I believe that all religions give the message of Love and Brotherhood…Yet the world is in a mess…Sometimes I feel that the Interfaith Dialogue in which I take part to bring Peace into the world is a waste of time…and my contribution is but a bubble in the Ocean…and then my God in His inimitable way sends me the following message in an excerpt from 'Live outside the Box' which appeared in the Sunday Times Bombay Sept, 28, 2008



…To you I say, meet me in the eye of the storm and together we will steer this mess in another direction. Jump into the storm. Do not stand on the sidelines too lazy and scared to do anything about all of the ugliness going on around you… People say that the signs are all here and Armageddon has begun. Why save the planet if the savior is coming to take the good and holy people away to a better place? ..If you had to pick and choose who were truly worthy of burning in hell or going to heaven, would you pick the folks who were killing and raging war in the name of God or would you pick the people who were crying out for love, equality, and to save the planet?
I stand here in the eye of the storm, turmoil and war all around me, my heart quiet and strong. The vision is very clear here. I will do my part to save the planet for the sake of those left behind. It is not for me to say who should or should not prevail. Someone will be left standing here on this planet, with this atmosphere, with this water, with this soil. For them, i say let's create a plan so that they have the best possible chance of rebuilding a new world. For love of this place with its beaches, mountains, and forests that I love so much, i will hold the love of Mother Nature in my heart. You know, if the savior comes to haul all the good guys off to a better place, i think i will volunteer to stay behind to help make this battered planet a place of beauty once more. When you are done with your religious wars and your ascensions into heaven, give the planet back to those of us who care for her… (Skye Thomas is a spiritual writer, entrepreneur, astrologer and philosopher based in the US)

Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/articles/interfaith_dialogue.htm

Read about Navratras which fall on the 30th September 08
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Language_Festivals/navratra.htm

Read about Dussehra or Vijaya Dashmi which we celebrate on 9th Oct 08
http://www.dalsabzi.com/books/kids_kahaani/festivals/dussehra.htm

The Group 'Celebrating Life' invited noted Numerologist Poonam Ahuja to enlighten us on the subject.
She told us about God and His manifestation...Could be compared to 0 and its expansion to numbers...Poonam explained to us the Sacred Geometry of:
Triangle (Trinity),
Square (Mind, Body, Soul, Spirit breaks free from the Solid),
Pentacle (5senses,2 arms 2 legs 1 head...and so on about other numbers...
Poonam explained how we all humans have a life purpose and if we learn the secret encoded in the numbers of the date of our birth, Life just may become easier to decipher...Poonam is charming. Do contact her if you are interested in knowing your strengths weaknesses through the play of numerology.
poonamahuja6@yahoo.co.in

REMEDIES


A SINGLE RECIPE
FOR SEVERAL AILMENTS
The Actual Recipe

50 GRMS FENUGREEK ( METHI )
20 GRMS CARAWAY ( AJMO / AJVAIN)
10 GRMS BLACK CUMIN SEEDS (KALI JIRI )

(Kali jiri. Forest produce. jiri. Kali musli. Forest produce. musli. Kanhai. Forest produce, from google search)
Some have asked whether pregnant women should take it, please consult your doctor or do a google search. I would not like to take responsibility, I just share with you what I believe is going to be beneficial :)
To continue:
The above ingredients MUST be elctronically weighed as propotion is very important. Each ingredient has to be dry roasted on very slow fire separately then all the 3 to be cooled, mixed and powdered and stored in a transparent bottle.

Everyday just before going to sleep 1 small tea spoon has to be taken with hot water. It will remove all the unwanted waste toxins from the nooks & corners of the whole body and excrete out thru faecal matter n urine. After 3 months one excess fat and layers of tumours n wrinkles are removed. Life will be free from diseases, healthy, pleasant, and cheerful. Diabetes remains under control.

