With whom we can share our feelings and also its need?

With whom we can share our feelings and also its need?

Taking into account the relationship we are having in the family and the circle of friends we have cultivated over a period of time, we can safely surmise to whom we can confide our private feelings so that the pressure which is building in us gets relieved and we are able to live a normal and a carefree life. For this to be a reality, it is important to share our feelings with others so that the concerned person can help us to the best of his/her ability and try to understand what we are going through and come up with plausible solution to the pestering problems. Keeping things in our system can be unhealthy and could lead to melancholy of highest order if we do not share with somebody who understands us and help assuage our feelings bedeviling us.

While confiding in others, it should also be kept in mind that everyone cannot understand what we are going through, it is essential to know who that particular person could be to whom we can bank on for assistance. Here care and caution has to be exercised. It is simply because need is not merely to share our feelings but also getting to know about the solutions thereof. But primarily, it is essential to open up and share feelings, the sooner it is done the better for us.

The people we can share our feelings could be in our family who can understand our feelings better and devise solutions most suitable for us including seeking the advice of some experts if and when required, our friends we can trust etc. If nothing works, then our Creator is always there to render us any assistance. Need is only to open up in the right earnest and in sincerity and assuredly the assistance which He would be rendering would be without any strings attached – just free, unfettered.

It is an accepted and known fact that man has been living in society since ages together. It is essential because a man cannot meet all his needs himself. These needs include physiological, psychological and social needs etc. A man, however proficient or financially sound cannot think himself a complete till such time he is helped by the society of which he is a part. Here the remark of Aristotle are more relevant: ‘Man is a social animal. He who lives without society is either a beast or God.’ He learns the social etiquettes, norms of behaviour, value system first from the family and then from the society at large. All our human traits such as learning of social behavior such as eating, drinking, language, play etc are learnt from the society itself through self efforts and through interaction and inquiry in an atmosphere of give and take. These qualities cannot be learnt by living alone.

Doubtlessly, social recognition and self-actualization comes from society at large. For this, a man has to establish his relationship in the society with the peer group, befriend with the person(s) of his liking besides establishing a healthy rapport with the older members of the society through mutual respect and cooperation so as to get education from their experiences gained over a period of time.

A person who considers himself self sufficient is a social misfit and does not command respect from the society of which he is a part. If he is indifferent to the others’ needs then who would be forthcoming to render him any help while he is in dire need. Nobody. In order to take something from others, we have to first give them something. It is not a single track affair.

Human nature could be trained to face the life’s multiple challenges. Education and training in the social glare makes matters better. Education in proper atmosphere makes huge difference.

There are social needs, there are financial needs, there are emotional needs and there are security related needs. All these needs are fulfilled either by our parents or somebody who could be relied upon. Need is to establish relationship with interaction and cooperation besides internal willingness to accept change whenever there is a need.

In the childhood, all our needs are fulfilled by our parents. Mother has a central place in all these. Mother is a foundation on which whole of the edifice of the household solidly stands. She is the main pillar of the home on which the safety and security of the household stands. She has to attend to various needs of the family such as:-

1. Looking after the needs of the children including their proper upbringing.
2. Teaching children social bhaviour, education, health and doing everything for their wellbeing.
3. Help in providing financial fillip to the family besides looking after multiple affairs of the family.
4. Refining the behavior of the child when a child requires assistance.
5. Handing out appreciation and reprimand whenever required. In the Bible it has been rightly said: Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.
6. Offering timely and sound advice whenever there is a need for the child if he/she gets stuck.
7. She could be a confidante offering advice. Encourage the child to open up, hide nothing at all. When the child does so, she should firstly be patient in listening and then should offer solutions. If unable to find any solution herself she should seek the help of her husband. Care ought to be exercised that the child should not know that she has disclosed those feelings (if the child wishes that way). Here the mother has to take a tight rope walk. Offering advice with all the love and affection that is required should never be lost sight of in order to come out of a piquant situation.
8. Mother remains a mother even though a child grows to any age should never be forgotten and could render any assistance/guidance/counseling at any time.
9. Monitoring the day-to-day behavior of the children by giving quality time.
10. She shapes the personality of the child by drawing out the inherent and innate potentialities of the child so that the child could be self sufficient when he/she grows up and faces the onslaughts of life.
11. She remains a perpetual teacher for her children. How best to train the mind and senses falls under the purview of a mother. History is witness that strong willed mothers have contributed immensely for producing finest leaders in various fields in the world.

The duty of a father is to work for provision of not only financial security but also emotional security. The following are his responsibilities:-

1. Provide financial security to the family and make concerted and sincere efforts that all the genuine needs of the family are met.
2. Make sincere  endeavours that all the health related needs with respect to medical etc are met.
3. Ensuring that the family is emotionally strong – whenever there is need counseling is given or expert psychologist’s help is sought for this purpose.
4. Make sure that the family’s culture and traditions are transferred to the new generation. The value systems play a stellar role in molding the character of the children.
5. Provisions for the family are ensured even for the rainy days.
6. Ensure that all the educational needs of the family are met according to the capability and capacity of the children and endeavours made to know the strengths and weaknesses of the children and efforts to remove these.
7. Spiritual needs of the family are met by ensuring that daily morning and evening prayers / meditations are done regularly for spiritual onward march.
   8. Teach the children as to how to meet emergencies and ensure that children learn art of living.
8. Teach the female child how to adjust with the change in environments as she has to leave the parental home and settle in her in-laws after the marriage.
9. It is the responsibility of the father to make the environment in the house a congenial one so that positivity flows in whole of the home. It should be home and not a house.
10. Ensure that father is more accessible to the children and children do not fear while discussing any problem with him without let or hindrance. Fear psychosis in the children makes the problem still more complex.

