Live SSpiritually

The Hindu : Arts / Cinema : An actor par excellence

2012-02-20T11:48:00.000-08:00

Devotees of Sathya Sai Baba will remember a kind, old lady dressed in white, collecting footwear from fellow devotees or sweeping the premises at Sundaram in Chennai or Prashanthi Nilayam in Puttaparthi. She was an active member of the Seva Dal, a service brigade. She never let her celebrity status come in the way of her desire to serve humanity.

The Hindu : Arts / Cinema : An actor par excellence

Valentine Day SSpiritually

2012-02-14T02:48:00.001-08:00

A friend lamented, ' my valentine (hubby) is with his valentine ' !! I did not want to rub salt asking her, 'why is he not your valentine?' Point to ponder :)

So, it is a working day ! How are you spending this day ?
At work in office or elsewhere, studying at school/college, working at home or just watching cricket ?
The most loved cricketer is out early - three batsmen out at 15 ! His 100th ton still away !

Start the day with Love
Fill the day with Love
End the day with Love
This is the way to God - - Baba

True love is love for God. But often we end up reducing it to a worldly level.

BTW, did you check my very special new year gift ? Pls do read the book "Zero Limits" by Joe Vithale.

It talks about the power behind the prayer, "I Love You". Not a mere filmi 'I L U', but the 'You' here refers to Divinity. Initially, even if we feel we are chanting mechanically, no problem. We will see the shift in intensity, slowly but surely. It is a natural process...

Hence God says, 'take one step towards me... I will take hundred steps towards you'. We just need to make the first step....towards permanent bliss.

So, this Valentine Day, let us visualize Divinity, our favourite form, and chant, ' I Love You'. The concentration, the intent and focus, very criTical.

Let this be be today's chant 108 times, still better 1008 times. Test & see the "experience", bliss guaranteed.

God, will you be my Valentine today ??!!

Thrash Can

2012-02-12T10:32:00.000-08:00

We live a life of comfort...

This morning, I felt guilty of not switching off the geyzer. I was not being environmentally responsible :(

Then entered kitchen for my water-therapy ( still stuck at phase-1, just one glass of H20 !)

I looked at the thrash in the basket - no waste at all, surely. But, the packaging/plastic/etc to make our foodstuff remain hygeinic & tasty. And, all that goes in to the earth. I felt more guilty...

In our effort to live a comfortable life, we continue to pollute Earth, big time... !

I silently prayed for apology to Mother Earth... I promised to be a little more responsible, environmentally.

We all need to make these small adjustments, quickly. We have no much time left to make these small shifts...

It is our choice. Let us make a wise choice and 'stick to the agreement' with ourselves, with Divinity.

Beautiful example of selfless philanthrophy

2012-02-12T09:50:00.000-08:00

Inspiring story on the eve of Valentine Day... we may be keen to celeberate merely materialistic way, instead of filled with Divine Love...

Here is a story of a person, from humble background, finds ways to send divine love to people in need... helps them, all over in different countries, to overcome difficulties.

He is practising the Chinese proverb, '...teach him how to fish, you have fed him for his lifetime' !

He was inspired by a book of Sri Sathya Sai Baba....and picked up the important message, 'Love All, Serve All'

Read on...

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sunday/2012-02/12/content_14584810.htm

Quote

2012-02-09T10:30:00.001-08:00

It is easy to conquer anger through love, attachment through reasoning, falsehood through truth, bad through good and greed through charity - S S S

Inspiring Quote

2012-02-09T10:29:00.000-08:00

All work is God’s; He inspires, He helps, He executes, He enjoys, He pleases Himself - SSS

Morning Prayers

2012-02-06T08:27:00.000-08:00

Last evening, read an interesting report on Dr SSahni's talk on 'being Divine Instruments', in the role of brahmacharis/thyaga jeevis... So inspiring...

Got to know about the importance of prayers during the Brahma muhurtham. I have always felt 'duty-bound' to continue with chanting suprabhatam, even after leaving hostel...
Dr Sola's talk gave a new perspective on the 21 omkara. Dr SSahni's talk highlighted the prayers during the early mornings are purely for SSpiritual growth! How beautiful... overflowing with sincere gratitude...

Wonder if that was the reason, I was awake at 430AM! Very unusual! Wanted to sleep more so that I would not doze off at the day-long off-site today. But could not sleep. Got up and started the day, very early indeed. But, felt blessed throughout the day... 'Take one step....'

Meditation @ Blore

2012-01-26T00:34:00.000-08:00

Tender hearts, holy thoughts, loving speech – these invoke the divinity within you. - Baba

Republic Day greetings

2012-01-26T00:26:00.000-08:00

Greetings to all Indians, in India & abroad... also, to people of Indian origina... and most importantly, to all Bharatheeyas, as defined/explaned by the Master. As such to all around....
Take a few moments off... pause for a few minutes... in loving rememberance for all who made India happen. Let us not in any way dilute the inherent spiritual strength...
Oprah made a comment about the underlying calmness in India's noise. So well said.
(Thanks to NDTV, the girl, little Hegde from a slum in Kolaba, was just-blowing in her comments about Oprah. These wonderful children are the future of India... surely)

Beatles to Steve Jobs...they all travelled to India in search of Peace. Going by their life-story, wonder how much they got it.

That is why we, Indians by birth and also bharatheeyas by practise, are so very fortunate. To get the nectar-like spiritual vibrations of India.

That India, is above caste, creed, religion, language, demography, etc. At that level, it is Just SSpiritual.

2012-01-19T20:32:00.000-08:00

Sharing an inspiring thought....let us Live SSpiritually

You should cultivate an attitude of inseparable attachment to the Lord, Who is your very Self. If He be a flower, consider yourself a bee that savours its honey; if He is a tree, be a creeper that clings to it; if a cliff, then feel that you are a cascade running over it; if He is the sky, be a tiny star that twinkles in it. Above all, be conscious of the truth that you and He are bound by Supreme Love. If you feel this acutely, with subtle intelligence, then the journey will be quick and the goal can be achieved. There is a difference between subtle and gross intelligence. Sthula buddhi (external knowledge or gross intelligence) keeps you walking, but the subtle intelligence will make you fly to your destination. The gross is too much tied to body consciousness where as the subtle transcends the body and will lighten your burden -SSS

Alice Coltrane's Beautiful Music for Soul

2012-01-14T09:46:00.000-08:00

Fortunate are those who are able to raise their music to spiritual levels...

Read on....

Courtesy:

http://www.legacy.com/ns/news-story.aspx?t=alice-coltranes-beautiful-music&id=667

Bengaluru Travelogue

2012-01-09T11:30:00.000-08:00

Oh Bangalore !

Over the previous decade (1990's), I used to visit Bangalore regularly. Then, it dropped as it became strictly official ! While the city evolved from a green, cool & quite spiritual city to a IT hub, the frequency dropped dramatically. It also became ‘Bengaluru’ and I moved out of the country. Hence, it was after a big gap of nearly a decade ( how time flies!) that I travelled to the city of gardens… ( as it used to be!)

· The leaves of BLR are not green ! ! ! They are brownish, yes only ‘ish’, as the plants & trees are covered with dust…at most parts of the city, I travelled over the three days.

· Just as I observed about amchi Mumbai earlier, ‘namma Bengaluru’ has become very aggressive too!! We are not known for observing traffic discipline. But, at least we used to respect others & had basic courtesy for fellow human-beings.

· For the majority of young techies, and others (from Blore/Karnataka/India and abroad), how much we ‘own up’? How many of us think of the world around us ? For how many of us the city is actually ‘namma’ city !

· I found the city very polluted & noisy also. The area outside the city was very cool, clear and peaceful, compared to the city. And so much construction activity... ! But the roads continue to be inadequate. Cleanliness has dropped to a new low !!

· Have you disrespected nature? Confess now ( courtesy – DNA @ http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_have-you-disrespected-nature-confess-now_1634048). If we believe God is the Purusha and the entire creation is Prakriti, we should all head to a confession booth & also start working on how to reduce addition to pollution.

Top brands seemed to be more ‘affordable’ for a lot more people ! Is it increased affluence or just going up the materialistic curve ?

· A friend commented when you hire an auto, ‘we will have to go where he takes us, and not where we want to go’!

· All over India gold-loan is a category of loan that is growing…B’lore seemed to be no exception.

Cities like Chennai, Mumbai, Blore, Kolkota, Jaipur, Chandigarh had their own individual identity… a unique character. I felt, most of our cities are losing it, quite fast.

How much the city has changed…

Oh Bengaluru!

PS - here is what Mr NRN Murthy, ( Infy founder) has to say ....
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/editorial/op-ed/‘our-system-encourages-people-not-behave-right-way’-920
We need to get in to execution mode... ' what you must do, do it quickly'... Time is running out folks !!

My New Year gift for you...a very special one.

2012-01-05T04:00:00.000-08:00

This is one of the most inspiring, practical & spiritual books I have ever read.

As the author says, there are 3 stages in our lives -'first we feel we are victims, second we think we are under control & third, if we are lucky, we are Divine instruments'

We are not ' living ' at all, if we are in the first 2 stages. Very often we may feel we are victim/under control, at times, Divine instruments. But, when we interospect, we will get clarity.

How to live as Divine Instruments...? Just read this book. Pls do read . . .

This book idea is my Spl gift. Go pick up from your book store, or order on-line, from Amazon or Flipkart. ZERO LIMITS by Joe Vittale. Happy reading

Let us try ......to Live SSpiritually...

Blissfully,

Short break @ Bengaluru, Whitefield

2012-01-04T19:11:00.000-08:00

Reached Blore yesterday... Back from a blissful trip to PSN.

There is surely no better way to welcome the new year. His Grace, multiple trips to PSN, over last couple of years :)

Few friends enquire, " still around/ benched / on a sabbatical / kitna chutti milta hai.....", with expression ranging from surprise, sympathy, naughty smile to occassional jealousy :)
Every trip has helped me to shift gears, SSpiritually ! This trip no different !

Wish you all a great year ahead... May it fill with bliss

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T11:18:00.000-08:00

Let us put up lights & Christmas tress day after day... not just today !

Let us not remember God just today.... but day after day, every day, every moment !

That is true spirit of Christmas.

Let us Live SSpiritually, every moment !

Blissfully,

Inspiring Week end

2011-12-23T01:22:00.000-08:00

Into the last week of the year...

Will head HOME for a SSpiritual new year celeberations...

Reading a lot... listening a lot... cutting off all the clutter, physical & mental... to be closer to the true state... ZERO STATE. To be in sync with Divinity.

Few inspiring messages received today :

Talent is not God's gift...'Talent is God' !
Music is God
Whatever be the area of our activity, descipline, is key - whether a corporate guy/teacher/banker/sportsperson/musician...
Essence of Bhagvad Gita is to perform duty....that is my dharma

Of course the test for any thought/word/deed or action is ' will He be happy ? ' So simple, but so powerful. So difficult to implement, but not impossible. The challenge is to remain 'focussed', or be in ZERO state, to enable divinity to work thru me...

O Lord that lends me life, lend me a heart replete with thankfulness

Bllissfuly,

Just books

2011-12-17T19:30:00.000-08:00

here is a list reco by Intelligent Life ( not by me, so may be actually 'intelligent'!!)

http://moreintelligentlife.com/content/arts/maggie-fergusson/six-good-books

In an era when news ( mostly useless/irrelevent/sensationalised) in all types of media and televesion ( with all depressing contents) are taking away lot of our precious time, it is good to get back to the good old habit of reading !

Pls opt for Kindle Edition, to save paper :)

A Normal day... Cold outside, less cold inside !

2011-12-12T09:09:00.000-08:00

A normal day... not an unusual one... should call for thankful prayers...

But everyday, with its ups/downs, needs infinite gratitude, being part of the journey... though last few days saw more downs than ups !! But got to go on... to live SSpiritually.

Today was better. Sun appeared, though the weather continued to be cold-winter day !

Got several responses to an inspiring mail-forward from many members of alumni group, across world! Felt nice.. to be connected.

