DEVAS, MANTRAS, EVOLUTION

Came across this interesting article on Mantra & Spiritual evolution - Glad to share...

A Dev is the energy responsible for a particular phenomenon of nature. As you progress in yogic practices (Sanatan Kriya), these energies are revealed to you.

Not only do they exist but they actually interact with you and aid your evolution process.

Evolution is moving to a dimension that is higher than your current state. In the etheric world, it is moving from a grosser to a subtler dimension. With relation to your etheric double, it is moving from your basic chakra upwards. This upward movement happens through the etheric reflection of your spinal cord called the sushumna nadi. We know that a strong and supple spine is a prerequisite for yog.

Each of these Devas reside in the etheric portion relevant to every vertebra. For instance, the tail bone in the spinal cord corresponds to the location of mooladhar chakra and is the seat of Lord Ganesha, the energy closest to the physical and of great importance in removing obstacles in the physical world. Evolution too starts from the base of the spine upwards; hence, one has to go to Lord Ganesha for blessings for the journey beyond.

SOURCE : http://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/comment_positive-thinking-mantras-and-evolution_1698623

WHERE IS GOD ?

Inspiring column frm DNA - WHERE IS GOD ?

http://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column_positive-thinking-where-is-god_1706296

Top earners in Corporate, Sports

Media prominently reported MS Dhoni was earning much more than other big sporting giants, like Bolt & others. 


ET carried on its front-page the top earners among India's Corporate CEO's. My first thought was what do they do with all those millions !(Last page of ET also carries MSD update)


I was wondering, why so much fuss on top earners. 


Also, is that most important ? Are we focussing too much on money & wealth ? 


Pls, no sour grapes here :)


Time for us to think... what money can actually buy. How much money we actually need. Let us not be too obsessed with wealth. 


Being rich is being human...is being philanthrophic, in its true sense. To make a difference....


End of the day, just now, got this mail : ( Thank God)

"How deeply you can touch another life, is how rich your life is."

- Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev 

Bliss Within

Happiness, bliss, peace... everything is within. But, we look outside. 


Sri Sathya Sai Baba's advise, 'Hands in Society, Heads in Forest' is very relevant to handle the stress & strain of our daily lives. 


At a higher level, we will not be affected by the stress either. 
Be Blissful.... Live SSpiritually

Check out
http://blogs.hindustantimes.com/minds-i/2012/06/17/search-for-bliss-within/


Surprisingly unable to comment on HT Blog !!

Father's Day SSpiritually

It was a unique Father's Day!


Divine Grace... I could reach PSN  Father's day, to celeberate with Baba, my eternal father ! Sai Baba literally means 'eternal mother & father'. 


Was toying with the idea going to Parthi for a day, from Blore. But, as it happens so often, circumstances 'conspired' to enable me to reach Parthi on Sunday morning !!! 


Just to address some usual queries from my friends, who track my blog... 

• The weather at Parthi was simply beautiful!! In recent years, weather at Parthi has changed for better, surely. It is a lot greener than it used to be in 1920's & 30's, I am sure.
• Crowd, not much, but not less. Just enough to raise the overall ambience to higher spiritual levels. 
• 'Ganga jathadhara' was the song played last evening, sung by Bhagwan. Other bhajans were very elevating, as always too.
• Gopuram gate has been thrown open for public. Will be very convenient for many who stay in that part of the township.
• Fruits at Parthi are so affordable ! unlike in cities. Also, very delicious too :)

PS : Of course, the proverbial cherry was to catch up mom,  & surprise my son on Fathers day !

Sundaram @ Chennai

Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram.... 


Sundaram, last but not least, stands majestically at Chennai. As I made my way to Sundaram last Sunday, I was overwhelmed with memories. Over two decades ago, I was at Sundaram. With Swami and His boys. 


Bhajan at Sundaram was very elevating. The discipline, truly inspiring. The way bhajan group moved out, bhajan singers moved in and also the way devotees conducted themselves, with little or no 'help' from seva dal. I strongly feel, highest level of discipline is a key component of Being SSpiritual.


