JOY OF GIVING

 

As giving flows from the heart

Which is the epicenter of our spiritual upward movement

What we give creates vibrations in our consciousness

Giving gives eternal joy, so abundant

When our left hand does not know

What our right hand gives to others for fulfillment of others’ need, so pressing

This is one of the best sort of giving

Because in this giving

There is no part played by our ego

Which otherwise pesters us to make known our giving

To other members in our friend circles

For personal gains

Which is a selfish giving

There is hope for reciprocity in that giving

And not a total selfless giving

Since one part is given for grease our ego

And the other one for publicizing stunt.

 

How much we can give

Or how little we can give

Partly depends on our capacity to part with what we possess

And  partly the empathy we generate in our heart to give

But one thing should never be forgiven

The more we give unselfishly

The more we in return get doubtlessly

This is the Law of Nature

We should never ever forget.

 

Our giving ought to be like a tree

Which gives everything to all living beings

Sweet fragrance of flowers it radiates

Sweet fruits for our nourishment it gives

Timber for our house construction

Lastly even wood for cremation (as in Hindu culture)

Factually it sustains us from birth to our death

Even though after suffering the pangs

Given to it by elements of nature occasionally.

 

Thus joy of giving is of highest dimension

Since it encompasses all other paradigms of giving – with compassion

And it is considered as highest forms of good and positive deed

That we transact to earn more points  for our Karmic deeds.

 

 JOY OF GIVING 

Yesterday, one person came to our Organisation and requested for blood donation for one of his relatives; who was to be operated. He required blood transfusion on immediate emergency basis, to save his life. I was really surprised when more people came forward and volunteered for blood donation. It obviously became a sort of a movement for all our colleagues. After their blood donation, when I asked about their donation experience, all they told me that they got a huge satisfaction of giving thus proving that blood donation is one of the best investments/a noble cause one can transact towards achieving genuine happiness for ourselves. The JOY I SAW ON THEIR FACES WAS REALLY OBVIOUS which spurred me to write a blog.

TRUE GIVING ORIGINATES FROM HEART

It has been seen the compassionate traits of ours springs from our compassion – a soft feeling which originates from our heart. Giving is a benevolent Karmic deed of ours and adds to our Karma Credit score. So many people have plenty of resources but petty heart to donate. Very few people have small earnings but have  large-heartedness to give what they have to meet others’ needs.

 NO EXPECTATION OR RECIPROCATION

Importantly, the giving in any form should be without any expectation or reciprocation from the recipients. Also, our left hand should not know what our right hand gives. If it were so, then, it is not appropriate or right type of ‘giving’  because there is no ‘joy of giving’ attached with that.

LOOKING AFTER THE ANIMALS & BIRDS

Animals like us humans require care and protection. We humans can express ourselves when we require something but these mute ones are not able to tell us about their needs. But, without doubt, they are part of our living world. Our pets are looked after well by us but what about the stray one? All should have awareness that the animals too need protection against cold, heats, storms etc.  They also constitute one part of our life as they bring us joy and hope. It is, therefore, a crying need to look after the hapless animals and birds. Especially the street dogs and cats – the ones for whom there is none to care for.  When we provision for those creatures that cannot help themselves, it bestows us a heart-warming joy in giving.

GIVING IS MANIFESTED IN KINDNESS AND GENEROSITY

When we give something without expectation or reciprocity, then the vibrational energy from our consciousness is at its highest ebb. I have experienced this whenever I met somebody need, it came back to me in equal measure or in many cases even more.

KANYA DHAN

In Eastern Culture and tradition, nobody can dispute the fact that the parents of the daughters bring them up, give them right education, give them adequate value system besides choosing a right groom for them for living a purposeful life and then marrying them off as per Vedic rites or with other customs and traditions. This is considered as the major donation that could be given by the parents. We have also moral imperatives to address the issue of providing succour to the girl child to grow and contribute for the growth and development of the household holistically.

 VIDHYA DHAAN TO THE SPECIALLY ABLED AND GIFTED CHILDREN

It is not merely the materially we can render help to the SPECIALLY ABLED AND GIFTED CHILDREN who have one challenge or the other. Imparting skills and right type of special education so that they also excel in their lives like any other normal person. There are so many philanthropic associations rendering Yeoman’s service for the upliftment of the challenged persons. That is the best types of giving.

VIDHYA DHAN  (GIVING EDUCATION)

When we provide Vidhya Dhan (imparting education) to others, means to bestow education or imparting knowledge besides providing books, stationery and other needs of those who are unable to meet the expenses because of poor family background. By imparting education, we ensure a child’s future so that he/she becomes self-sufficient while he/she grows up and more so educating a girl child tantamounts to educating an entire family since she has to look after her children after she grows up and marries.

