Thought on The New Year 

Thought One

Every New Year, there is one thing that most of us will indulge in,  ie making new resolutions.

But do they work? And if they do, for how long? I would like to share with you something that I read in  'Awaken the Giant within'  by Anthony Robbins that seems to make sense.

Associate pain with a habit that you are desperately trying to break... I remember, my son,  when he was younger would offer his friends a chocolate with the quip "Have a pimple!"

If you hit a level of pain that you aren't willing to settle for anymore you change your old habits or way of living. You could get fed up when you cannot fit into your clothes, or when  you cannot bear another hangover, or the sight of the pained look of your wife when you have lost your last penny at the gambling table...finally you say, ' I have had it ' and you make a decision. 

Charles M. Sheldon states: Good resolutions are like babies crying in church. They should be carried out immediately.

It is the desire to remove pain from your life and establish the pleasure of self esteem.

May all your dreams come true this coming year. May we have the strength to kick our old debilitating habits and may we all experience  tremendous pleasure at the idea of adopting a new empowering Life.

Have a great year!

Another fresh new year is here

Another year to live

To banish worry, doubt and fear,

To love and laugh and give!

This bright New Year is given me,

To live each day with zest,

To daily grow and try to be,

my highest and my best!

I have the opportunity

Once more to right some wrongs,

to pray for peace to plant a tree,

and sing more joyful songs

William A Ward

 

Chapter 4 Lesson 2
We learned in the last lesson that Krishna states that He is born from age to age to protect the virtuous and take him (man) to the Supreme. And the latter happens when righteousness is on the decline and unrighteousness is on the ascent.

In Verse 6 of Chapter 4 Krishna states: Though I am unborn and of imperishable nature…yet I take birth by my own Maya.
My note: What does the above mean? It means that the Lord, keeping his Maya perfectly under His control, He comes into the world through His own free will.
The Lord is NOT compelled, like the rest of us , by our karma to take birth after birth under the Laws of Nature.

In Verse 9, Krishna makes a wonderful statement: Krishna states that those who understand the Lord in true light, is not subjected to rebirth but attains the Supreme State. In Krishna’s own words: “He comes to Me, O Arjuna!

For years my ma thought I was born on 4th Jan. At the age of 50 I decided I needed to know my real birthdate so consulted an astrologer.  My horoscope said 26 dec but astrologer said  I could not have been born on the 26th. It seems I was born on 27th early morn when the sun was not out yet. Decided to celebrate my birthday on the 26th as the horoscope said. Hv noticed that 27th is always a hard day to get thru so perforce devote it to prayer. Thanx for all ur blessings. 26 th was good. 27th was difficult. Husband was not really well and kids out of town, so I had to spend my day gvg medicines, praying and learning to 'surrender ' wonder what the lesson is? Why I cannot have a peaceful day on the 27th?
Was reading that looking back at our life experiences, we will find that our lives are easier, more livable because of the difficulties and trials we overcame and the spiritual strength that we gained!

  
   


CHAPER 4

In the  Chapter 3 Krishna propounded the concept of Karma Yoga.
In Chapter 4 Krishna talks about the fact that man re-incarnates.
Krishna declares that the Lord is born from age to age to protect the virtuous and take him (man) to the Supreme. And the latter happens when righteousness is on the decline and unrighteousness is on the ascent.
Krishna says: I taught this immortal Yoga (what Krishna has been teaching so far to Arjuna) to Vivasvaan (Sun God). Vivasvaan conveyed it to Manu (His son) and Manu imparted it to his son Isvaaku.
Arjuna argues that since Krishna is in the present and Vivasvaan is of ancient origin, how is Arjuna to believe that Krishna taught this Yoga at the beginning of Creation?
Krishna replies: “ Arjuna, you and I have passed through many births, I remember them all, you do not remember.
 
To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm
 





 

  
   

This

Xmas,

I would

like to put

up a tree in my

heart, and instead

of hanging presents,

I would like to put the

names of all my friends.

Close friends and not so close

friends. The old friends the new

friends. Those that I see every day

and the ones that I rarely see. The ones

that I always remember and the ones that

I sometimes forget. The ones that are always

there and the ones that seldom are. The friends of

difficult times and the ones of happy times. Friends

who, without meaning to, I have hurt, or, without meaning

to have hurt me. Those that I know well and those I only know

by name. Those that owe me little and those that I owe so much.

My humble friends and my important friends. The names of all those

that have passed through my life no matter how fleetingly. A tree with

very deep roots and very long

and strong branches so that

their names may never be

plucked from my heart. So

that new names from all

over may join the existing ones. A tree with a very

pleasant shade so that our friendship may take a

moment of rest from the battles of life. May the

happy moments of Xmas brighten every day of

the new year. These are my sincere wishes for all of you
Love
Shakun Narain Kimatrai and family

Chapter 3 Lesson 15

In the last lesson Krishna taught us that the seat of desires is the senses.
Now Krishna states: if you control your senses, you will be able to win over 'desires' which is the destroyer of knowledge and wisdom.
In verse 42 Krishna states:
1) Senses are superior to the body
2) Mind is superior to the senses
3) intellect is superior to the mind
4) Aatman is superior to the intellect.

My note:
Through meditation and deep awareness we break our false identifications and discover our divine nature. Then we continue to play the game, but without being attached to results.
I am reminded of a song:
Ab saunp diya is jee van ka sab bhaar tumhaare heathon mein
Hai jeet tumhaare heathon mein aur haar tumhaare haathon mien
And thus ends the third discourse.

To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm

Geeta Jayanti

The 17th of December 2010 is Geeta Jayanti
Geeta Jayanti is the anniversary of the day, when the Divine Song (Bhagavad Geeta) was sung.
On this day Shri Krishna spoke to Arjuna, on the battlefield in Kurukshetra.
The Bhagvad Geeta was transcribed into words by Veda Vyasji.

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

Krishna tells Arjuna in the Bhagavad Geeta Ch 18 Verse 68,69:

Those who teach this supreme mystery of the Geeta to all who love me perform the greatest act of love; they will come to me without a doubt. No one can render me more devoted service; no one on earth can be more dear to me".

The Gita consists of 700 shlokas (verses)divided into 18 chapters

The teachings of the Gita do not apply only to inner and outer conflicts in the battlefield, but to the combat zone (of good and evil) that lives within us.

One is not required to be a Hindu, highly spiritual or extremely intelligent to understand and follow Lord Krishna’s teachings.

Lord Krishna does not advocate only one path in the Bhagvad Geeta.

In fact throughout the Divine Scripture, Krishna explains how one can attain liberation depending upon the inclination of different temperaments of man.

One may unite with God through devotion (Bhakti), through wisdom (Gyaan), and through action (Karma) -

Mahatma Gandhi said, "When disappointment stares me in the face and all alone I see not one ray of light, I go back to the Bhagavad-Gita...I immediately begin to smile in the midst of overwhelming tragedies and my life has been full of external tragedies. If they have left no visible, no indelible scar on me, I owe it all to the teachings of Bhagavad-Gita."

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

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

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

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

Chapter 3 Lesson 14

We have understood in the last lesson:
1) Man sins due to unbridled desire
2) Anger is born when desire is not fulfilled
3) Desire and anger delude our rational capacity
How is desire generated?
In the 40th Verse of the 3rd Chapter, Krishna states that the seat of ‘desire’ is the ‘senses’

My note:What does the above mean?
It means the eyes see something and it desires it
Similarly with the other senses, one desires to see, smell, taste, hear, touch.
In other words:
External stimuli reach the mind through the sense organs.
The sense organs function without restraint.
When the desires are not fulfilled or take their own time, it gives birth to sorrow.
Strangely, I have read that there are 2 reasons for suffering:
1) When your desires are not fulfilled
2) When your desires are fulfilled
So then what is the solution?
The right application of knowledge or in today’s parlance, the right attitude.

To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm

Chapter 3 Lesson 13At this point, Arjuna becomes more introspective. He realizes that there are certain forces that work against higher impulses.
Arjuna asks a question which has occurred to most of us at a certain point in our lives.
Arjuna asks: “Why does man sin, against his wishes, as it were, by force?”
Krishna answers: Man sins due to desire. It is due to the anger born of the “active” all devouring, all sinful; know this (anger, obsession) to be the enemy (What makes one sin) in this case.
My note:
I would think that ‘desire’ here would mean a constant agitation of the mind, an uncontrollable obsession to gain something. At this points ones mind gets so deluded that one does not think how many, one tramples and hurts to achieve the coveted goal.
How is anger connected to desire?
Just think about the following: Anger arises when a desire is obstructed. Take some simple examples:
1) One expects (desires) that a person should be on time, the other person is late, One gets angry.
2) One expects (desires) to be appreciated. One is not appreciated, one gets angry.
3) One expects to win a ‘battle’ a ‘game’one does not. One gets angry…
|Krishna gives three different examples to illustrate how desire and anger can delude our rational capacity.
1) As fire is enveloped by smoke
2) As a mirror by dust
3) As an embryo by the womb.
It is interesting to note that Lord Buddha also claimed that the reason for our ‘suffering’ is unbridled desire.

