VEGETARIAN

This writeup is about being an vegetarian. This reply is not intended to hurt any one nor is it meant to judge, criticize or convince you that my beliefs are right. They may not be right for you, but right now at this time in my life, they are right for me. This is simply my personal beliefs. It is not my intention to offend anyone, so please read this with an open mind. No idea how many will read this post. Even then, chances are that I might get a few brickbats for writing the following, but I just have to write it.

some people are sending very nasty mails.If you do not wish to continue in this group then just inform your group moderator and leave this group. Don't send me the mails. It is bad manners on your part to put your comment the way you have worded it.

One of the most wonderful questions came from one of my fellow keralite.

How do you get vegetarian food without killing? Plants also have life? Is that not life?” You brush your teeth regularly then how many germs are you killing?

Here “It is not about killing. If it is about killing I know I can’t even brush my teeth” It is a fact that plants also have life like animals. But animals are endowed with mind, and nervous systems too while the plants do not possess the same. The animals cry and weep when they are being killed. It is not the case with plants; as such, equating killing of animals and destruction of plants is faulty logic. 

“All creatures are created for human beings and it is our right.” “If eating meat is sin then what kind of vegetables, God created for Lions and Tigers?”

“May be it’s our right. But what is the compulsion?” “First of all it is not a question of sin or not sin. It is about considering a poor creature’s plea to live. Second, Lions and Tigers don’t have a choice nor do they have a discriminating ability to reconsider what they are doing.”

One of the mail I received that being a keralite how you are a vegetarian. Are you a Brahman? Now a days even Brahmans also eating non veg. I am Not a Brahmin I belongs to Sree narayana guru’s caste.  During school days I was a non-vegetarian. As I am a pure Malayalee I use to eat fish daily. Even I wii not eat food if fish is not there for one day. Then one day I accompanied my father to market to buy meat and fish. There I saw the little creature struggle for its life at the hands of the butcher, a thought struck my mind. Just before the day I learnt a lesson from moral science that god is there in all creatures. “Any creature that we eat, pleads us to let go before we kill it. But we ignore it. Why we are not considering?” I didn’t know. I couldn’t tell why we don’t consider that plea. Animals as well as we are God's creations too. 

All My family members are Non Vegeterians. I left eating meat and chicken at primary school, and left eating fish in 10^th class. Even I am Not an Eggeterian. I avoided Non Veg food completely. This year I complete 13 years of being a vegetarian. For this I am facing a lot of criticism from my neighbour keralites, even from my relatives, and for allainaces also. Recently I attended a wedding function of my family in Kerala, there except me and an old man all are in non veg section.Then that old man asked me that why I am a vegetarian.He said that he don’t have teeth to eat non veg but in this age why you are avoiding Non veg food it is not good for you. For this I gave a smile and left that palce. Even so many commented and addressed me as “Sasyabook”.

So many are wondering that being a keralite if you are vegetarian means it is unbelievable. Some fellow keralites told me that I have a pshyco problem (Manasikam) that is why I am avoiding Non veg food, better to consult pshycartist What ever be their opinion, it’s up to them. 

I understood these things need not be argued nor justified. It is all an individual decision. So I decided I will be a vegetarian. Not because eating meat is sin. Not because I should restrain myself from killing. Just to give my heart the satisfaction that I am not one of the many persons who ignore a creature’s plea. If we can live without shedding blood, why kill animals? How about living healthy and letting the helpless animals live? I personally think that killing and tearing are meant for wild animals, and not for human beings. Even though all are laughing/commenting at for my choice but I have held on to living my life based on my convictions. I believe in leading a life of compassion and mercy.

Last but not least Food-habits are very personal. All I will ask is that if we can survive without spilling blood, should we cause blood-shed?

 

LIVING IN HARMONY

A movie I saw recently called the "The boy who wore stripped pyjamas" disturbed me greatly. The movie deals with the subject of Nazi cruelty to Jews seen from the eyes of an innocent 8 year old son of a Nazi commander. It shows how everyone was brainwashed into believing that Jews were oppressive, destructive etc. and also how Jews were not really people but a different kind of creature. People who had difference of opinion were dealt with severely till everyone fell in line with the central thinking.