As I stepped out of the bhajan hall, saw the photo placed outside, where vibhuti-materialisation-news has been going around. I had forgotten my cell phone at my friend's place, where I was staying. Would have loved to capture the photo & shared myself. But, then I thought, the sheer experience & ambience can not be captured on my phone ! You need to go & check out personally. 


Blissfully !

Attract Your Perfect Day

Today is a special day... personally!


I am glad to share something very special with you... Pls check out 
YOUR PERFECT DAY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJLY6mAoGoo&feature=youtu.be
*Courtesy - Joe Vitale


The affirmations are very powerful. 


Be Happy!


*PS : Hope you had seen my earlier post, MY NEW YEAR GIFT ! http://subublog.blogspot.in/2012/01/my-new-year-gift-for-youa-very-special.html

Medical Insurance

After returning to India, I have been checking out on various medical insurance companies.


Last wednesday. I heard the interview with Dr Santhamma on Radio Sai. She mentioned Swami once told not to interfere with Karma of a cancer patient, at third stage. 
On Thu morning, I heard the news of a family-friend succumbed to cancer. 


I have been thinking whether I should take a medical insurance at all. 

Is not God's Grace true medical insurance ? Should I spend the huge amounts on annual premiums ? Instead just take care of health - 'prevention better than cure' ! :)

Do I have the faith ? Am I on the path.... yet ? 

The grace of God is like insurance. It will help you in your time of need
without any limit. - Baba ( Sai Inspires - 3rd June 12 - Radio Sai)

Any thoughts ?

Sanathana Sarathi On Line

You can now down-load e-copy of Sanathana Sarathi @


http://www.saireflections.org/journals/ecopyindex.php


This will help us in 9-Code compliance - reading Sai literature. 


Happy Reading !

Law of Karma - way out ?

We blame karma for lot of things. We feel 'victimised' in the present. But, there is way out of Karma-effect, at least partially: 

The Law of Karma is not an irreversible iron law. Dedication to the divine and purification of thoughts, words and deeds invite divine benediction. The effects of karma can be modified and its rigour, mitigated through grace. 

But then, the path is not easy.... With so much distraction. The choice is ours!

When vices hold sway over your heart, it becomes foul and sooty. The flames of desire, anger and miserliness (kaama, krodha andlobha) leave char within your heart. Do not despair or lose heart if vices trouble you. 

If at all we needed confirmation... God is everywhere, always ready to shower Grace. We just need to make the choice and be on it, with 'relentless discipline'. Not easy, not difficult, But the choice is definitely ours, to Live SSpiritually !

There is no place where God is not present. There is no being to whom He denies blessings. Grace manifests itself by quenching the flames within your heart and confers bliss which desire, anger and miserliness can never confer. God is immanent and eternal. Follow the path and obey the ideals laid down by the Lord with relentless discipline. Your mind will be purified and divine grace will be ref lected therein.

- Divine Discourse, Apr 10, 1965.

Source - Sai Inspires fro m RadioSai

PS : Even the picture appearing on the blog is just appropriate - the mighty Himalayas  

Where is God ?

While travelling to PSN, listened to the wonderful interview with Mr Isaac Tigrett on RadioSai.

Swami asked him once, 'Where is God ?"


Mr Tigrett replied, "in my heart"


Swami clarified, "it is like fish in water. Man is the fish. God is water. We are all in GOD"

Wow !

We just need to "connect"!!!

Vata Vruksha @ PSN

Was at Parthi last week...

Glad to share this beautiful photo - across Chithravathi, from Puttaparthi. Very peaceful too.
It was very hot, during day time. But, ok in the evenings.

Among other things, I made it a point to go to the meditation tree on the hill, on the way to the ad block of Swami's university.

Hands in society & Head in forest...!

Sitting under the tree had a great calming effect - should be an integral part of Parthi trips

                                                              Meditation Tree @ PSN ( Courtesy : SSSCT website)
                   

Bengaluru's Trees

Dear friends...  esp living in almost anywhere in amchi Mumbai/North India, Gulf & beyond!

