Ganeshotsav starts on the 1st of September 2011
Ganpatiji sits with one foot on the ground and the other folded up, above the ground. This posture means that while we must operate in the world one must be constantly aligned to our spiritual nature…Read more, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Language_Festivals/ganesh_chaturti.htm
Monday, August 29, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Yesterday 26th of August I went to Priya Darshini Park to support Anna Hazare.
In the years past people have chanted India is Indira, You are my Sonia...but today...oops yesterday at the garden we sang:
Anna ek Aandhee hai
Anna doosra Gandhi hai
Ek do teen chaar
Band karo yeh atyaachaar
Some more points to think of:
The Constitution starts with the words:
We, the people...
And today the 27th of August 2011 at 5.20 pm we proved to be a real democracy... the will of the people ruled...Where there is a will, there is a bill...This is the power of the UN-ELECTED!Most of them, members of the middle class!
I am proud to be an Indian today:
The Indian protests were peaceful and purposeful.
So chant with me:
Ek do teen chaar
Anna is a Superstar!
Oh yes! Another thing that we must remember is that you are Anna, I am Anna...which means that we must continue to be united, peaceful and a true democracy while Anna lives and beyond! (The Nehru cap says: 'I am Anna'
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Anna Hazare has been fasting for over a week... for a corruption free India.
It cannot be denied that:
India has suffered enough due to corruption whatever the arguments for or against Anna team's method, of achieving the dream have been.
The support for a corruption free India (in terms of peaceful massive crowds) is unprecedented.
I got a call that buildings in the lane I live in, should participate thus:
Stand outside the building with a candle and pray for the well being of India.
So I did just that!
In the photographs you will see the much respected Mr Narayan Varma of 'Right to Information' fame and the Chairman of our building.
I requested the security, help and residents of the building to light a candle and pray for the well being of our Motherland!
Vande Mataram!
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Chapter 6 Lesson 7
As promised in the last 3 lessons, now will tell u what the Guru of Gurus has to say about meditation.
In chapter 6 verse 11 Lord Krishna states: ' Sit on a spot, neither very high nor very low, free from dirt and other impurities with a kusa grass below, deerskin in the middle and cloth uppermost.
My note
Darbha grass also called Kusha or Munja
Whenever a priest used darbha grass on rituals, festivals, tied them as a ring I always wondered at the significance. Was happy to read an article by Ranjeni A Singh who explained its significance.
It is a dull yellow coloured grass.
A doctor covering his hand with the darbha grass had his palm x-rayed. To his surprise he found that the grass absorbed about 60% of the radiation. Can one conclude that it can absorb negative energies from the atmosphere also?
Darbha grass is identified with Lord Vishnu and it is believed to possess the power to purify anything.
It is believed to have been produced during the cosmic churning of the ocean of milk.
Sakyamuni Buddha is believed to have sat on a mat made of darbha grass when he got enlightened under the Boddhi Tree.
The name of Kushinagara, where the Buddha was cremated, is believed to be derived from Darbha's other name Kusha.
The deerskin
Deerskin symbolizes spiritual and intellectual pre-eminence.
A deer skin is the only animal skin considered appropriate for the yogi’s meditation seat (asana) because the vibration of the deerskin is neutral and therefore conducive to peace and tranquility. However, the deer must have died a natural death. To use the skin of a deer killed for its skin is to violate the precept of ahimsa.
If you would like to read what I have written so far, Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm
As promised in the last 3 lessons, now will tell u what the Guru of Gurus has to say about meditation.
In chapter 6 verse 11 Lord Krishna states: ' Sit on a spot, neither very high nor very low, free from dirt and other impurities with a kusa grass below, deerskin in the middle and cloth uppermost.
My note
Darbha grass also called Kusha or Munja
Whenever a priest used darbha grass on rituals, festivals, tied them as a ring I always wondered at the significance. Was happy to read an article by Ranjeni A Singh who explained its significance.
It is a dull yellow coloured grass.
A doctor covering his hand with the darbha grass had his palm x-rayed. To his surprise he found that the grass absorbed about 60% of the radiation. Can one conclude that it can absorb negative energies from the atmosphere also?
Darbha grass is identified with Lord Vishnu and it is believed to possess the power to purify anything.
It is believed to have been produced during the cosmic churning of the ocean of milk.