Even to this day, a similar kind of tragedy, torture and killing is happening. The only difference is that we are now dealing with birds, animals, aquatic creatures etc. In the name of food processing industry huge amount of creatures are killed every day in the most inhuman manner. It is as if the poor animals do not have any right to life or dignity.

 

Most people who eat meat do not think about the suffering that the animals have to go through in order to become food on their table. The animals are bred and fed in very filthy environments. They are injected with drugs to make them grow abnormally. They are castrated in a brutal manner. Their body parts are chopped while still alive ignoring the pain that they undergo.

Some questions we seriously need to ask ourselves is - Are we really human? If yes, how do we allow / encourage such actions? How do we choose to act ignorant and look the other way when such acts are committed? Do we not care about the pain of the other creatures? How can we think of feeding ourselves by causing so much pain around?

This is not just about our eating habits. I have often seen speeding cars knock down animals on the road and going away without even a backward glance. It is as if the lives of other creatures do not matter. As if it is OK if they are injured, hurt or bleeding. There are very few people who care about the lives of others, especially other creatures.

We should recognize the Lord Almighty in every living being. We should be gentle and kind to all creatures. Even if we cannot go out of the way to feed them and take care of them, the least we can do is to refrain from harming them. Together we can make this world a better place. A place where every creature has a rightful place and role to play. A place where everyone is kind and gentle towards all creatures.

 

COURTESY:VALUES FOR LIFE

 

APPRECIATE AND ENCOURAGE VALUES

I had read a story in my childhood which made a deep impact on me. It was about a group of boys playing cricket and accidentally breaking a window in the neighbourhood. While most of the boys ran away and hid themselves, there was one brave and honest boy who stood his ground and admitted his guilt when the house owner came enquiring. The owner was, who was normally an irritable man, was impressed with the boys sense of responsibility and truthfulness that he forgave him. I had resolved, after reading this story, that should a similar situation happen to me I will be like the boy and set an example for others.

Now when I look back I realise that, in this story, both the boy and the house owner are exemplars in different ways. The house owner is also to be lauded for encouraging the boy to live a life of values. It is common place to find people who punish people who confess thereby making them feel that honesty is not the best policy. Rare are those people who rise above the immediate temptations and focus on what is good for the long term.

It is indeed difficult to practice living a life of values in today's world. I read about a person who resolved to speak only the truth for a period of three months. He made enemies, lost friends and even strained his relations with his family by merely being truthful!! Everyone intrinsically understands and acknowledges the need and importance of values. However, people want flexibility in practice especially when their interests are affected.

It is therefore very important to have people who rise above short term needs and who encourage / motivate / appreciate people who practice values. People who live a life of values are usually not successful and walk a lonesome path. They are motivated by an inner urge and commitment. We should strengthen their resolve by appreciating them and overlooking any minor transgressions that they might make.

Do you agree? If yes, do you commit yourself for the same? 

COURTESY:VALUES FOR LIFE

LIVE A LIFE OF VALUES

Wherever we look in our universe, we are bound to see nature at its best. Everywhere we see orderliness and patterns that are followed in a sacrosanct manner. The birds go to roost at fixed times, nocturnal birds snooze in the day, every fruit has a particular flavor and pattern, the oceans remain within their boundaries etc. It is as if God has laid down rules and each creature is following it religiously.

It is only us human beings who have broken all rules and been creating our own rules. We sleep during day and work at nights. We systematically destroy nature to fulfil our selfish ambitions. We become violent without sufficient reason. We use deceit for personal gain. The list is endless. Our acts are not without its consequences. Whenever we transgress the rules, we end up making the world an unsafe place to live in. We end up creating a direct impact on our environment. In the mad pursuit of happiness, we end up becoming and making others unhappy.

We can see crisis after crisis hitting the world at regular intervals. Whether it is a crisis which impacts health like the AIDS crisis or one that impacts economies like the sub-prime crisis, we can directly link each crisis to the drop in moral standards. Even natural disasters like droughts, floods or earthquakes can be managed better if we have high moral values in our lives.

