FIVE MORE MINUTES

While at the park one day, a woman sat down next to a man on a bench near a playground.

“That’s my son over there,” she said, pointing to a little boy in a red sweater who was gliding down the slide.

“He’s a fine looking boy” the man said. “That’s my daughter on the bike in the white dress.”

Then, looking at his watch, he called to his daughter. “What do you say we go, Melissa?”

Melissa pleaded, “Just five more minutes, Dad. Please? Just five more minutes.”

The man nodded and Melissa continued to ride her bike to her heart’s content.

Minutes passed and the father stood and called again to his daughter. “Time to go now?”

Again Melissa pleaded, “Five more minutes, Dad. Just five more minutes.”

The man smiled and said, “OK.” “My, you certainly are a patient father,” the woman responded.

The man smiled and then said, “Her older brother Tommy was killed by a drunk driver last year

while he was riding his bike near here. I never spent much time with Tommy and now

I’d give anything for just five more minutes with him. I’ve vowed not to make the same mistake with Melissa.

She thinks she has five more minutes to ride her bike.

The truth is, I get Five more minutes to watch her play.”

Moral: Life is all about making priorities, and family is one and only priority

on top of all other, so spend all time you can with loved ones.

PUREST RAY SERENE--LOVE

Love is, in my opinion, the most beautiful of human experiences. It is one emotion that can be felt in whatever we go through, happy or otherwise.

The feeling of love is manifested in four basic ways.

The first one is that of universal love. If we can feel compassion for whoever we come across, we are expressing universal love. This is what Vaasudev Krishna means in the Bhagwad Geeta when He tells that the truly educated are ‘samadarshi’ and look upon a dog and a respectable person with equal compassion. It is this love which makes us merciful towards those who had hurt us.
It was universal love that made Jesus cry out to God even as he was crucified,
“Forgive them, Father; they know not what they do.”


The second type of love is what we feel for people who have made a positive difference to us. We are comfortable with them and life seems incomplete without their presence in some way or the other. These are the people from whom we receive love: usually, our friends and family. This sort of love encourages and empowers us. Such love leaves us with a warm feeling of acceptance. If a friend calls you “the purest ray serene”, can you ever forget it?

The third type of love is exclusive. It is meant for that one person who you love in a way you can love no one else. When this love happens, you understand that it is not mere infatuation or attraction. Deep in you soul, you recognize the person to be your one true love. Whether life gives you the chance to marry that person or not, does not affect your feelings. Just feeling that exclusive love for that special person makes life worth living.

The fourth manifestation of love is for the Almighty. If we can love God as our best friend and see His hand in all that happens in the world, we are endowed with a sense of peace and positive acceptance.
We can deal with pain and disappointments when we feel this love which helps us to be patient and to understand that things happen for a reason. This love teaches us that death is not a loss but a moving-on to the next phase of our eternal journey.

Love, thus, is all that matters.

COURTESY:AYESHA PARVEEN

NICE SAYINGS

MOST PRECIOUS REWARD

Praise is well, compliment is well, but affection-that is the last and final most
precious reward that any man can win, whether by character or achievement.
–MARK TWAIN


YOU WILL FIND YOUR FRIEND

When everything has gone the other way, when everyone has turned against you, just leave all matters to their own, kneel to the lord, and you will find your friend.


PEOPLE GREAT AND STRONG

Not Gold but only men can make a people great and strong.
Men who,for truth and honour sake stand fast and suffer long.


RIGHTEOUSNESS

Righteousness will ultimately triumph over evil, so never be downhearted, and never give way to the deadly emotions of anger, envy, fear, and grief.

BEST RULES

The best rules to form a young man are to talk little, to hear much,
to distrust one’s own opinions and value others that deserve it.


FRUITS OF EVIL DEEDS
Not in the skies nor in the ocean depths, not in the mountain caves, nor anywhere on earth is there a spot where a man can escape the fruit of his evil deeds.


SUREST WAY TO FIND HAPPINESS

One of the surest ways to find happiness for your self is to devote your energies towards making someone else happy, if you set out to search for happiness you will never find it. But if you try to bring happiness to someone else, then it comes to you.


The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience,but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
Martin Luther King Jr.



--

DIFFICULTIES

Difficult challenges can come into your life when you least expect them,
and when you can ill afford them.

Yet there they are, bullying their way into your world.
If you try to ignore them or deny them, they just get bigger and more problematic.

The more you let them worry you and get you down, the more helpless they make you.

A life full of challenge is often stressful and uncomfortable, but it is vastly
better than the alternative, which is a life full of nothing.

Your own particular challenges may seem
extremely unfair, and they probably are.

But that doesn't make them any less real,
nor does it make you any less obligated to confront and endure them.

Accept the challenges when they appear, and you're well on the way to overcoming them.

Though they bring disruption and pain, they also bring growth and power.
Sometimes what is best for us, is not what we would choose.

Life is difficult and in it we find unimaginable joy.
Accept it all and live it for all it's worth.

MOTIVE MATTERS

Almost every religion & book on values prescribes people to do good acts and think positive. In order to convince people to do good, they talk about the benefits in the form of better relations with people, better environment, a place in heaven etc. This certainly is good as it encourages otherwise negative, lazy or disinterested people to do good work. We see people practicing charity and doing service etc. to others with high enthusiasm and fervour.

The Sanatana Dharma - also known commonly as Hindu religion - recommends that people do good acts without any motive. Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita that one should practice Karma Yoga or do actions without any motive or desire. The reason for this recommendation is simple - while actions are in our control, results are not. Moreover, if actions are motivated mainly by results, one can see a reversal in enthusiasm if the desired results are not met.

Actions carried out with a selfish motive are also dangerous. Selfishness usually denotes an interest for gaining something for oneself at the cost of others. As long as one is selfish, one tends to become biased and unfair. One justifies this behaviour by various methods and arguments. The other problem with "selfish good acts" is that it stops as soon as the self interest is served.

Motives do matter even if one is doing a good thing.

COURTESY:-VISHESH

GROW IN TO THE CHALLENGES

When a new challenge arises, you might think that you need to first acquire some new skill or knowledge or resource in order to deal with that challenge. Yet in every case, you can begin with something you already have, and then steadily grow into the challenge.

Along the way you will most certainly acquire new skills, develop new knowledge, gain access to new resources. That is a big part of the value of challenge.

Yet the best starting point is where you are. The sooner you begin, the sooner you will grow strong enough to move successfully through whatever challenge you face.

There is a path that leads directly to the most positive outcome you can imagine. And the first step on that path is right in front of you.

No matter how imposing the challenge, no matter how ambitious the goal, you have what is necessary to take the first step. And once you're on your way, you'll find and develop what you need to continue.

Move confidently forward in the direction you know you must go. Start with what you have, and you'll grow into whatever you need.

