ONE DAY MORE FOR THE NEW YEAR

The New Year 2010 is just waiting on the doorsteps, just one day away smiling and spreading its wings in the positive direction.My wishes are for you to have a nice new year; full of vitality, vigour, and happiness. Let there be more good news coming from you. Let there be more and more good thoughts. I do not why and what makes me feel so. Perhaps our friendship itself is a great positive thought originated somewhere and has been flowing through the space and time. Let us enjoy the happiness of the moment.

Let us resolve to make it positively enlivening. Let us erase the negative feelings from the corners of our heart. Remember, we always think and feel that we are great. If that is so, let us be honest. Let us do something in a great way to prove that we are really so great. Let us bring solace to someone who is in need. Let us bring the smiles back to the faces from where the destiny has erased it.

In this New Year, what holds us together? Positive attitude towards each other. Concern and love for each other. Optimism for the future. Yes. Everyday I wake up thinking of you, praying for you, and wishing good day for you. That is the way I am. I must be. Because, in this planet, thought is the only powerful medium through which you can give and receive vibrations. Wherever you are and whatever you may be doing, my thoughts and wishes are with you. Always be kind and generous in our attitude for the lesser privileged. We live in a world where time is precious. But, I always have time. To eat, sleep, work, earn, and spend I have time. Certainly, I will always find time to remember all of you. I can't say, I have no time, because I live in this time.

Let me wish you a very happy, prosperous, lively, healthy, energetic, enthusiastic new year to all of you. Light up the positive thoughts in all of you. Let the world be brighter. Let this planet and all its inhabitants enjoy the brightness of your positive thoughts.

Dear All, Lets all get together in wishing the world a safer, progressive, peaceful, healthy and prosperous 2010.

HELL AND HEAVEN

A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said, "Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like.

" The Lord led the holy man to two doors. He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in. In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water. The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be starving. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful, but because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths. The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering. The Lord said, 'You have seen the Hell.'

They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water. The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking.

The Lord said, 'You have seen the Heaven.' The holy man said, 'I don't understand the difference between two.' It is simple' said the Lord, 'it requires but one skill. You see, they have learned to feed each other, while the greedy men in the hell think only of themselves.

IT'S A CROW

An 80 year old man was sitting on the sofa in his house along with his 45 years old highly educated son. Suddenly a crow perched on their window. The Father asked his Son, "What is this?" The Son replied "It is a crow". After a few minutes, the Father asked his Son the 2nd time, "What is this?" The Son said "Father, I have just now told you "It's a crow". After a little while, the old Father again asked his Son the 3rd time, What is this?" At this time some expression of irritation was felt in the Son's tone when he said to his Father with a rebuff. "It's a crow, a crow". A little after, the Father again asked his Son t he 4th time, "What is this?" This time the Son shouted at his Father, "Why do you keep asking me the same question again and again, although I have told you so many times 'IT IS A CROW'. Are you not able to understand this?"

A little later the Father went to his room and came back with an old tattered diary, which he had maintained since his Son was born. On opening a page, he asked his Son to read that page. When the son read it, the following words were written in the diary :-

"Today my little son aged three was sitting with me on the sofa, when a crow was sitting on the window. My Son asked me 23 times what it was, and I replied to him all 23 times that it was a Crow. I hugged him lovingly each time he asked me the same question again and again for 23 times. I did not at all feel irritated, I rather felt affection for my innocent child".

While the little child asked him 23 times "What is this", the Father had felt no irritation in replying to the same question all 23 times and when today the Father asked his Son the same question just 4 times, the Son felt irritated and annoyed. So.

If your parents attain old age, do not repulse them or look at them as a burden, but speak to them a gracious word, be cool, obedient, humble and kind to them. Be considerate to your parents. From today say this aloud, "I want to see my parents happy forever.

They have cared for me ever since I was a little child. They have always showered their selfless love on me. They crossed all mountains and valleys without seeing the storm and heat to make me a person presentable in the society today". Say a prayer to God, "I will serve my old parents in the BEST way. I will say all good and kind words to my dear parents, no matter how they behave

THE SUN AND THE WIND

Once upon a time, the Sun and the Wind got into an argument about who was the greater force of nature. The Wind was very proud of his unstoppable strength, so he challenged the Sun to a test.

Looking down at the world, they saw an old man walking down a village road wearing a coat. So, they decided that whoever can get the coat off the man would win, and be declared the strongest.The wind tried first. He became a great storm, howling and pushing the man around.

The sound was deafening, and the wind was freezing cold. But the old man had survived many storms in his years, so he just wrapped his coat around himself even tighter and continued walking against the force of the wind. Eventually, tired from all that effort, the wind gave up.

He told the Sun it was impossible, for that man was surely a powerful wizard for having stood against his great powers.The Sun listened patiently. It was now his turn to try, so he smiled his warm smile down on the old man. Feeling warm in the sunlight, the man took off his coat himself, without a struggle.It’s usually easier to get someone to do something with kindness and warm smile than it is by force and shouting. And so the wind learnt his lesson.

YOU ARE JUDGED BY THE COMPANY YOU KEEP

Once a farmer kept a trap for the birds who was eating his newly planted corns. When he came and looked he saw many cranes in it and one stork. When the stork saw the farmer the stork started begging to the farmer “ I am not like these greedy cranes I am a poor stork taking care of my aged parents. So please-". The farmer cut him short. "You must be saying the truth but you are captured with the same group that was destroying my crop. So you will have to suffer the same fate as those in whose company you were captured".

TWO WAYS OF SPREADING THE LIGHT

Imagine an artist painting a winter scene. She depicts a white, frozen ground and evergreens draped in snow. Her hand brings the day to a close as she paints night falling on the canvas. In the deep shadows of dusk, she has painted a grim, log cabin, barely visible to the casual observer.

Then she dips her brush in yellow paint and, with a few quick strokes, places a brightly burning lamp in one of the cabin's windows. Warm rays dance on white snow, now made brighter by the light. The lonely lamp wholly changes the tone of the picture, replacing feelings of dark and gloom with warmth and security.

Edith Wharton has said that there are two ways of spreading the light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. Sometimes we are candles. We shed light of love and hope. We shine encouragement into dark souls. Or we illuminate with insight.

