Simple Thoughts

Moments of Recall.........Moments of Prayer

2012-02-19T00:57:00.000-08:00

After the Crucifixion, they were huddled in a room, afraid of the crowd. On the third day the Master had made himself visible. They now began to believe that if they follow his teachings they too could conquer death. But they lacked the strength to go out. For fifty days they stayed locked in this room recalling everyday - the five events on that fateful day. They continued to recall these events for the next fifty days until it was Pentecost - a prominent day in the Israeli calendar celebrating the giving of the Law on Sinai. As they were busy discussing the Laws, the Holy Spirit descended on the Eleven. This got them to set out into the world to preach the words of their Master. But as they did the past fifty days they would singly recall the moments of the Friday that was. These Five moments of recall with time sublimated to Five times of Prayer remembering Eisa-the Master who walked the earth. Below are the moments of recall...........

They gathered at the appointed hour. The Master was being hounded by his tribe. Hecalled the twelve dearest to him for the Passover Meal. He wanted them to recall this supper after hehad gone. He announced where he planned to spend the night. Past midnight walked into the garden of olives. It was a good place tobe.The night was long and he was tense. Finally he decided he had to let ithappen. This was his understanding with the Father. It was then that he sawhimself surrounded by men wielding the torch. It was dark at the hour whenthe search ended and Judas identified the Master with a kiss.This moment of betrayal rememberedat every Dawn. The First Moment of Recall

Next morning,the assembly brought the Master to the Governor under charges ofsubverting the nation, opposing taxes to the King, and calling himself a king.The Governor authorizes the leaders to judge Eisa (Jesus) according to theirlaw. They would have none of it and demand Death. Pilatehands Eisa (Jesus) over to be crucified in order to forestall a riot (Matthew27:24-26). The sentence written is "Jesusof Nazareth, King of the Jews." Thehour is fore Noon. The Second moment of Recall.
Crucified with two criminals (John 19:17-22). Eisa (Jesus) agonizeson the cross for six hours. During his last 3 hours, from noon to3 p.m., darkness falls over the land.With a loud cry, Eisa (Jesus) gives up his spirit. (Matthew 27:45-54) Itis After Noon. The Third moment of recall.
It was sunset.Joseph of Arimathea took Eisa'(Jesus) body, wrapped it in a clean shroud,and placed it in a new tomb carved in the rock( Matthew 27:59-60) They rolled a large rock over the entrance of the tomb.Then returned home and rested.The descent from the Cross.The Fourth moment of Recall. They are shocked by the happenings as they revisit the events of the day. Priorto retiring they look up to the words of the Master.This alone is consolation.The fifth moment of Recall. The five moments of recall down centuries has sublimated to Five times of Daily Prayer. They do this till date.

It happened One Night.........

2012-02-16T07:30:00.000-08:00

The Cold Wind blows, Chill in the Air

It is the Day After.

Moments gone by, Words Unsaid,
It is the Day After.

A Table laid for Two, None there but you
It is the Day After.

We shall meet, I do not know when or where
Is it the Day After

The Teachings........

2012-01-21T21:12:00.001-08:00

Jesus said, “Come to me and youwill know the truth and the truth will set you free."
What is the truth?The truth lies in the Parables and Teachingsof the Lord.
The Sermon on the Mount is a collection of sayings and teachings of Jesus (Eisa), which emphasizes his moral teaching. It takes place in the early Ministry of Jesus (Eisa) after he has been baptized in Galilee. The sermon has been one of the most widely quoted.This includes the Beatitudes and the Lord's prayer.These Teachings form the Central Tenets of the Faith. Later Jesus (Eisa) says
"Be Perfect, as your Heavenly Father is Perfect",advising his disciples to seek the path towards perfection and the kingdom of God.
Birth and Death are incidental when one chooses to visit the planet.Unfortunately our focus has veered towards the Birth and Death of Jesus (Eisa) rather than his Way of Life. Christmas and Easter have replaced it all.Is this what he taught.

The Zero Sum Game

2011-12-28T01:34:00.000-08:00

Life is a Zero Sum Game. We think we have won, when in reality we have lost. The choice of our visit to Planet Earth is to experience Life in the Human form. The first loss is when we forget this is to experience and we spend a lifetime collecting, collections which we never truly own.

In the above graph: the x axis expresses lifespan, while the y axis expresses earnings.

Genesis 3:19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat. (Thou shall earn by the sweat of thy brow).

Here, it is important to understand that one can only eat by the sweat of one's own brow. Earnings through any other means will not last.
Earnings are predetermined. Rate of earning is a choice we make.
Lifespan is the number of heartbeats allotted to oneself. Time as we calculate, is of no consequence. We can stretch the time between two heart beats from 1 second to 10 seconds and have increased our lifespan 10 fold or vice-versa.

The ideal earning situation would be where earning is incremental with life time, and is generated until the end of one's life.(the Green line in the graph)

Those who have wealth thrust on them at an early stage in life, reach their predetermined earning early in life. Earnings if not used well, the descent can be steep, and the remaining part of his/her life can be in penury.(the red line in the graph)

Some will struggle or laze throughout their lifetime, and not achieve the predetermined earnings. They are then thrust in situations to ensure they achieve the target even if at the end of their life. To fulfill this, their earning can be received either as a Donation, a Gift or Lottery.(the blue line in the graph)

The slopes can vary, but these are the three basic lines.

Check which line you are following in this graph.

The Eight Beatitudes

2011-12-25T20:16:00.001-08:00

The Sermon on the Mount is one of the teachings of the Lord(Eisa /Jesus) that contain the tenets of the Eisai(Christian) faith. The Eight beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12 during the Sermon on the Mount are stated as
Blessed are:

The Poor in Spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. (5:3)
They that Mourn: for they shall be Comforted. (5:4)
The Meek: for they shall inherit the Earth. (5:5)
They which do Hunger and Thirst after Righteousness: for they shall be filled. (5:6)
The Merciful: for they shall obtain Mercy. (5:7)
The Pure in Heart: for they shall see God. (5:8)
The Peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (5:9)
They which are persecuted for Righteousness' sake: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. ( 5:10)

The Seed within..............

2011-12-12T18:46:00.000-08:00

Hearken: Behold there went out a sower to sow: And it came to pass as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the birds of the air came and devoured it up. And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. And some fell among thorns, the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And other fell on good ground, did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty some a hundred. He said unto them,
" He that has ears to hear, let him hear" ---Mark 4:3-9

In this parable of the Lord, the situations referred to are of the mind.The seed is sown as soon as we are born, implanted within us and have the ability to manifest with time. If we are tied down by our earthly desires, it is as if the seed has fallen on rocky terrain only to take off on the wings of desire. At times we are shallow in faith, the plant of faith sown and nurtured by our parents gets uprooted with the little knowledge we have gathered, only to be burnt by the scorching heat of the world we live in. The thorns are the evil forces we encourage in our space and not let the seed grow. It is for us to discover the purpose of our being and grow. The choice lies within. Meditation helps. We need to focus within ourselves and discover a whole new world and the true meaning of our being. This results in untold happiness, as we realize our earthly achievements and possessions have lost its meaning in our lives.