-- Ralph Marston

ANECDOTES

SUCCESS

“I have found the road to success no easy matter” said the businessman.”
I started at the bottom. I worked twelve hours a day.
I sweated. I fought. I took abuse.
I did things I did not approve of. But I kept right on climbing the ladder.
“And now of course, you are a success? Prompted the interviewer.
No I wouldn’t say that” replied the businessman with a laugh.”
just quote me as saying that
I have become expert at climbing ladders.

*******
“My boy said the businessman executive,
there are two things that are vitally necessary
if you are to succeed in the business”.
What are they dad?
“Honesty and sagacity”.
“What is honesty?
“Always-no matter what happens nor how adversely it may effect you always
keep your word once you have given it.
And sagacity
Never give your word.

***************
Once Einstein was asked for the secret of his success. He said, if A is success in life,
I should say that the formula for success is A equals x plus y plus z, with x standing
for work and y for play but what is z?
That is keeping your mouth shut.

***************

HOW TO EARN RESPECT

I overheard two senior citizens talking about something animatedly. One said "I really felt insulted when he did what he did. After all I deserve some respect. I retired as Chief of XYZ organisation and I am no ordinary guy. I still feel hurt and upset over that incident....". He went on and on. How many of us have felt similarly at some stage in our lives? We all crave for recognition and respect. And if there are instances where we experience something else, we feel hurt and brood over it for a long long time.

I remember a favourite saying heard in my childhood days "Command Respect and don't Demand Respect". I always felt that it is important to know how to command respect and this blog attempts to address this question.

In order to command respect from other, we would need to do one or more things from the list given below. This list is only indicative and not exhaustive. Moreover, it is not listed in any particular order other than how it occurred to me. To earn and retain respect, we should:

1. Give respect to others and their feelings
2. Be humble
3. Work without expectations
4. Be selfless
5. Have courage
6. Have high integrity
7. Listen more
8. Speak well
9. Deliver on promises

It occurs to me that people tend to genuinely respect only those people who live a life of values. Others may be able to create a false respect out of fear or greed but these are short lived and certainly not heartfelt. Whatever your role in life may be - whether as a boss, a friend, a mother, a teacher, a parent or anything else, in my considered view, real respect is only reserved for value based living.

BY:V.SESHADIRI

EMBRACING VALUES

Yesterday I read in the newspapers that B schools are planning to introduce and cover the subject of ethics in their curriculum. This thought has come about after seeing many scams that have been perpetrated by the educated professionals. I was heartened by this news as this subject is close to my heart.

I have always believed that the world will become difficult to live in unless everyone lives a life of values. Anarchy. lawlessness, violence, cheating etc. will thrive without values being practiced in earnest by people. We might progress materially but will decay in every other aspect without values guiding our lives.

Having said this, I feel that ethics or values cannot be inculcated by teaching it as a subject and getting students to learn the theory of values. People who have ethics as a subject to be passed to become a graduate might end up mugging this subject and not really understanding it or imbibing it. The very objective of introducing the subject and inculcating it might get diluted if were to be a mere topic for study.

What then is the way forward? I give below some thoughts that come to mind and hope to see it getting enriched by the comments of my readers.

1. Ethics education should begin early. Right from childhood. The parents, siblings and others who make up the child's world (core group) should be actively involved in educating the child right from the impressionable age.

2. The core group should also demonstrate and live a life of values at all times. The child who is thus exposed to value living at an early age will imbibe it and practice it.

3. Encouragement should be given to the child every time she confirms to the value living concept. She should be lavishly praised for every single example in her life which shows values. Her mind should thus get firm on living a life of values.

4. If there are errors or judgement or occasions of default, it should be noted but not excessively dwelt upon. Instead, encouragement / positive strokes should be used liberally to imbibe values.

5. Others should also be spoken of highly for the values they show. This will create an intense desire in the child to inculcate those values too.

6. Children love hearing stories and they should get to hear, see and read stories wherein the themes revolve around values. The main characters should be exemplars in this area.

7. School should also be having curriculum, methods and standards which encourage values. Yardstick for judging a child should be the demonstration of values and not success / wealth etc. acquired through unfair means.

8. Society should also be built on similar lines. People who live ethically should be recognised, appreciated and even rewarded more than others who do not follow. They are the ones who should be treated as the heroes of every society.

9. Only such people who live ethically and with values should be allowed to elect and be elected as leaders and law makers.

I think the above steps outlined gives a fair idea of how I think. I know it can be branded as impractical and impossible to implement. However, I feel that if we want a clean society, we have no option but implement the above. If we work towards this relentlessly, we will eventually achieve our objective.

I am looking forward to your views on how we can create a world for the future generations which will be a pleasure for them to live in.

courtesy: Vishwanath Seshadri

THE BLIND HORSE

Near my home is a field, with two horses in it.

From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing....

Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him.

This alone is amazing.

If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field.

Attached to the horse's halter is a small bell. It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow.

As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other horse is, trusting that he will not be led astray.

When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, it stops occasionally and looks back, making sure that the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges.

He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.

Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way....

Good friends are like that ... You may not always see them, but you know they are always there.

Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours.

Live simply,
Love generously,
Care deeply,
Speak kindly....
Leave the rest to God

THE STRANGEST SECRET

An excerpt from
The Strangest Secret
by Earl Nightingale

George Bernard Shaw said, "People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, make them."

Well, it's pretty apparent, isn't it? And every person who discovered this believed (for a while) that he was the first one to work it out. We become what we think about.

Now, it stands to reason that a person who is thinking about a concrete and worthwhile goal is going to reach it, because that's what he's thinking about. And we become what we think about.

Conversely, the person who has no goal, who doesn't know where he's going, and whose thoughts must therefore be thoughts of confusion, anxiety, fear and worry - his life becomes one of frustration, fear, anxiety and worry. And if he thinks about nothing...he becomes nothing.

How does it work? Why do we become what we think about? Well, I'll tell you how it works, as far as we know. To do this, I want to tell you about a situation that parallels the human mind.

Suppose a farmer has some land, and it's good, fertile land. The land gives the farmer a choice; he may plant in that land whatever he chooses. The land doesn't care. It's up to the farmer to make a decision.

We're comparing the human mind with the land because the mind, like the land, doesn't care what you plant in it. It will return what you plant, but it doesn't care what you plant.

Now, let's say that the farmer has two seeds in his hand - one is a seed of corn, the other is nightshade, a deadly poison. He digs two little holes in the earth and he plants both seeds - one corn, the other nightshade. He covers up the holes, waters and takes care of the land...and what will happen? Invariably, the land will return what was planted. As it's written in the Bible,

"As ye sow, so shall ye reap."

Remember, the land doesn't care. It will return poison in just as wonderful abundance as it will corn. So up come the plants - one corn, one poison. The human mind is far more fertile, far more incredible and mysterious than the land, but it works the same way. It doesn't care what we plant...success...or failure. A concrete, worthwhile goal...or confusion, misunderstanding, fear, anxiety, and so on. But what we plant it must return to us.