Met a friend... a fellow-alumnus. Felt truly connected in this city, thousands of miles away from 'Home'. Afterall, we are just two alumni in this city !
( BTW Harsha Bogle was awarded by his alma mater, IIM-A. Congratulated-tweet-ed him)

Both of us, alumni, had gained weight. True sign of prosperity ! We both will get back to the treadmills at respective homes, with increased regularity and lose some flab !
Shared mutual concern about the evolving situation back home : the falling rupee, political chaos, lack of political leadership, overall depressing economic outlook, etc.
Of course, we did not focus on the negativity, but on better things around our lives.
Thank God for everything...

After a long gap, clocked 75 minutes on treadmill... Need to be more regular... While on treadmill, got an 'urgent' mail from a business contact ( key relationship).... his auto signature had the quote : Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness", Edward Stanley

Fitness should be one of the pillars of the efforts to LIVE SSPIRITUALLY.... hence sharing thoughts...& joy of meeting the fellow alumnus !

PEACE

2011-11-29T19:16:00.000-08:00

Everyone wants peace... consciously or unconsciously everyone wants just P E A C E.

Happiness, joy, satisfaction, contentment, etc at a higher level.
Desires at a lower level, for material things & otherwise.

Ultimately all wants peace.

”I WANT PEACE”:
‘I’ is ego;
‘want’ is desire.
Remove ego and desireand you will have peace in your heart. - Baba

Let's just go for it... everlasting, blissful peace !

Publish Post

Puttapaprthi

2011-11-26T11:30:00.000-08:00

Prashanthi Nilayam… The Abode of Peace looked more ‘peaceful’ ! Between Namma Bengaluru & Amchi Mumbai, I was at Puttaparthi for few days. To re-charge the spiritual batteries.

The region looked very green & clean, thanks to some recent showers. Nature seemed to be getting ready for the birthday celeberations.

The international township is yet to recover ( will it ever? Did Dwaraka recover? Did Ayodhya recover? Did Nazreth recover? Did Madinah recover? )

I must love you all whether you deserve it or not. I will transmit to you whether you deserve it or not. I must take you upwards whether you deserve or not. That is my job. But just because I do it, please don't mistake it that I approve of what you are doing. I help you in your spiritual life without having to approve of what you are doing. I help you in your spiritual life irrespective of whether you are virtuous or sinful, irrespective of if you are good or bad. That is my job, that is my duty, which I have accepted." -Anonymous

Amchi Mumbai

2011-11-26T11:15:00.000-08:00

On the way back to my Karma-bhoomi, I stopped at amchi Mumbai for few days.

I landed on a Thursday. Took some effort to get adjusted to the change in weather. ( I must confess!)

Next day turned out to be one of the’ hottest November-days in over seven years’, as a local daily reported. Sun chose to shine brightest when I was around, I guess J

Talking among newspapers, I still cannot understand why do Times of India has so many pages! They may consider it as a very hot product ! But, it is more 'humid', than that ! Fourth Estate deserves to maintain certain amount of consistent quality! Why waste paper/environment, reader's valuable time ( though he/she can choose... but do we choose really?)

At Mumbai, I could chuck the mineral water bottle & drink from the (filtered, thanks to Acqua Guard!) tap water! Felt good, for reducing the pollution to that extend, however small! Tender coconut had become more expensive ! But the vendor in our township extended a warm welcome... my son & me used to be his valuable cusotmers, once upon a time in Mumbai!

The overall quality of life surely has improved. One visible change was the number of dish antennas on the slums.

Does that meant more couch-potatoes? It is confirmed more Indians suffer from life-style related ailments, compared to previous decades.

The number of people taking morning walks has seen a drop. The exception was the area around Shivaji park. There were people from all age groups, profile sweating out there. Thank God, people still care for their fitness & health.

Darshan, very early morning, at Siddivinayak was truly blissful. Thereafter went to ‘Kochu-Guruvayoor’ in Matunga. Break fast at one of the south indian restaurant… food for body, after the nourishment of the soul.

Taking an early morning drive to the temples is something we started, to beat the traffic. But as we drove past Aarey colony, Sun just coming out, the scene looked so serene & beautiful. Thank God we still have few green pockets, such as Aarey colony.

Mumbai, like rest of world, was obsessed with the date, 11.11.11 ! There were reports people tying marital knots, artificially ensuring child-births, etc. Of course, lot of news bites on the arrival of a child into Bhachchan household ! 11/11 was yet another day... a gift from God. But we forget the spiritual aspect of a new day & focus on the other side of the coin!

Of course, lot of discussion on Sachin’s 100th ton ! There was a joke going around, who would win the race to hundred – petrol prices or his centuries !

There was more aggression on Mumbai roads. Every one seemed to be in a hurry, lot more than it used to be earlier. Even drivers of taxi/blue cabs were aggressive & at times, abusive to others! Auto-drivers would be more pick & choosy about the route they would they would take, not what a customer wanted! The traffic sense, or lack of it, hit a new low, I felt. While lack of basic driving discipline was sad, total insensitivity to others on the roads was depressing.

I was in the city after a gap of over 2 years. But I sensed a perceptible change in the character of the city. The residents may not observe the subtle shifts. An NRI friend, who just returned for good, has opted to move to Blore ! He was critical to see the infrastructure remains at same levels, as almost 5 years ago, when he went abroad in search of financial stability... and shockingly, nothing much has changed !

If physical infra was sad overall, the spirit of Mumbai took a dip, I felt. I hope, I am wrong !!

Bengaluru Travelogue

2011-11-26T11:09:00.000-08:00

Bangalore International Airport was just great, comparatively. It was a good decision to shift it from HAL to way beyond even suburbs of this IT City. The way builders are lining up along the national highway, very soon the difference between city & airport will pale. I hope & pray the big brands from real estate will have the foresight to retain the green, unlike the (garden) city, with reduced green cover.

I still wonder, why was a rail-connectivity not planned as part of the project. Worth providing it even now, just to speed up and a better travel, compared to the efficient Volvo buses’ connectivity by RTC. The railway line goes along the NH, so it will be easier to link, compared to a very expensive option to extend the newly inaugurated ‘Namma Metro’. As we stepped out, the weather was so beautiful, inspiring!

Hop Stop & Jump Mumbai

2011-11-26T11:06:00.000-08:00

Hop-Stop-Jump @ Mumbai International Airport:

This mega-structure, by local standards, under major development for quite sometime, is named after one of the most famous, admired rulers of recent Indian history – Chatrapathi Shivaji. He was a master-strategist, and exemplary executor. The pace of development process will not make the great warrior proud, for sure.

Last week, a colleague/friend asked, ‘how is your jet airways?’ This British of Arab origin (has worked with one of top-notch consultancy firms), was a man of taste. I was quick to respond, with a thumbs up, ‘one of the best Indian brands….one of my favourites’, to reinforce. (he knew how choosy I am about brands). For a moment I thought he was planning to check out ‘Incredible India’, after all my previous discrete sales-talks! (can sales talks be discrete at all?). But he said, ‘no, travelling to Maldives, looking for various route-options ’. I felt, Maldives deserved urgent attention of such responsible tourists, as the island nation was threatened to go under water, in not so distant future. The discussion was on the sidelines of our 2012 planning exercise with a bigger group, so the interaction did not go beyond the basic enquiry.

End of the week, I landed at amchi mumbai’s ‘international’ airport, early in the morning. No aerobridge, but a cramped bus, meant delays. If immigration counters were friendly, courteous & quick, the number of counters were just insufficient. Then, a long wait for luggage ( Need to travel lighter!). A queue awaited us for customs, though they were very efficient too. Many passengers were not mumbaikars, but onward passengers. As such the Mumbaikar’s discipline of standing in a queue was visibly absent.

The experience thereafter to catch the next flight was just painful – one more security check, check in, flight re-allocated due to the delay ( though we landed on time!), wait for bus (an old, antic Volvo). As I sat waiting for a mosquito attack, I felt guilty of not warning my (Maldives-bound) friend about this part of the ordeal…!

If he actually did a ‘hop-stop-jump’, he would have beeen surprised to find he was among the influential politicians of this region, meeting at Maldives. He would have bumped in to the soft -spoken Indian leader (Dr. Singh) and Pak PM with a green tie!

Like Bertie Wooster of PG Wodehouse, this Arab-British would not like Pak PM’s tie-selection. But, Suzlon-sponsored, green ‘P - A – L Initiative’ would have approved !! What a pal to have, you may add!! But you don’t know, who may be a friend-in-need, even for a green initiative.

When I am back at work, next week, I will surely make efforts to catch up with him in the privacy of his cabin, so that he does not make any depressing comment about my city, Amchi Mumbai, though he was just ‘hop-stop-jumping’ ! ( watch out this space for update J)

But Jet Airways was great, as usual… except some delays, which may be largely beyond their control. While Kingfisher was in news for cancellation, I was glad I remained a loyal Jet customer, for their business like service and without unnecessary glamour !

PSN Update

2011-11-26T10:42:00.000-08:00

http://www.firstpost.com/india/86th-birth-anniversary-of-sri-sathya-sai-baba-139021.html
..... suggestions would be sought to install Baba’s statue and the sanctity of the Chitravati River and Kalpavruksham would be protected. (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/regions/anantapur/police-filed-false-case-trust-839)

In the Master's Presence by Shammi Paranjpaye on Times of India

2011-11-24T07:55:00.000-08:00

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-23/faith-and-ritual/30429417_1_outer-senses-gaze-darshan

...."The outer vision is of necessity, transitory, casual, so that you may crave for and accomplish the inner darshan." very true indeed.

We have been fortunate to receive Darshan & Sudarshan. Now time for Inner Darshan... (Interview to Inner View, as Swami would say)

'Sri Sathya Sai Baba spent his life in guiding humanity and showering love on one and all with no distinction'

That is true love, pure, selfless & Divine. Hence all those mega service projects, drinking water, super speciality hospitals, education.... all free

Puttaparthi, in its glorious spiritual splendour

2011-11-23T23:01:00.000-08:00

'Puttaparthi Loses Grandeur' http://ibnlive.in.com/news/puttaparthi-loses-grandeur/204671-60-114.html

I was quite amused to read this report. My immediate thought was, 'ignorance is bliss' ! Or, may be 'not spiritual ignorance' !?

A photo of the sleepy village in 1970s ! Today, it is township which can boast of visitors from over 170 countries.....! Yes, the villagers from the area may see a slight dip on their economic front. But devotees of Sai need not worry of 'roti, kapda & makaan'... check out with His devotees, millions in over 170 countries. Also, may be time to focus on the higher levels of Maslow's hierarchy of needs??

Yes, the township is reflection of the world. As such some of the global economic effects will 'reflect' too ! But not to worry, the holiest among places will lose no grandeur :) For the grandeur of the spiritual destination will shine forth... yes, we, the recipients of His love & grace, have a responsibility to reflect His values in our lives...by Living SSpiritually

He was never woriried about external paraphernelia or 'grandeur'... all that we see was what His devotees wanted. He wanted to give drinking water, education, medical service, etc... all free.

SSS CENTRAL TRUST releases annual report

2011-11-23T19:58:00.000-08:00

The trust has proactively released their report. As per NDTV report, courtesy 'media pressure'. Also for the sake of general transparency.
Those of us who have travelled to Parthi for so many years always knew 'transparency' was always one of the key pillars of everything around Prashanthi Nilayam (PSN)... His life was His message, for His devotees.

Yes, Puttaparthi may see a shift - but is not change part of everything in life ?

But I can guarantee, based on my short trip to Parthi early this month... Parthi/PSN was surely very, very spiritual. And one can only 'feel' it, not see/hear/read it !

Check out folks ! Have a blissful day !
Samastha Loka Sukhino Bhavanthu

http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/sathya-sai-central-trust-releases-annual-financial-report-152493

Why blame the world around us?

2011-11-21T09:17:00.001-08:00

Do not worry about the unsatisfactory environment you may be in. Of course, sometimes the place you are in may have drawbacks and may not be ideal. But it is of no use trying to run away from it. You can overcome any obstacle by training your own mind. Stay in your environment and pray to the Lord that He may fill you with His thoughts and vision, enabling you to ignore the defects of your surroundings. Do not seek comfort, for it might not be conducive to meditation. Learn to be comfortable in any place; that is better. Live in joy wherever you are for that is the way. Revel in the realm of your mind, worship there the Lord you have chosen as your goal and be free of all the defects of your natural or human environment! Then no spot will be irksome to you, nor will any place seem disgusting.

