KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI (Wishing you all Krishna Janamashtami on 25th August 2016) May Lord Krishna’s blessings be showered on all of us

LORD KRISHNA

 

When sin perpetrated is at its worst,

When  irreligious people rule the roost,

When  voices of righteous souls are gagged,

When human values takes backseat,

Uncared for and left at the mercy of evil doers

Thence our Lord descends from His Abode

To this material world to deliver the pious ones,

And to annihilate the evil which has made a residency

Bedeviling our societies

As well as to re-establish the principles,

Of morality  and fair-play.

 

At the stroke of midnight,   Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshtra,

There appeared Lord Vishnu  dressed in shining attire

And carrying His weapons including Sudharshan Chakra,

In the confinement of Kamsa,

On request from mother (Devaki) & father (Vasudeva),

He turned Himself as a baby to be hidden from evil Kamsa,

Thus took place the birth of Krishna in Yadu dynasty,

Kamsa knew full well the truth

That nobody can frustrate the purpose of Lord Vishu incarnation

Since the will of God always prevails on all occasions.

 

The violent and vigilant guards remained in deep sleep,

Oblivious what transpired in the guarded dungeon just near,

Whilst heavy downpour made the Yamuna fully swollen,

With Sheshnag providing a shelter from rain,

Yamuna swelled still further on,

Ready to touch the feet of the Supreme Lord,

Then Krishna offered His Divine Feet for Yamuna’s  touch.

At Nandgaon Vasudeva exchanged the baby Krishna

Brought back Yashoda’s daughter named Yogmaya

He was back to his prison cell without being found out by anyone.

 

At Nandagaonm, Krishna performed many of His Leelas

Showed His mystical prowess at Mathura and finally Dwaraka,

He mesmerized Gopis with His flute – musical best,

Attracting even the cows herds in hoards,

Gayatri Mantra was initiated to the Krishna by Guru Gargamuni,

And Vedic arts and sciences by Guru Sandipanimuni,

At Mathura He killed many demons,

To ward off the demons threats,

Thus stopping threat looming large,

Of many a ferocious demons.

During His childhood days and  life time.

 

He married many  queens,

Rukimni being the most beautiful one,

Love of Radha & Krishna is etched in folklore’s,

Will ever remain in our memories,

As the pious Love of Divines.

Acted as a Charioteer of Arjuna,

The greatest dhanushdhari of all times,

Was the role of His in the Kurukshtra war!

Where Lord Krishna displayed His stupendous Universal Form,

When Arjuna was in doubt to fight war,

Against kiths and kins of his own,

Then the Supreme Lord delivered His famed Bhagavad Gita,

“The Song of God”,

Containing essence of Jnana,

All encompassing knowledge – Gyana.

In the war that ensued,

Evil doers were destroyed,

And with them the wickedness that pervaded,

A victory of good over evil was ensured,

A sweet lessons for us mortals to follow indeed.

KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI (Wishing you all Krishna Janamashtami on 25^th August 2016)

May Lord Krishna’s blessings be showered on all of us

NEED OF  INCARNATION

Lord Krishna Himself has enunciated in Bhagwad Gita that whenever there is excessive evil/sin in the society; when there is prominence of repressive and regressive forces besides prevalence of irreligious practices, He appears on this planet to eliminate evil thus minimize the scourge of evil from the society besides protecting the pious and righteous people. His form may be different in different ages but He takes birth or incarnates and shows the right course to the people at large with His thoughts and actions.

Lord Vishnu is the cause of creation and He incarnated as Krishna to eliminate demonic forces prevalent in the society at large. It has rightly been said that God is omnipotent and omniscient besides He possesses innumerable names: Lord-Allaha-Rama-Krishna-Jehova-Budha-Akalpurakh but truth prevails; He is the ONE. He has personal and impersonal aspects. To exemplify this; a drop of water has the same chemical and physical properties as water from huge reservoir of water. One or Many hardly makes any difference. Our body which we love the most is impermanent. Our soul and the Super Soul are permanent. God incarnations and saints’ lives which have been enumerated in different scriptures have made it amply clear about the importance of God Consciousness through their discourses and other mystic actions, remain inspiring us humans. Such is the importance of incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Krishna.

 KRISHNA JANAMASHTAMI

Krishna Janmashtami has been variously described as: Krishnashtami, Saatam Aatham, Gokulashtami, Ashtami Rohini, Shrikrishna Jayanti, Sri Jayanti, Krishna Janma, Gokulashtami, Sri Krishna Jayanti, etc.

The birthday of Sri Krishna is celebrated every year. As per the astrological calculations and scriptural details, the date of Krishna’s birth, which is known as Janamashtami is 18 July 3228 BCE. Lord Krishna lived upto 18^th February 3102 BCE. He is the 8^th Avtar of Lord Vishnu. This festival is celebrated on the 8^th day of Krishna Paksha (dark night) between the months of August – September every year.

Krishna belonged to the Yadu dynasty descending from Soma. He was the 8^th son of Princess Devaki and Vasudeva (son of Surasena). Krishna was carried across the River Yamuna by Vasudeva after the birth in the confinement of Kamsa.

After the marriage ceremonies, while Kamsa was taking his sister Devaki and brother-in-law Vasudeva in the cheriat, he felt very happy. There is a custom of brother accompaning the married sister to her in-laws home. The procession was passing merrily while Kamsa was driving the chariot. The atmosphere was surcharged with joy/ecstasy.