To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm

Chapter 3 Lesson 12

We learned earlier that though Dharma is generally explained away as 'religion, duty...In the Hindu concept 'Dharma' means a lot more.
It is the Dharma of a soldier to fight and the dharma of an ascetic, not to.

When the children are young it is the 'dharma' of a mother to look after them, but as the children, come of age, it is the 'dharma' of the same mother to 'let them go'

In Chapter 3 Verse 35 Krishna states: “Better is ones own law (dharma) though imperfectly carried out than the law of another carried out perfectly”
I would quote Shakespeare here: “…and above all else to thine own self be true”
Maybe we could also add “To be or not to be that is the question”
In the context of the Geeta the message of Krishna for Arjuna would be:
Do not talk of going to the hills, meditate in caves and renounce what is due to you. You are a prince, a soldier, trained in the art of war. Do not suppress your own personality and copy activities of someone else…

To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm

Lesson 11
In the last lesson we learned: ‘Man’s nature is governed by the thoughts that arise in him…so even though a man of knowledge may know the technique of action, it is not easy for him to follow it…’
Let us learn more about knowledge, but before that let us keep in mind that being knowledgeable is not necessarily being wise.
In the Inuit tradition, a person becomes wise when they could see what needed to be done and did it successfully without being told what to do.
In Mesopotamia the god Enki represented wisdom and intelligence and wisdom was achieved by restoring balance.
Confucius held that wisdom can be got in 3 ways- imitation, the easiest; reflection the noblest; and experience, often the bitterest.
Plato reached the understanding that those who claimed to know did not really know, or knew far less than what they claimed.
Socrates we are told is wise because he unlike others does not consider himself wise.
Refined thinking involves becoming more aware, informed, interested, discerning.
Processing feelings requires being less reactive and more responsive, letting feelings touch but not direct us.
Wise beings embody the essence of wisdom that is discernment.
Discernment of what’s right from wrong, just from unjust, wholesome from destructive, truth from delusion.
These wise beings are usually regarded as compassionate towards others, content in themselves.
Inspired by Marguerite Theophil


To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm

Chapter 3 Lesson 10
In the Verse 33 Krishna says: …Beings will follow their own nature…
My note: Man’s nature is governed by the thoughts that arise in him…so even though a man of knowledge may know the technique of action, it is not easy for him to follow it as
the thoughts that arise in him are due to past impressions on man’s mind (vasanas)
So what is to be done ? We cannot do much about the past, but we must make a massive effort to change the present so that the future impressions (Vasanas) make it easier for man to follow these lofty tenets.
Please do not miss the compassion of Krishna in understanding man’s weakness…


To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm

This is me celebrating my son's bday and mine (which falls later during December) at Raffles hotel, Singapore, Yum! Mee Goreng in Singapore. Enjoyed every moment of my short trip.
A Life worth living is made of happy memories. That is why holidays, so rejuvenate one...
Reminds me of the song:
Zindagi pyaaar ki do chaar ghadi hoti hai
chaahe thodee bhee ho yeh umar badi hoti hai...

Lesson 9
Krishna is a mentor, in the Geeta, he shares His perspective but does not impose it on Arjuna.Maybe we do not share a challenge as grave as Arjuna does in the battlefield-But we learn to understand how Arjuna regained clarity and poise after facing deep uncertainty.
Inspired by Anshul Chaturvedi

Chapter 3 Lesson 8
In the last lesson we got acquainted with the terms ‘Sat Raj and Tam’ short forms for: Sattwa (Truth) Rajas (Action) Tamas (Inertia). I mentioned that these terms are Primordial matter of Nature, Prakriti… how?
Man is made up of the above 3 qualities, in more or less different measure. That is reasonably easy to understand.
Now let us take a ‘day’ During the mornings, the Sat Tatwa is more at work. That is why it is easier to meditate in the morning, listen to Spiritual meditative music, etc
During the early and late afternoon, the Rajas Tatwa is more active. One performs ones life activities, whatever they may be during this time.
…and what does one do during the evening and night? Most actions (that for want of a better term) are less positive…and those are by and large ‘Tamasic Activities’
Now let us analyze Actions.
Let us analyze a so called good deed like ‘charity’ or ‘giving’.
When you give to make a ‘name’ for yourself, to inflate your ego, that ‘giving will be termed as a ‘Rajasic activity’
When you give in order to exploit the taker, it will be termed as a ‘Tamasic Activity’
When you give for the sake of giving without looking for the fruits thereof, your giving will be Satwic….


To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm

Chapter 3 Lesson 7

In the last lesson,

Krishna said: The fool, whose mind is deluded by egoism thinks: “I am the doer” All actions are being performed by Nature (Prakrti, Primordial matter)

Prakriti or Nature is made up of 3 qualities-Sattwa (Truth) Rajas (Action) Tamas (Inertia). The Aatman is beyond these three qualities and their functions. Only when knowledge of this fact dawns in Man does he attain perfection.

Krishna advises Arjuna:

Do your duty according to your nature or temperament.

Do your duty in the right spirit of detachment and devotion

The above will lead to perfection and freedom

When the ‘wise man’ realizes that actions belong to the world of the mind, he is no more anxious of the fruits thereof…He will then function as a true sportsman where the very enjoyment is in the sport and not in the score.



To read what I have written so far, click:

http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm

Points to ponder:
Article in a newspaper Vancouver Sun

Canada, especially the West Coast, has witnessed the
rise of hundreds, if not thousands, of yoga studios, meditation
centres, vegetarian restaurants and Ayurvedic health spas, all of
which could be said to have roots in Hinduism.

The key Hindu teaching about reincarnation, as well, is accepted now
by 30 per cent of all Canadians, including 37 per cent of Canadian
women, according to a recent Leger poll.

Hindu meditation philosophy has also gone mainstream through
best-selling spiritual teachers like Deepak Chopra and Vancouver's
Eckhart Tolle, the author of The Power of Now.

In addition, a Pew Forum poll found that two out of three Americans
now reject the theologically conservative Christian teaching that
there is only one way to heaven, or salvation.

Chapter 3 Lesson 6
In the last lesson, we learned: Even the Lord who is not compelled to do anything nor does he need to attain anything…Acts!
Now, Krishna is going to say something very curious.
Krishna says: The fool, whose mind is deluded by egoism thinks: “I am the doer” All actions are being performed by Nature (Prakrti, Primordial matter)
My note:
So though you may act, you are not the doer!
Look back upon your life. How much did you do? And how much happened in your life?
Listen to a story: The Lord told a man to push the entrance to a cave…The man pushed and pushed but was unable to open the entrance to the cave. Dejected he admitted his defeat to the Lord. The Lord said: “I told you to push the entrance to the cave, the opening of the cave, I shall do! And as far as your defeat goes, have a look at the muscles you have built!


To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm

This photograph of mine was taken at Nanakana Sahib, now in Pakistan, birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev on 6th September 1986


Guru Nanak Birth will be celebrated on the 21st of November.


Guru Nanak was born of humble parentage. His parents owned a store, and were ambitious for their son. They urged young Nanak to sit in the store and do some business. The young man started to count, Ek do teen (One, two ,three) ......Gyaara, Baarah, terah....(Eleven, twelve, thirteen)....The minute young Nanak said 'terah' meaning thirteen, he thought of 'terah' as 'Tera' which means 'Yours'. Guru Nanak went into deep meditation, thinking that all that is, belongs to the Lord...

Guru Nanakji became a shop-keeper, in the service of Nawab Daulat Khan, the Governor of Sultanpur. The young apprentice would go into a trance as he weighed and counted his provisions and reached the number 'tera' (13) Tera means 'yours or thine' Everything and Everyone belongs to Thee O Lord! He would repeat prayerfully!

Read more, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/message/gurunanak1.htm

Chapter 3 Lesson 5
In the stanzas of the Geeta , Krishna uses the first person singular. But He does not mean it as ‘Krishna’ of Radha or Gopis or Yashoda fame…neither does He mean Krishna, as the King of Dwarika…but as the ‘Atman’ (Individual Soul) who in essence is no different from Paramaatman (God)

Krishna says: “There is nothing in the three worlds that has to be done by Me, nor is there anything unattained that should be attained by me; yet I engage myself in action”

My note: Even the Lord who is not compelled to do anything nor does he need to attain anything…Acts!
I think that what Krishna is trying to say is that ‘doing ones karma’ is very important.
But as He stated earlier, do your karma in a spirit of detachment from fruits thereof.
A lot of people ask me: “How can we not have a desire for the fruits? If I am studying to become a doctor, would I not need to ‘desire’ to becaome a doctor?”
My understanding is:
1)Desire to be a doctor.
2) Drop the desire.
3) Engage in Action eg studies admission etc.
4) Do not constantly be obsessed with the result.
Ok let us see if we can understand it in a different way.
One needs to go to Delhi…one buys the ticket and sits on the train…Do we need to obsess about the destination?


