Happy Holi. It is on the 7th of March.

Read about it
Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Language_Festivals/Holi.htm

A little more information that I have gathered on the Holi Festival: Holi is observed a fortnight after Mahashivratri I have already told you in my earlier messages what Holi means: Jo ho li so Ho li, which means allow Bygones to be bygones. The new piece of information that I am about to share with you, is that dry sticks and cow dung is put into the Holika bonfire. Corn seeds are burnt, until they lose their power to germinate. To me, the above would mean that, one is not to allow old 'old seeds of dissent to take birth again' But to bury the hatchet once and for all. I was informed by a friend yesterday, that the burnt corn seeds are taken home, and shown to the parents, and blessings taken from them. Maybe it is to say: 'See mom and dad! I have learned to forgive, forget and move on…'

It is a lovely video. Have a look, click:

http://www.youtube.com/embed/txdmI6d1An8

Tell me the meaning of Love

Kali as Krishna
As I understood it, from an article by Devdutt Pattanaik

Kali is dark, Shiva is fair (Karpura, like camphor)
Krishna is dark, Radha is fair.

Shiva did not speak a word until Parvati came to his life.
Radha did not open her eyes until Krishna was born.

Parvati once asked Shiva: “ What is love”?
Shiva replied:

When you feed me like Annapoorna, asking for nothing in return…I feel love
When you come to me as Kamakhya and are desirous of me… asking for nothing in return…I feel love
When you come to me as Gauri, delicate and demure and allow me to dominate you…knowing full well that you cannot be dominated… asking for nothing in return…I feel love.
When you come to me as Durga bearing weapons in your hand and protect me, I feel secure and safe and cared for… asking for nothing in return…I feel love.
When you come atop me as Kali and dance over me, unafraid to be powerful and vulnerable, and unafraid of being mocked and judged… You make me open my eyes.

I realize Lalita, the beautiful one, who is also Bhairavi, the fearsome one. I realize Mangala, the auspicious one, is also Chandika, the violent one.

I see you totally without judgement, and I realize I am capable of seeing the truth. That you allow me to see you fully, without judgement tells me I have become trustworthy…in joy I dance, I become Nataraja…

Shakti smiled.
Shiva said: “Since you have done so much for me-I want to do the same for you”.

So Shiva became (gori gori) Radha…
And Radha taught Krishna the meaning of love.

Inner Voice’ was the subject for the monthly meeting of MRA (Initiatives of Change) A newly shot film on this theme, along with some other short films were screened. Following that, we had a discussion on the subject of listening to the inner voice. We were happy to hear the experiences of those among us who have experienced the power of this ‘tool’ to change personal lives as well as the lives of people around us.

This soothing film is made by Mr. Abhik Bhanu, in the background of Asia Plateau (AP), the centre of Moral Re-armament in India . The beautiful landscape and the faces of young people attending the youth conferences at AP added to the beauty of the film.

Want to read about my (One in a million experiences?)
Click:
http://dalsabzi.com/Miracles.pdf

Can you believe that these 'grandmothers' were once giggling schoolgirls in a class in Queen Mary High School Bombay?
Well believe it. We have grown into beautiful giggling grandmothers.
Roshan Lala took the initiative, and we met at Meera Mehta's house.
You do the guessing game and figure out who they are.
Actually when I met them the first time. I took me a while...But when I looked into their eyes...I recognized them! The heart was the same, though a little more mature...There must have been see-saw years...But they all were my dear classmates who passed out in the year of 1963! And you know the strange thing? Even though they were 'strangers' we could bare our hearts with one another...Must be the confidence because we had spent so many years together? and the years apart made little difference?
ok giving you some hints: Sheila Agaskar, Roshan Lala, Nazira, Kamal, Mani, Delna, Malika, Geeta Baria, Mulchandani, Dolly...

Maha Shivratri is the longest and darkest night of the month. (20th Feb 2012) It is the night on which Shivji and Parvati tied the knot and became 'One'. Hence it is symbolic of the meeting of the Soul with the Almighty.

Shivratri is also called Shiv Jayanti which means: The Birth night of God'

Darkness (Shivratri) or you may call it a 'Vast Emptiness' is all pervasive, present everywhere, like God.

Creation takes birth in this 'Vast Emptiness'

Darkness and Light is worshipped as creation and destruction.
Read more, click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Language_Festivals/shivratri.htm

To know the candidates ( for those who live in ward 214 (Napean Sea Rd) we organized a get together in the garden (compound) where I live in Mumbai at 10.30 am on Sunday 12th of Feb. Candidates who attended were Sushieben Shah, Gita Bhatia, Kanak Gandhi, Usha Kiran representative, Sheetal Shirke...See the photographs

OK, so you are voting on the 16th of February! But who to vote for?
However vote we must!
Why MUST we vote? Because politicians only cater (However little) to those who vote. Now since we South Bombay people dont vote, you will see broken pavements, water supply complaints, water logging during monsoon for as long as you do not become pro-active and vote!