As ill luck would have it, there was a prophecy from the sky: “Kamsa, you are such a fool! You are driving the chariot of your sister and your brother-in-law, but you do not know that the 8^th child of your sister will kill you. “. Kamsa was dumbfounded and could not control his anger and therefore wanted to kill Devaki (the daughter of Devaka) but Vasudeva intervened and promised that they will give all their newborn children to Kamsa after their births and agreed to stay in his jail cell. They were thus imprisoned under the supervision of guards. Vasudeva also commented that Kamsa being a greatest warrior and should not kill his own sister. He also told Kamsa that we are dying every moment that passes and death is evitable for the one who is born. Thus he pacified Kamsa through his (Vasudeva’s) flattery.

Afterwards, Kamsa imprisoned his own father (Ugrasena) and declared himself as the King besides usurping the power of King Surasena (Vasudeva’s father). He expanded his power to other parts too through his prowess.

Then afterwards, first six children of Devaki and Vasudeva were killed by King Kamsa sooner they were born. While his relatives and friends tried to dissuade him from doing so but he did not listen to anyone.    Then there was a news of miscarriage of seventh child but actually seventh child was transferred to Rohini as Balarama – just secretly – a Mystical potency of God.

 

When Krishna was born, there was an atmosphere of peace, auspicious stars were visible in the sky besides there were all positive signs. The demigods were very pleased and began to shower flowers. Then Lord Vishnu appeared before Devaki and she felt very elated. Vasudeva was also very happy after seeing the shine on the face of the newborn – such opulence and effulgence. The demigods had already informed them that Supreme Personality of Godhead would be born from the womb of Devaki. He was really convinced that the newborn was the Godhead Himself. Vasudeva  began to offer prayers. He was of the firm belief that now Kamsa will get justice for his sinful acts. He thus prayed and requested Him to save them from the hands of Kamsa. Devaki requested Him to take the form of an ordinary child so that no harm is done to him.

Afterwards, a mystic thing happened, all the prison locks got opened, all the guards slept and there was a heavy rain. On the birth of eighth child, Lord Vishnu ordained that the child be taken to Gokula to Nanda and Yashoda. There upon, Vasudeva took infant Krishna with him, crossed the river Yamuna and reached Gokul. After leaving infant child at Gokula, he brought back Yashoda’s daughter named Yogmaya back to his prison cell. Due to the grace of Lord Vishnu, nothing went amiss. The birth of Krishna, and activities are all transcendental and one who understands it is spiritually rich person. His birth is according to His time and place besides the need of such an eventuality. Even the planetary systems were adjusted auspiciously at the time of Krishna’s birth.

Foster father Nanda Baba and mother Yashoda of Lord Krishna were very happy while they were celebrating the birth of their newborn son with great pump and show. There was an atmosphere of joy everywhere. Yashoda always thought Krishna as her dear son and not anything else – they all enjoyed the childhood pastimes of Krishna thereafter.

The news of the 8^th child was given to Kamsa. While Kansa was about to kill Yogmaya, she vanished from his hands and thundered that his killer was in Gokul and warned about his looming death. Thereupon Kamsa sent his various ferocious demons to kill Krishna.

KAMSA’S PERSECUTION RECKLESSNESS STARTS

Kamsa comes to know about the birth of 8^th child and further information that he is taken to Gokula made him furious. He got exasperated and lamented; now the cruel death will not be far away he thought. Yet he wanted to do everything in order to eliminate the child.

 

• Kamsa sent Putana who was known for killing small children by her sinful methods, to kill child Krishna. Krishna killed her after suckling her breast.
• King Kamsa sent demon names Trnavarta with mystic power. He was eliminated by Krishna without much difficulty.
• A demon named Bakasura attacked him and his cowherd friends. Krishna killed him.
• Serpent Aghasura was killed after playful acts of Krishna and his friends with him.
• Dhenukasura attacked Krishna and his gops. He killed the demon.
• Demon Pralambasura sent by King Kamsa was killed by Lord Krishna.
• Demon Kesi in the form of a horse was killed by Krishna.
• While visting Mathura, Lord Krishna killed the wrestler named Canura by hurling him to the ground while wrestling.
• Finally Lord Krishna dragged the demoniac King Kamsa and threw him on the ground, struck im with His fist repeatedly and killed him. That was the end of the evil along with Demon King Kamsa.
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 WHAT TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC DY ON THIS PIOUS DAY

Devout keep fast on this day and remain awake till midnight at the time when Krishna was believed to have born. The image of Krishna as an infant is kept on the cradle or swing both at homes and temples and everyone wants to have a dharshan makes the swing to move. This is considered an auspicious thing.

Devotees sing songs and make merry besides exchanging gifts and flowers. In temples satsang and puja is also held.

Janamashtmi is celebrated differently In different parts of India. In Maharashtra, Dehihandi is celebrated where buttermilk is kept in a pot and kept at a convenient height. Different parties try to break this earthen pot so as to win this contest. This event is undertaken to remember the event of stealing of buttermilk by Krishna in his childhood from Gopi’s homes. The participants in this event are called Govindas.

 

In Mathura (the birth place of Krishana), Gokul and Vrindavan the festival is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. People gather in large number and offer their prayers to Him. Even in Dwarka in Gujarat where Krishna established his kingdom, people visit Dwarkadish temple. Bhagavata Purana, the part dealing with the pastimes of Krishna are recited besides offerings of betel, fruits, flowers etc done by the devotees.