To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm

Chapter 3 Lesson 4
Before we are able to understand what Krishna is about to say, let us understand the ‘concept of Devas’
Swami Chinmayananda explains it thus:
The concept of Devas is that of One Universal Power…receiving appropriate names because of its multiple functions…A Deva (a god) is also the very presiding Deity in any field of activity who blesses the worker in that field…
My note:
Hindus have divinized every field, every desire…Thus if you are looking for wealth, one prays to Goddess Laxmi, for knowledge, Goddess Saraswati, for removing of obstacles Lord Ganesh…

Lord Krishna says:
Foster the gods (presiding deities) through this sacrifice (action in a form of prayer, offering) and let the gods be gracious to you…the gods will surely bestow on you unasked all the desired enjoyments. Those who enjoy the gifts bestowed by them, without giving them in return, is undoubtedly a thief.

My note:
Those who enjoy the gifts bestowed by them, without giving them in return, is undoubtedly a thief?
Surely you will understand the above…It means, what now a days we hear constantly…that we need to give back to society…




To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm

Chapter 3 Lesson 3
We have already understood the term ‘sacrifice’ as a ‘prayer, an offering’ free from attachment (of the desire for the fruit).
Before we enter other verses of the Geeta let us understand the term ‘Yajna’



Swami Chinmayanandaji says:
Yajna could mean any self sacrificing work undertaken in a spirit of Self-dedication…The following stanzas will become more and more clear and universally appropriate in their meaning when we understand Yajna as “any social, communal, national or personal activity into which the individual is ready to pour himself forth entirely in a spirit of service and dedication…Only when people come forward to act in a spirit of cooperation and self dedication, can the community get itself freed from its shackles of poverty and sorrow.

Now let us understand what Krishna says:
Having created mankind along with the spirit of sacrifice at the beginning of creation, the Creator Brahma said: “You shall prosper by this, may this yield the enjoyment you seek”

My note:
Why has mankind not prospered? The Yajna spirit is seen in the Sun, the moon, the Sea, the Earth…But is it seen in Man? Has he not only cheated his brothers and sisters but the very Mother Earth who brought him forth and nurtured him?

I am reminded of a song:

Jagat bhar ki roshni ke liye
Karoron ki zindagi ke liye
Suraj re jalte rehna
Suraj re jalte rehna…

Jagat kalyaan ki khaatir tu janma hai
Tu jag ke vaaste har dukh utha re
Bhaley hi ang tera bhasm ho jaaye
Tu jal jal ke yahaan kirne luta re

Likha hai yeh hi tere bhaag mein
Ki tera jeevan rahe aag mein
Suraj re jalte rehna
Suraj re jalte rehna

Which means:
Oh Sun! Keep burning for the sake of
Bringing Light
And (keep burning for the sake of) the lives of millions (of human bengs)

You are born for the the ‘good’ of the world,
So carry the burden of every unhappiness,
No matter if you burn,
You distribute your rays of sunshine,
It is so written in your fate,
That you live ‘in fire’ (yet)
Oh Sun, keep burning!

EXTENDED YAJNA OF SURYA......
KARODON LOG PRITHVI KE BHATAKTE HAIN,
KARODON AANGANO MEIN HAI ANDHERA,
ARAY JAB TAK NA HO GHAR GHAR MEIN UJIYARA,
SAMAJ LENA HAI ADHURA KAAM TERA,

JAGAT UDDHAR MEIN ABHI DER HAI,
ABHI TO DUNIYA MEIN ANDHER HAI.....
SURAJ RE, .....JALTE REHNA.....SURAJ RE....JALTE REHNA...

To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm

Chapter 3 Lesson 2

What Krishna says now is absolute common sense. If one desists from action, one will not even be able to maintain ones body. Therefore Krishna tells Arjuna: Action is superior to Inaction.


My note:

Because some would not like to get involved in the give and take of ‘karma’ they give up their ‘life’ and move to the hills. But are they able to give up karma completely. Besides necessary body requirements, desire follows them to the remotest caves. Very few have been able to achieve the Lord through true renunciation. Some immortal names that come to my mind are: Meera, Buddha, Mahavira…)


Krishna continues to say:

Perform your action for the sake of sacrifice (which to my mind it means, as a prayer, an offering) free from attachment (of the desire for the fruit).


To read what I have written so far, click:

http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm

Celebrating Diwali at home.
We worship Laxmi. Most people know her as the Goddess of Wealth. But there is a difference between Laxmi and money for money's sake according to Chetan Bhagat.
Money has various uses:
Money gives stature...May give you a certain place in society today that is above others...
It gives a sense of security...
The irony is no matter how much money you have , if you dont fundamentally value yourself from within you will never feel that status despite crores stashed away. That is why corrupt people keep on accumulating money until they get caught. They hope the money will give them a better place in life. However since they have stolen and not earned the wealth, the crime gnaws at them from within and they can never be at peace. They have accumulated money for sure but not accumulated Laxmi.
Laxmi is wealth accumulated through honest and fair means...The lotus on which Laxmi sits is a sign of Spiritual well being.
Stolen money only brings emptiness to the soul...No matter how big their Diwali pujas or lavish their parties, Laxmi will never come to them. She only comes to those who are pure in heart.

I was reading: During Diwali, diyas are lit inside the house, meaning getting illumined from within. Diyas are lit outside, meaning spread the light of awareness outside.Make one lamp light another to dispel darkness everywhere...

Happy Diwali again! Will you be doing the Diwali puja without the help of a pandit? Here is some help! But do it with faith and Mother Laxmi will smile on you. Click:


http://www.dalsabzi.com/mantras/sindhi_diwali_puja_vidhee.htm

The Flame of the Diyas
Happy Diwali
Diwali will be celebrated on the 5th of November

Diwali falls during a dark period of a year. While most of us pray during this time, negative practices are also prevalent during this time. The best way to dispel negative influences is to light candles, or as is the practice amongst us Hindus, Diyas. Why is the fire worshipped by all the religions in one form or another? Let me share with you what I have learned.

While water finds its level by moving downwards, fire does quite the opposite. Even if you hang a lamp upside down, the flame will rise upwards. Human nature tends to be like water, flowing to lower levels. The flame that we light reminds us to soar upwards.

As one moves forward on the Spiritual path, the darkness of ignorance is replaced by the Light of knowledge. The flame in this case is symbolic of this light which brightens as we journey within.

Tapa in Sindhi means fever. It also stands for fire and penance. Fire destroys the impure. The flame of the fire reminds us of the fact that we should cleanse ourselves of all impurity of our ego and attachments, until only the purity of our soul remains

It is said by Mystics that he who loses his ego will cease to be. The fire rises towards the sky and vanishes.

Not only does the fire vanish as it rises, but after burning the fuel, it becomes silent. Isn't that what we are meant to become after, burning all our desires and attachments to falsehood?

So this Diwali, as you shop for Diyas, ponder upon its flame's spiritual nature. It will not only beautify and brighten your home, but will remind you of the transformations that it is meant to bring within.


Read more about Diwali and have a very very Happy Diwali

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

Chapter 3 Lesson 1

In the first Chapter we saw that Arjuna was deluded and dejected. He did not really want to fight the horrible war. Which could also mean that when man is deluded, depressed, attached to outcomes of actions, he loses desire to ‘act’
If you go back, Krishna had explained Arjuna the nature of the Aatman.
To recapitulate: The Aatman is imperishable unchanging and eternal.
Everyone and specially Arjuna in this case should aspire to that state.

So now Arjuna asks Krishna a relevant question, which may have even occurred to you:

“If the aim is to achieve liberation and recognize the Aatman” Arjuna asked: why should I (fight) engage in action?
Arjuna continued to ask Krishna: “Do explain to me, the one discipline by which I may obtain, the highest good?”
Krishna replies: Some pursue the path of knowledge and others pursue the path of action…however none can remain inactive, as everyone is driven to action…He excels who acts remaining unattached (to the fruits of the action)in a spirit of sacrifice (prayer).

To win or not to win-Krishna
Krishna killed the tyrant King Kansa and destroyed demons like Kirti , Agha, Baka and Ghotaka. He defeated powerful wrestlers like Chanoor and Mustika. He subdued a venomous snake called Kalia…
Osho believes in the above context that he alone wins who does not desire to win and he who wants to win, loses…absence of this desire to win means the person concerned has already won…If someone is not out to win it means he has already established in his eminence, there is not even a shade of inferiority in him to disprove by resorting to winning…If one does not seek anything, it means he does not lack it, he already has it.
There is nothing extraordinary if Krishna won because of his strength.
Then the demons would have won if they had been stronger than Krishna.

Jesus says: Blessed are the meek because they shall inherit the earth…
A child is not concerned about winning , he is only interested in playing the game.
On the other hand the demons are anxious to win , and that too against an innocent and meek child who has no idea of victory or defeat, who takes everything as play. And the demons are defeated at his hands. This is as it should be’

To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm

There is a mantra which we Hindus are urged to chant first thing in the morning while we look at our palms.
It goes like this:

"Karaagre Vasate Lakshmi,
Karamuule Saraswati.
Karamadhye Tu Govinda,
Prabhaate Kara Darshanam."