SOME EXAMPLES OF WELL-KNOWN FOR THEIR CHARITIES IN ANCIENT INDIA

THE BENEVOLENCE OF MAHABALI

There is a mention in Bhagavat Purana. Lord Vishnu had to take incarnation as Vamana Avtara to restore the authority of Indra. Demon King Mahabali had usurped the powers of Indra by his giving/benevolence. Lord Vishnu as Vamana Avtara went to Mahabali to test the generosity of Mahabali. He wanted to have land so that for three paces. Despite the warning by Guru Shukrachara, Mahabali agreed thinking about the limitation of a foot. The Vamana enlarged his stature to gigantic proportions to stride over the three worlds (heaven to earth, earth to netherworld and for the third step, Mahabali offered his head. Vamana was very pleased and as a boon gave the boon of immortality for his benevolence. Vamana also granted him the permission to visit to his subjects every year. The festival of Onam is celebrated once every year in this context. This festival is celebrated in the honour of benevolence of king Mahabali.

DHAN VIR KARNA

 It has been mentioned that Karna, the son of Kunti through Sun God was one of the prominent dhan vir (A warrior or hero known for his charities). During his lifetime, he was known for his charities that is why even during war with Pandavas, he was being protected by Dharma owing to which Arjuna’s arrows could not kill him. Seeing this, Lord Krishna went to Karna and asked for his Puniya (all the charities or all the merits attached with this) he had done in the past, which he did without thinking about the consequences of his action. After giving this, Dharma left from the spot and stopped protecting him. Thereafter Lord Krishna asked Dhanushdhari Arjuna to kill him which he did. A lesson for us humans that those who donate do not think its consequence.

RAJA HARISH CHANDER

The charities of King Harish Chandra  (in Treta Yuga) are legion. He was very noble and loved his subjects much and the subjects too loved him for his generosity. His had a wife named Taramati and son Rohitashva. Once while on a hunting trip, he was instrumental in disturbing the penance of Sage Vishwamitra due to which the sage got angry for which he felt a sort of a guilt. Vishwamitra extracted a promise from Harishchandra for his Yajna. Vishwamitra asked the king for whole of his kingdom including all the possessions as a charity which he made. Vishwamitra again asked for another donation to which the Harishchandra told that he had nothing left now but promised to fulfill his promise after a month’s time.  

Subsequently, he reached the holy place of Kashi where Vishwamitra was already present and asked for the fulfillment of his promise of giving him donation, as promised. As still, there was a few days left, Harichandra promised to fulfill of the promise. During this time, his son was not having food to eat. He was not able to complete his promise and was constrained to sell his wife to an old man in order to get money which he gave to Vishwamitra, as promised but he was not satisfied, he demanded more. Perforce he had to sell himself and fulfilled the promise given to the sage. He was deployed as the worker at the cremation ground. In the meanwhile his son died due to hunger. His mother came to the cremation ground but had no fee to pay for cremation. On this charity and sacrifice of highest dimension, all he deities along with Vishwamitra had immense praise for Harishchandra. Harichandra was told that it was merely to test his patience and sincerity in fulfilling the promise made.

OUR PARENTS CHARITY OR DONATIONS COULD IMPACT OUR LIFE TOO

It is also a fact what our parents do or do not do impacts the offspring as a Karmic Credit. My father in his life time always met the needs of people besides being a Hakeem (Auyrvedic) provided medicare to the villagerS without any expectations. When he died at the age of 95 years, we were not having much except goodwill and blessings of general masses to whom my father had rendered his help.

I managed my studies with the limited resources we had after the demise of my father but subsequently after training, I got meaningful employment and am having everything which is required for a honorable living. This is the result of ‘giving’ of my parents.

Summering the above:-

 

• What we give comes back to us – in many cases more than what we have given.

 

• As charity related ideas originate from our heart, it generates positive mindset.

 

• When we meet somebody’s need, we add to our Karmic credit.

 

• Fulfilling others’ need affects our consciousness and generates groundswell of goodwill for us.

 

• For meeting somebody’s needs, we have to sacrifice something, this sacrifice is always rewarded. The examples enunciated in the write-up give us the lesson that while we are giving, we give from our hard earned resources, even cutting our urgent needs but once promise is made to ‘give’ that promise has to be fulfilled come what may. Demon King Mahabali and King Harishchandra are the potent examples.

 

• Our giving should be without a feeling of reciprocity or expectation of any kind.

 

• The feeling of empathy, sympathy and compassion make a huge difference in our lives.

 

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THE LANGUAGE WE USE IN OUR CONVERSATION COUNTS A LOT

 

While passing through a marketplace, I observed two fruit hawkers. There was a huge customer traffic with one hawker whereas there was none with other. I was curious to know the reason for this flurry of activity at one of the vends and none with other though with almost the same quality and price tag to each of fruit available for sale. I ventured to discreetly ask the idle hawker as to why no customer is coming to him. First of all, he was evasive but when pressed, his language and style of conversation gave everything out. He was very impolite, curt and disrespectful even bordering on abusive. When I started my conversation with another one, despite his business with the customers, he respectfully wished me good morning and asked me what he could give me from the fruits he was having? This spurred me in writing this blog.