Father ....forgive them......

2011-11-18T08:43:00.001-08:00

"Father forgive them, for they know not what they do"
These words of Jesus on the Cross is the ultimate word in Forgiveness. Forgiveness for those intent on crucifying him.

Mathew 18:18 " I tell you the truth, whatever youbind on earth will be bound in in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth willbe loosed in heaven".
The reference here on binding is to the wrongdoings (sins) and (loose)forgiveness. If you do notforgive others their wrong doings and hold these as sins, then their sins will be retained. This makes it imperative that though you have led a good life, you will have to return to clear the wrong done by others because you held it against them, therefore you haveto return in order to forgive them and clear their sins. This causes one to be born again to clear all blemishes before return to the Father. This was known to Jesus, who did not want to get into the cycle of rebirth . That is why he said
"Father forgive them, for they know not what they do"

This emphasizes the importance of Forgiveness in our lives.

The Echo of Silence.........

2011-10-19T21:40:00.000-07:00

Had just got back from work, when he announced he was away for 10 days. He wanted to experience the sound of silence. Got himself registered for "Vipasana" at the Pagoda. Why the need now I shot back. He just picked his bag and wished us good bye. It's a week now since he has left. Another 3 days and he should return. Need to learn from his experience. He was the noise at home. Will he now be the silence, will we experience an echo in silence..........Que Sera Sera!!

Nobody belongs to Anybody........

2011-10-08T21:16:00.001-07:00

Shravan Kumar belonged to the time of Dashratha. Born of poor parents, who had nurtured him remarkably well, he bore sincere love and respect for them. He worked hard to make his parents comfortable and happy.

One day his parents expressed a desire to set forth on a pilgrimage to the holy places.Transport being costly, Shravan decided to place his parents in two baskets, and carry them on his shoulder with a basket held at either end of a stick. Thus Shravan set forth on his pilgrimage.

That night as they rested, Shravan had his parents lie down beside him, with a soft cushion beneath their head. Not carrying an extra cushion, he asked his father not to worry as he would use his forearm to rest his head on. As the night slept through, his father awoke. He looked around to see if his family slept in comfort. He was aghast to see Shravan's head rest on the rock and his arm aside.Not wanting to disturb, his father let it be. The following morning as they arose for the onward journey, the father told Shravan what he had seen the previous night.

This incident bears out, even as it underlines the eternal truth - " No one will support you through Life." When one's arm refuses to support one's own head and be burdened, why will another be willing to support you or carry your burden".

Who Stole the Cheese

2011-09-18T08:26:00.000-07:00

Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled at an early age. The Kingdom of his father was divided equally amongst the children of the first wife, who were dominant Politically & Militarily.
Sons of the other two wives had to live with nothing. While in exile, he built a flourishing cottage industry that spawned cheese. Zeenat Mahal died at a young age, and Bahadur Shah bereaved of her loss decided to seek another companion in wedlock. Young Shehnaz Begum would have none of it, and undertook to care for Bahadur Shah Zafar till the very end.
One morning at the Table as all gathered for breakfast, Bahadur Shah Zafar declared his intent to divide his empire. The elder daughter Rabeya Begum had feasted while Zeenat Mahal was alive, and set off on her journey. Abdulla, Ali Shah and Shehnaz Begum the other three children listened in silence at the division.
Abdulla decided to have a cellar made, to preserve the cheese he had to sell later.
Ali Shah was busy selling on a daily basis and did nothing to preserve the unsold stock, resulting in excess stock produced losing flavour with time and not fit for consumption.
Shehnaz Begum enjoyed her breakfast and daily chores with Mirza Ghalib her husband.
Seven years later Bahadur Shah Zafar called all at the table to check the status of the last division.Shehnaz Begum informed Bahadur Shah Zafar of the issues she faced after her marriage. To hold the pledge given to Zeenat Mahal of ensuring Shehnaz Begum lived well, Bahadur Shah Zafar decided to handover what was left of his empire to Shehnaz Begum and retire for the rest of his life at her new home. Bahadur Shah Zafar decided that since Ali Shah's Cheese had turned sour and thus incurred a loss, he had to be rewarded anew. Abdulla doing well with his share, was asked to compensate Ali Shah for the loss. This resulted in Abdulla having none of the Cheese given to him at the first division. Miriam wife of Abdulla, suggested that Abdulla go into the unknown and search for a new supply of cheese. Abdulla wanted to know from his siblings ................................." Who stole his Cheese".

Forgive.............

2011-09-11T02:45:00.000-07:00

Keenan's mother asked him "Why is it so hard to forgive? Can we talk about forgiving".Then she told him the parable of the Lord as an answer to a question about forgiveness:
Then Peter came and said to him,"Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven times?" Jesus said to him, I don't tell you until Seven times, but, until Seventy times Seven. Therefore the kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who wanted to reconcile accounts with his servants. When he had begun to reconcile, one was brought to him who owed him Ten Thousand Talents. But because he couldn't pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, with his wife,his children,and all that he had and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down and knelt before him saying,"Lord, have patience with me, and I will repay you all". The lord of that servant, being moved with compassion,released him and forgave him the debt. But that servant went out, found one of his fellow servants who owed him One Hundred Dinar, and grabbed him. Took him by the throat saying,"Pay me what you Owe". So this fellow servant fell at his feet and begged him saying"Have Patience with me and I will repay you". He did not, but went and cast him into prison,until he should pay back his dues. So when the fellow servants saw what was done, they were sorry, and told their lord all that was done. Then his lord called him and said unto him," You wicked servant, I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Shouldn't you also not have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you. His lord was angry and delivered him to the tormentors, until he should pay all that was due to him. So my heavenly father will also do to you, if you don't forgive your brother for his misdeeds." -- Matthew 18:21-35

The interesting points to be noted here are:

We should forgive as God forgives. An unforgiving nature is offensive to God. Importantly the one who has erred has to seek forgiveness from the one against whom he has erred. No one else can do it on behalf.

Keenan's mother told him that forgiving helps you let go the pain and consequently the hurt that caused it. You can stop reliving the hurt of the past and focus on the present.