It means
On our fingertips resides Goddess Laxmi (Goddess of wealth)
On our wrist of our palm resides Saraswati (Goddess of Learning)
On the centre resides Govinda (Krishna)
Do look (at your palms) in the morning

and then my daughter sends me this beautiful email:

Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. She didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands.

When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if she was OK

Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her at the same time, I asked her if she was OK. She raised her head and looked at me and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking," she said in a clear voice strong.

"I didn't mean to disturb you, Grandma, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK," I explained to her.

"Have you ever looked at your hands," she asked.. "I mean really looked at your hands?"

I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making.

Grandma smiled and related this story:

"Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.

"They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor.

They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child, my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to war.

"They have been dirty, scraped and raw , swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special.

They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse.

"They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand.

They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer.

"These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of life. But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ."

I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my Grandma's hands and led her home.

When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and husband I think of Grandma. I know she has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God.

I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.

Thomas wrote:
May I use part of the information from your blog post above if I give a link back to your website?

Thanks,
Thomas

Dear Thomas,
Yes you may

Chapter 2 Lesson 10
Let us try and understand Krishna before we try and understand the Geeta.
Krishna is incomparable. He can expound great philosophical truths yet He laughs, sings and dances. Krishna accepts life in totality. That is why in India Krishna is described as a perfect Incarnation of God.

Krishna says in Chapter 2 Verse 66:
A man who has not controlled his mind and senses, is undisciplined. And an undisciplined unthinking man can have no peace. And he who has no peace of mind can have no happiness.

If one looks closely at Krishna’s life one will clearly see that Krishna does not believe in suppression.
So what does Krishna do? He accepts life unconditionally. He does not shun love, war, conflict, friendship…He approaches all with love and compassion and a complete sense of ‘intelligent awarenes’ He kind of is ‘playing the part at hand with perfection’ and that in Hindu parlance is called the ‘Leela’

You might ask: Does living life unconditionally give one peace of mind? I believe that if one lives for the moment, sees the situation the way it is, does whatever one needs to do to change it according to ones wishes and then lets go of the consequences, one can achieve peace of mind and joy. It is what I do not tire of stating: Do your best and leave the rest!


To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm

Chapter 2 Lesson 9

Krishna says something quite interesting in Chapter 2 verse 69:
He says that while it is night for everyone else, it is day to the Yogi and vice versa.
What Krishna is really saying is that that what makes people sleep keeps a Yogi awake…and what keeps the beings of the world awake makes the Yogi sleep.
Let us for a moment think of Buddha, Meera, Mahavira.
All the above three belonged to royal families, yet they chose to forsake their comforts to pursue a Spiritual life…and the end result is that they did find the peace and bliss and joy that they were seeking within themselves.

So now what Krishna is saying becomes clear…To the worldly man, money and the power and possessions that come with it is the only important thing worth pursuing and of course matters of the spirit would put him to sleep.
And yet on the other hand, what interest would Meera have in designer bags?
The very thought makes you smile, no?
Meera sings: Jahan baithaavey ut hi baithoon jo de so hi khaaoon
Meera ke Prabhu Giridhar Naagar baar baar baar bali jaaoon
Which means: I sit where He (the Lord) makes me sit.
I eat what He gives me to eat.

It means that Meera is totally surrendered to the Lord and never complains, because all comes from Him.
Meera says: I praise the Lord and belong to Him.


To read what I have written so far, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm

Chapter 2 Lesson 8
What is Viveka? Most people will answer that it is conscience. The voice inside us that tells us what is right and what is wrong.

I like to believe that it is the power to discriminate.

But then I also explained about ‘dharma’ What may be right for one person may not be right for another.

And also what may be right when you are older may not be right for when you are younger.

That means that time is also a factor.

Let me give some examples.

For a young mother it is ‘right’ that she spends time with her offspring to help with their physical, mental, spiritual needs.

But when the child is an adult, it would be the mother’s ‘dharma’ to let go.

Another example: When you live in a joint family, your mother in law wants you to do something which may be against what your husband wants. Your child may want something else from you and you require something else from yourself !

Who do you please? This is what is called a ‘Dharma sankat’

How does one acquire this ‘power to discriminate right from wrong.

In the Ramayana there is a couplet:

Bin satsang viveka na hoi

Ram kripa bin sulabh na soi

Which means:

Without ‘satsang’ (meeting with positive people to discuss truths of life)

One will not learn the power to discriminate.

And without the Lord’s Grace, one attains neither. (Viveka or satsang)





Krishna says:

Krodhaad bhavati sammohah sammohaat smriti vibhramah

Smriti bhramsaat buddhi naaso buddhi naasaat pranasyati





Let us now understand the Geeta Chapter 2 Verse 63

(When ones desires are not fulfilled) one gets angry,

From anger, one loses ones memory (One is not able to perceive things the way they are)

One becomes deluded, ones discrimination power is then destroyed,

And the result? One perishes!



To read what I have written so far

Click:

http://www.dalsabzi.com/wisdom_script/bhagvad_gita.htm

Someone wrote:
Can I use some of the information from your post above if I give a backlink back to this website?

My reply:
Yes, you may

Chapter 2 Lesson 7
Bhagvad Geeta


In the Verse 54 of Chapter 2 Arjuna wants to know how to recognize a God realized soul?

Sri Krishna replies that one can recognize a God realized soul by the following:

1) He, who becomes stable in mind as he has dismissed cravings of the mind

2) He who remains unperturbed amid sorrows

3) Free from anger



My comment: One only gets angry when ones desire are not fulfilled.

Let us take some simple observations:

You want people to appreciate and admire you, they don’t. You get angry.

Someone is late, you would have liked them to be on time. You get angry

(I am not going into the ethics whether they should be on time or not)

I am only explaining ‘anger’



So coming back to my favourite Geeta verse.

One can only do ones best and leave the rest.



Sri Rama could have declined to go to the forest. He was not bound by any promise. His father was.

To him the forest or the Kingdom was the same.

So he was not ‘angry’

However he carried his bow and arrow all the time since his duty as a kshatriya was to protect.

As simple as that!

Geeta Ch 2 Lesson 6
I have mentioned earlier that if someone were to ask me to state the message of the Geeta in a line, I would say that it is: Do your best and leave the rest'


Before rushing helter skelter to find God, let us start the search, by looking within ourselves.
What we find is sometimes not very pleasant.
Most people complain that they cannot change themselves.
What I feel and say to them is, don’t be too hard on yourself.
Look back! Do you react less to circumstances, than you used to, a few years ago?
If yes, then you are on the right track.
You can study hard and you may be a very bright student, but you could fall ill and fail the examinations.
One has to renounce oneself to the above outcome.
A more common example is about people who ‘kill’ themselves to please others, and end up being criticized.
To such people I advise: Enjoy the ‘service’ let that, be your reward, not the result of your action.
We will be, eventually judged by our true intentions, when we ‘acted’.
Not by what people ‘spoke’ about us.
This is what Krishna means, when he states, in the 47th verse of the 2nd Chapter in the Geeta, that our right is only over our actions, not over the fruits (outcome) of the actions.
He said:
Karmanyey Vaadhikaa rastey, Maa phaleshu Kadaachanaa
Maa karma phala hetur bhoor, Maa tey sangotswa, akarmanee

Yesterday, on the 12th of October I was invited to attend 2 interesting meetings
1) Seminar on Ayodhya Judgement organized by All India Secular Forum
and
2) 5th Anniversary of Right to Information (RTI)...going strong and doing a great job!
The event was jointly organized by PCGT and Indian Merchant's Chamber (Anti corruption cell)
Some of the eminent persons connected with the programme:
Retd Chief Info commissioner, Suresh Joshi, Narayan Varma, Justice Suresh Hosbet, J F Ribeiro, Mayur Nayak...

There is a very interesting article in the Times of India, Mumbai Oct 12th 2010.
It is Babri Masjid revisited by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan.
In the Seminar on Ayodhya Judgement I attended, some points:
(I hope I have not misunderstood the points or I may be using wrong legal terms for which I apologize)

Under the law Ram Lala (The idol of Sri Ram) can file a case, it has been recognized since 100 years...
There is a ruling that the places of worship after 1947 will remain where they are except for Ayodhya...
Even though it cannot be 100 % established that the idols were there, faith is important. In tribal areas a tree which is worshipped is not easily uprooted...
The idols have established long time possession...
Also
It was a mosque for 400 years...

Geeta Chapter 2 Lesson 5

What Krishna is trying to explain to Arjuna is that the Soul does not die. But if one believes that the Soul is subject to constant birth and death then also one must not grieve because death is certain for the born and rebirth is inevitable for the dead .

I love the way Krishna describes ‘death’ in the Bhagvad Geeta. Krishna says: Just like man sheds off worn out garments, so does the soul cast out worn out bodies and enters into new ones.The following verse is a famous one, and you may have heard/read it many times specially during orbituaries.It is : Nainam chhindanti sastraani nainam dahati paavakahNa chainam kledayant yaapo na soshayati maarutahWhich means:Weapons cut it not, fire burns it not, water wets it not, wind dries it not.

