Monday, August 31, 2009




For the July meeting of Eager to B. we invited Ms Vartika to explain 'how to plan our money' One of our members asked: 'Explain us first how to get money before we plan it'
We also had Ms Deepa Kodikal to elighten us on how the Shiva Lingam is part of us and a part of existence.
The program was hosted by Ms Amla Ruia at her home.

What we learned, Ms Vartika explained:
Read your income tax balance sheet, Income tax returns...call your relationship manager in the Bank...Connect with your investment advisor...Same amount of the age of the person must be secure in fixed deposit...

Ms Deepa Kodikal explained:
The Shiva Lingam is the Unity of 2 opposite principles...Male and Female...It is a part of existence...Behind the Shiva Lingam is the entire principle of life...Before Creation of the Universe was the egg in the shape of the Lingam...

...understanding that to live in a balanced way in an unbalanced world we learned about materialism and Spirituality...What do you think?

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Once, on my flight back from Singapore, as we stood in queue for 'immigration' a young smart well dressed lady jumped the queue....I shouted across at her:
WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS? you have just returned from Singapore! Would you do it there? Why the change of behaviour in 5 short hours?

There was a stunned silence and a nod of approval from other passengers...

I got the following on the Internet by Aakar Patel...I found some parts interesting...so giving you some excerpts:

Christianity and Islam are about how to enter heaven; Hinduism is about how not to return to earth...

Hinduism recognizes that the world is irredeemable: It is what it is. Perhaps this is where the Hindu gets his world view -- which is zero-sum -- from.

Our opportunism necessarily means that we do not understand collective good. Indians will litter if they are not policed. Someone else will always pick up the rubbish we throw. Thailand's toilets are used by as many people as India's toilets are, but they are likely to be not just clean but spotless. This is because that's how the users leave them, not the cleaners.

We show the pattern of what is called a Hobbesian society: one in which there is low trust between people. This instinct of me-versus-the-world leads to irrational behaviour, demonstrated when Indians board flights. We form a mob at the entrance, and as the flight is announced, scramble for the plane even though all tickets are numbered. Airlines modify their boarding announcements for Indians taking international flights.

What explains the behaviour of Indians? What explains the anarchy of our cities? To find out, we must ask how our behaviour is different.

Some characteristics unite Indians. The most visible is our opportunism. One good way to judge a society is to see it in motion. On the road, we observe the opportunism in the behaviour of the Indian driver. Where traffic halts on one side of the road in India, motorists will encroach the oncoming side because there is space available there. If that leads to both sides being blocked, that is fine, as long as we maintain our advantage over people behind us or next to us. This is because the other man cannot be trusted to stay in his place.


To return to the question we started with: Why is Brahma not worshipped? The answer is obvious: He has nothing to offer us. What he could do for us, create the universe, he already has. There is no gain in petitioning him now!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Would you like to read a couple of books written by me?
Click:
http://issuu.com/dalsabzi.com

Monday, August 24, 2009



The charming lady you see alongside is one of the most remarkable I know.
She is Mala Daswani...I have known her since I was young...She has an uncanny sixth sense, has managed to overcome serious physical ailments and continue to smile.
I am not surprised that she has been elected President of Rotary club, Queen City Bombay. She mentioned in her speech that her pet project is empowerment of women...Maybe we shall continue to connect since I believe in the cause... Hari Ichhaa!

A reader replies:
yes shakun dear , yes im with you mala is a deserving President of Rotary , she has worked for it & sacrificed her rummy too, me 2 know her from child hood day one she came into our nani!s family we are proud of her & love her send my salute to her. you too are our precious gem of our Gita class of 21 club proud to know u & have u in our groups. love u for all d information u send us THANKU.ASHA ( POONAM)

Friday, August 21, 2009

For prevention of Swine Flu
I have just received the following on the Internet...This is only a preventive method...Please go to the doctor and follow his advice in case of symptoms of Swine Flu...However I think this preventive method is not harmful...For further enquiries do go to the jiva website...
Shakun

Follows the note from the Internet:
Here are a few preventive tips:

Prevention:

1. Chyawanprash: Take 1 teaspoonful of this Ayurvedic tonic twice daily.

2. Kwatha (Decoction): Take 5 Tulasi (basil) leaves, 4 Kali Mirch (whole black pepper) beads, 3 Laung (clove) buds and 1 teaspoonful of fresh grated Adraka (ginger). Mix them in a glass of water and boil the entire mixture until the quantity of water is halved. Filter and add a teaspoonful of honey. Your Ayurvedic decoction is ready. Take this decoction twice daily.