Todays sermon......11th Sept 2011

Dancing with the Gods

2011-09-07T10:37:00.000-07:00

The King was a Neuro Surgeon. At breakfast, the Princes declaredtheir intent to go hunting in the forests nearby. The young prince too joinedthe melee’. It was customary to ride the Royal Elephant that stood guard at thegate. The caravan entered the jungle, when the lion roared. The troops tookposition as the grounds men began striking at the drums. The young prince rodethe baby elephant, was all excited to be a part of this great adventure.Suddenly as if from nowhere, the lion pounced at the baby elephant, who in frightlost balance, endangering the young prince, who fell off his back. TheLion lost no time in mauling the child. The troops returned to the Palace,with the princeseverely mauled, head dismembered, declareddead. Shocked the King declared “If the fault lay with the elephant, then the elephant would have to lose his head”. The baby elephant’shead was dismembered and attached to the young prince. The first recorded evidence of Head transplant . The Kingdom was inmourning at the loss of their beloved Prince. All had declared the young prince dead. As if in response, the young prince breathed life and began to recuperate. Aweek later, he struck a pose on one leg and began dancing around. News spreadlike wildfire. It was Resurrection. The entire kingdom gathered at thepalace gates to watch their little prince who now wore a elephants head as hepranced around. The wise men declared that this was a Holy Spirit who tookbirth as the young prince, and is an incarnation of the Gods. The King declared aweek of celebration, and thus was born another period of celebration. Everyyear around the same time celebrations are held throughout the kingdom to commemoratethe event, and today the kingdom is dancingwith the gods.

The Doll.........

2011-08-31T20:44:00.000-07:00

He was all of seven, when the door bell rang. I went up and opened the door to greet him with a smile. But he stood in silence, hands folded behind, as though he wanted to not show me what his little hands held. I did not say a word, as a tear swelled his eye. He walked in silently tip toe all the way. When I later walked into the bedroom, he was busy cleaning her up with glee. He had picked a doll from across. The doll was bruised. He was busy in his own way trying to cheer her up. He bathed her in perfume, dressed her in all finery and proudly exhibited her as a prized possession. She slept by his side that night, every night. I reminded him of the toys I had got him. But it was this doll that got his heart. The pride of the place. Time is a great healer I knew, or so I thought. Twenty years later, one evening the doorbell rang. He was there standing in silence. His hands held behind. A tear swelled his eye. Not a word said. I walked in - inward. I knew he had brought home another ................ Doll.

Autumn Leaves

2011-08-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

It was past twilight when she took the call. I asked for him, as we gathered to wish for this was his day. I remembered the moment. It was past dusk when we returned and hit bed. Somewhere a soul stirred as I said to her"

A little of me, A little of you,

A little of us together

That's what will make him be

A little of Rain, A little of Shine

A little of it all together

That's what will make him Spring

We were exhausted. Twenty Eight years later,

Spring & Dance, Dance & Prance

And now my love, we have played our chance

We are the Autumn Leaves."

They have just hit the bed. Do I see another soul stir.

Pathar is a Stone

2011-08-23T10:37:00.000-07:00

"And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter". It was the name given to Simon by Christ when he called him to be a disciple, John 1:42 This was the Sermon read on Sunday last.

At the time of Emperor Ashoka, it was common knowledge to have decrees etched on stone pillars for all who passed by to read, understand and accept as the Law of the Land. For the plebian the way of expressing was to write on sand, with the use of his fore finger. With time it was understood that you could also use a stone to inscribe on sand, leaves, or the bark of a tree. This was also the way of transferring information during the time of the Lord. When the Lord in one of his moments realized the disciples he had chosen were ready, he wanted to prepare them to continue with his teachings after his departure. When they began to accept his spirituality and oneness with God, he said "Thou, in saying that I am the Son of God, has called me by a name expressive of my true character". He decided to use Simon for writing his words-like Ashoka's Pillar- for others to read. Use Simon as the stone that one used to write on sand. And this inspired to call him Pathar – the stone, a name expressive of Simon’s character. “I call you Pathar - a Stone, and your confession has shown that the Heavenly spirit is in you. I see that you are worthy of the name, and will be a distinguished support and carrier of my teachings. And with this pathar, I will build my church”. The Church the Lord meant was not the Brick & Mortar, we see today. It was the spread of his teachings, his philosophies, his thoughts. Somewhere down the line came the disconnect, Pathar became Peter, the Teachings became the edifice, those who were to live by the word lost the heavenly spirit and began to live in the world, leading earthly lives forgetting that now Pathar is just a Stone

Ramayana Retold

2011-08-14T02:43:00.000-07:00

After Rama and Sita had been married for twelve years, Dasharatha who had grown old, expresses his desire to crown Rama, to which the Kosala assembly and his subjects express their support.On the eve of the great event, Kaikeyi—her jealousy aroused by Manthara, a wicked maidservant—claims two boons that Dasharatha had long ago granted her. Kaikeyi demands Rama to be exiled into wilderness for fourteen years, while the succession passes to her son Bharata. The heartbroken king, constrained by his rigid devotion to his given word, accedes to Kaikeyi's demands. Rama accepts his father's reluctant decree with absolute submission and calm self-control which characterizes him throughout. He is joined by Sita and Lakshmana. After Rama's departure, king Dasharatha, unable to bear the grief, passes away.5000 years later, Dasharatha lay quiet on bed, wondering where Kaikeyi was in this era and what would be her plan. Rama and Sita have been married for ten years when Rama had to leave Sita, Lava and Kusha to comply with the demand of the day.This time without being asked to, Rama separates from his family and heads for the desert. Seven years had elapsed. Was it a half cycle separation this time, because Rama had to return on the completion of seven years, to care for Dasharatha who now without his queen Aparajita had lost the will to live. Four years later Dasharatha breathed his last in the arms of Rama, to compensate Rama’s absence at his earlier demise. Lava and Kusha stood in silence with Sita and Shatrughna. Seven more years had elapsed. Now as Rama lay alone on Dasharatha's bed wondering where Kaikeyi was and would Kaikeyi plan to further exile him or would she arrive this time to separate Lava and Kusha.

Blood in my Path

2011-07-16T01:11:00.000-07:00

20 BC. The Emperor was to abdicate, and the heir to the Throne would be the winner of the race to be held at the Amphitheatre. The Emperor fiddled, the City was on fire, the race was declared open. While many chose to ride the steed, “Inavda” the favourite chose to ride the chariot. Unaware that the race was to be only on the tracks within the stadium, he exited the stadia and roared into the streets. Seeing the crowds, the horses went berserk and ran into them. The death toll rose, he lost the race........................... 2000 years later he was in his chariot as he rode the last lap. He thought Victory was now in his grasp. No one could deny him the throne any longer, as he drove southeast to the tip and then Northeast, the hidden path of V for Victory was there for the world to see. Being denied the throne all these years, he thought the better way was to spew hatred as he trudged along. This would ensure he had the backing of his people and have the Empress step down and hand him the throne. He arrived at an old defunct institution. As a sign of his arrival his followers brought it down to make place for him. The damage had been done. The Death toll rose...............again he lost the race. The country since then swept in a whirlpool of terror is under siege as major divisions were created between sections of the population. Now there is .................Blood in my Path

Soul Curry......

