I am human

I am human .I try to be kind.
It is my job to forgive mistakes... but not carelessness. nor stop trying to fix the mistakes.
It is my job to accept that things may evolve, on their own..making my efforts looks quite fruitless. But I am not to accept that there is nothing I can do about them.
Patience is often a virtue, but silent expectation is not.
Expectation is also in the form of selfishness, and knowing the difference is my job.
Being able to see beyond the obvious, with people, is my job. But not letting them feel uncomfortable for it, is also it.

I know that the daily is not what Life is about.. but Life is not without the daily.

Seeing the beautiful in the daily is truly a gift. And my job. Because I have the privilege of having a daily to come to.

Knowing that there is something beyond... is the quirkiest thing. Why? Because its impact is everywhere, but nowhere. :)

Online activism

Age of online-activism... a fallout of the revolution of the internet on social networking and the subsequent internet-isation of causes people believe in.

I recently found this website: www.bhookh.com that helps feel hungry children in India. It also tells me 1/3 rd of all of the worlds' hungry are in India..that 5 indians may be dying of hunger every minute.

God help us live with that knowledge. Its heart-breaking to see those children's faces. I wish there was more I could do than a click. But this organzation claims that a click can help. If it can, then my dear readers: please click on the link! and add it to your favourites toolbar. :)

It seems to strike me more because of some time I spent tutoring children at a nearby village when in M.B.A. Led by one spirited professor, we used to go every Sunday, laden with vitamin supplements and bananas. It was incredible that children with so little in their stomach could have so much energy!
How much difference does it make to have one banana every Sunday? Well, other than nutrition, it told them someone cared, somewhere...at some point, in some way. I hope they remember that. Always.

Maathrubhaasha

मुझे अभी अभी याद आया की गूगलऔर ब्लागस्पाट में हम हिन्दी में लिख भी सकते हैं!! बड़ी खुशी होती हैं की हम अपनी मथ्रुभाषा में लिखे!! शायद यहीं बड़ी गवाह हैं की हम अपनी मुल्क को कितने 'मिस' करते हैं!! मेरा भारत जैसे कोई नहीं यार! चाहे न्यू - यार्क ले या सन डिएगो ही! हम हिन्दुस्तानी का दिल थो है किस और देश के पास??

oh it was soo good to realize I could write in Hindi! The special bond of language and culture... very peaceful feeling. To transliterate to those who can't read hindi:
' I just remembered that google and blogspot offer the option of writing in hindi! Its amazing to write in mother-tongue! Maybe this sense of triumph is the biggest reminder how much I miss India. :) There really is no country that can compare to one's home-country! Be it New York or even San Diego, where I live! After all... who else can have the warmth of heart that a hindustani does?

Taking a bow

One of the best things my Mom told me about the (ahem!) M.B.A program at ASB was .... 'Raje! I want you to be able to look back at your time here, after all the struggle and sleep-deprivation and rest.... With a smile and say 'Wow! That was some experience'... and be thankful that you went through it!'

Well, Im glad she did. In fact, I just smiled to myself today, thinking of how I struggled to make it to the 7 A.M classes and the set meal-timings... and feel Im the better for it! I will never know the value of freedom to use cellphones, or why not to use it in Corporate meetings if it wasn't so strict then. I would never know how important 'work-culture' is... unless I saw the strict following of some protocol back in ASB. e.g. the prayer time each morning. Today, Im glad it was there, so that we graduates never got carried away by our tech-savvy nature and cleverness!

Wow... Im glad that my Mom gave me an apt (elusive) goal.. because it gave me a reason to forgive the imperfect, overlook the harsh and cherish the beautiful, about this experience. :)

Thanks Mom! (bowing) I actually achieved what you set me to do. :)

Finally -- why is this something I like? Well, I realize that this is the only way to look back on things, and feel a sense of peace. One day, I hope.. no, I know, that I shall look back on this current time-crunch in another Master's degree, and smile thinking of how I used to groan about another pop-quiz! (Atleast, I hope so!) Is someone up there listening? Hey if you are -- I need a vantage point of view.. about 8 months from now. :) thanks!
Lol... :D Im sure God too has a sense of humor. ;) I can imagine Him smiling indulgently.

I seem to conclude... after many posts written... that the power of words... is not capable of matching the energy behind it.
I have read in many places... that the order is: (1) Feeling. (2) Thought. (3) Words.

Words is really the lowest in the hierarchy of the energy-chain. No wonder I always feel dissatisfied in purely blogging as a means of expression! :)

The Power of 'goodbye'

One of the most powerful things in the world is 'letting go'. Its almost funny... quite cruel.. that its so much easier to pick up things, than to let go of them.... literally.

Letting go of pain...gives you the power to forgive. Forgive yourself for being mistaken. Letting go of ego..even for a moment, gives you the power to apperciate others, and to be grateful for all that you have. Letting go of people.. gives you the power to see the transient nature of Life.

