NEED WASHING??

A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Target. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Target.

We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.

The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in ‘Mom let’s run through the rain, she said
‘What?’ Mom asked.

‘Lets run through the rain!’ She repeated

‘No, honey. We’ll wait until it slows down a bit,’ Mom replied.

This young child waited about another minute and repeated: ‘Mom, let’s run through the rain,’

‘We’ll get soaked if we do,’ Mom said.

‘No, we won’t, Mom.. That’s not what you said this morning,’ the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom’s arm.

This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?
‘Don’t you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said , ‘If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!’

The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn’t hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes.
Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child’s life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.

‘Honey, you are absolutely right. Let’s run through the rain. If GOD let’s us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing,’ Mom said.

Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars.

And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.

Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories…So, don’t forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.

I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN.

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

Even the most mundane occurrences can have an impact on our awareness.

A family moved into their new home some years ago and they spent a lot of time and energy in the yard to get it look green. They lived on a corner, higher than street level, and the entire side of the yard was encased by a professionally built rock wall. They did the best and changed that area as their 'rock garden'.

Last summer they found a tiny little plant at the end of the rock garden that they could not immediately identify. They knew that they didn't plant it. They decided to let it continue growing until they could figure out what it was.

Weeks passed and as they made their way back to the mystery plant, it appeared to be a Sunflower. It was spindly looking with a tall skinny stalk and only one head on it. They decided to baby it along and weed around it. As they pulled rocks from the area to get to the weeds, they noticed something unusual. The Sunflower had not started where they saw the stalk begin. It actually had begun under a big rock and grown under and around it to reach the sun.

This makes us realize that if a tiny little Sunflower didn't let a big rock stand in its way of developing, we too have the capability of doing the same thing. Once our environment begins to see that we believe in ourselves like that little Sunflower, we can attain the same nourishment and nurturing as well.

First, we need to believe in ourselves knowing we have the capabilities in achieving our desires. Like the Sunflower, it knew it had the capability to overcome its obstacle because it trusted in the Universal Truth and had faith it would succeed.

Stand tall like the Sunflower and be proud of who and what you are and the environment will begin to support you. You will find a way to go under or around your big obstacle in order to reach your desires

THE NOBLE WAY

A woman came to see Vinoba Bhave, the well-known social leader, and said, "I am very unhappy."

Vinoba asked, "What is the matter?"

In a voice full of grief, she replied, "My husband is an alcoholic. He drinks everyday and abuses me. Sometimes, he beats me up. My life is hell."

Vinoba asked, "When he gets drunk, what do you do?"

She replied, "I get upset. Earlier, I used to scold him. That did not help. So now I have started to observe fasts."

"You do not eat or drink during the fast?," asked Vinoba.

"No," she said, "I eat fruit."

Vinoba said in a simple natural tone, "Oh, then your husband must get very upset. Your eating fruits must have increased the household expenses."

The woman kept quiet. Tears filled her eyes.

Vinoba said, "Nobody can be made to give up wrong things by our getting angry or by our giving up food. We can change others through love and patience. The love that can make the difference comes from within. Our hearts should be pure. If there are bad feelings in our hearts and we show insincere love, it makes matters worse."

The woman asked, "What should I do? I lose control of my senses when I see him drunk."

"This is the root cause of your trouble," explained Vinoba. He continued, "You can bring your husband back from the path of evil only when you control your own bad feelings. First you should try to change yourself."

The woman bowed and left. The joy of having found a noble way reflected on her face.

THE BRICK

About ten years ago, a young and very successful executive named Josh was traveling down a Chicago neighborhood street. He was going a bit too fast in his sleek, black, 12 cylinder Jaguar XKE, which was only two months old.

He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no child darted out, but a brick sailed out and - WHUMP! - it smashed Into the Jag's shiny black side door! SCREECH..!!!! Brakes slammed! Gears ground into reverse, and tires madly spun the Jaguar back to the spot from where the brick had been thrown. Josh jumped out of the car, grabbed the kid and pushed him up against a parked car. He shouted at the kid, "What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing?!" Building up a head of steam, he went on. "That's my new Jag, that brick you threw is gonna cost you a lot of money. Why did you throw it?"

"Please, mister, please. . . I'm sorry! I didn't know what else to do!" Pleaded the youngster. "I threw the brick because no one else would stop!" Tears were dripping down the boy's chin as he pointed around the parked car. "It's my brother, mister," he said. "He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up." Sobbing, the boy asked the executive, "Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me."

Moved beyond words, the young executive tried desperately to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. Straining, he lifted the young man back into the wheelchair and took out his handkerchief and wiped the scrapes and cuts, checking to see that everything was going to be OK. He then watched the younger brother push him down the sidewalk toward their home.

It was a long walk back to the sleek, black, shining, 12 cylinder Jaguar XKE -a long and slow walk. Josh never did fix the side door of his Jaguar. He kept the dent to remind him not to go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at him to get his attention. . . Some bricks are softer than others. Feel for the bricks of life coming at to you. For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has positive answers.

AN EMPLOYER'S CONSCIOUSNESS

A person had an extremely devoted servant. One day, a pen accidentally slipped from the hand of the servant. It fell to the ground and broke. The man got very upset and said, "See what you have done? This pen was presented to me by a dear friend."

The servant did not say anything. He went out and started to clean the hallway. He was extremely saddened about what had happened.

A little later, the man called the servant in. He held his servant's hand and said, "You serve me well with all your ability. I could not live without your help. Today, for a small mistake, I became so angry. Please forgive me."

The servant was dumbfounded. What was his 'master' saying! He was surprised and said, "Babu, I made a mistake. You were right in getting angry at me."

