a women's effort for peace in a funny manner...

Friday, December 26, 2008



Above, I spoke to a packed audience of about 200 women from 'Ruchika'at the IMC (Indian Merchant Chamber) I said that from/in the present conditions, one does not know what the truth is. We are confused with what the politicians say...(You can hear me say this, since it is a short video)...Our neighbour politicians are confusing us...However we know one truth and that is the truth of our heart...a woman's heart, a compassionate heart which wants peace for ourselves family and children...But we must speak what we feel...We must exercise our voice to say what we think.We may be wrong but we may arrive to some conclusion by intelligent constructive discussion..The 'blue blooded German Aryans' kept quiet and so many Jews were killed...Religions are being misinterpreted,and so many innocent lives are lost... let us understand the true message of the great ones that walked the earth...
Let us teach the 'truth' to our children...Let the good people unite...Let our voice be heard!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Revisited the Taj Mahal Bombay after the dastardly attacks of people who have been taught that if they kill (the innocents), they will get a place in Heaven...

Alongside The Tree of Life at the Taj Bombay. A plaque states 'They live on Forever...It has the names who laid down their lives on the fateful day on 26th Nov 08...Was it for us citizens to wake up to do 'something' about our destiny? With the games that politicians continue to play, who knows? Only God does! All I know is that we must continue to look deep into our hearts and do/say what we need to!


Alongside Me, in front of the Tree of Life...
I have such great memories of the Taj...My wedding reception in 1965 took place in the ballroom...My son and daughter got married there...We have celebrated occassions...at the Zodiac Grill, the Golden Dragon...As I made my way to the Taj, less than a month after the attack, these thoughts raced through me...It was dark and the Gateway was not lit...We had to make a round circle from behind, alongside and left...to reach the main door. The bag went through an X Ray machine and I walked through a metal detector. Xmas trees twinkled. In the lobby Carol songs were being sung...The staff was very courteous and when I asked if I could take a picture, they sad 'Yes' Sorry friends I really could not smile at the camera, but I could pray for the departed and those left behind who are trying to make sense to what has transpired...Maybe we cannot see the whole picture, but we will one day...As Shree Sai Baba has said, we need to have 'Shraddha and Saburi'(Faith and Patience)
Merry Christmas!
Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/books/kids_kahaani/Festivals/Merry_christmas.htm

http://www.dalsabzi.com/Language_Festivals/divine_births.htm

Tuesday, December 23, 2008


Alongside, Gerson da Cunha and some attendees.

Sonal Sheth, Trustee WMPP (Women's Movement for Peace and Prosperity) and a concerned citizen had a get-together in her home to initiate an action plan for more effective governance under the banner: 'Citizens take Charge'
Meeting was addressed by Gerson da Cunha.

The most important thing that I personally want to urge you to do is 'TO VOTE'
Politicians act, (sadly) only when they realize that there is an existent sizeable vote bank...One of the attendees shared, that once she had chided a politician: "Why should I vote for you? What have you done? The politician, shockingly brushed her aside stating that her area/ward was not important and as the amount of people who voted was not sizeable!

Interesting observation: Seats are won by Cash, Caste and Crime!

I contributed: We are talking about a lot of things that we must do. I would like to remind you of what we must not do:
1) We must not forget what happened on the 26th of Nov
2) Not to indulge in hate/divisive talk
3) There are so many citizen groups that are springing up to fight terror/bring about a better India...We must not in-fight but support one another since the aim is common...
Jai Hind!

Saturday, December 20, 2008



During these troubled times, I like to hold on to my faith by reading about the miracles that have happened in my life.Hope is:
Every night we go to bed we have no assurance to get up alive in the next morning.

But still we have plans for the coming day....


If you would like to read about them, Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/books/Miracles/miracles_by_shakun_kimatrai.htm

Wednesday, December 17, 2008



Alongside: Ms Malika Oberoi, Trustee of WMPP has been given the position of Chairperson to Jan Shikshan Sansthan Sponsored by Ministry of HRD, Government of India...Earlier the Chairperson was Ms Bilkis Latif.
We are so proud of her...Here, celebrating with a 'sweet thing in life'...a cake.



...And during these stressful times, spend time with friends who care...I promise you will feel better...I was feeling a little down...my health...nothing serious...cd have stayed in bed, but pulled myself and went to watch a movie...Rab ne banaayee jodee...Some people hv cricised it by saying it makes little sense...but I enjoyed it...maybe because i did not really hv to use my brain and I understood the underlying message...The point is I forgot how ill I was feeling before going...Good friends do the same for you...and you can also do it for them!
Alongside, Aarti, Rita, Varuna Asha...

...and Maya Shahani, my friend, Chairperson Emeritus of WMPP writes to me:
Dear Shakun,

Since you have been asking us to keep you updated on our activities, here is some bragging :-) As you know, I was recently invited for the Clinton Global Initiative. SAGE was one of the nominated causes at CGI for doing exceptionally good work. I was asked to come on stage and they announced what we were doing. After that I was amongst the chosen few to have a photograph taken with Bill Clinton. I was the only one he hugged !!! I believe Monica was the only other person he hugged in public when she was waiting to be intoduced to him :-D When we meet in person I'll tell you what I said to him which made him hug me spontaneously.

You must click on the link sent below by Pece Gorgievski to see the enormity of operations to be undertaken by the SAGE team. Being associated with the CGI has given us a very big global platform to attract more and more people to help us in doing good work
With love,
Maya


Dear Maya,
This is an FYI message - Today, we have added our webpage for "Global Shipment", and from here, we are commencing with our marketing.
http://www.globaldialoguefoundation.com/global_shipment.html
Lots of love,
Pece

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

I got this as a fwd...


A man, whose family was German aristocracy prior to World War II, owned a number of large industries and estates. When asked how many German people were true Nazis, the answer he gave can guide our attitude toward fanaticism. 'Very few people were true Nazis,' he said, 'but many enjoyed the return of German pride, and many more were too busy to care. I was one of those who just thought the Nazis were a bunch of fools. So, the majority just sat back and let it all happen. Then, before we knew it, they owned us, and we had lost control, and the end of the world had come. M y family lost everything. I ended up in a concentration camp and the Allies destroyed my factories.'


The fact is that the fanatics rule Islam at this moment in history. It is the fanatics who march. It is the fanatics who wage any one of 50 shooting wars worldwide...
The hard quantifiable fact is that the peaceful majority, the 'silent majority,' is cowed and extraneous.
Communist Russia was comprised of Russians who just wanted to live in peace, yet the Russian Communists were responsible for the murder of about 20 million people. The peaceful majority were irrelevant.
China 's huge population was peaceful as well, but Chinese Communists managed to kill a staggering 70 million people.
The average Japanese individual prior to World War II was not a warmongering sadist. Yet, Japan murdered and slaughtered its way across South East Asia in an orgy of killing that included the systematic murder of 12 million Chinese civilians; most killed by sword, shovel, and bayonet.
And, who can forget Rwanda , which collapsed into butchery. Could it not be said that the majority of Rwandans were 'peace loving'?
History lessons are often incredibly simple and blunt, yet for all our posers of reason we often miss the most basic and uncomplicated of points: Peace-loving Muslims have been made irrelevant by their silence.
Peace-loving Muslims will become our enemy if they don't speak up, because like my friend from Germany , they will awaken one day and find that the fanatics own them, and the end of their world will have begun...
As for us who watch it all unfold, we must pay attention to the only group that counts; the fanatics who threaten our way of life.
Lastly, anyone who doubts that the issue is serious and just deletes this email without sending it on, is contributing to the passiveness that allows the problems to expand. So, extend yourself a bit and send this on and on and on! Let us hope that thousands, worldwide, read this and think about it, and send it on - before it's too late.
Emanuel Tanay, M .D.