Gokulashtami is celebrated with great fervor in South India too. In Tamil Nadu, the people decorate the floor with kolams (decorative pattern drawn with rice batter).

Besides Lord Krishna’s mysticism and Leelas are always enjoyed by the devotees.

• Lord Krishana dance upon the heads of the serpent Kaliya thereafter Kaliya realized his mistake.
•  

• Protected the people from the heavy rains on the village Vrindavan by lifting Govardhan hill on his little finger.
•  

• Rassa Lila (Dance) with gopis at Vrindavana to the tune of the flute.
•  

It is opined in Bhaghwad Gita that those who know about the birth, His appearance and all activities of Lord Krishna become eligible to be transferred to spiritual world. JAI SHRI KRISHNA.

ON MAKING PROMISES TO OURSELVES

ON MAKING PROMISES TO OURSELV ES

PROMISES MADE TO OTHERS AND TO OUR OWN SELVES

To dole out promises to somebody
For anything to be done as promised
The way others want us to do
Is the simplest thing on the earth
But a promise when made
Has to be fulfilled earnestly
With all the sincerity

At our command
It takes time and energy

To fulfill it fully
Promise not kept
Is equivalent to being dishonest
Which makes us suspect
In the eyes of people to whom we’ve made it.
In the process we earn a new name, a ‘turn coat’
Who cannot be believed at all – without doubt.

Doling out promises to others is one thing
But promises made to our own self
Is entirely different ballgame itself
It too requires a lot of self effort
In breaking from the often trodden path
To a new path free from negativity of any sort
May it be promise with our own self
To get rid of greed, jealousy or anger
Or ridding ourselves off bad habits of intoxicants
Or hankering after riches
Following corrupt practices
For fulfilling these promises to ourselves
We’ve to make a solemn vow

Promise to cultivate good values is more important

For ensuring,  negative free mindset
Thus resolving not to resort to such bad habits
If we’re unable to keep this promise to ourselves
Then we’ll lose self esteem

Woefully even in our own eyes
Which we earn with a lot of difficulty

But if we’re not able to fulfill promises to ourselves

We shouldn’t make it in the first place

And change our default programming

Thus live a life full of confidence without deviating

From the promises made to ourselves indeed.

OUR PROMISE TO OURSELVES AND DESIRE TO FULFILL

We are not able to fulfill our own promise to ourselves simply because our ‘will of desires’ and ‘will of actions’ are contradicting each other – just differ in true sense of terms. In other words, both of these, ordinarily, are not in our control. We can say that these are beyond our intellectual capacity. When will of desire to act gets weakened due to our habit of putting off things, though may bring in its wake temporary relief from our action but ultimately it brings in its wake break in promise that we’ve made to ourselves. This way, pleasure we should have got from result of our action is lost due to our indecisiveness or inaction. Our indecisiveness or habit of procrastination or putting off things or keeping the things under the carpet sometimes results in just forgetting the true import of the promise made to ourselves. Promise to ourselves is just an ideal;  fond vow or wish we want to fulfill.

PROMISES AND LAZINESS/INACTION

The habit of inaction at the crucial juncture may be due to lathargy / laziness may result in losing of face in the eyes of others and ultimately loss of self esteem. And respect once lost cannot be easily retrieved. It should always be remembered that it takes a lot of time and energy to gain semblance of respect but can be lost in a jiffy. No matter what excuses we make thereafter will cut no ice at all.

it is axiomatic that if we have depth of conviction when we make promises to ourselves, we should not forget the consequences of non-implementation of those promises.

WE ARE GUIDED BY MOTIVES AND EMOTIONS

Many a times,wWe are guided by our selfish motives and emotions, if we see some benefit for ourselves by making a promises, without giving any thought or consideration on whether what we are promising ourselves is practical or not, we will jump the gun and make promises, and thereafter when realization dawns on us, we go ahead and break the promise – finding that the promise made is impracticable. We also are generally, by nature, averse to facing any problems, and want a smooth sailing, for which reason, when we make promises we are swayed by emotions but when crunch time comes for the fulfillment of the promise we just turn our face the other side – in the process find ourselves red faced when confronting our own self.

MAKING PROMISES TO OURSELVES AMOUNTS TO MAKING A VOW TO OURSELVES

It should always be rememberd that making promises to ourselves means making a vow to ourselves. It should never be done without first going into the ifs and whats that we have to face in the initial statges itself. More on promises and less on delivery will serve no purpose. Some just say, why not acting on the task at hand straight away rather than taking a oath or vow beforehand and then worry about it whether they can keep it or not? Even otherwise vows involves future, which is unpredictable. When we analyse  Bhishma in Mahabharata, who was blessed with wish-long life, made a solemn vow to serve the ruling Kuru king  and defend Kuru King to the best of his ability despite analyzing that the future may not be as good as he anticipated. But he was duty bound to defend Kauravas despite their ill-design against Pandavas.

It should always be remembered that promises should be made after a lot of introspection on our part. These promises may be either to ourselves or to others. But care should be taken that if these are made then concerted efforts should be made to fulfill them with all the efforts at our command. In Bhagwad Gita it has rightly been said: Plan may not work but planning works.

Some promises made to ourselves are:-

• TO PRAY SINCERELY TO GOD AND FOLLOW A SPIRITUAL PATH IN LIFE. We should resolve to pray to our creator – love him as he craves for our love. He reciprocates our love should never be forgotten. In Bhagwad Gita it has rightly been said: The purpose of body by regulation is not physical deprivation but spiritual connection. Expansion of consciousness opens the self to self.