Clearly there is a need to reflect on this and identify the rules that we, as humans, need to follow. "Values" are the rules that will help us restore nature to its glory and help us to enjoy this precious life. Values are the guiding lights that lead us in this world made dark by all kinds of sins. By leading a life of values, we enrich our own lives and also the lives of people around us. We also facilitate creating a culture of valued based living.

The purpose of this blogspot is to list out all the values that are important and to serve as a reminder for us to follow it. In the preceding articles, we have spoken about many values like love, kindness, generosity, charity, selflessness, truth, honesty etc. All of these must become part and parcel of our daily lives. When we thus live a life of values, we will slowly but surely bring about a change. Value based living will erase the ills of the society and will help create a world where peace and joy abounds.

On the question of values, don’t ever compromise...

“Raising the standard of living must also mean raising ethical, moral and spiritual standards." - Sri Satya Sai Baba

“You are in charge of your feelings, beliefs, and actions. And you teach others how to behave toward you. While you cannot change other people, you can influence them through your own behaviors and actions. By being a living role model of what you want to receive from others, you create more of what you want in your life” - Eric Allenbaugh

“Live today as if it were your last.” - Robin Sharma

“You are not here to merely make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.” - Woodrow Wilson 

COURTESY:VALUES FOR LIFE.

STAIRWAYS TO HEAVEN

Some people have doubts whether God exists. I prefer to presume that my readers do not doubt the existence of a Creator who has created the entire universe and everything in it. It has taken human beings thousands of years to understand limited parts of this creation. This universe - so complex and yet so well ordered - cannot have come into existence without a Creator. 

How does He look like? Where does He live? What language does He speak? What religion does He prefer? Many questions come to the innocent mind. By definition, God is omnipotent, omnipresent etc. Therefore to confine Him in any manner would be preposterous. As all creation is His handiwork, all beings and all schools of thought also have its origin from Him. So, whether you consider Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism or any of the thousands of religions that abound in the world, these are all but paths that lead to Him. All religions are, in a way, the stairways to heaven.

So, if different religions are different routes to reach the same goal and we are all traversing in search of the same objective, why do we look down upon other religions? Why is it that some of us are so keen in convincing others into travel in our path? Why is it that we do not bow down to the same Lord who is present and is sought in different places of worship?

Being secular is the right way of life - when we worship the Lord in ways that makes sense to us and allow others to follow their own ways without having a sense of superiority over others. More than tolerance, we need to have acceptance of different approaches. Lord Krishna Himself declares in the Holy Gita that He accepts worship in any form. It is not the language, the words, the names or the methods that matter but the heart full of love and devotion that matters to Him.

“True religion is the life we lead, not the creed we profess.”- Louis Nizer

“The fundamental truth of the Manifestations is peace. This underlies all religion, all justice.” - Abdul-Baha  

                             COURTESY:VALUES FOR LIFE

THE ART OF GIVING

Rivers do not drink their own water, nor do tree eat their own fruit, nor do rain clouds eat the grains reared by them. The wealth of the noble is used solely for the benefit of others!

Even after accepting that giving is good and that one must learn to give, several questions need to be answered.

The first question is:

When should one give?

We all know the famous incident from Mahabharat.

Yudhisthir asks a beggar seeking alms to come the next day. On this, Bhim rejoices that Yudhisthir his brother, has conquered death! For he is sure that he will be around the next day to give. Yudhisthir gets the message.

One does not know really whether one will be there tomorrow to give!

The time to give, therefore, is now.

The next question is:

'How much to give?'

One recalls the famous incident from history. Rana Pratap was reeling after defeat from the Moghals. He had lost his army, he had lost his wealth, and most important, he had lost hope, his will to fight. At that time, in his darkest hour, his erstwhile minister, Bhamasha, came seeking him and placed his entire fortune at the disposal of Rana Pratap. With this, Rana Pratap raised an army and lived to fight another day.

The answer to this question how much to give is:

"Give as much as one can!

The next question is:

'What to give?'

It is not only money that can be given away. It could be a flower or even a smile. A very special form of giving takes the form of small, personal acts of kindness. Very often it is not money or belongings that people need, it's the things that can't be seen, such as advice reassurance, a kind word, compliments or a smile. Everybody has something of value for another person. It could be a kind word, a simple smile, some appreciation, the sharing of some special knowledge, even a helping hand or a bit of support during a difficult emotional time.