Sakyamuni Buddha is believed to have sat on a mat made of darbha grass when he got enlightened under the Boddhi Tree.
The name of Kushinagara, where the Buddha was cremated, is believed to be derived from Darbha's other name Kusha.
The deerskin
Deerskin symbolizes spiritual and intellectual pre-eminence.
A deer skin is the only animal skin considered appropriate for the yogi’s meditation seat (asana) because the vibration of the deerskin is neutral and therefore conducive to peace and tranquility. However, the deer must have died a natural death. To use the skin of a deer killed for its skin is to violate the precept of ahimsa.
If you would like to read what I have written so far, Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm
We celebrate Janmashtami on the 22nd of August.
Do get better acquainted with Krishna on His birthday.
Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Language_Festivals/janmashtami.htm
Friday, August 19, 2011
It is a momentous time. The way India has come together peacefully reminds one of Gandhiji's fight for Independence.I just had to be a part of it. So I did make my way to Azad Maidan. The gentleman with me is Mahendra Chauhan a soft ware engineer.
The photographs were taken while in the background people sang: Yeh desh hai veer jawaanon ka, albelon ka mastaanon ka, is desh ka yaaron kya hehna? yeh desh hai duniya ka gehna!
When I mentioned to my friends abroad about my presence at Azad Maidan, I was surprised to learn that they did not have much of an idea about what is going on in India! How so!? Nothing like this has happened since Independence of India in 1947.
Do google Anna Hazare and his campaign for the Lok Pal Bill (an anti corruption bill)
The fact that so many thousands of people keep assembling shows how very tired mentally, physically and financially the Indian janta is, with curruption.
The biggest supporter for Anna Hazare is Myanmar's Nobel Peace Laureate Aung Suu Kyi.
She however stressed that differences between the government and the civil society over the Lokpal bill, have to be resolved through dialogue.
Want to hear more? A 60 year old Pakistani businessman Jehangir Akhtar is set to go on a hunger strike in Islamabad from September 12 for an anti graft bill similar to what India is planning.
My friend Mr Mahajan from Delhi replies:
Mr Mahajan in Delhi (1st photograph above)
Great!.
Yesterday I went to Tihar Jail . It is not very far from my residence. But what I saw was amazing.
Such a deciplined crowed I have hardly ever seen. Over 10,000 youngsters raising slogans 'Bharat Mata ki Jai, Vande Matram, Anna tum aagey Baroh, hum tumahrey saath hain' etc. There were people who were distributing water bottles, bread pakoras, biscuits and many other eatables to the crowed, very coolly and with real shradhha.
The youngsters apart from showering support to Anna were seen clearing road for smooth traffic and also CLEANING THE PLACE OF EMPTY BOTTLES AND OTHER LITTER.
Those who say that these people are there for fun only, must come and see for themselves what the scene is like.
Long live this movement. Long live Anna Hazare.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Dear Friends,
Ar'nt you lucky to be or born as an Indian?
There are so many things that need to be put right but maybe this anthem will inspire us to do so.
A must watch!
Click:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JltFQS9kFXA
Love,
Shakun
Ar'nt you lucky to be or born as an Indian?
There are so many things that need to be put right but maybe this anthem will inspire us to do so.
A must watch!
Click:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JltFQS9kFXA
Love,
Shakun
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Was invited to “Unity in Diversity Lecture Series” under the auspices of
United Nations Alliance of Civilizations.
I attended and came back enlightened and inspired.
Am sure it will inspire you too.
Love Shakun
The invitation:
We are pleased to invite you to participate in the launching of the “Unity in Diversity” Lecture Series, under the auspices of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and in affiliation with Global Dialogue Foundation.
As agreed with the UNAOC, the overarching theme of the lecture series will focus on “Doing Business in a Multicultural Environment”
Paul Dunn, Chairperson and Masami Sato, Founder of Buy1Give1 will jointly deliver this inaugural lecture. Paul, an Australian and Masami, a Japanese will showcase how the fusion of cultures has helped in the success of their Foundation based in Singapore which has transformed the lives of thousands of people across the globe.
As an inclusive platform, the lecture series will bring together a wide cross-section of partners, all committed to rethink the way in which we deal with tensions across cultures and to agree on concrete and practical initiatives to promote dialogue, trust, understanding and cooperation for the common good.