3. Herbs: Mix ½ to 1 teaspoonful of Sitopaladi Churna with 1 teaspoonful of honey and have it twice daily.

4. Havan: Agnihotra or Havan is a nice way of purifying the environment. Use Ayurvedic herbs such as Guggul and Havan Samagri (mixture of herbs). Burn natural incense such as Chandan (sandal), lavender and Kesar (saffron) in order to sterilise your surroundings.

5. Golden Milk: Add ¼ teaspoonful of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk. Drink it every night.

6. Avoid: For mental strength, avoid all junk foods and foods that are frozen, deep-fired or extremely sour.

7. Meditation: For spiritual power, do the Jiva Meditation on a daily basis.

8. Jivananda: Practice Jivananda lifestyle regimen regularly.

Hope the above pieces of advice will help you fight the deadly virus naturally. They can be followed even when you are continuing with modern medication.

We look forward to a healthier and happier you!

Do contact us for any questions you have.

Thanking You

Sincerely yours,
Dr. Partap Chauhan, Ayurvedacharya
www.jiva.com
Jiva Ayurveda

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Paryushana is celebrated during the month of Bhadrapada (August)
 During these days Jain devotees fast. They partake simple meals once a day. They stay away from vices and addictions.

It is a period for introspection, self- purification…
The word "Paryushan" has many meanings:
Pari+ushan=all kinds+to burn
It is to shed, burn our karmas that 12 different types of austerities are observed.
'ushan' also means to stay closer.
To stay closer to our own soul...
Pari+upshamana
upshamana=to overcome
to overcome our passions, anger, ego, desire...
Anekantvad
Jains believe that Reality has many aspects which is perceived differently by different people. The partial finding is sometimes contradictory to one another. But all points of view are real (from the perceiver's point of view)
Thus Jains established the theory of Non absolutist standpoint.
The above theory could dissolve so many conflicts as one can then 'agree to disagree'

 Paryushana is a 10 day Jain Festival.
Dasha Lakshyana in Jainism could be understood as the 10 steps to Nirvaana. These in turn could be likened to the ten modes of behavior.
Each trait is assigned one day…
What are these ten traits?
Gentleness of nature
 Righteousness
Truthfulness
Cleanliness
Moderation in all we undertake
Devotional penance, study of religious tenets
Giving away in charity
Self imposed limit for worldly possessions
Maintaining moral behavior under all circumstances.

 The last day of Paryushana is celebrated as the day of universal forgiveness.
Mahatma Gandhi said:
The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
I got the following beautiful note by email:
 Michhami Dukkaddam
On the occasion of Paryushan Parva,
we ask for forgiveness,
 if we may have hurt your feelings by thoughts, words or actions, knowingly or unknowingly. We forgive all the living beings
Khamemi Savve Jiva
We seek pardon from all the living beings
Savve Jiva Khamantu Me
We are friendly towards all the living beings
Mitti Me Savva Bhutesu
And we seek enemity with none Veram Majjham Na Kenvi And we ask for forgiveness from all Michhami Dukkaddam
 I believe in the custom of having a day for asking forgiveness, but it must come from the heart and it should not become a meaningless ritual…Amongst the Christians, confession is therapeutic and requires courage just like ‘Michhami Dukaddam does…Hindus believe that dip in the Ganges can absolve one of sins…I believe that a true repentant heart does that…anytime…anywhere…having said that, it is good to have a time and place to pour out ones heart and ask for forgiveness whether it is from an aggrieved person or from the universe…I feel one can also forgive oneself and move on…Having said that Michhami Dukaddam all you beautiful people I know!

Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Song_of_life/forgiveness.htm

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Ganpati Bappa ... Moriya
Ganesh Chaturthi falls on the 23rd of August... I have gathered so much material do look it up...

Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/ganapati-ganesh-aarti-song.htm

and do click on the links provided under above page...

...and while everyone is panicking over the swine flu and the media and pharmacies are smiling their way to the bank...Let us have a little faith...a little common sense...Try the remedy reccommended in Ayurveda...Have not really tried it...so am not sure...but I suppose that it cannot do any harm




Process to make the ayurvedic medicine to cure swine flu:-

1) 4 LTR.WATER

2) 5 TO 8 LEAVES OF TULSI.

3) 30 NO.S BELL PATRA( WHICH OFFERED TO BHAGWAN SHIV IN THE MONTH OF SHRAVAN)

4) ONE SPOON BLACK PEPPER( KALI MIRCH)


PUT THE CONTENT NO.2, 3 & 4 IN THE WATER AND BOIL IT FOR AN HOUR.

TAKE THIS LIQUID IN A CUP FOR TWO TIMES IN A DAY.

THIS MEDICINE IS EFFICIENT TO CURE THOSE WHO INFECTED BY H1-N1 AND ALSO FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO ARE IN THE PANIC OF SWINE FLUE.

THIS MEDICINE IS RECOMMEND BY PATANJALI YOG VIGYAN SANSTHA RUNNING BY SHRI.RAMDEO BABA

Sunday, August 09, 2009


Above: A Lladro Krishna and cow gifted to me on my birthday last year...Exquisite, is'nt it?
13th of August 2009 we shall celebrate the birth of Krishna once again...
Do read the following story...It is interesting and you may have not read it before...


The Panchajanya Conch
(Shankha)
Most people think of Krishna as a naughty but lovable child.

However there are many facets to Krishna’s colorful character.

He annihilated many demons and was a great ruler.

He expounded the fascinating philosophy of the Bhaagvad Geeta before the Great Battle of Mahabharata was fought.

When the great battle Mahabharata was about to be waged in Kurukshetra, a conch was blown to strike terror into the hearts of the enemy.

That conch was called the Panchajanya Conch.
Today I am going to tell you how the conch came to be known by that name.

There was once a wicked demon. His name was Panchajanya.

Panchajanya tempted the young people into performing wrong acts.

By engaging in wrong activities, the young people’s lives were ruined.

Lord Krishna’s Guru’s name was Sandipany.

The son of Sandipany had become prey to the evil acts of Panchajanya.

Krishna rescued the son of Sandipany and returned him to his parents.

From the bones of Panchajanya, Krishna carved out a conch.

When this conch was blown, it warned the evil people what fate awaited them, if they continued in their wicked activities.

When the great battle Mahabharata was about to be waged in Kurukshetra, it was the Panchajanya conch that was blown to strike terror into the hearts of the enemy.

The conch is also blown during auspicious occasions.

The sound of the conch is like the ‘Om’ sound.

There is another story connected with the Conch.

There was a demon called Shankhaasura.

He defeated the Devas, stole the Vedas (Spiritual Scriptures) and went to the bottom of the ocean. The Devas prayed to Lord Vishnu for help.

Lord Vishnu incarnated as the Matsya (fish) Avtaar and killed Shankhaasura.

Lord Vishnu blew the conch shaped bone of his ear. The ‘Om’ sound came out of it and the Vedas were released from captivity.

That is the reason why the conch is called ‘Shankha’ and the knowledge of the Vedas is contained in the sound of ‘Om’ that emanates from the Shankha.

Also click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Books/kids_kahaani/bhaagvad_stories/krishna_is_born.htm


http://www.dalsabzi.com/Books/kids_kahaani/bhaagvad_stories/love_for_krishna.htm

http://www.dalsabzi.com/Books/kids_kahaani/bhaagvad_stories/krishna_flute.htm

Friday, August 07, 2009

Mantras from the Bhagvad Geeta

Mantra for Victory over mind


VI/25 Ch 6 Verse 25

Shanais shanai ruparamet budhyaa dhiriti griheetaya
Aatma samsham manah kritwaa na kinchidapi chintayet

Little by little let him attain to quietude by the intellect held firmly;
Having made the mind establish itself in the Self,
Let him not think of anything.