HELPS

cure rheumatism, even extreme ( hathilova)
strengthens bones
makes U energetic & invigorating
makes eyes brilliant
improves hair growth
even long term constipation permanently cured
increases blood circulation
cures cough permanently
improves heart
makes you run like a horse
improves memory
improves upon deafness
turns body back into shape after pregnancy
strengthens teeth and enlivens enamel
cleans up blood vessels
maintains quality of blood
removes impotency and new born baby will become brilliant
increases resistance power against malaria, jaundice, typhoid,cholera etc.
makes one feel younger and increases life longevity
gives releif from difficulties experienced by young women after marriege
permanently protects one from diseases spread by water air or weather
improves digestion even when one has over eaten
prevents heart attacks and helps in reducing bad cholesterol very effectively
makes your skin glowing pink and cures skin troubles like dryness itching etc.
relieves bad effects of tobacco gutka
with this remedy you can continue with the medicines you have been taking


IMPORTANT NOTE
******************

PLS SEE THAT YOU HAVE EVERYDAY IN THE AFTERNOON EITHER A LASI, COCONUT WATER, OR ORANGE JUICE
OR ANYTHING THAT WILL COOL YOUR STOMACH

Circulated by

Sham Balani
Hong Kong
Service for a good cause

Mamta writes:
I hv taking it from 5-6 days but my no relief from gastric and acidity.

Also stool not passout 2/3 days.

Pl. give suggestion why???

My reply: if remedy does not work, please consult doctor.

I had always wanted to do 'darshan' of Swami Ramdev, so when I was invited to the alongside programme,I attended. It was held at the NCPA Auditorium on the 23rd of August 2008. Swami Ramdev has taken the world by storm with his Yoga techniques which claim to cure innumerable diseases...
Click:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgR1_asXfOQ

Alongside Ritika Maheshwary who worships Ganpatiji and brings Him lovingly to her home every year. Her parents Abha and Ram believe more in the love that they bestow on Him rather than feelingless rituals and elaborate prayers.



Alongside Vinita Girish Singh...We lovingly called her Bubbly. She attended my Geeta class as a young teenager, today her children are teenagers. What I like about Bubbly is that she is really bubbly and is always full of gratitude and never fails to remind me whenever she meets me that she started her Spiritual journey with me.
God bless you and your family!


Alongside Lakhi and Kavita Melwani. We have been friends for a long time. Time has come, not for partying together but for praying together!

Alongside Indu Chellaram and myself. I have known Indu since the last over 45 years...ooops now you can calculate my age! Never mind, one is as young as one feels! You can feel the affection between us even though we do not meet as often as we would like to due to pressing commitments...but this Ganpati who so looks like Shirdi Sai Baba brings people together and is'nt that what Lokmanya Tilak's vision was?

Alongside, attended a ROCK SATSANG (which finds its roots in the Art of Living Courses) conducted by Anuraag Dhongial, Ajay, Vipul, which is becoming extremely popular in the city. With a set up of electronic guitar, drums and casio. What a great way to get youngsters hooked to Shlokas, bhajans and Bhakti songs...

Alongside holding hands (Vimla and me) in the Benign Presence of Ganpati Bappa at Vimla Patil's home...I would like to draw your attention to the beautiful hand made shawl that am wearing...It has been lovingly made and sent to me by someone I love as dearly as I do a daughter/sister...
I have also read that: at a certain church people crochet/ hand make shawls and give them to their loved ones...Obviosuly love, affection and blessings get woven into it.
Thankyou my dear Anju, May God bless you!

To make a better acquaintance of Ganpatiji,
Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Language_Festivals/Ganesh_Chaturti.htm

Kudos to these young ladies for their enthusiasm. Despite their busy schedules and looking after young children and Seniors in their homes, they have formed a Group whereby they meet every month for lunch. The difference is that the regular speaker is yours truly and they Learn the Bhagvad Geeta and the Shrimad Bhaagvad through the inspiration that i receive from the Lord.


Names in order of Left to Right.
1. Neha Dalamal – Founder Member.
2. Ravina Uttamchandani.
3. Shalini Lekhraj
4. Simran Lalwani
5. Namrata Thakur
6. Anita Mansukhani
6. Vidya Moorjani
7. Selina Vaswani
8. Sangita Vaswani and
9.Gaytri Narang.