- Dhyana Vahini, Ch 14: “Remove Defects in Character

A Loving Tribute to Sri Sathya Sai Baba

2011-11-05T05:59:00.000-07:00

http://issuu.com/omsairam/docs/tribute-to-sathya-sai-baba

Sai's Empire Soul

2011-11-03T00:47:00.000-07:00

Interesting read. ...
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/columnists/ashok-malik/sai’s-empire-soul#comment-49364

You travelled 11 years ago, ( frm Hyd?). I travelled in 1988 to Puttaparthi, in a APSRTC bus. I was a non-believer, 'rational' ( & at 22 yrs, just out of Nizam College, egoist, looking back!)

I wanted to become a journalist, even appeared in Osmania University's entrance.You are a man of words, as such all comparisons end there :)

As for becoming a journalist, my dad was unusually emphatic in saying 'No', though he allowed me to reject his career-ideas for me: fauji, like him, or an engineer, to become banker.

As I sat on the sands for my first Darshan in June 88, I was a casual visitor. Then a Sai Student.
I have been most fortunate to see, learn and experience His love & blessings... Yes, He has given me a ring & a watch, my only attachments now. ( Today, I can thankfully afford the best brands, but nothing can match these two precious gifts - that helps me in practising one of His teachings, 'Ceiling on Desires').

When He becomes the fulcrum of my very existence, the experience can not be explained in words... the journey becomes truly blissful, spiritual. ( I am happily married, rate my parenting experience next only to my experience with Sai, enjoy best of relations with all my close relatives !)

And, He was not just a Hindu. He was above religions.
Yes, He opted to leave His body like a ordinary human being, after a brief illness. There is a message in all that, just as 'His life was His Message'.

We need to continue to enquire & explore, with humility... things will be clear and fall in place. That is the true spiritual journey...

Wish you alll Happy Journey !

Love All, Serve All..... Help Ever, Hurt Never - Baba

A Sister’s Eulogy for Steve Jobs

2011-11-01T12:54:00.000-07:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/30/opinion/mona-simpsons-eulogy-for-steve-jobs.html?pagewanted=3&_r=1&ref=general&src=me

India's new fitness problem

2011-10-31T21:23:00.000-07:00

India's problem of plenty... says a BBC report ( just watched)

Rising income in India is creating an unfit nation. Politicians are surely a prominent part of it ( Pun intended)

Cops no exception...

'1in 5 Indians are obese, as per BBC report...

The choice is ours... I consider daily exercise to maintain minimum fitness levels is as important drinking 8 glasses of water, breathing ( right, rhythmic, conscious), healthy meals, etc.

Let us make a choice... to Live SSpiritually

Meditation

2011-10-30T12:19:00.000-07:00

Meditation is the only method of countering the mental activities that surge forward in a thousand directions. - Baba

Save Earth, Let us save ourselves

2011-10-30T12:15:00.000-07:00

The World is on the threshold of yet another milestone... population hits 7 billion mark...

It is time to implement 'green-initiatives', now at our individual level... so that it gathers momentum...

NO time to wait ! Time to act... NOW !! For our own sake... for sake of children...the choice is ours ! Every bit of action should be subject to a 'green test'. Initially, we may not be very environmentally-responsible. But, as we keep the focus, we will be able to make rapid progress. The satisfaction we get can be comparable only to the bliss you get out of meditation. For, we are more natural, more in sync with Nature.

That is true living.. Let us GO Green... Live SSpiritually

William Osler - "We are here to add what we can to life, not to get what we can from life."
i

Steve Jobs, Spiritually

2011-10-23T10:49:00.000-07:00

Apple's website has replaced the image of Steve on the home-page with their new launch, IPhone 4S ...( Indeed, we need to move on...)

"Apple's iPhone 4S topped 4 million units sold worldwide over its launch weekend, a staggering figure that is the highest of any iPhone." - A report

That is a fitting tribute to the genius, Steve ! The whole world was expecting IPhone 5. Was it their mistake, to expect next generation of smart-phone from Apple ? Or, was it once again a PR disaster, by Apple ? But thankfully, the fans of Steve 'Apple' Jobs ( they are thankful fans, not mere customers!) have lapped it up... A friend was sharing the Wall Street may see this as 'under-performance', going by the previous records of Apple launches & the scrip may see a dip in prices... In a lighter vein, I am tempted to add, 'no wonder there are anti-wall street protests' :) Pun intended !

But I wonder, what will Steve be seeing this as...?! At a 'higher level', he will not be concerned about the success of the newest gadget from his company, not even the PR chaos.

Perhaps he may be concerned with the environmental damage the gadgets ( past, present & future) from Apple may cause.
He may be concerned about the impact of radiation, though so-called studies are yet to confirm. ( Cigarettes, in spite of being 'injurious to health', continued to be in great demand!)
Also, about the financial impact of 'unnecessary' upgrade.

Let us be aware ! Let us be responsible to our society, our family & friends and of course, ourselves!

RIP, Steve...

A touch of The Master... Remembering Master with Infinite Gratitude

2011-10-19T21:17:00.000-07:00

'Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer
Thought it scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin,
But held it up with a smile.

"What am I bidden, good folks?" he cried,
"Who'll start the bidding for me?"
"A dollar, a dollar"; then, "Two! Only two?
Two dollars, and who'll make it three?

Three dollars, once; three dollars twice;
Going for three" But no,
From the room, far back, a gray-haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow;

Then, wiping the dust from the old violin,
And tightening the loose strings,
He played a melody pure and sweet
As a caroling angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer,
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said, "What am I bid for the old violin?"
And he held it up with the bow.

"A thousand dollars, and who'll make it two?
Two thousand! And who'll make it three?
Three thousand, once; three thousand, twice,
And going, and gone," said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried,
"We do not quite understand
What changed its worth." Swift came the reply:
"The touch of a master's hand."

The Touch of the Master's Hand
by Myra Brooks Welch and Bob Kelly

Fast Food - A ticking time bomb in India

2011-10-15T20:59:00.000-07:00

In India, we have one of the most beautiful of culinary variations - state to state, region to region. Slowly, but surely, the other internationally popular food stuff has won over the Indian plate, at least part of it. Junk food is perhaps one price we pay for economic globalisation and the consequent rise in disposable income.

We love all the international influence on our diet ( pizzas or potato-chips).. we have ‘localised’ some of them ( Chinese or ‘indianised’ menu at some fast food counters).

While the west is grappling with the impact of obesity and related ailments, we are quickly catching up. That too when half of our children are categorized as ‘malnourished’.

But then, we have a choice !

Across all faiths, we offer food to God before we eat.

In today’s fast-paced world, even our prayers have become a mere passive, murmuring of the words. Even God may find it difficult to pick up the words!

ON top of it, we eat with distractions like TV !

Someone recently told me prayer should be chanted in such a way as though we are feeding God. So beautiful… that is an offering in letter & spirit.

Then, what is on our plate? Is it worthy to be an offering to God ? More so, if we are going to ‘offer to God’, would we offer junk food ?

What is not worth to offer God is not worth eating ourselves. For Divinity resides in all.

Divinity resides also in all those who can not afford two decent meals every day. Let us spare a thought for them…In an inter-connected world, we are truly spiritually-connected.

Let us eat & live SSpiritually… by highest ideals !

Western fast food, waistlines surge in India - Yahoo! News

Death of Physical Body, not Soul

2011-10-13T13:01:00.000-07:00

10 Oct, 11 :

Last evening, as I sat for my evening prayer, I was struggling to focus. Quite Unusual, I thought…

After few minutes, a totally unexpected thought surfaced. Master says - ‘a negative thought re-surfaces at the most unexpected time’. The thought was of the scene at Murudeswar, Karnataka, when we visited the famous temple, couple of years ago..

Two men, while swimming, were swept away by the waves. From a distance, as we saw with horror, it left a deep impression… of helplessness of man, against nature. It remained in subconscious mind for some time, occasionally surfacing. But remained out of my thoughts for few months now, only to re-surface! But, why now ??

Was it the impact of death of an icon, Steve Jobs. I admired Steve for truly 'changing the rule of game', who always wanted to give the best to the customer.

This morning, there was another news of death, of my favourite ghazal singer, Jagjit Singh. I was introduced by a friend to ghazals, while in my early-teens. Perhaps the first ghazal I heard intently was ‘kagaz ki kashti’… thereafter more songs, soulful-rendering, meaningful/interesting meanings, simple music, got me hooked. Jagjit was like Kishore da – you feel you can almost sing like him… but he was in a different league. I thought, one more icon goes from the face of earth.

I rate Steve Jobs’ ‘iTunes’ as his biggest contribution, way ahead of his gadgets and other initiatives. Jagjit Singh's ghazals is an important part of my itunes!

As I got ready to leave for work, as always, checked if there was sufficient water for dog, gave her some biscuits, made her run around a bit (to enable her to handle the loneliness till lunch-time). Then checked the hamster cage – it was not inside the toy-house within the cage; food kept last evening remain untouched, it was breathing heavily… something was wrong, I felt. My effort to wake up did not help. Even the smell of a piece of cheese, did not have any impact. I put some vibhuti on it… put some vibhuti in water and kept couple of drops of water ( with vibhuti) in its mouth. It showed no sign of response, except breathing. Was I going to witness a death ?

Felt very sad, though I always thought I was not very attached to these pets, and maintained little contact with them – just feeding them, taking care, replenish stock of food/treat/, give vaccinations, etc were done religiously, to fulfil my duty as a responsible "owner" ! Perhaps it was to ensure minimum detachment ??!!
I played ‘Vishnu sahasranamam’ on IPad, with prayers for the hamster….

The hamster had lost its partner, few weeks ago. My family was around at that time, now on vacation. It became lonely? We thought of leaving at pet-shop, so that it had company. Pet shop friend said there was no problem, they could carry on alone !! I thought if loneliness was not a problem, it will be better-off in our loving care…. How can I leave a hamster @ "old age home" ? Or, Was it attachment ??!!

During the day, there was another news about a death of a relative – but he had not been well for some time . At work, occasionally I remembered the hamster & prayed.

I reached before time for lunch - to feed dog & hamster, as always. As I entered, 'Vishnu Sahasranamam' was still playing on IPad. I thanked Steve & Apple, mentally... When I checked the hamster, it was lying in the same position, as it was in the morning.. but was not breathing. With head towards north, it was still. Very peaceful... listening to 'VSNamam', with vibhuti on body, the hamster 'moved on'... God bless.

The pair was Koffee & Kannan, christened by my son. The cage that was used by K & K is now cleaned up. The hamste-treat, lettuce, seeds, etc still left. May be I will feed the hamsters at the pet-shop.

I am aware death is just physical - the soul moves on... but still, death is a tragedy for people affected by it. And so many deaths happen around us. There is be so much of sorrw. Also, so much negativity….

‘karma binds all’… need to raise sadhana for improved ‘samastha loka sukhino bhavanthu’

RIP, K & K

steve Jobs, Spiritually

2011-10-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

Sharing this link & excerpts of message from a friend....

... a logo of apple created by a student

Look at the logo, you will find Steve's face looking into the Apple logo. great imagination. This logo which was created by a student when Steve was forced out of Apple has gained more relevance now.

"http://news.discovery.com/tech/apple-logo-steve-jobs-111007.html"

PS - Steve will always inspire all at Apple... but also many cusotmers who are devotees of apple products

Steve Jobs, Spiritually

2011-10-09T11:09:00.001-07:00

In final weeks, Jobs managed his farewells

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/in-final-weeks-jobs-managed-his-farewells/857213/0

Steve managed his farewells also very well... true to his style

he said the experience of parenting was '10,000 better than anything else he did'
an extremely private person, Steve surprisingly allowed an authorised biography, because he wanted his children to know him...

PS : I am doing some of these posts on Steve, purely for posterity... also for my son! Indeed, parenting is second best thing to happen to me !