Point to ponder upon:
Through the practice of meditation ‘establishing itself in the self’ one becomes ‘thoughtless’…But that happens ‘little by little’ (One has to persevere in ones practice)

A lot of people complain that they cannot meditate…I believe that initially one has ‘to attain quietude’ Just sit in a conducive place…Rather that chase away the thoughts…watch the thoughts.

Engage your senses…Watch the Murti of the Beloved Lord…or a rose or a sunset…Whatever can engage your eyes…
Smell the incense or the flowers…
Touch the Mala
Chant your Mantra and
Hear the chanted Mantra…

Thursday, August 06, 2009

Mantras from the Bhagvad Geeta

Mantra for Destruction of obstacles in Yoga


V/29 Ch 5 Verse 29
Bhoktaaram yagna tapasaam sarvaloka maheshwaram
Suhridam sarva bhootaanaam jnaatwaa maam santi mricchati

He who knows Me as the enjoyer of sacrifices and austerities, the great Lord of all the worlds and the friend of all beings, attains to peace

My interpretation: The Lord is all in all…Yoga comes from the word. ‘yuj’ which means to connect, to join…Connect to what? We need to connect to the Higher Self who is the Lord…I would interpret ‘sacrifices’ as Karma, effort…’austerities does not necessarily mean to undergo difficulties which are self-imposed…In Kaliyuga ‘austerities’ is accepting those situations that come up in life, which one cannot change despite ones best efforts…So ‘surrender’ and one will attain peace…

Destruction of obstacles? Believe in the above and you will practice ‘Perfect Yoga’ and then of course , the obstacles will cease to exist!

Sunday, August 02, 2009



My parents, elder sister and myself




In this interesting article, found the name of "J.Kimatrai" (my inlaws) and (Pohoomal Bros) my paternal family in it.
Thought I would share it


Excerpts
Role of SindhWorkis (Sindhi Traders in foreign countries) in Gadar Revolt & INA under Subhash Chandra Bose

Submitted by:
Dial V. Gidwani- Sindhu American
,
Respecting the sacrifices of the Ancestors ,educating the future Generations.

The Sindhi Hindu community uprooted as the result of India’s Partition, now girdles the globe. But then for Sindhi traders, globalization was never a new concept. For decades, well before Partition, Sindhi traders (commonly known as SindhWorkis) had established themselves practically in every city of the world, with larger concentration in Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Malaysia; through the Middle East to Africa and Gibraltar, and across Britain and Europe to the U.S. and Latin America.

These SindhWorkis or Sindhi traders earned a fine reputation for trustworthiness and honesty in foreign countries. Their word was known as a bond. They supported local, social events and aided worthwhile charities from time to time, locally and in Sindh and India. They were religious and remained steadfast in their family, social and cultural roots and religious identity. Largely their donations were to religious institutions, mandirs (temples) and gurdwaras but many like Bahi Wattumall, Chellarams. Bhai Maghnamal of K A J Chotirmull and many others gave much for educational and social purposes for Sindhis and others.

The SindhWorkis kept a low profile while giving aid and support. As the grand old man heading the Watumalls is said to remark when someone questioned him as to why he does not publicize his charities, he quoted Rahim who was a great philanthropist, “dene wala koi aur hai; log brahm mujh pay kyoun karen!” (Means: Giver is Some One Else - implying that there is some Higher Power that is the Giver - So why should people think that I am the giver?). Later, when Watumalls established the public foundation for Education, naturally their charities had to come out in the open.

By and large SindhWorkis remained aloof from politics. Many suffered almost silently the pain of India for its being a colony of the British but there was no organization worth the name till the first decade of the twentieth century through which they could channel their frustration and funds . A change in the attitude of the SindhWorkis came about with the formation of the Gadar Party early in the second decade of the twentieth century.