2011-07-01T22:30:00.000-07:00

People come into your life for a reason. It can be for a Season or a Lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a Season, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then at an appropriate time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. What we must realize is that our need has been met, their work is done.
When someone walks into your life for a Lifetime, usually your soulmate or your offspring - the souls who have volunteered to enter the planet through you, You must cherish the relationship and ensure it endures. Any ill treatment now will reflect in the future and catch up.

While many of us believe in saying "Here is our son, or I am his Father", I would rather thank my son for having decided to come into this world through us, and given us the opportunity to be honoured as a parent. It is not everyone who gets this opportunity of having another soul give them this honour. Copulation does not beget. Couples who do not beget in this lifetime may be good souls; they have no ailments or shortcomings. It is only that their connected souls are either not available to visit the planet or are in existence in another form somewhere and for those that are available, there is no soul to soul acceptance or maybe ...............................their past has caught up.

Embracing the Dark

2011-06-06T09:19:00.000-07:00

Why can we not light a candle and dispel the dark, rather than stay put and curse.

Why is it we have a great resistance to change.

Why do we have to live with old dogmas and not expand our universal thinking.

Why do we always have to be right and the other wrong.

Why do we need all to adhere to our point of view.

Why is it either you are with me on "My Way" or against me on the "I Way".

Why can we not all be together as fellow travelers.

Can we not get out of the old mindset and stop Embracing the dark.

Cobwebs in the Attic

2011-05-07T23:00:00.000-07:00

The door bell rang at the twelfth hour. As the door opened she exclaimed “Happy Easter” Mary the mother walked in from the kitchen to see who had entered. I said “Magdala is here”. A bottle of Red Wine and a greeting as she walked in,
it was the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb, first, also went inside. He saw and believed. - John 20
and sat in our midst. She wanted to know more about the risen lord. I could see her excitement as we spoke. If I could let her love freely, she would be happier than most. As we ran down to the tomb, Mary the mother thought of her beliefs.I said why have "Cobwebs in the Attic". They were all not Christians until Christ taught us to Love one another. Later she understood that God made us to be us and them to be them with all their beliefs, and if accepted, then perhaps the world could find a better me than anyone else ever could be. "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" - John 13:35

Snakes & ladders

2011-04-21T22:32:00.001-07:00

It’s sweltering outside, the summer of 1964. Final exams done, we were all over the beach from dawn to dusk. The colony we lived in was a nation like India -- with its vast space, varied people and a little history. Evenings were spent in a group prayer followed by grams and games in clusters. Each group had its own set of games that went into the night. Different games with different names. The moment I was old enough to play board games, I fell in love with Snake and Ladders. A perfect balance of rewards and penalties! Of seemingly random choices made by tumbling dice! Clambering up ladders, slithering down snakes, It was here that I learnt to play the game. A game most of us have played. Yet, as I navigated my path across the snake-and-ladder strewn board, rejoicing with every boost the ladder gave me, and groaning each time I landed on the snake to slither down many hard earned points. In my hope to arrive home, I would get to the 90’s in all splendour and the next throw of the dice would have me back to 8. The game has an unwritten message — that life is full of ups (ladders) and downs (snakes). And that every human being has to go through success and failure. Have you ever played the game ‘Snakes & Ladders’? It’s a bit like life. Snakes take you down or backwards, and ladders take you up or forwards. In life, after you have experienced the exhilaration of a ladder, it is quite possible that you could bump into a snake. But on the flip-side, after experiencing the humbling encounter with a snake, your next move could land you at the foot of a ladder. However, at the end of the day, it’s not the number of ladders or snakes that you face in your life that will determine your fate. Your future in the game of life is determined by one thing, and one thing only – movement. Just keep moving. Don’t stop at the foot of a snake and throw away the dice. Just keep moving. Get up again, and keep moving. Oh sure, you might like to pause for a moment to recharge the batteries, or even have a little cry, but then persist, and on the way learn, learn from your mistakes or misfortunes – until you reach the finishing line. What makes Snakes and Ladders an attractive game is that there are no written directions, in that the pieces either move along a path or go up the ladders and down the snakes. The outcome is based on pure luck. In this way anyone, who can follow the rules, can beat anyone else. Each player can roll the dice and the player will move the number of steps according to the dice number. When the neighborhood girls challenged me to a game of Chess, I infuriated them by preferring to invite them to the ladders and snakes. This simple child’s game helped me explore multiple questions concerning life tied to fate. Is it the product of chance or of predestination. In other words, affects on my own life, or the life of others through rational will? Or was my influence merely incidental to my choices? And regardless of the fact, powerless to consciously control the tides, does this undeniable influence bear the mark of chance, or is there sufficient evidence to make us suspect the existence of inescapable fate? Does the resulting history of these choices or non-choices, random or pre-destined acts and events reveal a pattern of cyclic repetition on a cosmic scale, or is this neat form merely an illusion. This is apparent where Snakes and Ladders seen as a game of seemingly random choices, where each move is a product of a choice, made by “tumbling dice” rather than the player, and secondly in a manner that is only seemingly random. This introduces underlying childhood belief in fate and predestination as something both real and non-random, and also as an element outside of human control. The idea of fate being both non-random and only bearing the appearance of chance is echoed in the promise of childhood lullabies. By offering a multitude of different conclusions to well-worn but half-forgotten bedtime stories, if I began again, maybe I would end in a different place?” All games have morals; and the game of Snakes and Ladders captures, as no other activity can hope to do, the eternal truth that for every ladder you climb, a snake is waiting just around the corner; and for every snake, a ladder will compensate. But it’s more than that because implicit in the game is the unchanging twoness of things, the duality of up and down, good and evil; the solid rationality of ladders balances the occult sinuosity of the serpent; I found very early in life, it is also possible to slither down a ladder and climb to triumph on the venom of a snake…I am all geared to roll the dice the 21^st time. Will it now be the triumphant homecoming ……….or ??

The Way to Rid India of Corruption...........

2011-04-08T00:35:00.000-07:00

A letter written to Madam G in January 2011.
Respected Madam,

Wish you and your team A Happy New Year 2011.
Regret the issue of corruption has taken centre stage,
and Governance come to a halt.

While we know it was always there, it is now finding its spot under the light.No amount of legislation will curb this.
The only way to resolve this is to have a central website
where money is allocated to various ministries
the ministries in turn display the heads under which they allocate
this tree keeps growing down until it hits the root,
which is the last point of disbursement.
It is here that any member of society can verify if what is mentioned at the root is spent or not.
This is the best way to root out corruption from its roots.
This one act will change the face of the country and within 3 years of implementation we shall be within the Global Top 10 of honest societies.

We also need a law to be passed that if any Public servant / Businessman/ Professional is caught with money beyond his declared source of Income/wealth, then this money is credited to an account of the Central Government and the onus of proving the truth of the money lies with the individual if he has right over it.
This one Act of Parliament will take care of the rest.

