Steve Jobs, Spiritually

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 ?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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'

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

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)

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

" 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

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

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

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 ?

"..... 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

$ 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

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

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

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

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

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

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.......

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

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...

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

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

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

·         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…

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...