Saying goodbye...Is such an incredible microcosm of the mechanism of Life, its almost breath-taking.

Saying goodbye to someone who is a part of you, is a lump-in-throat event... Even if not forever, you know that moment when they leave, some part of you that comes alive when they are with you, will start to sleep, once again.

Few things are as frustrating, as knowing that there is a part of you that you can bring out effortlessly when with some people, but struggle to, by yourself. Rather- one cant know one is 'cheerful' unless there is company. Does that make sense?


Saying goodbye, to someone.. something or some part of yourself, that makes you less than what you are, is, oddly, one of the other most poignant things we will remember. Imagine if you quit your favourite going to a hookah joint, you will always remember when you did that. Imagine saying goodbye to a self-destructive friends-circle... Even though a part of you will be glad that you did call it quits, another part will always remember that you let go. At some point. Its funny, but while we hold on to so many things, we are more aware of what we let go of, than what we hold on to.

Does that make sense? Its always good to know what we hold dear... Is it dreams? Is it a certain ideal? An idea of honesty? That sort of thing keeps us going, and at times of truth, like an uncomfortable conversation with family, it will come to the fore. In a good way.


There is so much more truth in silence! That's when all the excuses and lies you make up when confronted with external pressures fall away... and you can see yourself in 'plain-face' not literally.. you see yourself without the mask of external pressures, of paradigms and needs. At that time, you will know... clearly.. whether you are less or more.. for having let go.

I feel saying 'goodbye' is an art. Parents saying goodbye to children. Saying goodbye to your hometown. These things are tricky. Saying goodbye for the right reasons, keeping in mind the best thoughts and best actions that came about in your being... when you were in that state, is the most healthy way to let go. Looking forward and going on, like a soldier is the sensible thing to do. It may seem heartless, to people who like elongated goodbyes... but in reality, the more you hold on to something, real life slips you by. And your mind can rust. can, not will. :-)

Its like your puppy biting on that hose pipe until it realized the water collected like a huge bubble ready to burst just behind it! :D lolz.. Right-o. So let me take up my own wisdom, and quit writing. I've gotten only 6 hours straight of work awaiting me. And spent 15 minutes talking about saying 'goodbyes'. :)


The bubble of work that I've collected rises behind me.. ready to explode! :D Lol



Raje

A 'lifetime' of service

No, Im not talking about mine. Far from it. I guess most of our 'service' is in the form of time or effort. The topic Im going to talk about... Sigh..I even feel I am not worthy to talk about it. How can I claim to know much about it? Or even claim to know what it feels like? Now I think about the lives of Hemant Karakre and Ashok Kamte... some of the fore-running police officers who were gunned down in the line of duty during the 26/11 attacks. Of course, these brave men had names and faces... wives to talk about them and demand an inquiry as to why no backup was offered at 12.02. A.M. Now I think about the millions of young soldiers who give their lives for their countries... without questions and 'cash' rewards.. So do we all ache as much, for that aam sipahi? We should. Its heart-breaking... I guess what rubs more salt into such wounds is the suggestion of inadequacy in the system that lets such men in uniform down....It is said that backup did not arrive in time, for these brave policemen to bring their strategy through. One would imagine that once the invasion of desh-drohis have been established, gallant and trained police force to jump into action... and try to take them out. Well, they did.But maybe the few who ran to the forefront to do their bit turned around to find themselves alone. I know this is not the first and last time it will happen. Im not even going to vilify the police force in India (an old whipping dog). You know, there are so many honest and hard-working police officers... (Sandeep Unnikrishnan is not really a rare breed)... who get overshadowed by the over-powering anger generated by a handful of pot-bellied, lackadaisical police officers who un-intentionally, created holes in the bullet-proof vests of Kamte and Karakre that fateful night.I wish top police officers didn't have to risk their lives and experience without backup. I wish there wasn't an element of inadequacy threatening the effectiveness of their response. I wish they did not die in vain. I hope they did not.Their lifetime was truly one of service. It really puts the concept of 'effort' in perspective.A humble prayer is sent above.. one of thanks for their moments of service and sincerity... Another is a small obeisance paid to their great souls. My heart goes out to their wives and children. The scars left by some twisted minds is painful to watch.

The Best I ever can

I know I have been, at some point,
a succor in times of pain, a hope in times of defeat,
a leader in chaos, a believer in times of disbelief,
the only truth in times of lies, the flame in times of darkness,
the light in the tunnel, the kindness in harsh times,
the nurse in times of healing, the anchor in times of confusion
and the path-breaker in times of stereotyping…
The only one to recognize true beauty…

I now choose to know myself as these things always
As a way to show I am thankful for all I have… This talent, health...this Life
I know there are times when I cannot be…
I know there are times when these will seem so… deceitful
I know there are times when hope will seem foolish
I also foresee there are things to tempt me to abandon these …
and hide behind the curtains of scepticism and critical disbelief

But today, I make a promise to myself…
And for the sake of all whom I love and hold dear…
That I shall not forsake heart, even if nothing else stands by me save this talisman
I shall always strive to be the best I ever can!