The master's eyes were filled with tears. With great difficulty, he said, "I will not let go of you unless you forgive me."

Hearing his master's words made the servant's heart heavy, and he started to weep like a child. He wiped the tears from his master's eyes and said, "Babu, please do not be sorry. I forgive you."

The 'master' was the first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, and the servant was Sita Ram. Needless to say, the relation between them was like a father and son.

THE CLEVER FISHERMAN

As King Haroun and Queen Zubayda were sitting in their palace one day, a fisherman who was selling fresh fish was brought in front of them. King Parveez decided to buy a fish and gave the fisherman 4000 dirham for it.

The fisherman was overjoyed. He thanked King Haroun and left.

Queen Zubayda turned to her husband in anger and scolded him for paying so much for a fish. King Haroun let her have her say but said that the fish was purchased and that there was nothing that could be done about it.

However, the Queen was adamant and insisted that the fisherman be brought back.

“We will ask the fisherman about the gender of the fish,” she said. “If he answers that it is female, we will say that we wanted a male fish and if his response is that it is male, we will say that we wanted a female fish! Either way, we will be able to return the fish and have our money back.”

So the poor fisherman was called back and was asked the question.

Fortunately, he was clever enough not to be caught out.
He replied, “The fish is neither male or female. It is eunuch (neutral).”

King Haroun was so impressed by the ingenuity of the man that he ordered a further 4000 dirham to be paid to him. The fisherman thanked the King again but as he was about to leave with the heavy bag of money, one of the coins fell onto the floor. The fisherman immediately bent down to look for the coin. Queen Zubayda was already upset that the fisherman had been given 8000 dirham.

“Look how miserly this man is!” the Queen exclaimed. “One coin has fallen out of his bag full of money and he searches for it instead of leaving it for some other poor servant to find.”

The man heard this remark and said, “O Queen, it is not out of miserliness that I search for the coin but rather because it had the picture of generous King Haroun on it. I would not tolerate anyone to cause dishonour to the King by treading on the coin.”

The King was so happy with this response that he immediately called for another 4000 dirham to be given to the fisherman. When Queen Zubayda saw all this, she thought it was better to hold her tongue and let the man go with the 12000 dirham before the King decided to increase the amount again.

(Lessons from Life)

Speech is an Art. If one knows what, when and how to talk then such a person will be successful in life. “The beauty of man/Woman is in the clarity of his tongue”.

“Your tongue is the translator of your intellect”.
In other words, a person’s intellect and wisdom is recognized through his speech.

GOD'S MESSAGE TO ALL

PLEASE DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE.
YOU ARE NOT QUITE READY TO MEET ME YET.

IF YOU MISS THE SUNRISE
I MADE FOR YOU TODAY NEVER MIND
I’LL MAKE YOU
ANOTHER ONE TOMORROW.

HOW CAN YOU BE A SELF MADE MAN?
I SPECIFICALLY RECALL CREATING YOU.

I WAS THINIKING OF
MAKING THE WORLD
BLACK AND WHITE
THEN I THOUGHT…….NA NA NA

COULD YOU IMAGINE THE PRICE OF AIR
IF I WERE BROUGHT TO YOU BY ANOTHER SUPPLIER?

DON’T FORGET YOUR UMBRELLA
I MIGHT WATER THE PLANTS TODAY.

WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO GET YOUR ATTENTION?
TAKE OUT AN ADD IN THE PAPER?

IF YOU THINK THE MONA LISA IS STUNNING
YOU SHOULD LOOK AT MY MASTER PIECE.
IN THE MIRROR.

EARTHLINGS, DON’T TREAT ME LIKE AN ALIEN.

WHEN YOU’RE WEARY, FEELING SMALL
WHEN TEARS ARE IN YOUR EYES, I WILL DRY THEM ALL.

I THINK YOU ARE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PERSON IN THIS WORLD.
OKAY, SO I’M BIASED.

TWO WOLVES IN THE HEART

A Grandfather from the Cherokee Nation was talking with his grandson.

"A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy.

"It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves."

"One wolf is evil and ugly: He is anger, envy, war, greed, self-pity, sorrow, regret, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, selfishness and arrogance."

The other wolf is beautiful and good: He is friendly, joyful, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, justice, fairness, empathy, generosity, true, compassion, gratitude, and deep VISION."

"This same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other human as well."

The grandson paused in deep reflection because of what his grandfather had just said. Then he finally cried out; "Oyee! Grandfather, which wolf will win?"
The elder Cherokee replied, "The one that you feed."

GIFTS OF INSULTS

There once lived a great warrior. Though quite old, he still was able to defeat any challenger. His reputation extended far and wide throughout the land and many students gathered to study under him.One day an infamous young warrior arrived at the village. He was determined to be the first man to defeat the great master. Along with his strength, he had an uncanny ability to spot and exploit any weakness in an opponent. He would wait for his opponent to make the first move, thus revealing a weakness, and then would strike with merciless force and lightning speed. No one had ever lasted with him in a match beyond the first move.

Much against the advice of his concerned students, the old master gladly accepted the young warrior’s challenge. As the two squared off for battle, the young warrior began to hurl insults at the old master. He threw dirt and spit in his face. For hours he verbally assaulted him with every curse and insult known to mankind. But the old warrior merely stood there motionless and calm. Finally, the young warrior exhausted himself. Knowing he was defeated, he left feeling shamed.

---

"An insult is like a glass of wine. It only affects you if you accept it."