A good friend is the one who could come to our rescue in adverse situations. A good friend is the one who:-

1. Shares our happiness and sorrows with aplomb.
2. Friend is one who is giver and expects nothing in return,
3. Loyal to the core, honest, sincere in doling out advice whenever required, based on commonality of interests.
4. Should be open and understanding.
5. Ego should not come in the way of friendship.
6. Always remains ready to forget and forgive anything going against each others’ interests,
7. Keeper of conscience,
8. Should become support system whenever required.
9. Be patient in listening others’ needs and aspirations.
10. Should be sincere in fulfilling promises, and should be thorough dependable.

From the foregoing, it can safely be concluded that mother is the one with whom we can share our feelings which are becoming bottleneck in our further march. If she too is not there to render a helping hand then our CREATOR is a willing partner. No problem. He could safely be approached.

The Prophet Mohammad has right said: “The best of you is the best to his family and I am the best amongst you to my family”

 

GOOD FRIDAY – A SOLEMN DAY TO REMEMBER (ON 25TH MARCH 2016)

GOOD FRIDAY – A SOLEMN DAY TO REMEMBER

(ON 25^TH MARCH 2016)

GOOD FRIDAY – A SOLEMN DAY

Amongst all Fridays’, the most Holy,
Call it a Good Friday or a Somber Friday,
But one thing can hardly be overlooked
It is a day of reckoning for humanity
When our heart is filled with a feeling of emptiness
Grief is writ large on the faces
Of those who truly know about this Good Friday.

Prayers and fasting are common features on this day
This Solemn Day is observed as an anniversary
Whence our most revered Jesus Christ
Left his corporeal body on this planet
To meet the Supreme Spirit
Good Friday’s purity remains alike

For a commoner or a priest.
A Day which we reminisce,
When our dearly loved Lord Jesus Christ,
Offered himself on the Cross,
Without even a slightest emotional upsurge,
Saintly and most compassionate while in real life’s passage,
And excessively serene whilst embracing death.

Underwent crucification and ultimate surrender,
On this Day – to our common Creator!
Yet seeking forgiveness for perpetrators
And guilt and ungodly at the helm for His own death!
So merciful even to irreligious ones!
With eternal words: ‘Father, forgive them,
For they know not what they do’
Such compassionate words are amazing one
It could be with the heart of one who is the dearest Son
Of Omnipotent and Omniscient
Such empathy is a key to Christ Consciousness
Suffering for us – relentless pangs combined with humiliation,
A holy death indeed for our redemption,
His supreme sacrifice is an instrument of compensation,
For the sins of everyone of us on this earth.

AND then followed by a surprise resurrection,
Thus stunning the people at large by this revivification.
Methods may differ in observation,
But the sacredness of Good Friday remains,
Devout kneel with utmost reverence, which they pay,
Before wooden Cross kept in Churches so holy on this day.

Seven last words of Lord Christ are too repeated,
So that HIS utterances remain engraved,
In our memory-lane forever and ever.
A symbolic burial of the Lord too is performed,
Differences may be in the methods,
Yet inner most springing of touching feeling is unparalleled,
For our Beloved Jesus Christ,
Who for Truth’s sake gave His everything,
So that we may be absolved of our sins.

HARBANS KHAJURIA

GOOD FRIDAY

History is witness to the fact that the incarnations of our Creator had to endure trials and tribulations in their real life time while living on this earth. People who opposed their ideas and ideals always opposed them tooth and nail because these God’s Incarnations were the messengers of peace and their mission was to spread the ETERNAL TRUTH. They preached ‘Bless them that curse you.’ They presented a living example for us humans to see how best they withstood onslaughts of those who opposed the very ideals departure from their pseudo and outdated beliefs.

While reforming the masses and showing them the true path, the messengers of our God, Jesus Christ faced several obstacles from those who opposed their ideals. These incarnations faced hurdles at every step but with their foresight and fortitude these Apostles of Peace challenged the old and hackneyed mores of behaviour and came out unscathed ultimately. Surprisingly, after their earthy sojourns they were accepted as the Messengers of God by one and all. This is the tragedy of humans that we do not recognize His Messengers/Incarnations while they were on this planet but when they are no longer with us then we take them as their revered ones!

Lord Jesus Christ is one such example amongst others like Prophet Mohammad, Lord Krishna, Lord Rama who gave new meaning and content to the philosophy of living. These Messengers of Peace fought for the common people and were able to rid the society of the evil doers and challenged the very philosophies of people at the helm of affairs during the periods on this earth. In that process these Sons of God had to face opposition. People who mattered suspected these God’s messengers because their ideals were counter to their (powerful opponents) own and in upholding these they (Sons of God) had to face trials and tribulations. During the life time Jesus Christ did everything to rid the then society of the evils prevalent and wanted to change the outlook of the people.

Jesus anguished and felt sympathy even for his tormentors while he agonized on the cross for us all. We should never forget that He suffered so that we are redeemed of our sins that we as humans do commit. There were disturbances and upheavals after he gave up his spirit.

Crucification of Jesus Christ gave a new meaning of life to us humans to follow. His ideals and preaching are held dear by us all and will remain so till eternity. May this Day remain etched in our memory as the day of redemption of humanity and He remains a beacon of light for all of us on this earth.

It is well said, there is always a light after the darkness. Jesus used to heal the physical ills of masses, he wanted their highest good while he was in flesh and blood like us. But the insensitive people just crucified him! This is also a fact that he had the power to escape being crucified but he did not do so. And in even in agony he said: ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.’ That is why He had to come back again for our happiness and for our purification. This purification is attained only when we’ve conquered our weaknesses in the form of our ego etc.