Trust you find this in your line of thinking
warm regards

R P Roy

My Dad ..........My Hero

2011-04-03T04:01:00.000-07:00

26^th November ‘1998. What a wonderful day it was. Dad was all geared to celebrate Life and Living of 75 years. He didn’t tell me how to live. He lived and let me watch him do so.
Celebrations were at Citizen Hotel. Well wishers were all there, as all genuinely loved him. This was the day he always waited for. I had flown in early from Dubai, to be there with him at this moment of pride. John who was at the mike, called me to raise the toast. I Wanted to speak my heart out, for a man I secretly admired. I raised the glass and words began to flow ..........
“Dad this one is for you.
Ladies & Gentlemen, the year was 1963. We were asked to write an essay on My Hero.
While many of my classmates wrote on Shivaji or Aurangzeb, I started writing on my Dad as my Hero. Here was a man who would steal out before daybreak, and would quietly return when we kids were fast asleep. I would always wonder who this person was, who shared space with my mother. It was only by the time I reached High School, I realized this was Dad. He would work from pre dawn to late night, to care for his family- the education of his kids and more. My admiration began to grow for him, when I saw him chase his dreams. Born in an Overcrowded home, 13^th in the row, surrounded by coconut palms, fondly called 'Little one' or 'kunju' by all. Dad you have achieved more in your lifetime. The Benchmark you set for a Dad is difficult to cross. We kids learnt to live in the midst of adversity. My mother’s passing had shattered him. But he never ever let it be seen. Life had to move on. He believed The show must never stop. It did not. Today we have gathered to honour you Dad for all the years you shared with us. Ladies & Gentlemen………the toast of the evening………..my Dad, my Hero."
Sybil & Pearl had ensured the evening was a moment we would cherish. Mary & Liz were behind the arclights. His Grandchildren were geared to continue the tradition of song & dance. The show had just begun, the show had to go on …………..

Born Free, Living in Chains

2011-02-27T09:48:00.000-08:00

The moment you are born, society starts transforming your thoughts. It is not interested in you being a free thinker. What these people have done has to be understood, because this is your story, the story of how you have become one more prisoner. The question is how to get out of this prison that you call your mind, that you call your culture, that you call your religion. It is a conditioning forced on you from the outside. The mind that you call yours is not yours, it belongs to these exploiters. They have implanted this mind in you, and through this mind they go on controlling you. Slavery has only moved from the gross to the subtle. Maybe you don't have chains on your hands and your feet because the chains have become more subtle -- they have gone into your mind, they have become more inner. On the outside you are enjoying freedom, democracy, equality, brotherhood -- just empty words. How is there any possibility of brotherhood if there is religion? How can there be any possibility of brotherhood if there are nations. That is why you have migrated. You have been misled to think that being there is your destiny. You have been taught to live for your children. And how can there be equality when you have been taught to be ambitious? Ambition means that you have to be higher than the other, that you have to succeed. We forget our real aim of coming in this world, we forget Him who has sent us in this world, giving us the human incarnation. No matter what you do in this world, how much wealth, name and fame you have, someday you have to leave as you came...... empty handed. The only way to break these chains is to understand the meaning of your being here. Unless you wish to choose your own poison.

A Bagful of Dreams

2011-02-10T08:53:00.000-08:00

Autumn of 2009. My work in Dubai had come to an end. It’s been long since I met my first love. Why not change course and get back to her – Painting, Photography & Music have been passion. Before I turned home I bought a DJ system. Customs would not let me through with all the stuff, so I kept a few items for my son to get along. My paintings would be a reflection of my innermost feelings and dreams. Manifestations of the encounters in my journey called life.

Thanks to my desire for this impossibly exorbitant piece of arm candy has once again been stoked. Oh when will the 7D be mine? I figured this will always be a bag for me in the truest literal sense, as in can see but not own. Well Santa if you happen to be granting the wishes of good folks who celebrate Christmas this year then maybe you’ll consider my little request.
'A Bagful of Dreams’ is my story, the story of a migrant as he packs his bags late in life and leaves for foreign shores and now that his sons have settled, heads home to start living again. I respect the element of risk embedded in this journey, as taking on the risk in setting free my soul is far worth anything else!

Hello everyone! I don’t plan to bore you with my philosophy. But, Let me begin with a quote I read somewhere:
“Dreams are like stars...you may never touch them, but if you follow them they will lead you to your destiny.”
For me personally, this one line is the truth of life, because I firmly believe, only if you dream, can you turn them into reality. So welcome to my bag full of dreams. Meanwhile I am still waiting to get started, waiting for my santa to get me the rest. May my dreams come true, and may I live a truly free man!

An Audience of One

2011-02-06T01:49:00.000-08:00

For anyone still reading I am not only alive, but doing well!
I am in the final lap of my run down hill. While I have been a prolific writer I have been blogging only the past few months. What a ride this has been! I meet friends and relatives who claim to have read what I have written. But I have just one follower.
I am not sure what happens to a follower. How he became one, and why the others did not. I may be philosophical, but I am also human. I love what I do, and would like others to love it too.
When I'm not writing, I'm thinking! The horizon is almost in view. It has been a long haul and I still have some distance to go! I have learned to adapt and live with the discomforts of an advancing age and hope it eases in the coming year.
To describe my corner of the world as chilly these days almost isn't fair to winter. Maybe climatic changes are happening without our reckoning. Christmas has just gone by. I know that I truly love Christmas. I enjoy the spirit of giving and the hope the season brings.
My two wonderful kids are now men, 27 and 24, with all the joy and challenges their age brings. I adore both of them and will continue to hope for the unique potential each of them has.

Christmas is Coming!

2011-01-23T09:40:00.001-08:00

It was winter when the angels announced the coming of the Lord. Satellite signals flashed across the globe as family and friends started to come together to celebrate the season with food, laughter and music. To go to Church together, and to enjoy each others company.
Breakfast was always at Mary’s manger. Many of their childhood memories that revolve around Christmas began to swirl as the season commenced and the magical colours, lights, smells and excitement associated with it grew. Hearts grew tender with childhood memories and love of kindred,for having in spirit become a child again at Christmas-time. Mary was busy tending to her born, to want them enjoy Christmas, to make it special. She did so much to welcome the Saviour. Joseph was there by her side to do her biding. He had spent what he had in greeting the king, who never came with any Gold, Myrrh or Frankincense.They gathered together in the hope of better family bonding and to get back to where they came from and tell friends about the wonderful times they had. If the new tradition was to spend Christmas with just your spouse, so be it. Mary and Joseph had their chance to create their memories, maybe now it's their turn.Joseph was tired, time to get real.He had burnt all his logs to keep the home fires burning. They all returned to their nest.The season was winter. The season was about family.The chill winds blew on his face, as he thought, it's important to get what you want during the season, but be willing to compromise a little to satisfy the needs of others in the family.

Not wanting to Age..........