You see, the human mind is the last great, unexplored continent on earth. It contains riches beyond our wildest dreams. It will return anything we want to plant.

POWER OF LOVE

You can transform your world in an instant by the way you
Choose to see it. You can change problems into
Opportunities, anxiety into enthusiasm, and despair into
Determination.

The quality of what you see depends on the perspective from
Which you see it. And that perspective is entirely up to
You.

Instead of reacting again and again to the chaotic ups and
Downs of circumstance, you have a more powerful choice. You
Can choose to live from a constant and unassailable
Perspective of love.

Instead of fighting against most of what happens, you can
Choose to be lifted higher by all that happens. From a
Perspective of love you'll see the positive possibilities in
Every situation.

The way to live from love is to be completely and wholly
Honest with yourself. In the pure truth of who you are and
What you sincerely value, is the limitless power of that
Love.

Allow you to be truly you. And let the power of love color
Your world.

~Ralph Marston~

GOD'S UNDER THE BED

My brother Kevin thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night. He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped outside his closed door to listen. "Are you there, God?" he said. "Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed."

I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world in which Kevin lives. He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult. He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas, and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.

I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life? Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, returning to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed. The only variation in the entire scheme are laundry days, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child. He does not seem dissatisfied. He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work. He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores.

And Saturdays--oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger. "That one's goin' to Chi-car-go!" Kevin shouts as he claps his hands. His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights.

I don't think Kevin knows anything exists outside his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips He doesn't know what it means to be discontent. His life is simple. He will never know the entanglements of wealth or power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. He recognizes no differences in people, treating each person as an equal and a friend. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be. His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it. He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax. He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure. He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue.

Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God. Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God-- to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an "educated" person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion. In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity, I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith. It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions. It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap -- I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances -- they all become disabilities when I do not submit
them to Christ.

Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of the Lord. And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed. Kevin won't be surprised at all....

SOURCE:UNKNOWN

THREE C'S TO AVOID

Peace of mind is something that we all crave for. We cannot achieve this state without putting effort. After all, peace of mind is not something that can be procured by spending money or by force. The mind needs to be balanced and in equilibrium before it can reach that state. For the mind to be balanced, we have several 'dos' and 'don’ts' to follow. Given below are three 'don’ts' which go a long way to achieve that state. They are described as the three Cs.

Criticizing: The first C is criticizing. It is one of the most natural talents that we all have. Our minds seem to be tuned to find fault and spot blemishes. Many a times, we see problems where none exist. It is as if our minds have the uncanny knack of identifying a problem. At the same time, our tongues are eager to let others know of our 'superiority' in being able to articulate those problems. When we criticize thus, unnecessarily, we are unknowingly building resistance as well as enemies. These lead to unwarranted arguments and attempts to prove a point. Moreover, our minds which get clouded in negativity refuse to let us reach the state of equilibrium.

Complaining: The other C is similar to the first C and yet more damaging. Complaining is taking criticism to a higher level and almost results in condemning others. As long as it is constructive in nature and comes with intent to resolve and rectify, it is still bearable. What takes the cake is complaining which sounds like whining. It is other extreme of appreciating. It creates a huge negative whirlpool from which we are unable to extricate ourselves. We also carry the feelings of hurt and annoyance in our minds which prevents us from experiencing bliss.

Comparing: Another C which we seem to be unable to avoid is the comparison bug. It is almost like a virus which is in the air. Many of us are comparing all the time - ourselves with those around us. It could be about anything - wealth, friends, physique, job, dogs, appliances etc. It gives us momentary pleasure when we see others in a worse situation than us and also give us sleepless nights when we see others enjoying more than us. Comparison is a never ending maze where people get lost and unable to recover their bearings. It is a method of inventing joy / sorrow out of nothing.

These three Cs are best avoided and conscious efforts taken to prevent ourselves from getting entrapped here. It would be a good idea to ask one of our close spiritual friends to help us in the process. If someone were to remind us each time we use these Cs, it will help us tremendously in making course corrections. Over time, we might become habituated to completely avoid them and progress towards the much coveted state of peace in our minds.

courtesy: Vishwanath Seshadri

THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE

Today, when I awoke, I suddenly realized
that this is the best day of my life, ever!
There were times when I wondered if
I would make it to today; but I did!

And because I did I'm going to celebrate!
Today, I'm going to celebrate what an
unbelievable life I have had so far:
the accomplishments, the many blessings,
and, yes, even the hardships because
they have served to make me stronger.

I will go through this day with my
head held high, and a happy heart.
I will marvel at God's seemingly simple gifts:
the morning dew, the sun, the clouds, the trees,
the flowers, the birds.
Today, none of these miraculous creations
will escape my notice.

Today, I will share my excitement for life
with other people. I'll make someone smile.

I'll go out of my way to perform an
unexpected act of kindness
for someone I don't even know.
Today, I'll give a sincere compliment to
someone who seems down.

I'll tell a child how special he/she is,
and I'll tell someone I love
just how deeply I care for her and
how much she means to me.

Today is the day I quit worrying about
what I don't have and start
being grateful for all the wonderful things
God has already given me.
I'll remember that to worry is just a waste of time
because my faith in God
ensures everything will be just fine.

And tonight, before I go to bed,
I'll go outside and raise my eyes to the heavens.
I will stand in awe at the beauty of the stars and the moon,
and I will praise God for these magnificent treasures.

As the day ends and I lay my head down on my pillow,
I will thank the Almighty for the best day of my life.
And I will sleep the sleep of a contented child,
excited with expectation
because I know tomorrow is going to be
the best day of my life, ever!

Copyright Gregory M. Lousignont, Ph.D.

WHATS FOR DINNER

A man feared his wife wasn’t hearing as well as she used to and he thought she might need a hearing aid. Not quite sure how to approach her, he called the family Doctor to discuss the problem. The Doctor told him there is a simple informal test the husband could perform to give the Doctor a better idea about her hearing loss.

Here’s what you do,” said the Doctor, “stand about 40 feet away from her, and in a normal conversational speaking tone see if she hears you. If not, go to 30 feet, then 20 feet, and s o on until you get a response.”

That evening, the wife is in the kitchen cooking dinner, and he was in the den. He says to himself, “I’m about 40 feet away, let’s see what happens.” Then in a normal tone he asks, ‘Honey, what’s for dinner?” No response.

So the husband moves to closer to the kitchen, about 30 feet from his wife and repeats, “Honey, what’s for dinner?” Still no response.

Next he moves into the dining room where he is about 20 feet from his wife and asks, Honey, what’s for dinner?”

“James, for the FIFTH time I’ve said, CHICKEN!”

Moral: The problem may not be with the other one as we always think, could be very much within us..!