But you still do not know who to vote for, then my advice is vote for independants and women...Why independants? Why women? Because even though they may not win the election, they will stay in the race...and maybe bring a change for our children...

Now interesting political gyaan: Santosh Awatramani Meera Sanyal and Mona Patel (See them in a photograph with me) have floated a platform that invites independents called Mumbai 227 (227 wards in Mumbai). Gita Bhatia is a qualified candidate of Mumbai 227.

What did the rest of the candidates speak about and promise? The usual!

The above wonderful initiative was the brain child of Mr Narayan Varma (Chairman of our building society)He was assisted by the committee members of which I am a part of. Most importantly, the above was the first activity that the youth of our building, Bimal Kothari and Dhanraj Sheth helped with greatly. We do hope that other youngsters of other buildings in our area are inspired! After all the future belongs to them!

Swami Nirmal Chetan is nearly 90 years old. Every year he has been coming to Bombay for the last few years, I have gone to meet him wherever he has been. This time drove to Khandala to meet him.I am so grateful to him for all the Spiritual lessons that he has taught me that this is the very least I can do!
He is barely able to walk and has difficulty in hearing, but he still talks and inspires tremendously.
He can make light of any situation. About himself he said: My saamaan ( luggage meaning legs, ears) have already gone) Ab mera jaana baaki hai (Now only I have to go)
Read about him,
Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/books/in_touch_with_masters/swami_nirmal_chetan.htm

It is great to have Vimla Patil as a neighbour and a friend. She knows so much and shares a lot. She has happily started a blog of her own. Do go through it, she will enlighten you on so many subjects. I specially enjoyed her piece on Elephanta caves!
Click:
http://www.vimlapatil.com/vimlablog/

Ms Rita Sumaya invited us to a Talk by Ms Patricia Smith. She introduced to us 'The way to Heal, Rejuvinate, Transform and Enlighten Life' as taught by Dr Zhi Gang Sha'

The Divine appeared to Dr Zhi and explained: "...Software is a program. Because you asked me to, I transmitted or downloaded my Soul Software program for Liver to Walter. It is one of my permanent healing and blessing treasures..."

"...Why do I not explain complicated theories? Because it is not complicated!
Heal the soul first, then healing of the mind and body will follow...

A practice:
"...Apply love for a few minutes
Say hello with me
Say: Dear soul, mind, body of my (choose one organ or part of the body)
I love you
You have the power to heal yourself
Do a good job
Love has the power to heal you
Allow love to heal you
Thankyou...

For more:
Read the Power of the Soul by Dr Zhi Gang Sha

Though I believe in re-incarnation I believe that for the moment 'Zindagi na milegi dobara' so I decided to experience the Filmfare awards 2012 at Filmcity even though I had laryngitis and could barely talk! As one of my dear ones pointed out I dont need to swoon and scream like a teenager because 'i am mature graceful charming and beyond bollywood madness'(is'nt it sweet of her to say so?)
Anyway I went. I did 'darshan' of Shah Rukh Khan, Ranveer, Priyanka Chopra, Abhishek, Usha Uthup, Alka Yagnik, Ravina Tandon, Aruna Irani. Kunal Kohli, Farhan Akhtar, Sonali Bendre...
You will read most news and see the prog on Sony eventually.
I would like to point out very sadly that they really think they are Gods, so they did not feel the necessity to apologize for starting 2 hours late!

I was touched by the fact that Usha Uthup won her first Filmfare Award and Aruna Irani received a Life achievent Award.

I liked the fact that Shahrukh could laugh at himself: He said he was able to sell most Ra One souvenirs, but not many tickets!

All in all I enjoyed the programme...Go again next year? Maybe not! Easier to watch it from the comfort of my home and the 'darshan' did not take me a step closer to enlightenment!

While my grandson Kiran (15 years old) was visiting Mumbai, he wanted to do community service and so I introduced him to Maya Shahani and her NGO Sage.
Kiran was touched by the work and offered to help with the blog and website. Of course, he was already influenced by yours truly's 'Dadi Nani ki Kahaani.
He also hoped to look into the possibility of having a peace garden in Nashville, Tennesse where he lives.
He spoke to some influential people and he has been invited to a 2nd Annual World Interfaith Harmony Breakfast meeting. Aagey Hari Ichhaa.
(Women's Movement for Peace WMPP) lives on through, our inspiration!...
Proud Nani
Shacune :)