Krishna continues to explain to Arjuna: That which pervades the Universe and the Soul is imperishable, which means it cannot be killed. Is'nt that interesting? Science says: Energy can neither be created nor destroyed.

Navratras start today, 8th October, 2010
Navratra literally means '9 nights'. These days are astrologically very powerful for Spiritual upliftment.

During these days and nights, prayers are offered to 'Mother' who is the Manifestation of the Absolute Energy that pervades the Universe. As 'Durga' sitting on a Lion, she is a Manifestation of 'Shakti' or the Primordial Energy. The Power to breathe, walk, digest etc, comes from Ma Durga.

As Laxmi She is abundance.Read more, click

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

What is Vedanta? Vedānta comes from 2 words: Veda and Anta (Veda end or goal) The appendix to the Vedic hymns. It is believed that Vedanta explains the ultimate nature of reality.
Wikipedia states: The goal of Vedanta is a state of self-realization or cosmic consciousness. Historically and currently, it is assumed that this state can be experienced by anyone, but it cannot be adequately conveyed in language.

King Janak had a dream where he was a beggar. He wondered which was the dream? that he was a king or a beggar? Ashtavakra replied Both are a dream. Thus was 'Ashtavakra Geeta' born. A Masterpiece on Vedanta

Chapter 2 Lesson 4
Krishna goes on to say: The unreal has no existence and the real never ceases to be.
What is unreal? According to Hindu philosophy Creation is an illusion. The illusion is called Maya. Do you know what maya literally means? That which is not.
Now one may argue how that is possible. Well just like a dream seems real when one is sleeping.
Once Buddha was asked how he would describe himself. The Buddha answered: I am awake.
Why is Krishna explaining this to Arjuna? Because He is emphasizing the point that he need not grieve about something that in any case is an illusion.

Bhagvad Geeta

Chapter 2 Lesson 3
Krishna explains to Arjuna that the body dies but the Aatman is eternal. Wise men do not grieve over the dead or the living. Krishna now touches upon re-incarnation. He says: There was never a time when I was not, or when you or these kings were not. Nor Will there be a time when we shall cease to be. The soul or the Aatman cannot be cut burnt or dried as it transcends the five elements namely the earth, water, fire, air and ether. Krishna urges Arjuna to withdraw the senses from objects like the tortoise withdraws all its limbs within. Krishna emphasized he who is balanced in pleasure, pain is fit for immortality.
My comment: The above is easier said than done. But it would be interesting to note the connection that Krishna makes. The pleasurable things/experiences come through our senses. We desire to see, smell, touch, smell, taste...We need a certain amount of control over our desires which within balance are fine, but when they turn into obsessions, they can bring about your ruin.
At this point a lot of questions will arise in your mind. But the wonderful thing is that these questions also arise within Arjuna, and he will ask these questions and Krishna will answer them...So wait and watch this marvelous scripture unfold. Until then as Shidi Sai Baba says: Shraddha and Saburi, Faith and Patience (is necesarry for progress in the Spiritual world).

Yesterday, 2nd of October was Gandhi Jayanti.
I was one of the speakers at the MRA. The other speakers were Julio Ribeiro, Uzma Naheed, Aarif. It was a wonderful evening filled with Shairis friendship, song. My talk was 'Living Gandhiji's Dream' I elaborated on Gandhiji's quotes:
Some of them:






First, a story
1) During Hindu Muslim riots
When a Hindu lost a child and was inconsolable
Gandhiji told him to look after a Muslim orphan, one who had lost his parents in the senseless rioting.

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong
Not forgiving is like carrying rotten potatoes constantly on your back...
Whenever you are confronted with an opponent, conquer him with love.



2) An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind.
Let us look into the mind of Gandhiji
3) His slipper dropped as he was riding a train.
He threw the other slipper. He felt that for the finder it would be useful to have both slippers.
a) We fail because we do not persevere
b) Failing does not mean we are failures
c) People without conviction take the middle of the road, they get run over
(They sit on the fence)
d) Losers have a book full of excuses
Eg wrong stars, wrong parents
e) Wise people learn from their mistakes
These mistakes are called experience




I was listening to a taped discourse of Shri Morari Bapu who states that we could live in a perfect world if we were to imbibe the following salient qualities from the various religious Giants:
The wisdom of Shri Krishna.
The service and love of Christ.
The brotherhood of Islam.
The compassion of Buddha
The non-violence quality of Mahavira…
If one looks close enough, each religion embraces all the above qualities...

DO NOT FORCE THE UNWILLING
In the Bhagavad Geeta, Krishna says to Arjuna: "This secret gospel of the Geeta should never be imparted to a man who lacks penance nor to him who is wanting in devotion, nor even to him who lends not a willing ear...
The Holy Quran says: Lakum Deenokum Walia Deen"_ Your religion and belief is for you and my religion and belief is for me.

The following is one of the faourite bhajans of Gandhiji.
Hv taken the english translation from the Internet:

Vaishnav jan to tene kahiye je
PeeD paraayi jaaNe re
Par-dukhkhe upkaar kare toye
Man abhimaan na aaNe re (Vaishnava)

SakaL lok maan sahune vande
Nindaa na kare keni re
Vaach kaachh man nishchaL raakhe
Dhan-dhan janani teni re (Vaishnava)

Sam-drishti ne trishna tyaagi
Par-stree jene maat re
Jivha thaki asatya na bole
Par-dhan nav jhaalee haath re (Vaishnava)

Moh-maaya vyaape nahi jene
DriDh vairaagya jena man maan re
Ram naam shoon taaLi laagi
SakaL tirath tena tan maan re (Vaishnava)

VaN-lobhi ne kapaT-rahit chhe
Kaam-krodh nivaarya re
BhaNe Narsaiyyo tenun darshan karta
KuL ekoter taarya re (Vaishnava)


English Translation

One who is a Vaishnav (Devotee of Vishnu)
Knows the pain of others
Does good to others
without letting pride enter his mind.

A Vaishnav, Tolerates and praises the the entire world.
Does not speak ill of others
Keeps his promises, actions and thoughts pure
your mother is blessed indeed.

A Vaishnav sees everything equally, rejects greed and avarice
respects women as he respects his own mother
though his tongue may tire he will utter no untruth
Never touches the property of others.

A Vaishnav does not succumb to worldly attachments
he has renounced lust of all types and anger
The poet Narsi will like to see such a person By who's virtue,
the entire family gets salvation
Notes
This is not a perfect translation of the poem, the first stanza has the words A Vaishnav in the susequent stanzas it is used only to make grammatical sense. It is not a poetic translation but the meanings of the lines have been explained simply and the integrity of the poem has been completely maintained.

Chapter 1 Lesson 4
You saw in the lesson (my note about Draupadi) that the Pandavas who were the better ones were addicted to the game of dice. What is remarkable in the Mahabharata is that characters are not black and white but shades of grey. Only in some cases the grey is almost black. Awareness of imperfection allows us to be less judgemental of others. Marguerite Theophil writes ‘This is not about being satisfied with mediocre or about condoning evil or inhumanity it is about facing reality and working with it rather than against it.
Working with ‘what is’ means to seek meaning within the absurd, peace within chaos, light within darkness, joy within suffering- without the need to deny the reality of absurdity, chaos darkness and suffering’.
Coming back to the Geeta,
It is interesting to note that Krishna first tries psychology to urge Arjuna to fight.
Krishna tells Arjuna that if he refuses to fight and flee from the battle , people will be justified in considering him a coward. On the other hand if he does his ‘dharma’ ie fights as a soldier, he will attain a high state (Could be that of a great hero or heaven)

The marvel of Indian wisdom
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.

Chapter 2 lesson 1
What affected Arjuna at this stage was not a sense of righteousness but a weakness of heart. It is like a doctor, surgeon, whose ‘dharma’ is to cut open a person to cure but at the time of operation he places down his medical instruments and says he cannot go through it. They had tried all methods for peace and reconciliation, his wife Draupadi had been humiliated beyond imagination…(A daughter-in-law, a queen was tried to be disrobed in an open assembly where her husbands, brothers-in –law, fathers-in-law were present…Such a thing has never ever happened in the history of mankind. Can you imagine it happening in our parliament today ? Inconceivable!
One must constantly remember that Arjuna was a soldier. And as a soldier his ‘dharma’ was to fight, to get what was rightfully his, to avenge Draupadi’s honour.

Geeta Chapter 1 Lesson 2
At Kurukshetra all the famous warriors from both sides (Pandavas and Kauravas) had assembled. Hundreds of conches blared. Krishna was to act as the charioteer of Arjuna. Arjuna requested Krishna to place the chariot between the two armies. As Arjuna surveyed his opponents he saw fathers, grandfathers, teachers, uncles, sons, relatives, friends…A feeling of despondency took over him. He wondered whether the victory (if it came to him) would be worth the carnage. The bow slipped from Arjuna’s hands and he turned to Lord Krishna for guidance.
The first chapter of the Geeta is called ‘The Yoga of the despondency of Arjuna’ Why is it called yoga?
There comes a point in everyone’s life when one has tried all means to control situations to ones liking, when one just ‘lets the bow fall’ and that is when the enquiry starts. All journeys start with the first step...the first step towards the philosophic quest is the enquiry: "Athato Brahmn Jignasa"...
Then starts the sadhana, the spiritual effort the seeker puts in. The word sadhana is derived from the root word 'sidh' which means 'to be accomplished' in 'seeking divinity' The quest starts 'out' and ends in the knowing that there is no 'separation'...