Steve Jobs, Spiritually

2011-10-09T11:07:00.001-07:00

http://www.amazon.com/Steve-Jobs-Walter-Isaacson/dp/1451648537/ref=pd_rhf_ee_p_t_1

Check out the link... pre-order the authorised biography of Steve Jobs.. on Kindle too

exp release - 24th Oct

Steve Jobs, Spiritually

2011-10-06T00:02:00.000-07:00

So this morning, when I switched on the comp (Macbook), I was shocked to see the home-page, just Steve’s photo ! ( http://www.apple.com/ ). He looked so intense and the Gandhi-glass fitted so well on him. Indeed, death is something none can escape.

A small act of kindness/random act of seva/service could not be done by me yesterday. Was busy @ work. I jokingly shared with a friend, 'business plan 2012 done.... wonder who will implement' ! Still keep planning, conspiring, postponing..... not Living SSpiritually

'Who will cry when you die'.... so many, across the globe feel sad about the loss. What an impact he had on the world... Surely Eddison of our times. One who made a huge impact on world, across generations to come... Gandhiji, Martin Luther King, Einstein, et al ( film by Apple)

‘Pepsi to Apple’ was a must-read when we were management students. Have followed Steve since then.

Harper stressed how Steve looked at the end-user experience. He looked at the product from a customer-perspective. He threw away an earlier version of I Pod as it was not ‘sexy enough’. It was his vision, we have some great products from Apple.

‘The World has lost a visionary’, said Prez Obama. Yes, surely an exemplary visionary. But, much more than that. He was a true ‘American’, what America stood for. Sad to see people on New York streets, ‘inspired’ by Arab Spring! Wonder, why so many youngsters are conveniently after “wall street zombies”, instead of getting innovative?

At Work - Steve would have 'no mediocrity'. He was an inspiring leader. He himself had mentioned about the impact his style of work & the culture had on the personal lives of his team. Someone even called him 'a terrorist at work' !

He died so young. A friend mentioned on Linkedin – ‘all good people die young’. I wish to add, ‘all great people die on an auspicious day’. Indians, the world over, were celebrating Dassera today.

I had 'forced' my son to to watch ‘Game Changer’ on Bloomberg. I have tracked every bit of news item, on any of the media-channels. Always admired his vision, passion and class.

Recently, when I met & interacted with a group of youth, we discussed Spirituality & about my humble efforts to ‘Live SSpiritually’. When we discussed briefly about ‘Ceiling on Desires’, I mentioned about one of my very few weaknesses – for apple products! I was not surprised to see the reaction, a smiling nod/yes, and endorsement from almost all! I thought that was quite a universal phenomenon, a weakness for Apple Products.

Will miss Steve... He will continue to inspire

PS : I was not aware of this part of his story . Spiritual part of it . . thanks to CNN... Glad to share

The Spiritual Side of Steve jobs @

http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/05/tech/innovation/steve-jobs-philosophy/index.html?eref=rss_latest&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_latest+%28RSS%3A+Most+Recent%29

Meditation - steps

2011-09-30T06:09:00.001-07:00

To concentrate effectively, establish your attention on a form that gives you joy. Sit in the padmasana (lotus) posture and fix your eyes on the tip of your nose. In the beginning, practice meditation for a minute; then for three minutes. A few days later try for six minutes and after some time, for as long as nine minutes. Thus the concentration has to be strengthened gradually, without undue hurry. Slowly the mind can be held for even half an hour; this discipline must be developed steadily. With practice, the mind will get fixed and the power of concentration will increase. To attain concentration and acquire one-pointedness, you must undergo exertion to some extent. You must fasten your mind on the Lord and keep off all other thoughts from the mental plane. By such exercise done constantly, your vision will be firmly fixed on the Lord residing in your heart . That is, verily, the goal, the full fruition of meditation.

- Dhyana Vahini, Ch 13: “Developing One-pointedness”

Good Vs God

2011-09-28T23:12:00.000-07:00

28 Sept

Read the quote from SATHYA SAI's thought for the day as

'When the people become GOD, the world will become Good'

Having watched & read quite extensively recently, I did not realise the slip of the tongue ! The quote actually said, 'when the people become good, the world will become good'

I felt happy I read a 'God' and I am sure that is the level of 'goodness' Swami expects. Else, we are unfair to Him.

Good day.... God-day to all!

Social Network

2011-09-26T09:48:00.000-07:00

FB users using more time on it than the total of next four, acc to a report !! North worth it, folks ! Pls let us not be slaves of social network !

Food - still a weakness

2011-09-21T10:52:00.000-07:00

Some random thoughts - these personal stories got more readership among friends in the past!

'Forced bachelorhood', again... with additional responsibility of a (wonderful, loving) dog. Has help to take care of hamster & fish-tanks, thankfully.

But a deep desire to move more inwards, SSpiritually. Reading a wonderful SSpiritual travelogue... struggling to find sufficient time for meditation, reading and surely exercise.

I am managing time better... at least getting up on time, very early. Perhaps, can do better, surely... being part of Live SSpiritually! Afterall it is a journey...

Got into the kitchen. Tried all the usual stuff, including dosa, dal , noodles, veg curries, et al ! Surprisingly, nothing seemed to be working out, as earlier. Have I lost my edge in cooking ? I do have a reputation for my culinary skills.

I felt bad for the quality of output... I just shared a quote from a friend, “I have offended God and mankind because my work didn’t reach the quality it should have.”…. Leonardo Da Vinci

Same friend forwarded a collection of Palakkad-Tam-Brahm recipes too :) Being a converted veggie, my taste is a lot closer to that !

If poor quality of output was not sufficient, the sheer inability to come out with consistent quality, was getting into nerves, to say the least.

Eating out was never an option, neither healthy nor spiritual !

I have found a temperory solution - outsourced ! Something we are famous ( infamous !?) for !!

Baba says 'food is mere medicine for hunger'. But how obsessed we are with food !
Majority of world population can not afford two, basic meals/day! :(

This extra-importance to food is one of the basic weaknesses to be overcome, to move ahead... to move inward.... to live SSpiritually ( to live by the ideals of Sai)

E addiction

2011-09-16T10:17:00.000-07:00

Heard a parent make complaint of a son, who wastes too much time... on-line. The curious part was the parent was no teenager, has two children ! I did not comment, as I always wonder if I am an E-addict too !? I presume I have lot of control on time spent (not always 'wasted' !) Indeed, technology (mobile/internet/TV) can truly be the curse of our generation if we don't avoid 'E-addiction'

In this era of technology it is becoming increasingly difficult to lead a peaceful life; people are falling victim to various physical and mental ailments. Many people in the cities which are on the front line of civilization, have lost the delight of natural sleep. They experience only artificial sleep induced by tablets. Due to such excessive use of medication, heart and blood pressure problems are on the rise. People are becoming unhealthy wrecks who are lost in fear and anxiety. Drugs and pills are produced in millions, but the general health has not improved. In fact new varieties of illnesses have emerged and are developing fast. Only a few intelligent people have realized the efficacy of yoga and other spiritual practices. This they have confirmed through their own experience.

- Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Sathya Sai Vahini, Ch 22: ”Eternal Truths”.

Flaming Marigolds

2011-09-15T05:19:00.000-07:00

As I joined hundreds of Indians travelling back to gulf, after the Ramadan/Summer/Eid holidays, I did not travel by Jet Airways. That was because there was no direct flight. I avoided Air India also. As I arrived ‘on-time’ and was going from airport to home, my friend said ‘couple of Air India flights were running late, that day’. He said as though there was nothing new about it – it would have been ‘news’ if the flights were ‘on-time’.

Of course, that is the only reason why I have not travelled by Air India at all! Quite unpatriotic? I feel very guilty about it, frankly. But I am shocked to note AI is now considered as “never-on-time”. I know couple of friends manage their travel plans taking in to account the usual delays! Airlines operate with highest checks & balances, up to six-sigma levels. But why can’t AI get the schedule on time? If the team at AI resolve to work passionately to take off on time, their clientele would double or triple. What they are losing are the customers who travel more often, hence the importance of punctuality.

My boarding card was on an AI stationery! On the reverse of the card was a very colourful picture of ‘Flaming marigolds… ‘normally used in all auspicious ceremonies in India’. So beautiful! As it protrudes out of the spiritual-travelogue I am currently reading, I wonder, ‘if only AI was more punctual’! That would have been truly royal-Maharaja style… and very SSpiritual !

Why do we pray ?

2011-09-08T05:06:00.000-07:00

Saw this in Business World, 1 Aug 11 ( pg 49) :
'we pray for ourselves at best for our family. But not for the society or the country. Collective good is not a thought that occurs to us. In a priority of things, 'I' comes before collective good'

this is a discussion some of us had before, several times - why do we pray ?

for ourselves ?
for our families?
for someone who is sick or needs help to succeed in any endeavour? Or just needs 'help' !
Or Just Pray, as God knows what we want ? Rather leave it to Him to decide, what we want...?

I am for the 3rd option. That way we are closer to 'total surrender'.

If at all we want to 'ask', pray 'SAMASTHA LOKA: SUKHINO BHAVANTHU'

Random Notes From Puttaparthi - July 11

2011-09-03T20:29:00.001-07:00

A short trip ‘home’ and now returning to Karma bhoomi... As the flight was about to land, I checked time. Flight was on time…

While at Kochi, a friend looked curiously at my watch & asked, 'you did not pick up a new watch?' He was surprised when I told him that was a gift from Baba. He was taken aback when I told 'it was created'!

Another friend was 'clean-bowled' when I shared the story behind my ring- Baba had 'replaced an old ring by a merely blowing air in to it' ! The world calls it a miracle. Baba used to say, 'it was mere visiting card'. Yes, for the recipient, it was a unique experience of His love, grace & protection. For records, my marriage-ring does not fit me anymore, but this ring materialized six years prior to my wedding (1994), still fits!! Though affordability is not an issue, nothing else can come near these precious, precious gifts. While these are most valuable possessions, I have rarely spent on such fancy luxuries. That is how He helps in my efforts to practice 'Ceiling on Desires', 9th of His 9 Point Code of Conduct. That is my humble effort to Live SSpiritually !

I was told the media had reported first about treasure unearthed from Yajur Mandir. But the world will have no clue what it means to go through the process of being a witness to creation from mid-air

A short trip 'home', Prashanthi Nilayam, Puttaparthi ! My fourth this year. Each of the trips has been totally different.

In January, Bhagwan Baba blessed me profusely, through His Sudarshan (acknowledging presence or my 'existence'!), Sparshan ( when He blessed with Padanamaskar) and Sambhashan (when He spoke to me!). It was just blissful! I have always wondered 'why me?'! He has confirmed it was not past karma or sadhana, but just His Grace, I just read recently.

From the blissful-zenith in January, it was veritable sorrowful-nadir in April.

After April 24, life was never going to be same again for me, and for so many others. Just got to pull together and move on. After all, owe it to Baba.

In May I was back for my son's admission to Sai school at Puttaparthi. He always wanted to be a Sai Student, like his father. His mother wanted only that route ahead, for our only child, even if it meant separation-pangs. I was very sad he would miss the joy of Baba's Physical presence. But I think he will have the opportunity to connect with the Master at a higher level, straightaway.

For generations to come, as mankind understand the Sai-Phenomenon in its grandeur, one of Baba's lasting contribution to humanity will be His concept of education, or EDUCARE. His concept of selfless love, service, spiritual upliftment, etc., will surely be very big. But the I feel His Mission will unfold through His EDUCARE program.

At Kulwant hall, the stage where Baba used to sit giving Darshan, had the temporary Maha Samadhi, covered with flowers. How lucky the flowers were, I thought. As hundreds of devotees marched past with folded hands & weeping heart, several times my vision went blur, due to the tears swelling in...how much we all missed Bhagwan...

Again, I was back, in July-end. This time to join alumni from N America. Unlike other universities, our alumni get-togethers are very different.

Living away from India, not addicted to TV ( esp current affairs), is at times beneficial. The negativity reported by press on Sri Sathya Sai Trust has been most shocking. Most of it with minimal research or even basic enquiry. How media gets stuck in the frenzy for TRP !! The media forgot a big section of their readers & viewers belonged to the categories of devotees, beneficiaries of the service projects, well-wishers, etc. For the members of org & devotees, they were going through the saddest moments in their lives. The media will move on to the next big story and forget about all their earlier reports. Of course, no anger towards the media. I pity them. By reporting untruth, they were not doing their jobs right, in the true spirit of Karma yoga. Also, they were accumulating some bad Karmas. My sincere prayers are with them.