But sometimes we reflect the light. We are mirrors to enable others to see the light of their own goodness and beauty. And when we have no other light of our own, we are mirrors which reflect a greater Light.

For some, the world can be bleak and cold. They feel frightened, lonely and even hopeless. But it's true that no amount of darkness can extinguish the light of one, small candle. You?

FATHER'S EYES

A teenager lived alone with his father, and the two of them had a very special relationship. The father believed in encouragement. Even though the son was always on the bench, his father was always in the stands cheering. He never missed a game.

This young man was the smallest of the class when he entered high school.His father continued to encourage him but also made it very clear that he did not have to play football if he didn't want to.But the young man loved football and decided to hang in there.

He was determined to try his best at every practice, and perhaps he would get to play when he became a senior.All through high school he never missed a practice or a game, but remained a bench warmer all four years. His faithful father was always in the stands, always with words of encouragement for him. When the young man went to college, he decided to try out for the football team as a "walk-on.

"Everyone was sure he could never make the cut, but he did. The coach admitted that he kept him on the roster because he always puts his heart and soul to every practice, and at the same time, provided the other members with the spirit and hustle they badly needed. The news that he had survived the cut thrilled him so much that he rushed to the nearest phone and called his father.

His father shared his excitement and was sent season tickets for all the college games. This persistent young athlete never missed practice during his four years at college, but he never got to play in the game.It was the end of his senior football season, and as he trotted onto the practice field shortly before the big play off game, the coach met him with a telegram.

The young man read the telegram and he became deathly silent.Swallowing hard, he mumbled to the coach, "My father died this morning. Is it all right if I miss practice today?"The coach put his arm gently around his shoulder and said, "Take the rest of the week off, son. And don't even plan to come back to the game on Saturday.

" Saturday arrived, and the game was not going well.In the third quarter, when the team was ten points behind, a silent young man quietly slipped into the empty locker room and put on his football gear. As he ran onto the sidelines, the coach and his players were astounded to see their faithful team-mate back so soon."Coach, please let me play. I have just got to play today," said the young man.

The coach pretended not to hear him. There was no way he wanted his worst player in this close playoff game. But the young man persisted, and finally feeling sorry for young man, the coach gave in. "All right," he said. "You can go in." Before long, the coach, the players and everyone in the stands could not believe their eyes. This little unknown, who had never played before, was doing everything right. The opposing team could not stop him. He ran, he passed, blocked and tackled like a star. His team began to triumph.

The score was soon tied. In the closing seconds of the game, this young man intercepted a pass and ran all the way for the winning touchdown. The fans broke loose. His team-mates hoisted him onto their shoulders. Such cheering you have never heard!Finally, after the stands had emptied and the team had showered and left the locker room, the coach noticed that the young man was sitting quietly in the corner all alone.

The coach came to him and said, "Young man, I can't believe it. You were fantastic! Tell me what got into you? How did you do it?"Young man looked at the coach, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Well, you knew my dad died, but did you know that my dad was blind?" The young man swallowed hard and forced a smile, "Dad came to all my games, but today was the first time he could see me play, and I wanted to show him I could do it!"

Remember:
"Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try."
"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all."
"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow."

THE REAL MEANING OF PEACE

"There once was a king who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. Many artists tried. The king looked at all the pictures. But there were only two he really liked, and he had to choose between them.

One picture was of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror for peaceful towering mountains all around it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace.

The other picture had mountains, too. But these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky, from which rain fell and in which lightning played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. This did not look peaceful at all.

But when the king looked closely, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush a mother bird had built her nest. There, in the midst of the rush of angry water, sat the mother bird on her nest - in perfect peace. Which picture do you think won the prize? The king chose the second picture. Do you know why?

"Because," explained the king, "peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace."

CYCLE OF EVIL

There was once a king who was so cruel and unjust that his subjects yearned for his death or dethronement. However, one day he surprised them all by announcing that he had decided to turn over a new leaf.“No more cruelty, no more injustice,” he promised, and he was as good as his word. He became known as the ‘Gentle Monarch’. Months after his transformation one of his ministers plucked up enough courage to ask him what had brought about his change of heart.And the king answered, “As I was galloping through my forests I caught sight of a fox being chased by a hound. The fox escaped into his hole but not before the hound had bitten into its leg and lamed it for life. Later I rode into a village and saw the same hound there. It was barking at a man. Even as I watched, the man picked up a huge stone and flung it at the dog, breaking its leg. The man had not gone far when he was kicked by a horse. His knee was shattered and he fell to the ground, disabled for life. The horse began to run but it fell into a hole and broke its leg. Reflecting on all that had happened, I thought: ‘Evil begets evil. If I continue in my evil ways, I will surely be overtaken by evil’. So I decided to change”.The minister went away convinced that the time was ripe to overthrow the king and seize the throne. Immersed in thought, he did not see the steps in front of him and fell, breaking his neck.Moral: Cycle of Deeds always gives us back what we give to others. If we do good to others, our good will happen, If we do bad to others, our turn will also come.

WHAT GOD CAN DO WITH 57 CENTS

A sobbing little girl stood near a small church from which she hadbeen turned away because it was "too crowded.""I can't go to Sunday School," she sobbed to the pastor as he walked by.Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the pastor guessed the reason and, taking her by the hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the Sunday school class. The child was so happy that they found room for her, and she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to worship Jesus.

Some two years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings. Her parents called for the kindhearted pastor who had befriended their daughter to handle the final arrangements.As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled red purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump.

Inside was found 57 cents and a note, scribbled in childish handwriting, which read: "This is to help build the little church bigger so more children can go to Sunday School." For two years she had saved for this offering of love.

When the pastor tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do. Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the pulpit, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion.He challenged his deacons to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building.

But the story does not end there.

A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a wealthy realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands.When told that the church could not pay so much, he offered to sell it to the little church for 57 cents.Church members made large donations. Checks came from far and wide.Within five years the little girl's gift had increased to $250,000.00--a huge sum for that time (near the turn of the century).

Her unselfish love had paid large dividends.When you are! in the city of Philadelphia, look up Temple Baptist Church, with a seating capacity of 3,300. And be sure to visit Temple University, where thousands of students are educated.Have a look, too, at the Good Samaritan Hospital and at a Sunday School building which houses hundreds of beautiful children, built so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside during Sunday School time.