Geeta Chapter 1
Dhritrashtra was the blind father of Duryodhana and his brothers (Kauravas).
(Explanations do not suggest that the Mahabharata is an allegory)
It was the extreme attachment of Dhritrashtra for his children that blinded him to ‘dharma’ truth justice…
Dhritrashtra believed blindly that physical might would triumph.
Dhritrashtra asks Sanjaya: What did the Pandavas and my sons do, when they had assembled on the holy land of Kurukshetra, eager to fight O Sanjaya?
The fascinating thing that happens now is that Sanjaya gives Dhritrashtra a moment to moment account about what happens in Kurukshetra.
Less than a hundred years ago, one would have thought that it was fantasy, magic or that Sanjaya had spiritual powers. Maybe Sanjaya did but now in the ‘Live television broadcast’ zamana that we live in, it is so much easier to believe.

Lesson 9
Mantras for studies
I love the following Mantra and I am amazed at the wisdom of our ancestors.
It is a Mantra to be chanted before one starts one's studies.
But what amazes me is its last line which states that 'May we not (have ego clashes) quarrel with one another. ie students and teachers.
The ancestors and Scriptures said that one has to have certain requisites before becoming a student. One of them is to come with an empty clean vessel.
It is only then that the wisdom of the Scripture will fill one.

and now the mantra:

Om Sahana Vavatu, Sahanao Bhunaktu
Sahaveeryam Karvaa vahai
Tejaswee Naava Dheeta Mastu
Ma Vidvishaa vahai
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

Loosely translated it means:
I pray that You (God) help me teach.
You (God) help me (student) learn!
May our study be brilliant and may we not misunderstand!(and quarrel due to our ego)
Om Peace, Peace, Peace!

A prayer to Mother Saraswati (Goddess of Learning)
Mantra to be chanted before you begin your studies:
Saraswati namastubhyam
Varde Kaamarupini
Vidyarambham karishyami
Siddhir bhavatu me sadaa
It means:
My humble prostrations unto Thee, O Goddess Saraswati,
You are the fulfiller of all my wishes,
I start my studies, with the request that I achieve perfection in them.

Lesson 8 The Palace of illusions

I have tried to explain in such few words, the Mahabharat, Arjuna, Draupadi before we enter the Divine Dialogue, the Geeta.


I have been reading The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

The author has placed Draupadi in the forefront of the action…her joys, doubts, struggles, triumphs, heartbreaks, achievements…
Presenting some of the excerpts that have touched my heart.

Dhai Ma says to young Draupadi:
…“Love comes like lightening and disappears the same way. If you are lucky it strikes you right…I advise you to forget about love, princess. Pleasure is simpler and duty more important. Learn to be satisfied by them”



Krishna says to Draupadi:
…“A problem becomes a problem only if you believe it to be so, and often others see you as you see yourself”…

…“As for being pawns , ar’nt we all pawns in the hands of Time, the greatest player of them all”…

When Draupadi asked Krishna what kind of palace He thought she should have, Krishna said: “Already you live within a nine-gated palace, the most wondrous structure of all. Understand it well: it will be your salvation or your downfall.”

Draupadi said: “If I am a queen I owe it to my palace.”
Krishna frowned and said: “Don’t be so attached to what is, after all, no more than metal and stone and asura sleight of hand. All things in this world change and pass away—some after many years, some overnight. Appreciate the Palace of Illusions , by all means. But if you identify so deeply with it, you set yourself up for sorrow.”

… Krishna gazed into my eyes. Was it love I saw in his face? If so, it was different in kind from all the loves I knew. Or perhaps the loves I had known had been something different, and this alone was love. It reached past my body, my thoughts, my shaking heart, into some part of me that I hadn’t known existed. My eyes closed of their own accord. I felt myself coming apart like the braided edge of a shawl, the threads reaching everywhere…

…Can’t you ever be serious? I asked mortified.
“It’s difficult,” He ( Krishna ) said. “There’s so little in life that’s worth it”….

…”They’re saying the gods are angry at Sisupal’s death.”
“Priests like to say such things” Krishna replied. He didn’t seem too concerned about the anger of the gods…

When Draupadi was being disrobed:
…The wind smelled of sandalwood. Krishna sat beside me on a cool stone bench. His glance was bright and tender. “No one can shame you, He said, if you don’t allow it”
It came to me in a wash of amazement, that He was right.
Let them stare at my nakedness I thought. Why should I care? They and not I should be ashamed for shattering the bounds of decency”.
Was that not miracle enough?
Krishna nodded. He took my hands. At His touch I felt my muscles relax, my fists open. He smiled, and I prepared to smile back…

… “A situation in itself is neither happy or unhappy. It’s only your response to it that gives you sorrow. But enough of philosophy, I am hungry…”

Krishna explains to Draupadi about hatred

…Suddenly Krishna reached out and pulled a half burnt stick from the fire. He thrust it at me so that I flinched back.
“What are you doing?” I cried startled and angry.
“Trying to show you something. The stick—it scared you right? It may even have hurt you, if you hadn’t been so quick. But look –in trying to burn you, It’s consuming itself. That’s what happens to a heart---“

Draupadi thinks later:
“I know you want me to drop my hatred, Krishna ” I whispered, It’s the one thing you’ve asked me for. But I can’t. Even if I wanted to. I don’t know how anymore”
Outside the hut, the shal trees bent and swayed, their leaves like sighs.

…I knew that the remedy lay not in finding a new flower but in what Krishna had advised me over and over again: Let the past go. Be at ease. Allow the future to arrive at its own pace, unfurling its secrets when it will. I knew I should live the life that teemed around me: this clear air, this newborn sunlight, the simple comfort of the shawl around my shoulders…”

Lesson 7 Geeta Introdution to Geeta

Draupadi, the Queen but more importantly Draupadi was 'Krishna's Sakhee'. 'Sakhee' means friend. Krishna's special name for Draupadi was 'sakhee'. She was married to one of Krishna's best friends, Arjun, the Pandava Prince. Draupadi was a courageous queen with a dynamic personality. Even Duryodhan (a Kaurava) grudgingly admitted to her greatness. She was in a way, the revolving kingpin of the Mahabharata war. Draupadi was married to the five brothers (Pandavas) at the same time. The above proves that it was acceptable, during those days for a woman to marry more than one man. She lived as a wife to each brother for a year in rotation. She was a beloved of all her husbands. The Kauravas (jealous cousins of the Pandavas) had been rankled by a remark uttered by Draupadi in a moment of weakness. They invited the Pandavas for a game of dice where the Kauravas cheated and the Pandavas lost Draupadi in a gamble.

Indignant Draupadi proved that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Draupadi questioned her husband Yudhishtra, if he had pledged her before or after he had lost himself in the gamble. She argued that if he had pledged himself first, he had no right over her as he was already a slave.
She later challenged the game as illegal as she argued that Duryodhan, a Kaurava, had not placed his brothers and wife as a matching stake.
Because of evil omens that started to manifest, the old king Dhritrashtra tried to appease Draupadi by asking her to ask for any boons of her choice.
Draupadi asked for the freedom of her husbands. The old king begged her to ask for the kingdom.
Draupadi vehemently refused and proudly proclaimed that her husbands would win back their kingdom and that she did not want the gift of a kingdom which was theirs by right.
Draupadi took a vow that she would not oil or tie her hair until the Kaurava Dushyaasan was killed. The latter was responsible for dragging her to court to humiliate her.
It is believed that the queen eventually oiled her hair with the blood of Dushyaasan.

The Kauravas wanted to humiliate the Pandavas and hence dragged Draupadi to the main hall and tried to disrobe her in public. She implored to Krishna who she affectionately called 'Sakha'(friend). Krishna came to her rescue and miraculously kept Draupadi clothed, despite the fact that the Kauravas kept pulling at her saree. Draupadi's faith in Krishna never wavered even though she went through very difficult times.
Much later when her husband Yudhishtra wanted to renounce the world, Draupadi rebuked him. She held him responsible for bringing sorrow to the family. She reminded him that she had suffered intensely. Not only had she been deeply humiliated, but she had unfairly lost her 5 sons in the war. Yet she opted to live on.
Her 'Sakha' Krishna recognised Draupadi's qualities. He was aware of her deep devotion and faith to him. He never let her down. He appeared whenever she summoned. The most dramatic instance is when Dushyaasan tried to pull her saree off her. She turned to Krishna as her husbands bowed their heads in shame. He came to her aid yet once again. The saree became endless. Metres and metres were added miraculously, until Dushyaasan gave up defeated.
Krishna's and Draupadi's friendship had withstood the supreme test.
Draupadi's five sons were killed by Ashwatthaama. Yet she spared the latter's life because he was the son of the Pandava's guru. Draupadi ruled for 36 years, after which she renounced worldly life and walked away to the Himalayas, when her grandson Parikshit was crowned as king.