CHOICE OF WORDS WE USE IS ESSENTIAL

In public speaking, the correct and appropriate use of language, the style or modulation in which we use that language, the right words and phrases we use count a lot. For instance, if we want to ask somebody; what does he want? it could be spoken with direct and raised voice or spoken with politeness.  Here the choice is entirely ours. We would be known for our interaction in conversation – knowing full well that nobody wants to have business with a person impulsive temperament. Our spoken words should have magnetic attraction rather than repulsion to attract more people towards us.

STYLE OF SPEAKING

Essentially, it is also a fact that nobody wants the conversation with a person or group of people who effuse negative from the word go. We should always keep in mind that none has time to refine our language and the demeanor we exhibit. We are solely responsible for your own action or inaction and are constrained to suffer its consequences too.  This is so at our own home, workplace, formal and informal institutions or in business forums. The choice of words and the language to be used exclusively depends on us. It should always be borne in mind that the words are spoken from the tongue and the arrow coming out of the bow can never be retrieved. It has to hit the target and we have to be ready to face the music if we have used revolting language.

In Bible it has been emphasized: The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.

WHAT WE SPEAK AND HOW YOU SPEAK COUNTS

It should also be remembered that public speaking or conversation can help us catapult to new heights of glory or pull us down to abysmally low level in any venture we put our hands on. If we are delving in business, we have to use polished and elegant language which could attract customers to us. In other words our wares and our words, both should be polished and unadulterated then only we can be the successful businessman.

BEING REACTIVE – PAYS NOTHING AT ALL

It is not that every time we would be received with open hands. At times, we have to listen to unpleasant, unprintable language or at times disgusting remarks. We have to be patient, being reactive can be disastrous for us. Wait and watch attitude makes a huge difference. If this too does not work then acceptance will work but the reaction is no solution to the unpleasant situation. We can come out of the piquant situation by remaining calm and composed. We are down but not totally out. Patience always pays whereas being reactive cannot pay at all? Giving abuse in return for an abuse can bring about no solution to the gnawing problem.

In Holy Quran it has been emphasized: He (Allah) has created man from a sperm-drop; and behold this same (man) becomes an open disputer!

REMAINING POSITIVE SHOWS US THE PATH TO SUCCESS ULTIMATELY

Positive and polished use of language in conversation can always bring positive results for us. At times, there may be some drawback or pinpricks but after sometimes positive utterances bring about positive results. This way we can save our association and connectivity with anybody and everybody. The taut and violent besides negative style of interaction is enemy number one of the relationship. It snaps our friendship with others and thus is harmful ultimately.

In Bhagwad Gita it has been mentioned that a person should remain non-violent in speech and in action, should have the purity of experience, should remain truthful ever established in knowledge and should desist from being angry while conversing or dealing with others.

­Following should be kept in mind while having conversations/interactions with others:-

• Introspect before speaking – toll moll ke bol.
• Never be reactive – it could break the relationship.
• Use correct accent and cool demeanor while speaking.
• Use of correct words and phrases suiting the time and space is a must – we have to use the language the others could understand.
• Everybody, even a small kid, wants respect should never be forgotten. Pay and get respect should never be forgotten.
• The suave and cool positive language can fill warmth in our relationship.
• We want to have communication with other for our benefit therefore right use of language is a must.
• It is up to us to take our association to new heights or abysmally at the lowest levels by the use of good or bad language. The choice is with us.
• Angry use of words bring in its wake reprisals – never converse while in bad mood.
• Forgive others’ mistakes God will forgive many of ours.

 

OUR CONVERSATION IS MIRROR OF OUR INTERNAL MINDSET 

The way we speak or converse with others counts a lot

The choice of words or phrases we use counts a great deal

Conveying our points of view in a way we want to put across

With others for communication

For understanding others’ viewpoint

Depends on our own wisdom and those of others with whom we converse

Bad communication leads to bad relationship growth

Between the two parties having confabulation

Beating about the bush or conversing without introspection

Takes our relationship to bushes

Of uncertainty and impulsive state in relationship

Impulsive use of words and phrases

Along with condemning others at their back

Backfires on us sooner than later.

Sound conversation reflects our sound mindset

Whereas scattered mindset leads to unsound dialogue

Will sometimes, lead to dull and dreary monologue

Snapping the thin fabric of our association with others.

Where so ever and when so ever we meet someone known or unknown

We should choose the right words to be spoken

Because we would be assessed according to our conversation

Words which reflect haughtiness and egocentricity

Or malicious language will bring in its wake enmity  

Will earn us no friends in our vicinity.

Then we should always remember one sagacious claim

Never pay lip-sympathy to others

Because it will be found out sooner than later

But make use of compassion

And understanding as the basis of your conversation.

Our conversation should effuse positivity

Words which make others unhappy

And saddening should be avoided to the extent possible.

The body-language we reflect through our body postures

Also gives out our state of self-confidence and self-belief

Sagging and drooping shoulders’ demeanor is a revelation of negativity

Straight and upright postures give out positivity.

Thence we’re in the habit of distributing like we give out unwanted gifts

Advices and suggestions as if we are sharing

Stale sweets which nobody like taking

These should be given to those who are in need of these

Otherwise, all our efforts will be stonewalled with unpleasant results.