B’lore weather rocks!!! Today, it is overcast and very pleasant!

Have been going around the city, over the last two days. In spite of the traffic congestion, noise and dust, this city is so different, concrete to the other concrete urbanisation elsewhere. So many huge trees, right in the middle of the city. Thankfully, we have army cantonment right in the heart of the city. But trees are mostly in the ‘old’ city. Not so much in the localities, which have come up recently. We have been very rude to the environment by reducing the green-intensity L

Trees all over…!! But so many ads appear ‘on’ and ‘around’ the trees, with nails and metallic wires used to ensure the fliers stay on. We are very insensitive to the trees around us. Dear Bangaloreans, let us spare the trees to…. ‘JUST BE’ !

·      Let us derive the peace of a tree… standing tall and unperturbed by all the commotion around.

·      Let us be like a tree just helping us breath - not spread negativity

·      Let us provide shade, just as trees protect us from the heat of Sun.

Next time, when you are going around Blore city, don’t miss to say a silent thanks to the majestic trees of this garden city. 


TAKE TIME TO LOOK AROUND, IT IS TOO SHORT A DAY TO BE SELFISH - anonymous

SSpiritual Score or Progress Card

'We are not human beings going thru spiritual experience. But, spiritual beings going through human experience'

Heard these lines few days ago... very inspiring !

To be SSpiritual, is to be on the path, always. But we keep swinging from different levels of consciousness, like a pendulum !! We need to constantly remind ourselves & remain in blissful consciousness.

Kama, krodha, lobha, moha, mada & matsarya are the enemies. Not necessarily in that order. Of course, they take charge at different times, with varying control of us !!

Ok, we are on spiritual path... for a long time. How do we know if we are making progress?? ( Interesting brief discussion on RadioSai)

Swami's reply was over the years, when we have tried to be more SSpiritual, have we become more & more loving ? 

So beautiful !
Very easy to test !

Personally, miles & miles to go.... !

Siddhi Vinayak Darshan

Took an early morning trip to amchi Mumbai's Siddhi Vinayak temple


Blissfully !

Golden Age predicted by an economist

http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_us-india-are-now-on-the-verge-of-a-social-revolution_1685349

Came across this interesting interview in DNA - 'US, India are on the verge of a social revolution'

Ravi Batra is an Indian Amerian economist & professor in US.

He is also famous for some big predictions, such as fall of Communism ( in 1978!!), etc.

Of course, the forecasts are based on THE LAW OF SOCIAL CYCLE, pioneered by his guru, Late Sri Sarkar.

'It works on the human mind !! 

He divides society in to four categories - warriors, intellecuals, acquisitors & labourers'. I felt this is similar to the four strata of our society, kshatriyas, brahmins, vaishyas & sudras, respectively.

As per the theory, each of the groups take turns to dominate/rule the society.

As such, US & India are on the verge of a social revolution.... His latest book is titled, The New Golden Age!

A quick check of Amazon reviews - 14/15 have rated 5/5 !!

My fervent hope is the Golden Age will based on a strong foundation of spirituality, as the world collecively seem to slip to a new low in its materialistic pursuits !

Religion of Love

Love is the ONLY religion - Sri Sathya Sai


Courtesy - Times of India

Apollonius - The Divine Magician

Apollonius - The Divine Magician by Charles DiFazio

Very inspiring spiritual book about the Greek great master. He was revered 'adored as a divine incarnation...' 

The autor is a Sai devotee. He has included several of Bhagwan Baba's teachings in the book, in bold-italics.

Very well written and inspiring story

Maha Samadhi Celeberations From Form to Formless

23 April 2012 :

·

     

    As I touched down at Bangalore, the pilot announced temperature at over 30 degrees! Quite hot, for a city of garden, I thought!

·      As we drove to Prashanthi Nilayam/Puttaparthi, the taxi driver got a call, enquiring if it was raining ! It was n’t !

·      But, as we reached PSN, it was evident the township had received a short  & quick shower. Even Mother Nature was doing her bit, as the preparations were on for Maha Samadhi celebrations.