Other members who were not present on that day.
10. Arti Murjani – Founder member
11. Deepa Vaswani
12. Bina Bhal
13. Sapna Tulsiani
14. Rishika Idnani
15. Rajni Vaswani and
16. Nyantara Takker.
17. Shamira Kirpalani


Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Language_Festivals/geeta_jayanti__today.htm

Alongside photo was taken by my daughter Anuja's friend Lyn. The young lady's name in the photograph is Yong. Note the play of light to show the Chakras.

To read about Aum and Chakras, Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Mantras/aum_and_chakras.htm

Meet Ms Rajkumari Dhoot, a Bhaktin. She always celebrates festivals on a large scale and shares her devotion with countless devotees.
I believe that Hinduism is a mystic religion...and I am so happy that my mother instilled the love of Kirtan and naam jap in me...I went to the celebration of RadhaRani's birthday at Hindi Vidya Bhavan.






Radha and Krishna looking beautiful at the function I attended!

About a couple of weeks after Janmashtami one celebrates the birthday of RadhaRani. She was born in Barsana, 30 Km from Mathura, and she appeared as the daughter of King Brishabano and Mata Kirati.

Even today, the people of Barsana wish each other with the words "Raadhe Raadhe" on their lips. Together with the above greeting pours out immense love with every breath that they inhale and exhale.

Radhaji was older to Sri Krishna and it is believed that the Divine girl did not open her eyes until Krishna was born. The relationship of Krishna with Radha transcends human concepts and is Spiritual in nature. Read more, Click:

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



Women's Political Forum is helping the rescued people from the floods in Bihar.
help by way of food grains, salt, sugar,candles, matches,milk powder, wearable old clothes, usable medicines, will be appreciated. kindly contact the following persons :

Mumbai
ms. smita pandey : 022-28847886 ms. sandhya sinha : 9820782857
ms. sushma shelley : 9867354104
Delhi Mr. Sushant Sinha : 26601414/9958002857
Patna ms. sudha prasad : 0612-2364751
ms. chitra vaish : 09431016137 ms. indu sinha : 09234283908
thankyou.
Sandhya Sinha
www.womenpoliticalforum.org

Swami Chidananda Saraswati gives up the body




I had the good fortune of knowing Swamiji personally. I wrote about him in my book 'In Touch with Masters'
http://www.dalsabzi.com/books/in_touch_with_masters/swami_chidananda.htm

One of the prominent saints of contemporary times, and the President of the Divine Life Society, Rishikesh , established by Swami Sivananda , Swami Chidananda Saraswati, gave up the body on August 28th , 2008 at the age of 92 . He was a great Yogi and was a Loyola College, Chennai alumni in his pre-monastic days. He was initiated into Sannyasa in 1949 by the great Master , Swami Sivananda himself.
Swami Chidananda stands out for his exemplary selfless service in the cause of the leper colonies in Rishikesh, and nearby places besides being an ideal preceptor to thousands across the world in his capacity as President of the Divine Life Society for forty years from August 1963 onwards .
"Service before Self" epitomized the entire life of this austere saint , who kept alive the spirit of the ancient Vedantic tradition in these confused and turbulent times , much like his own Master Sivananda ----- the clarion call given by these sages drew many a seeker from all over the world to Sivananda Ashram , Rishikesh . His inspiring early morning meditation talks given in the Ashram , and recently compiled under the umbrella- titles such as , "Ponder these Truths" , " A Call to Liberation" and "Seek the Beyond", have been compelling reference-points for hundreds of seekers and aspirants .
As Swami Chidananda would exort and inspire his listeners , "…To enter into the spiritual life is a rare blessedness , it is a great good : to take it seriously and engage in active spiritual Sadhana is a second blessedness and a still greater good : but to persevere in the spiritual life , to be ever progressive and ceaseless in one's spiritual life , is the greatest good , the crowning blessedness" . This was his message as one of India's representatives to the Centenary of the World Parliament of Religions in 1993 , and his own life was a living testimony to the great ancient ideals he reiterated for the modern age .
Ever-vigilant in his personal Sadhana , ever compassionate to the poor and needy , ever-willing to champion the cause of the underprivileged , Swami Chidananda's passing away leaves a huge void in the hearts and minds of seekers who search for ultimate truth beyond the transitory and fleeting . In his 'passing on' , for which he had left strict instructions for his body to be immersed in the Ganges quickly (Jal Samadhi) , and no spectacle be made of in terms of mourning , as in life , Swami Chidananda remained a simple monk , despite being the President of an international organization with centres across the globe, upholding the highest values of India's monastic traditions . He is often referred to as the St. Francis of India , after the great Franciscan monk , St. Francis of Assissi , of whom Swami Chidananda himself was greatly attracted to .