In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved, made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind pastor, Dr. Russel H. Conwell, author of the book,"Acres of Diamonds"
This is a true story, which goes to show WHAT GOD CAN DO WITH 57 CENTS.

WHO CARES THE MOST

You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read straight through, and you'll get the point.
QUIZ No.1
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the las t five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners. How did you do?The point is , none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.These are no second-rate achievers.They are the best in their fields.But the applause dies.Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten.Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another qui z. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.!
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with. Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials.. the most money...or the most awards. They simply are the ones who care the most.

ROSE FOR MOTHER

A man stopped at a flower shop to order some flowers to be wired to his mother who lived two hundred miles away. As he got out of his car he noticed a young girl sitting on the curb sobbing. He asked her what was wrong and she replied, “I wanted to buy a red rose for my mother. But I only have seventy-five cents, and a rose costs two dollars.

” The man smiled and said, “Come on in with me. I’ll buy you a rose.” He bought the little girl her rose and ordered his own mother’s flowers. As they were leaving he offered the girl a ride home. She said, “Yes, please! You can take me to my mother.” She directed him to a cemetery, where she placed the rose on a freshly dug grave.

The man returned to the flower shop, canceled the wire order, picked up a bouquet and drove the two hundred miles to his mother’s house.

Moral: Life is Short. Spend much time as you can loving and caring people who love you. Enjoy each moment with them before it’s too late. There is nothing important than family.

MORAL STORY"BAD HABITS"

A wealthy man requested an old scholar to wean his son away from his bad habits. The scholar took the youth for a stroll through a garden. Stopping suddenly he asked the boy to pull out a tiny plant growing there.

The youth held the plant between his thumb and forefinger and pulled it out. The old man then asked him to pull out a slightly bigger plant. The youth pulled hard and the plant came out, roots and all. “Now pull out that one,” said the old man pointing to a bush. The boy had to use all his strength to pull it out.

“Now take this one out,” said the old man, indicating a guava tree. The youth grasped the trunk and tried to pull it out. But it would not budge. “It’s impossible,” said the boy, panting with the effort.

“So it is with bad habits,” said the sage. “When they are young it is easy to pull them out but when they take hold they cannot be uprooted.”The session with the old man changed the boy’s life.

Moral: Don’t wait for Bad Habits to grow in you, drop them while you have control over it else they will get control you.

31 DECEMBER DHANURMASAM THIRUVATHIRA

Today, is Thiruvathira. Observed on the Fullmoon day of Dhanur Masa, on the day of Thiruvathira star, this is the day, Devi Parvathi joins Lord Siva, after her long penance. I also learned that there are also other legends about the importance of this day linking it with Srikrishna and the Gopikas. Thiruvathira used to be celebrated as a very important festival back in Kerala. Observing Thiruvathira vratham ( Nonbu, as it was called ) would bring long life to the husband and thereby prosperity and goodlife to the family.

The women, including little girls, would get up early in the morning during the whole of Dhanu masam and go to the Kulam or river to take a bath. They will go in a sort of procession, singing various songs. They sing and play while taking bath. This is called Thudichukkuli. After bathing, they go to the temple dressed in their finest clothes. Thiruvathira is a day of fasting. No one eats rice preparations, but they are allowed to eat things made of wheat and all types of fruit. The practice of presenting bunches of bananas to the elders was common.

During this season, huge swings (oonjal) are erected in the backyards of most of the houses. These swings are hung from the branches of tall trees such as mango trees or jack-fruit trees. The swings are made of ropes hung from the branch with a wooden plank for the seat. They can also be made from a well grown bamboo tree shoot, which is vertically split into two. After lunch, the Thiruvathirakkali danced would be performed. The accompanying songs (Thiruvathirapaattu) are written in Malayalam and are set in a specific meter. The dance is also called Kaikotti Kali (dancing while clapping hands) and is also performed during the festival of ONAM.

BE CONTENT WITH WHAT YOU HAVE

A saint was praying silently. A wealthy merchant, observing the saint's devotion and sincerity, was deeply touched by him. The merchant offered the saint a bag of gold. "I know that you will use the money for GOD's sake. Please take it."

"Just a moment." The saint replied. "I'm not sure if it is lawful for me to take your money. Are you a wealthy man? Do you have more money at home?

"Oh yes. I have at least one thousand gold pieces at home," claimed the merchant proudly.

"Do you want a thousand gold pieces more? Asked the saint.
"Why not, of course yes. Every day I work hard to earn more money."

"And do you wish for yet a thousand gold pieces more beyond that?"
"Certainly. Every day I pray that I may earn more and more money."

The saint pushed the bag of gold back to the merchant. "I am sorry, but I cannot take your gold," he said. "A wealthy man cannot take money from a beggar."

"How can you call yourself a wealthy man and me a beggar?" the merchant spluttered.The saint replied, "I am a wealthy man because I am content with what ever god sends me.You are a beggar, because no matter how much you possess, you are always dissatisfied, and always begging GOD for more."

GOES AROUND COMES AROUND

I LOVE THIS STORY.

One day a man saw an old lady, stranded on the side of the road, but even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help. So he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pontiac was still sputtering when he approached her.
Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her? He didn’t look safe; he looked poor and hungry. He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was those chills which only fear can put in you.
He said, “I’m here to help you, ma’am. Why don’t you wait in the car where it’s warm? By the way, my name is Bryan Anderson.”

Well, all she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady, that was bad enough. Bryan crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire. But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt. As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing through. She couldn’t thank him enough for coming to her aid.
Bryan just smiled as he closed her trunk. The lady asked how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped.

Bryan never thought twice about being paid. This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty, who had given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way.

He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance they needed, and Bryan added, “And think of me.”

He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight.

A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her.

The waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn’t erase. The lady noticed the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her attitude. The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Bryan.

After the lady finished her meal, she paid with a hundred dollar bill. The waitress quickly went to get change for her hundred dollar bill, but the old lady had slipped right out the door. She was gone by the time the waitress came back. The waitress wondered where the lady could be. Then she noticed something written on the napkin.

There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady wrote: “You don’t owe me anything. I have been there too. Somebody once helped me out, the way I’m helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you.”

Under the napkin were four more $100 bills.

Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day. That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard.