·      Ashram wore a festive look.

·      Ganesha statue had a silver kavacha.

·      As I settled down at my flat (yet another beautiful example of how Swami fulfilled even smallest of my wishes), I looked at the horizon, across Chithravathi river. The weather conditions may be labeled ‘cloudy and humid’ by weather-man or a layman! The entire atmosphere wore a sad look?! Or was was it reflection of my state of mind?!

·     

    On channel #2, bhajans are going on.. only audio streaming

·     

    On channel #23, Swami’s discourse on, one of the recent ones:

o   He spoke extensively on the need for UNITY

o   Swami mentioned, all values existed on a stand-alone, but only UNITY did not exist.

o   Unity even among husband & wife needed, He advised. All minor problems were ‘passing clouds

o   Swami also had a big word of praise for Muddenahalli campus. He announced His Sankalpa to step up His Educare there. Indeed, Muddenahalli has a special place in His heart.

Perhaps the discourse was a reminder to work together in the Divine Mission. 

Form to Formless

As we moved closer to April 24th, lot of SSpiritual action!

A brief trip to karma (bhoomi) region. 

• The beauty of being under Swami's Grace, to be able to part of such events and to be in satsang with so many great folks... great experience!
• Of course, it is just divine grace to participate... To have been blessed with the awareness, faith and love for Sai.
• Got to travel with son, on his summer vacations, was extra fun too ( desert safari included!)
• The sessions had a very powerful effect on me... felt spirutally dazed, I must add. But as I checked for morning update on news, got to watch the program on Asianet (malayalam) channel !! That was totally unexpected & had a calming effect on me, surely
• The trip back home was so very comfortable ( I am pleasantly surprised all my recent trips have been totally smooth & hassle free ! Too good to believe, compared to my past experiences :) No complaints, just gratitude!)

It was blissful one & half day of spiritual retreat - brilliant arrangements, wonderful collage of videos and very inspiring sessions
Most importantly, few inspiring take aways...

• Atmosphere to Atma-sphere
• Simplicity - best city
• Chinna Katha - simple, beautiful stories
• "GO BACK", Swami = go back to your Source
• Divinity has to be 'experiened'
• Spirituality = to live at spirit level
• Start today the sadhana you wanted to start tomorrow - start NOW !
• 9 Point code 
• Read SSS Speaks & Vahinis
• Give up what has to be given up
• Keertana - for self. But, sankeertana - for all = double promotion
• Moha kshaya = Moksha
• Namasmarana
• Seva - gram seva - ( e g - go to village school & intro scholarship)
• Unity

Personally, a great way to bid good bye to the region...which has given me so much ! All Divine Grace

Conversation with Masters

Dr Wayne Dyer's inpiring talk ... must listen

He speaks about the importance of positive thoughts, work on the goal of self realization, importance of water....

Check out this podcast on iTunes: 
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=251225603

What difference a boss/teacher can make

Came across this interesting write-up on what difference a boss can make...  but as I read, felt is was more applicable to a teacher.

We all owe a lot to some special teachers in our lives, who helped us at different points of time. They came to us at school, college & beyond.

History was certainly not one of my favourite subjects - I was not lucky to be referred some "interesting" books either. Shall surely check out the two books author mentioned, The Killer Angels and Paul Fussell's The Great War and Modern Memory. 

I have some voracious readers among my friends - some of us have become less voracious readers too :) Let us not miss out on the wonderful world of books! 

More inspiring part was what we can do to achieve a level of inspiring personal leadersip!

Check out this link :
WHAT DIFFERENCE A BOSS/TEACHER CAN MAKE

Of course, I am not mentioning here about the Sadguru in our lives at all.

Sachin Tendulkar's 100th Ton

Sachin has completed the formality, of scoring his 100th ton, finally !


Friday in the Middle East, with budget-analysis on NDTV & Sachin's batting.. what a way to spend the week end! Especially, with the impact of the dust-storm still visible ! 
If the Union Budget was quite lacklusture, thankfully the Master blasted his ton. 