Sunday, December 14, 2008





We celebrated Geeta jayanti At Hundalani Temple, Little Gibbs Road, by chanting the 12th Chapter and the choicest verses...Alongside, some of the girls who attended...
Geeta Jayanti is the anniversary of the day, when the Divine Song (Bhagavad Geeta) was sung.
On this day Shri Krishna spoke to Arjuna, on the battlefield in Kurukshetra.

I have read: "The one who takes a dip in the Ganges is liberated. The one who lives according to the Gita can liberate others."

Ideally one should recite the whole scripture on Geeta Jayanti, but if it is not possible because of the fast paced times that we live in, will you at least click on these links?

http://www.dalsabzi.com/Wisdom_Script/two_geeta_verses.htm


http://www.dalsabzi.com/Message/krishna1.htm
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Articles/kurukshetra.htm

Saturday, December 13, 2008

I received this in an email fwd
The differences baffle me...

Very Interesting facts!

Christianity ….One Christ, One Bible Religion…

You know the Latin Catholic will not enter Syrian Catholic Church.

These two will not enter Marthoma Church.

These three will not enter Pentecost Church.

These four will not enter Salvation Army Church.

These five will not enter Seventh Day Adventist Church.

These six will not enter Orthodox Church.

These seven will not enter Jacobite church.

Like this there are 146 castes in Kerala alone for Christianity,

each will never share their churches for fellow Christians..!

Wonderful..! One Christ, One Bible, One Jehova....
What a unity!


Now Muslims..! One Allah, One Quran, One Nebi....! Great unity!
Among Muslims, Shia and Sunni kill each other in all the Muslim countries.

The religious riot in most Muslim countries is always between these two sects.

The Shia will not go to Sunni Mosque.

These two will not go to Ahamadiya Mosque.

These three will not go to Sufi Mosque.

These four will not go to Mujahiddin mosque.

Like this it appears there are 13 castes in Muslims.
Killing / bombing/conquering/ massacring/. .. each other !

The American attack to the Muslim land of Iraq is fully supported by all the Muslim countries surrounding Iraq!

One Allah, One Quran, One Nebi....! Great unity !

Hindus - 1,280 Religious Books, 10,000 Commentaries,
more than one lakh sub-commentaries for these foundation books, 330 million gods, variety of Aacharas, thousands of Rishies, hundreds of languages...

still everyone goes to the SAME TEMPLE ...

whether unity is for Hindus or in others…?
Hindus never quarreled each other for the last ten thousand years in the name of religion. Only Politicians had tried to divide and rule… Keep Religion out of Politics and India will be the most peaceful place on earth.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Yesterday my brother-in-law Dr G.Vee passed on. He was my nanand's (Husband's sister's husband) When a person is ailing for a while and he passes on, he does leave a vacuum, but then I think, that if you really love them, you have to have a certain amount of peace in your heart, knowing that he/she has been released from further pain and the fact that we shall meet again! No one will live here forever.
I read an article...Osho says since you are certain about 'death' and now all the more because of the terrorist attacks, not knowing who the next victim will be...Celebrate your life! Celebrate your relationships. Don't die until you have put a soothing balm to all your misunderstandings (If you cannot then be satisfied that 'you have done your best)
I went yesterday to Chandan wadi (Where cremations take place) for the first time...What can I say...Where goes the ego attachments properties ? Akele aaye Akele jaanaa

And to the terrorists, something that came to me via the Internet...Have edited it:

Terrorists, this is addressed to you!
In 60 blood-soaked hours, you have achieved what we as a nation haven't achieved in 60 years of independence.

Today, we want answers.

Today, we won't lie back and wait for someone else to do the job.

Today, we won't be lulled into inaction by glib talks and subterfuge.

Today we won't say "chalta hai"

Today we won't vote for goons.

Today we will not accept religion or caste or creed, just nationality.



In 60 horrifyingly sickening hours, you have awoken a giant that lay asleep for 60 years of sovereignty.

Every Indian will now walk together.

Every Indian will now value his vote.

Every Indian will now demand accountability.

Every Indian will now see through lies and deceit.

Every Indian will now demand explanations.

Every Indian will now stand up to be counted.


In 60 gruesome, murderous hours you've instilled a pride in us that we couldn't instill in 60 years of liberty.

You have left behind a reminder that we the people can make a difference.

You have left behind a reason to unite rather than divide.

You have left behind a nation with sheer will & intent.

You have left behind a spirit that dances to a new beat.

You have left behind a billion renewed patriotic hearts.

You have left behind a voice that will be heard.

Monday, December 08, 2008

Just wondering...
Islam ruled for so many hundreds of years and while the wrong interpretation of Islam was being taught, they allowed it to happen...Why? Maybe because they were the ruling party...Today we Hindus are in the majority...and people are using religion to spread hatred for the minority...Ar'nt these Hindus making the same mistake?
You want to spread Hatred...I feel don't! Hate terrorism
But if you must spread hatred do it under a Political party...and get your votes :( not under a Hindu banner...Our Hindu Gods do not require your fight...We Hindus have survived and respected all religions and prophets...Leave it that way...
I was just reading that in order to brain wash people and do it effectively you must add 'religion' The words of Jesus come to my mind: 'You have converted my father's house into a den of thieves'
A sore throat


One teaspoon of coarsely powdered cinnamon, boiled in a glass of water with a pinch of pepper powder, and two teaspoons of honey can be taken as a medicine in the treatment of sore throat. Two or three drops of cinnamon oil, mixed with a teaspoon of honey, also give immense relief
Two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds should be put in a litre of cold water and allowed to simmer for half an hour over a low flame. This should then be allowed to cool to a bearable temperature, strained, and then used entirely as a gargle.
Water boiled with basil leaves should be taken as a drink, and also used as a gargle to relieve a sore throat.
Courtesy Bombay Times

Sunday, December 07, 2008

Either you are 'spiritual' or 'political'.
If you are instilling hatred in other's minds you are 'political'
If you are spiritual you will try and understand the situation and turn anger into a positive action to bring about change. That 'change' could be without or within!

Saturday, December 06, 2008

This attack in mumbai is a wake up call for us. we need to really start focusing on what is important if we want to build our beautiful home ie India.
Obviously terrorists want to scare our business leaders...
Muslims have treated women NOT in the way the Quraan intended. That means half of their population, that much mind power is lost, not contribute something to life.
This may be one of the reasons why their economic status is not up to the mark...Amongst other communities the couple earns...So maybe they should start taking a step in the right direction by giving their women a voice...and since women have less of an ego and more of compassion, the peace process may speed up.
We all must realise that human being are evolving, our consciousness is evolving. our need is changing. We are becoming more and more spiritual and less and less religious. Nothing in the world can stop this process.

A hindu is not afraid of death.
In true understanding of Hinduism, death is like a 'changing of clothes', and life too - is a Leela (a Stage, play)
Sadly masses in india have been cut off from true Hindusim. 90 % of hindu in india don't' even know what true Hinduism is. We need to work on this front very seriously. If we want to restore real dharma in india, the sacred land of Krishna & Rama.

We really need to take a closer look at this devil called fear, particularly fear of death. They say 'courage is the ability to face fear or pain, confront it and do the right thing anyway.''
Let terrorists come and kill few hundred more of us. Only this time we should be ready and jump at his throat too, like a hungry lion, before he pushes the button. Catch him alive and hand him over to army, then he will realise what kind of heaven he is in. We must promote 2 things in india - inner wealth that come with sadhana ie true spirituality. and outer wealth that is good standard of living for every one.
We should stop wasting our time, attention and energy on any other topic.
Netas can't solve all our problems. People like you and me, when we join hands, can perform miracles.
The above piece I received from the Internet. I have edited the piece.


I have an active website in which I have tried to explain the tenets of Hinduism in the easiest way possible. Click:
www.dalsabzi.com

Friday, December 05, 2008



Alongside with a group of youngsters near the Gateway. The T shirts say: Enough is enough!