If crufication was a dark blot on those who crucified Jesus, the Easter is commemorated as a symbol of resurrection. Easter celebration has a historic perspective. It also symbolizes rebirth; a pious day that is why devotees decorate their houses, rejoice, mass prayers are conducted in Churches. It is a celebration in connection with the rising of Christ – the Son of God. Easter also opens door for a holy association with God through Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

THE HOLI – A FESTIVAL SO HOLY (HOLI IS ON 24th MARCH 2015) – HAPPY HOLI TO ALL

HOLI – A FESTIVAL SO HOLY (HOLI IS ON 24^th  MARCH 2015)

WISH YOU ALL A COLOURFUL HOLI

HOLI – A FESTIVAL SO HOLY

O Creators of ours
Imbue us in Thy indelible Colour
Thy colour touches our heart’s chords
Including every atoms of our body
Made of five elements which die
(Ether, earth, water, air & fire)
On the death of our mortal body
Only Thy colour and our Soul last
Manmade colours just fade away and are lost
After a few hours have passed.

Pray colour us in Thy indelible colour!
Pray colour us in Thy colour!

A spirit of Spring Festival springs in all,
Scattering joy and hope everywhere,
Nature too is in its finest attire – so colourful,
When Mother Nature is at its best,

All around greenery prevails,
There is fragrance of blooming flowers,
With Full Moon as though it is chipping in, too,

To enhance the charm of colours which thrives,
To share the fun and joy of the people around.

Different people celebrate Holi with different style,
But the common thread of celebration remains alike,
People prepare special sweets to welcome their dear folks,
Shopkeepers & women are busiest lots,
Bestowing magnetism to their living places,
Bonhomie pervades wheresoever’s our eyes could survey,
Abuzz with activity mixed with rainbow of colour rio,.
Scenes at the market places are indeed mesmeric.

Legend has it that a mighty and conceited,
Demon King Hiranyakashyap prided his prowess the most,
He wanted his subjects to worship him in place of God above,
Virtuous Prahlad, his own son agreed not,
Being a staunch devotee of Lord of Preservation – Lord Vishnu,
The King wanted his son to be put to sword – very soon,
For not obeying his dictates,
Different methods were used to kill but in vain.

Hiranyakashyap had a sister named Holika,
Blessed with a boon of not being burnt by blazing fire,
Both were made to enter a bonfire at full fury,
Thinking fire will harm her not due to boon to her,
But just opposite ensued,
Prahlad came unscathed with grace of Lord Vishnu,
Whilst Holika met her end most tragic.

Legend too has it that Lord Krishana played holi with his beloved Gopies,
To shower love and affection with the shower of colours.

Holi celebrated at Vrindavan, Mathura,
And Bursana is so matchless even today,
Showing the thread of that time remains in fact intact,
People light a bonfire on the night before Holi Day,
With devout heart brimming with bliss,
Celebrate triumph of good over evil,
And also remember how devotion to Lord gets rewarded.
People play with variety of colours,
Intoxicated with joy of the day,
Pour coloured water to each other,
Songs, dance and beats on the drums abound everywhere,
People exchange greetings and pray to God for His bounties.

O God, let the humans not shower bullets at each other

Spilling blood of the hapless in the process

Which may distance us from one another

But rather with a blood-red colour of HOLI

Spreading feeling of brotherhood

Which may engender love for each other  

Along with amity and wellbeing, in the humanity as a whole

Our prayers to Thee our Lord – the Love One
Do colour us all in Thy Holy colour
So that peace and harmony spreads amongst all

Let this be the message of this Holy Holi.

HARBANS KHAJURIA

 

The festival of Holi has a mention in Vedas and Puranas (Narad Purana and Bhavishya Purana). Archeologists have excabated a stone pertaining to 300 BC on  which there is an inscription of word ‘Holikotsav’ which means Holi. Even the ancient paintings there is a mention of Holi festival.

While aspiring for material and sensual objects, people become attached to these. Such attachments develop lust and lust generates anger and other baser traits. Anger leads to delusion and delusion leads to mental disorientation. When the mind is bewildered, wisdom is the victim. Loss of wisdom leads  downfall of an individual.
 

Holi is an old cultural festival. It is a festival of colour. Its mention is there in Puranas. Poet Kalidasa, in 4^th century, under the rule of Chandragupta II also mentions about the importance of Holi.

Holi festival signifies the victory of good over evil. It also signifies the end of winter and arrival of pleasant spring. It is a festival when people forget their differences and thus mend their ruptured relationships. It is celebrated at the approach of Phalguna Purnima (Full Moon).

The colorful festival of Holi is celebrated on Phalgun Purnima which comes in February end or early March. Holi festival has an ancient origin and celebrates the triumph of ‘good’ over ‘bad’. The colorful festival bridges the social gap and renew sweet relationships. On this day, people hug and wish each other ‘Happy Holi’.

There is a symbolic legend attached with this. There was a demon king named Hiranyakashap. This demon king did hard penance due to which he got a boon that no human could kill him at day time or at night time. This made him very haughty and egotistical besides excessively arrogant. So much so was he drunk with pride that he passed an order that henceforth nobody would pray God in his kingdom. People should rather pray him in place of God.

He ruled his people with iron hand. Not even the hermits were spared. Those who disobeyed his orders were meted out huge punishments or handed out death penalty. He had a son by the name of Prahlada. He used to worship Lord Vishnu. The demon king felt very furious when he found that his own son was   disobeying his orders hence he gave him the alternative – either he should worship him or face death penalty after giving various severe punishments which did not deter Prahladha.

Then Holika the Hiranyakashap’s sister, evil in her intentions offered herself to sit in the bonfire (pyre) with Prahladha; knowing fully well that she would not be harmed because of her special cloak which made her immune to fire. Subsequently, the two entered the roaring fire. Hiranyakashap felt assured that no harm would result to his sister because of protection but his son would meet his end.