Self-important or pompous discredit others in front of others – a sigh so showy

To enhance their score of popularity

But factually they do not know that they are showcasing their vulgarity.

When somebody is condemning others unreasonably

That fellow should be heard with rapt attention even if undeservedly

There may be something positive for us to improve upon emerging

Even minor contrarian talk could produce results so encouraging.  

Our conversation should be a admix of humor and sagacity

To make the atmosphere light and conducive

But we should avoid being verbose and talkative

To make the conversation dull and boring

Also never be taciturn or too much reserve

Which may be construed as being self-centered

So as to make others turn their back on us.  

A soft talk is like a soft walk

Both could be carried on and on for a long spell

Without making the subject tired

Or to others around feeling bored

Besides touching the inner chords of our heart the most

Serene Water runs deep is a time-tested maxim

So is the discussion done with sincerity?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MOTHER EARTH (Today, the 20th April 2018 is the Earth Day)

By our acts of not sparing and not caring attitude,

Our own dearest Mother Earth,

What we do to the Mother Earth so dear?

The Mother Earth which bestows us with all sorts of gifts,

Which sustains us from time we become flesh & blood,

Till time this body sustains us not,

With no expectations in return gift from us selfish humans,

We leave litters around,

After partying & feasting at the mountain sites so enchanting,

With fragrance of natural flowers just intoxicating,

Making the environment so fascinating,

Adding splendor to the scenic beauty are the flora and fauna,

But the left over litters just spoil the virginity of mountain spot,

With spread of odor of leftovers of the people partaking foodstuff,

Stench also leaves a scar on the act of these people,

Who spoilt the place with their profane acts.

 

Left out road side old vehicle parts,

Wait till eternity for the people to pick these up,

Nobody ever comes to do this solemn act,

Till elements like winds and rains mix these in the Mother Earth itself – alas!

 

Vehicle repair workshop just line up the roadsides,

Blackening the area with grease and what not,

Generating a shabby look around,

Green cover is being denuded,
For habitats for increased numbers,
And cultivation of food for multitudes,
Thus multiplying the adverse implications,
To the eco-system,
Causing blizzards and change of climates.

 

Plundering the earth of the mineral wealth,
In the form of crude oil,
Precious metals, stones and coal,
Leaving the earth bereft of natural resources,
Thus producing an imbalance the internal fabric of the earth,
Which too comes out & reacts most violently,
Causing earthquakes of huge intensity,
Spreading deaths and destruction all around hugely.

Spewing of gases so poisonous,
To the sky above,
Enlarging the black-hole,
Impacting us by harmful sun rays.

My humble please to us all,

Have some pity to the Mother Earth,

Not for us but AT LEAST for our coming generations,

If at all?

Harbans Khajuria

MOTHER EARTH

Essentially, as far as the Mother Earth is concerned it has physical matter, solid substance along with gross objects. These are grouped in the category of the five elements (Mahabhutas) which could be termed as the cosmic substances. These are earth, air, water, fire and ether. Each one of these elements are inter-linked or associated with each other besides the space or ether or acts like a container or basket to sustain all these elements.

If these elements are spoiled by our acts of omissions and commissions as diminution of forest cover by cutting trees without planting the new ones, emission of poisonous gases in the atmosphere from the industrial units, pollution of water bodies with the affluence/wastes of industries. Here Mahatma Gandhi’s quote is most relevant: ‘Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.’ For fulfillment of our ulterior and selfish motives, we are spoiling the eco-system without even a slightest thought about the consequences of our acts. Therefore need of the hour is to save the Mother Earth from the pollution which is impacting the lives of all the living beings globally.

 If air is polluted by emotion of harmful gases, we will be breathing in impure air resulting in lung related diseases, if water is impure, we are constrained to take in polluted water resulting in impacting our health, if earth’s eco-system is polluted by a mix of our activities then we can imagine the health hazards besides when the whole atmosphere is polluted, it can bring about severest harms to our climate, cause lung and respiratory related diseases, exposure to polluted air can cause cancer and could in many cases impair reproductive system etc. These affected severely are children and the old people including those who are constantly exposed to pollutants.

Mother Earth has been very kind to us in providing us everything from birth till death. It has on its crust trees, birds, forest cover and everything; lofty and majestic mountains, vast sea, water reservoirs, mesmerizing scenic beauties, flora and fauna, animal world and what not. All these add to our sustenance in our daily lives.

Mother Earth contains all sorts of mineral wealth which is helpful for further growth and development of the countries. But exploitation of the mineral wealth has also got a limit. We are cutting trees indiscriminately affecting the eco system. Industrial wastes are being thrown in the rivers polluting the water. We spew dangerous gases to the atmosphere affecting the atmospheric balance. Not only this even teh Antarctic Continent is being adversely affected by the acts of us humans.

By our acts of omission and commission, we are doing everything to spoil the balance of the nature which is causing negative results implications to our next generations.