She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, “Everything’s going to be all right. I love you, Bryan Anderson.”

Moral: What Goes around Comes Around. You do good, You will get good in return. Always be Helpful.

THE PRAYING HANDS

Back in the fifteenth century, in a tiny village near Nuremberg, lived a family with eighteen children. Eighteen! In order merely to keep food on the table for this mob, the father and head of the household, a goldsmith by profession, worked almost eighteen hours a day at his trade and any other paying chore he could find in the neighborhood. Despite their seemingly hopeless condition, two of Albrecht Durer the Elder’s children had a dream. They both wanted to pursue their talent for art, but they knew full well that their father would never be financially able to send either of them to Nuremberg to study at the Academy.

After many long discussions at night in their crowded bed, the two boys finally worked out a pact. They would toss a coin. The loser would go down into the nearby mines and, with his earnings, support his brother while he attended the academy. Then, when that brother who won the toss completed his studies, in four years, he would support the other brother at the academy, either with sales of his artwork or, if necessary, also by laboring in the mines.

They tossed a coin on a Sunday morning after church. Albrecht Durer won the toss and went off to Nuremberg. Albert went down into the dangerous mines and, for the next four years, financed his brother, whose work at the academy was almost an immediate sensation. Albrecht’s etchings, his woodcuts, and his oils were far better than those of most of his professors, and by the time he graduated, he was beginning to earn considerable fees for his commissioned works.

When the young artist returned to his village, the Durer family held a festive dinner on their lawn to celebrate Albrecht’s triumphant homecoming. After a long and memorable meal, punctuated with music and laughter, Albrecht rose from his honored position at the head of the table to drink a toast to his beloved brother for the years of sacrifice that had enabled Albrecht to fulfill his ambition. His closing words were, “And now, Albert, blessed brother of mine, now it is your turn. Now you can go to Nuremberg to pursue your dream, and I will take care of you.”

All heads turned in eager expectation to the far end of the table where Albert sat, tears streaming down his pale face, shaking his lowered head from side to side while he sobbed and repeated, over and over, “No …no …no …no.”
Finally, Albert rose and wiped the tears from his cheeks. He glanced down the long table at the faces he loved, and then, holding his hands close to his right cheek, he said softly, “No, brother. I cannot go to Nuremberg. It is too late for me. Look … look what four years in the mines have done to my hands! The bones in every finger have been smashed at least once, and lately I have been suffering from arthritis so badly in my right hand that I cannot even hold a glass to return your toast, much less make delicate lines on parchment or canvas with a pen or a brush. No, brother … for me it is too late.”

More than 450 years have passed. By now, Albrecht Durer’s hundreds of masterful portraits, pen and silver-point sketches, watercolors, charcoals, woodcuts, and copper engravings hang in every great museum in the world, but the odds are great that you, like most people, are familiar with only one of Albrecht Durer’s works. More than merely being familiar with it, you very well may have a reproduction hanging in your home or office.

One day, to pay homage to Albert for all that he had sacrificed, Albrecht Durer painstakingly drew his brother’s abused hands with palms together and thin fingers stretched skyward. He called his powerful drawing simply “Hands,” but the entire world almost immediately opened their hearts to his great masterpiece and renamed his tribute of love “The Praying Hands.”

Moral: The next time you see a copy of that touching creation, take a second look. Let it be your reminder, if you still need one, that no one – no one – ever makes it alone!

YOU ARE A MASTER PIECE

A plum once said, just because a banana lover came by, I converted myself into a banana. Unfortunately, his taste changed after a few months and so I became an orange. When he said I was bitter I became an apple, but he went in search of grapes. Yielding to the opinions of so many people, I have changed so many times that I no more know who I am. How I wish I had remained a plum and waited for a plum lover.

Just because a group of people do not accept you as you are, there is no necessity for you to strip yourself of your originality. You need to think good of yourself, for the world takes you at your own estimate. Never stoop down in order to gain recognition. Never let go of your true self to win a relationship. In the long run, you will regret that you traded your greatest glory - your uniqueness, for momentary validation.

There is a world for each one of you, where you shall reign as king / queen by just being yourself. Find that world... in fact, that world will find you.

What water can do, gasoline cannot and what copper can, gold cannot. The fragility of the ant enables it to move and the rigidity of the tree enables it to stay rooted. Everything and everybody has been designed with a proportion of uniqueness to serve a purpose that we can fulfill only by being our unique self. You as you alone can serve your purpose and I as I alone can serve my purpose. You are here to be you, just you.

There was a time in this world when a Krishna was required and he was sent; a time when a Christ was required and he was sent; a time when a Mahatma was required and he was sent; a time when a J.R.D.Tata was required and he was sent. There came a time when you were required on this planet and hence you were sent. Let us be the best we can be. Don't miss yourself and let the world not miss you.

In the history of the universe, there has been nobody like you and to the infinite of time to come, there will be no one like you. Existence should have loved you so much that it broke the mould after making you, so that another of your kind will never get repeated.

You are original. You are rare. You are unique. You are a wonder. You are a masterpiece, your Master's piece. Celebrate your Uniqueness.

SECOND CHANCE

It's another morning. Again I have to go to office. Ohh, this is me… I shouted having a glance on my snap in today's news paper. But what is it doing in the death column?? Strange…

One second... Let me think, last night when I was going to bed I had a severe pain in my chest, but I don't remember anything after that, I think I had a sound sleep.

Its morning now, ohh….. It's already 10:00 AM, where is my coffee?I will be late for office and my boss will get a chance to irritate me.Where is everyone…??? I screamed. "I think there is a crowd outside my room, let me check." I said to myself. So many people….. Not all of them crying… But why some of them crying… WHAT IS THIS??? I m laying there on the floor… "I AM HERE" … I shouted!!! No one listened. "LOOK I AM NOT DEAD" … I screamed once again!!! No one is interested in me. They all were looking me on the bed. I went back to my bedroom. "Am I dead??" I asked myself.

Where is my wife, my children, my mom-dad, my friends? I found them in the next room, all of them were crying… still trying to console each other. My wife was crying… she was really looking sad. My little kid was not sure what happened, but he was crying just coz his mom was sad. How can I go without saying my kid that I really love him, I really do care of him. ?? How can I go without saying my wife that she is really most beautiful and most caring wife in this world..??