It is not how much one gives but how one gives that really matters. When you give a smile to a stranger that may be the only good thing received by him in days and weeks!

You can give anything but you must give with all your heart!" One also needs answer to this question Whom to give? Many times we avoid giving by finding fault with the person who is seeking.  However, being judgmental and rejecting a person on the presumption that  he may not be the most deserving, is not justified. "Give without being judgmental!" Next we have to answer: 'How to give?' Coming to the manner of giving, one has to ensure that the receiver does  not feel humiliated, nor the giver feels proud by giving. In giving, follow the advice 'Let not your left hand know what your right  hand gives?Many thousands of years ago a great sage in Babylon said  "The reward of charity depends entirely upon the extent of the kindness in it." It is one of life's wonderful paradoxes that you limit the power of  your giving by having an expectation of getting something in return.  When you give without any thought or desire for something back,  your returns will be truly limitless. Your life is like a river of energy, continually flowing. What happens  when a river stops moving? It get very muddy, and stagnant.  A fast flowing river is full of life and clear water.  Where would you rather drink? The acts of giving and receiving are a continuos process of circulation  that continues the flow of your life's energies. For one person to  receive someone else has to give. It's a cycle of energy that  flows continually onwards. Charity without publicity and fanfare is the highest form of charity.' 'Give quietly!' While giving, let not the recipient feel small or humiliated. After all, what  we give never really belonged to us. We come to this world with nothing and  will go with nothing. The thing gifted was only with us for a temporary period.  Why then take pride in giving away something which really did not belong to us? Give with grace and with a feeling of gratitude. "What should one feel after giving?" We all know the story of Eklavya. When Dronacharya asked him for his  right thumb as "Guru Dakshina, he unhesitatingly cut off the thumb  and gave it to Dronacharya. There is a little known sequel to this story. Eklavya was asked whether he ever regretted the act of giving away his  thumb. He replied, and the reply has to be believed to be true, as it was  asked to him when he was dying. His reply was "Yes! I regretted this only once in my life. It was when  Pandavas were coming in to kill Dronacharya who was broken hearted  on the false news of death of his son, Ashwathama, and had stopped  fighting. It was then that I regretted the loss of my thumb. If the  thumb was there, no one could have dared to hurt my Guru? The message to us is clear. Give and never regret giving! And the last question is: 'How much should we provide for our heirs?' Ask yourself 'are we taking away from them the gift of work? –  A source of happiness? The answer is given by Warren Buffett: "Leave your kids enough to do anything, but not enough to do nothing!" I would conclude by saying: Let us learn the Art of Giving,and quoting the Saint Kabir: "When the wealth in the house increases, when water fills a boat,  throw them out (for good causes) with both hands!" This is the wise thing to do! Last but not least The true Art in Giving is to give from the heart without any expectation of a return. Truly giving something from the heart is an  action which will fill your life with joy. This is where the expression to  "give whole heatedly" comes from. The intention behind your giving is  the most important thing. The intention should always be to create happiness for both the giver and the receiver.It's very simple. If you want to  experience more joy, give joy to others, if you want more love,  learn to give love, if you want attention and appreciation, learn to give  appreciation to others. These are some of life's most precious gifts  and they don't cost you anything. When you meet someone, you can silently send them a blessing,  wishing them happiness, joy and laughter. This kind of silent giving is very  powerful. Do this, (with no thought of return) and you will suddenly  find people around you opening to you in joy and happiness. Make a descision that wherever you go, to whoever you meet, to give.  As long as you are giving, you will also be receiving. The more you give,  the more will flow back to you and be returned many times over.  Giving creates a pattern of happiness, joy and love in your life beyond  your wildest expectations. In ancient China, Lao Tsu wrote "Kindness in words creates confidence.  Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in Giving Creates Love." May your life be filled with love, happiness and inspiration.  COURTESY:VARIOUS SOURCES

GODS TIMING IS RIGHT

What ever that happens in life, happens for good.So stop worryingabout the future and forget the past. After Sept. 11th, one company invited the remaining members of other companies who had been decimated by the attack on the Twin Towers to share their available office space. At a morning meeting, the head of security told stories of why these people were alive and all the stories were just the 'L I T LE' things.