After sitting at home and watching tv...I felt I needed to do something. There were mixed reports about the Citizen candle get-together that was to be held at the Gateway of India. Some said it may be a ploy for terrorists to attack again. When I do not know what to do, I do nothing so I waited. My friend called and said if I wanted to do something that evening. That was the cue. I said yes, let us go to Leopold and Gateway.
My God, the people present at the Gateway.Over a lakh definitely. They were angry but contained.I think I may have been part of History. This kind of choice of 'removing blinkers and take action' was seen during our Independance. Today we are better equipped with computers, mobile phones... I repeat ad nauseum that this 'umang' to do something, which has to be constructive...does not die down! But it seems that, it may not! I had a Geeta class which I conduct for the young...and I said that maybe the death of so many young ones and old, was not in vain. It was a call to awaken! Dear God grant those gone, peace, those left behind strength...and the citizens a way lit up in the right direction!


Alongside: Me at the Leopold restaurant. Look under the frame. You will see the mark that the AK47 and terrorists left...chilling!
But what was heart warming was that the restaurant was full! No fear!

Like Kunal Merchant say: Even though the entire country has been victimised, the terrorists have failed because we are alive and we shall hold a kindled flame of hope. Just like it took some of the terrorists to victimise an entire country, it will take some of us to destroy their disease.

Wednesday, December 03, 2008


Alongside Parvati Baul


I feel and know that one of the ways to bring peace; is from within...If one is peaceful, one exudes peace. (Of course help others with what you can do best. Give time, money, love, touch, talk...)
I attended Ruhaniyat the 8th All India Sufi and Mystic Music Festival on the 22nd of November at the Horniman Circle Bombay.
Sufism could be a balm for the pain caused by the terrorists explained the Sufi performers...
But the singer that came closest to my heart was Parvati Baul (See picture) She reminded me of Meera with her 'one person orchestra'
Baul has several meanings like rootless, wind, mad and so on...It also means carrying a dead body; probably meaning being dead to desires, attachments, ego...
Parvati Baul, before initiation, was Mousumi Parial. She was born in Assam. She was deeply moved by the Baul tradition of unconditional love towards truth and its practices beyond religious borders. Today she is a story teller, singer, dancer rolled in one. She received valuable guidance from Shashanko Goshai (now over 100 years of age) Parvati is deep into sadhana constantly evolving, learning and maturing...
Read more about Sufism.
Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Articles/sufis_and_sufism.htm

Tuesday, December 02, 2008




I went for a walk at Priyadashini park and I saw, what you see alongside...Jupiter and Venus were so very bright that it looked like lights...and ofcourse it looks like a smiling face...I also thought to myself: Are the heavens smiling? Are they happy about the public outrage?

Divyaa Kummar says:
By the very virtue of the feel - good arising in each as we saw it...by the very virtue of each one thus emanating this passivity forward....it was grace from Self to self indeed!

And the moon is about moving forth from the past emotions
Jupiter about expanded awareness leading to expansion within and around
Venus is about coming together and love
and the first of the last month ...a new beginning
totaling to 1.12.2008=5 a period of change towards enhanced beingness

What better symbols could we have created for the shift of human consciousness at this point in time!

And nature responds
planets take their places in perfect ways
the energies of 'their' configuration enables us further


I, Shakun am thinking of taking some friends and going to Colaba and have a meal to give hounsla and business to the restaurants and vegetable/fruit vendors...Fear? you are not safe anywhere...so do your bit! whichever way you can! That I think is the need of the hour!...I will try and have lunch at Leopold and I really hope I do not get a table...because that will make me note that business is again getting back to normal! but I repeat go about your daily routine of fun also but do not forget what has happened...Let not those in power continue to take us for a ride!

Rajat writes:
That is constructive anger if there is such a thing

The people seem to be demanding explantions from their leaders in India, rather than blindly turning their fury towards Pakistan

That shows a bit of thought, rather than reacting in blind instinct

Lets hope it stays that way. Regardless of whether or not the Pakistani government was somehow involved, its obvious that the Indian intelligence services were not doing their job of protecting against just such an attack, and much of the blame has to be laid at the doors of those in power in Mumbai and New Delhi.

What do you think Shacune?

Rajat!

Dear Rajat,
I am glad also that the fury is not turned towards members of other religions...it shows a mature attitude. Physician heal thyself first! and I am glad that the authorities are going after the pakistani govt...so far the anger seems to be moving in the right direction...yet one MUST remember that we must not give in to hate, otherwise we shall be making same mistakes...we must give in to right action...Krishna is my Ishta and the Geeta is my guide!

Monday, December 01, 2008

Random thoughts this monday morning

World is angry but Bombay is livid...we must maintain that anger until it gets converted into right action...Let us go on with our life but let us not forget...The politicians are doing nothing...I personally feel that at least Bombay is running because of committed Industrialists and NGOs so then why should we pay our taxes...Industrialists spoke about not paying Advance taxes on tv yesterday...Go for your vote show your presence get your mark on your finger but do not vote... I dont know all the answers...Oh yes I am happy that this time the anger is at the politicians and not to innocent people of different caste or creed...Take care be safe think logically the worst terrorist is the one who brainwashes you to believe in only one way...If your thoughts are towards peace and love and you take the right action towards it...I think it is right...I believe in non co-operation until we see that things are moving in the right direction...Hatred of any kind is political in nature...Let us have one day a month in which to show that we citizens are united...the easiest way would be to wear a certain colour on a certain day of week/month...and have candle vigil at Gateway/Shivaji Park/ and/or any other garden around Bombay...If the media, industrialists, people opinion is together we can achieve the impossible...and nothing is impossible we just have to believe and persevere!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

My family friends at the Trident/Taj/Oberoi


Alongside my bhabhi (maternal cousin brother's wife) Jyoti Nanik and myself immediately after she was rescued from the Trident where she was in a room with her daughter for 2 stressful nights...but does she not look calm? It is because of the amount of meditation that she does and the faith that she has! She survived, 'food wise' on badaams that I had sent her for Diwali and biscuits her husband had got for her...Goes to say that one must accept with gratitude whatever gifts comes ones way...the Universe has it all planned out when it will be handy!

My son's inlaws were having dinner but were rescued before the major drama began...

My other bhabhi (paternal cousin brother's wife) Reshma Sanju Khiani was rescued...She had tremendous presence of mind...She kept shouting for help, though she was injured by sharpnels until she was rescued from the Oberoi...She had to undergo surgery, but is now stable...

My children's 2 couple friends succumbed and gave their life leaving young children and aged parents behind...My heart and prayers go out to them.

I am angry, and hurting, but shall be using that energy to pray for the departed and those left behind...then I shall help/lead a constructive campaign that halts such heinous senseless crimes!





11.45 am Thursday
Pls read on...hv updated answers to Qs...

I have lived in Mumbai for most part of my life...Experiencing the ongoing drama that is holding the whole of Bombay hostage! My heart cries...It is time that we all convert to becoming humans...to the religion of humanity....because these acts prove otherwise...Oh God! be with the people who are going through this trauma...held hostage through no fault of theirs...

Rajat writes:It is terrible what's happening in Mumbai but the cynic in me often thinks being human is our problem, not our solution. What do you think shacune?

3:51 PM
I think that the real human is buried deep deep under the mask that human are wearing...I also think that people wanting peace far outnumber the terrorists and people who want destruction...Time has come for 'good people' and peace loving individuals to unite...I am involved in Interfaith Dialogue ...but that is also too slow...We need numbers now...
Look up my website:
www.dalsabzi.com

Rajat writes:
yes, you are right, it is time we unite and got the message out..

But then again, can these humans who have such disregard for human life be reasoned with?

We're all sane here, how far gone would someone have to be to take an innocent life... Do you think spreading the word and talking logic to these kinda people will ever work – in this world, a peaceful resolution will never occur...