How can I go without saying my parents that I m … just because of u ??How can I go without telling my friends that without them perhapsI have done most of the wrong things in my life… thanks for being therealways when I need them… and sorry for not being there when they really need me..I can see a person standing in the corner and trying to hide his tears…Ohh… he was once my best friend, but a small misunderstanding made us part, and we both have strong enough ego to keep us disconnect.

I went there.. And offered him my hand, "Dear friend… I just want to say sorry for everything, we r still best friend, please forgive me."No response from other side, what the hell?? He is still preserving his ego, I am saying sorry… even then!!! I really don't care for such people.But one second…. it seems he is not able to see me!!!! He did not see my extended hand. My goodness… AM I REALLY DEAD??? I just sat down near ME; I was also feeling like crying… "OHH ALMIGHTY!!!! PLEASE JUST GIVE ME FEW MORE DAYS…"

I just wasn't to make my wife, my parents; my friends realize that how much I love them. My wife entered in the room, she looks beautiful. "YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL" I shouted. She didn't hear my words, in fact she never heard these words because I never said this to her."GOD!!!!" I screamed… a little more time please. I cried…

One more chance please… to hug my child, to make my mom smile just once, to feel my dad proud on me at least for a moment, to say sorry to my friends for everything I have not given to them, and thanks for still being in my life….Then I looked up and cried. I shouted.. "GOD!!!! ONE MORE CHANCE PLEASE""You shouted in your sleep," said my wife as she gently woke me up.

"Did you have a nightmare?" I was sleeping.Ohh that was just a dream…. My wife was there… she can hear me… This is the happiest moment of my life… I hugged her and whispered…. "U R THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND CARING WIFE IN THIS UNIVERSE…. I REALLY LOVE U DEAR"I can't understand the reason of the smile on her face with some tears in her eyes, still I m happy…. :)"THANK YOU GOD FOR THIS SECOND CHANCE."

THING TO REMEMBER:
It is not late.. let us forget our egos, past… and express our love to others………. Let us be friendly… let us keep smiling and be happy for ever… let us not hold to anger, hurt or pain. They steal our energy and keep us away from love. Let us do it, so that we may not have to beg for ‘A SECOND CHANCE’.

"TIRUPPAVAI"

The Tiruppavai is a collection of thirty stanzas (paasuram) in Tamil written by a Brahmin girl, Andal, in praise of the God Tirumal or Vishnu. It is part of Divya Prabandha, a work of the twelve Alvars, and is important in Tamil Literature.

Tiruppavai belongs to the Pavai genre of songs; a uniquely Tamil tradition sung in the context of the Pavai vow observed throughout the month of Maarkazi, originally by unmarried girls praying to the Pavai goddess (related to Parvati) for a blissful married life. Sri “vaishnavas” sing these stanzas every day of the year in the temple as well as in their homes. This practice assumes special significance during Margazhi: each day of this month gets its name from one of the thirty verses. There are references to this vow in the late-sangam era Tamil musical anthology Paripadal.

Andal's thirty songs contain the cardinal principles of Vaishnava dharma during the month of maarkazi. Tamil Vaishnavas sing these songs to bring peace, prosperity and Divine Grace. Andal assumes the guise of a cowherd in these 30 verses. Andal appears intent upon performing a particular religious vow to marry the Lord, thereby obtain His everlasting company, and inviting all her girl-friends to join her. Towards the end we learn that she did not actually perform a religious rite; but is simply praying to be granted the service of the Lord for eternity. She yearns for everlasting happiness and service of the Lord.

The first five stanzas provide an introduction to the main theme, its principle and purpose. According to Andal one should give up luxuries during this season. Sincere prayers to the God would bring abundant rain and thus prosperity. Offering Lord Krishna fresh flowers would expiate sins committed earlier and those that may be committed in future.

In the next ten stanzas she describes the importance of community participation. She invites her friends to gather flowers. She essays the ambience at her village, the chirping of birds, colorful blossoms, the musical sound of butter-churning, herds of cattle with tinkling bells, the sounding of the conch from the temple.

She visits each household and awakens all her friends to join her for a bath in a nearby pond. She also praises the incarnations of the Lord. The next five stanzas describe her visit to the temple accompanied by her friends. She desires to render Suprabhata gently to wake up the Lord. The group appeases the temple guards, enters the temple and recites prayers extolling the parents of Lord Krishna and begging them to wake up Krishna and Balarama. Then they approach Neela Devi, the consort of the Lord, to have a darshan.

The last nine stanzas are on the glories of the Lord. On receiving his blessings Andal lists her demands; milk for the vrata, white conch, lamps, flowers, and rich costume and jewellery, plenty of ghee and butter. The concluding stanza is an envoie identifying her as the daughter of Vishnuchittar who made this garland of 30 pasurams and says those who recite with devotion will have Lord’s blessings.

She sang thirty sweet songs containing the cardinal principles of Dharma during the month of MARGAZHI.Singing these songs, with understanding of their inner meaning, will bring to us peace, prosperity and above all Divine Grace.

DHANURMASAM FROM 16TH DEC-13TH JAN 2010

"Dhanurmasam" from December 16th to January 13th celebrated all 30 days daily at before 6:00A.M. Each day in this masam devotees chant paasurams of "TIRUPAVAI" and at the end i.e. on last day "Goda Devi Kalyanam ". This pooja is to be completed before sunrise everyday.But today as "Amavasya" is there up to 9.25 A.M, and the dhanurmasam starts at 9.30 Am. 16th December, 2009 (Wednesday) - Margasira Bahula Amavaasya - Dhanus Sankramana - Transit of Sun in to Dhanur Raasi (Sagittarius)17th December, 2009 (Thursday) - Commencement of Dhanurmasam, and 13th January, 2010 (Wednesday) - End of Dhanurmasam(Goda Devi Kalyanam). The period of Dhanurmasam begins with the transit of Sun into Dhanurasi(Sagittarius) of the zodiac where He will be there for a period of one month. It is highly auspicious time to worship and pray to Lord Sri Maha Vishnu during Dhanurmasam. Though it is Pushya Masam as per the Lunar Calendar it is Margasira Masam, the dearest month to Sri Hari as per Solar Calendar. It is highly meritorious to worship Lord SriManNarayana during Dhanurmasam in the early hours of the day, two hours before Sunrise approx between 4 to 6 am Why to worship early in the morning before sun rise?As per the Hindu time element, it is said that, one day for Devathas is equal to one year for human beings comprising of 6 months of Uttarayana and 6 months of Dakshinayana. That means Uttarayana is the day time and Dakshinayana is the night time for devathas. The period of Dhanurmasam falling at the fag end of Dakshinayana indicates the last leg of the night time for Devathas (Arunodaya) when they worship Lord Sri Hari. Hence, it is befitting for human beings also to worship Lord Sri Maha Vishnu at the time that coincides with the Arunodaya time for Devathas. This incidentally coincides with the Dhanurmasam.