As you might know, the head of the company survived that day because his son started kindergarten. Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts.One woman was late because her alarm clock didn't go off in time.

One of them missed his bus. One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change.One's car wouldn't start.One went back to answer the telephone.

One had a child that dawdled and didn't get ready as soon as he should have.
One couldn't get a taxi.The one that struck me was the man who put on a new pair of shoes that morning, took the various means to get to work but before he got there, he developed a blister on his foot. He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive today.Now when I am stuck in traffic, miss an elevator, turn back to answer a ringing telephone all the little things that annoy me. I think to myself, this is exactly where God wants me to be at this very moment.

Next time your morning seems to be going wrong, the children are slow getting dressed, you can't seem to find the car keys, you hit every traffic light, don't get mad or frustrated.


God is at work watching over you. 


Pass this on to someone else, if you'd like. 

There is NO LUCK attached. If you delete this, it's okay:

"God's Love Is Not Dependent On E-Mail."


The message above reminded me of a hindi song i used to sing in school as a little child.

This is how it went- 

The beautiful life that god gave us is to enjoy as much as you can by doing good and 

noble deeds.

Every one will have up's and downs in life.Because of these up's and down's one should not feel that he or she is useless.There should be motivators in our life.

so whenever you need motivation, just be happy with what you have

The motivation given to others can be very powerful indeed we should give good meaning to our life.

so keep thinking about this and think before while doing any rash things.

"Count your blessings, see them one by one & it will remind you, what the lord has done". So, true isn't it?? 

COURTESY:UNKNOWN

CHARITY

Once upon a time, Cyrus, the king of Persia captivated Croesus, the king of Lydia. Cyrus was an upright, benevolent king. Seeing king Cyrus's endowment traits one day Croesus said to him, "If you will keep donating your treasure like this, then you will become penniless very soon." Croesus was also well-heeled, but he did not believe in charity. Therefore, he floated the same opinion to Cyrus. Cyrus questioned him, "From the time I sat on the throne until today if I had not given anything to anyone, can you guess how much assets I should possess?" Croesus said, "Immeasurable wealth."

Cyrus then said, "I will make an announcement amongst my subjects that I need a great amount of wealth for a very big project and then you see the result." People happily conducted in accordance with king's command, and as a result, there laid a pile of gold in front of the palace. Croesus said in surprise, "I had estimated less wealth than this." Then Cyrus said, "If I would not have used my wealth for donations and in public's interest, then my people would have hated me, but I did not do this and donated wholeheartedly. Therefore, my people love me a lot." Cyrus's answer opened Croesus's eyes.

Moral: Charity always increases your wealth because this generosity multiplies the blessings which flow from the soul of the needy people thousand times.

THREE WORDS

Three-Word Phrases, can be tools to help develop every relationship.
There are many things that you can do to strengthen your relationships.
Often the most effective thing you can do involves saying just three words.
When spoken sincerely, these statements often have the power to develop
new friendships, deepen old ones and even bring healing to relationships
that have soured.

The following three-word phrases can be tools to help develop every relationship.

Let me help:
Good friends see a need and then try to fill it.When they see a hurt they do what they can to heal it.Without being asked, they jump in and help out.

I understand you:

People become closer and enjoy each other more when the other person
accepts and understands them. Letting your spouse know - in so many little ways
that you understand them, is one of the most powerful tools for healing your relationship.And this can apply to any relationship.

I respect you:
Respect is another way of showing love. Respect demonstrates that
another person is a true equal.If you talk to your children as if they were adults you will strengthen the bonds and become closer friends.This applies to all interpersonal relationships.

~I miss you:


Perhaps more marriages could be saved and strengthened if couples simply
and sincerely said to each other “I miss you.”
This powerful affirmation tells partners they are wanted, needed, desired and loved.
Consider how important you would feel, if you received an unexpected phone call
from your spouse in the middle of your workday, just to say “I miss you.”