pls click:
http://www.scarrittbennett.org/programs/wisdom.aspx

Was invited to the opening of an exhibition to encourage less privileged women to become self sufficient by Ms Uzma Naheed (Trustee of Women's Movement for Peace and Prosperity)
Present were Dr Vibhuti Patel
In the photograph with me: Mrs Parvin Daneshwar First Consul, Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Now a days I travel less than I used to, but I never lose an opportunity to have some fun! We spent a full day at Ms Amla Ruia's beautiful house in Alibaug.
She is a gracious host and we blessed her with more!
I always say: " i wish my friends with houses all over the world. All we have to do is to be 'nice' and we shall surely be invited! And they can worry about keeping the house in great working order!
Dont miss the Buddha in the background and dont laugh at my silly hat! it did its job. It shielded me from the sun!

On the 17th of November 2011 I had attended a programme of 'Suresh Wadkar singing old songs at the Tata Thaeatre. It was a treat. particularly the following song of Mohammed Rafi:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yReE8e--v2c

In December 2011 Anna Hazare decided to fast for the nation again. He wants India to become corruption free. There may be many views for or against Anna's methods, but I felt I personally needed to support the movement, so I went to the Grounds.
In the photograph, the captions say: I am Anna and 'Will the nation wake up?'
Look closely and you will see Anna walking in (3rd photo)and in the 1st photograph you will see Kejriwal. I must say that he is a lucid and impressive speaker! But then so are all politician aspirants!

Shobha De writes: Never mind that his (Anna) Mumbai show ended not with a bang but a whimper. He did perform a very important role despite all bungling and mismanagement. He gave something precious to the aam aadmi (common man)-A voice. What we do with our newly discovered larynx is upto us from this point on. We dont need Anna to fast. We dont need him to hold our hand either. We just need to make ourselves heard!

Jug Suraiya writes: The problems of democracy cant be tackled by restricting democracy but by enlarging it...
1.2 billion of us are the government...

I am very very rich in friends.
They gave me a lovely get together accompanied with balloons and cake for my birthday!
Most of the same group joined in in celebrating New Year's eve!
Vimla Patil educated us on appreciation of miniature paintings (knowledge), then I told them a few jokes (laughter), and we danced Bollywood music.
Prayed that we all have a New Year filled with knowledge, laughter and dance!

Wish you all the same!
Love Shakun

Dev Anand was one of the celebrities who left for his last abode last year. Remembering a happy moment in my life when I met him. I used to find his acting 'awkward' and funny...but I guess that is what made him 'unique'

Another happy moment in my life was meeting Sri Sri Ravi Shankar...I love to be in the aura of luminaries...

I have had the good luck of meeting Sadhguru jaggi Vasudev earlier in a program in Times foundation (Me in a blue saree on the mike)
But Dec 2011 was real special. I got to attend Sadhguru's Inner engineering programme.

I loved the combination. The volunteers were extremely courteous and kept us as comfortable as possible without taking away, the spiritual content. There was discipline and we were not allowed to dose. I am particularly grateful to have learned the Shambhavi Mahamudra. Thankyou Sadhguruji!

For the Group 21 meeting of December, we met at Roopa Thadani place and we sang carols. Most of us are convent educated and the 'carol singing' brought back fond memories. All enthusiastically joined in.
Note Radha Krishna being part of the celebration.
lighting candles or lighting diyas...what difference? they both dispel darkness no?

http://www.dalsabzi.com/books/kids_kahaani/Festivals/Merry_christmas.htm


On Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Jesus was born in a stable, in Bethlehem. He grew up in Nazareth. Jesus was baptized by his cousin John. Baptism, is the 'marking' with holy water, of babies. By becoming baptized, it is believed that sins are washed away, and the babies, become members of the Christian community. (Hindus believe that their sins are washed away by bathing in the Ganges River)

Three kings, or the adoring magi came from the east, to pay respect to baby Jesus, and brought for him gifts, from their far off land. The kings had seen a bright star, which foretold, the coming of a divine child! Angels announced Jesus’ birth and shepherds called people to worship him.

You may have heard the carol: Silent night, Holy night…

Maybe it is reminding us that just like the morning comes after the night, so the birth of Jesus will bring to an end, all the fighting in the world.

Jesus stated that unless grown ups become innocent like children, they will not be allowed to enter the kingdom of Heaven.

The prophet Isaiah had foretold that a great light would appear at the birth of the divine child Jesus.

Maybe it meant that people would be cleansed of all bad thoughts and actions and become simple and innocent.

The birth of a child reminds one of a new beginning.

I have read that Christmas is not only a festival that belongs to the Christians and children, but to the child in all the grown-ups.

The message of Christmas is that of hope, cheer, love and Peace!

Shall we spread it, the best way we know how?

With love,

Dadi Ma Nani Ma