Way back in 1980's, out of sheer ignorance, ego, misplaced sense of intelligence, as a teenager I had criticized Baba. But I was fortunate to get a chance to experience Divinity. Life has since been a beautiful journey since then. It can not get any better than just trying to live by His ideals and make Him the fulcrum of my existence.

From Puttaparthy, we proceeded to Kerala, before returning to my karma-bhhomi, in Middle East. Guruvayoor seemed a very logical stop-over. This temple of Krishna came up immediately after Krishna-Avtaar.

Of course, the other famous temple in Kerala is in news… thanks to the treasure unearthed in Sri Padmanabha Swamy temple in TVM. As a fellow-alumni mentioned at Parthi, ‘the Lord has left so much wealth within our hearts… we should try to discover those treasures ‘

As the flight touched down, we (wife & me) were joining son (& my mom) in counting number of days for next trip home, Puttaparthy. But till then, and beyond, His message to the world is more relevant. we have a responsibility to live by His ideals.

'I asked Gods for all things in life, SAI gave me life so that I could enjoy all things'

Random Notes from Kerala

2011-08-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

We touched down when it was drizzling… the entire area, as always, was very green. So beautiful! But, surprisingly clean too…
·         As we drove to Guruvayoor, the cleanliness stuck me. Driver mentioned, it was partly due to the heavy rains the state gets, year after year! I would still like to give credit to common man, esp. in view of high literacy rate. After all the ‘literate’ public are generally more conscious of hygiene and cleanliness.
·         But I was in for a big shock when we drove in to Kochi – at the outskirts of the city was a very sore scene of garbage-dump, right on the highway! Sad, the financial capital of the state and one of the top tourist locations in the country, does not have a more environment-friendly garbage-disposal L
·         As we went around the state, we hardly drank bottled water. Everywhere we got boiled ‘jeera’ water. We were sure of water quality. If only we have that all over India, we would save on plastic and its high environmental cost.
·         Kerala also seem to have high penetration of solar energy options. At least for hot-water. But on rainy days, we had to go without hot water baths!
·         If Kerala was always a preferred tourist destination, it is more in news recently, thanks to the treasure unearthed in Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple! The sleepy town of TVM can be sure of more traffic inflow! Treasure found in Puttaparthy and TVM… but the way we react… quite different!!??
·         During my last trip to Tvm, over four years ago, I made a quick trip to the temple. The grandeur of the temple and the majestic idol of Lord Vishnu always generated awe in me. Unlike Tirupathi, the crowd used to be very less and hence very quiet, except near sanctum sanatorium, where people get frenzy in their spiritual high. Quite understandable!

·         Travelling in Kerala, the consumerism was very evident. Huge hoarding along the highway (for gold-jewellery, clothing, real estate, etc) was one indicator. There was an on-going NRI festival, with aggressive promotion! My heart went to the majority of blue-collar workers in Gulf, who save against all odds, to go back and blow up! The average gulf-based NRK (non-resident keralite) continue to exhibit illiteracy in financial planning, by continuing to spend most of savings & now even loans, to purchase ‘dream-homes’. With increased competition from other nationalities, reduced investments across gulf, more pressure for localization, etc., the average NRK need to think of a life back in village. I still feel, Kerala is yet to find a lasting solution to its migrating youth be providing gainful employment. Of course, the migrating youth should also be willing to accept any job, they would otherwise do in Gulf, with total dignity of labor.
·         One hoarding that usurped my attention was the one featuring Maradona, inaugurating a jewellery shop in UAE! I was amused to see the prominent campaign, smartly very visible understandably (but was sad to see one of the greatest among soccer-stars doing the honor!)
·         Did some shopping and extensive window-shopping…Picked up few devotional music CD’s and books. At one book stall, the sales agent spoke about a popular book, ‘Heaven on Earth’ by Pepita Seth. But she added, the price tag was a hefty Rs 3K and usually NRI/gulf-guys only pick up. I was reminded of a Blondie comic strip, when he falls for a similar situation and picks up whole lot of books… not me! I was tempted, wanted to see. But, she would not, saying ‘it was a sealed book and nothing to see on cover’!! Perhaps she lost an opportunity to sell that to me and I will have to research more before deciding. (Amazon has just one comment, so no help there yet!)
·         It was sad to note three topics were hotly discussed in Kerala- felt not fair for a state popularly known as ‘God’s Own Country’! An article in Express said, “Kerala’s envious records in literacy, life expectancy and infant mortality rates are now matched by the highest rate of suicides, alcoholic consumption and social and economic crimes’ (Kerala is Frauds’ Own country - http://expressbuzz.com/opinion/op-ed/kerala-is-now-frauds%E2%80%99-own-country/300696.html)

Kerala is God's Own Country, whatever is current distractions...we just need ensure same : Clean, Green, Beautiful or Just Divine!

India, Incredible

2011-08-23T08:57:00.000-07:00

Incredible India! (Miss so much, motherland!)
·         Came across this article, 'go organic, become self-sufficient' - the Hindu 1 Aug 11. Thanks to a NGO, Timbaktu Collective, many farmers in Anantpur dist in AP, have gone organic. One entire village, Brahmanalli, has moved into org farming! That surely is the way ahead
·         I was surprised to see Hero Cycles chief complaining there is levy (duties/taxes) on cycles in India. Should we not extend ‘nil’ tax, if not subsidy? Both from the environmental & health benefits. As Ndtv interviewed Gavaskar from England, I was glad to see people riding bicycles in the background, on main roads!
·         Catching up with old friends/colleagues in banking sector, one information came out – the way micro finance industry had gone down and how demand for gold loans going up. India is a world leader in gold demand. But, loan-against-gold, wonder end-use of the loan. With increasing consumerism, that may not be good news

Meditation

2011-08-19T02:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2002/04.18/09-tummo.html?fb_ref=sidebar

Got this from a friend....
Inspiring stuff on meditation. No surprises, but one more instance how little I know about Meditation & how much to learn & experience

Socrates's Triple Filter : T-U-G

2011-08-09T22:05:00.000-07:00

Got this from a friend. Sharing, as this will help in our efforts to Live SSpiritually, as we try to implement 9 Code of Conduct – Eighth being, ‘not to talk ill of others…’

When an acquaintance started to talk about a friend to Socrates, he was stopped by the Greek philosopher to subject the topic to his Triple Test :

1. Test of Truth

2. Test of Goodness

3. Test of Usefulness

In today’s social networking/micro-blogging/text messaging ‘quick’ world, it will help us if we use this triple filter (T-U-G) quickly.

Live SSpiritually - Checklist 1

2011-07-22T12:30:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking what contributes to Live SSpiritually and vice-versa ! The opposite situation is 'flawed spirituality'!!

Daily Meditation is the most important aspect of living SSpiritually. Else we are not just 'living'.

If we are able to sit & meditate, we are at peace with ourselves and with the outside world.

If we are able to do it day after day, we have our priorities right. God comes first... and punctuality in 'sadhana' is the best example of getting our priorities in life right. ( An area I need to improve!)

If we are able to concentrate, we are on the spiritual path. Else, surely not... whatever the technique of meditation, if we are not able to concentrate, breathe rhythmically, sit for at least 20 minutes... we are yet to pick up the basics.

If we are able to meditate well, we are healthy. My fitness efforts are now directed, with prayers for grace, so that I can focus better on sadhana & meditation. Else, I find it difficult to focus. All the more reason to hit treadmill !

Lastly, once we go up the meditation curve, we will be able to retain that mental status for longer duration, through out the day, even while we are on our daily activities... That bestows peace !

Let us meditate !

PS : For previous posts on meditation, just 'google' meditation on this blog !

EAT RIGHT

2011-07-21T07:54:00.000-07:00

Edited version!

I thought I should not pick up on specific brand, hence deleted the snap ! ( but the risk caused by junk food on health of self and environment remains :(

Picture deleted

(Source -unknown)

Got this as one of the mail forwards...sharing one, out of over 20. I felt this very powerful message.

Had recently seen a friend 'Like' 1000th Pizza outlet in India, on Facebook ! I was shocked to note so many children and elders will be eating 'wrong' :(

I don't hate Pizza, my son loves it. But, what is important is to 'be aware'! We owe it to ourselves as we believe our physical body is the temple of God and it is our responsibility to take care... Let us be aware this is a critical part of parenting !

Let us EAT RIGHT....

What to do when the 'Guru drops dead'

2011-07-12T21:49:00.000-07:00

Nice article...

http://www.elephantjournal.com/2011/04/what-to-do-when-the-guru-drops-dead/

Thanks for sharing thoughts....

We are lucky to be to have known Him & experienced His Divinity... His Grace.

No hard feelings for the so called rational critics... It is part of their journey.
( I have personally gone through same - having evolved from an ignorant, 'rational' youth/teenager myself!)
But as Sri Ramakrishna once said, 'the wonderful experience of journey is far more beautiful than the joy of reaching the destination' !

Personally, like millions of devotees, it is next leg of my spiritual journey - Swami to Sai

Hurry, Worry & Curry

2011-07-08T00:44:00.000-07:00

We were with our doctor, last week end... for some nagging health problems.
If you analyse, the weather condition/limited physical movement/good quality of food products/etc ( overall 'lifestyle'), is the real cause ! Even if we are conscious about these matters, there is always a difference in what we want to do & what we actually we do...

Looking around, I find so many people living with these irritants to their physical health... If so, how can you focus on meditation & sadhana ? Of course, over a period of time, one may get used to it. But still, I am obsessed with the thought physical health is a pre-requisite for mental wellness & spiritual activities...

Doctor quoted a phrase, which raised my good, old memories with Master. He said, 'Hurry, Worry & Curry' are the 3 main reasons for most of the health issues. So very true...

we do not manage time well. whether it is simple punctuality or bigger stuff. Or sheer procrastination. we tend to 'hurry up' at the last minute...
we have so much to worry, as though by merely worrying the solution may manifest :) Also, problems at work/home/'back home', etc., for many add up. We often forget ultimately it is our response to the problem that matters, more than the problem itself!
curry, rich, spicy & tasty, is still a weakness. The fact we get every Indian stuff here easily makes it more addictive. Of course, affordability too...
If I can add, reduced physical movement and low on meditation perhaps add to the problem.

With a little focus and minor tweaking, every thing is manageable. But, we postpone/avoid/just live with it...
Live SSpiritually... is what I suggest & will attempt myself !

Few TVC on Indian channels... View from Desert ( Middle East)

2011-07-06T08:15:00.000-07:00

UMEED se saje zindagi....Zee Tv : so well done. Children acted so well, good visuals. I hardly tune in to that channel, except their Arabic movie channel - that amusing mismatch of visual & Arabic Dialogues!! Arab-Colleagues here, who restrict their Bollywood exposure to such channels, think we are quite primitive in our film-making... Some do watch DVD with sub-titles... They know Amitabh as the angry-young man of tester years. Of course they do not know we have a RAJNIKANTH !!

Watched the ad on Ten Cricket. If this series is boring without Sachin & Sehwag, their own ad is offensive...the only good part is the punch-line..."Life is Cricket'...

But the Danube ad is below average on quality & sad with an interruption after every over !!

Wednesday Movie

2011-07-05T11:50:00.000-07:00

" We are resilient by force, not by choice ".......

" we get used to too easily...."

" we are majboor... Busy with family ..." but we forget the world around us...

WEDNESDAY.... A movie.

Beautiful movie. Brilliant performance by Naseeruddin Shah & Anupam Kher. Also supporting cast like jimmy shergil, etc.

We blame police, govt, admn, establishment. But we don't take responsibility. We are responsible for the condition of world around us...

Family is important....says Nadal

2011-07-02T11:13:00.000-07:00

Interesting article...

In today's world, where people in all walks of life go after materialistic pursuits, here is a true champion.

We get so bogged down with our day to day life (& mara-mari), we miss out on the small luxuries of life !