PRESENT, PAST & FUTURE

 

What is happening presently

Is known to us clearly

We can change the gear of our action

At this moment without much complication

Because presently we are alive to the situation

Which is unfolding right now

‘Now’ has immense power of its own

Since our mind has almost negligible role in ‘now’

It totally surrenders to our resoluteness

And sincerity of purpose we espouse

Thence this ‘now’ will transform into then

Then it will not be in our hands

To retrieve what we’ve  lost

Willy-nilly with our own carelessness

Or not keeping the ‘now’ with tight sheath

What we gained is our gain for the coming moments

And what we’ve  lost is lost for all time to come

Coming time depends on what we’ve done presently

That too with full awareness – knowingly

And also what is destined partly

That which is not within our control entirely

Our mind works for past and future profusely.

 

ON PERIODS OF TIME: PRESENT, PAST AND FUTURE

Essentially, it is important to know what is the meaning of present, past and future. The future is the time which will follow. It is one of the phases – Past, Present and Future. Past is the period which is dead and will not come back again. Present is the one which we are living and the future is the one which we would be living in the period to come. What we have to live is tied-up in uncertainty and unpredictability. Although, we are not sure of the future yet we have to prepare ourselves to face it head on in the days to come.

PRESENT IS KNOWN TO US, PAST IS OVER & WILL NOT COME BACK BUT FUTURE IS UNPREDICTABLE

The present has immense power because at the present moment, mind has not got any role in it, it surrenders, though it has role in the past and in future. While sense of being or presence is important, therefore, it is near to the Source.  The present is the period of time which has to be protected for ensuring our future i.e. today is to be made productive and enlightening for ensuring that our tomorrow gets secluded.

If we do not utilize our past experiences by saying adieu to the unreasonable results and adopt all that is presently relevant, we can proceed further by the law of evolution. We evolve simply by practice and experimentation. Our future could be secure if we adopt everything which is most potent and relevant at the present moment. At the present moment our mind remains inactive.

Although time to come is uncertain yet ‘We have to make hay while the sun shines’ and also ‘we have to keep something for rainy days’ while living presently. Even the birds, and animals and all other natural phenomenon do occur utilize their present time for securing their future. Laws of Nature govern in all the living and non-living things. It is relevant in case of wise people, communities or countries.  The countries which are the shining examples to show us that every opportunity that present affords us could be turned into rewards if the countrymen use our present to their full potential. It is also relevant to infer that what will happen in future is unpredictable or uncertain depends on our destiny too.

What happens just the next moment is unpredictable. Although we make different projects/proposal for the tasks to be undertaken yet what will happen, only depends on our destiny and the unpredictable time. There may creep in some improbable occurrence which may spoil the applecart of our planning. Yesterday, while I was coming from my hometown Jammu by a superfast train. I had made reservation up to Delhi. The train started from Jammu at 9:00 AM at the right time. Everything went off well till two-three stations before the destination. Then suddenly, there happened a huge track-glitch near Sonipat Railway Station. The train remained stationary at Sonipat Railway Station for about three hours consequently reached Delhi at around 10:20 PM instead of 7:20 PM. There was families who had their reservations made to South India and other places had to perforce get their onward journeys cancelled due to this. Amonst them, there were students who had to appear for important interviews – their career hinged on those interviews. This shows the unpredictable nature of future. Thus what happens the next moment only ‘time’ can tell. 

In Guru Granth Sahib Ji, tells us that all things happen according to the will of God. Nobody can erase the pre-ordained write of destiny. He Himself is the true Guru. He Himself is the Lord. He Himself unites in His Union. 

What is going to happen in the future is uncertain but if everything is streamlined at the appropriate time and situation presented, there is every hope that our future would be protected to a limit. It all depends on our sincerity and inner energy, and Karmic thoughts and deeds which can ensure our tomorrow. If we care for present, then our future could be ensured.

In Bible it has been mentioned that we should trust in Lord with all our heart and lean on our own understanding for future action.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayers.

LAWS OF NATURE – PRESENT, PAST AND FUTURE

In Laws of Nature, where there is not only an observation of patterns which are repeated periodically but also how it all happens. It governs the laws accepted universally. These laws are verified across every time and space besides these laws is governed according to the same rules everywhere. These rules are perforce applicable for all living being and non-living beings. If we transgress these Laws of Nature presently, the Mother Nature comes with vengeance. This way our future becomes insecure. The example is the spoiling of our environment by indiscriminate use of carbons and other atmosphere spoiling agents.

LAWS OF MAN – PRESENT, PAST AND FUTURE

Then there are Laws of Man with which humans exercise control over the social fabric remains in tact and norms of behavior is respected so as to ensure that truth (Satya) prevails.  Here the cultural mores of behavior, norms dear to the society for maintaining the communal harmony and unity in diversity is maintained besides social ecosystem based on values dear to the society are followed. These laws could evolve over a period of time. The social norms of behavior which were followed in the past could be changed as per the need of the present moment. A society whose overall thinking remains static in its approach in relation to social, ethical and moral standpoints cannot have growth and development.