More than him, his fans ( yours truly included) would be relieved. 
Many of us felt he should have retired at 99 tons or after the world cup win, more like Bradman with his test-average of <100. 
Thankfully, he stayed on to score his ton. 


He got into a bit of tension once he reached 80's. He looked very emotional once he crossed the milestone. 


That shows he was afterall a human being. I always liked that aspect of the Master. 'Being Humane' ! 
His attitude, work-ethic, simplicity etc makes him more popular among his fans, along with his cricketing skills, & records!


Agree with Sunny Gavaskar - we are fortunate ....

Taare Zameen Par

Had written a post after watching 3 Idiots!! Movie ! Felt very good... Had liked the book by Chetan Bhagat immensely too.

Watching the second half of 'Taare Zameen Par'. Kudos to Amir Khan, for making such a great movie.

Painting competetion now on @ amphitheater !

Drawing & painting remain areas where I just could not exhibit any telent at all.... But remains 'jack of all, master of one' ! But I think parenting remains an art very close to my heart.

Hope all parents & all elders watch this superb movie & be better human beings, identify Divinity in every child

God Bless


PS : Recently a close friend shared an opportunity 'to make a difference'. It was to support the musical talent of two boys, from economically poor background. My first thought was, I must confess, 'should we not support the basic necessities, rather than support their extra-curricular aspirations?', though I remain an eternally aspiring to become a singer !!

Then, I realised, 'who am I to judge?' I shared with few of my friends, who were inclined towards music, et al, who may be keen to take up this (cheque-book) philanthrophy opportunity :)

One of them came forward & picked up the entire opportunity ! But the thought remained, 'should we not support the roti/kapada/makaan/education & health of the needy children?'

Watching the painting competetion in 'Tare Zameer Par', I realised : For a child who loves painting, colors & canvass are more important than anything else. Similarly, for these two boys who are musically inclined, 'sapta-swaras' (7 notes of music) are more important than anything else.

Afterall, The Lord is GANA-PRIYA!

Indeed, 'The world is still waiting for my SSpiritual intelligence to grow' !!

Blissfully.

Book Reco

Just back from a short trip to India.
Short trip, but SSpiritually re-charged, big-time !! :)  ....As always.

Let me share one of the best take-aways from the trip - the latest best seller at all leading book stores.

I was recommended by a friend. But could not get it, 'sold out' was the smiling response at book stores!
Divine Grace, I managed to get it through a friend, who travelled from Mumbai.
If you have enjoyed An Autobiography of a Yogi by Sri Paramahamsa Yogananda, then it seems, you will love this. ( That is one book I have read more than once!) Even otherwise, this is a must read.

The book - APPRENTICED TO A HIMALAYAN MASTER - A Yogi's Autobiography. By Sri M

I am 'recommending' even before I have read. But it was reco by a friend whom I trust. Moreover, 'it is moving like hot-cake'. Grab a copy & read...

PS : The image on back-cover of the book is similar to the photo on this blog appearing today....12 Mar 12! That also prompted me to share this piece of info.

Discipline in Meditation

'Resolve to master the senses through meditation and follow it steadily, systematically and regularly, at a stated time and place, without changing them as the whim takes you.... Baba '


Courtesy - - Sai Inspire for the day (12 Mar 12) from RadioSai


An inspiring quote on meditation... But sharing, because of the stress on following 'steadily, systematically & regularly, at a stated time & place...'
I have received this thought from multiple sources in the recent past. It seems, when we stick to a strict & specific schedule, 'GOD will be waiting for the devotee'! 


Surprised?! Not at all. That is Divine Love & Grace. 


Worth testing !

Life on Earth

“Each of us has been put up on earth with the ability to do something well. We cheat ourselves and the world if we don’t use that ability as best as we can”

…Gracie Allen


Let us cheat ourselves... or the Divinity within ourselves.

The Hindu : Arts / Cinema : An actor par excellence

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morning Prayers

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

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

Republic Day greetings

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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 !

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 !