Basic, good old value system is more relevant today....

BE inspired !

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/nadal-family-is-important-i-dont-like-to-be-alone-i-like-to-be-with-people-2305096.html

Fame Hungry Children in TRP Maze

2011-07-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Saw a report how 'fame-hungry children are driving the reality TV boom in India !!

fame hungry children ?? - surely not children, their parents are fame hungry
reality TV - if TV is bad, reality TV is sadly bad !

I remember the great actor, Kamal Hasan, once mentioning how he missed out on the joy of childhood, as he was an actor already! MJ is perhaps another example. Tiger Woods... ??

We should allow children to be what they are. Help them, facilitate their initiatives, allow them to dream & experiment, support them even if they fail.... A music teacher recently lamented how they are killing music through these programs. Children taste early success and most of them do not go beyond that... No training or sadhakam.We may not get a Pt Jasraj or MS. S in future, courtesy Reality TV !!

This morning I read The Master's advise to mothers ( parents) : to mould character and give quality education (educare).
Beyond that, we are depriving children of the joy of childhood.

Sadly, it is all TRP Game !!

* Fame-hungry children driving India's reality TV boom!!!

Donate Blood...Give>Get

2011-06-24T03:36:00.001-07:00

Ran up to a friend with a small bandage on his hand... As guessed, he was returning from the hospital, after donating blood. Very cool...

Something that can be given away very easily, once in every 3 months. A very big opportunity to make a very BIG difference. We will think of so many 'excuses'... One genuine reason could be we are not healthy enough to donate. Then all the more reason to get back to shape. If the body is the temple of God, we have no business to keep it unfit - physically. Also, mentally & spiritually.

Let us take care of our body so that it is fit enough to donate blood... Let us donate blood... You could save lives. Hence it is also known as 'liquid of love'.

Net-net let what we give be more than what we get... It adds up to Living SSpiritually

Luck by Chance ?

2011-06-23T01:49:00.000-07:00

"..... Today is a day when everything goes your way but you may find that it is not because of your own efforts! Ride this wave of luck and good fortune and it will carry you through" - Source Personalised horoscope on igoogle

I was surprised to read this... as though only today, it was going to be 'luck & good fortune'.
I have lived the whole life on it. But I don't think it was luck or good fortune... or by chance/sheer coincidence/etc.

I have always been very clear it was all DIVINE GRACE !

$ 100 dollar hamburger and SSpiritual Living

2011-06-23T01:33:00.000-07:00

$ 100 HAMBURGER : http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-13764242

this caught my attention... not because I am an hamburger ( or any fast food) addict... But the sheer economic implication !

The discussion talks about over 1.5 billion cars in just China & India... over 200 billion for all chicken lovers... the impact on environment is going to be unthinkable.

On top of it the health cost due to 'fast food'

Time for the world population and also governments/leaders to take the responsibility... not to wait for a disaster to happen !

Time to adopt a lifestyle conforming to 'LIVE SSpiritually' !

A Book Review

2011-06-13T12:29:00.001-07:00

Watched a beautiful interview of Charlie Rose with David Brooks... review of the book, THE SOCIAL ANIMAL

I am going to pick up Kindle edition, as and when it is available

Cricket @ Carribean

2011-06-06T21:19:00.000-07:00

India's second rung registered a comfortable win... they beat WI in T20 too

Now people are going to blame BCCI for ensuring a turning track in West Indies !

It was good to see the great Viv Richards on Ten Cricket... He said, Sachin is Mr Cricket ! Of course he is 'King' of Cricket. Of course, he also said MSD is one of the cool captains... the way he handles pressure.

I agree, MSD's leadership style will be his biggest contribution to cricket and beyond. Inspiration for us in corporate sure. Must follow techniques for our politicians, across all categories. The way they have been handling the recent crisis after crisis, political leadership has been a disaster. We need mature, cool & composed, sincere, hardworking & assertive leadership.

PS : Danube ad on Ten Cricket id unbearable - Sad the viewers from subcontinent has to bear with such sub-standard TVC's. But, TVC of Ten cricket, on same channel is pathetic.

Baba Ramdev, Political reaction

2011-06-06T21:09:00.000-07:00

We are surely re-discovering our Gandhian values !

Anna Hazareji, Baba Ramdevji, BJP @ Rajghat, strike by MUL workers and even the great Pargat Singh threatening to go on hunger-strike !!

I hope more will not join - Raja/Kannimozhi @ Tihar or SRK/Dada at Eden Gardens or Vikram/Milind Soman at Greenathon !!!

Dharna by BJP at Rajghat !!

Indian politics hit to a new low...

PS : Bapu must be turning in his grave !

Facebook founder only eats animals he kills

2011-06-02T08:39:00.000-07:00

Saw a recent report, ‘facebook founder only eats animals he kills’ ! My first reaction was to his ‘killing’… when I read through, realized it is a move ahead, however small.

I have been fortunate to give up non veg food, long back. The world can not afford a lifestyle based on a predominantly non-veg food habits. Killing animals and the logistics/cost impact of creating of the meat… the cost by way of impact on environment is mind-blogging.

If you care for animals, nature, environment, physical health, spiritual growth, future of your children….. Cut down on non-vg food, embrace organic/local food, try to quit non veg & GO Vegan.

Let us not kill L

Jago voter

2011-05-17T19:46:00.000-07:00

At Mumbai airport...on SSpiritual journey

Next to me a Japanese, in serious conversation with a mumbaikar... Not cricket or economy, but on politics & recent elections. As always, Japanese are so well informed about local 'factors'. ( that is my personal exp in MIddle East too )

But I was shocked to hear mumbaikar saying, 'he does not vote'! He is fed up with inflation, petrol price hike, corruption, et al !

While a majority of us are very sad about the situation, we can not escape our responsibility - we need to cast our valuable votes.

May be next time we need someone like Sachin tendulkar & Anna Hazareji to appeal to voters, over & above Bollywood biggies

iPL @ Dharmashala

2011-05-17T08:56:00.000-07:00

Wow!!
It is drizzling !
But, runs . . .torrential ...!
a young Marsh & veteran Gilchrist...Gilly seem to be peaking at right time.
Will law of averages catch up with Gayle? Or will he give yet another dream-start?

'POONJAB' seem to be on a very strong wicket, in spite of drizzle :)

PS: Dharmashala should have been spared of cheerleaders - opportunity to innovate !

Cricket Dreamz.......

2011-05-15T11:58:00.000-07:00

I had a dream... ( not the Martin Luther King types !) not one, several ! But remember one distinctly.
Do I say I slept well or had a disturbed sleep ? ( I felt jealous when Warren Buffet said, 'he sleeps like a baby' on NDTV !)
Surely not insomnia, but hope no 'apnea', a new disease I heard of recently... one of the diseases of this century !!!

Back to the dream : I was playing cricket.... on a hilly terrain! I was fielding and the ball went down the hill...I went after the ball... While going down the hill, I was thinking ( even in the dream!)... what a silly thing I am up to. Wasting time chasing ball down the hill, playing cricket, et al.
I woke up and was glad it was only a dream after all.

Surprisingly, today's mach was at Dharmashala, with a majestic Himalayan view !!

Wonder, was it my conscience pricking me in my sleep... I did catch up with part of yesterday's match, as it had Mumbai Indians. ( I am still on a TV-viewing-dieting!) And they lost miserably. Got strategy & tactics wrong, I felt, though I don't claim to be a cricketing strategist !!

Did not waste time today, watching the IPL.. Utilised time better, praying ! Trying to practise what I have been preaching... to Live SSpiritually !

Priorities in life

2011-05-13T12:39:00.000-07:00

Prioritise…. Key to success and happiness... contentment.

Had a brief, interesting discussion with a colleague/friend… set me thinking.

What are the priorities in life:

He said, he was very clear abut himself...

1.       God
2.       Family
3.       Work/self

What are yours ?

Just thoughts...

2011-05-13T12:35:00.000-07:00

Weather in March and most of April were very pleasant in Middle East, at least parts of ME. Unusually nice weather was a pleasant surprise for all, including locals. They were unanimous to 'blame it' on global warming, but were not complaining... Some felt it was the result of the disaster in Japan and its impact on environment. We will never know the exact reason...

How many of us are willing to go the extra mile to be environment-friendly ?

I step out of home during day time to find the lights on, always ! Most of ME is virtually desert - where is need for lights during the day time ??

While the world is trying to get rid off the addiction to junk-foods, the outlets continue to offer an overwhelming variety of non-veg food. Even Mac does not serve McVeggie, in parts of ME !! Are these global brands being a bit irresponsible and environmentally unfriendly ??

This evening I stepped out to pick up plastic bottles. While all shops/malls, big or small, carry bottled water, good plastic bottle was not available with anyone. I even checked the medical shop to branded shoe shops to 'bakala' ! No one had it ! They do no feel the need to stock, as customers would rather use bottled water or other fiz drinks and dispose off empty bottles, to add to the pollution !!

The world need to rise to a more responsible living... be aware of and passionate about being environmentally-friendly...before it is too late...we owe it to our children and future generations!

Live SSpiritually...

PS : But summer has set in with a vengeance now...

Japan's disaster

2011-04-23T12:04:00.000-07:00

It was such a sad experience to see the extend of devastation.

I wondered, what is the cause of it !? Kept enquiring... the only response I could get was, 'effect of Karma?' I still wonder...

If that is so, what about the karmic effect of all that is happening now ?! O Lord... Pls take care.

One thought stuck me...so many would have lost their lives, trying to save others.
Do you have anyone you would die for ? Sacrifice everything you have for sake of someone... ? (if situation arises or if opportunity knocks !)

Then I thought, overwhelmed with gratitude...YES, I would. I have Someone to die for... something to live for... The Divine Mission. How fortunate I am !

I asked Gods for all things in life... HE gave me life, so that I could enjoy all things...

Bhagwan's health

2011-04-21T21:12:00.000-07:00

I have been avoiding the press totally on the reports on Baba's health, due to their incorrect reporting, at times bordering deliberate smear campaign.
Glad to see ndtv providing a balanced status.
Millions of devotees, across the globe, deserves 'responsible reporting' from Prashanthi Nilayam ( Abode of Peace). We count of NDTV
Hope they will cover some of the mega service projects implemented by the trust

Confessions of a 'humble' customer

2011-03-10T21:01:00.000-08:00

· Chinese Restaurant turn authentic

Few of us colleagues decided to eat out, a quick business lunch. Being the only veggie, I was given the choice of restaurant and opted for one of my local fav., a Chinese rest.

As we walked in, the supervisor gave a ‘hearty welcome’

But I was shocked to find a fly floating in my veg ‘clear’ soup !

I had no choice but to return politely and quietly ( did not want to spoil the appetite of the group). He gave a replacement, assured it was fresh. I sat through more to give company to the group, than to enjoy my Chinese lunch!

May be he was trying to serve ‘authentic’ Chinese food, with insects ? Do I blame it on my karma ? May be… But, I would never walk in to the restaurant again…

· Sea View Vs City View

Travelled recently, on work. It is always beautiful to travel to the cities along the sea… To stand at the cornice and look at the sea, in its grandeur… to breathe… to be pushed gently by the sea breeze… so refreshing.

I opted for my fav hotel and got the agent to book a room with a sea-view ( need to overcome these desires and addictions !!)

As I checked in at after midnight, I was allotted a city view… The hotel has conveniently missed out my specific request for sea view and as the availability ( they claimed) was a problem, the front desk almost took a stand, ‘take it or leave it’ ! ( quite professionally though… they are trained!)

I took it. I gently reminded the lapse next day, and was assured they would try to accommodate. But ‘were not successful in finding a room of my choice’ ! ( too demanding?)

Yet another case of a big brand ( one of my preferred, for a long time) not handled well by the front end….

· The Complete Man

Before the reader concludes I am at my worst karma-level, let me confirm, ‘not at all’…

For example the Indian store, where I do my week-end shopping for provisions, fruits & veggies ( not organic yet !), and of course ‘scrapped’ coconut for a week ! I go back to them, week after week, as they seem to know my (humble) expectations of customer service (ego?) and also keep my copy of Gulf News with Friday mag (one of the best things about life in ME! Try it!)