CASTE VARNA HINDU PHILOSOPY – PRESENT, PAST AND FUTURE

The Hindu Varna philosophy as hitherto followed in the past including many other ritualistic rites have gone sea change as time went by. Now a person of any caste could get education (Gyan) and follow a profession of teaching and preaching, anybody could enroll in army and defend the nation borders which was undertaken by Kshtriya only. Similar is the case with agriculture, business and commercial aspects which was followed by Vaishyas in the past and labour and allied services were provided by ShuDras but presently anybody could follow any profession of his/her choice. This goes to show that all that was prevalent in the past now stands changed. The experience tells us that love, humanity as a Dharma, cooperation and truth is more than caste based Varna. This is a fact of life which should be followed threadbare presently. What happened in the past has been experienced and found to be irrelevant at the present moment.

The following parameters besides our thought processes will help us to ensure to safeguard our future:-

1. OUR OUTLOOK OR ATTITUDE. As our present turns into past, we have to have positive outlook or should have positive attitude in life and do not let the present turn into past without positive outcome.

2. POSITIVE HOPE. We have to turn a hopeless situation into a situation which is brimming with hope then our future would be bright. We should always see light at the end of the tunnel. See the glass half full not half empty. It should be remembered that the word ‘impossible’ when broken into two syllables im-possible. Life is the admix of lows and highs. How best we can come out unscathed depends on our positive hope when everywhere there is darkness. Cynicism could be turned into opportunity by positive hope, personal resolve, persistence, patience etc.

3. AVAILING THE OPPORTUNITIES. When the present opportunities presented to us are taken seriously and every chance available turned into our gain by dint our hard work, persistence, patience and above all self belief and belief on God then sure enough we can turn every opportunity into golden opportunity.

4. EXPLOITING OUR INNER POTENTIAL. We have the potential and latent energy which we have to explore and exploit for our benefit so that our future is secure and is not laced in uncertain.

5. CARE FOR PERMANENT VALUES. If we make it a USP to conduct ourselves observing moralistic values, ethical values, spiritual values then we can weather all storms presently and turn all impermanent values into permanent ones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE BAISAKHI- A SEASONAL FESTIVAL (ON 4TH APRIL 2018)

MAY BHANGRA OF OURS CONTINUE TILL ETERNITY

We used to wait for very keenly Baisakhi Festival

It marks the ushering in of joyous New Year,

Of  Vikrami Samvat  – Calendar,

A lunar Calendar based on ancient Vedic timekeeping traditions

Coming on 13^th April every year otherwise!

But this year falling on 14^th April

On this day people make new resolutions being the start of New Year

After having experienced the year gone by

Then take into account the lessons so learned

As is the practice on first of every that starts.

This festival is known variously in various regions of the land

Baisakhi in Punjab, Polia Baishakh/Naba Barsha in West Bengal

Bohag Bihu in Assam, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu

Vishu in Kerala, Maha Vishauba Sankranti in Odisha

And then Vaishakha in Bihar

Though termed differently in different parts of India

Yet the spirit behind the celebration remains the same everywhere.

After having toiled in the fields for days together

From morning till the late evening

Sometimes forgetting to take their meals even

Put their efforts to the maximum

Tilling their land constantly 

Sow seeds and water their crops which give them bumper crops

Then they take care of their growing crops

Like a mother looks after her offspring

Gives the crops water and right dose of manure

To ensure the best yield that could be had

Then the ripe crop is harvested

Account his entire produce

Keeps some of his own need

And takes the other part of the marketplace for extra money

Having finished all his farming commitments

Joins in merrymaking with huge delight

Celebrate Baisakhi with Bhangra by men folks

And gidha by women folks with full force

In their colorful mesmerizing fold attires

Thereafter there is a competition

In Gidha and Bhangra groups

To the tune of drums

What a sight is for the audience

The judges adjust the best teams

And distribute the prizes

Followed by the distribution of sweets along with good wishes 

 At the Holy Mazard (Monuments) of Pirs and fakirs

Known for their piousness and sea of sagacity

The devout offer Chadhars and prayers 

For peace and prosperity for all

And wish that their crops may be bumper the next season

There is a blanket of greenery all around

The fragrance of flowers really mesmerizes the environs

Soothing both the mind and the eyes of everybody

Everybody gets enchanted by the surcharged surroundings.

This day has a historical importance

Sri Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru   

A most revered one

Who established Khalsa Panth on this day

To bestow security to the unfortunate ones

Devout gather in various Gurdwaras to offer prayers

Sri Golden Temple is specially decorated on this day

And emits its splendor of highest order

The devotees take a dip in the holy Sarovar

Then pray for the well-being of their nears and dears

My prayer to the Lord

Do bestow your bountiful graces upon us all

Not merely on this auspicious day

But also for all the days to come on this Mother Earth.

 

THE BAISAKHI  –  A FESTIVAL KNOWN FOR ITS CULTURAL RICHNESS AND RELIGIOUS FERVOR (ON 14^th APRIL 2018) – WISHING YOU ALL HAPPY BAISAKHI

 

Festivals in India are celebrated owing to some special reasons. It may be due to change in season, in the memory of certain historical events, cultural and religious events or celebrated to commemorate on the name of some renowned personage, traditionally based principles, fairs at the holy places of peers and saints etc. The well-known amongst several ones are Dussehra, Diwali, Eids, Christmas Day, Gurpurbhs, Lohri, Holi and others having regional and national connotations. In all these festivals, people of different hues celebrate with jovially and religious fervor.