THREE KINDS OF LOVE

There are three kinds of love, - unselfish, mutual, and selfish. The unselfish love is of the highest kind. The lover only minds the welfare of the beloved and does not care for his own sufferings. In mutual love the lover not only wants the happiness of his beloved but has an eye towards his own happiness also. It is middling. The selfish love is the lowest. It only looks towards its own happiness, no matter whether the beloved suffers weal or woe.

Ramakrishna

THREE QUESTIONS - BY LEO TOLSTOY

One day it occurred to a certain emperor that if he only knew the answers to three questions, he would never stray in any matter.

What is the best time to do each thing? Who are the most important people to work with? What is the most important thing to do at all times?

The emperor issued a decree throughout his kingdom announcing that whoever could answer the questions would receive a great reward. Many who read the decree made their way to the palace at once, each person with a different answer.

In reply to the first question, one person advised that the emperor make up a thorough time schedule, consecrating every hour, day, month, and year for certain tasks and then follow the schedule to the letter. Only then could he hope to do every task at the right time.

Another person replied that it was impossible to plan in advance and that the emperor should put all vain amusements aside and remain attentive to everything in order to know what to do at what time.

Someone else insisted that, by himself, the emperor could never hope to have all the foresight and competence necessary to decide when to do each and every task and what he really needed was to set up a Council of the Wise and then to act according to their advice.

Someone else said that certain matters required immediate decision and could not wait for consultation, but if he wanted to know in advance what was going to happen he should consult magicians and soothsayers.

The responses to the second question also lacked accord.

One person said that the emperor needed to place all his trust in administrators, another urged reliance on priests and monks, while others recommended physicians. Still others put their faith in warriors.

The third question drew a similar variety of answers. Some said science was the most important pursuit. Others insisted on religion. Yet others claimed the most important thing was military skill.

-------------------------------

The emperor was not pleased with any of the answers, and no reward was given.

After several nights of reflection, the emperor resolved to visit a hermit who lived up on the mountain and was said to be an enlightened man. The emperor wished to find the hermit to ask him the three questions, though he knew the hermit never left the mountains and was known to receive only the poor, refusing to have anything to do with persons of wealth or power. So the emperor disguised himself as a simple peasant and ordered his attendants to wait for him at the foot of the mountain while he climbed the slope alone to seek the hermit.

Reaching the holy man's dwelling place, the emperor found the hermit digging a garden in front of his hut. When the hermit saw the stranger, he nodded his head in greeting and continued to dig. The labor was obviously hard on him. He was an old man, and each time he thrust his spade into the ground to turn the earth, he heaved heavily.

The emperor approached him and said, "I have come here to ask your help with three questions: When is the best time to do each thing? Who are the most important people to work with? What is the most important thing to do at all times?"

The hermit listened attentively but only patted the emperor on the shoulder and continued digging. The emperor said, "You must be tired. Here, let me give you a hand with that." The hermit thanked him, handed the emperor the spade, and then sat down on the ground to rest.

After he had dug two rows, the emperor stopped and turned to the hermit and repeated his three questions. The hermit still did not answer, but instead stood up and pointed to the spade and said, "Why don't you rest now? I can take over again." But the emperor continued to dig. One hour passed, then two. Finally the sun began to set behind the mountain. The emperor put down the spade and said to the hermit, "I came here to ask if you could answer my three questions. But if you can't give me any answer, please let me know so that I can get on may way home."

The hermit lifted his head and asked the emperor, "Do you hear someone running over there?" The emperor turned his head. They both saw a man with a long white beard emerge from the woods. He ran wildly, pressing his hands against a bloody wound in his stomach. The man ran toward the emperor before falling unconscious to the ground, where he lay groaning. Opening the man's clothing, the emperor and hermit saw that the man had received a deep gash. The emperor cleaned the wound thoroughly and then used his own shirt to bandage it, but the blood completely soaked it within minutes. He rinsed the shirt out and bandaged the wound a second time and continued to do so until the flow of blood had stopped.

At last the wounded man regained consciousness and asked for a drink of water. The emperor ran down to the stream and brought back a jug of fresh water. Meanwhile, the sun had disappeared and the night air had begun to turn cold. The hermit gave the emperor a hand in carrying the man into the hut where they laid him down on the hermit's bed. The man closed his eyes and lay quietly. The emperor was worn out from the long day of climbing the mountain and digging the garden. Leaning against the doorway, he fell asleep. When he rose, the sun had already risen over the mountain. For a moment he forgot where he was and what he had come here for. He looked over to the bed and saw the wounded man also looking around him in confusion. When he saw the emperor, he stared at him intently and then said in a faint whisper, "Please forgive me."

"But what have you done that I should forgive you?" the emperor asked.

"You do not know me, your majesty, but I know you. I was your sworn enemy, and I had vowed to take vengeance on you, for during the last war you killed my brother and seized my property. When I learned that you were coming alone to the mountain to meet the hermit, I resolved to surprise you on your way back to kill you. But after waiting a long time there was still no sign of you, and so I left my ambush in order to seek you out. But instead of finding you, I came across your attendants, who recognized me, giving me this wound. Luckily, I escaped and ran here. If I hadn't met you I would surely be dead by now. I had intended to kill you, but instead you saved my life! I am ashamed and grateful beyond words. If I live, I vow to be your servant for the rest of my life, and I will bid my children and grandchildren to do the same. Please grant me your forgiveness."

The emperor was overjoyed to see that he was so easily reconciled with a former enemy. He not only forgave the man but promised to return all the man's property and to send his own physician and servants to wait on the man until he was completely healed. After ordering his attendants to take the man home, the emperor returned to see the hermit. Before returning to the palace the emperor wanted to repeat his three questions one last time. He found the hermit sowing seeds in the earth they had dug the day before.