~Maybe you’re right:


This phrase is very effective in diffusing an argument.
The implication when you say “maybe you’re right” is the humility
of admitting, “maybe I’m wrong”. Let’s face it.
When you have an argument with someone,
all you normally do is solidify the other person’s point of view.
They, or you, will not likely change their position and you run the
risk of seriously damaging the relationship between you.
Saying “maybe you’re right” can open the door to explore the subject more.
You may then have the opportunity to express your view in a way
that is understandable to the other person.

~ Please forgive me:


Many broken relationships could be restored and healed if people would
admit their mistakes and ask for forgiveness. All of us are vulnerable to faults,
foibles and failures. A man should never be ashamed to own up that he has been
in the wrong, which is saying, in other words, that he is wiser today
than he was yesterday.


~ I thank you:


Gratitude is an exquisite form of courtesy.
People who enjoy the companionship of good,
close friends are those who don’t take daily courtesies for granted.
They are quick to thank their friends for their many expressions of kindness.
On the other hand, people whose circle of friends is severely constricted
often do not have the attitude of gratitude.


~ Count on me:


A friend is one who walks in when others walk out.
Loyalty is an essential ingredient for true friendship.
It is the emotional glue that bonds people.
Those that are rich in their relationships tend to be steady and true friends.
When troubles come, a good friend is there indicating “you can count on me.”


~ I’ll be there:


If you have ever had to call a friend in the middle of the night,
to take a sick child to hospital, or when your car has broken down
some miles from home, you will know how good it feels to hear the phrase
“I’ll be there.”
Being there for another person is the greatest gift we can give.
When we are truly present for other people, important things happen to them and us.
We are renewed in love and friendship.
We are restored emotionally and spiritually. Being there is at the very core of civility.


~ Go for it:


We are all unique individuals. Don’t try to get your friends to conform to your ideals.
Support them in pursuing their interests, no matter how far out they seem to you.
God has given everyone dreams, dreams that are unique to that person only.
Support and encourage your friends to follow their dreams. Tell them to “go for it.”

~ I love you:


Perhaps the most important three words that you can say.
Telling someone that you truly love them satisfies a person’s deepest emotional needs.
The need to belong, to feel appreciated and to be wanted. Your spouse, your children,
your friends and you, all need to hear those three little words: “I love you.”
Love is a choice. You can love even when the feeling is gone.

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES

When snake is alive, it eats ants. When it is dead, ants eat snake. Time matters…Time always gives chance to everyone. Just wait for your TURN -Life

Superb love line: “I can always take care of myself but still I want to meet the person who can prove to me that I CAN'T. -Love

*LIFE means
L: Love
I: incidents
F: friends
E: emotions
If F miss in life then becomes LIE so don’t forget friends. –Life quotes

Beautiful prayer: GOD when i lose hope help me to remember that your love is greater than my disappointments and your plans for my life are better than my dreams. -Inspirational

All my life i have accepted everything because, i believe in this: Everything happens for a reason.But the hardest part is "finding out what the reason is". -Inspirational

*Days passes away leaving beautiful memories.Words remains in the form of stories. But true relationship always remains in the heart like a heartbeat. -Inspirational

Time is like a river, you can't touch the same water twice,because the flow that has passed will never pass again. -Inspirational

*Heart is not a dustbin to dump all the worries of your life.This is a golden pot for collecting the sweet memories and moments of life.

Smooth roads never make good drivers and problem free life never makes strong person.So never ask life"Why Me?",instead challenge it and say "Try Me".

William Shakespeare prayer quotes :We do pray for mercy, and that same prayer does teach us all to render the deeds of mercy.

TODAY IS THE DAY

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.

APJ'S POEM-BY AB VAJPAYEE

About APJ's Poems - By Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Our respected President, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, has contributed invaluably to our country's progress in space research and defence technologies. However, he is not only an eminent scientist. He is also a sensitive and thoughtful poet. This confluence of scientific brilliance and poetic talent is truly unique.

The poem contained in this book bring out Dr. Kalam's deep love for India and her rich culture. Together with his devotion to God and to this Motherland, his devotion to humanity is also uniquely manifested in thess poems. Beleiving his ability and acheivements to be God's gifts, he has dedicated them to the welfare of the Indian people. Through the medium of his poetry he has send a message of selfless service, dedication and pure faith.