Again he gets no response so, He walks up to the kitchen door, about 10 feet away. “Honey, what’s for dinner?” Again there is no response.

So he walks right up behind her. “Honey, what’s for dinner?”

“James, for the FIFTH time I’ve said, CHICKEN!”

Moral: The problem may not be with the other one as we always think,
could be very much within us..!

THE CAB DRIVER

Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. One time I arrived in the middle of the night for a pick up at a building that was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window.

Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice, wait a minute, then drive away. But I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on taxis as their only means of transportation. Unless a situation smelled of danger, I always went to the door. This passenger might be someone who needs my assistance, I reasoned to myself. So I walked to the door and knocked.

“Just a minute,” answered a frail, elderly voice.

I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 80′s stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase.

The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

“Would you carry my bag out to the car?” she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness.

“It’s nothing,” I told her. “I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated.”

“Oh, you’re such a good boy,” she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, then asked, “Could you drive through downtown?”

“It’s not the shortest way,” I answered quickly.

“Oh, I don’t mind,” she said. “I’m in no hurry. I’m on my way to a hospice.”

I looked in the rear view mirror. Her eyes were glistening.

“I don’t have any family left,” she continued. “The doctor says I don’t have very long.”

I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. “What route would you like me to take?” I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.

Sometimes she’d ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, “I’m tired. Let’s go now.”

We drove in silence to the address she had given me.

It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

“How much do I owe you?” she asked, reaching into her purse.

“Nothing,” I said.

“You have to make a living,” she answered.

“There are other passengers.”

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.

“You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,” she said. “Thank you.”

I squeezed her hand, then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.

I didn’t pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly, lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? On a quick review, I don’t think that I have done anything more important in my life. We’re conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware—beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

A true story by Kent Nerburn

This is a very good moral story. patience and the joy of giving are great virtues. may more people see the beauty of sharing some precious moments of their time with someone who needs the grasp of a friendly hand or a warm and beautiful smile. It makes the world a wonderful place t o be in.

I think all of us are given opportunities such as this in life. A chance to learn a profound life-altering lesson from what we might choose to let pass as an insignificant moment. It is about being present, aware, and making a choice to open oneself to the wisdom the Universe lays on our doorstep.

Everyone may have a life full of happiness but to give moments of joy to someone elderly can be a very gratifying feeling. also, that money isn’t everything in life…. sometimes wat you do for sumone else and get their blessings— well that could be great reward. so help people and please dont always look for something in return because something unknown to you could be given to you as a reward in the face of a blessing.

PATRIOTISM

This Monday the country celebrated its 64th year of independence. The day when India woke up to freedom back in 1947 was a day of great celebration. On the stroke of midnight, a country came into life again as the British handed over the governance of India to the Indian leaders. The long and difficult struggle had borne fruit at last, though the happiness was marred by the fact that the country was divided into India and Pakistan and the violent communal riots had left the countries permanently scarred.On the 15th of August, 1947, India became completely independent. It was a day of fulfillment; it was the day of a new beginning, a birth of a nation. But after 64 years, have we really progressed at the desired place and have we really given value to our hard earned freedom?

The days such as Independence day and Republic day conjure up memories of those countless men and women who faced immense hardship and suffering in the heroic struggle for independence. But gone are the times when even for an average citizen, the day held a great importance. Passing time has eroded our values and principles and also importance of these great days. Times have changed and so has the perception of the present generation regarding the importance of this day.The profound effect of this can be seen clearly in current state of affairs. Today, the national days are seen more as a holiday and worst example of this can be seen in schools and colleges where students have little time to attend the flag hoisting ceremony.Indeed it’s very unfortunate that today people are feeling difficult to remember 15th August & 26th January, very important festivals of our nation.

Even the traditional celebrations in schools was marked more with habitual behavior than enthusiasm. The schools and colleges of the country have to keep the attendance compulsory on national occasions. It’s sad to witness that a student comes to attend such solemn occasions due to fear and even adults are not behind in giving least importance to the great day. Its heart wrenching to know they are completely clueless about perhaps the most significant day of our country. However, a lot of youngsters are unaware of the importance of this day — as to what really happened on this day. Many others do not know the difference between Republic Day and Independence Day. Thankfully, some had a vague idea while others remained content in the fact that it was yet another national holiday. In reality, our patriotic fervor today is confined just to the cricket field. We can die for our country when it comes to cricket. If our team wins, we feel we have conquered the whole world. For today’s youth, India is reduced to being a launch pad for entry into US or other cash rich countries, for instance, the episode of Sunita Williams and consequent celebrations in India clearly exhibit to what extent we are obsessed with the western culture. We feel that a foreign label on our foreheads can only shows our true value to the entire world. This is really a dangerous trend. We are losing our own identity in the process. we all can not forget one thing .We are always viewed as Indians no matter how much gum we chew, how much ever expensive car we drive or how much skin we manage to expose. Remember if we do not respect ourselves, no one else will either.

We the Indians have been able to safeguard our culture for five thousand years despite innumerable invasions, because we held on firm to some values. Those values are just as relevant today as they were in past. There are some people who have nothing good to say about India. They always blame their society and country for their slow growth. Whenever they see their country, they see uncontrolled population, malnourished children, corrupt politicians, illiterate villagers and unemployed youngsters. Moreover, they see India not as an Indian but like an American or European. when we don’t know ourselves, our own abilities, we always get blind with others brightness and start feeling ourselves inferior. Things never change over night. The first war for independence started in 1857 and we got independence after ninety years of continuous struggle in 1947. Many of us are unaware of the problems that they faced and atrocities committed. Post freedom we have seen both good and bad things happen. Some have used the principles of freedom in the right way and many have used or still using it in the wrong way. We have progressed in a number of fields such as education, science, defence, information and technology, and at the same time we have topped in corruption, unemployment. In spite of all these achievements we are still viewed as inferior, backward and poor people. Forget about foreigners, our own people misinterpret our country in many occasions. We have our own problems but there is a lot of achievement at the same time.We are the victims of our own success. So look at your country as an Indian and you will find that it is the most beautiful, prosperous and happiest place on the earth to live in. we have forgotten what we are.

In a survey of (1995 to 1997) India's rank for patriotism slips to 4 from 3rd. The spirit of love to country, respect to its countrymen and determination to lead the country to a better future is totally lost in India after independence.
This growing lack of patriotism which is fast spreading its vicious roots in the minds of our youth and children is taking a catastrophic form and must be taken care of. Or else the future of our country which is bestowed with such a rich past/ heritage is going to be in deep waters. Love to country works as backbone of the nation. Without it how can we aim to stand as a Patriotism, the determination for owning our country, the spirit to stand and face all odds to liberate country. It’s up to us, the people, to stand up and feel proud to be a part of this nation which has nurtured our souls and hearts.