...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...you may be dressed in an expensive designer ensemble and still offer a helping hand anywhere... We do not need to sacrifice something in order to attain something else...there's no reason why we can't strike a healthy balance between material things and spiritual enlightenment. Spirituality signifies achieving personal excellence in every area of ones life, from family life to career, as well as inner growth...
Alpana Gujral states the above. I agree!

Ganeshji enters our hearts and hearths on 3rd September
Read about Ganesh Chaturthi, Click:

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

Meet Nandini Mihika Mahtani, my Spiritual daughter at Vanderbilt University...She used to come to my Geeta class as a teenager and now she pursues her World Religion Studies in Nashville Tennesee...she was in the Graduate Department of Religion and her area of study is History and Critical Theories of Religion (HACTOR) with a special emphasis on Hinduism...i have no doubt that she will bring about Peace and Prosperity to the world...and i will take pride that maybe i played a short part in it!
Nandini is taking an interesting coursework this semester - a class on Religious Autobiography - another one on Zen Buddhism and another which traces the history of the Study of Religion in an Academic setting. Nandini claims that it is going to be a very busy time for her but all the classes look promising so she will try not let the amount of work bog her down...Keep going Nandini...God bless you!





Would you believe this photo is taken at a temple in Nashville Tennesee?
Well believe it! Me alongside a South Indian devotee!

We went down memory lane with a programme titled Jawaanee Deewanee where we sang and danced to Songs from the 60s...Gore gore oh baanke chhorey, kabhee mere ghar aaya karo, gori gori oh baankey chhoree chaahe roz bulaaya karo...



Asha/Poonam and myself celebrating 'Javaani Deewani


Kaun kehte hain Bhagwan aate nahin
Bhakt Meera ke jaisey bulaate nahin







We will be celebrating Krishna Janam today at Agarval House. We have fun singing for the Lord and happy that he Once again will be born in our hearts!
Read about Lord Krishna's Janam date which has been calculated astrologically.
Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/enlight_info/lord_krishna.htm


MIRACLES
Ronald L. Mann states that Conventional Wisdom dictates that we must set clear goals and have vision if we are to achieve great things...One cannot just sit around waiting for results to happen.Once the goal is clear, we must do all we can do to fulfill our mission...Work from the inside out...align yourself with your deepest values which allows for more enlightened action and ultimately greater success.
Would you like to read about what I think were miracles that occurred in my life?
Click:

http://www.dalsabzi.com/books/Miracles/miracles_by_shakun_kimatrai.htm

My husband Narain with son Sunder and son (in law) Mohan who is affectionately known as Bob


Meet Sunder and his proud mother.
Some of the nicest things he has said to me:
It is easier to make money than to make a difference...
If my 3 children turn out like yours have, I will be one lucky man...
You have done your best, so enjoy yourself and stop worrying (about us)




Sunder, while in town treated his old folks (us, his parents) for lunch at the 4 Seasons Hotel...It was nice!

Alongside Ms Dodson and Myself.
Ms Dodson is the charming Computer teacher in the Franklin Road Academy and a writer of Books for Children. I enjoy her company tremendously. This time I attended a Service in the Brentwood Baptist Church of Christ (Presbyterian) I have always enjoyed places of worship. I sing along the hymns...and feel the same devotional 'high' as when I sing my Hindu Bhajans...

I was reading the other day a saying 'of African Wisdom' origin: "Before you enter into the tent of another religion, take off your shoes first; for God has already got into it long, long ago. You are rather late".