Dr. Kalam has always been an opponent of communalism, casteism, linguistic chauvinism, regionalism and voilence. Showing a profound understanding of Indian society, he attempts to find solution to problems with compassion, detachment, forbearance and sympathy. In this poem he has attempted, very credibly, to express in simple terms even a concept as a complex as the search for God.

'O creator of dreams,
Why do you keep searching for God?
Nature is His home, purity His abode
And Life is but His blessing!
Keep loving nature and care for its being,
Then you can see divinity all over!'

As a true Indian, Dr. Kalam is naturally distressed by the misuse of religion for ungodly ends. Nevertheless, he is confident that true faith in God and compassion for humankind can save us from the poison of communalism and casteism. He says:

The so-called educated seperate our souls....
They give not knowledge but hate and defeat;
Tell others not to heed their unwanted advice,
As the Almighty created all equal and free.

Behind his scientific acheivements and poetic works, Dr. Kalam dreams of better world for the children of India and the world. He says:

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 these poems before you.

VIVEKANANDA ON : PATRIOTISM

They talk of patriotism. I believe in patriotism, and I also have
my own ideal of patriotism. Three things are necessary for great achieve-
ments : First, feel from the heart. What is in the intellect or reason?
It goes a few steps nad there it stops. But through the heart comes insp-
iration.Love opens the most impossible gates; love is the gates to all
the secrets in the universe. Feel, therefore, my would-be reformers, my
would-be patriots! Do you feel? Do you feel that the millions and millions
of the descendants of gods and of sages have become next-door neighbous to
brutes? Do you feel that millions have been starving today, and millions
have been starving for ages? Do you feel that ignorance has come over the
land as a dark crowd? Does it make you restless? Does it make you sleepless?
Has it gone over your blood, coursing through your veins, becoming consona-
nant with your heart-beats? Has it made you almost mad? Are you seized with
the one idea of misery and ruin, and have you forgotten all about your name,
your fame, your wives, your children, your property, even your own bodies?
Have you done tht? This is the first step to become a patriot, the very
first step.......

You may feel, then; but instead of spending your energies on frothy
talk, have you found any way out, any practical solution, some help instead
of condemnation, some sweet words to soothe their miseries, to bring them
out of this living death?

Yet that is not all. Have you got the will to surmount mountain-
high obstructions? If the whole world stands against you sword in hand,
would you still dare to do what you think is right? If your wives and
children are against you, if all your money goes, your name dies, your
wealth vanishes, would you still stick to it? Would you still pursue it
and go on steadily towards your own goal? As the great King Bhartehari
says (Niti-sataka, verse 74) :

Nindantu nitinpunah yadi va stuvantu
Laksmih samavisatu gacchatu va yathestam;
Adyaiva va maranamastu yugantare va
Nyayyat pathat pravicalanti padam na dhirah-

"Let the sages blame or let them praise; let the goddess of fortune
come or let her go wherever she likes; let death come today, or let it come
after millions of years; he indeed is the steady man who does not move one
inch from the way of truth."

Have you got that steadfastness? If you have these three things,
each one of you will make miracles.

COURAGE

Courage is a highly admired virtue. Most often we associate the word with physical prowess or bravery. But there's another form of valour that's much more important because it comes up more often. It's called moral courage - the willingness to face not physical danger but emotional pain, disapproval, financial insecurity, or uncertainty rather than compromise an ethical principle. Moral courage is essential not only for a virtuous life, but a happy one. Without courage, we have no control over our lives. Our fears corrode our spirit and confine us like a barbed wire fence. That's why they say a coward dies a thousand deaths, a brave man but one. Integrity is essential to self-esteem and the admiration of others. It requires us to put our comforts, possessions, friendships, and even jobs at risk in the defence of deeply held principles. It takes moral fortitude to be honest at the risk of ridicule, rejection, or retaliation or when doing so may jeopardize our income or career. It takes boldness to be accountable and own up to mistakes when doing so may get us in trouble. It takes backbone to stand tough with our kids when doing so may cost us their affection. Mark Twain said, 'Courage is not the absence of fear but the resistance of fear, the mastery of fear.' To paraphrase President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the enemy is not what we fear; it is fear itself. If our insecurities and anxieties cause us to lose confidence in the power of virtue, we will lose something very precious. People with moral courage rarely get medals, but it is the best marker of true character and a virtue others can be proud of. Written by Michael Josephson

WHY WORRY?