Shacune replies:
One does not talk to 'humans who have no regard for life' One unites with people who think alike...think peace...makes authorities accountable...Gandhi could do it...He was angry. He harnessed that anger into a constructive action...He believed an eye for an eye will make the world blind...I agree! evil unites...why cant good people? Martin Luther King's dream was fulfilled...Why will not ours? But we have to make a start...

Politicians trying to dis-unite us through caste, creed...?
Good people need to unite...wd we have been safe if only Marathi Maanoos lived in Mumbai and no help would have arrived in the form of Army NSG commandos?

Question:
Thank you for answering my questions. You said, "Good people need to unite..."

Problem is the definition of good. US is good for some terrible for others. India is good for some, bad for others.

Answer:
You are right...and right and wrong definition would take hours of philosophic discussion...but in this context 'good' is to connect for a positive purpose...for peace in a constructive manner...even though this 'action' displeases many...and to have the right intentions is 'good' according to our scriptures...Such 'good' is never 'bad' no matter the consequences...

...In the Bombay Times today...Friday
...This time, it seems, the police was not destined to win without suffering its own losses. The unrest of the world has irreversibly come home to us. And perhaps for the first time in Mumbai’s life, this is for real. This is not a sick mind planting RDX under seats in the trains, in cabs and bikes parked at public areas and places of worship, or a suicide attack against Parliament or a consulate. This is just two handsful of terrorists telling Mumbai they can rip the heart out of the city, tear its social fabric to pieces, and they’ll do it close to the police headquarters, next door to the state government’s offices, the assembly, go figure your security. It’s scary. Perhaps more so than Friday, March 12, 1993. But death is death, whether it comes Friday or Wednesday.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008



I have been hearing Brahmakumari Shivani's gyaan on Aastha at 7.10pm. I find her answers inspiring...ao when I was invited to hear her live at the Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan on the 17th Nov 2008, I went! The hall was packed...
Some points:
If you were to meet the President for a while would you leave your mobile on?
We have time for everything and everybody but no time for ourselves...
To give happiness to others we need to be happy...
Actually, I dont want happiness...I am happiness...It is not about getting happiness, it is about accessing happiness that is already there...

We want our husband, children, boss to be perfect...perfect according to our perception...So I will be happy when everything is perfect...that is not possible...actually everything is perfect...We do not see it because it is not our perception...

Instead of using anger as a weapon, use love as a motivator

Dont deal (with situations, people) HEAL!

Accept... Say it is ok
Dada Jashan Vaswani says: Say kabool
Sri Morarai Bapu says: Jab aapsey log poochhein ki aisa kyon hai...to hans ke javaab do, ki bas yoon hai...

Saturday, November 22, 2008


Every year we have a Diwali puja...There is comfort in continuity...As the children were growing up, they wanted to do different things with their friends and skip the puja...and I insisted that they attend the puja and then do what they have to do!
Somehow I feel that one of the precious memories of 'growing up' is things that you do together...That is why traditions are so important...and besides 'those who pray together and with love stay together and...their prayers are almost always answered...
To read about Diwali puja, Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Mantras/sindhi_diwali_puja_vidhee.htm



At the Diwali programme at the Times of India...I gifted the children a copy of Dadi Nani ki Kahaani and told them that they are the future leaders...they have to learn to co-exist peacefully if we need to preserve the planet...The only home we know and share!

Friday, November 21, 2008

A friend asked me for the recipe of Sindhi Vegetable Curry...Thought I shall share it with you...yummy
Ingredients(for 6 persons):

3 med. potatoes
1 carrot
10 lady fingers small and healthy
10 cluster beans (gavar)
10 french beans
3 small brinjals
1 tbsp. coriander leaves finely chopped
1 tsp. mint leaves finely chopped
1 tsp. ginger grated
5-6 green chillies
1 stalk curry leaves
1 tbsp. tamarind water(or to taste)
5-6 cocum pieces dried

2 tbs. jaggery
1 tsp. fenugreek seeds
1 tsp. cumin seeds
1 1/2 tbsp. gram or wheat flour
1/2 tsp. red chilli powder
1/2 tsp. turmeric powder
3-4 pinches asafoetida
salt to taste
1 1/2 tsp. sugar
2 tbsp. oil

Method

Soak cocum in 1/2 cup water for 20 minutes.
Scrub and wash potatoes. Chop into chunks, skin intact.
Scrape carrot quarter lengthwise, cut into 2 inch pieces.
Trim very little of ladyfinger ends, halve brinjals.
Peel and chop yam into chunks. Chop 3 green chillies fine.
Boil potatoes and yam covered, for 5-6 minutes in 2 cups water.
Clean and cut stubs of both beans chop to 2" pieces if too long.
Heat oil, add cumin & fenugreek seeds, asafoetida, allow to splutter.
Add chopped green chilli, ginger, curry leaves, stir.
Add flour, stir vigorously, add a tsp. of oil if required.
When aroma exudes, add chilli and turmeric powders.
Add 6 cups warm water.
Stir till flour liquid is smooth and boil commences.
Add all vegetables, including potato water.
Simmer for 10 minutes.
Add sugar, salt, cocum with water, whole chillies, and tamarind water and jaggery.
Boil till gravy is like dal thickness.
Garnish with mint and coriander.
Serve hot with rice.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

I received this by email...Double click on picture to be able to read details...




Beings of Light
Human Angels
During each of our journeys, there are those inevitable moments when someone comes into our life at precisely the right time and says or does precisely the right thing. Their words or actions may help us perceive ourselves more clearly, remind us that everything will turn out for the best, help us cope, or see us through difficult situations. These people are human angels – individuals designated by the universe to be of service to those in need at specific points in time. Some human angels make a commitment before their births to make a positive contribution to the world at a particular moment. Others were chosen by the universe. All human angels, however, come into our lives when we least expect them and when we can most benefit from their presence.

A few of the human angels we may encounter are in professions where helping others is an everyday occurrence. But most of them are regular people, going about their daily lives until called upon to be in the right place at the right time to bring peace, joy, help, or heal someone when they most need it. You may have met a human angel in the form of a teacher who gave you a piece of advice that touched your soul and influenced your path. The person that momentarily stopped you to say hello on the street, delaying you long enough to avoid an oncoming car or a collision, is also a human angel. They may offer nothing more than a kind word or a smile, but they will offer it when you can draw the most strength and support from their simple action.

You may be a human angel yet not know it. Your fate or intuition may guide you toward other people’s challenging or distressing situations, leading you to infer that you simply have bad luck. But recognizing yourself as a human angel can help you deal with the pain you see and understand that you are there to help and comfort others during their times of need. Human angels give of their inner light to all who need it, coming into our lives and often changing us forever. Their task has its challenges, but it is they that have the power to teach, bring us joy, and comfort us in times of despair.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Remedy
Lady Finger for Diabetes???


Note: This is a mail which I have received from a friend and do not know any one who has tried the following remedy. Though you will learn, it is not harmful...Also please do NOT STOP taking your diabetes medication while you try this...


Please note that another name for Lady Finger (Bhindi ) is " OKRA ".

Last month in one of TV program I learnt of a treatment of Sugar
(Diabetes). Since I am diabetic, I tried it and it was very useful and my
Sugar is in control now. In fact I have already reduced my medicine.

Take two pieces of Lady Finger (Bhindi) and remove/cut both ends of each
piece. Also put a small cut in the middle and put these two pieces in
glass of water. Cover the glass and keep it at room temperature during
night. Early morning, before breakfast simply remove two pieces of lady
finger (bhindi) from the glass and drink that water.

Keep doing it on daily basis.

Within two weeks, you will see remarkable results in reduction of your
SUGAR.