The hermit stood up and looked at the emperor. "But your questions have already been answered."

"How's that?" the emperor asked, puzzled.

"Yesterday, if you had not taken pity on my age and given me a hand with digging these beds, you would have been attacked by that man on your way home. Then you would have deeply regretted not staying with me. Therefore the most important time was the time you were digging in the beds, the most important person was myself, and the most important pursuit was to help me. Later, when the wounded man ran up here, the most important time was the time you spent dressing his wound, for if you had not cared for him he would have died and you would have lost the chance to be reconciled with him. Likewise, he was the most important person, and the most important pursuit was taking care of his wound. Remember that there is only one important time and is Now. The present moment is the only time over which we have dominion. The most important person is always the person with whom you are, who is right before you, for who knows if you will have dealings with any other person in the future. The most important pursuit is making that person, the one standing at you side, happy, for that alone is the pursuit of life."

Leo Tolstoy

THIRTEEN VIRTUES

THIRTEEN VIRTUES BY BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

1. TEMPERANCE - Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.

2. SILENCE - Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.

3. ORDER - Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.

4. RESOLUTION - Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.

5. FRUGALITY - Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.

6. INDUSTRY - Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.

7. SINCERITY - Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

8. JUSTICE - Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.

9. MODERATION - Avoid extreams; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.

10. CLEANLINESS - Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation.

11.TRANQUILLITY - Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.

12. CHASTITY - Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dulness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.

13. HUMILITY - Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

Benjamin Franklin

A SOULMATE

A soulmate is someone who has locks that fit our keys, and keys to fit our locks. When we feel safe enough to open the locks, our truest selves step out and we can be completely and honestly who we are; we can be loved for who we are and not for who we're pretending to be. Each unveils the best part of the other. No matter what else goes wrong around us, with that one person we're safe in our own paradise. Our soulmate is someone who shares our deepest longings, our sense of direction. When we're two balloons, and together our direction is up, chances are we've found the right person. Our soulmate is the one who makes life come to life.

Richard Bach

THE FINISH LINE

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 little boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry. The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and looked back. Then 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." Then all nine linked arms and walked together to the finish line.

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 this one thing. What matters in this life is more than winning for ourselves. What matters in this life is helping others win, even if it means slowing down and changing our course.

Diane Berke

STARFISH

As the old man walked the beach at dawn, he noticed a young man ahead of him picking up starfish and flinging them into the sea. Finally catching up with the youth, he asked him why he was doing this. The answer was that the stranded starfish would die if left until the morning sun.

"But the beach goes on for miles and miles and there are millions of starfish," countered the other. "How can your effort make any difference?"

The young man looked at the starfish in his hand and then threw it to safety in the waves. "It makes a difference to this one," he said.

RESPECT FOLLOWS SERVICE

A dervish was once sitting alone, meditating in a patch of desert. A ruler passed by. The dervish, being free from the cares of this world, neither lifted his head nor paid any attention. The ruler, with the violent pride of power, was furious and said: "These dervishes in their patched cloaks are no better than animals!"

His minister scolded the dervish and said: "The great ruler of all the world passed by and you did not stand and bow: why were you so rude?"

The dervish replied: "Tell your king to expect those people to bow who hope for some reward from him. Tell him that rulers are there to protect their people. The people were not created just to obey rulers. The ruler is the watchman of the poor, though he has greater wealth and glory. The sheep are not made for the shepherd, rather the shepherd is there to serve the sheep. Look around you: today you see one man carefree and successful, the other struggling sore-hearted to survive. Wait a day or two, and see how the earth devours the brain once troubled with so many foolish thoughts! When the irresistible decrees of Fate are issued, neither king nor slave remain. Open up the tomb and and search these dusty bones: can you tell which was the rich man or which was the pauper?"

The ruler was struck by the words of the dervish. He said: "Ask me a favor!"

The dervish replied: "I would ask you to never disturb me again."

The king begged: "Give me a word of advice!"

The dervish replied: "Now that wealth is in your hands, realize before it is too late, that this wealth and this power pass from hand to hand."

MONEY DOES NOT MAKE THE MAN
I saw a pot-bellied fool wearing expensive clothes while sitting on a fine Arab horse. A bystander asked me: "What do you think, Sa'di, of these fine silks on that crass idiot?"

"It is like bad writing in gold ink. That ass has none of the moral qualities of a human being. All his pretences are false, all his possessions acquired dishonestly; he is fit only for a slaughter-house. A person of quality may fall on hard days, but never think his quality is any the less for his being impoverished. A man who makes quick money dishonestly can plate his house in gold, yet no one will forget the base stock he sprang from."

BELIEVE NOTHING

Believe nothing, O monks, merely because you have been told it . . . or because it is traditional, or because you yourselves have imagined it. Do not believe what your teacher tells you merely out of respect for the teacher. But whatsoever, after due examination and analysis, you find to be conducive to the good, the benefit, the welfare of all beings--that doctrine believe and cling to, and take it as your guide.

The Buddha

THE COMMUNAL WINE

There was once a tribal group living deep in jungle with a very wise elder as their leader. He as leader not only leads his people well but also often can be seen giving meaningful guidance of life to the people.

One beautiful day, he gathered all head of the family representing each of their own family. They were all given invitation to dine together at elder's house. What is interesting is that the elder told each of them to bring a glass of wine with them. All the wine would then be poured into a big wine jug, which would then be shared together.