2010-11-23T09:42:00.000-08:00

She was all of 6 when she first moved into the locality. Her father had been transferred to Bombay from Calcutta. A few weeks younger to me, we went about playing as kids do. Running the stairs, climbing trees, skirting the surf as we plunged the beach. Yes we lived by the beach. Years passed by. She grew into a little angel. That was her name too. And then she went to college and came graduation day. She was the cynosure of all eyes. She knew it. We all knew it. And then she was to get married. That was the first time I realized she was living in falsetto. All her wonder years she would be playing with the boys. So it never mattered, if she wore the pants. But now it was time to wear the gown. She realized she had no assets to show off. So she went and did herself an overdose. A week after her marriage she came over for a cup of traditional coffee. And then I noticed she was hirsute. I asked her while her husband turned away, who wears the pants in the house. She wanted to know why. I said because I notice you have started wearing the beard. She had erred with the use of steroids. She went as all of my generation would, to the Middle East to earn her share of petro dollars, and after a 5 year stint migrated to Australia. Last week she came calling to see her mother at home in Mumbai. The door bell rang. I opened, and there she was all excited as we were meeting after two decades. She dropped by to spend an evening with my wife. But somewhere we never connected. She was no longer the angel I knew. She was all chinked up to look younger than her age. I noticed as she opened her wallet that it was packed with plastic. Maybe she extended this to her persona. No longer was she human. She was a porcelain doll. She had done the big B.I was left wondering why could she not age gracefully!!

The Eternal Cycle

2010-09-18T22:52:00.001-07:00

She was capable of laughter the world could hear.
Of tears that could never be seen.
A wife who lived like a lover.
A Mother who was always a Child.
She grew wings like a dove,and flew to her rest.
She was our Mother.
Circa 1979 December 9 she flew away from planet earth. At her niche @ St.Michael’s Mahim-Mumbai, were these words we got engraved “The Rose still grows beyond the wall”. Her fragrance lingers, her thoughts guide every move we make. We siblings still say
“What would mum have said / done now” …… ...........Answer got.
Death I believed then as now is only a change of state. If our experience as a human is analogous to a journey down a river, then our experience as a spirit is analogous to the entire water cycle. Each of us is like a raindrop which fell from a cloud and ultimately entered into a river for the journey back from where it came - the sea. Then the cycle is repeated. In the same way that a drop of water is a part of the sea and contains within itself the nature of the sea itself, so our spirit is a part of God containing within it the Whole of God itself. This concept of a something being both a part and the Whole is what we call the atman being part of the param-atman. By becoming a droplet in the water cycle, we can experience wonderful adventures which ultimately help us to understand ourselves and the sea even more. Which river of life we choose to travel down is up to us. Once we begin the journey, we are partly at the mercy of the river and the course it takes us. How we chose to flow down the river is our decision. This river which represents the course of our life that leads us back to God is an archetype that is familiar to us. On the river, we are always moving forward from a source toward an end. There are many decisions and choices to make while traveling the river. Sometimes we have no choice at all but submit to the mercy of the river. At times we can relax and go with the flow. Other times we can shoot the rapids. Wisdom means knowing the best course of action to take as we travel down the river. It concerns how we choose our destinies before our birth, how is analogous to standing on top of a very high mountain, looking down upon a vast system of rivers and choosing which river to partake. From the vantage point of being on top of a mountain, we can get a good view all the rivers from their beginning to their end. As in life, each river has a number of forks and branches to choose from. Some rivers are more challenging while others are less challenging. Some rivers are very dangerous and can lead to disaster. But no matter which river of life we choose before our birth, the river will always carry us back to the sea. This means we are all predestined to eventually return to God. But once we begin our journey down the river of our choosing, we have many choices which are not predetermined. "Our life is like a river. The destination is set, but the method of our journeying is up to us. We can cruise down the middle of the river at top speed, or we can hug the shore and spin around in eddies. We can crash over rapids or chart a safer path between obstacles. We can slum along the bottom in the mire and slime of sediment, or we can glide along the sparkling surface where the air is clean. The river is ours from birth to death. How we navigate it is determined by the hundreds of small choices we make each day. The idea of death has been the strongest power of religion and religious life. Death stirs man to search for immortality. Man is afraid of Beyond Death. He wants to live forever. Why are we afraid of death? Death is separation of the soul from the physical body. The entrance of a soul into a body is called birth. The soul's departure from the body is called death. Death is a door opening from one aspect of life to another. Ice becomes water, and water becomes steam, vapour, and invisible gas, according to the degree of vibration. So is life in the physical, astral, and mental planes. Death does not end your personality and self-consciousness. It merely opens the door to a higher form of life. Death is only the gateway to a fuller life. Death is not extinction of personality. It is merely the cessation of an important individuality. Death is not the opposite of life. It is a phase of life. Life flows on ceaselessly. The fruit perishes, but the seed is full of life. The seed dies, a huge tree grows out of the seed. The tree perishes, it becomes coal which has a rich life. You will again resume the work that was left off by you in your previous life. Therefore do not be afraid of death. Living is a continuous process of dying. Just as you move from one house to another house, the soul passes from one body to another to gain experience. The last thought of a man governs his future destiny. It determines his future birth. It is very difficult to keep up God-consciousness at the time of death when diseases torment the body, when consciousness fades. But, for that man who has disciplined his mind all throughout his life and who has tried to fix the mind on the Lord through constant practice, the last thought will be thought of God only. It cannot come by a stray practice in a day or two, in a week or month. It is a life-long endeavor and struggle. Persons who have done good Karma spend a great deal of time on the Heavenly plane before being born again. Great souls, spiritually advanced persons, wait for a long time before reincarnating. In the intervening period between death and new birth, the departed spirit, especially if the person is spiritually developed, can frequently materialize upon the earth plane if necessity arises. It takes form, and even makes itself felt by tangible touch. It is an exact counterpart, a subtle 'double' to the physical body, and forms the vehicle in which the departed soul journeys after death. Spiritual realization and knowledge of the Self alone will reveal the mystery of life and death and the life beyond death. That is why it was written “The Rose still grows beyond the wall”. Let us get ready to walk as we prepare for a peaceful life "Beyond Death" as we say “world without an end ……….Ameen”.

What Ails Indian Sport.....

2010-09-04T22:25:00.001-07:00

Further to my last few messages on diverse topics, I propose a solution that will resolve the vexed issue of Indian Sports.

In a country of 1 Billion, having 15% Global population, we are yet to make our mark in the International arena.

My suggestions if implemented will cause India to be a force to reckon with in Sports:

1. A website should be created under the auspices of the sports ministry.-SportsIndia.com

2. Here all Globally recognised sports should be listed

3. Each sport should have a criteria for rating which is mentioned

4. Each sport should have a page that lists players of the sport at district level,state level and national level.

5. The yardstick for a given sport is the same irrespective of which district the player is from.

6. Depending on the sport, players above the benchmark at District level, qualify for the state level.

7. The same applies to players to qualify for the national level.

8. Players performance which is rated here is the only criteria for qualifying.

9. This is there for all players to see how he performs and his chances of getting to the next level.

10. Depending on the Game, the Team List (16 if Cricket) gets qualified.

11. The team decides who should captain them by a vote.

12. The Captain with the coach then decides which 11 players from this list wil play the game.

13. The Administration should limit them selves to organising the event.

14. 60% of gate and all other collections go to the Game.