Lesson 6 (Introduction to Geeta)
Lord Krishna tried everything to bring about peace between the warring cousins.
Every effort failed. War became inevitable.
Durodhana from the side of the Kauravas and Arjuna from the side of the Pandavas went to Dwarka to seek the help of Krishna in the battle.
Krishna was resting in a couch in his palace.
Duryodhana stood at the head of the couch while Arjuna stood near the feet.
When Krishna opened his eyes he naturally saw Arjuna first and therefore gave him the first choice.
Arjuna was asked to choose between Krishna’s powerful army, called the Narayani Sena or Krishna unarmed. (He would not participate in the battle)
Arjuna chose the Lord.
Arjuna knew that the Lord by his side was worth more than his powerful army.
This is the way a spiritual person thinks, and that is what is called ‘faith’
Duryodhana pretended to be disappointed and thought that Arjuna was foolish to have made the above choice.
Duyodhana took Krishna’s mighty army to help the Kaurava side of the battle.

Lesson 5
One worships Ganeshji before the start of anything auspicious. He is resourceful. Ganeshji offered to write the Vedas as Ved Vyaasji dictated. But there was a condition to fulfill. Ganeshji could not stop writing...It so happened that Ganeshji's pen broke as he wrote. Without a moment hesitation he used his broken tusk as a pen...So we hope that Ganeshji will always be there as and when an obstacle arises...
The broken tusk symbolically means that Ganpatiji is beyond duality.
One of the famous mantras dedicated to Ganpati follows:

Vakratunda Mahaakaaya Suryakotee Sama Prabha
Nirvighnam kuru mey Deva
Sarva kaaryeshu Sarvadaa

Vakratunda means curved trunk


Mahakaaya means large bodied

Surya kotee ,million suns

Sama Prabha means with the brilliance of

Nirvighnam means free of obstacles

Kuru means make

mey means my

Deva means Lord

Sarva Kaaryeshu means in all work


Sarvada means always

O Lord Ganesha of Large body, curved trunk, with the brilliance of a million suns, please make all my work free of obstacles, always.

Lesson 4 Geeta

It is important and a regular practice to offer obeisance to the Scripture before entering into it. I have heard that if one perseveres in reading the Scriptures, they open out their deeper meaning to you.

The following mantra can also be recited when one is going through troubled times.

Mookam karoti vaachaalam (pronounce oo like in room)
Pangum langhayatey girim (ey like in whey)u like in put
Yatkripaa tamaham vandey (aa like in car)
Paramaananda Maadhavam

Which means:
I salute that Madhava (Krishna)
the source of Supreme Bliss,
whose Grace makes the dumb man eloquent
and the cripple cross mountains

A dumb man eloquent? It could mean literally or it could mean that on some, the Grace is poured where they become instruments to expound deep truths.

Cripple cross mountains? It could mean literally and also, by the Lord's Grace some are able to go through difficult times, or to go where only their effort alone would not be able to take them.

Lesson 3 Geeta

Before we enter the Geeta, it is important that we know under what circumstances, the Geeta was sung. The wisdom of the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna is independant of this story, but knowing how the Great War came about is relevant for our understanding.





The Mahabhaarata is considered a Great Epic of India and was compiled by the Sage Ved Vyaasa.

It tells us the history of Indian ancestors. It also describes to us their moral values, their Dharma...



Dharma is generally explained away as 'religion, duty...In the Hindu concept 'Dharma' means a lot more. When the children are young it is the 'dharma' of a mother to look after them, but as the children, come of age, it is the 'dharma' of the same mother to 'let them go'



It is the Dharma of a soldier to fight and the dharma of an ascetic, not to.





Now read on:



The Mahabhaarata tells us the story that transpired in and around Hastinapura.

The story spans around 6 generations.

Though the Mahabharata has the story of many lives woven into one another, the predominant narration is of 2 brothers and their families.

Dhritrashtra and Pandu were brothers. Dhritrashtra married Gandhaari and Pandu married Kunti and Madri.

Pandu had 5 sons who are popularly known as Pandavas.

Dhriraashtra had 100 sons.They were called the Kauravas.

Pandu died and the Pandavas and Kauravas were brought up together.

The Kaurava’s maternal uncle Shakuni played a crucial role in the story of the Mahabhaarata.

The Pandavas performed a great sacrifice (Yajna) which made Duryodhana, the chief of the Kauravas jealous and greedy.

Shakuni invited the Pandavas for a game of dice and cheated in the game.

The Pandavas lost all their possessions including Draupadi, their wife.

The Kauravas wanted to humiliate the Pandavas and hence dragged Draupadi to the main hall and tried to disrobe her in public.

She implored to Krishna who she affectionately called ‘Sakha’. Krishna came to her aid and miraculously kept Draupadi draped, despite the fact that the Kauravas kept pulling at her saree.

Finally, the Pandavas and Kauravas reached a settlement. The Pandavas were made to go to the forest for 12 years. They had to live for one more year in the forest incognito. The condition was that the Pandavas should not be traced by the Kauravas. While the Pandavas were away, the kingdom was to be ruled by the wicked Duryodhana.

The 13 years of exile were completed successfully. The Pandavas approached the Kauravas for their share of the kingdom.

However Duryodhana refused to part with as much land as would be covered by a needle.

Krishna tried very hard that the Pandavas and Kauravas reach an amicable agreement, but the Kauravas refused to relent.

War became inevitable. Both the Pandavas and the Kauravas wanted Krishna to help them. The Pandava Arjuna was a devotee and friend of Lord Krishna. Arjuna chose to have Krishna alone on his side, despite the fact that Krishna had warned that the latter would not pick up arms in the battle.

Duryodhana was overjoyed at Arjuna’s decision and chose to have Krishna’s powerful army to fight with him.

Just before the great war, Arjuna became despondent. He did not know which course to adopt. Would it be better for him to fight and have so many people killed, or should he renounce the Kingdom and take to a life in the forest.

This question also appears many times in a man’s life when faced with difficulties.

When one is restless and life seems difficult, we would like to give up.

Krishna explains to Arjuna that to fight (to face difficulties) with courage, is the right path. Arjuna asked Krishna many more questions which the latter answered, in a simple forthright manner.

Krishna explained to Arjuna that he should only be concerned with performing his duty to the best of his capacity, the fruits or results of the action, lie with God.

Krishna said:

Karmanye Vaadhikaa rastey, maa phaleshu kadaachana
Maa karmaphal hetur bhoor
Maa te sangostwa karmani.

The above dialogue is recorded in the Mahabharata and is known as the the Bhagvad Geeta.

It is said that if the Mahabharata can be compared to a priceless necklace, the Geeta is the pendant.

The terrible war of Mahabharata was fought. The Pandavas emerged victorious.

I have been requested to write about teachings in the Bhagvad Geeta as an ongoing exercise.
Geeta Lesson 1


A lot of us do not seem to know the difference between Shrimad Bhagvad
and the Bhagvad Geeta.

The Shrimad Bhagvad is a 'Purana' (ancient scripture) in which is narrated the lives of the different Incarnations of God, the most important being the Lives of Sri Ram and Sri Krishna. It also deals with the Creation of the Universe. It exudes Knowledge and devotion. Its stories are pregnant with moral, symbolic and practical value.

The Bhagvad Geeta is 'The Song of God'. It is pure philosophy and is a dialogue between Sri Krishna and His dear friend Arjuna, just before the great war of Mahabharata was fought. The Bhagavad Geeta is part of the great Epic 'Mahabharata'. It is said that if the Mahabharata is a necklace, the Geeta is Its pendant.

Leson 2

If I were asked what I thought the message of the Geeta was in a sentence, I would say: "Do your best, and leave the rest".

I have always believed that once one puts all efforts towards any cause to the best of ones capacity, one is a winner, no matter what the consequences.

Krishna, in the Bhagavad Geeta states the above, in a more complicated way, in the 47th verse of the 2nd Chapter.

A lot of people believe that Spiritualism is for those, who seek an escape from life. If that is so, why is Krishna urging Arjuna to fight for what is rightfully his? Does not that mean that life was not meant for escaping to the hills but to face up to life's challenges?

However one must remember that Krishna tried his best to bring about a reconciliation between the warring cousins, Also Krishna's message was directed to a soldier whose dharma (roughly translated as duty) was to defend his integrity, and the honor of his wife, on whom an attempt had been made to disrobe in public.