• NOT TO TAKE INTOXICANTS OR SMOKING. We should make a solemn promise to ourselves to not to take any intoxicants or smoking which impact our health and wellbeing in the long run.

• NOT TO PROCRASTINATE. A person with solid rsolve never puts off things. For him present moment is the opportune moment for any promise to be mae and fulfilled. Nobody has ever seen tomorrow.

• BE SINCERE TO YOUR SPOUSE. It should be our sincere promise to ourselves to be sincere to our spouse, in thick and thin. Promise once made in this should never be broken.

• UNSUSPECSTING INTEGRITY. It should be our honest endeavour to upkeep our integrity to the country we are living, because if our country is prosperous, we are. And for it, if even supreme sacrifice is to be made, we should be ready for the same.

• TO REMOVE THE NEGATIVE TENDENCIES FROM OUR SYSTEM. We have to make sincere promise to ourselves that whatever promise we make to ourselves have to be kept for keep negativity in the form of greed, corrupt practices, rancor, etc away from our system and live a life full of positivity and hope.

QUESTION : Do you make promises to yourself that you never keep?

 203 answers

Answers

Relevance

 Best Answer:  Promises are to be made for keeping and especially so when these are made for ourselves. If we are unable to fulfil those promises made to ourselves then it amounts to self deceit and in the long run it would be self defeating exercise. 

Be that as it may, those who promise with themselves and fulfill them are the people who count in this world of action. They are opinionated people and their viewpoints are respected by all.

Source(s):INNER THOUGHTS

ASKER’S RATING: *****

 

AN ORDINARY TWINE WHICH UNITES THE SOULS (This festival is on 18th August 2016) May God spread the message of brotherly feelings amongst the humanity

 

AN ORDINARY TWINE WHICH  UNITES THE SOULS  (This festival is on 18^th August 2016)  

May God spread the message of brotherly feelings amongst the humanity

 

RAKSHA BANDHAN – RAKHI

  

The various festivals on different occasions,

Keep reviving the favour,

Of various festivals,

Based sometimes on change in seasons,

Or some sacred religious event,

Or remembering a national hero of repute

Or celebration of National Day, so common

Other times based purely on human emotions,

With common thread of reviving relationships.

  

The RAKSHA BANDHAN is the festival, so pure,

When sister ties the sacred thread around her brother’s wrist,

This festival is held in the Hindu month of Shravan,

Witnessed by the auspicious FULL MOON FROM THE HEAVEN,

Filled with  sisterly adoration,

And awe-inspiring sentiment of brotherly affection,

A festival of deep bond of emotion,

Wherein a brother promises defence,

Of his sister from any danger unforeseen ,

An ultimate ‘bond of protection’ though unwritten,

Yet this thread is not an ordinary twine,

But solemn undertaking given.

 

Rakhi is not mere a knot between blood related brothers and sisters,

It is knot between neighbours,

And other society members,

Here caste, color or region hardly matters

Purpose is to keep the fabric of society intact,

To ensure communal harmony, with no strings attached

History is replete with examples,

When Rajputs & Maratha queens sent Rankhis,

To the Mughal kings,

And won their sympathies at the time critical

There is also a story of Alexander the Great’s spouse,

Sending a Rakhi to King Porus,

Which King Porus reciprocated and respected

By not harming her husband

Such is the sacred strength of rakhi’s bond.

  

Such is the power of this ordinary thread,

That it can keep even adversaries united.

 

O our All powerful Creator,

Thee who can do anything anywhere,

Knot the world community with thyThread, so holy

So that all live in peace and in harmony.

RAKSHA BANDHAN  

We, in India, like many in other countries of world, are fortunate to have different festivals which we celebrate with religious fervour and devotion. Festivals may be different but there is a commonality of feelings which is emoted during these festivals; which is indeed mesmerizing. That is the beauty which binds us  together with a common Thread of Love and Care for each other. This may be Christmas celebrations, Eid festivities, Diwali, birthday of important historical figures, National Festivals (related to liberation), etc. The dates may be different but the enthusiasm remains the same.

The word Raksha means an act  of protection and bandhan is related to a/bond/or an association. Taken together the two means a relation which ensures/ protection from unpredictable quarters.  Raksha Bandhan, in other words is a bond between brother and sister for bestowing protection to the sister whenever contingency arises – a sacred pledge that he (brother) will fulfill the promise of protection come what may. In return, the sister prays for the wellbeing and prosperity of her brother.

Raksha Bandhan is a  Hindu festival which highlights the importance of brother-sister relationship. Here, brother-sister may be related biologicallyor even  unrelated. In some parts of India it is simply called Rakhi festival or Rakhi Purnima (falling on full moon). India being a multi-cultural society, not only Hindus, it is celebrated by Sikhs, Jains etc. The sister ties a (Rakhi thread) sacred thread on the wrist of her brother and the brother, in turn, gives a solemn pledge or promise to the sister to come to her succor at any unforeseen eventualities. A promise which is formulized on RAKHI PURNIMA DAY. This festival falls on full moon day (Shravan Poornima) and that is why it is also called as Raksha Poornima.