15. 40% of Gate and all other collections go to a central sports kitty

16. All players from games that meet the laid benchmark will qualify for being sponsored from this kitty.

17. All this is displayed on the website,so that it is clean and fair for all.

18. Players will naturally get motivated to perform as they all know the criteria for selection is based on performance only.

Trust if this is accepted, the day is not far when Indian sports will do all Indians proud.

The Government of India can initiate action in this regard.......... Read more at .........http://simplesolutionsforall.blogspot.com/

Our Right to fail

2010-08-26T03:11:00.000-07:00

Why does the thrill of soaring have to begin with the fear of falling?
Unless our children discover their wings, they will never know the purpose of their lives.
They need to feel the air beneath their wings.
The right to fail has to be the fundamental right of all. It is the essence of creativity. The creative act must be uninhibited and there can be no fear of failure – nothing inhibits so fiercely, or pulls a dream to earth so swiftly as the fear of failure. Why is it as parents we wish to control the lives of our kids as though we own them? We need them to pursue careers we think suits them best, and when they are hurt we say "we're hurting you for your own good". I'm all for them to choose their own options in life, no matter their pursuits do not meet my expectations. I would prefer the kind of failure they experience if only it is to guide their next step. Anyone who leaves education midstream is branded a failure – and the right to fail is one of the few freedoms, this country does not grant its citizens. What I don’t like is that we treat failure almost as a condemnation. We need dissenters and dreamers far more than we need politicians and bureaucrats if we are to succeed as a nation. But we paralyze them by insisting that every step in life be a step up the ladder. Yet in the formative years of youth, the only way for our kids to define their way is by digressing from the beaten path, getting lost and finding their way again. We need to encourage them to take the path never walked before, for that is what will make all the difference in their lives. Let them trample on the leaves of yester years, and venture on a new path - "Don’t" is what we always shout back. What they should be told instead is "do not be afraid" of losing your way. Failure isn’t fatal. Success isn’t final. History is strewn with successful failures who have followed their own trail, not worrying about the twists and turns, only because they had faith in their own sense of direction. It is exciting to read of their tryst with destiny not because they beat the system, but because the system they created was better than the one they beat. I am not asking you to go out and fail for the sheer joy of failing. I only mean that failure isn’t bad in itself as success isn't always as good. I don’t feel any obligation to be successful. Success can be dangerous-----you feel you know it all. I’ve learnt a great deal from my failures. It isn’t the end of the world. It’s the only way to grow. Today’s generation seems to know this is true and are willing to take the risks. Society still sets the rules and condemns failure.
Who then is to say what is right or wrong. No one has the answer of what is right, and the dawning awareness of this fact is one of the best things happening today. Success and failure are becoming individual visions and not rigid categories. Maybe we are learning to cherish this right of every person to succeed on his own terms and fail as often as necessary along the way. As a youngster, one of the things I learned early on was that winning and losing was a natural part of any game I played, be it football or cards. Somebody wins, somebody loses. Nobody likes to lose, but as I have written, there is nothing to be ashamed of if you have tried your best, and still failed. I have more respect for the person who valiantly tried and lost, as opposed to the person who won by cheating. Failure is a natural part of life and an inherent part of evolution. It is a strong message telling us that what we are doing is not working, and we can either learn from it and change our ways or ignore it and perish. It's nice to have a safety net, but where would we be if nobody took a risk? Without failure, life stagnates. We cannot make progress if we are not allowed to fail. Entrepreneurs, adventurers, and other personalities understand in any venture there is a certain element of risk, whereby they will either reap the rewards of success, or taste the agony of defeat. They weigh the risks carefully, and then work overtime to assure success, but they clearly understand there is no such thing as a guarantee for success. There are people today who want to eliminate our right to fail, that nobody should experience the pain or embarrassment of defeat. Like it or not, failure is the only real catalyst to invoke true changes. Nothing is more powerful to truly change someone, than failure; ask anyone who has experienced it. Nobody likes to take their medicine, but I'm afraid it is time to pass the medicine around. I don't expect a lot of people to jump on the bandwagon, but it's time to "Protect our right to fail!"

Original Sin.....

2010-07-04T20:03:00.003-07:00

Why is this referred to as the Original Sin?
To me........God was experimenting in creating a perfect being close to his image and likeness. This first created was Adam a man. Having created Adam, God realized there was an error in his Chromosomes, for death and its causes were coded therein.So he went about correcting it. But this was time taking, and Adam saw God had created all other in pairs, and wanted to know why he was alone. So that Adam not be alone, he created woman as company. He wanted them to enjoy his creations, but restrained them from enjoying sex (Tree of Life) till he achieved the perfect being. The thought forces which were anti god prompted Adam to enjoy Sex with Eve and like the other creations of God, informed (Tree of Knowledge) that they could create progeny and become creators like God. Thus Adam copulated with Eve and when God descended to meet them next, he realised they had disobeyed him and thereby faulted his efforts in creating the next perfect being. This pair would start multiplying and there would now be no stopping them. Like an atomic reaction man would multiply and fill the earth. In sadness he drove them away from his sight as the progeny were now to face death due to these genetic defects. This sin of disobedience of Adam was the origin of death. "Adam was to die, whether he sinned or not, as his creation was imperfect. His sin injured not only himself, but the entire human race" as Adam began transmitting the genetic stains which were defective, and thereby death. This transmission of death is easily understood as we see parents transmit hereditary diseases to their offspring. This transmission was being corrected by God when they disobeyed. This transmission of sin should be understood as the transmission of death. To take the word sin to mean death is what is meant when we say that Adam caused sin in us. Many do not understand by sin the hereditary stain contracted at our birth, but the sin that adults commit in imitation of copulation as done by Adam. For us to conquer death we need to realise our mission here on earth and we are able to understand Redemption. The sin of Adam has injured the human race at least in the sense that it has introduced death. God was creating a being like himself who would never die. This perfection was lost forever. Here is question of physical death. First, the literal meaning of the word ought to be presumed unless there is some reason to the contrary.We must read death when we speak of sin, we should also understand that the disobedience of Adam has made us mortal we see that by one man two things have been brought on all men, sin and death, the one being the consequence of the other and therefore not identical with it. Original sin may be taken to mean the first sin that Adam committed. A consequence of this first sin, the hereditary stain with which we are born on account of our origin or descent from Adam. From the earliest times the latter sense of the word was more common, as may be told: "the deliberate sin of the first man is the cause of original sin". It is the hereditary stain that I deal with here. As to the sin of Adam we have not to examine the circumstances in which it was committed nor make the exegesis of the third chapter of Genesis.