In Bhagavadgeetha, Sri Krishna says, "I am Kalpavriksha in trees, I am Samaveda in Vedas, Margazhi in months". (Masanam Margashirsho-aham) We complete a day in 24 hours, when earth revolves around its own axis, whereas, it is one day for the Devas, when Earth goes around the Sun in twelve months. In the 24 hours of the day early morning 4to6hours, is called Bramha Muhurtham. At this time when the Sun is rising in the horizon, there is no angular movement and there is stillness. At this hour our mind will be in Satvagunam(Calmness) and it is in Rajoguna in the day and Tamoguna in the night. The brain will be sharp and there will be full clarity of perception. Similarly, for the Sun, who transits from Dakshinayana when he is in Rajoguna, to Utarayana in Tamoguna, the month of Margazhi, is the transit month and there is stillness. This is the Bramha Muhurta for the Devas. Therefore early morning hours of 4to6AM, in Margazhi, is Bramha Muhurtam in Bramha Muhurtam. This time is therefore preferred to wake Him up and pray. For this purpose Sri Andal has composed Thiruppavai, at the rate of one sloka for everyday of the month.

Lot of significance is given to Dhanurmasam in Vaishnava Sampradaya and all the Vishnu related temples perform special rituals and poojas early in the morning during this month. In Tirumala, the abode of Lord Sri Venkateswara, we find the priests reciting Tiruppavai a celestial song composed by Sri Godadevi an ardent devotee of Lord Sri Hari, instead of the regular Suprabhatham. It is highly meritorious to recite Sri Vishnu Sahasra Nama Sthothram, Purusha Sooktham, Sri Vishnu Sooktham and Narayana Upanishad during this period.In South Indian states VIZ., Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala, vaishnavaite sect of people celebrate the month with worshipping Lord Vishnu and Andal (Godadevi or Neela Devi). “THIRUPPAVAI” a divine text written by Andal, is recited by all devotees. Goda Devi Kalyanam is the major event celebrated during Dhanurmasam in Tirumala Tirupati. In Srirangam Ranganatha swamy temple, Dhanurmasa utsavam is a major event. In Tamil Nadu, Dhanurmasa Vratam is observed as “PAVAI NOMBU”.

The Tiruppavai is a collection of thirty stanzas (paasuram) in Tamil written by a Brahmin girl, Andal, in praise of the God Tirumal or Vishnu. It is part of Divya Prabandha, a work of the twelve Alvars, and is important in Tamil Literature.

In Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka during the whole month of Dhanurmasam, Katyayani Vratam, dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, is observed. Vaikunta Ekadashi, and Bhogi are the major festivals or auspicious days or important events during Dhanurmasam in 2009-2010.

"Vasudeva Sutam Devam, Kansa Chaanuuramardanam
Devakii Paramaanandam Krishhnam Vande Jagad Gurum"

Meaning: Krishna is the Supreme Lord, Son of Devaki (Sister of Kansa) and Vasudeva. He is the slayer of Kansa and Chanur. I bow to such great lord and may god bless all with his grace always.

12th DEC TRIPRAYAR EKADASI

On the banks of a rhapsodizing river in the Thrissur district, a big temple dedicated to Lord Rama could be seen, where fusion of legend and architecture creates devotional ecstasy. In the dim past, this river is believed to have skirted the temple on three sides and hence the sacred place is called as Thirupuraiyar or most popularly as "TRIPRAYAR".

Triprayar Temple is dedicated to Lord Ram and is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Ram in South India. The temple is noted for its architecture and for its calm and serene surroundings including a large pond. The temple is located around 25 km from Thrissur town and is about 23 km from the world famous Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple.

Thriprayar Sri Rama temple is located along the banks of Theerva River.

Ekadasi is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Vishnu on the 11th day of a fortnight in a traditional Hindu calendar. Triprayar Ekadasi or Thriprayar Ekadashi is observed on Ekadashi day in the Malayali month of Vrischikam. It is observed on the 11th day after the full moon in the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam (November – December). In 2009, Triprayar Ekadashi date is December 12. The festival is celebrated for 14 days in Triprayar Sri Rama Temple near Thrissur town of Kerala. During the Ekadashi, a procession of Saasta takes place.

Thriprayar Ekadasi is known as Saphala Ekadasi or Safala Ekadashi. It is the Margashira Krishna Ekadasi as per Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati and Kannada calendars and Paush Krishna Ekadasi as per North Indian calendars.

The Triprayar Ekadasi is one of the most important festivals at the temple. On Dasami, the day before Ekadasi, there is a procession of Lord Shasta.

On the Ekadasi day, an utsava idol of Lord Rama is taken out for procession atop an elephant and the Lord is accompanied by 21 elephants. Thousands of people arrive at the temple to witness this divine procession. Devotees also fast on the Eakdasi day and the fast ends on the next day morning. Special evening pujas and rituals are held at the temple.


Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.

CRACKED POTS

A water bearer in China had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole, which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walk from the stream to the House, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of it's own imperfection. And miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you. I have been able to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house.

Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts," the pot said.The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw. So I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you've watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house?

Moral: Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You've just got to take each person for what they are, and look for the good in them. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape. Remember to appreciate all the different people in your life.

If every teacher & parent could behave like the pot-bearer, no student will fail in his life. Instead of focussing on drawbacks, if they concentrate on their talents (in whichever field it may be) and encourage & support them to excel in that particular field, none will remain backward in life.

LIVE FOR OTHERS

Ask nothing, want nothing in return. Give what you have to give, it will come back to you - but do not think of that now. It will come back multiplied - a thousand fold - but the attention must not be on that. You have the power to give. Give, and there it ends.

