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.

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...

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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

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


__._,_.___

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...

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...

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...

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