Thanks to a ‘sale’ ( smartly put, ‘up to 50 %’) at Raymonds, did a small re-charge of our ( also son) wardrobe. Raymonds continue to inspire me for the quality of stuff, value for money ( perception) and also the customer service. This showroom in ME or the showroom at amchi Mumbai.. or any other. I continue to be devoted to the brand. Thrifty that I am, I may be at the lowest rung of their loyalty program, but the brand is cool ! (Perhap a reflection of my long journey to Be a ‘Complete Man’!)

Also, my experiences ( limited, though) with Amazon have been almost blissful, from a customer-service perspective....

Random thoughts from Middle East – courtesy experiences shared by friends around…

2011-03-10T20:04:00.000-08:00

Valentine… ! Deliberately posting this after the hype of the Valentine-Day! ( also Intl Women's Day)

Husband was on-line… saw the Kipp’s poll. ‘How much would you spend on the Valentine gift?’

· Though he wanted to click ‘NIL’, he had to go for the lowest option available, ‘AED 500’….

He just finished the poll, wife walked in. He wanted to confirm – asked her, ‘what gift you want for Velntine?’ Pat came her reply, ‘Just be my valentine…always’!

That perhaps is the essence of an occasion such as Valentine… quite an import from the West… That integrity & sincerity in relationship is the real essence. Couple start off knowing each other to coming together/parting ways…. All in the name of finding real love ! (People end up wasting lot of precious time in this process too !)

Spread Love, Pure & Sspiritual ( extra-S, deliberate !)

I felt like Gandhi, thrown out of train in the dead of night in a railway station

2011-03-10T19:58:00.000-08:00

Fly Emirates is one of sponsors of the ICC World cup... what is the use if the front end can not guarantee basic service levels....!

Customer Service, lack of it @ Emirates, Dubai Airport

· As I waited for boarding announcement on 28 Jan at 0100 hrs at Dubai’s terminal 3, I saw a report in Gulfnews: ‘Emirates to hit 50 mn customers’. Perhaps, 50mn minus 1, the solitary traveler being me! Any organization can spend millions on infrastructure, but if the guy at the front-end is not aligned with the core-values and does not manage customer, it is sheer waste of precious resources, in these tough times.

· I remembered another news recently in Gulfnews about the quintessential Indian traveler ( was not very amused by it, as I felt I do not belong to that category, or always tried my best to be aware & manage same. Not because I am an upwardly mobile, snobbish executive, but I care for people around me… (http://gulfnews.com/opinions/columnists/globetrotting-indian-style-1.735063)

· I was put through a horrifying experience at Dubai airport’s new Terminal 3 of Emirates on 27^th Jan, evening.

· I was in Dubai on work, as invited by my business friends ( all entities being billion plus dollar entities, including ourselves), and as such was a ‘guest’ there. Three days of hectic schedule, I was keen to get back.

· I had a confirmed ticket to fly out of Dubai... I had reported well on time.

· I was surprised to see a veritable serpentine queue at Emirates counter ( Gulfnews seemed to carry the photo of the same flashy counter-section in their article), but with many of the counters unmanned, it was just not enough from a customer service. When a customer raised this issue, he was rudely told ‘they will come at 5 PM’ !)

· When my chance came, I was informed by the executive ‘there was some problem’ and ‘I should go to counter no 59 to pick up my boarding card’!

· There was another gentleman ahead of me and another joined just behind me. Effectively, I was second/third among the unlucky passengers to face a dilemma.

· I was told by another executive at the counter, Mr D, the flight is overbooked. He checked if I am ok to stay on and take another flight. I was politely emphatic, I had to go by the same flight. He started probing, ‘what was the emergency’. I said, ‘personal problems’, I just need to be back home. I was asked by him to wait for half an hour there, and they will try to help. I politely, moved aside.

· Then, few more passengers reached the counter and objected vehemently when they were told the same. All refused to budge, insisting they will travel by the same flight only.

· The lady supervisor, Ms N, who was at counter 58 was consistently impolite, bordering rudeness with all.

· Then suddenly enters, Mr K, supervisor. His claim to excellence seemed to be his unique capability to speak Arabic and English, as indicated by himself. He explained that 16 seats booked, against 13 available. He wanted 3 volunteers.

· Two local/arab youngsters were on the fence, along with two Europeans. Mr K persuaded the former. He just went on to check the names and faces of others and picked me as the 3^rd scapegoat!! I protested. Just because others were more vociferous, he could not pick me up. He would have none of it. He was the judge & the jury. He unilaterally decided, subject to his whims & fancies!!

· I tried to appeal to the lady supervisor. Her response was the rudest. The way she spoke to me and enacted, was most disgraceful for a member of brand-Emirates. I continued to be polite, as that is my value-system. Requested her politely, to help me so that I could catch the flight. She just brushed aside all my requests, continued her work to allot others, packed her bags and walked away. In my 20 years of professional experience and travels across several countries, I have never, ever been treated by a lady staff.

· I went back to counter 59, with Mr K manning his little kingdom. He was furious and indirectly threatened me to shut up!

· I had no choice but to accept the verdict. Mr K was magnanimous to issue a free return ticket, as ‘compensation’, which I will never use! He asked his trusted lieutenants to issue hotel accommodation voucher. I requested for hotel in the terminal. He pronounced his verdict again, ‘ you will have only Le Meridian’.

· I had no choice to go like a school kid to the hotel, come back and take the flight back at 2 AM.

· My plan to do some shopping at the world-famous Dubai Duty Free, that too during DSF, thus denied ! ( DDF & DSF definitely lost a customer, however small!) The small list my son wanted, still remains in my ‘To Do list’, on my IPhone.

· Dubai does not deserve K/N/D. Or, Brand emirates!! As a student of Marketing, I always loved the way Emirates managed their branding. But now I have a different perspective of the brand.

· Everyone makes mistakes, but there is a way to handle errors. That is the test of professionalism and individual character, apart from Corporate Culture. Is this the value brand-Emirates stands for ?

· Lying down at Le Meridien, I was in a contemplative mood – I was wrong to experiment Emirates, when I hold frequent flyer mileage with local airlines. I was perhaps wrong to pursue an advice of Head-Training in my first job ( 20 yrs ago), ‘to take different routes home. To try different paths… to experiment & experience….’. I was foolish to stick to the schedule planned, by forgoing my right to travel first class.

I felt like Gandhi, thrown out of train in the dead of night in a railway station in South Africa. ( I know, all comparisons end there!)

PS : I had sent the above complaint, with correct names, to Emirates on 29^th Jan. They sent an acknowledgement, they would look into it and revert… Then after a reminder, they replied saying they compensated as per policy by giving hotel acco & a seat in the next flight! No comments….

25 Small ways to a big life

2011-03-01T11:43:00.000-08:00

Came across this article… sharing with my ‘followers’.

http://www.livemint.com/2011/02/25182511/25-small-ways-to-a-big-life-ch.html

The headline did usurp my attention – 25 small ways to a big life change. Small ways, big change and 25 of them ! ( perfectly fits my bargaining position generally, more for less ! Same with many others, who are a lot smarter than me !)

That the gyaan was courtesy Rujuta Diwekar, was a bonus. Her approach ( ‘eat more to lose weight’ ) is more interesting than her popularity, courtesy her celebrity customer ( Kareena).

Importance of appropriate quantity of water, need for daily ‘exercise like eating & bathing’, all alcohols are harmful, were interesting & very useful. Brown is not cool is a revelation. Importance of seasonal, local, fresh fruits very apt ( kiwi vs mango ) and also, in line with the need to go green/local ( and may be organic !).

Over the week-end, at a friends’ place, we discussed how western families usually stick to same schedule over week-ends. Long back I had discovered the beauty of early morning tranquility of week-ends too. Don’t vegetate on Sundays is just appropriate.

While many of us are not sure what oil is least harmful, coconut oil remains an important one, apart from the other ‘healthy’ option, like sunflower oils. But what I have heard from an ayurvedic perspective, ‘Ghee, the magic potion’ confirms. Fortunately, the weighing scales was part of my shopping list, for a long time. Now out of it, permanently!

If we still have excuses for a solid hobby, we are just being unfair to ourselves. We have to find the little things we find joyous, for ourselves…. Music, reading, blogging, gardening… The author recommends coriander in pots, at home ! Why not ?

I am still enjoying the my freedom from ‘idiot box calories’, having decided to almost abstain from it over 3 weeks ago. More so, when the family willingly aligned with the shift and the household has less TV time… very healthy, surely. Dog loves the extra attention too… This happening at the peak of World Cup fever, I must add ! Worth it, surely. Try it, folks…

Indeed Yoga is beyong mere weight loss technique… Lastly, God-willing my next holidays will be to test the 24^th item, WISDOM OF HIMALAYAS.. And on the way, I will surely pick up the books by Rujuta Diwekar.

Just Live Sspiritually!

India's truck drivers

2011-02-24T06:55:00.000-08:00

http://www.livemint.com/2011/02/24002343/Shortage-of-truck-drivers-may.html?h=A1

All the stake holders of CV Industry are to blame for this, including mfrers, transport operators and agencies of government.

Truck drivers continue to remain among the lowest strata of our society, as perhaps anywhere else in the world.

With 80 % freight movement still on CV, we need to take care of the drivers and other staff. Something beyond mere driving schools, but something more holistic!

Is India in danger of becoming a banana republic? How can we prevent this?

2011-02-21T20:30:00.000-08:00

Is India in danger of becoming a banana republic? How can we prevent this? - Speak Up - DNA

We have seen few banana republics opting to 'move on' !

'Morality in Society' is perhaps at the lowest, when it comes to India. Indeed, corruption is one of the major reasons. But at a finer level, we are losing what we our core values are...

Mad consumerism*, placing money above education ( a big shift) for example... We need to re-discover ourselves... our values

While I am tempted to add the crisis is at India's political leadership... but again, we created the so called leaders! The buck stops with US, Indians !

* PS : incidentally, when I read the article on DNA, the ad appeared was of KFC !!

20 ideas to make money online - Yahoo! India Specials

2011-02-11T08:09:00.000-08:00

To all E-addicts :)

sharing this link, if it interests you... dear reader.

BTW, blogging is right on top.

Of course, many of us are into blogging for the sheer love for it, not to make a few extra bucks...

But, personally, I would not say 'no' to any incremental cashflow, as I would divert that totally to a good cause, over and above I am what doing currently as my personal responsibility

20 ideas to make money online - Yahoo! India Specials

India's Black Money

2011-02-10T11:56:00.000-08:00

why-india-sees-red-over-black-money : Kuldip Nayar

Acc to a Swiss bank report dated 2006, as much as $ 1.45 trillion Indian money is stashed away in Swiss banks... enough to 'eradicate poverty' ! But, the spineless political system will do nothing... Common man has to put pressure on the government to take this issue to its logical end. We need a proactive legal system to get the govt institutions to do their job, on this front. India's aam admi deserves it.

It is not enough if we 'sacrifice' one sunday and get on to the field.

Perhaps we need yet another Gandhi. Or pure, unadulterated 'Gandhigiri'. We can not allow few to hijack our economic agenda. It is also breaking our value system, by giving over-emphasis to 'being rich'

Countdown to 1 1 11

2010-12-27T10:53:00.000-08:00

Wow... what a year it has been... a perfect 10 !

Looking back, it could have been a lot better. But no complaints, at all.

Few thougthts...To start with PARENTING, one of my favourite topics.

When we were kids, everything was linked to 'studies' and of course marks. ( Our folks were exposed to 'nishkama karma' much later :) !) But the restriction was more to the amount of time for playing! Much later, kids were restricted to the amount of time on TV !
According to a recent report, parents have started linking to amount of time on internet ....

On the historical necessity of WikiLeaks - Arab News

2010-12-15T22:59:00.000-08:00

A good write up on the wikileaks...by an academician & ME expert

On the historical necessity of WikiLeaks - Arab News

Stolen plates being used to dodge Saher’s eye - Arab News

2010-11-25T22:58:00.000-08:00

Saher in KSA is one of the great things to happen on ME roads

Just sharing this news item...just to be careful of the risk, as the chances are very low

Stolen plates being used to dodge Saher’s eye - Arab News

Adult content TV program after 11 PM

2010-11-17T08:24:00.000-08:00

Adult content should be shifted to late night.
The move by I & B is correct.
Such broad directive is better instead of micro-managing & corruption thereof.