My sister has got rid of her diabetes. She was on Insulin for a few
years, but after taking the lady fingers every morning for a few months,
she has stopped Insulin but continues to take the lady fingers every
day. But she chops the lady fingers into fine pieces in the night, adds
the water and drinks it all up the next morning. Please. try it as it
will not do you any harm even if it does not do much good to you, but U
have to keep taking it for a few months before U see results, as most
cases might be chronic.

Saturday, November 15, 2008



I was invited as a special guest to a Diwali concert organized by mothers to whom I teach the Geeta...Look at picture below.


Teach a mother or teacher and they will teach a whole new generation, who will be the world leaders in tomorrow's world!

Friday, November 14, 2008

IT SAYS ALL I HAVE TO SAY...but do scroll down for interesting happenings!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008



A MOMENTOUS DAY
SNDT 7th to 10th November 2008

IIWA (IQRA INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S ALLIANCE) WAS LAUNCHED
Women's Movement for Peace and Prosperity supports it.
One of the purposes of IIWA is to highlight the right way to interpret the Quran.

Women believe that there has to be spiritual an material progress, empowerment an elightenment...We hope to receive not only principled but active support of every corner of the civil society in this ambitious and noble endeavour.










MY DADI NANI KI KAHAANI IN URDU WAS RELEASED BY DR ABIDULLAH GHAZI (DIRECTOR IQRA) WHO STRONGLY SUPPORTS INTER RELIGIOUS LEARNING...

To read my book in English, Click:

http://www.dalsabzi.com/books/kids_kahaani/kahaani_intro.htm
To read it in Hindi,
Click:http://www.dalsabzi.com/books/kids_kahaani/DNkk_Hindiscript.pdf







Myself, Chairperson of Women's Movement for Peace and Prosperity, speaking 'Women to Women' A message of Peace. Some of the points I touched upon:

Do not say you are just a housewife. You are a mother and as such the future and the future leaders depend on what values you instill in them.

We have only one home called Earth and if we are going to destroy it, where are we going to go? What will happen to our children?

Look around you as to what is happening to the world. Dropping bombs on the Innocent…Can any religion condone that?
Why is’nt the woman speaking out?
We cannot remain silent spectators..
Where is her voice?
Why has it been stifled?
It must speak.
She must become empowered through education, interaction in every field…
The Compassion in a woman has to be set free.
It has been encaged for too long.
That is one of the only solutions that I see to bring about peace.
Only the religion of Love and Compassion must prevail.
Gandhi said an eye for an eye will make the world blind…Many many more
Women have so much shakti.
Only one thing wrong in a woman
She does not know her own worth.
We are mothers sisters wives daughters
We understand each others pain
We are beyond Hindu Muslim Christian…

You may get the feeling I negate the role of man.
That is not the intention.
A man has enjoyed centre stage for so very long. I only ask him to sit in the audience for a while and listen to the Voice of a Woman which has been silenced for so many years…Feel the compassion and the Love that resides in our heart…and the dormant Spirit which wants to walk hand in hand with man!


...Spirituality is not about finding God, it's more about releasing the innate God (or the goodness) in you through your deeds in day to-day actions...

How do we connect?
By getting to know one another.
We will then realize that we are all the same, under the make up.
We all belong to the human race, and the planet is the only home we know and share.
I believe that if one is sincere and feels truly about something, one produces ripples, which will reach everywhere. This light can eradicate darkness.
I truly believe:
Ishwar Allah Wahguru Chaahey kaho Sri Ram
Maalik sabka ek hai, alag alag hain naam
Geeta Bible ya ho Quraan
Maalik ka hai sab mein gyaan
Sab ka maalik sadaa banaata
Sabkey bigdey kaam
Maalik sabka ek hai alag alag hain naam



Alongside Uzma Naheed, President Iqra Foundation (Asia Chapter) felicitating and welcoming Dr Tasneema Qazi (Director Iqra) a charming lovable highly knowledgeable lady. She alongside her husband works on Inter religious dialogue, Liaison of Madrasas to Modern Education.




Alongside Uzma Nahid and myself. We have been meeting for years and we interact to understand and agree to disagree. She tells me that she was inspired by the concept of 'Women's Movement for Peace and Prosperity'(She is now a trustee of WMPP)and has now formed IIWA Iqra International Women Alliance.




Brahma Kumari Neenaben, told us about the BrahmaKumari Organization. It was founded in Hyderabad Sind, now in Pakistan and is run by women.

The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University acknowledges the intrinsic goodness of all people. They teach a practical method of meditation that helps individuals understand their inner strengths and values.

Brahmakumaris are committed to spiritual growth and personal transformation, believing them essential in creating a peaceful and just world.
Neenaben guided us through a beautiful meditation and had all feeling and exuding peace!




Neenaben, Uzma Naheed, Myself, Asma Aijaz (Manager- Women Affairs)
Some interesting points:
We also had Bela Das who made some interesting points:
Amongst Chimanzzes when rivals fight, the female chimpanzee takes away the stones from the male partners and try to bring them together.

Iqra and its associates had organized a discussion on:
Quraan and Vedas...Kitnee door kitney paas?
Obseravtion: Savaal yeh naheen ki Quraan aur Veda...Kitnee door kitney paas?
But
Mussalmaan kitnee door Quraan se aur Hindu kitnee door Veda se
Last saturday the 8th Nov 2008, my friend, Vimla Patil invited me to attend Tulsi Vivaah...The couple, Krishna and Tulsi looked divine...Later she sent me this note...It is loving and lovable that you will love it!

There are many stories about the Tulsi Krishna Vivaha which is the official opening of the winter wedding season in India. After the divinities get married, others are free to tie the knot. How did Tulsi come to represent Lakshmi or Rukmini? The story goes that when Krishna had finished his Avatar Karya or the duties of his incarnation as Krishna the 8th avatar of Vishnu, the gods took him away back to his home in heaven. Rukmini and Satyabhama, his wives were devastated and missed him too much. That's when Muni Narad told them that if they could weigh Krishna against something heavier than him, he would return to them! A Tarazoo was duly set up and Krishna was made to sit in one side of it. Satyabhama, proud of her wealth and beauty, said she could easily outweigh the Lord and brought out all her gold and silver and jewels. But the Pardi would not go down - Krishna was heavier then all the treasure. That is when Rukmini plucked a sprig of a wild Tulsi plant nearby and put in into the tarazee saying "I give all my love and devotion to you with this" and the palda instantly went down. Since then Tulsi became a symbol of Rukmini or Lakshmi. Even today, when you give a gift or food with love, you complete it with a leaf of Tulsi. Even a daughter is given away to the bridegroom with a Tulsi leaf which makes the gift permanent and full hearted! Hope you enjoy this story. Love Vimla Patil

Tulsi Vivah takes place on the 12th day of Kartik, just after the Chaturmas - meaning the rain season is officially over. This year, however, Ekadashi and Dwadashi came together so it was on Saturday when u saw it. Lovely story I think that love and not ego conquers all. Vimla Patil

Sunday, November 09, 2008

An extract from the book - 'Sindhis - The scattered treasure'
Ms. Popati Hiranandani

When I entered my brother's home in Singapore, I found in his
drawing room a Cambodian painting, depicting a scene from the
Mahabharata; an oil painting of a half naked girl from the Bali
island, sculptures of a Korean bride and bridegroom; dolls showing a
Mumbassa couple in one corner, and a dancing Spanish boy and girl in
the other corner. The house was modern and complete with German
electric fittings, Chinese bells, Persian carpets and Indian
curtains.

My brother is married to a Chinese girl who follows the Buddhist
faith, dresses like a Malayan, speaks English and relishes Indian
dishes. Their children have pure Indian names (Sushma, Suvir and
Vivek), can speak English, Malay and Chinese fluently; they enjoy
Hindi movies; are fond of Sindhhi papads and relish Indian Paan.