The decided day had came, each one of the invited came representing their own family, bringing with them a glass of wine as instructed. They could see a big wine jug already prepared there even before they stepped in the elder's house. They then one by one pour their wine to the jug before entering the house then seated themselves and started their dinner together. When the dining was over, the elder welcomed them to drink the wine taken from the communal wine jug.

One by one they drank the wine, and on each face, an anxious confused face was carved right away. What happened? Not long later, the elder asked, "How was the wine? Did it tasted fine?" One of the most straight answered right away, "Oh, elder, what i drank just now was not wine at all but more like plain water." How could it be like that? It happened to be that everyone present there thought in their heart, "I'll just bring with me a glass of plain water, it won't make difference anyway, since it will then be poured and mixed with all the good wine others brings. Besides, nobody would know that it is plain water i bring. After all, it won't change so much the taste of the other good wines."

In our life, we often thought that whatever unpleasant deeds we do, it wouldn't make so much difference to the whole, but imagine if everyone does it that way. We are part of change, we are part of the whole, the whole is made of one and other ones of us, we do make difference, what we do, what we choose to be, counts!

LIMITS

There was once a man who was a champion wrestler. He had mastered 360 holds and tricks, and used a different one every day of the year. It so happened that he was fond of one of his students, and taught him all his tricks, except one. He kept on postponing the day when he would teach him the last trick.

The boy grew in strength and skill, and no one among his contemporaries was able to challenge him. One day, he boasted in front of the king: "My teacher is unchallenged only because he is older than me and because I respect him as my teacher. Otherwise my strength is not less than his and my skill is quite equal to his."

The King did not appreciate this boasting and ordered a match to take place. They cleared the broad wrestling ground and gathered ministers, courtiers and sportsmen to watch.

The boy charged out into the ring like a mad elephant. His master knew that his pupil was not stronger than him, so he used the 360th hold the he had never taught him. The boy did not know how to counter it. He was helpless. His master raised him with both hands above his head and smashed him to the ground. The crowd cheered wildly.

The King congratulated the champion and ordered a robe of honor to be given to him. He reproached the boy, saying: "You were ill-bred enough to dare to challenge your teacher and how you see how hollow your boast was!"

The boy answered: "O lord of the word! He did not overpower me with his strength but rather because of one trick which he never accepted to teach me. Today this one trick gave him the victory."

The King retorted: "It was just for such a day that he had kept his trick! Have you not heard what the wise say? "Never give a friend such power over you that if one day he tries to be your enemy, he can defeat you."

The teacher betrayed by his pupil said: "There is no such thing as loyalty in this world, or at least no one today knows the meaning of loyalty. Whoever learned a trick from me, finally tried to do me down."

THE WIFE AND THE WINDOW

A young couple moves into a new neighborhood. The next morning, while they are eating breakfast, the young woman sees her neighbor hang the wash outside.

That laundry is not very clean, she said, she doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap.

Her husband looked on, but remained silent. Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, the young woman would make the same comments.

About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband: "Look! She has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this."

The husband said: "I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows!"

And so it is with life: "What we see when watching others depends on the purity of the window through which we look. Before we give any criticism, it might be a good idea to check our state of mind and ask ourselves if we are ready to see the good rather than to be looking for something in the person we are about to judge. "

LOVE NEVER DIES

When Nazi did the holocaust in Germany by burying alive the Jews, there also spread a story of undying love. A mother and her daughter happened to be captured as well, soon to be buried alive together along with the other thousands of Jews. The little girl did not understand and had no idea at all what was going to happen to her and her mother. She just kept playing and singing out her innocent heart.

After being tired of playing around, the little girl returned back to the camp. She was not able to find her mother any longer. In her innocent world, she still have not understand yet what was death, even more of what dying a horrible tragic death was. She waited and waited, when is her dear mother going to come back. In her wait, she had persistent faith that mom would surely returned, so that she would be able to hear again her lullaby.

The next day was supposed to be her turn. She faced all that fully with her innocent heart till she reach the hole of where she was going to be buried. When she was about to be dragged to the hole, her soft voice said to the muscular soldier in charge, "Mister, please don't put me in too deep ok, just put me in near the surface, so that when mommy comes, she will still see me waiting for her here.

DISCOVER THE 90/10 PRINCIPLE

DISCOVER THE 90/10 PRINCIPLE.It will change your life (at least the way you react to situations).

What is this principle?

10% of life is made up of what happens to you. 90% of life is decided by how you react.

What does this mean?

We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us. We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane will be late arriving, which throws our whole schedule off. A driver may cut us off in traffic. We have no control over this 10%. The other 90% is different. You determine the other 90%.

How? ………. By your reaction. You cannot control a red light. But you can control your reaction. Don’t let people fool you; YOU can control how you react.

Let’s use an example. You are eating breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt. You have no control over what just happened. What happens next will be determined by how you react.

You curse. You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the cup over. She breaks down in tears. After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticize her for placing the cup too close to the edge of the table.

A short verbal battle follows. You storm upstairs and change your shirt. Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready for school. She misses the bus.

Your spouse must leave immediately for work. You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit. After a 15-minute delay and throwing $60 traffic fine away, you arrive at school.

Your daughter runs into the building without saying goodbye. After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your briefcase. Your day has started terrible. As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse. You look forward to coming home.

When you arrive home, you find small wedge in your relationship with your spouse and daughter. Why? …. Because of how you reacted in the morning.

Why did you have a bad day?

A) Did the coffee cause it?

B) Did your daughter cause it?

C) Did the policeman cause it?

D) Did you cause it?

The answer is “ D“.