It is celebrated with different names in various parts of India but fervor and enthusiasm remain the same. It is celebrated as Baisakhi in Punjab, Polia Baishakh/Naba Barshai in West Bengal, Bohag Bihu in Assam, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Vishu in Kerala, Maha Vishauba Sankranti in Odisha and Vaishakha in Bihar.

Baisakhi is generally celebrated in Northern India on 13th  April but this year it is being celebrated on 14^th April 2014. It is also a starting of New Year of Vikrami Samvat Calendar.  It also is celebrated in other parts of India with other names.  This is a cultural harvest festival which takes place annually and all people celebrate this day with full enthusiasm. The farmers, after putting in their best in their fields get fruits of their labor when they reap a bumper crop which makes the lives of their kith and kin prosperous.

In the childhood, our classmate friends used to wait with huge eagerness for this Baisakhi fair for which we used to get extra money to spend for various sorts of eatables and fruits available in the fair. The Baisakhi was the meeting place for other relatives and friends.

People start from their houses in the form of the congregation from the early hours itself, singing group songs and dancing to the tunes of drums in colorful / holiday finery. A designated holy place of some Peer or Saint or Temple or Gurdwara is well chosen by the populace for this occasion.

Competitions of Gidha or folk dances by women in their colorful and attractive attire and Bhangra by the men-folks also in their best outfits are a major attraction. Besides wrestling bouts (dangal) by the famous wrestlers of the area are also organized. Prizes are distributed to the winners of these events. People get together and meet their friends. This fair affords the participants an opportunity to expand their friend’s circle.

New meaning to this festival was given on 13^th April 1699 when Khalsa Path was established by Guru Gobind Singh – the 10th Guru of Sikhs at Anandpur Sahib – a place most venerated by one and all. Khalsa means PURE without any negativity and leading a perfect life besides having the courage to lay down their lives for a noble cause.

The festival holds special significance to Sikhs. Many Sikhs choose to be baptized on the holy day of Baisakhi. People also come out from their houses in huge congregations called Nagar Kirtans singing hymns from Sri Guru Granth Sahib. What a day to remember – this Baisakhi festival! 

 BAISAKHI is celebrated due to the following:- 

• It is celebrated on the occasion of 1^stday of Baisakh month of Bikrami Calendar (Samat). People chalk out the different plan of actions for the coming year as per Bikrami Calendar and pray that their sincere thought out plans get fructified.
• BAISAKHI is a seasonal festival and it is especially celebrated in Punjab region and in Jammu province; especially after finishing the activities related to crops wheat harvesting and selling their produce in the marketplace giving the people cause to celebrate with gusto.
• After harvesting the wheat crop and plowing their fields for sowing new crops including some cash crops, the farmers feel joyous and to express their joy they celebrate it by staging Bhangra in different groups, Bhangra competitions have also held an award presented to the one who wins this competition.
• This is in the form of the fair (mela) wherein people gather in the majority and make merry. Different stalls selling wooden crafts and other household earthenwares are sold there at reasonable prices. Then there are the stalls selling the seasonal fruits like watermelon and muskmelon make brisk sales. All age group people including children enjoy Baisakhi fair.
• Baisakhi also affords an opportunity or an occasion to thank God for bestowing the farmers with bountiful crops besides praying for more crops in future too.
• Baisakhi has special significance for the Sikhs since on this day, Khalsa Panth was established by 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh. On this day Sadh Sangat takes organize religious congregations and sing prayers and rhymes from Sri Granth Sahib.
• Hindus and Buddhists too celebrate Baisakhi with zeal and enthusiasm. Hindus take the sacred bath in River Ganges and other rivers. They pray to God for His grace. Even in parts of South India this day is celebrated but with a different name.
• As this is a seasonal festival connected with the harvesting of crops, it is in fact celebrated by all.

 

                           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OUR KARMA & ITS FRUITS 

 

The word Karma has its origin from Sanskrit word Karma

Meaning thoughts and action we transact during our lifetime

Through the medium of our mind, through its five senses

With different thoughts and physical activities

Perform our various duties

Sometimes we are tempted to get transitory 

Pleasures thereto – of  lower values, so temporary

By jumping from one affair to another blindly

By keeping one foot on the boat of ego plenty

And the other one on the boat of vanity

With greed and lust  being our bed-fellows, a state so sorry

This way, we tend to enhance our Karmic debt aplenty.

 

The best path is the path of channeling the innate energies

Into  purposeful activities following higher values

Riding only a single boat of righteousness in thoughts and Karma thereto

And make it a part of our permanent habit, with joy overflowing

For some eternal or permanent pleasures, everlasting

By dint of connectivity with Higher Forces till eternity

Then the intellect is drawn away from the worldly affairs

And we  free ourselves from the karmic spiral of action and reaction

And connect ourselves with the Omnipotent God

Residing not afar

Inside us, the Joy of all Joys for ever and ever.