The brother-sister relationship is really very sensitive. When brother and sister are biologically connected then they grow up together under the same roof and the parents make them understand the importance of brother-sister relationship. As the sister, after she grows up, has to leave the home and hearth of her parents, Rakhi Thread becomes a link between brother and sister to remind each other that there exists somebody to care for him/her. It is, in other words, an emotional bond/link which brings forth the memories of the past days when both brother and sister had lived and brought up together. To say the least, I opine, sisterly love is next the motherly love.  A simple woven thread, self made or purchased from market with great reverence cements relationship even further between brother and sister.

Some of the salient features of RAKSHA BANDHAN are given below”-

1. Raksha Bandhan signifies the love and affection between brother and sister – an emotional link which solidifies the relationship between the two blood-related or otherwise.

2. Brother promises to protect her sister and come to her succor whenever called for besides giving a suitable gift for his sister as a token of love.

3. At the time of tying the knot of sacred thread parents, grand-parents and other members of the family ritualistically gather to shower their blessings on brother-sister at a spot where sister ties knot of Rakhi to her brother and pray for their well-being and prosperity. Tying of knot of a Rakhi is done in a ceremony by lighting a earthen wick or a candle in a shallow plate. Sister applies tilak or tikka on the forehead of her brother and then ties Rakhi. The purpose of lighting a wick is for sanctification of RAKSHA BANDHAN in presence of Fire God. Brother gives her gifts and promises to protect her whenever there is a need. Subsequently, the sister prays for the wellbeing and prosperity of her brother. Some sing religious songs in connection with Rakhi festival.

4. The sister prays to God for the safety and prosperity of his brother.

5. A sacred thread, in the form of Rakhi thread, cements a bond between brother and sister thus establishes goodwill and emotional bond between them two.

6. Most importantly, when brother-sister love is affirmed outside the biological relationship then it will enhance inter-faith cohesion and fellow feelings between different castes, religions etc. This practice persisted in the past and is prevalent now as well. Raksha Bandhan evokes feeling of love, respect, and a sense of protection and also engenders a feeling of togetherness between different religions.

7. Then there is a practice of sending Rakhi threads made by the school children to the soldiers guarding the borders who could not be with their sisters because of their emergent commitments. These soldiers will naturally feel elated and emotionally suffused by this sacred gesture.

8. Self made Rakhi Threads along with the sweets and gifts are sent to the orphanages for tying to the ones who were not so fortunate to have their brother tying this sacred thread. This also brings smile on their faces.

9. Brothers and sisters who are geographically separated send their Rakhis by post or any other fast means along with the gifts in the form of gift cheque etc. Now-a-days, due to the progress of communication owing to net, Rakhis could even be e-Rakhied without wastage of time. What a way to exploit the fast communication! This gesture too keeps the bond of brother-sister love ever blossoming.
10. The Prohits self-make Rakhis and distribute amongst their disciples who put these on their writs with fervour. This too is considered as a SARED TWINE.

Historical Perspective

Earliest exampels of a Rakhi Bandhan prayer is found in VISHNU PURAN:  a prayer that Yasoda sung while tying a sacred rakhi lucky charm on Krishna’s wrist.

May the lord of all beings protect you,
May the one who creates, preserves and dissolves life protect thee.

Historically legend has it that Rajput queens used to send rakhi threads (a scared thread) to other neighbouring rulers in order to show their linkage or relationship and establish a bond of relationship and spread brotherly feeling amongst the neighbourhood and avoid bloodletting on small pretext or misunderstanding of any nature.

There is a legend, Lord Ganesha had two sons named Shubh and Labh. While Ganesh’s sister came to tie a Rakhi around the wrist of Ganesh, his sons became disappointed. They wanted a sister too. Then  Narda Muni came and persuaded  Lord Ganesha for the same and thus created a daughter by the name of Santoshi Maa by the divine flame emerging from wives named Ridhi and Sidhi who tied Rakhi on the wrists of her brothers Shubh and Labh.  There is also a legend in Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana that after Lord Vishnu won the three worlds from demon king Bali, he requested Lord Vishnu along with Maa Lakshmi to stay in his palace. This was not like by Goddess Lakshmi. She had a plan. She tied a Rakhi around the wrist of King Bali and made him his brother. When asked for a gift she asked for the freedom of Lord VISHNU and freed from the promise to live at his palace. Demon king agreed.

In Manabharta, Lord  Krishna considered Draupati as his sister. When there was a cut on his finger while beheading Shushupal, she pierced a piece of her sari and tied it around his injured finger which was bleeding. Krishna took it as a sacred thread (RAKSHNA BANDHAN) and bestowed her protection whenever called for the same.

There is also a legend of Yama (the lord of death) and Yamuna (river). Yama, due to pre-occupation could not visit her for 12 long years. She told Ganga for the same. Gangaji mentioned this to Lord Yama. He visited his sister thereafter. Yama was very happy to see his brother after a long time; prepared tasty food for him. On asking for a gift, she extracted a promise that he should visit her year after year. This too is connected with Rakshna Bandhan.

May true spirit Raksha Bandhan prevails and creates congenial brotherly feelings amongst the humanity as a whole .

15TH AUGUST – 70TH INDEPENDENCE DAY (HEARTIEST FELICITATIONS)

15TH AUGUST – 70^TH INDEPENDENCE DAY
(HEARTIEST FELICITATIONS)

 

Keeping in view the sacrifices made by our forefathers, I pray to Almighty God that India may have inclusive growth and development., despite impediments. My wish-list for this 70^th Independence Day and the coming ones is a mix of social harmony, economic, political expediency, probity, law & order besides facing the realities of our times including the specter of extremism, violence etc.