Participants will include political and corporate leaders, civil society activists, youth, religion and faith communities, research centers, foundations and media.
It is expected that these initiatives will allow participants to develop new thinking, brainstorm and create innovative, collaborative ventures and establish a community of supporters for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations in the region and humankind in general.
For further information, please visit www.unaoc.org and www.globaldialoguefoundation.org
We hope you will be able to join us in this unique event to bring people of diverse cultures together fostering dialogue, understanding and cooperation.
Maya Shahani, Akhil Shahani
Vice Chairperson, Managing Director,
Global Dialogue Foundation Centre for Management
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Chapter 6 Lesson 6
My note:
Hinduism teaches that as a step towards the ultimate experience of Enlightenment Shravan (the perfect art of listening) is very important. The next step is Manan (to contemplate upon, what one has listened to, and then to apply (What one has heard and contemplated upon) to ones life.
However,
We have never truly listened.
We have many tricks and devices not to listen.
We hear only that which we want to, and not what is being said.
We fall asleep when something important is being said.
Sleep protects one against all one does not want to know.
If it is not sleep we get lost in, then it is an internal dialogue of our own.
All teachings aim at breaking the constant dialogue and create an internal space within. (Various methods were explained in the previous note in order to create a silent internal space, in the previous note) Once the silent internal space is arrived at, then, one becomes acquainted with true meditation.
What to do next?
Lord Krishna will explain it in the next lesson.
If you would like to read what I have written so far, Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm
My note:
Hinduism teaches that as a step towards the ultimate experience of Enlightenment Shravan (the perfect art of listening) is very important. The next step is Manan (to contemplate upon, what one has listened to, and then to apply (What one has heard and contemplated upon) to ones life.
However,
We have never truly listened.
We have many tricks and devices not to listen.
We hear only that which we want to, and not what is being said.
We fall asleep when something important is being said.
Sleep protects one against all one does not want to know.
If it is not sleep we get lost in, then it is an internal dialogue of our own.
All teachings aim at breaking the constant dialogue and create an internal space within. (Various methods were explained in the previous note in order to create a silent internal space, in the previous note) Once the silent internal space is arrived at, then, one becomes acquainted with true meditation.
What to do next?
Lord Krishna will explain it in the next lesson.
If you would like to read what I have written so far, Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm
Friday, August 05, 2011
Have known Nandita Bhavnani and her parents for many years and have been particularly impressed by Nandita's passion to keep the Sindhi culture and language alive. So you can imagine how excited I was when I received the following invitation:
I am delighted to invite you to the launch of my book "I Will & I Can: The Story of Jai Hind College".
The book will be released by HE the Governor of Maharashtra on Wed 27th July at 5.30 in the college auditorium.
Hope to see you there!
Nandita Bhavnani
Ofcourse I attended.
Nandita looked radiant!
Having been an ex-student of Jai Hind College I thoroughly enjoyed the book. In fact it brought tears to my eyes. Was particularly fascinated at the grit and determination of the pioneers, amongst them Principal T.M. Advani(despite having next to nothing) to rebuild the college. I say rebuild, because besides leaving behind our (Sindi's) possessions we also had to bid adieu to D.J. Sindh College.
When I was a student of Jai Hind College,I always thought that the motto should be 'I can and I will' rather than 'I will and I can'
Was thrilled to know the reason.
The motto 'I can and I will' had been the motto of Model High School in Karachi...Principal Advani gave it a deep thought and changed it to 'I will and I can'...Excuse me I need to stop typing...I need to wipe my eyes and puff my chest with pride!
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Forgiveness
Excerpts Rama Awasthi
1). Forgiving someone is not about saying : ' You are right and I am wrong' but about saying : I am smart and I don't waste my energy in nurturing a victim mentality'
2). Forgiving someone doesn't mean that the person who harmed me won. But about saying that my life is free from unnecessary complications.
3). Forgiveness is a charity that always begins from home. When we choose to forgive, then we travel light and allow ourselves to nurture our creativity.
4). Forgiveness allows:
A free flow of chi or Prana people who carry anger has a sinking chi or prana...observing silence for maybe 10 mnts helps maintain the balance of chi. It helps in focussing on the messages of life and not on the messengers.