How To Make Your First $1 Million

How To Make Your First $1 Million

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I wish...for the Wisdom

I want the wisdom to know that the ones you hurt are usually the ones that’s closest to you: And that is the law of nature because they are the only ones to whom you matter. And vice-versa.
I want the wisdom to know that superiority and inferiority are manifestations of the human mind, and in reality are non-existent. How can one be superior or inferior when performance itself is defined by a state of being?
I wish to have the wisdom to know that what matters today, will not, tomorrow.
I wish to have the wisdom to know that more than what you believe in, it is in how you act on that belief that defines the person you turn into.
I wish to realize that the only thing that is fixed each day is our effort, and that the rest of it is transient. We too, are transient. Our desire manifests in ways we cannot tell. It is better to have more beliefs than desires.
I wish to always know that the only meaningful barometer to live by is yourself, and to use external measures is like using a measuring tape to judge your health.
I wish to know that shackles are in the mind, and only in the mind.
I wish to realize that the only strength is Faith, and that God alone is the strength of the strong. All other strength emanates from this, and the weakest of them all is physical strength.
I wish to know that to deny kindness to a loved one, is like starving the soul for a week; for each kindness carries a message with it- of love, and forgiveness.
I wish to know that what I prophesy for tomorrow, is as simple what I believe in today. :) Each thought is powerful. Each thought is a creation. Each thought will manifest itself. Slowly. But surely.So watch your thoughts! They are the true index of your Person. :)

How do you love someone

I agree… that everyone has different ways of loving. Some people say it in silence… Some people say it all through gifts… Some people say it through the way they live their Life.
Of all the expressions there are… The last one is the most powerful. Loving someone… as I have discovered…goes beyond mere words or pretty cards…The most powerful way of living in one’s love… (as it is something we all desire…) is to live in a way that itself… becomes an expression of the Love.
That is the truth of all deep love… To live in a way that loves the other person… To live in a way that the other person loves… It is also a very deeply purifying thought. To experience and to have the thoughts of sacrifice… Setting anothers’ prioraties above your own… To know that happiness that comes in the simplest act of giving.
Why do people keep saying that ‘giving can make one happy’….Because it is an escape from the feeling guilt of taking always… Imagine the hurt it will cause if you never bent to the others’ wishes… They would bear it for you… But would you want them to???
The other big truth about a marriage is that… You receive most when you give the most. Imagine a Wife at home focusing on house-keeping. Its not that she cant think of other very interesting things to do- Surf the net/write a book/practice dance/sing to herself/work out/watch a relaxing movie.
But then- she is given the important task of keeping a home that is always clean, things are in their own place.. always… Clothes are washed and ready to wear, food is cooked and hot to eat, the dishes are washed and the bedroom is clean.. stains on the floor is taken out and the bathroom is dry and clean. She cuts vegetables, folds the clothes and STILL finds time to surf the net/plan her Life and his… And know that at the end of the day… Her role is still secondary and in the background. :) She knows that it is her love… and it is her way of gaining love (and respect) by doing these simplistic, near-mechanical errands everyday. Now- if this wife Im talking about is an M.B.A graduate and has spent the last two years preparing for Powerpoint presentations… It would add a new angle to her understanding and sacrifice/discipline will it not? It is her love that lends that smile she always has when he returns from work.
(for the record, he is smart enough to push her off into University.  But that only adds, does not take away from this cycle. :)
Now that… is true love. For it is done out of the simplicity of mind… that one needs to keep house… someone needs to keep house so that they can lead a happy Life together…
The truth is… at those points when one feels most that time is spent most in the thought of someone else’s well being… That is when they are being thought of, the most. The Soul comes alive the most- when they realize that it has the ability to make a powerful difference in anothers’ Life. :) It is the single driving factor for all actions/projects that shift the plates of the World or the life of one unassuming person.
Think about it.. The feeling when your classmate or colleague smiled when you gave them a surprise treat/good news or your mother when you cooked a meal for her without her asking… Its an amazingly powerful and peaceful feeling, isn’t it…
I think it’s a wonderful thing that through most simple sacrifice and acts of kindness… A big difference can be made in anothers’ Life… And to me- that is the path most worth being tread. That difference… that smile.. is worth the patience and faith it extracts from you (which are in itself, a gift to the Soul.) One gains immortality in that single sensation of selfless love. For that is when one realizes, that love is complete- in itself. There is no beginning and no end, to love.
That is the truth about God, and about love. For this reason, true love is worth finding and fighting for. It is the only thing that can give you peace in this turbulent world. For who knows, My Friend… You may not live tomorrow! :)