On my flight to Nashville, I met a gentleman Todd Lester, executive Director of freeDimensional (www.freedimensional.org) who works for World Peace...It is said that people meet for a purpose and nothing is a coincidence...I am the Chairperson of Women's Movement for Peace and Prosperity...Does God have something in mind? Only time will tell!

GEETA NAGAR SLUMWORLD




Spoke to the teachers about the importance of teaching the Children that we are children of One God no matter which religion we belong to, as all the Prophets, Incarnations, give the message of love, peace and brotherhood! Teachers have the biggest responsibility of inculcating these values. Gifted the my 'Dadi Nani ki Kahaani' in Hindi



Children in the Balvadi of Geeta Nagar


With Sagaya Mary. She lives in the slum, is a teacher and looks after the Balwadi. Children, teachers, residents were neat and clean but...The slum definitely needs bathrooms...They are happy with steps that leads them to rocks near the Ocean, which acts as a natural flush...I came back home full of sadness for them, gratitude for what God has granted us...



Kavita Kapoor, Ms Maya Shahani, Mr Shridhar Naik look after the welfare of Geeta Nagar slum. I went for the flag hoisting ceremony.
INDEPENDENCE DAY'S EVE



Gave a talk on the Power of the Feminine on Independence Day! We say Vandey Mataram, right? Poonam giving me a gift on the occassion.





Aarti Hundalani Myself and Nimu Daryanani. aarti, won the best prize. She also gave a short speech: Main aapki bahu hoon,Hume vote do, Manmohanji acchey aadmi hain, Singh is King!





Anita Kewalramani and Myself. Note us members being dressed in the colours of our National Flag



The Group 21 celebrated Independence Day. In the photograph, the 3 Gracious hostesses Poonam Mulchandani, Rani Daswani, Shramila Dadlani with Rooprani Samtani


Today is Independence Day! Today went to the Geeta Nagar slum to hoist the flag...Gave my Dadi Nani ki Kahaani in Hindi to the teachers...Shall put up photos later...but in the meantime read what my friend Rani's 13 year old grandaughter has to say, this Independance Day...It echoes my feelings...God bless this future leader of India!

Questions I ask myself...

As Independence day approaches, the atmosphere is full of patriotism however I always wonder why this ambience is not there through out the year – Why is it that only when Independence day is round the corner that we throw a glance at our national flag, we smile with a thousand emotions whizzing in our heads?

Why is it only in this month that we actually realize how much our country has suffered?
Why is it that when we hear A.R. Rehman's Vande Mataram that a lump forms in our throat and a chill runs down our spine?
Why is it only when we see patriotic movies that we acknowledge the fact India is such a great democracy?
Why does the media have to be a constant reminder that India is a free country?
Can't we remind ourselves?
Are we ashamed of our country otherwise?
Or do we conveniently forget that we belong to such a great nation?

Why is that only on days like Independence day or Republic day that we are reminded of our freedom fighters?
Why do we underestimate our nation so much?
Why do we literally worship the white?
India has given the world phenomenally great people like Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Sunita Williams, Kalpana Chawla, you and me...then why are we hiding from the world?

On Independence day we praise ourselves for being Indians, but are we really worth it?
By seeing the amount of self respect we have for us and our country, I don't think we deserve that pat on our backs. Look at the image attached..Is that how proud we are of our tri-colour?


Some of the richest people in the world are Indians, then why do we claim India as a poor and unimportant country?
Why is that only on the 15th of August that we wear the tricolored bangles and plant a miniature flag behind the windscreen of our cars?

I would call you a liar if you would tell me that you actually draw yourself up to attention and take the national anthem seriously every time you hear it.
I would also think you are spinning yarns if you tell me that you sit and respect, appreciate and remember what the learned man draped in Khadi has done for us, for at least ten minutes every 2nd of October....After all, who cares? It's just another holiday...

I, being a typical Indian too, do not practise what I write but I want to someday...
"I AM PROUD TO BE AN INDIAN"- I fear that these words will fade away in a few days....

Ishitaa Bhatia, 13
J.B. Petit High School for Girls.