A Chinese maid cooks Indian dishes, the Malay maid cleans and washes
and an Italian girl is the typist. His day starts with listening to
Gita-slokas in Sanskrit sung by Lata Mangeshkar, followed by Pt.
Ravi Shankar's sitar recital. When he feels tired after the day's
work, he listens to the tapes of Gazals sung by Begum Akhtar. At
another moment he switches on his favourite Sindhi songs sung by
Master Chander, reminiscent of the bygone days.

One will perhaps react to this profile of my brother as a jumble of
faiths and fashions and a pot-pourri of cultures and languages.
But these are the ways of a Sindhi - an international citizen.

Throughout the ages, Sindh was invaded by people from the northwest.
All these diverse races and religions that penetrated Sindh, were
somehow absorbed in the melting pot, and fused with the ancient
heritage of Mohenjo-Daro. Strange phases of history have gone into
the making of what is called "Sindhi Culture". The Sindhis have not
only survived the attacks but have benefited from and assimilated
all that was good in the mores of the lives of the invaders. The
Sufism of the Sindhis is a harmonious blend of the finest value of
both the Vedantic and Islamic cultures.

Non-Sindhis are amazed when they see a Sindhi Tikana (Mandir) which
has the holy Sri Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh sacred book) installed
in the middle with all the gods and deities surrounding it. All the
religious sects among Sindhis are in harmony with each other. The
Lords Krishna and Rama, Hanuman and Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma all the
deities are worshipped with equal enthusiasm in a Sindhi temple.
Devotees worship Hanuman on Tuesday, Shiva on Monday, Jhulelal on
Friday and the Goddess Kali on the Ekana days, Shri Satya Narayan on
full moon days, together with their paying homage to the sacred Sri
Guru Granth Sahib. There are no restrictions and no hard and fast
rules laid down on the basis of religion.

Many Sindhi wives do not touch a morsel of food unless they finish
their puja of their idols giving them bath and offering them dry
fruits for 'Bhog', reciting prayers either from Guru Nanak's
teachings, or from Sadhu Vaswani's Noori Granth, Satya Sai Baba,
Chinmaya Anand or Swami Shradhanand or a personal guru.

The Sindhi Brahman has also advanced with the times. In Sindh, he
used a Sindhi name to Christian a new born boy like Pamo; Dhamo,
Jhamat and Jhaman and a girl as Popati, Pevi, Menghi and Tikki on
their horoscopes; today he uses names such as Naresh, Vikram,
Prithvi, Diti and Kaushalaya or even fashionable names of movie
stars with a suffix of Kumar or Kumari.

All this may sound flippant - but it emphasises the root of the
Sindhi character. A Sindhi follows the most secular philosophy of
humanism. He never restricts himself to dogmas or rituals. The
legacy of all embracing love for mankind has made the Sindhi
cosmopolitan in his outlook and universal in his temperament. His
social structure is not ridden with prejudices of caste, colour and
creed.

There are no Shudras among the Sindhi Hindus. There is neither the
domination of the Brahmins nor the evil of untouchability. Sindhis
are known for their realistic & practical outlook. The traditional
ills of ancient India, like child marriage, cruelty to widows and
casteism are not for them.

A Gujarati will remain a Gujarati, cooking his food in the pure
Gujarati way, even after staying in Fiji Island for the whole of his
life. A Sindhi adopts an international outlook after being in a
foreign country for only a year. He will try all kinds of dishes and
flavours and yet will remain a Sindhi in his own peculiar way,
abusing in his favourite Sindhi words, enjoying typical Sindhi
dishes of Khichhri & Sayee Bhaji, Curry Chawar, Dhodho Chatni and
Kok Palo whatever and wherever he may be !

A Sindhi is a staunch Indian with a strong streak of patriotism. He
helps Subhash C. Bose in forming his Azad Hind Fauj or in
establishing Jaslok Hospital contributing crores of rupees for the
laudable cause. He invites the Indian Cricket team at a dinner party
in Montego Bay, welcomes VIP's in Hongkong, helps charitable
institutions in India and patronises Indian movies in England.
He entertains the Indian High Commissioner to a "Despedida pasta
lunch", takes keen interest in Indo-Pakistan relations, yet he tries
to do something for the welfare of the people of the land where he
settles down, contributes lavishly to the branches of Rama Krishna
Mission and extends his helping hand in all the social and
charitable institutions and organisations in India.

A Sindhi businessman thinks in English and carries on his business
with his customers in the local language whether he is in Tamil Nadu
or in Spain. He keeps his accounts in a Sindhi dialect with its
peculiar script, talks to this mother in his mother tongue and makes
it a point to see Hindustani films.

A Sindhi wife in Spain knows how to prepare the Spanish Pizza, how
to bake a Chocolate cake if she happens to be in England and learns
to toast a garlic butter bread if her husband is transferred to
Italy. A Sindhi daughter in Hongkong can stand behind the bar-
counter of her home and fix a cocktail glass for her father's guest
& can decorate the dinner table in a Chinese style if her would-be
husband is fond of the fashion. She is at ease when she is attired
in a Japanese Kimono and carries herself gracefully when she is
wearing a Chinese Samfoo. She doesn't mind putting on Minis when she
is moving near the London Tower and she feels very glad when her
photo appears showing her clad in a Kashmiri dress. She can blend
all the fashions together getting ready with a Chinese hairdo or a
French bun, Indian Bindi (Tika), Italian shoes and a Spanish dress.
I have seen Sindhi children in the Canary Islands learning Spanish
at school, speaking Sindhi at home, singing Bhajans in Hindi in the
temples and having competitions in reciting Urdu couplets at
parties. I have found people with peculiar names like Ms. Grace
Vaswani and Mr. Peter Bidichandani in Hongkong, a Ms. Maria Thadani,
Mr. Alberto Bhudwani in Spain and Ms. Siyate Daswani in Vientiane.
A Sindhi either marries by Vedic rites or the Sikh 'Anand Karaj'. He
celebrates his child's naming ceremony the 'Chatti' in a traditional
manner and yet throws cocktails and dinners to mark the occasion! He
organises shows at the club and rummy tea sessions after the
ceremonial Satya Narain Katha at his residence.

A Sindhi travels to far off lands where he gets only donkey's meat
and radish for his meal, he buys land in Canada, builds hotels at
Miami beach, deals in Japanese textiles, befriends Chinese people,
enjoys Korean girls, but is faithful to his Sindhi wife.
All through his life, he is culturally and linguistically a Sufi in
his outlook, adventurous in his travels, tactful in his trade,
social in mixing with people of different faiths and customs,
liberal in his views towards social norms, generous in giving and
tolerant towards all faiths and beliefs.

A Sindhi is a peacock minded person. Such is his life and his story.
Historians record his voyages in Babylon and Egypt, Basra and
Baghdad and his acumen in business. He is a fusion of cultures,
faiths and languages exchanging with the people their way of living
and thinking wherever he may be.

This excerpt can be found at
http://www.sindhish aan.com/newslett er/peacock. htm


__._,_.___

Saturday, November 08, 2008



A wonderful Singer from Pakistan


Times of India treated us to an enchanting night with songs sung by HariHaran under the stars at Bandra, Mumbai...Truly an Eid to remember...

Wednesday, November 05, 2008


Barrack Obama is President!
To me it shows that the world is going beyond thinking colour, minority...What specially brought tears to my eyes is to see the picture of Martin Luther King state on TV...I have a dream...and then that dream is fulfilled...It took 40 years! But for History...It is hardly time...I think it says a lot for the majority who obviosly voted him to power...The New Age people claims that we have moved to a 5th Dimension...a new way of thinking! This proves it...Obama talked of Peace and Prosperity and One world...United States where everyone has a right to live and belong and contribute...India has a lot to be proud of. Look at our Prime Minister, a Sikh, Sonia Gandhi a Roman Catholic, Present President a Hindu, but the previous one a Muslim...Let us keep the texture intact...Let us remember Tagore's words...Where every one's head is held high...Let my country awake on a morning like that...