It is a time to reflect on how to carry forward our country. To carry forward a country we need to be patriotic. What does it take to be patriotic in today’s India? You don’t have to be a Mahatama Gandhi and lead people to Freedom. You don’t have to be a Subash Chandra Bose and build an army to uproot the British Rule. You don’t have to be a Bhagath Singh and go to the gallows at the tender age of 23. Our forefathers have done all these and much more patriotic acts to ensure that we rule ourselves and decide our futures.

There is so much an individual can contribute towards the progress of our nation. We need to improve the tone of our social and economic life through improved work ethic and environmental behaviour.Today condition is that people are irresponsible and blaming politcs.unfortunately not only in politics even in the attitude and mind set of the average indian citizens always in pursuit of riches for fulfil their materialism and pleasures with easy money.The things within the four wall of the house belong to the individual, and anything outside is government’s property meant for destroying. Mind you do we ever think if government really benefits from this attitude. It is our own money which we pay to the government in the form of tax. The public property is our own property which should be taken care of as we take care of our own home and belongings. Indians must start feel that the nation belongs to them.Even the youth also running after money instead of good career with fine character I personally feel that the seed of patriotism should either ascend from the child hood i.e children or descend from the leaders, later part chances are very very gloomy, hence the only option for the Indian society to strengthen the nation with true patriotism is ethical value based primary education. Alas ! primary education system or any other educational system in India has become too commercial and manufacturing 'MONEY MAKING MACHINES" with high cost of beautiful childhood which one will never get back at any cost.Let us strive for the strengthening of character building primary education.

Patriotism is not a ritual to practice on the Independence Day or Republic day. It is something that inspires us to take the initiative to change the things which we complain everyday and move forward.Patriotism is not just love for one’s country; it is loyalty for and devotion to the principles and values that is linked within the country. It is also being true to oneself, because the first and foremost relationship in this world is the relation that a man develops with himself. It is easy to keep the personal connection with ourselves, but not as easy, with our country. Our relationship with Our country is one of a mother. As a mother is to her child, India should be to us. It is a bond of love, of admiration, of appreciation, and most importantly, of patriotism.

Remember one thing- the country is our mother and we have to be responsible enough to say that I am going to take care of her. Think about the Best for our country still not yet reached. we live in hopes and enthusiasm but nothing is done pragmatically.”It is very important for youth of India to take an opportunity and become a part for growth of the country.

India is not the only country with problems but is certainly amongst the few that does not throw up the solution. As a responsible citizen, we need to provide the solutions.Let us love our country with all its faults, let us work to improve it with all our strength, let us defend it with all our resources, let us hand it on to the coming generations better than what it was when we received it. Let us try to build a nation, which our freedom fighters dreamt of. That will be the real tribute to them!

The youth must feel for the nation and work to uplift the nation. It is now or never. If we truly want India to become a Super Power by 2020 then we must get united and work for it. If do not do so our dreams will only remain a dreams. This failure will weigh heavy on every Indian’s conscience.

Last but not least i wish to conclude with Dr. APJ.Kalam's poem,

I have no house, only open space
Filled with truth, kindness, desire and dreams
Desire to see my country developed and great
Dreams to see happiness and peace abound

Reading Dr. Kalam's poems, my heart fills with patriotism, love and faith. With this same faith I am honoured to be place this poem in MY BLOG.

JAI HIND!!!!

IN EVERY EXPERIENCE

Every choice is an opportunity to make the best choice. Every difficult decision serves as an occasion to firmly reinforce, with your actions, your most deeply held values.

From every mistake, there is much you can learn. In every setback, there are seeds of a more determined, purposeful and effective life.

Every disagreement is an opportunity to more fully understand. Every disappointment helps to shine a light on what you truly value most.

Whatever this day holds, somewhere in it there is positive value. Each moment is filled with possibilities for adding to the richness of life.

If you're determined to make negative judgments and criticisms, you'll find plenty of ways to do so. But what will that accomplish?

Instead, let your life and your awareness resonate with the magnificent abundance that is present in each moment. And you'll find real, useful, enriching value in every experience.

-- Ralph Marston

TRULY CARE

Sincerely care about what you do. Give your full attention and respect to the task at hand.

There are those who depend on the work you are doing. Put yourself in their shoes, and look at the world from their perspective.

You have within you the potential for excellence. That excellence will be realized in your work when you truly care about each thing you do.

Do not fall into the trap of thinking that some particular task is somehow beneath you. Instead, seek to raise up the significance of that task by giving your very best to it.

Each effort is an opportunity to express your highest, most treasured values. Each job is a chance to transform your vision of what life can be into something real and concrete.

The greatest, most valuable achievements are those built with genuine passion. Put passion and sincere care into the work you do, and the results can be astounding.

FEEL GOOD ABOUT LIFE

When you can change things for the better, do it. When you're unable to make any changes in the way things are, you still can change the way you feel.

And your feelings will end up changing your world. Because your feelings have an effect on what you do from moment to moment.

The person you feel like being is the person you will become. The life you most feel like living is the life you will find yourself experiencing.

Feel good about your life, and almost immediately your life will begin to align with that feeling. In each area, on every level, you'll start creating the results that validate and fulfill the feelings.

It may at first seem ridiculous or impossible to feel good when things are not going well. Actually, though, feeling good is really quite pleasant and something you can easily do whenever you choose.

So decide to feel good about life, right here, right now, and as often as possible. Put your feelings to positive use, and they'll help you build a more positive life.

-- Ralph Marston

EXPRESSIONS

An expression of love can be beautiful and moving, yet an expression of love is not love itself. Expressing your intentions, your goals, your hopes and dreams can be powerful and inspiring. Yet the expression alone is not enough. The fulfillment of those intentions, or those hopes and dreams, requires commitment, sacrifice and persistent effort.

Love is more than saying "I love you." Accomplishment is more than saying "I'm going to." Caring is more than saying "I care." No matter how profound the expression, it must be backed up, and followed up, with real and effective action if it is to truly be meaningful.

The best way to make a statement is to make a difference. The best way to show your intention is by doing what you intend to do. If you really want to express your hopes, then work to make them a reality.

The most meaningful expressions are not what you say or how you appear. True expressions are in what you take the time and effort to do.

RALPH MARSTON

REDUCING YOUR NEEDS

One day, a friend of Mahadev Govind Ranade sent a basket of mangoes to their home. Ranade's wife Ramabai washed the mangoes and kept them before Ranade to eat. Having two three slices of mangoes Ranade praised its taste and said to his wife, "You also eat this and give it to the servants also." Ramabai was surprised to see that her husband only had the two three slices of the mango. So she asked her asked husband if his health was all right. Ranade said, "You must be thinking if these mangoes are so delicious then why didn't I eat much? These mangoes are indeed very delicious therefore I am not taking much." Ramabai didn't understand her husband's strange reply.