 

Karma is every act done intentionally or unintentionally

In the form of a thoughts or actions 

Even a mental vibration or the words of mouth we pronounce

Or physically undertaken takes the form of a karma

Karma is the nature of the matter, in physical and psychical forms

One related to other as cause and effect in all its forms. 

 

The code of moral conduct as per the Law of Karma

That good karmic deed enhances the credit in Karma

And puts premium on the material and moral wellness of humans

Besides ensuring the better life in the births which we’ve to take yet

For the fulfillment of a variety of desires we adopt

For economic & material well-being of all

Spiritual or kama or artha  as we follow particular karma

The moral and ethical values supporting the Universal Dharma

Which purifies our body, mind, and soul leading to libation (Moksha).

 

We know, obligatory karma is a need-based karma

And free-will karmic deeds play their prominent function

Our Karmas bear the stamp of desired fruits of action

Performed with single-minded and purposeful attention

With the sufficiency of loving devotion.

 

Karmas are termed as prohibitive (Nishedh) and abysmal in its ramification 

Are termed as Kukarmas, so worst in its ultimate consequences

Such as indulgence in violence, crimes, and vices

Which carry the stamp of sin with it, so indelible 

Wages of which are our demise even before our actual death.

 

We can never escape from the Laws of Karma

As we cannot free ourselves from shadow of our own

It remains with us wheresoever we put our foot

The karma is based as per the Divine Plan

Transcends all the karma which we’ve willy-nilly undertaken

Transacting  detached action without sticking with its results.

 

The karmas of our past births could be made ineffective

By working in sync with the laws of Nature

And the easiest outlets are self-knowledge

Along with the Divine knowledge

The karma debt could be washed by positive traits

Of truthfulness, following life so virtuous 

Then self-restraint makes the difference

Besides leading a life of non-violence

And empathy and the selfless service for the needy

Which could be undertaken conveniently

By disciplining the mind to follow proper pursuits

To serve the higher purpose in life for good

Thus liberating our Atma from the crutches of Kukarmas.

 

These righteous and benevolent karmas upgrade our soul

After washing off the outer layer of impurities

From its surface, by the effect of our positive thoughts and deeds

Which uplifts our Atma or Soul to the higher plane.

 

Then there are obligatory karmas

Based purely on Varnas

The job of a Brahmin is to acquire knowledge (Gyan)

To protect the borders is the duty of the Kshatriyas

Pursuits of commerce and agriculture is vested with Vaishyas

The services to the three are provided by Shudras

But presently, we can perform any Karmic deeds for which we’ve acquired ability

With condition that what we do we should do with utmost sincerity.

 

We’ve one of the important forms of karma

It is the karmic action which we do without any expectations – it is the Nish-Kama Karma

Bhagwad Gita’s principles of action without attachment to the results 

Thus liberating us from the bondage ot attachment

But liberating from attachment hardly means

Freedom from karmic effecting Karma

Emanating from our unbridled desires or kama

One good thing about Nish  karma conquers all other karmas.

There are Karmas which obscure the correct vision

Then there are Karmas which show us what we are actually

All these changes according to the pressure of our activities

Relating to body, mind, and senses

The acts like fasting, meditations, dhyana, austerities

Including the practices of detachments, forgiving and forgetting repentance

Bring up rich dividends not only this birth but also for the births to follow.

 

Subsequently, some reach to the zenith with the Karmic energy

And then that energy gets exhausted

A state is finally reached in which life comes to the standstill

A condition of timelessness is observed for a Yogi of action

A state of movement yet at the centre

Our consciousness travels from one state to other

Till such time one gets totally awakened.

Laws of Karma is based on Natural Laws

From which there is no escape routes

Gods too incarnate in flesh and blood to suffer the pangs of the Karma

Lord Vishnu had His 10 incarnations

In each of which He performed different functions

During his 7^th Avtaras in Treta Yoga as Rama

In Dwapara  Yuga as Krishna

Both suffered and tried to rid the evils off the humanity

As we give so we get stands well in our lifetime.

 

Nobody could remain without any activity

It may be in the form of thought or action

We cannot be ever be physically or mentally vacant

Or stop our senses from performing its various tasks

We cannot avoid our eyes from observation

Or stop our ears from hearing anything uttered around

Repentance is no substitute or proves to be a cure for our past deeds

Cause and effect cannot leave us should never be forgotten

Everybody has to bear the fruit of our actions

Nature has given us the capacity of free-will

With which we can control our actions

Depending on the control that we exercise on our mind

We have the free will to make or unmake our life or the coming ones which follow.

 

The infinite soul is obviously very powerful

Which can transcend the limits of the finite

It is more powerful than our Karma

Having the same essence as that of our God

Freedom to act in the form of real and vital deeds

Keeps us away from Karmic bondage

Whereas the allurements of our senses

Keep us glued to our karmic acts

Without knowing that there is the power within which keeps

Every count the way we think or act

We should always keep in mind that nothing fritters away

Everything is recorded assiduously.

            O Almighty, bestow us wisdom to transact only value based Karmic deeds

                           So that we make difference to us and the people we are associated.