There is no higher virtue than charity. The lowest man is he whose hand draws in receiving, and he is the highest man whose hand goes out in giving. The hand was made to give always. Give the last bit of bread you have, even if you are starving.

You will be perfect. This life is short, the vanities of the world are transient, but they alone live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive.Do not stand on a high pedestal and take five cents in your hand and say, " Here, my poor man," but be grateful that the poor man is there so that by making a gift to him, you are able to help yourself.

It is not the receiver that is blessed, but it is the giver.We have to bear in mind that we are all debtors to the world and the world does not owe us anything. It is a great privilege for all of us to be allowed to do anything for the world.

In helping the world we really help ourselves.In the world take always the position of the giver. Give everything and look for no return. Give love, give help, give service, give any little thing you can, but keep out barter. Make no conditions and none will be imposed. Let us give out of our own bounty, just as God gives to us.

MALAYALAM PRAYER

This is one of my favourite malayalam prayer.This is the prayer song of my amma.My amma(Mother) used to sing this prayer song in their school.She used to sung this song for all of us sisters.I like this especially the theme, and I like to follow the same.

Daivame kaithozham kelkkumaraakenam
Paavamamenne nee kaakkumarakenam
Ennullil bhakthiyundakumarakenam
Ninne njanennume kaanumaraakenam
Nervazhikkennne nee kondupoyeedenam
Nervarum sankadam bhasmamayeedenam
Dushta samsargam varaatheyayeedenam
Shishtarayullavar thozharaayeedenam
Nallakaryangalil premamundavenam
Nallavaakkothuvan traniyundavenam
Krithyangal cheyyuvan sradhayundavenam
Sathyam paranjeedan sakthiyundavenam
Davivame kaithozham kelkkumarakenam
Paavamamenne nee kakkumarakenam

GENEROUS

Mahatma Gandhi went from city to city, village to village collecting funds for the Charkha Sangh. During one of his tours he addressed a meeting in Orissa. After his speech a poor old woman got up. She was bent with age, her hair was grey and her clothes were in tatters. The volunteers tried to stop her, but she fought her way to the place where Gandhiji was sitting. "I must see him," she insisted and going up to Gandhiji touched his feet. Then from the folds of her sari she brought out a copper coin and placed it at his feet. Gandhiji picked up the copper coin and put it away carefully. The Charkha Sangh funds were under the charge of Jamnalal Bajaj. He asked Gandhiji for the coin but Gandhiji refused. "I keep cheques worth thousands of rupees for the Charkha Sangh," Jamnalal Bajaj said laughingly "yet you won't trust me with a copper coin." "This copper coin is worth much more than those thousands," Gandhiji said. "If a man has several lakhs and he gives away a thousand or two, it doesn't mean much. But this coin was perhaps all that the poor woman possessed. She gave me all she had. That was very generous of her. What a great sacrifice she made. That is why I value this copper coin more than a crore of rupees."

"WE MUST BE GENEROUS WITH WHAT WE HAVE".

SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD

One day in class room the teacher told to the students to write about the Seven Wonders of the World. The students started to write.

Though there were some disagreements, the following received the most votes:

Egypt's Great Pyramids
Taj Mahal
Grand Canyon
Panama Canal
Empire State Building
St. Peter's Basilica
China's Great Wall

While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student had not finished her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The girl replied, "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many."

The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help." The girl hesitated, then read, "I think the 'Seven Wonders of the World' are:

to see
to hear
to touch
to taste
to feel
to laugh
and to love."

The room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. The things we overlook as simple and ordinary and that we take for granted are truly wondrous!
A gentle reminder -- that the most precious things in life cannot be built by hand or bought by man.

HELP TO WIN (MORAL STORY)

A few years ago at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100 yard dash. At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win. All, that is, except one boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times and began to cry.

The other eight heard the boy. They slowed down and looked back. They all turned around and went back. Every one of them. One girl with Down’s Syndrome bent down and kissed him and said,”This will make it better.” All nine linked arms and walked across the finish line together. Everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went on for several minutes. People who were there are still telling the story. Why? Because deep down we know one thing. What matters most in this life is more than winning for ourselves. What truly matters in this life is helping others win, even if it means slowing down and changing our course.

TRIBUTE TO SOLDIERS(TAJ 2008)

At the outset, let me express my heart felt condolences to the fellow citizens who have lost their loved ones in the Mumbai blasts(Nov 26-30 2008) and my wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured. The following of my collection and I like it and wish to post in my blog:

Whoever came up with this one must have had some Divine guidance!
A lthough things are not perfect
B ecause of trial or pain
C ontinue in thanksgiving
D o not begin to blame
E ven when the times are hard
F ierce winds are bound to blow
G od is forever able
H old on to what you know
I magine life without His love
J oy would cease to be
K eep thanking Him for all the things
L ove imparts to thee
M ove out of "Camp Complaining
N o weapon that is known
O n earth can yield the power
P raise can do alone
Q uit looking at the future
R edeem the time at hand
S tart every day with worship
T o "thank" is a command
U ntil we see Him coming
V ictorious in the sky
W e'll run the race with gratitude
X alting God most high
Y es, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Z ion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!

The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything.Love and peace be with you forever.

LIFE STILL HAS A MEANING

If there is a future there is time for mending-
Time to see your troubles coming to an ending.
Life is never hopeless however great your sorrow-
If you're looking forward to a new tomorrow.

If there is time for wishing then there is time for hoping-
when through doubt and darkness you are blindly groping.
Though the heart be heavy and hurt you may be feeling-
If there is time for praying there is time for healing.

So if through your window there is a new day breaking-
Thank God for the promise, though mind and soul be aching,
If with harvest over there is grain enough for gleaning-
There is a new tomorrow and life still has meaning.

Life is a school in which we can learn lessons only by experience
But not by teachers. What ever be the experience good or bad

GOD KNOWS WHAT'S BEST FOR US

Asusual my first posting of this month about my very very best friend "GOD".

God knows what’s best for us,So why should we complain. we always want the sunshine,But He knows there must be rain.We love the sound of laughterAnd the merriment of cheerBut our hearts would lose their tenderness If we never shed a tear.

God tests us oftenWith suffering and with sorrow He tests us, not to punish us But to help us meet tomorrow.For growing trees are strengthened When they withstand the storm;And the sharp cut of the chisel Gives the marble grace and form.