Then Ranade said, "During my childhood there was a woman in our neighborhood who was extremely rich, but unfortunately lost all her wealth and riches. With great difficulty she used to earn two meals a day for her son and herself. Many a times sitting alone she used to say to herself, "I have been an epicure throughout my life but now I explain my tongue that the days of getting four-six dishes a meal have gone. Many kinds of sweets are now rare and there is no use missing those dishes, still my tongue doesn't understand this, while my son feels contented even after eating this dry meal." Hearing that woman I made a rule to eat only a little of the food that my tongue likes."

Moral: Reducing your needs not only let you enjoy the comfortable days of life but also not let you suffer in the days of pain.

MAKE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL

Make something meaningful

The results you get don't come from the situation. The results you achieve are determined by what you choose to focus upon and what you choose to do.

From the very same set of circumstances, two different people can achieve two vastly different results. The outcome is not based on what they're given, but on what they do with it.

If the results you're getting are not the results you desire, stop looking for someone or something to blame. Start looking for the possibilities that you have not yet considered.

Make your most positive and compelling purpose the filter through which you view everything that happens. That will cause outstanding, powerful possibilities to pop into view.

The world around you is constantly changing. There is always a way to harness the energy of the ever-changing landscape to suit your purpose.

Look calmly and confidently at the situation in which you find yourself. Then step gratefully forward, and make something beautiful, valuable and meaningful out of it all.

-- Ralph Marston

TO BE STRONG

If you want to be strong, be patient, thoughtful and understanding. Anyone can be rude, but it takes real strength to be kind and polite.

If you want to be strong, be persistent. Enduring strength does not come in an instant, but is steadily built over time.

If you want to be strong, get in the habit of taking action. The strongest people are those who act while others only talk or wish.

If you want to be strong, be humble. Put your focus on doing, rather than worrying about getting credit.

If you want to be strong, be joyful. When you enjoy what you're doing, you are far more effective.

If you want to be strong, be yourself. The real strength you have is in the authentic person you are.

-- Ralph Marston

KNOWLEDGE

Once upon a time, lived an erudite but impecunious Brahman, in the town of Maharaja Bhoj. One day, been perturbed by his impoverishment, he decided to rob the palace. At night when everyone was soundly sleeping, he covertly entered the palace. He saw precious gems, jewellery, gold and priceless pots been scattered everywhere around, but whenever he thought of picking up any object his religious knowledge always restrained him from doing so. Finally, with a determined mind, he extended his hand to pick up the gold. Only then, he recollected a line from the Holy Scripture which said, "One who steals the gold goes to hell". Likewise, whenever he thought about stealing anything, his memory recollected the lines from the scriptures which considered theft a sin and he stopped. He spent the whole night in the palace, but he could not steal anything.

At daybreak when the servants began waking up, the Brahman hid under the king's bed from the fear of being caught. When the king woke up, his queens and ladies in waiting respectfully greeted the king. Decorated elephants and horses were also standing outside the palace. Seeing this, the king's heart filled with joy, and he recited the three lines of a sloka. Then he suddenly stopped because he forgot the last line. The Brahman could not stop himself and completed the fourth line. The king startled, and asked the Brahmin to come out from under the bed. When the king asked the Brahmin that in spite of spending the whole night in the palace why he did not steal. The Brahmin said, "King, my religious knowledge guided me and stopped me from committing theft." Been happy with his honesty, the king gave him ample money and ended his poverty forever.

Moral: Knowledge helps us to sense the difference between appropriate, inappropriate and just, unjust. Using this knowledge at the time of various ethical dilemmas we can acquire the right path.

DESTINED TO ACHIEVE

you are a natural-born achiever. That's why focused effort feels so good and so right.

Trees grow toward the sky because that's what trees are meant to do. Storm clouds drop rain across the land because that's what clouds do.

You create new value and solve problems because that is what you are born to do. You make valuable use of opportunities to achieve because achievement is part of who you are.

Whatever else you may possess, you also have a diverse and powerful set of tools for achievement. You can observe, interpret, adjust, respond, prioritize, and imagine.

You can learn valuable lessons in one situation and put them to effective use in another, completely different arena. You can build and teach and cooperate and integrate the best of what has been into a vision of what can be.

In short, you are destined to achieve. Get your excuses, fears and doubts out of the way and allow that destiny to fully unfold.

-- Ralph Marston

STEPS TO SUCCESS

An American businessman was in great trouble due to the labour strike in his factory. Every now and then due to labourer's strike the working of the factory was affected and he had to bear great losses. The businessman thought to take Mr Ford's guidance for the solution of this problem because he was very much impressed by the success of Mr Ford's motor company. When he reached Ford's factory he found that Ford was not in his office. Someone told him that Ford was working with the labourers so the businessman waited for him.

When Ford came back in the office the businessman said, 'You are the boss of this big factory if you will work with the labourers how will they respect you and how will you maintain the discipline?' Ford smiled and said, 'Neither I consider myself as the boss nor I take them as labourers rather we solve the problems together working in a healthy atmosphere. Due to this closeness and harmony the discipline is always maintained and I know that the labourers have great affection and love for me.' Then Ford asked the businessman the reason for his visit. The businessman said, 'I came here to take your opinion on my factory's problems but your behaviour gave me an appropriate guidance.'

Moral: Modesty, closeness, equality, labour and determination are the compulsory elements for the smooth working of any business. Any businessman who possess these qualities in his character and behaviour, his institution will not only be successful but will also prosper.


Aano bhadra krtavo yantu vishwatah.(- RIG VEDA)
"Let noble thoughts come to me from all directions"

REGARDS
Miss.Shaija Vallikatri Bhaskaran

NO ONE ACCEPTED HUMAN HEAD

One day King Ashoka and one of his minister was going somewhere on a chariot. After travelling for a while, they came across a beggar, and the king asked the charioteer to stop. The king dismounted the chariot to meet the beggar, but before leaving, he bowed his head before the beggar and then he moved ahead. The minister did not appreciate this gesture by the king and asked him why had he bowed his head before that beggar. King Ashoka told to him that he would reply to that question the next day. The next day, he gave one bag to his minister in which there was a human head, a goat head and a cow head and told his minister to sell it out.

On hearing this the minister got confused thinking who would buy this, but following king's order he went to sell them, and as he had thought no one bought it. He came back to the king and told him everything. This time the king asked him to offer it for free of cost and the minister managed to gave out the cow and goat head, but no one agreed to take the human head. On hearing this the king smiled and said, "This is the reply for your question, which you asked me yesterday. Human head, which is worthless for mankind, does not loose anything, if it is bowed before any humble and polite person. The fame of being a king is transitory, but love and respect are forever."

Moral: The pride for a position bring in disrespect

CHARACTER

This is a really good story from ancient Hindu Mythology.