After the fire subsided, all felt including Hiranyakashap surprised that Holika got perished in the fire that engulfed her despite her protective cloak but due to the protection and grace of Lord Vishnu, he survived!

Holi was driven from the name Holika. Holika represents/personifies evil and its burning is the end of evil.  Prbladha personifies goodness.

HOLIKA DAHAN

One day before Holi, especially after sunset, the pyre is lit, called as Holika Dahan. The ritual symbolises the victory of good over evil. People gather around the fire, sing and dance at the beats of drums. It may have different names in different part of the country but the spirit of the festival is the same – a colourful one.

Holi dahan also signifies burning of our excessive desires. It is for bringing about a balance in our desires by putting an end to our greed and base internal yearning (Kaama dahan) – our conquest over our evil or carnal instincts which have made residency in our mind and rely more on detachment from our action. 

In this context, it is relevant to mention the Bhagwad Gita :
Lord Krishna teaches detachment:  While one gives up all his material desires meant for satisfaction of the senses, one who lives freeing from desires and gives up his false ego attains the state of peace and calm. 

Subsequently, at the day time, people celebrate this as a sign of victory of good over evil by sprinkling either the coloured water or dry colour (gulal) of various coul. A real rainbow of colour! In the evening, people, after proper wash, go to their friends and relatives and partake sweets prepared at their homes.  

It has also been seen that on Holi festival, people forget and forgive their old enmity and animosity and establish new relationship with each other. It has been seen that people from all religions participate in this festival. It looks as though all have been imbued and coloured with happiness and goodwill for each other. If such an idea fructifies then there would not be any ill-will for anybody in the society in general.

Holi has special significance in Braj i.e. in Mathura and Vindraban region, the birth place of Lord Krishna. Women-folks playfully hit their men-folks with sticks. This act of theirs is called lath mar holi. Here men are constrained to save themselves from their blows with the help of a shields.  There is a air of festivities around in the entire Braj region during this festival spanning for days together. It is a spectacle in real sense of term.

 

 

WHAT IS WILLPOWER OR DETERMINATION?

 

WILLPOWER

Willpower is the capacity to act resolutely

Thus be a driving force to bestow God Speed to fructify

Our sincere efforts taken in hand ultimately.

We all are born with a desire

To get an object of our choice we aspire

In the process of realization of our aspirations

We naturally are faced with several inhibitions

Like: financial, bodily disability, situational

In all fairness care ought to be taken

That these hurdles should not bury us down

Under the debris  – wait of our own

But affords us opportunity

To have unflinching self control with honesty

By fighting conflicts between desires and goals thereof

Shunning short-term temptations which come on the way

Whilst fixing our eyes on the long-term attainments

Success of our efforts for the task to be accomplished

Depends on our strong resolve we tend to acquire thru self control

And persistence whence our efforts

Meet with adverse end-results

This falls under the purview of our mind

A capacity to act in a particular decisive way

And act as a vehicle for success of our mission

Of course with God’s bounties as a bonus for task execution.

 

WHAT IS WILLPOWER OR DETERMINATION?

Willpower is a moving force generated when our potential energy gets exploited by our personal efforts besides graces of our Lord. Willpower or determination is created through our persistence in our efforts by bringing into play self control and then exploiting our energies for our ultimate good. It is natural there would be occasions when miseries, failures, sorrows and diseases become impediments in our path. We should strive to seek cures for these separately and not blame circumstances or others for our failings or our Creator to that matter. Instead we should make our failures, pains, defeats stepping stones for our tenacity and perseverance in our effort to go ahead despite adverse circumstances. We should take miseries or failures as the necessary springboards for putting in more efforts to put in more energy and fight them like a true warrior. For this equanimity of mind is a must. A person who just wavers at the first sign of misery or setback can neither have determined mind nor succeed in any endeavour.

In Bhagwad Gita, Lord Krishna advises warrior Arjuna to overcome dejection and face the enemy in a spirit of firm determination to strive and to win. We should all face difficulties or hardships in life with strong willpower, weathering storm that comes in the path. Favourable and unfavourable waves will surely be there but our determination should be unwavering at all times.

It is not that we can remove our difficulties merely by thinking about it. Result is obtained through determined efforts through self control – controlling our emotions, behavior, temptations, confusions and if and when necessary make sacrifices for overall benefits.  There are numerous examples wherein efficacy of determined efforts could be proven. By observance of certain norms of behavior and rules, we can bring about dynamic results in our all round development through sincere determination. No difficulty can deter a person who has determined mindset. There are umpteenth number of personages who despite their physical handicaps succeeded in life due to their sheer determination. They worked systematically built on a foundation of intense doggedness to minimize deficiencies to achieve success.  Ms. Ira Singhal  topped the civil services examination despite being physically challenged (curvature of the spine). There are so many examples like her.

IGNORANCE IS A HANDICAP TO DEVELOPING WILLPOWER

The first step that we have to take is to remove the darkness (Andkar) of ignorance that pervades in us. For this, we’ve to introspect as to what is ailing our system, these solutions cannot be found from outside, we have to delve deep inward, know our week and bright spots, work for removing the week spots and convert these into bright ones and for this nothing works better than our determined mind. When the layers of ignorance evaporate, our SOUL works like a carrier for our entire system.

PROCRASTINATION IS THE ENEMY OF DETERMINATION

Willpower is not a commodity which could be purchased from the shelf at  a supermarket. Putting off things makes us lethargic and tardy in our assigned tasks. It is just like static water which after sometimes starts giving out foul smell. Similar is the condition with our mind. If left inactive the results will be disastrous for us. Mind left to itself just decays like iron left to the beggaries of weather.