I am on a short vacation, spiritual... At a leading restaurant, they are playing cricket !
Ads in between on Neo Sports are for condoms !!!
Sports channels like Neo also should be more responsible !

BAD 2011

2010-10-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

Theme for 2011 is WATER !

For over a billion people, water is a 'luxury' :(

Water bodies across the world are being 'destroyed' by us. We just need to wake up to this big threat...

Eco Friendly Festival

2010-09-23T07:07:00.000-07:00

One aspect of Ganesh Chaturthi stuck me...the mandals were playing filmi songs and organising programes, mostly filmi ! Not quite religious or spiritual, I felt.

Ganesh visarjan is a period when Mumbai's coastal line is most polluted. Another thing I fail to understand...Spirituality, if without in tune with Nature, is just not spiritual !

Many people and organisations have taken the initiative to spread awareness...to drive home, among the literate masses of the magapolis. But majority are just 'too busy' to care ! ... at their ( our) own peril...

DNA's effort was great. Happened to catch a glimpse at Oberoi mall ( Goregaon)...As I & my son stepped out after a brief shopping, I took a snap and wrote a request to 'go green....'. I pray, we have the discrimination to protect our environment.

Ganesh Chaturti @ Mumbai

2010-09-23T06:53:00.000-07:00

It was great to catch one big festival, during vacation...Missed Janmashtami, but Ganesh Chaturthi, in its full glory @ Mumbai. Mumbai & Pune are the two cities where we can see this festival celeberated in full splendor and grandeur. Of course, some credit goes to freedom leader, Tilak.

Mumbaikar knows how to celebrate...all the drums, dance and high-decibel levels. Torrential rains did not affect them at all.

Year after year, monsoon comes with varying intensity. This year was one of the best monsoons...With same regularity, our roads 'disappear among the potholes, with rain-water' ! This year, the patch work (repair!!!) was not done, before Ganesh festival. People were threatening to go to court, complaining the poor road conditions and how it will affect the logistics of Ganesha statues!!

Mumbaikar, who makes substantial contri to the national kitty, continue to be at the mercy of an admin, not bothered about the basic commuting comfort...

gulfnews : Organic farming only way to avoid debt

2010-09-23T06:39:00.000-07:00

Very inspiring...!!

Must read for all who is concerned about debt-burden, condition of farmers in India ( even after 60 yrs of independence), organic farming, etc.

Pls share too

gulfnews : Organic farming only way to avoid debt

Mumbai

2010-09-10T11:43:00.000-07:00

After continuous rains over last few days, got a sunny day ! Many a Mumbaikar celebrated an extended week-end by moving out with family. The traffic was bearable.

It has been almost continuously raining, day & night. While it is tough to move around during the day, even with an umbrella, not so during night. Rain drop falling on the window pane was not distracting at all. But I was disturbed when I thought of the plight of thousands of slum-dwellers in Mumbai. For them, at the end of a tough day, a rainy night could be tougher to manage. . . It is sad, we have so many of them struggling to meet both ends, while making valuable contribution to economy and quality of life of the rich and middle class segments of the society ! Affordable housing is so critical for this group, at the bottom of pyramid.

Traffic has been unbearable. The travelling time has gone up by three to four times, thanks to pathetic condition of roads, poor traffic sense/management & infrastructure constraint to handle more vehicles! More malls and residential complexes are sprouting across the city, with total neglect on the need to provide sufficient & quality road-connectivity. All logic of urban planning thrown to winds...It is collective responsibility of common man and his leadership. Pls wake up...

Ganesha idol installed in our compound, with a grand procession & the group dispersed...

As I type the post, it just started drizzling...!

Avatar 3D

2010-09-10T11:23:00.000-07:00

Watched the 3D version of this great film, in a theater @ Mumbai, with my son.

Great experience, inspiring storyline, relevant message, superb execution.... Nothing great about 3D, as few times we 'ducked' to avoid getting hit by a flying stuff. It talks about our insensitive aggression & complex/attitude... we continue to mindlessly destroy our environment.

Must see... children will love it... If elders don't love it, bad luck for them - you are not a child at heart any more!

Cheeni Kum....Old Age

2010-09-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

Watched the second half of 'Chini Kam' ! Yet again, like Bhagban, was spared of the first half.... But nice film, good performance by all lead actors.
While I am 'old fashioned' in terms of value system ( traditional may be more appropriate!), Amitabh's verbal-attack on a fasting Paresh, was interesting...
He gives interesting facets of 'being old' ! Amitji is the best person to talk about it... At his age, he must be the role model for all, in his generation.
He says,Jealousy is a key factor... But then, it is so at all age-groups, child-hood to old age :)

Got an interesting PPT mail-forward , AGING MOMENTS :

it is time for harvest . . . earlier it used to be believed, Law of Karma would catch up in subsequent births...But it is joked now, karma would catch up in this life itself!
so long as we continue to be 'AMAZED', we do not grow old
we are never too old to LEARN....

Betting in Cricket

2010-08-30T13:08:00.000-07:00

Sadly the monster is back with renewed vigor ! Just when Pakistan is struggling to recover from the nature's fury, this man-made fury. According to reports, the victims of the catastrophe is denied urgent help as the donors world over are not sure the help would reach the needy...Corruption ! ! ! These cricketers had donated one-day pay for the flood victims.
Reacting to the expose, one of the 'respectable' former cricketer from England mentioned, 'with the ICC moving from West to East, this was bound to happen'. BBC correspondent spoke about corruption in Indian sub-continent.
While the Pak cricketers are caught in this, others' role can not be ruled out, East or West !
Sadly, even in this century, corruption is getting increasingly institutionalized, more in Indian sub continent, but also world over.
You can always blame it on credit crunch or 'Kali Yuga'. But, ethics in personal & public life is hitting a new low... Tiger Woods is a sad example on 'personal' values. Common 'wealth' games related corruption allegation in India...

A friend shared...his son, in his tweens, is just getting hooked on to cricket! But every now and then, watching any cricket telecast, he would ask,' dad, is this game fixed?' And my friend would invariably say, emphatically, 'Not at all' !!! (He can't do that any more.) Even before he picked up the nuances of the game, he is aware of match-fixing and highly suspicious, feels father !

And, Cricket used to be a gentleman's game....

PS : Peter_eigen_how_to_expose_the_corrupt check out

More Movies

2010-08-29T12:28:00.000-07:00

Decided to watch it, as I thought it will be something about cars ( 'Cadillac'). With a younger Robin Williams, I thought it could be at least watch-able ! Though he plays the role of a car salesman, nothing more...At the end of it, it was not about cars, salesman- funda, funny nor any where near ' Negotiator'!!! Waste of time...

Next attempt was Daddy Day Care..the 2003 film about two guys who lose jobs ( perhaps more relevant today, after 7 yrs!) and decide to start a day care for kids! Simple comedy, but watchable, thanks to Eddie Murphy and kids...A message for people losing jobs? Bloomberg reported skilled labour such as plumber/carpenter etc are in great demand, but people are reluctant to enter such fields...There is enough opportunity for the innovative lots...

Watched second part of hindi hit movie, 'BAGHBAN', starring superstars, Amitabh and Hema Malini. Would recommend only second part of the usual, long hindi movie, just to get into the plot. The veterans come up with brilliant performance, supported by dependable Paresh Rawail and Lillette Dubey, etc. Too much of
drama, but the theme is universally relevant. As life expectancy improves, the elders are not being taken care. It is universal duty or Dharma to take care of elders. Must watch...

Mozhi-tamil movie

2010-08-27T02:06:00.000-07:00

Almost a year ago, heard the songs from tamil movie, MOZHI. Liked the songs...would have heard them over, many times...while driving esp & singing along :) ...Katrin mozhi by both male & female and also other songs were very melodius, meaningful and hummable...When another friend, a trained carnatic musician and hence better informed about music, shared similar thought about the songs, I realized I was not alone in admiration. He in fact downloaded all songs sung by the male singer ! Vidyasagar just superb.

Another friend, who shares similar tastes when it comes to movies, confirmed the movie was very good. Watched the movie last evening...( official CD, not pirated !)

Lovely musical film...simple comedy, typical tamil movie comedy...Prakash Raj rocks, his laughter is contagious! Prithviraj, one of the top malayalam actors does justice to the role... Support actors such as the CA-secretary do a good job. The professor comes up with a great performance. Jyothica was brilliant... She got a dream role and she lives the role...

The world of the deaf/dumb, blind is so different from that of ours. We can't even visualise it.

We will appreciate the movie more if we have/know of people who have gone thru such experiences...I know of a couple...lady lost hearing much after their wedding. But the way husband takes care and the way they communicate...I admire the family. Now grand parents, God has since then showered His blessings profusely on the family...

DO watch it...with family. Official CD's are out now ! You will laugh, you will almost cry, you will sing...and, you will not feel guilty of wasting time !

Back from Vacation

2010-08-24T12:01:00.000-07:00

Back form vacation....India just got a bit more 'Incredible', I feel !

Mumbai got torrential rains. That meant, I ventured out less. But, thanks to rain-Gods, all lakes were overflowing.

My heart goes out to all those affected by the floods in Pakistan. It is time, the world woke up to this and extend maximum possible help.

Talking of natural disasters, it was shocking to see the extend of devastation in Leh.

As natural disasters are becoming a regular affair, we become less sensitive...nature has its own way of 'reacting'! And, we still debate on climate change. I pray for our children, future generations...hope they will forgive us for the damage we do to 'their' environment, which we have just borrowed from them.

With no family yet here, internet 'immobile' at home, Indian cricket just not worth-following/hence not re-connected TV.... checked out TED ( thanks to IPhone, it works even without internet!)

From creativity, Shekhar Kapur led his 'TED' to 'Water'...how rich waste, as clean water gets increasingly scarce... check out
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/shekhar_kapur_we_are_the_stories_we_tell_ourselves.html

While the rich ( in Malabar hill, et al) will spend extra time washing himself, for the poor in slums water is a mirage...As a child, I dreamt of having a grand bath tub at home. Now, as I stay in some of best hotels, I don't use bath tub, as I want to minimise wastage. May be when I am in Kerala, would try out ponds...

I finished washing clothes, this eve. For records, I do not use the rinse option at all. One of the ways I try to save water. Need to do more...

Friendship Day with a difference -Shekhar Sen's 'Kabeer'

2010-08-02T02:08:00.000-07:00

Courtesy - www.shekharsen.com

I have been seeing the ads of Sri Shekhar Sen's musical, mono act plays. Never heard anyone in my friends' circle mentioning about same, unlike film-previews! Have been planning to go for the show, for a long time. But, last couple of vacations, could not get suitable schedule. As such, this time when I saw the ad on ToI, I went ahead to call & book tickets. On the friendship day, after catching up with two friends' families, we proceeded to ISKCON for the 8 pm show....Kabeer. A quick Darshan @ ISKCON and we entered the hall 10 minutes before time.

Sri Sen has selected three characters from recent history - Kabeer, Vivekananda and Tulsidas. They all have contributed immensely to Indian ethos and culture, by challenging the status quo and inspiring people to move ahead, SSSpiritually. They were true heroes..

Time management was perfect, starting at 8 sharp, exactly 10 minutes 'interval'!

The performance was truly mesmerizing. The simple stage/setting, superb light & sound effect and great performance by Sri Sen. Kabir had over 40 songs, and over 40 ragas. He would effortlessly switch from the role of a weeping mother, assertive young Kabir, kind wife, smart children and other roles, including the king ! The message was very thought provoking just as the life of Sant Kabeer.

The auditorium was packed. We were in the inspiring company of some professional artistes themselves.

The whole experience was truly SSSpiritual !

Would strongly recommend all my friends, esp those living in Mumbai, 'Must See' rating. One play is worth over 100 bollywood movies

Sri Sen's website :http://www.shekharsen.com/kabeer.htm

An interview: http://www.mumbaitheatreguide.com/dramas/interviews/28_interview_shekhar_sen.asp