Long long ago, there were was a biggest and powerful empire on earth. The king of this empire was a great person, a great warrior, great wise man and great king the same time. He was revered by all. He was King Prahladh. He was so honored and revered that the king of kingdom of gods became jealous of him.

One day the god-king disguised as an old beggar and traveled to the earth. He stood at the doors of the palace on the morning of one very auspicious day of the year. Kings were expected to give generous donations to the needy people on that day. So when the king Prahladh came out of the palace he saw a big line of people waiting for donation. The disguised king of gods was the last one in the line.

When everyone else in the line got pretty much what they wanted and left, the king of gods was the only one left.“O King, Will you give me what I want?” He asked King Pralhad.“Yes.” Said Pralhad.
“I want a promise that you will forfeit all the good things you have.” Demanded the king of Gods.King Pralhad realized that he was tricked. But he had given his word on auspicious day. So he could not back off now.
“So be it.” He said.The king of gods smiled and walked away.
That night king Prahladh went to bed wondering what would happen to him now that he had given away all his good things. Thinking, he fell asleep.

He woke up with a sight of brilliant light. That light was coming out of his body. Slowly that light left his body and took a shape of a woman. She started going away.
“Wait. Who are you? And why are you leaving my body?” Asked Prahladh.
The beautiful and radiant woman turned around and looked at him.
“I am the goddess of wealth. Today you gave away all good things you have. Now I have to leave you.”

King Pralhad nodded and waved goodbye. Slowly going away, she disappeared.
Next morning King Prahladh found that a big fraud had occured and he had to give up all his wealth. He had to leave palace and gardens and move to a simple hut.

That night he saw another radiant woman leaving his body. Upon asking, she said she was goddess of power and she was leaving now. Prahladh thanked he for being with him so far and waved her goodbye. The next day King Prahladh was stripped off of his throne. Then later that night he dreamed the goddess of fame leaving him and then suddenly people forgot who he was and kicked him away from the city. He had to take refuge in the jungle. In the forthcoming days, the goddesses of health, the goddess of luck and the goddess of knowledge left him. He asked those goddesses to be merciful to his kingdom and he let them all go.

A strong, wise and just king of a large emperor, within matter of days was left a destitute person , old and shaky, not able to recognize himself in the mirror. It was like all the worst possible calamities joined hands and attacked him.
Then one night, while Prahladh was sleeping under a tree in remote jungle, alone and hungry. He again he saw a brilliant glow coming out of his body and it morphed into the most beautiful goddess he had seen so far. Barely able to speak, he asked her who she was.

“I am the goddess of character. I am leaving you now, as you promised to give everything away.”With much efforts, Pralhad got up.

“If you are the goddess of character, I don’t want you to go. Please stay with me.” He pleaded.“But how can that be? You gave promise.”

“I was tricked. And if by keeping you I am breaking the promise, so be it. I will burn in hell for some time. But if I have you, if I have my character, I will know how to get out of the darkest hell.” Prahladh argued.
The goddess was adamant on leaving. But Prahladh pleaded and prayed. He argued with her for seven days and nights. At last she agreed. She smiled and entered again in Prahladh's heart on the dawn of eighth day.

Wary and tired he slept through the day. And when night came, he was awakened by a strong brilliant light again. He saw that it was goddess of knowledge.
“I am the daughter of goddesss of character. I always like to stay with my mother.” She said and smiled and entered his body.Then came the goddess of power. She said she was daughter of goddess of character too and wants to stay with her mother.
And then came the goddess of health. She said she was the daughter of goddess of knowledge and always likes to live by her mother. Then came the goddess of fame and glory.One by one they all came, explained their relation to the goddess of character and entered the body of Prahladh.

Soon he got back his kingdom, his wealth, his power and he was emperor Pralhad again.

Moral of the story:

The true test of character is not how much we know how to do, but how we behave when we don't know what to do.” Those who will manage to retain their character in the bad times, will eventually get everything back.”If you have character, it’s only a matter of time.

Have no regrets in life. I think that everything happens to you for a reason. The hard times that you go through build character, making you a much stronger person.”

“Most people say that is it is the intellect which makes a great person . They are wrong: it is character.”

Character is higher than intellect. A great soul will be strong to live as well as think.Last but not least.........................

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

ETERNAL FRUIT

Once there was a father-son. The father often used to assign some market works to his little son so that he could acquire mundaneness. The son also used to do those works gleefully. One day, the father saw that the fruits were finished in the house. He called his son and giving him some money asked him to buy fresh fruits. When the son was on his way to the market he came across some extremely impoverished people. He felt rueful seeing their condition. There were no clothes on their body and they were dying of starvation. Having pity on them, he gave them all the money which he had kept to buy fruits. The poor people gave him a lot of blessings and bought food for themselves with that money. The boy felt exceedingly delighted and with a joyful heart he returned home empty-handed.

Seeing him empty-handed his father asked him, "Son, why didn't you bring the fruits?" Smiling happily the boy replied, "Father, I have got an eternal fruit for you." Father asked him in surprise which fruit was that. With innocence and pride the boy said, "Father, today I saw some impecunious and famished people on the way. I couldn’t see their hunger and gave them all the money I had. The food bought with that money must have satisfied their today's hunger. Father, if we would have eaten fruits with that money our mouth would have turned sweet for a few minutes, but isn’t the taste of this fruit going to last forever?" Hearing this his father happily patted his back on his instinct of compassion.

Moral: Helping needy people is our moral duty. This not only earns us virtue but also we obtain eternal and infinite delight and contentment. So, whenever and however we are in a position to help, we must help wholeheartedly.

Aano bhadra krtavo yantu vishwatah.(- RIG VEDA)
"Let noble thoughts come to me from all directions"

REGARDS
Miss.Shaija Vallikatri Bhaskaran

OSHCHEV THE REAL FIGHTER

Oshchev was a famous Stunt Pilot of Roose. He mesmerized everyone, his officials and friends with his fighting skills. Oshchev had full faith and trust in God and believed he could accomplish great tasks with this faith. Once while fighting with the enemies the engine of his fighter plane failed and crash into a small mountain nearby. Oshchev got terribly hurt and lost both his legs. All his friends who came to visit him had tears in their eyes and one of them said to him in choked voice, 'We will never be able to see you fly again'.

Oshchev smiled and said, 'Lord has saved me to live and remain as a fighter otherwise I would have died then and there'. Everyone took it as a false consolation but soon after recovering from hospital Oshchev got artificial limbs fitted and practised walking day and night. His friends tried to explain him that this could worse his wounds but he ignored them all. Friends asked him on what basis is he talking about being a Stunt Pilot again? He simply replied, 'My trust and faith is with me'. Soon he started walking without sticks and seeing his progress and confidence he was taken back in army. His faith and confidence won and handicapped Oshchev once again became a Stunt Pilot.