Jai Shree Krishna
Shakun

We celebrate RadhaRani's birthday on the 15th of September 2010

Vedic Literature explains that Radha is Krishna's Spiritual Energy.
Whenever the Lord incarnates, His Spiritual Energy also takes up a Female Form.
Hence Hindus always worship Laxmi with Narain, Seeta with Ram and Radha with Krishna.
It is redundant to state that one may attain Krishna only through the Grace of Radha.
Read more, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Language_Festivals/radhaashtami

Was reading: A sculptor was praised for his masterpiece. The sculptor said: The masterpiece was already in the stone, I only needed to chip away useless parts' Easier said than done! But that is what all spiritualists say: There is an Ocean of Peace within. We need to only chip away our jealousies, greed etc. Let us take jealousy.You are jealous of the person, who you think is better than you...Do you really want to waste so much energy on the emotion? Why not use the energy on excelling in something else?
Let us get in touch with what moves us, what we enjoy...I always had so much to say....Now I have my blog and my website and my facebook...and no! I dont spend hours behind my computer, I just write what moves me, think about...and the beauty is that only he/she reads who really wants to...
The easiest way to make an impact is if you have money...because as a friend was sharing: It gives you power to pursue your pleasures and it gives you power, period...but the irony is that if you have enough, you could concentrate on loving and sharing the gifts that the Lord has endowed you with, and you will be loved back...and is'nt that what all human beings seek? To be loved and appreciated?

I got the following as a fwd:

It was the day after India's Independence Day. A thoughtful Tony Blair
who had watched the celebrations on TV got onto the phone with his
friend Bush:

"
"We English made a mistake George," said Blair, "I need to get India
back as a colony!"

"You serious Tony?" asked a still more startled Bush.

"Yeah this is not the India we let go some sixty years ago," said
Blair, "this is a colony we would be proud to have now."

"So whatcha plannin' to do?" asked Bush.

"Why George what we did to Saddam. Attack them."

"You sayin' we? You not hoping I'm goin' to join you are you?"

"I helped you in Iraq George, you forgettin' or sometin'?"

"Yeah but we had an excuse there Tony, we were lookin' for weapons of
mass destruction, you remember?"

"So we do the same thing here George. We tell the Indians to give up
their weapons of mass destruction!"

"I don't know whether we are doing the right thing Tony, India is a
democracy you know?"

"I lied for you in Iraq George. Nearly lost the elections for you. I'm
sure you could do this lil' favour for me.. With India back as my
colony, we'll be back as a world power! Britain rules the world! You
heard that phrase George?"


"Okay Tony since you insist. Can you call me back in five minutes."

"Shall I get my ships ready?"

"For what?" asked a surprised Bush.

"For war dammit," shouted Tony as he put the phone down and waited for
Bush to talk to the Indian Prime Minister. He walked over to a little
globe he had on his office table and circled India gleefully.

The phone rang and he ran to pick it up.

"Tony it is me," said George, "how many ships you got ready?"

"Aye aye sir, the Royal Navy is ready for action!" said Tony, standing
at attention.

"You can send them to India," said Bush.

"To fight?" asked Blair happily.

"No to pick up their weapons of mass destruction."

"Whatcha talkin' about?" asked a confused Blair.

"Manmohan said you would know 'cause it is your people who made them," said Bush.

"What weapons of mass destruction?" whispered Blair uncertainly.

"Their politicians, their MPs, their MLAs," said Bush happily,
"Manmohan said you could take them all back to England where they were
trained years ago by your people to divide and rule..!"

Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on the 11th of September, this year.
Those conversant with Yoga would know that the 'Kundalini Shakti' or primordial energy, rises in a zigzag manner through the Spinal chord, culminating in the third eye, which resides in between the eye-brows. When the trunk of Ganeshji is facing straight forward, it signifies that the passage, though the Spinal chord, or 'Sushumna' is entirely open. When the trunk of Ganeshji is swung right in the air, it means that the 'Kundalini Shakti' has reached the Sahasraar' or the Region of the third eye, permanently.

When Ganeshji's trunk is curved to the right. He is called Siddhi Vinaayak.

Read more, click:

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

...To enjoy the ecstasy of Godhood, deities are evolved by the individual according to his inner nature, his inner being, conducive to his exaltation. One can make this deity in any form and name. When the eternal Lord encompasses everything, even this form and this name is His. If this symbol, this representation, of God leads man to a higher state of consciousness, then, by all means, let man evoke and give it a name. It will surely lead him to the main spring, being born of the main spring.
It will, like a pigeon homing in to the roost, lead him to the Lord.
Deepa Kodikal, excerpt from 'A journey within the Self'

Janamashtami (Lord Krishna's Birthday falls on the 1st of September. I remember when I first met my Guru Ma Indira Devi, she said "To most people, Krishna is made of stone, to me, everyone is made of stone, only He is real!". She believed that the Lord is more or less a theory, for most people, but for her, He was an intimate reality. Her love and faith for the Lord was contagious. She passed a small measure of it to me. I hope I am able to pass some on to you, through these words.
Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Language_Festivals/janmashtami.htm

Dharma in Hindu parlance is not really religion nor duty. It is to do what is for the greater 'right' no matter...hence if you have been forgiving and meek all your life, it may be time to fight for what is rightfully yours. A sanyasi may give up but a soldier needs to fight, the Geeta says...but not to concentrate on fruits.....Besides there are times assigned. When you child is small it is your dharma as a mother to nurture, and when your chid reaches adulthood, it is time to let him go...

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 flowerd…
Touch the Mala
Chant your Mantra and
Hear the chanted Mantra…

Raksha Bandhan this coming tuesday. Read about it, click:

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

It is the Parsi New Year. Wonderful people. did not waste their time whining but as promised mixed like milk with sugar.
So did the Sindhis...and look at how we progressed. Sindhis lost so much but today they have given back to Society in the form of colleges, hospitals... Parsis ka kya kehna as to what a great name they have made for themselves!
Happy New Year to our Parsi brethren!

Click:

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

I received the following by email, if anyone knows the author would be happy to give due credit


Don’t cry for me, India,

Let me cry for you today,

I have abused you and misused you,

Let you down and,

Never been proud of you.



You were conceived

As a welfare state,

But I made the rich get richer,

and the poor poorer,

Nothing for them, no social schemes,

Everything for those with money,

Don’t cry for me, India,

Let me cry for you today.



I forgot the old heroes, the freedom fighters,

The true martyrs who,

Lived for you and died for you,

Except for a garland,

And perhaps a forgotten statue,

Their ideals meant nothing to me,

Don’t cry for me, India,

Let me cry for you today.



Netaji Subhas and Bhagat Singh,

Chandrasekhar Azad and Ashfaqulla,

Khudiram Bose and Surya Sen,

Udham Singh and Ramprasad Bismil,

Benoy, Badal, Dinesh and many martyrs,

Will you ever forgive me for forgetting you,

Don’t cry for me, India,

Let me cry for you today.



Even before independence,

I sold you to the British,

A title, a piece of land,

A few coins and a handshake,

Of the colonial masters

Were more important than your prestige,

Don’t cry for me, India,

Let me cry for you today.



I taught my children,

The art of making money,

But I forgot to teach them,

Ethics, values, principles,

Patriotism, courage and morality,

I thought money was all,

Don’t cry for me, India,

Let me cry for you today.



I sent the brightest of my children,

To the IITs and the IIMs,

And hoped they would get some,

Plum postings abroad,

I never bothered to save

The best brains for you,

Don’t cry for me, India,

Let me cry for you today!



I ran away from you,

To distant shores seeking

My personal wealth.

Only to come back when

I had nothing more to give you,

Except my old age and ill health,

Don’t cry for me, India,

Let me cry for you today.



I burnt your forests and killed your animals,

By encroachment and poaching,

I looked away when I should

Have been protecting your wealth,

I was happy as long as I was rich,

I did not bother to keep you safe,

Don’t cry for me, India,

Let me cry for you today.



Even as a teacher,

when I should have been

educating the young,

I made them resentful,

By caning the boys and

Molesting the girls,

Don’t cry for me, India,

Let me cry for you today.



I never followed your rules,

But made my own,

You meant nothing to me,

Except just a country,

Where I happened to be born,

Yes, I did let you down,

Don’t cry for me, India,

Let me cry for you today.



Even as a politician,

When I should have been upholding your name,

I let you down for my personal gains,

For your honour meant nothing to me,

Parliament was just another,

Money making playground for me,

Don’t cry for me, India,

Let me cry for you today.



When friends asked me,

Which country I would prefer,

To be born into in the next life,

I chose the US or Europe,

Your name never came to my lips,

For you were never important to me,

Don’t cry for me, India,

Let me cry for you today.



I made my money,

On your benevolence,

Used it for my own benefit,

And not a penny for those,

Who had no shelter over their heads,

Nor a full meal in a day,

Don’t cry for me, India,

Let me cry for you today.



I made patriotism an old fashioned word,

And ‘foreign returned’ a fashionable one,

I aped the west and forgot the rest,

Your culture, your traditions,

Became foreign to me,

As I became a foreigner in my own land,

Don’t cry for me, India,

Let me cry for you today.



But you never did mind,

Never any sign of reaproach,

You took everything in your stride,

And continued to give more of you,

Welcomed me whenever I returned,

Consoled me whenver I needed,

For you were the mother,

Always giving, never asking,



On this day, 63 years ago, you became free,

Free from slavery, free from despair,

A beautiful country, forever free,

I promise today, on this independence day,

To never make you cry again,

For you are my most beloved mother,

Don’t cry for me, India,

Let me cry for you today.