Establishment of the Gadar Party:

The Gadar Movement was established around 1912-1913. It was the first organized violent bid for freedom after the uprising (Indian War of Independence) of 1857. Gadar in Punjabi means “revolt” – and indeed this revolt was the saga of courage, valor and determination of overseas Indians to free India from the shackles of British slavery...
It was as the result of Rash Bihari Bose’s effort that some Sindhis also became sympathizers and helpers of the Gadar Movement. Notable among them were Dr. Choithram P. Gidwani, who was in regular touch with Rash Bihari Bose... Please note the following extract on page 89 of The Sindh Story by K.R.Malkani (published by Sindhi Academy Delhi):



There was considerable sympathy and support among the people of Sindh for the Gadar Movement.
...As many as 145 Gadarites were hanged by Indian Government, 308 were sentenced for longer than 14 years and many more for lesser terms. Some of them passed years in KALA PANI (Black waters) in the Andamans.

Fourteen Gadarites remained hidden in Sindh for long, sheltered through aid from the Brahmacharya Ashram. They moved out to safety, with changed identities and in disguise with somewhat altered appearance, when the police- hunt for them was no longer hot.

Dr. Choithram as also most Sindhis had by now had begun to embrace the Gandhian doctrine of non-violence as the way to make the British leave India. They no longer subscribed to the Gadarite philosophy of force and violence to gain independence. But even so, they felt honour bound to protect the Gadarites from police-hunt. “We have promises to keep”, they said, and they kept their promise. They also said among themselves, “If Gandhiji knew, he would understand”, but they left Gandhiji uninformed.

Support of SindhWorkis:

Sindhi traders (SindhWorkis) began to support the Gadar Movement. Certainly, the SindWorkis were not in the frontline of the movement. Their support largely consisted of financial donations – often substantial – to the movement. In one case, the firms of Pohoomal Bros, D.Chelaram, M.Dialdas & J.T.Chanrai of Hong Kong contributed on a large scale to a fund for the purchase of ammunition for an armed rising by Gadarites. Quite apart from this ad hoc assistance, SindhWorkis were paying regularly to the Gadarite treasury. The SindhWorki support also extended, in many cases, to providing safe-houses to hide the Gadar revolutionaries. Moreover, SindhWorkis were able to help Gadarites in passing their important and confidential messages as they had a vast and intricate network covering practically every country with associates, correspondents and in many cases, even branch offices.

Again, as The Sindh Story by K.R.Malkani points out, “When Subhash Chandra Bose set up INA in the Far East, his best and biggest supporters were the Sindhi businessmen there. Both Subhas Bose and Gandhiji referred to Sindhis as ``World Citizens'' since they are to be found everywhere.”

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose is immortalized in our History for having formed the Azad Hind Government in exile, and regrouping and leading the Indian National Army to battle against the allies in Imphal and Burma during the World War II.

Sindhi families abroad donated large sums of money, ornaments, jewelry to support the Independence movement of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

Among the Sindhworkis who distinguished themselves by supporting these freedom movements are:

1) Wassiamull Assumall 2) J. Kimatrai 3) Utoomal Assudomal 4) Gangaram, Singapore
5) Jhamandas Melwani, Hongkong/Singapore 6) Sehwani family (Manila) 7) K a J Chotirmall, Hongkong/Singapore8) Kewalram Corpoartion, Japan 9) Gulraj Corpoartion, Japan 10) P Parsram, Japan 11) Watumull's Hawaii 12) Watanmal Bulchand 13) Chanrais 14) D Chellaram 15) G. Assanmall 16) Jhangimull and many others

This educational movement is joint effort of American Institute of Sindhulogy www.sindhulogy.org ,GlobalSindhi Council Mumbai www.globalsindhicouncil.org and Gul Hayat Research Institute Dokri,Larkana (sindh) www.gulhayat.com

www.sindhulogy.org

"Knowledge is the most powerful Resource for the nation building "
APJ ABDUL KALAM Former President of India. www.abdulkalam.com