• People’s Representatives should be accountable. We choose our representatives so that they pass various legislations and exert for the upliftment of the society as a whole. Some modicum of wisdom has been shown by our parliamentarians which earlier on (in the previous Monsoon Session was missing. This time important bills like GST and many more are being passed after incisive dialogue and discussions. Every Indian felt satisfied, the way discussions on GST were held and all the parties showed unanimity or consensus for passage of this important bill. Then discussions with regard to ongoing Kashmir turmoil besides discussions on unfortunate incidents meted out to Dalits and weaker sections of the society; the maturity and wisdom of our representatives was really worth appreciation. We want our parliamentarians to show sagacity and legislate through discussions and dialogue on the matters impinging on the people’s wellbeing. This shows that despite differences based on party affiliations, we can rise above  There may be differences and those are always there but these have to be discussed threadbare in proper forums and solutions provided. The Government too should take holistic view of the pestering problems at hand and reach consensus on the topics which are of importance for the country as a whole.  That is the democracy we want and prosper in India.

• Change in the mindset on the basis of caste, creed and colour. Previously the varnas or caste system wwas on the basis of professions the people followed. Now everybody is free to profess his/her profession therefore there should not be any need to give more credence to narrow parochialism Recent happenings (it may be in Gujarat, UP, Bihar or any other place) are the blot on the society as a whole wherein the Dalits are beaten up mercilessly either by cow protection vigilantes or cold shouldered even by the law enforcement agencies when approached by them for action. These incidences also echoed in the Parliament and all expressed their anguished on the sordid incidents. On the name of cow protection, some irresponsible and heartless instead of taking recourse to lawful action law unto themselves and hand out punishment in the full glare of the public. People in general are incensed by these incidents and the Centre and States should come forward and bestow protection to the Dalits and weaker sections of the society.
• I want my India to be sensitive to the needs of fellowmen. The insensitivity and callousness that we show towards road accident victims is really pathetic. Our heart should feel pain when anybody is pained. The recent incident in which a tempo drive hit at 5.40 AM and till 6.10 AM nobody came to his succor and he was left to bleed. A man went there but to steal the mobile of the accident victim! It is not only the tempo driver, CCTV footage showed that several vehicles passed that way, a police van too passed that way but nobody cared for the accident victim. Such incidents and accidents are common butit should be our sincere endeavour to provide immediate medical care to the hapless person – in this the person concerned died leaving his dependent parents, wife and children to fend for themselves. Today, it is somebody else, tomorrow may be he/she is your near and dear one then what; if timely medicare is not provided to that person?  May be it is the fear of police harassment that people do not come to the rescue of the victims. In that case law should be made to offer proper reward to the good Samaritan rather than harassment.

• Honoring the National Heroes.It should be our endeavour to respect the dependents of those who laid down their lives for freedom of our country.  Not only freedom fighters but those who lay down their lives for protect of the hard earned freedom should also be respected. We remember our heroes only when some unsavoury incident of terrorist happens but soon thereafter we woefully forget their valour and supreme sacrifice. What the ongoing demolition drive by BBMP has brought home is really pathetic. A portion of the house of Lt Col Niranjan Kumar (killed during Pathankot terror attack) has also come under demolition list.  Such is the apathy and heartless attitude shown to the dependents  is really an eye opener.  It is my wish that those who make supreme sacrifices should be respected.

• Traditional Modes of behavior/Values. It is a sad commentary that we are forgetting the traditional modes of behavior. The values which our forefathers attached to family and our cultural modes of behavior is being forgotten and in its place narrow regional considerations are being given credence knowing fully well that these are neither beneficial to anybody in the society. I would like my countrymen to imbibe traditional values for which my Bharat is acclaimed since ages with the dictum, respect others if you want to get respect. It is never a one sides affair.
• A Country which Respects the Rights of Women and girl child. It is high time we respect our women folks. The Divine Trinity has his female counterpart; Saraswati (learning) – Lord Barmha, Lakshmi (wealth) – Lord Vishnu and Parvati (power) – Lord Shiva. All the rituals, especially auspicious ones, are incomplete without women being part of it all. Disrespecting women was construed as the disrespecting the God. All the relationships – mother, wife, daughter, sister, etc are essential for us all. In olden times these relations were considered very reverential. Without these, what is the status of father in relation to mother, wife in relation to husband, daughter in relation to son, sister in relation to brother etc.

A woman was supposed to be the manifestation of Goddess/Shakti and the male was supposed to be incomplete without the female (Shakti) with him. Lord Shiva is incomplete with His Shakti (Maan Parvati) that is why it is called SHIVSHAKTI.

Even in Ramayana times women used to choose their suitors – Maan Sita chose Lord Rama after he broke the Dhanush of Lord Shiva in a sacred ceremony called soambar. Even in Mahabharta Dropati chose Arjuna in a soambar.

In other words, those who want to subjugate women and refuse to give their proper place, they are hypocrites. A simple question: CAN THIS PROCREATION and raising of new GENERATION possible without women? Men and women are the equal partners and ought to be taken as such.

• Self Respect. It is a fact that respect is earned by our day to day behavior and demeanor. We have to earn our respect. It is not given to us on the platter for nothing. If I want that others should respect me, it is essential that I respect others. One who knows how to maintain self respect knows the need of respecting others on the basis of quid pro quo. It is synonymous with: Charity begins from home. Even a small child will respond with respect if I treat that child well.