I agree with Divyaa who writes:
Yes I was touched with

The confidence and determination and earnestness…the belief in the ‘yes we can’…

Of how positivity spreads …and in that…the old can be let go off… so easily...

Seeing so visibly… how all that is good and honest and trusting and optimistic always shines through mankind so naturally...

Monday, November 03, 2008


Alongside from right to left:
Vimla Patil, Flavia Agnes, Hafiza Golandaz, Elizabeth, Koffman, Mrunalini Deshmukh

Business and Professional Women's Association (BPWA),Bombay had organized a Panel Discussion on Women's Marital Rights at the Indian Merchants'Chamber. I met Hafiza Golandaz at a BMA meeting. Mrs. Vimla Patil was Moderator at the event.

I attended the panel discussion. It was an eye-opener.
Some points discussed:
Women commit suicide because there is no family support...
Dowry cases are less, Divorce cases are more...
Police has to be educated as to what is the law...

Women do have rights to parental property, and husband property...but if she fights both, she is left with no emotional support and courts take forever to grant justice...It is a lonely place, where a woman stands...

Saturday, November 01, 2008

Let us remove misconceptions and understand it right!
Shakun

Note from Divyaa Kummar

Some one asked me whether the highest worship is worshipping the Divine without form? Should they stop adoring and communicating with their beloved deities? Should they throw out all the symbols of personalized gods from within …and the outside …be it mantra's or their altars or visiting of temples?


My answer:


Connecting to the Divine- be it through prayer, or thoughts about, or falling in love with - can be through the personal or impersonal approach.

Neither is higher or lower if you truly know that the seemingly opposite approaches are actually one and the same!



If you truly know Consciousness as ‘One without another’…then your prayer, worship, devotion, homage and adoration can be towards its impersonal aspect or personalized forms …indeed in whatever way your current beingness beckons you! Some day’s an impersonal homage to the One Consciousness’ ‘works’ best… sometimes a more personal veneration of a deity (symbolizing an aspect of the same One Consciousness) is what draws you!



The contradiction between impersonal and personal prayer arises only when you distinguish the different deities and gods

as if the are really different from one another and/or from the Whole!

When you truly know they are all different views of the same One Consciousness

then prayer even to its different aspects-deities- is always to the Absolute that permeates them!

You then move away from this question

about which worship is higher or more correct!

You respect and appreciate both the Absolute/ One Consciousness

and

Its many expressions, aspects, facets, qualities!



You adore the One

and

fall in love with its many roles!



You communicate and share self with your deities

and

yet know this is communing with the Whole!



You are drawn to the beauteous forms and images in temples and altars within and around!

Yet you know you revel in the One Beauty!



So when you ask which is a higher worship?

It arises from distinguishing between the formless unmanifest and its manifest forms!

What is a deity after all? Who are your personalized Gods but

the One Consciousness expressed in myriad ways!

In this deep gnosis the question becomes moot.



Yes at some point one moves from solely worshipping personalized gods; one can’t help but make this inner shift!

One sees the Whole behind every aspect being revered;

One is in touch with That which permeates the various forms rather than only the forms themselves;

And in Knowing this

One doesn’t need to stop visiting temples!

One need not shun the variety of an altar!

Or the adornment of your deities!

For what one visits or decorates or adorns is truly....That!



Indeed one enjoys the Whole through its facets

And enjoys each facets as inimitable aspects of the whole

And so yes indeed, one can worship the whole through its beauteous personalized forms…why not?

After all, the Whole chose to view, adore, revel, express through these wondrous facets!

You can admire the diamond yet enjoy its twinkling facets!

You can admire a painting yet appreciate its different colors and strokes!



In the early stages personalized worship helps… because the unmanifest formless is not easy to visualize; and indeed impossible to speak about!

And the human mind cannot ‘think about’ or ‘feel for’ or 'worship' what cant be visualized or spoken about …

And only as one 'Knows'...experiences... the indescribable Absolute ....deep within,

Can one be in homage to That inexpressible …

For 'That' becomes This! Now real within you and you need not words and symbols

And worship of the Absolute ‘happens’! Indeed it moves from the seemingly impersonal to a complete self-identification.



And yet; even then the personalized gods deities & Masters cease not to exist

How can they…for they make up the indefinable whole! How can the whole be without what makes it whole?How can you not enjoy your multifaceted selves!

Indeed one enjoys them even more for That which they represent...is now so real deep within that the outer reflections are indeed basked in!



Love from my heart to yours
Divyaa Kummar
Website:www.Divyaakummar.com
Email; Divyaakummar@Divyaakummar.com

Thursday, October 30, 2008


Alongside: Usha Laxman, a wonderfully warm talented lady...incidentally married to the son of 'You said it' Laxman, Avanti Birla and myself



It was refreshing to meet Avanti Yash Birla in her beautiful home...We interviewed her for the project: Clean Vrindavan...
She spoke very well and it came directly from the heart...
She said that since she was a young teenager and stepped foot on Vrindavan. She always wanted to see it restored to its pristine pure glory...
Click:
www.cleanvrindavan.org And then I got this note via the Internet, which confirms my belief that it is not how much you have but what you are...that gives you real joy!

A Blog Posted by Singapore 's Youngest Millionaire

By Adam Khoo |

Some of you may already know that I travel around the region pretty frequently, having to visit and conduct seminars at my offices in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Suzhou (China). I am in the airport almost every other week so I get to bump into many people who have attended my seminars or have read my books.

Recently, someone came up to me on a plane to KL and looked rather shocked. He asked, 'How come a millionaire like you is travelling economy?' My reply was, 'That's why I am a millionaire.' He still looked pretty confused. This again confirms that greatest lie ever told about wealth (which I wrote about in my latest book 'Secrets of Self Made Millionaires'). Many people have been brainwashed to think that millionaires have to wear Gucci, Hugo Boss, Rolex, and sit on first class in air travel. This is why so many people never become rich because the moment that earn more money, they think that it is only natural that they spend more, putting them back to square one.

The truth is that most self-made millionaires are frugal and only spend on what is necessary and of value. That is why they are able to accumulate and multiply their wealth so much faster. Over the last 7 years, I have saved about 80% of my income while today I save only about 60% (because I have my wife, mother in law, 2 maids, 2 kids, etc. to support). Still, it is way above most people who save 10% of their income (if they are lucky). I refuse to buy a first class ticket or to buy a $300 shirt because I think that it is a complete waste of money. However, I happily pay $1,300 to send my 2-year old daughter to Julia Gabriel Speech and Drama without thinking twice.

When I joined the YEO (Young Entrepreneur's Organization) a few years back (YEO is an exclusive club open to those who are under 40 and make over $1m a year in their own business) I discovered that those who were self-made thought like me. Many of them with net worths well over $5m, travelled economy class and some even drove Toyota's and Nissans (not Audis, Mercs, BMWs).

I noticed that it was only those who never had to work hard to build their own wealth (there were also a few ministers' and tycoons' sons in the club) who spent like there was no tomorrow. Somehow, when you did not have to build everything from scratch, you do not really value money. This is precisely the reason why a family's wealth (no matter how much) rarely lasts past the third generation. Thank God my rich dad (oh no! I sound like Kiyosaki) foresaw this terrible possibility and refused to give me a cent to start my business.

Then some people ask me, 'What is the point in making so much money if you don't enjoy it?' The thing is that I don't really find happiness in buying branded clothes, jewellery or sitting first class. Even if buying something makes me happy it is only for a while, it does not last. Material happiness never lasts, it just give you a quick fix. After a while you feel lousy again and have to buy the next thing which you think will make you happy. I always think that if you need material things to make you happy, then you live a pretty sad and unfulfilled life.