SIMPLE LIFESTYLE ENSURES FILLIP FOR WILLPOWER

For a determined mind, all the faculties of physical, mental and emotional do the action at hand. All the thoughts precepts, behavior and deeds are directed towards fulfillment with regard to the task at hand. Towards what direction we have to direct the force of our mind (positive or negative) depends solely on us. If force/frame of mind is directed positively, it will generate environment and all other favourable factors for fructification of our effort. This effort will be beneficial internally (to our body, mind and soul development) and outwardly (in the form of respect from society at large). Willpower or determination is thus fully acquired by perfecting and perpetuating the positive traits and negating the negative ones.

A person who lives a  life based on truth, believes in simplicity, by nature is positive in attitude towards everything that he/she does, is always in the pursuit of truth by living a principled life. That person does not live life according to others’ whims but as per the need of hour coupled with his/her conscience. That person changes when change is a dire need. That person is never a subborn. It is also said that those persons who conduct themselves well under all circumstances are the cream of any society. They are the self made persons because they are determined to follow a particular path. They shape their destinies through their attitude, thoughts and deeds on contininuous basis and whenever there is a need. Destinty and opportunities knock at their doors all the times because they are ready with a determined mindset.

Will power is to consciously control our impulses, regulate our behavior pattern, control our reactionary patterns, keeping away from the harmful habits through self discipline is will power. Roy Baumeister, a social psychologist has very rightly said that willpower is a depletable resource, can be increased and strengthened like a muscle through exercise and nutrition. Self determination or will power could be enhanced through self discipline, regulating our habits, managing our pressure level that comes in our daily lives besides practicing relaxation. Meditation could also be a medium for providing a solid base for  determined mind.

KEEP ON TRYING – ACTS AS A  PANACEA FOR DEVELOPING WILL POWER

The adage: where there is a will there is a way should always be kept in mind while making  mind for doing something. That ‘something’ should not be based on compulsion – which we actually do with strings attached. Undoubtedly, our mind could make us a powerhouse of information if it determines and we work in right earnest for the fructification of the path so desired. But for this a determined will is a must in order to direct our energies for the target in hand. Will to do does not mean that it would be a cakewalk afterwards. Setbacks would be there but we have to take those setbacks as the part of the process for ultimate success of our mission.   Will to succeed besides firm self belief in ourselves with thought that failures would be there in our path should hardly deter us for furtherance of endeavours towards the set goal.

Moving ahead is the best way in life. Those who remain inactive, they get physically, mentally and spiritually rotten. Dynamism is the key ensure completion of any task that we take in hand and for this desire and steadfast decision to start trying to accomplish something is the first step in accomplishment of a task. No success is as sweet as is obtained with determined mindset. For a determined mind, it is desirable that we remain very careful lest any unwanted negative thoughts trickle down our system and work like a virus that spoils the complete stored data in the computer system.

Thoughts on our mistakes, sins, crimes and repentance thereof.

Thoughts on our mistakes, sins, crimes and repentance thereof.

 

ON SINCERE REGRETS

 

During the hustle and bustle of our life

Living in total harmony or in strife

Sometimes we fall into the pit of our own creation

And commit mistakes with lack of caution

And there arises an inner voice – a sudden realization

Time lost thus far after mistakes commission

Cannot be retrieved by any stretch of imagination

As the arrow has been shot from the bow unchecked

Single course left is the expression of sincere regret

Arisen out of inner recesses of our heart

May partly absolve us of our misdemeanor

Or may be further pain we’re constrained to undergo

For freeing or not freeing us of our blunder done entirely

Depends on severity

Of our blunder that we’ve committed willy-nilly

Which anyway cannot be hidden under the garb of regrets

Mere feeling sorry is no recompense for several mistakes made in the past

In that case we’ve to bear the brunt of our mistake

Firstly, accepting our mistake

With deep understanding of the error committed

And an honest promise not repeating the same slip-up further

Is the only mitigating factor

Which eases the process of repentance

And paves the way for our deliverance.

REPENTANCE & MISTAKES

Literal meaning of regret is to apologize, feel sorry or offer repentance  for what an individual has done at conscious level which is ethically or morally incorrect – an act which has harmed other or spoiled a person’s image in the eyes of society. A Karma which one has already committed and a feeling has crept in that that karma is wrong or a realization has dawned after the commission of the mistake. This realisation should follow expression of regrets for having committed the blunder which eases the process of repentance. But here too, there is a rider, we have to be very careful that such careless attitude in committing errors is not repeated. Repetition of the same fault makes us a candidate for reprisal – may be from the person concerned or the karmic philosophy comes into force – what you give others comes back to you.  Not that we humans can totally be immune from committing mistakes but that depends upon the extent to which we breach the code of behavior as far as our discretion is concerned. It is like learning to walk, talk etc in childhood which comes through practice. In life too, we can leave  bad habits by expressing regrets and determine not to follow those habits. 

In Holy Quran it has been made amply clear: Except for those who repent and correct themselves and make evident [what they concealed]. Those – I will accept their repentance, and I am the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful.

It is seen that due to some unforeseen circumstances or due to our lack of self control, we may fall in the company of anti-social elements and  adopt some of their bad habits like drinking, smoking, telling lies, backbiting, zealousy, anger, greed, lust etc. Till such time these bad habits remain within the confines of conscious level or  personal level efforts could be made to eradicate these totally by expressing regrets or repentance but if these habits cross the boundary of Natural Laws then these normal habits graduate to be sin or crime for which retribution is the natural corollary.