Hurry up S.l..o...w....l.....y

2010-04-29T02:50:00.000-07:00

What is this life if, full of care.
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty's glance
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can,
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
-William Henry Davies
Possibly my favourite Poem of all time.
There is a premium on swift action. Being fast if not first is valued as Speed is King. With our lives measured in bits & bytes, is it any wonder our Health, Performance and Relationships begin to suffer. We are not designed to work round the clock. My working life has been both pleasant and productive.Small mistakes made over yesteryears may mock me in the days to come, but every thing I learned in my early days hold true even now. Incremental completion of small tasks, I look for the moment when I can sprint to the Finish Line. Instead of doing every thing faster,better to do it at the rightspeed. "Hapa,hapa" in Swahili means Slowly,slowly.The Kenyans listen to their bodies - Training when they feel good and taking time off when they need rest. Each year a different group of athletes appear on the horizon, and amongst them a new champion emerges. The talent pool seems endless.One can run fast if trained hard and recovered harder. You can't sprint forvever, but you can pull your pace down. Slowness must be part of education and health care. Our present health care system is all about repair, and not what is good for the body. The best way to slow down is to sleep a little more, and pay more attention when awake. It is not about delaying thinking. It is about assigning time to things when I can give them my full attention. Sleep is also a part of it. We must seek a reconnection to ourselves, to each other and with the world around us. My ability to slow down is a result of not wanting to rush through my life. When I was living life as if it were a sprint, I was unconscious of the world about me, and it felt Heavy, Stressful and Burdensome. Learning to slow down, I am able to make my voice heard and live life as I run the Marathon. And to my surprise, it does not feel like a struggle anymore. In fact it is so much fun. Next time when you are in a rush to get somewhere, take in the surrounding Sound, Sight & Smell. Cheers!!

Teenage thoughts

2010-04-27T20:55:00.000-07:00

My childhood dream was to be a Poet. You will never know how difficult it was then, to write a poem, and how easy it was to be rejected. I did approach Kamala Das, who was then associated with a Youth magazine. She read all my submissions, and said "Roy, you will never be a poet". With this died a dream like many others. Recently I found some papers in my attic, and thought why not publish them here. So what if Ms Das rejected them, at least I can rejoice in having them published. All poems were written in my teens. The Poet died then. Long live the Poet.

Life

Why is life so very tense.

We always have to sit on the fence.

And every time we tend to relax,

someone is out there to collect his tax.

Why are our lives such a bore,

we never know who lives next door.

We save on things, that will never be spent

And nurture plans, that see no end.

Nightmare

I live my days, waiting dearly for the night

Cruel night keeps me awake

I suffer in silence, waiting eagerly for dawn

I rise, for the hour has come

to labour another sleepless night.

Lonely Me

Milder than those I have met

It was when I heard

Laughter, resonate my Chords

Deep Down, while I tried to

Read her eyes, and

Even before, I could analyse her,She had

Departed "Sans Adios"

Life Again

Life is an awakening, in the midst of sleep.

When sleepers sleep,Unmindful of the world about them

Sweet is this Sleep,Sweeter than Sound.

Disturb not this soulful slumber

Let us be lost into the night.

The Fallen One

Condemned, rejected, Trampled upon

In bloom yesterday, admired by surging crowds

A tender bud not yet in life

Plucked at dawn, to add beauty to another life

Gathering dust, dismantled in today's storm

When shall we see life in it fullest form.

Green.......Green........Grass................

2010-04-21T03:13:00.000-07:00

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire labourers for his vineyard".(Mathew 20:1)

This one parable has had a great influence in my thinking from early childhood.
I have always believed in "KARMA" and what we assume receiving in this lifetime is the resultant of all our past lives & deeds. Therefore I need to be satisfied with the present at all times.This thought has kept me in a State of happiness at all times. Let me not look over the fence and say " Oh!! He's got a better wife than mine" or "I wish I had his Car". We all wake up and say"Oh! I am so Unlucky. The unlucky is nothing more than a frame of reference for the lucky that we assume. Unfortunately we never realize we too are lucky, until it's too late. For instance, yesterday we were better off than today. But it took today for us to realise it. We are never happy with what we have. We want what we had or what others have. The grass is always greener on the other side, and we really do not know what we have, until it's gone.

Why do we always feel the grass is greener on the other side?
What is it that keeps us from being content with what we have, where we are, what we are doing, who we are? We seem to be forever craning our necks to see what lies beyond our grasp; missing what may be right in front of us, and convincing ourselves we could be happy, if only we could have what we covet. Gratitude fosters contentment. Embracing acceptance, and choosing our perspective allows us to enjoy the moment before us. When we are in the moment, we are not looking over the fence, because we are busy living the moment with what is right in front of us. Choose Contentment over anxiety, and change our perspective from feeling stuck to being willing to use the time to our benefit instead of wailing on self pity and anger. We would be there either way. What a relief to remember we have a choice. The next time we find ourself peeking over the fence, learn to accept with gratitude. We might find the most beautiful green grass beneath our feet. Green ....Greener.....Greenest.................. grass beneath our feet."

The Need to Write

2010-04-18T23:54:00.000-07:00

When I sit down to write, I ask myself, "What shall I say to my fellow audience"? I will do my best to make my writing worthy, and this mindset helps me create content. I want my writing to change people for the better, to expand their thinking, to raise their consciousness and to help eliminate fear. If it helps change, it means value is being transferred.
It takes effort to produce original thoughts, and that's my preferred strategy. Consequently when people arrive here, they must stick around awhile, react to the ideas and refer others to it. With time I propose to have many articles to explain my thoughts. Not all are going to like or agree with my work. While I will write occasionally about time bound or location specific events, the majority of my content is hopefully intended to be timeless. I am aware that what I write today will be read by others, years after I have gone. We still quote Aristotle in this Millennia. Similarly I think how will my idea influence future generations including my own. What advice do I pass on to my Grandchildren. Will the content created today be relevant in say 2030 or 3040? Writing for future generations helps me stay focussed on the core of my message, which is to help others grow in thought. As long as this happens, there is chance that what I write today will have relevance later. And if it is relevant for the future it means it is relevant for today as well. Not many recall the Wealthiest, Healthiest or Richest of the last Century or last Decade. But we can all recall the Life & Times of Buddha, Krishna or Jesus. What makes us recall events or persons of 2000 or 3000 years ago and not of the last decade or century? It is only because they have propounded thoughts that have led to the way we think and live. This is the way we can be remembered. We may forget yesterday's news, but will recall things that have a meaning in our lives. So I strive to write about meanings instead of happenings. Having a son to carry forward the family name or statues erected is not the answer. An idea or thought once created travels through time like energy. The 3rd law states that energy cannot be destroyed.