You had no control over what happened with the coffee. How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your bad day. Here is what could have and should have happened. Coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry. You gently say, “Its ok honey, you just need to be more careful next time”. Grabbing a towel you rush upstairs. After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase, you come back down in time to look through the window and see your child getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You arrive 5 minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff. Your boss comments on how good the day you are having.

Notice the difference?

Two different scenarios. Both started the same. Both ended different.

Why? Because of how you REACTED.

You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens. The other 90% was determined by your reaction.

Here are some ways to apply the 90/10 principle.

If someone says something negative about you, don’t be a sponge. Let the attack roll off like water on glass. You don’t have to let the negative comment affect you!

React properly and it will not ruin your day. A wrong reaction could result in losing a friend, being fired, getting stressed out etc.

How do you react if someone cuts you off in traffic? Do you lose your temper? Pound on the steering wheel? A friend of mine had the steering wheel fall off) Do you curse? Does your blood pressure skyrocket? Do you try and bump them? WHO CARES if you arrive ten seconds later at work? Why let the cars ruin your drive? Remember the 90/10 principle, and do not worry about it. You are told you lost your job. Why lose sleep and get irritated? It will work out. Use your worrying energy and time into finding another job. The plane is late; it is going to mangle your schedule for the day. Why take outpour frustration on the flight attendant? She has no control over what is going on.

Use your time to study, get to know the other passenger.

Why get stressed out? It will just make things worse.

That’s 90-10 principle. Apply it. You will lose nothing if you try it. Very few know and apply this principle.

The result? Millions of people are suffering from undeserved stress, trials, problems and heartache. We all must understand and apply the 90/10 principle.

It CAN change your life!!!

STRENGTH OR WEAKNESS

Sometimes your biggest weakness can become your biggest strength.

Take, for example, the story of one 10-year-old boy who
decided to study judo despite the fact that he had lost his left arm in a devastating car accident.

The boy began lessons with an old Japanese judo master. The boy
was doing well, so he couldn't understand why, after three months of training the master had taught him only one move.

"Sensei," the boy finally said, "Shouldn't I be learning more moves?""This is the only move you know, but this is the only move you'll ever need to know," the sensei replied.

Not quite understanding, but believing in his teacher, the boy kept
training.

Several months later, the sensei took the boy to his first tournament.Surprising himself, the boy easily won his first two matches. The third match proved to be more difficult, but after some time, his opponent became impatient and charged; the boy deftly used his one move to win the match. Still amazed by his success, the boy was now in the finals.

This time, his opponent was bigger, stronger, and more experienced. For a while, the boy appeared to be over matched. Concerned that the boy might get hurt, the referee called a time-out. He was about to stop the match when the sensei intervened.
"No," the sensei insisted, "Let him continue."

Soon after the match resumed, his opponent made a critical mistake: he dropped his guard. Instantly, the boy used his move to pin him. The boy had won the match and the tournament. He was the champion.

On the way home, the boy and sensei reviewed every move in each
and every match. Then the boy summoned the courage to ask what
was really on his mind."Sensei, how did I win the tournament with only one move?"

"You won for two reasons," the sensei answered. "First, you've almost mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo. And second, the only known defense for that move is for your opponent to grip your left arm."

The boy's biggest weakness had become his biggest strength.

MALAYALAM SONG MANUSHYAN

Today I wish to share lyrics of a Malayalam song with translation. One of the best Favourite songs from the subcontinent. This song is one that really moves me. The lyrics, the music everything. Vayalar Rama Varma wrote the song “Manushyan Mathangale Srishtichu”.The lyrics of Vayalar are amazing from the word go and his lines are always tinged with a deep intuitive philosophy.

Blessed with an innate sense of music, Vayalar's lyrics blended seamlessly with tunes. He took the dreams and despair of an entire generation, and, through his lyrics, touched them with the colors of the rainbow.

Evergreen song of Vayalar, very inspirational too. The simplicity yet profound lyrics are amazing. All his songs have this amazing endearing quality particularly this one. This Song really depicts a feeling of true human being. I think if all people try to live in peace and harmony the world would be the best place than the heaven.

A great composition by G Devarajan an excellent and unforgettable, and an Evergreen song to be remembered for ever by all generation

Vayalar Rama Varma 

Precious wordings. Every stanza is golden and pierces our heart!This all-time great and delightful song is from the movie “Achanum Bappayum” (1972)” sung by the great singer Sri. K.J.Yesudas. The song is a very inspiring song. The song is the best ever made on humanistic ideals.

Pallavi:-

Manushyan mathangale srushtichu
Man the creator of religion
Mathangal daivangale srushtichu
Religions the creator of god
Manushyanum mathangalum daivangalum koodi mannu pangu vechu
Man, religions and god together divided the sand
Manasu pangu vachu
Divided the heart
Manushyan mathangale srushtichu
Man the creator of religion

Charanam:-

Hinduvaayee, Musslamaanaayee, christianiyaayi
we became Hindus, Muslims, Christians
Nammale kandaalariyaathaayee
when we meet we stopped recognizing each other
Lokham bhranthaalayamaayee
world became a lunatic asylum
Aayiramaayira maanava hrudhayangal
Thousands and thousands human hearts
aayudha purakalaayee
became the weapon ground (battle)
Dhaivam theruvil marikkunnu
while god is dying in the streets
chekuthaan chirikkunnu
devil smiles

2nd charanam:-

Sathyamevide soundaryamevide
where is the truth, where is the beauty
Swathanthryamevide
where is the freedom
Nammude Raktha bandangalevide
where is our blood bondage
Nithya snehangalevide
where is our eternal affection
Aayiram yugangalil orikkal varaarulloravathaarangal evide
The avatar once comes in thousand years, where are they
Manushyan theruvil marikkunnu
while man is dying on the streets
Mathangal chirikkunnu
religions are smiling


My most favourite song because of the wonderful lyrics with the beautiful meaning and the message. This song gives a thought about humanity to all of us.