Being humans, we all commit mistakes, I should say almost on daily basis may be due to our ignorance or may be due to our forgetful nature. These mistakes could be condoned or forgotten after we have expressed repentance for the same – albeit  with a promise to not to repeat the same. We should not make it a habit – to commit an indiscretion  and ask for forgiveness or regret that times without number. It is both madness to repeat our faults and it goes beyond the level of tolerance. In such a scenario, it is a must that the subject should seek proper counseling to streamline the behaviour pattern. It is a shortcoming and required to be nipped in the bud to the extent possible but it is not so reprehensible as to warrant severe punishment. A meaningful rebuke will do good where a severe reprisal may make a person hardened criminal. What our youth in JNU in Delhi are resorting to through their utterances should be taken as a ‘learning process’ and if they are lead astray by outer influences, and further, there should be scope for course correction first and if still they go on repeating the same mistakes  (cross limit by anti national sloganeering etc) then Law of the Land is there to provide justice, nobody should grude that.  Alternatively, if our youths commit mistakes (beyond even freedom of speech and expression), accept the same and promise not to repeat then they should be forgiven for their indiscretions since with experiences only youths of today will learn.  If one hides the evil, it adds and grows.  If one bares it and repents, the sin dies out.  Buddha says that the wise do not hide sin.

SIN & REPENTANCE

Now question arises as to when does a mistake or indiscretion or error becomes a sin? Here there are some limits of decency or otherwise  when our indiscretion could come under the ambit of a normal mistake or fault or when it crosses that threshold then it under the definition of commission of a sin. A sin is said to have been committed if  we infringe upon somebody’s religious sentiments with an intention to flare up or ignite agitation of an individual or  amongst the communities; such acts are considered prejudicial to the harmony between the communities. The person concerned could be hauled by the law enforcing agencies for commission of such types of offenses.

The sin is also said to have been committed if we act in contravention to moral law. When we transgress an ethical norm which is against the norms set by the society – sin is said to be committed. This act is considered to be  highly uncalled for and the perpetrator could be taken to task by the society in which that person is living. Here both legal and at societic level action could be considered before it turns cancerous. It could be in the form of expression of sincere regret or repentance if considered by the affected community and also penalty considered suitable for the avoidance of recurrence. Introspection at the individual level too is a must so that refinement in the behaviour is made for upholding normal social etiquette that an individual has with the society at large. It could be said the sinning is both against the Moral Laws and God’s Laws besides Natural Laws. Sincere repentance may be of solace but with a condition that it should never be repeated but it should be with due concurrence of the society and with due diligence. Consequences of sinning is thus appropriate punishment after expression of sincere repentance. There is no shortcuts in this.

CRIME & RULE OF LAW

It should be kept in mind that no society or country can have inclusive growth and development without upholding the rule of law. A message should go that all are equal before the law. Communal harmony is crying need of the hour and narrow parochialism or regionalism should not stand in the way of peace and prosperity for all. Even then, if somebody commits an act or offense which is prejudicial to the law of the land, this offense could be in the form of economic offenses (as bank frauds – such as taking loans from the bank and not paying the same due to one reason or other; as has been done by Mr. Mallya), to follow corrupt practices to amass wealth, evading willfully payment of legitimate taxes, physically harming others which could attract punishment by the courts, using force to harm other physically, etc. All these offenses attract punishment in accordanace with the law of the land and are not just condoned or regretted in the normal course.

Taking into consideration the differences between a normal mistake, sin and crime it is worthwhile to note the actual meaning of the three and function within the ambit of our rights and duties and perform our multifarious functions as a responsible members of the society. And finally, if regrets or repentance is expressed, it should spring from within us.

Holy Bible  About Repentance-God calls his people unto repentance and turn from the wicked ways of this world, so it is important to know the Scriptures and his commands for his people.

 

THOUGHTS ON LORD SHIVA (HEARTIEST FELICITATIONS ON MAHA SHIVRTRI on 7th Mar 2016)

 

THOUGHTS ON LORD SHIVA 

LORD SHIVA

Lord Shiva is one of the Godheads amongst the Trinity,
Lord Brahma – the Creator,
Remains absorbed in His domain of Creation,
Lord Vishnu – the Preserver,
Keeps His Lotus hands on Preservation.
And the venerable Lord of all Lords,
With healthy mix of potency & benevolence,
Enjoys special place in realm of Godheads,
With the power to cause destruction,
Dissolving or destroying for fresh creation,
On the premise, if end is not there then there is no fresh beginning
A golden chance of our soul’s cleansing.

Shiva is known variously by 1008 names according to Shiv Purana
Mahadeva, Maheshwara, Ardnarishwara,
Devadeva, Gurudeva, Lingaraja, Natraja, et al.
In fact Vishveshwara – One who is the Lord of Universe.

During churning of ocean by Gods & Demons together,
He swallows a pot full of poison which came out with their joint effort,
Thus saved the living beings & universe from its poisonous effect,
And kept this high potency poison in his throat (kantha),
And Shiva is thus called Neelkantha,
He is also known for His benevolence
Can be pleased with ease
Thus bestowing soothing balm to troubled souls.

 

The Lord is too found in Phallic Symbol of Linga.
In this form He is the Centrifugal Force of the Universe,
And is mix of the simplest
And most complex amongst all the deities.
Mass of curly hair, crescent tucked into it,
The Mighty Ganges flowing out from His piled hair.
With trident representing true virtues,
Coiled serpent named Vasuki signifying Kundalini,
The immense spiritual energy within,
Two sided drum (Damroo) drumming rhythmically,
Enchants everyone including other Deities magically
Simplest in His manifestation
Immersed in His Yogic mystic meditation.