Moral: Any work done with complete faith in God and trust in oneself leads to success.
--
Aano bhadra krtavo yantu vishwatah.(- RIG VEDA)
"Let noble thoughts come to me from all directions"

REGARDS
Miss.Shaija Vallikatri Bhaskaran

EXISTENCE OF HEAVEN

There was a king who used to hear mythological sagas from his courtiers everyday. One day a minister recited him the story of Indra and his Heaven. But the king did not believe in the existence of heaven. The minister tried hard to make the king believe that the heaven does exist. To this the king said, 'If the heaven does exist then we all would like to witness Indra Riding His Carriage.' Hearing this the minister came in great hassle due to this insistence of the king. The days began to pass. During this time the king began the construction of a dam on the river in the town. The minister was appointed as the supervisor for this work. When the dam got ready the minister rose a wall next to it and got small-small lakes constructed there. With the beautiful carvings the walls and the peep-holes appeared graceful.

On the full moon night the minister took the king and the other courtiers to the river and after making them sit in the skylights he said, 'Now you all will see Indra with his carriage coming here. Then the minister started saying aloud, 'Oh King see! Indra with his carriage is coming here, Indra with his beautiful Nymphs is coming here. Wow! This is all so beautiful but only pure people will be able to see this and not the sinners.' Nobody could see any thing but still everyone kept quiet. The next day the king asked the minister about the reality and the minister said, 'Dear King! You got a dam constructed over here and it is greatly benefiting the people and has brought them great happiness and in their happiness lies your heaven'. The king understood the gist of the whole incident and learnt that with good deeds we can see the heaven on the earth itself.

Moral: If we can bring even a little happiness on other's faces, if we can fill only a corner of their life with joy, there only we receive our heaven.

--
Aano bhadra krtavo yantu vishwatah.(- RIG VEDA)
"Let noble thoughts come to me from all directions"

REGARDS
Miss.Shaija Vallikatri Bhaskaran

A TALE OF RADHA KRISHNA

Uddhava, the apprentice of Krishna, one day expressed his dis-satisfaction to Krishna that in-spite of studying all Vedas ,Upnishadas and Sutras, he still was not recipient of the title “Maha-Rishi”, meaning the great sage. He indirectly suggested that Krishna should use his weight in the council of wise men to honor him with the title.

Krishna sensed the ego and pride of Uddhava. He smiled and asked Uddhava if he thought his study was complete. Uddhava answered a confident yes. Krishna did not say anything. He just told Uddhava to come and see him the next day.

The next day Krishna asked him a for a favor. He asked Uddhava to visit Vrindavan, where Krishna’s soul mate Radha resided, and to give her a message. Uddhava gladly agreed. After all, getting to do a special assignment for no one else but Krishna, the divine one, was an honor. When he was ready to leave, Krishna smiled and waved him goodbye. Uddhava asked about the message and Krishna said he had none.

Uddhava was surprised. He sat in chariot and started on his way, but he could not help wonder what would be Radha’s reaction. He was sure Radha would be very angry at this. He did not want to see a problem in Radha and Krishna’s relationship. So just before he entered Vrindavan, he got a parch-paper and wrote a hi-hello message to Radha and forged to look like it came from Krishna.

On reaching Vrindavan, he did not have problem finding Radha’s house. She gave him a warm welcome. After he settled, he handed over the message, hoping she would not examine the message in too much detail.

For a moment Radha stared at the parch-paper and then she started laughing hysterically. Uddhava was confused. He asked Radha what was the matter. She said the message Krishna wrote was funny. Uddhava pretended surprise and asked what was the message.

“The message says Uddhava’s study is still not complete.” replied Radha.
On listening this, Uddava was stunned.‘How could she have known this?’ he wondered.
Radha calmed him down.

“I love Krishna and trust Krishna in ways beyond you can imagine.” She said “We are two bodies but same soul. There is nothing to be said in between us. We have walked the path of trust, love, devotion and sacrifices for so long that there are no boundaries in my being and his. He does not need to send me messages. He is my message. He is my love letter from the universe.”

“But Uddhava, you have not learned to trust Krishna. You have not learned to give up your self, your ego, and stop your manipulating mind. You ego stands between you and the truth. Between you and the supreme awakening.”

“Erasing the sense of duality and being one with the universe, being one with the one who beholds universe, is this not the jist of the sacred ancient texts, Uddhava?”
Uddhava was speechless. Within a minute, Radha had explained the the deepest mysteries of life. He just wanted to stand there and listen.

He spent the whole day at her house. She talked about life in layman’s terms of love and truth. But Uddhava found answers to his most profound questions in philosophies he learned all this life.

“How did you get so much knowledge staying in this village and living life doing chores?” He asked.“Each moment makes you take sides. If you always take side of truth and love, you will gain insights. Each insight awakens you from the illusion and takes you a step closer to the supreme awakening.”

“How can you be in Love with Krishna and still remain free from bonds of life ?”
“There is distinction between the love that results from insecurity and the love that results from faith. The former results in bonds. The later results in freedom. The former gets lost, the later transcends. The former leads to fear of death and abandonment. The later leads to Nirvana, to enlightenment that is death of death, to realization that Radha and Krishna are just ripples and love is like the water, eternal and infinite.”

“How can you get awakened without leaving the society and becoming a monk?”
“Where a man reaches by renouncing the world, a woman reaches by embracing the world in its wholeness.” Said Radha.

“Is there no point in pursuit of knowledge? Then what is the meaning of life?”
“Your ability to give it any meaning, is the meaning of life. ” Answered Radha. “And about the pursuits, pursuit of currency is not the same as pursuit of wealth, pursuit of sensation is not pursuit of happiness, pursuit of titles is not pursuit of knowledge. These pursuits are in synergy for some time, and they are at conflict later. You must wake up, and open your eyes.”

Radha’s answers turned all of Uddhavas learning upside down and inside out and presented to him as a paradox, a paradox his doubting mind could never grasp. Uddhava’s ego surrendered. The constant chatter of thoughts at the back of his mind stopped and he saw a totally new world at the same place. An eternal, peaceful world where everything seemed OK.

On his way back to Dwaraka, Uddhava sensed a big change within him. He sang to himself. He offered lift to a sick man. He appreciated the sunset in the Western sky. He did not feel rush to get home and work on getting his title.
Next day he met Krishna. Krishna sensed the change too.
Krishna smiled and said “So let’s talk about your title Maha-rishi.”
“I am not that interested in the title anymore. ” replied Uddhava and bent to touch Krishna’s feet.

Krishna rose from his throne. He hold on to Uddhava’s shoulders and smiled at him.
” Your journey is complete. You have arrived. Uddhava, I bestow you the responsibility of writing down my teaching in simple language for all those who do not have luxury of spending their life trying to be Maha-rishi. You will share the gems of knowledge that do not belong to any title such as Maha-rishi. “
“And for this great contribution to humanity, hereafter you shall be known as Maha-rishi.”