It is my personal opinion and I feel that a copy of this song with its translation should be made available to all especially to those people who feel proud by thinking that their religion is great, especially religious leaders, politicians of this world other than the common man, so that they can really understand the meaning of Mankind / Humanity and stop dividing the society.

A song that made me visualize and feel a touch of divinity and a moral to be lived and taken as a part of daily living by every individual. All religions leads to the same destination– It teaches the right path to live life with grace, peace and love thereby adding true meaning to life. This world has many religion but children born in any religion have one thing in common and very priceless — Parents.

I would like to label this song as “A HUMANITARIAN SONG”.

SHIVLINGA ASHTAKAM

Shiv Linga Ashtakam Mantra is a highly revered prayer to Lord Shiva. Shiva Lingashtakam Mantra features eight Stanzas on Shivalinga and it is said that any Shiva devotee who chants the holy octet of the Shiva Lingam with great devotion would in the end get moksha and reach the Shiva Lok (the world of Lord Shiva).

Here is the Lyrics of Shiva Lingashtakam stotra with English Meaning translated by PR Ramachander.

Shiva Lingashtakam Mantra Lyrics - Shiva Linga Ashtakam Mantra Lyrics

Brahma Murari surarchita Lingam
Nirmala bhasita sobhita Lingam
Janmaja dukha vinasaka Lingam
Tat pranamami Sadasiva Lingam

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu and other Devas,
Which is pure and resplendent,
And which destroys sorrows of birth.

Devamuni pravararchita Lingam
Kamadahana karunakara Lingam
Ravana darpa vinasaka Lingam
Tat pranamami Sadasiva Lingam

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is worshipped by great sages and devas,
Which destroyed the god of love,
Which showers mercy,
And which destroyed the pride of Ravana.

Sarva sugandhi sulepita Lingam
Buddhi vivardhana karana Lingam
Siddha surasura vandita Lingam
Tat pranamami Sadasiva Lingam

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is anointed by perfumes,
Which leads to growth of wisdom,
And which is worshipped by sages, devas and asuras.

Kanaka maha mani bhushita Lingam
Paniphati veshtitha shobhita Lingam
Dakshasu yajna vinashana Lingam
Tat pranamami Sadasiva Lingam

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is ornamented by gold and great jewels,
Which shines with the snake being with it,
And which destroyed the Yagna of Daksha.

Kumkuma chandana lepita Lingam
Pankaja hara sushosbhita Lingam
Sanchita papa vinashana Lingam
Tat pranamami Sadasiva Lingam

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is adorned by sandal paste and saffron,
Which wears the garland of lotus flowers,
And which can destroy accumulated sins.

Devaganarchita sevita Lingam
Bhavair bhaktibhi revacha Lingam
Dinakarakoti prabhakara Lingam
Tat pranamami Sadasiva Lingam

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is served by gods and other beings,
Which is the doorway for devotion and good thought,
And which shines like billions of Suns.

Ashtadalo pariveshtia Lingam
Sarva samudbhava karana Lingam
Ashtadaridra vinashana Lingam
Tatpranamami Sadashiva Lingam

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is surrounded by eight petals,
Which is the prime reason of all riches,
And which destroys eight types of poverty.

Suraguru suravara pujita Lingam
Suravana pushpa sadarchita Lingam
Paratparam paramatmaka Lingam
Tatpranamami Sadashiva Lingam

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is worshipped by the teacher of gods,
Which is worshipped by the best of gods,
Which is always worshipped by the flowers,
From the garden of Gods,
Which is the eternal abode,
And which is the ultimate truth.

Lingashtakamidam punyam
Yat Pathet Shivasannidhau
Shivalokamavapnoti
Shivena saha modate.

Any one who chants the holy octet of the Lingam,
In the holy presence of Lord Shiva,
Would in the end reach the world of Shiva, ,

FEBRUARY 12 MAHASHIVRATHRI

In the trinity of gods – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva – Lord Shiva is the one who destroys that which is old and impure in order to make room for a new creation of that which is pure and divine. Lord Shiva annihilates our egos, our attachments and our ignorance. Many fear Lord Shiva’s destructive capacity, and yet it is destruction for the purpose of regeneration. Without death, life cannot begin a new. Without the annihilation of old habits, attachments and ego, we cannot progress toward the goal of God realization. Unless our “vessel” has been emptied of all that is old, negative and impure, it cannot be filled with divine qualities.

Shivaratri or Maha Shivratri is one of the major Hindu festivals celebrated with gaiety. Shivaratri is one of the holiest nights of the year. It is the night dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. Literally, Shivratri means, “The great night of Shiva.” It is celebrated on the 13th or 14th day of the dark half of the month of maaga masam (February - March). Maha Shivaratri 2010 date is February 12, 2010. Devotees observe upvas (fasting) and Jagran (Keep vigil during night) on Shivratri to get blessings of Lord Shiva.

Mahashivaratri is not only a ritual but also a cosmic definition of the Hindu universe. It dispels ignorance, emanates the light of knowledge, makes one aware of the universe, ushers in the spring after the cold and dry winter, and invokes the supreme power to take cognizance of the beings that were created by him.

How to celebrate Shivrathri:-

Shivrathri is the day when rituals and worship are given more importance. It is a day of renunciation and prayer. It is a day to realize the knowledge and cleanse ignorance. Shiva is believed to have appeared in the form of ‘Lingodabhavamurti’ or Jyotir Linga (A lingam which had no end and beginning and it symbolizes Brahman) on the Shivratri night.