Excerpts Rama Awasthi
1). Forgiving someone is not about saying : ' You are right and I am wrong' but about saying : I am smart and I don't waste my energy in nurturing a victim mentality'
2). Forgiving someone doesn't mean that the person who harmed me won. But about saying that my life is free from unnecessary complications.
3). Forgiveness is a charity that always begins from home. When we choose to forgive, then we travel light and allow ourselves to nurture our creativity.
4). Forgiveness allows:
A free flow of chi or Prana people who carry anger has a sinking chi or prana...observing silence for maybe 10 mnts helps maintain the balance of chi. It helps in focussing on the messages of life and not on the messengers.
Monday, August 01, 2011
Chapter 6 Lesson 5
My note:
What is meditation?
The English meditation is derived from the Latin meditatio, from a verb meditari, meaning "to think, contemplate, devise, ponder, meditate".
Buddhists and Hindus use the root word dhyaai
Some believe Meditation to be focussed attention.
Rhythmic chants are sometimes prescribed. One of it's benefits is to stop the chatter of the mind and help to meditate.
There are various meditative techniques
1) One focusses ones attention on a chosen object.
2) One practices complete awareness of the experience from moment to moment."
3) follow thoughts as a puppy follows any pair of legs it finds into motion
Also, observe thoughts as a man stationed at his window watchers passers by at the street.
4) Become aware and only observe the air as it comes in and goes out through the nostrils without controlling the breathing or attempting to deepen it.
One important Oriental Master said: ' Your breathing is your greatest friend. Return to it in all your troubles and you will find comfort and guidance'
If you would like to read what I have written so far, Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm
My note:
What is meditation?
The English meditation is derived from the Latin meditatio, from a verb meditari, meaning "to think, contemplate, devise, ponder, meditate".
Buddhists and Hindus use the root word dhyaai
Some believe Meditation to be focussed attention.
Rhythmic chants are sometimes prescribed. One of it's benefits is to stop the chatter of the mind and help to meditate.
There are various meditative techniques
1) One focusses ones attention on a chosen object.
2) One practices complete awareness of the experience from moment to moment."
3) follow thoughts as a puppy follows any pair of legs it finds into motion
Also, observe thoughts as a man stationed at his window watchers passers by at the street.
4) Become aware and only observe the air as it comes in and goes out through the nostrils without controlling the breathing or attempting to deepen it.
One important Oriental Master said: ' Your breathing is your greatest friend. Return to it in all your troubles and you will find comfort and guidance'
If you would like to read what I have written so far, Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm
Chapter 6 Lesson 5
My note:
What is meditation?
The English meditation is derived from the Latin meditatio, from a verb meditari, meaning "to think, contemplate, devise, ponder, meditate".
Buddhists and Hindus use the root word dhyaai
Some believe Meditation to be focussed attention.
Rhythmic chants are sometimes prescribed. One of it's benefits is to stop the chatter of the mind and help to meditate.
There are various meditative techniques
1) One focusses ones attention on a chosen object.
2) One practices complete awareness of the experience from moment to moment."
3) follow thoughts as a puppy follows any pair of legs it finds into motion
Also, observe thoughts as a man stationed at his window watchers passers by at the street.
4) Become aware and only observe the air as it comes in and goes out through the nostrils without controlling the breathing or attempting to deepen it.
One important Oriental Master said: ' Your breathing is your greatest friend. Return to it in all your troubles and you will find comfort and guidance'
If you would like to read what I have written so far, Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm
My note:
What is meditation?
The English meditation is derived from the Latin meditatio, from a verb meditari, meaning "to think, contemplate, devise, ponder, meditate".
Buddhists and Hindus use the root word dhyaai
Some believe Meditation to be focussed attention.
Rhythmic chants are sometimes prescribed. One of it's benefits is to stop the chatter of the mind and help to meditate.
There are various meditative techniques
1) One focusses ones attention on a chosen object.
2) One practices complete awareness of the experience from moment to moment."
3) follow thoughts as a puppy follows any pair of legs it finds into motion
Also, observe thoughts as a man stationed at his window watchers passers by at the street.
4) Become aware and only observe the air as it comes in and goes out through the nostrils without controlling the breathing or attempting to deepen it.
One important Oriental Master said: ' Your breathing is your greatest friend. Return to it in all your troubles and you will find comfort and guidance'
If you would like to read what I have written so far, Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm
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