With ash smeared all over the body,
Wearing Ruthraksha beads round his neck and arms,
He is the Lord whose grace could be had with ease,
Differentiates not at all between demons or sages,
While bestowing His graces,
Demon King Ravana was His most likeable devotee,
Whosoever invoked Him with sincere love and piety,
Becomes a candidate for His bounty,
The Omniscient & Omnipotent Yogi’s abode is Mount Kailasha,
Where He dwells with our Divine Mother Parvati,
And sons Ganesha & Kartikeya – the greatest in their own right,
Lord Ganesha for His trouble shooting,
And Lord Kartikeya for demon conquering,
His Cosmic Dance is second to none,
By this Cosmic Dance all the Gods & Demi-Gods get enthralled.

Behold still, when immensely provoked by callous acts,
Opens His Third Eye – a ferocious one
And annihilates the evil doers
Kama Deva, the God of Love got reprisal when he provoked
Shiva when He was in deep meditation and met his end.

 

MAHA SHIVRATRI is the Pious Night
The Great Night of Shiva – our most loved Godhead
When Shiva & Parvati got united in sacred marriage
Exchanged solemn promises to uphold the principles of togetherness
Recollecting this, we pray the Bhole Shankar & Mother Divine,
And seek oneness of self with that of Divine
Rejoice and seek His Ultimate blessings
Celebrated with great enthusiasm and reverence
With a prayer for our spiritual health and inner peace
And may He fulfil all our just desires of ours.

HARBANS KHAJURIA

MAHA SHIVRATRI

Maha Shivratri is celebrated on Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi in the month of Phalguna as per Hindu calendar which is in the month of February. This is an annual feature which is celebrated with great enthusiasm and reverence. This is the holiest day since this day is associated with sacred marriage of Lord Shiva and Lordess Parvati (who is also the daughter of Himalaya) – in fact coming together of Shiva & Shakti.

Shivaratri means night of Shiva. On this day devotees observe strict fast and keep themselves awake during the night time, immersed in Lord’s prayers for deriving maximum benefits out of these sacred rituals.

Shivratari Lord Shiva’s most favorite day/night. When earth was created, Shakti (Lordess Parvati) asked Shiva which day was dearest and favourite one for Him. Shiva replied that 14th night of the new moon in the month of Phaluna was most pleasing to Him. Parvati thus repeated these words amidst the company of friends and others and thus the word spread far and wide to the multitudes and since then this day is being celebrated with great adoration.

Maha Shivratri is associated with the marriage of Shiva and Shakti. The devotees (Bhakta) know the significance of this day since it is very dear to Lord SHIVA. On this day, the devotees in different age groups (young & old) take early bath in some sacred rivers like Ganga, Yamuna etc and offer prayer (pooja) in temples and also make offerings of bel patra and other leaves including berries also pour water on the Shiva Linga. Before washing the Lingum (the symbol of Lord Shiva) with utmost reverence with milk, ghee, honey, rose water etc people chant mantras. As Lord Shiva is known for His austere living he likes simple things and simple offerings in the form of herbs and leaves for pleasing Him. Devout perform prayers with immense pleasure and devotion.

There is also another legend attached with this day. At the time of the churning of the sea by the Godheads and the Demons (Rakshas) there surfaced a vessel full of poison amongst other enchanting objects like Kamdhenu (Wish fulfilling cow, white horse, white elephant, Kalpavriksha (Wish fulfilling tree), Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth), Dhanvantri (Divine Phycian) and finally the vessel of Amrita (nector). To save the world from the devastating effects of poison, Lord Shiva consumed the pot of poison and kept the same in his throat with his Yogic Powers and that is why

He is also called NEELKANTHA or Blue Throated with immense reverence. By doing so, LORD SHIVA saved the world from being annihilated.

There are 12 Jyotirlingas (Lingas of Light) which are held sacred by the devotees. They offer prayers at these holy places.

Devout chant Mantra OM NAMON SHIVAYE and also Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra to get special benefits since this day falls in the most appropriate planetary positions in the Northern hemisphere; helps devotee raise his / her spiritual energy vigorously. The prayers are answered if these are done with sincerity. This day is also celebrated because on this night Shiva performed His cosmic dance (Tandava). This dance was enjoyed even by other Godheads.

Lord Shiva’s abode is mount Kailasha. He bearer of sacred river Ganga on his head besides a serpent named Vasuki. His devotee Nandi is carrier of Lord Shiva.

In Shiv Purana, it has been mentioned that Shiva prayers should be done in the following manner to get maximum benefit:-

1. SHIV LINGA. Shiva means auspiciousness and lingam means a symbol and when put together it means: ‘a symbol of the great God of the universe who is all auspicious’. It also means ‘the One in whom the whole of creation sleeps after dessolution. The worship of Shiva in the form of Longa is most prominent. It represents as a symbol God Himself. Shiva lingam is to be bathed with water, milk and honey. For purification of these, bel patra should also be added. Vermilion paste represents virtue, after bathing the Shiva Linga with water, honey, curd etc with utmost devotion vermilion paste is applied on it.
2. Natural fruits like berries are very dear to the Lord, hence these are offered. Fruits are also the sign of fulfillment of our desires and hence should be offered.

3. For getting His grace and bounties offerings when dhoop (incense) is ritualistically burnt give maximum benefits.
4. Then lamp is lighted. The lamp symbolizes knowledge and wisdom and keeps away our ignorance. If this is lighted with devotion and offered to the Lord, we can derive maximum benefits.
5. Finally betel leaves are offered which symbioses the satiation of our worldly desires besides keeping our spiritual onward march intact.

ATTRIBUTES OF LORD SHIVA

It is important to know the attributes of Lord Shiva which are depicted variously as: benevolent, pious with huge reserves of compassion, easy to be pleased, honourable, delightful with brilliance, innocent, easy to be pleased, invincible, having huge prowess, fearful or ferocious when hugely provoked, Wrathful, violent and dangerous, destructive, austic (Yogi Raj).