To worry is to feel tense about the future – immediate or distant. At its most intense, worry qualifies as an emotional disturbance often called Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) that at some point afflicts about 5% adults. Lesser degrees of worry are, however, present in almost every person. The point remains that, although a universal experience, worrying can cause much distress and so, we must try to understand worry and deal with it. What causes worry? Sometimes the trigger is a catastrophic event. Many people who experienced the Great Depression or the Holocaust could never overcome their fear of future uncertainties. Domineering or demanding parents play a role too. The children then develop the sense that they have no control over their world and must always be wary about what might happen to them. Sometimes, if children are thrust too soon into adult roles, they may worry. Does worrying help? No. It does not prepare us for the real world. In fact, when we panic, our brain does not function properly. Moreover, worry can prevent the body from reacting flexibly to stresses in the environment. So, what should we do to avoid worry? The following steps might help: 1. Write down what is worrying you: If you write down what is worrying you, you will see that most of it can be dealt with. Putting it in writing often helps us see the problem clearly, which makes it easier to look for solutions. 2. 15 minutes of worry-vaccination: Everyday, spend about 15 minutes thinking about the things that worry you and look carefully at the list you have written down. Then consider each item of worry as a problem that can be solved sooner or later, and not as a hopeless situation. Remember, how you look at a problem is very important. 3. Worry-free time: The rest of the day, consciously make an effort to be free of worry. Focus on the positive in your life, the happiness and love you are getting as well as giving. 4. Your answer should be written down: When your mind suggests a solution (it often does) to a problem, write it down immediately, before it vanishes from your thought-process. 5. Weekly evaluation: Every weekend, keep aside about 30 minutes evaluating how much you have progressed in finding solutions to your problems. 6. Trust life and your experiences: Trust this beautiful, often mysterious, series of experiences collectively called life. Life gives us the answers, shows us the way. But we have to be patient and hopeful. 7. Invest in yourself: The more you invest in yourself: your happiness and your development, the easier it will be for you to solve your problems. Wear the colour you like, interact with people who make you feel good, hold on to your dreams. These help in building up self-confidence which in turn makes you optimistic about the future. Thus, you will minimize worry. 8. The higher-power: Believe that there is a power higher than humankind. It is that power which controls the cosmic laws of life and death, of deeds and consequences. If you can have faith in the benevolence of that higher power I call GOD, there will not be much cause to worry, no matter what you are going through. Courtesy:Ayesha parveen

MIND ALWAYS COMPLAINTS

An aspiring monk was searching for a Guru. He went to a monastery and there his preceptor told him, "You can Study and Meditate here but we have one important rule that, all the students have to observe complete silence. You will be allowed to speak only once in one year time." The young monk agreed. After meditating, studying and practicing in silence for one long year the day came when the student could say any one thing or ask his one question. So the monk said, "The bed is too hard." Then he kept going for another one year with silent meditation and got the opportunity to speak once again. He said, "The food is not at all good." Twelve more months >of hard work and he got to speak again. Here are his words after 3 years of difficult spiritual practices, "I quit!!" The Master of the monastery quickly answered, "Good, anyway all you have been doing these Three years was nothing but complaining!"  Although externally we seem to be silent, we remain busy with our internal dialogue of complaining and feeling sorry for ourselves. For most of us, this is the way of life . complaining, judging, blaming, feeling unfairly treated, disrespected, etc. etc… all the usual rubbish that the mind loves to chew on. The feeling of deep gratitude can arise only when we become aware of what existence is giving to us. In fact, we have nothing to give in return. We may not be worthy of it at all, we may not deserve it, still the flowers bloom, the sun rises, the moon shines, the stars twinkle and the clouds keep showering rains… The existence goes on giving, whether we take any note of it or not… It just showers on us… Our attitude towards life is our own choice. Whether we choose gratitude or complaint, that is exactly what life will reflect back to us. A complaining mind is never at peace!!