It is said that one should practice non-violence on this day. Then are things like not to lie, strict, be compassionate etc. But these things should be practiced on all days. So one need not wait for Shivaratri to be compassionate.

Generally most people fast on Shivaratri day by chanting Panchakshari mantra ‘Om Namah Shivaya.’ Next is keeping vigil all night by worshipping Lord Shiva. Worshipping Shiva with Bilva leaves is considered highly auspicious.

It is said that the offering of Bel leaves on the occasion of Shivratri is so auspicious that even one who offers them unknowingly (as in the case of the hunter Suswara) will attain liberation.

Some people keep on bathing Shivling at night with milk, curd, sugar, honey and ghee. But for some people this would be hard to do. So, simple water will do. Remember, Shiva accepts anything when given with utmost devotion.

If you are unable to observe fast or Keep vigil during night, you can observe the day by chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya.’

The Mahashivratri fasting begins on the morning of Shivratri and ends next day morning or the Amavasya morning. Since it is a long Upvaas or Vrat, many people consume a special meal known as ‘phalar.’

Some people observing fast consume a mid-day meal consisting of non-cereal food such as boiled potatoes which is made into a curry without onion, garlic. Most devotees go for a fruit diet and drink lots of water. No meal is eaten after sunset. Next meal is taken on the morning of Amavasi after doing puja and giving alms.

The entire night is spend in a nearby Shiva temple or by chanting Mantras or listening to stories related to Shiva. Some of the important mantras that are chanted on the day include: Shiva Panchakshari Mantra – Om Namah Shivaya or chanting the sacred names of Lord Shiva.

All the rituals on the night of Shivratri are meant to cleanse the ignorance and realize the Brahmn manifest in you. The fasting, rituals and chanting are meant to kill desire, greed, illusion, arrogance, jealousy, and anger. This will make you a better person and prepare you to face the challenges.

Puranas contain many stories and legends describing the origin of this festival. The stories and the messages of Bhagwan Shiva are innumerable; one of the most important is the story of how He – for the sake of humanity – swallowed the poison which emerged from the ocean.

The story says that the devas and the demons, were churning the ocean in search of the pot of the nectar of immortality. However, after a great deal of effort, what emerged was not nectar, but poison!! This happens frequently in life as well. When we embark upon a divine plan or when we undertake a noble challenge, frequently before the success comes, before our effort bears fruit, we face failure or condemnation or seemingly insurmountable hurdles. Yet, we must never give up.

The devas and demons knew that in order to continue churning, and ultimately to unearth the Divine nectar, they could not simply toss the poison aside. Someone had to drink it. But, naturally, no one was willing to drink the poison. Everyone had some excuse for why he or she was too valuable to be sacrificed. Finally, Bhagwan Shiva came forward, very calmly and with serene poise. He said “I will drink the poison if it will preserve peace in the family and enable my brothers and sisters to attain the nectar of immortality.”

After drinking the poison, and thereby enabling the churning to continue, Bhagwan Shiva held the poison in his throat –This made his throat turn blue, and he was given the name Neelakantha, the blue-throated one. Shivaratri is the celebration of this event by which Shiva saved the world.

After drinking the poison, and thereby enabling the churning to continue, Bhagwan Shiva held the poison in his throat and sat peacefully in meditation for eternity. In our lives, in our families, so much poison emerges – between parents and children, between husband and wife, between in-laws. We wait and wait for the divine nectar to emerge, but it seems that only poison comes. So many times people complains, “why should I always be the one to compromise? Why should I always be the one to sacrifice? Why should I always say I’m sorry? It’s not fair!”

Bhagwan Shiva went to the Himalayas, to the land now called Neelkanth to meditate after he drank the poison. The message is that when poison emerges in the home, when poison emerges anywhere in our lives, when we feel like if we swallow it we will die, but if we don’t drink it then the fight will continue – the secret is to meditate! You don’t have to go to the Himalayas. Just create your own Himalayas. Wherever you are. First, be the one to accept the poison. Be the one to sacrifice, apologize and concede humbly. Then go, sit and meditate peacefully. This is not weakness, but strength.

Poison always comes; obstacles always come. When we work for good causes, when we embark upon divine work, the poison always comes before the nectar. However, we must never get discouraged. We must never give up. If the devas and demons had forfeited the churning at the sign of poison, the nectar of immortality would never have emerged, and it would have been a tragedy for the world. Similarly, we must always have faith that the nectar WILL come. It is only a matter of time. We must be willing to churn and churn, no matter what comes – be it poison or nectar.

On the night of Shivratri as we remember the churning between the devas and demons for the nectar of immortality, we must take another lesson to heart. After the nectar emerged, the demons tried to abscond with it. Thus they would be ever more powerful and ever more able to destroy their brothers, the devas. However, through a series of divine interventions, the devas emerged the victors and the ones with the gift of immortality.

On this night of Shivratri, as we worship Bhagwan Shiva, it is also the night that we must pray for the strength to take his message to heart! Let us not only worship him, but let us emulate him. He who is willing to peacefully swallow the poison, he who is willing to sacrifice for the family, for the community and for humanity is the true Mahadeva.

The night of Shivratri is especially auspicious for winning this same battle within ourselves – the battle between good and evil, between right and wrong, between poison and nectar, between death and immortality.

Let us use our puja, our prayers, our meditations on this night to pray for divine intervention so that within ourselves the good might vanquish the evil, the nectar within us might emerge, rather than poison, and that we too may be carried from death to immortality.