Instead, what make ME happy is when I see my children laughing and playing and learning so fast. What makes me happy is when I see my companies and trainers reaching more and more people every year in so many more countries. What makes me really happy is when I read all the emails about how my books and seminars have touched and inspired someone's life. What makes me really happy is reading all your wonderful posts about how this BLOG is inspiring you. This happiness makes me feel really good for a long time, much much more than what a Rolex would do for me.

I think the point I want to put across is that happiness must come from doing your life's work (be in teaching, building homes, designing, trading, winning tournaments etc.) and the money that comes is only a by-product. If you hate what you are doing and rely on the money you earn to make you happy by buying stuff, then I think that you are living a meaningless life.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008



A Very Happy Diwali to all!
Everyone knows that during Diwali we celebrate the home-coming of Sri Ram Sita Laxman after 14 years of exile...Very few people know about Narakasura...
Read On!


When darkness of the night gives way to the new dawn on Naraka Chaturdasi, Deepavali is celebrated in South India.
What is the legend behind the Deepavali celebrations in the south? Narakasura was the son of Bhoodevi or Mother Earth and Lord Vishnu, the Protector, in his incarnation on earth as the wild boar — Varaha avatar.
Perfect lineage, one would think. But misplaced maternal affection was detrimental. Bhoodevi is believed to have asked her divine husband to make her son invincible. The busy father who had to return to the heavens to attend to his duties and an overworked mother bearing the burden of so many people tended to indulge the son more than necessary. The result? Narakasura turned out to be a demon, and along with his friend, Bana the Asura, he created a lot of trouble.
Narakasura wreaked havoc on earth. Soon his father, Vishnu, was invoked to save the people and the story is that Bhoodevi herself — in the form of Satyabhama, Krishna’s consort — had to put an end to Narakasura’s life.
Narakasura, on the one hand, symbolises power. On the other hand, he represents every one of us: a combination of the divine and the mortal. If we misuse the powers given to us, we are killing ourselves: Satyabhama killing Narakasura is symbolic of an environmental impasse, when the earth reaches the limits of endurance.
One can discern a message: Live in harmony with the environment. For when we don’t, then even the earth that harbours life might one day be forced to destroy it.
There is also the strong message that to be powerful is not enough. It has to be supported with values that sustain it. Armed with this realisation a new day, a new year is ushered in.
Festivals are primarily social events that are designed to bring people together. In India, not just stellar movements, even agrarian and seasonal activities lend themselves to festivity. Deepavali came at a time when the rainy season had given way to autumn. The traders had once again to commence their long distance travel with their entourage of scholars, holy men and their other companions from different walks of life. Therefore, a new calendar year was born. There was the need to invest in celebration of life itself and reaffirm one’s values and commitments...

Sudhamahi Reghunathan (Excerpts)

Wednesday, October 22, 2008




Attended a programme: National Knowledge Commission (3 yrs old) and heard Sam Pitroda, its Chairman speak. The programme was hosted by AIMA (All India Management Association) in collaboration with BMA...Co-sponsors, e NEXT...The Theme was 'Demography, Disparity, Developement'
at the Hotel Trident on the 13th October, 2008
The National Knowledge Commission is a high-level advisory body to the Prime Minister of India, with the objective of transforming India into a knowledge society. It covers sectors ranging from education to e-governance in the five focus areas of the knowledge paradigm.

Points discussed: We need more Nuclear Engineers...Do what you can at your level...Become active at local levels...60 million dollars are allocatedto Education? Did I hear right?..
Spend more time on local change...There isgoing to be a shortage of 20 million software engineers in a short while...


They talk about character building as a requisite to knowledge...A few of us felt that character building is connected with Spirituality (not religions, the way so many humans misunderstand it, and fight over it)...but they did not seem convinced...I personally think that the time has come to apply the true gems of every faith into our lives...and that is what will really build our character...You decide...Peace ambience is conducive to Education...

Sunday, October 19, 2008

DASSERA KIRTAN PROGRAMMES

Aarti, Asha and Geeta Hundalani are Devraani Jethaanis...Their mother in law left them a hall to use for spiritual activities and they have fulfiiled their mother in law's wishes...Alongside Aarti singing a Ram bhajan on the occassion of Dassera...Aarti is a trustee of Women's Movement for Peace and Prosperity...and boy does she do justice to her position!



Alongside Aarti myself and our Singing Group organized a Gayatri Mantra jaap at Shashi Balkishen Devidayal's residence. Shashi was the perfect hostess. She not only put out a great parsaad spread but did the bhajan with great shraddha.
May God bless all!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008



Alongside, Mr Vilasrao Deshmukh...I particularly enjoyed meeting the Guest of Honour Dr Michael Nobel Executive Chairman Nobel Charitable Trust...If you look close enough you may catch a glimpse of him in the next photograph...


I attended the Priyadarshni Academy Silver Jubilee Global Awards Function on the
19th Sept 2008, at Regal Room Trident, Mumbai
I was invited by the Academy's Gracious Chairman, Mr Nanik Rupani.
The Chief Guest was Mr. Vilasrao Deshmukh, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

Recipients of Silver Jubilee Global Awards 2008


Priyadarshni Academy’s internationally recognised Global Awards for the year 2008 honours the following eminent personalities who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.


Mr. Jim Balsillie
Co-CEO, Research In Motion Ltd.
Canada
- Harish Mahindra Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution to Innovative Leadership in Business

Dr. Rumi BeramjiOrthopaedician
India - Award for Outstanding Contribution to Medical Services

Mr. Robert HagertyChairman & CEO, Polycom, Inc.
U.S.A.
- Award for Contribution to Unified Communication and Business Innovation

Mr. Steve Killelea
Chairman, Integrated Research Ltd.
Australia
- Award for Outstanding Contribution in the Field of Social and Business Innovation

Mr. S. R. (Mac) Maharaj
Leader
South Africa
- Award for Outstanding Contribution to Human Rights

Mr. Deepak Parekh
Chairman, HDFC Ltd..
India - Award for Outstanding Contribution to Banking and Financial Services

Mr. Tulsi TantiChairman & MD, Suzlon Energy Ltd.
India - Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Wind Energy

Dr. Shashi Tharoor
Former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations
U.S.A. - Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Field of International Diplomacy

Ms. Preity ZintaFilm Actress
India - Smita Patil Memorial Award

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

HAPPY DHANTERAS AND DIWALI (Links)
On the 26th of October we celebrate Dhanteras. Do read about it, Click:

http://www.dalsabzi.com/language_festivals/dhanteras_and_diyas.htm

On the 28th of October we celebrate Diwali, Click:

http://www.dalsabzi.com/Language_Festivals/deepavali.htm

Sunday, October 12, 2008

SILVER HAIRED GOLDEN GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN (Nimu and Shantu's Party)


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Alongside, we enacted a skit written by Sapna Bharvani...Bhagal Bhaando Airlines...I am captain Pitaldas...sorry Sitaldas and my three air hostesses Tillibai, Sillybai and Billibai...

Mamma Mia, the Silver haired, Golden, Blue Band girls living it up! You are always young enough to dance!Asha,Sheila, Laju and myself...

Meenu Gidwani is not only a great singer but a good dancer...Here reminiscing on 'Bachpan ke din..."


Alongside, dancing to the tune of Kajrare Kajrare

Friday, October 10, 2008


Alongside, Malika Oberoi, Trustee of Women's Movement for Peace and Prosperity organized a bhandaara (Free Meal) for slum dwellers...The inmates love her and affectionately call her 'didi' I am not one bit surprized! Ms Maya Shahani and Sunita Godbole, both Trustees of WMPP are happy at the good work that Malika is doing...and we all support her efforts...God bless her!

Alongside Madam Annie Shekhar, MLA of Colaba Constitution. She attended the Bhandaara organized by Malika Oberoi at Lal Batti Slum