God never hurts us needlessly And He never wastes our pain For every loss He sends to us Is followed by rich gain. And when we count the blessings That God has so freely sent We will find no cause for murmuring And no time to lament For God loves His children And to Him all things are plain So He never sends us pleasure When the soul’s deep need is pain.So whenever we are troubled And when everything goes wrong It is just God working in usTo make our spirits strong.

NOV 28th "GURUVAYUR EKADASI" AND GEETA JAYANTHI

"EKADASI" is a highly auspicious day dedicated to Lord Vishnu on the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight in traditional Hindu calendar. There are 24 Ekadasis in a year and the Vrishchika Ekadasi (Suklapaksha) has got special significance in Guruvayur. Ekadashi that falls in the waxing phase of moon in the Malayalam month Vrishchikam (November – December) is observed as" Guruvayur Ekadasi" in the world famous Guruvayoor Sri Krishna Temple in Kerala – the abode of Guruvayurappan.

Gita Jayanti, also referred as Bhagawad Geetha Jayanthi, is the day when the Bhagvad Gita was rendered by Lord Krishna to Arjuna in the Kurukshetra on the first day of the famous 18-day battle in the Mahabharata. Gita Jayanthi falls on the Ekadashi day of Shukla Paksha (the bright half) of the Margashirsha month (November-December) in traditional Hindi calendar. In 2009, the date of Gita Jayanti is on November 28.

Bhagvad Gita is the compilation of the teachings of Lord Krishna. This Bhagvad Geeta (Song of the Blessed Lord) contains profound ideas on many issues touching on the temporal and non-temporal aspects of life.

The greatness of Bhagavad Gita that no other scriptures in this universe can match is her teachings of acquiring the way towards the Supreme without abandoning the worldly affairs, through the methods of Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Bhakti Yoga.

The greatest quality of Bhagavad Gita is that it prompts you to think, it prompts you to take decision, and it prompts you to look at life differently and refreshingly and all this without surrendering your individuality.

Lord Krishna lived his life by his own famous saying, which can be translated in English, as "Thy right is to work only, but never with its fruits;let not the fruits of action be thy motive, nor let thy attachment be to inaction.

" The Gita Mahatmya mentions manifold benefits for those who chant the sacred verses of the Bhagavad Gita. Lord Sri Krishna himself has give numerous assurances to his devotees in the Gita that his devotees will never perish or come to harm.

The ideal way to celebrate Gita Jayanti is by reading at least a stanza from the Bhagavad Gita.

So do Complete Surrender to God, as in this way you shall be free of all tensions of life & shall be at peace & be happy during all walks of life. Below verse of Bhagwat Gita teaches the same.

““sarva-dharman parityajyamam
ekam saranam vraja
aham tvam sarva-papebhyo
mokshayisyami ma suchah"(Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Eighteen verse 66).

"Sri Krishna said: O Arjuna, Surrender unto Me alone. By surrendering all duties to Me, seek refuge in Me. I shall absolve you of all sins; grieve not."

Be pure. Be virtuous. Be sincere. Apply yourself with firm faith and strength of will. Yield not to beguilements and threats. Move on forward with confidence and determination. You shall succeed in achieving life's Supreme Goal. The Grace of the Almighty is ever with you.

Peace be to you all! May the mighty Grace of Lord Sri Krishna flow through your hearts and prepare you for the memorable regeneration in the Spiritual Consciousness!

SECRET TO TRUE LOVE, TRUE LOVE RELATIONSHIP ADVICE

I once had a friend who grew to be very close to me. Once when we were sitting at the edge of a swimming pool, she filled the palm of her hand with some water and held it before me, and said this: "You see this water carefully contained on my hand? It symbolizes Love.

"This was how I saw it: As long as you keep your hand caring-ly open and allow it to remain there, it will always be there. However, if you attempt to close your fingers round it and try to posses it, it will spill through the first cracks it finds.This is the greatest mistake that people do when they meet love... they try to posses it, they demand, they expect... and just like the water spilling out of your hand, love will retrieve from you. For love is meant to be free, you cannot change its nature. If there are people you love, allow them to be free beings.

Give and don't expect. Advise, but don't order. Ask, but never demand.It might sound simple, but it is a lesson that may take a lifetime to truly practice.It is the secret to true love. To truly practice it, you must sincerely feel no expectations from those who you love, and yet an unconditional caring.

A good companion is not like the rain, which comes and goes. It's like the air, sometimes very quite and always be with us.....

LOVE IN ACTION

One night a man came to our house and told me, “There is a family with eight children. They have not eaten for days,” I took some food and I went. When I finally came to the family, I saw the faces of those little children disfigured by hunger. There was no sorrow or sadness in their faces, just the deep pain of hunger. I gave the rice to the mother. She divided it in two, and went out, carrying half the rice with her.

When she came back, I asked her, “Where did you go?” She gave me this simple answer, “To my neighbors-they are hungry also.”I was not surprised that she gave–because poor people are generous. But I was surprised that she knew they were hungry. As a rule, when we are suffering, we are so focused on ourselves we have no time for others. –Mother Teresa.

Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.” - BUDDHA QUOTE

THE POWER OF PRAISE

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Years ago, a young man in London aspired to be a writer. But everything seemed to be against him. He had never been able to attend school for more than four years. His father had been flung in jail because he could not pay his debts and this young man often knew the pangs of hunger.

Finally, he got a job pasting labels on bottles of shoe polish in a rat-infested warehouse; and he slept at night in a dismal attic room with two other boys - gutter snipes from the slums of London. He had so little confidence in his ability to write that he sneaked out and mailed his first manuscript in the dead of night so nobody would laugh at him.

Story after story was refused. Finally, the great day came when one was accepted. True, he was not paid a shilling for it, but one editor had praised him. One editor had given him recognition. He was so thrilled that he wandered aimlessly around the streets with tears rolling down his cheeks.
The praise, the recognition that he received by getting one story in print, changed his whole career, for if it had not been for that encouragement, he might have spent his entire life working in rat-infested factories. His name was Charles Dickens. He rose to become one of history's greatest novelists.

Praise is powerful. Praise people and inspire them with a realization of their latent possibilities. Praise the slightest improvement and praise every improvement.