• Specter of terrorism. World is facing the ugly face of terrorism emanating from some parts of the world. The terrorists are striking at will anywhere it wants causing mayhem and killing including violation of human rights. Now is the time when human rights of all the people without discrimination have to be protected. The scourge of terrorism and violence have to be tackled with iron hand.  This is an international problems and should be tackled under the aegis of UNO otherwise the humanity as a whole will suffer without unreasonably.

• Respect of Bharat Mata in the Comity of Nations. We are connected with other countries of the world. Anything that happens in one part of the world has its reverberations / repercussions in other parts of the world. It may be economical deceleration, political upheaval, extremists / terrorists strikes / activities, all these have their affects on all the countries.
• If we want to progress, it is a must that we are internally strong. For this to happen, it is a must that we are economically stable, politically strong, militarily strong, whose opinion is taken with a pinch of salt diplomatically, helps the weaker countries with finance and sometimes militarily as done in case of African nations by India many a times.
• Black Money Menace. It has been seen that in order to avoid paying taxes and to escape from queries of sources of black money, people are stashing their ill-gotten monies in the foreign banks in the process, bleeding the country. The money which ought to have been used in job creation, infrastructural creation/improvement, etc are being used by others! Government, in the light of directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, has constituted SIT to unearth black money. This is a welcome step. Lets see if it could show tangible results and bring back the black money which could be used in our country.
• Corruption Free society.One of the impediments that is eating into the very vitals of our society is the hydra headed corruption. We are aware about the scamps and corrupt practices that were used in allotting coal blocks, use of middle man in defence purchases, and currently even the Judiciary has come under attack with some people tarnishing its image. God forbid, this is the wing of our society which should/is respected the most, if it falls prey to corruption then on whom our society will bank on! Wish that our country becomes corruption free one. This is a crying need of the hour as corruption is taking the wheels of progress backward.
• Unquestionable Integrity. I would like all people with unquestionable integrity for upholding the unity and solidarity of India. This is the most essential asset for an individual. If it is in suspect then very existence of ours is in doubt and a life with doubt is fraught with impediments.
• Respect for Each Others Faiths and Beliefs. India has diverse cultural modes. Its different religions, castes, creeds, belief systems, languages etc. If we respect each others’ modes of behavior, then there would be cohesion and brotherhood amongst our country men. When we are united, then no power can subjugate us. For this to happen in real sense of terms, it is important that we respect each other rights.
• Educational Improvement. Education of the masses is one of the important factor for overall health of the country. Care ought to be exercised that students are taught the skills along with the general education so that they ‘earn while they learn’. Skilled and semi-skilled training should be imparted according to the capacity and capability of the student. We are rich in Human Resource. We have to exploit this rich resource for our own benefit. This is also important for avoid brain drain which is presently happening. Our IITs and IIMs are churning out technocrats and management professionals of highest caliber. Their talents should never go waste. Let our Government come forward in absorbing these talents for garnering benefits for our country.
• Economically Strong Country. Now-a-days, economical clout in the comity of nation is very essential. For becoming economically strong, it is a important that all the sectors of the economy; may it be industrial or agricultural should contribute their mite for economic health of the economy. This can only happen when we have inclusive growth and development. Nothing happens in isolation.
• Research and Development (R&D).Due to one reason or the other, this has been experienced that our R&D is just in doldrums. For example, the different projects which are being pursued by DRDO are not fructifying on time or lacking necessary resources (manpower or other resources). For example, the project for producing indigenous fighter aircraft project is just not complete till date. Wish that our R&D matches with best in the world so that we do not be dependent on others for our defence needs or any other crucial needs.
• Industrial Development takes place. Due to one reason of the other, the industrial development of our country remains almost stagnant or is below par. This is due to lack or resources. A country whose markets are being exploited by foreigners remains industrial backward is really bad. People buy and use Chinese made goods at cheaper rates without any guarantee of their use. Can India not manufacture the same goods for their own people and exploit gigantic market – benefiting the industry and the people both. The profit earned by the owners of the industry could then be pumped for more production and increasing their capacities.
• Agricultural Development is ensured. Due to beggaries of monsoon, the agricultural production remains uncertain. The fear of scanty rain results in increase in prices of food item/vegetables etc creating food inflation. This is especially so in rainy season. The prices of vegetables is sky rocketing. The people do feel a pinch.
• If water management is properly done, then, the deficit created by scarcity of rain could be bridged.
• The Government’s project/ plan of connecting major river could do wonders in this regard.
• Infrastructure Development ought to be a continuous process.
• Imports / Export Policies oriented for improvement of imports and exports. More exports means more foreign currency for the country. More foreign currency could reduce the budge deficit which has become a number one headache for the country.
• Foreign Exchange Reserve to be replenished.
• Fiscal Policies revised as per the need of the hour so that the current rate / value of rupee does not fall as is being happening presently.
• IT Sector to be given boost. India is potentially a soft power giant. But we have to exploit this resource to the hilt as is being done by other countries. We IT experts are proving their mettle in other countries. We are thus losing our human resources and also the benefits which our country ought to have garnered.
• It should never be forgotten that other countries too are improving in this sector. It is a must that this Sector should be given more incentive so that it improves further and earns much needed Foreign Exchange for the country.
• Spiritually Forward Nation. One of my fondest wish is that India may become progressive but with spiritualistic outlook, where people are awakened morally, culturally, aesthetically, progressive and more compassionate. Also keeping all along in that progress – leaving none.
• The above are some of our wish-list which every right thinking Indian would like to have for the overall development of the Bharat of our dream.