SHIVSHAKTI

Shiv-shakti Shiv is called Kala (the eternal time) and Parvati the consort of Shiv is also called Kali meaning ‘Time’ or ‘death’ (two mixed together means the ‘time has come’). Various people worship Shakti or Kali represents the feminine force whereas Shiva is the masculine force along with the power of peace.

LORD SHIVA’A FAMILY

Lord Shiva has two aspects. Firstly as an ascetic (Yogi) shown meditating and also as a householder – having family performing the dual functions wonderfully well. He has a consort named Parvati (the daughter of King Himalaya). The family consisted of the following:-

(a) Parvati. She is the Consort of Shiva, variously described as, Shakti (Divine Energy), Devi, Divine Mother along with Goddess Tripura Sundari, Durga, Minakshi, Kamakshi etc. She is also identified with Nature, creative energy, Ardhanarishvara (dynamic extention of Shiva without whom Shiva is incomplete.

(b) Ganesha.  Ganesha is the deity in a human form but with the head of an elephant which represents the power of the Supreme Being that removes obstacles. .He was created out of the the remains of smut from the body of Parvati and further infused life into it. He is worshipped with great devotion, before starting any prayer or starting any business or new job His name is taken. He is said to the remover of Lord of removal of obstacles (vegin karta), Lord of beginning. No Yagna or any ritual is incomplete without beginning with prayers to Lord Ganesha.

(c) Kartikeya. He was assigned with the responsibility of protecting the Gods and Demi Gods. He is worshipped in South India by various names such as: Murugan, Subramanya, Shanmugan and in North India as Skanda and Kartikeya.

(d) Ashok Sundari. While Parvati felt very lonely, she created Ashok Sundari from a tree to remove her monotony and loneliness because Shiva remained in meditation most of the time.

(e) Manasa Devi. She is considered kind to the devotees who worship her. Due to her bad temper and unhappy disposition Mansa was rejected by Lord Shiva. She is termed as the goddess of snakes and worshipped in North India. She is also described as destroyer of poison (vishhara).

(f) Ayyappan. In the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as a woman named Mohini, Lord Shiva was charmed by her beauty and through the union of the two Ayyappan was born. He is specially worshipped in South India.

(g) Then there are other children of Lord Shiva named Andaka and Jalandhar and Mangala.

 

Names of Lord Shiva. According to Shiva Purana there are 1008 names of Lord Shiva. Some of these are given below:-

NATRAJA

There is a description in Puranic period that Lord Shiva is also termed as the Lord of Dance or Eternal Dancer. The two most renowned dances are Tandava (which is powerful and masculine dance) and is associated with the destruction while Lasya which is very graceful and exhibits delicacy of emotions and is attributed to Parvati and associated with creation. Both destruction and creation are the important factors in the universe and the world at large.

DAKSINNAMURTI

Represents the form of Shiva Murti facing South. This represent aspects as a teacher of yoga, music and wisdom.

ARDHANARISHVARA

It represents the combination of two; Shiva and Shakti (Parvati) depicting half male (Shiva) and half female (Parvati). It is due to the fact that Lord Shiva was hugely pleased by the austere traits of Parvati and granted her the boon of becoming part of his body.

Tripurantaka. In this Lord Shiva is depicted with four arms having bow and arrow in the at of destroying Demon named Tripura.

AVTARS OF SHIVA. In the description in Linga Purana there are 28 forms of Shiva. Hanuman is known as Rudra Avtar (Rudra is a name of Shiva) as eleventh Avatar.

Aashutosh – One who fulfils wills.
Akshayaguna – With limitless attributes.
Anantadrishti – With unrivalled vision.
Bholenath – One who is benevolent.
Bhooteshwara – one who is Lord of ghosts.
Bhudeva – One who is Lord of Earth
Mahadeva – Greatest God
Devadeva – Lord of the Lords
Gurudeva – Lord of all
Ingaraja – Lord of Lingas
Vishveshwara – One who is the Lord of Universe.

 

There are 12 Jyotirlingas (Lingas of Light) which are held sacred by the devotee. They offer prayers at these holy places. These are mentioned below:

1. Somnath ( Lord of the Nectar of Knowledge)
2. Nageshwar or Nagnath (Lord of 5 headed snake):
3. Kedarnath ( Lord of Kedar):
4.VishwaNath ( Lord of the Universe), Banaras-UP:
5.Mahakaleswar ( The lord of Death) Ujjain, MP:
6. Amaleshwar (Lord of Purity) : Lord shiva the purifier of all sins.
7. Trayambkeshwar ( Lord of Third Eye ), Maharashtra:
8. Ghrishneshwar (Lord of Positive Energy obtained from Churning of divine Knowledge), Maharashtra:
9. VAidyanath (Lord of Vaidya/Ayurveda), Maharashtra:
10. Bheemashankar (Mighty & Powerful Lord), Maharashtra:
11. Mallikarjun ( Lord ), Andhra Pradesh:
12. Rameshwaram (Ram worshiping Lord Shiva), Tamilnadu:

It has been observed that this earth and what it contains, universe and all that it possesses (the sun, the mooth, countless stars, etc) are the wonders which have been created by our Creator. These are created only by some SUPREME BEING to whom we can feel if we have right attitude and all the other fine-tuned attributes like love, trust, etc. He has fathered us for a purpose and it is our duty to fulfil the assigned tasks in whatever way we can – by helping those who are not able to help themselves, doing good to others, forgiving others’ follies etc.

I consider religion as a pathway to reach to our Creator, it may be any religion to that matter. One thing that binds us together is that our requirement(s) are the same. He has given His precious bounties like air, water and other the gifts of nature without any bias. Let us thank Him in our own way suiting us for connectivity with the Source and living a life full of peace and happiness.

 

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