Just finished reading a delightful poignant book called Forever Lily by Beth Nonte Russel a real story of 'an unexpected Mother's journey to Adoption in China'
Loved the quotes:
The human will, that force unseen,
The offspring of a deathless Soul,
Can hew the way to any goal,
Though walls of granite intervene.Pg 147

Be not impatient in delay,
But wait as one who understands, When Spirit rises and commands,
The gods are ready to obey.Pg 148

For when fear and desire die,
only the unspeakable reality of love remains.
Pg 194

Villa View from Dining Room at Aguada Anchorage



Competition: Me or the Villa...Which is more beautiful? sms ONE or TWO to my mobile...
Clue: The older one wins! Antique Value!
Gorgeous Gracious Friend Maya Shahani replies:
Hi Shakun,

Loved your blog. To reply to your question of who is more beautiful, you or the villa, I would say the villa is more beautiful from the outside, but you are more beautiful within. Physical structures die, but a beautiful soul lives on forever in people's minds and heart. You surely are leaving behind a very good legacy for your children, grandchildren and all the children of the world...





Was invited by Times Foundation to a 2 day, most enjoyable/bonding trip to Goa.
This picture was taken at the Baga Beach. Had forgotten that this day was the day and time of the Solar Eclipse. Dr Pratima Rajan mentioned to me that she had an umbrella and raincoat which we could share...but clever girls that we are, we left them (umbrella and raincoat) in the car! Pratima and myself sat on the beach, with a chant of Hare Ram Hare Krishna making music with the waves...when suddenly we felt Grace falling in the form of rain! We were drenched...and it was a perfect way to spend an Eclipse. Oh and I believe that you are supposed to do some 'daan' Well, I bought some trinkets and did not bargain!



Times Foundation team bonding over food!





Not only food for thought, but food for physical sustenance...Mr Ram Maheshwary and part of the TF team



Bonding with Dr Pratima Rajan at the Cruise...Unforgettable!



Times Foundation Group discussing the good work they do...and how they can enhance it. One way: What is your passion plus? and Times Foundation will support it...Kamal Damania' passion plus is 'Gender sensitivity' The other interesting 'passion plus' included HIV awareness, People empowerment rather than Women Empowerment, Environment,To work with hardened Criminals,Make things happen, animals, farmers...
We believe that once you work on what you are passionate about...you cease to 'work'...



The Trip to Goa included a little work...so a meeting of Times Foundation in session...Ms Naghma Firdaus conducted the meeting efficiently




The view of the beautiful villa (Aguada Anchorage)where Times Foundation so graciously hosted us

ON August 6th there was a small note in Times Nation (Times of India) with the headline: Soon, (Indianised version) Bible with verses from Vedas.
It explains: "The Biblical text remains the same but verses from Vedas and Upanishads have been used to interpret Christian teachings"...it is a approved by the Catholic Bishops' Council of India, the book will be published by the Mumbai based Christian publishing house...for instance to illustrate Mary Magdalene's sentiments for the resurrected Jesus, the book invokes Mirabai's immortal couplets in praise of Krishna...It does not mean that the church accepts all teachings of Indian tradition as those of the church, they are merely adapting them to Christian teachings wherever they feel there are points of harmony...
I personally think that it is such a wonderful move at 'Peace and Understanding'...I do not agree with Hindu groups who believe that it may be an attempt to spread Christianity...

More Info in case you would like to look it up on the Internet:
On Saturday Aug 9th 2008 Times City, Times of India
'Conservatives protest desi version of Bible'

I have got so much material that I have compiled on Interfaith Dialogue.
Do click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Articles/interfaith_dialogue.htm

Meet R.Sridhar.
Journalist, editor, singer, photographer, cartoonist, therapist, lecturer, palmist...Editor of Mumbai Mirror online and Downtown Plus, both belonging to Times of India Group.

I have had the good fortune of meeting Sridhar a number of times...but this time I attended his workshop on Personal Energy Management at Shantivan and enjoyed it immensely.

Do visit his blog:
http://yourenergy.blogspot.com





The enthralled audience