It is my fond wish that our next Independent Day should be more progressive in its outlook, self reliant, spiritually awakened and its youth positively oriented for steering the ahead from the choppy waters of deceleration. Also, there should be peace and tranquility between different communities. Discrimination on the basis narrow regionalism or caste, creed or language should cease and our dharma should be development for all – all inclusive.

PATIENCE AND ITS LIMITS

PATIENCE

A valuable personal virtue or trait
Which is helpful in obliterating hate
Cultivated with a lot of personal knowledge
Attained through experiences of days gone by
Which makes us a better person with a lot of maturity
Thus learning the fine art of distinguishing 
Between what is wrong or right that we’re transacting
If at all we care to learn from each of these practices
And with time we learn the fine trait of patience.

After finding solutions to ifs and whats which arise
Thereby learning about patience’s significance
Thence we make use of it as an anti-dote for any annoyance
And keep ourselves cool and composed in all situations
With the people of diverse virtues or lack of these
Some may browbeat us without even an iota of reason 
Thus spoiling our day with caustic reaction
Such people are irrational to the core
They seek chances to reprimand us for nothing  and more
Their limit to criticize us is goes perpetually without any remorse 
They are always on the lookout for an excuse
To downsize us with reason or without any cause
No decency is expected of such edgy lots
Because their statement of belief base is ego
Which woefully rests on hate bereft of any reason
A person with patience

Puts up with everything with grace

Without even a thought of disgrace

That is the true import of patience for heaven’s sake.

 
THE PATIENCE BE LIMITLESS

Patience means to refrain or endure an adverse situation or circumstance and not to be carries away and be reactive to avoid unpredictable consequences. But moot point is how long we can restrain ourselves – what is the limit to our tolerance or patience? It cannot be limitless or for that matter till such time it starts impacting our own self adversely. There are the people who exhibit forbearance under duress or stressful situation for a longer duration. But what is the option left with us if somebody continues pestering us despite our self-control for a longer duration without rhyme or reason? Cannot we get even with that fellow by reacting appropriately? But this fine-tuned trait should not be practiced limitlessly. When the question of our self esteem comes, then we have to defend ourselves. Not that somebody remains insinuating against us and we remain silent spectators. Therefore, some limit has to be fixed according to our state of our mind and convenience then no further patience so that people may not take our silence as a sign of our weakness.

PATIENCE AND TIME FACTOR

For anything tangible to happen, time is the important factor. Patience is nothing but a unspoken understanding with our own self that a waiting period for some introspection about the matter at hand is necessary before reacting on a situation or event. This is also with an intention not to be reactive on some provocation which may have adverse implication in the long run.  Now a thought comes to the mind, should we make patience as a practice that we may consider us a pushover and we become easy target for anybody and everybody. This predicament may happen at our homes, in the workplace or in any public forum. 

LITMUS TEST OF PATIENCE

The litmus test of our self control or patience is put to test when we are subjected to irrational criticism just to lower our self esteem in front of others. This problem gets accentuated when that person is sitting at high pedestal, where our reaction may impact our further advancement in career prospects. In the event of similar thing happening with me, I just keep that alleged criticism at the backburner of my mind, desist as far as possible to keep away from the subject of criticism but keeping my head cool – as though nothing has transpired. I’ve seen its good results. This happened even today, when such situation came my way and I remained cool despite situation.

Patience is an instrument to keep ourselves within the  confines of our own space; never transgressing others’. If even then somebody tries to disregard and cares two hoots about our privacy, then what is the option left for us? I think, we should show that person his/her true place after taking into account the pros and cons. It is good to make patience our virtue but only till such time which may otherwise be harmful to our self esteem, strain our will power to its limits and create guilt and suffering over it? We just have to apply our prudence how much time we need to wait for a certain event to effect us adversely and follow our inner voice! 

IMPATIENCE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES

It has been observed that impatience  as reaction on the spur of moment, without going into the result of action, may lead to unpredictable consequences. For example, there was a case in UP in which a a couple was hacked to death simply for not paying Rs. 15/-. The killers were thereafter identified and arrested after the incident but two precious lives were lost due to unreasonable impatience. There are so  many examples where a deft handling could have averted a piquant situation. I have seen officials being fired from their jobs simply in silly pretexts because they lost temper when silence could have averted unwarranted situation and resultant consequences.

BAPU GANDHIJI’S SATYAGRAH IS ALSO BASED ON NON-VIOLENCE AND PATIENCE

With a point  to realize the awowed objective, people under the able guidance and leadership of Gandhiji took part in salt satyagraha (remining firm for truth), called Dandi March, as a civil disobedience for purna swaraj (complete independence) based purely on the principles of non-violence and patience despite huge provocation. This was to symbolic breaking of unreasonable Salt Law which in fact had a salutary effect on the independence of India from British empire.

PATIENNCE – ITS LIMIT CANNOT BE INDEFINITE 

Certainly, there is a limit to our patience. Then question arises, can this limit quantified or how long the individual concerned is allowed to have a free run in testing our nerves or emotions? We have three option:-

(a)    Let the person exhaust his/her vilifications against us without our reaction but bereft of any effect on our self control and our system till such time the person concerned gets tired and stops harassing us. Knowing fully well that that person’s act too has got its limits!

(b)    Or tolerate with patience for sometimes and react at the opportune moment when it hurts the most.

(c)    Or pay back the individual concerned in the same coin instantly so as to avoid further humiliation.