THE HOLI – A FESTIVAL SO HOLY (ON 2ND MARCH 2018): WISHING YOU ALL A COLOURFUL HOLI

THE HOLI – THE  FESTIVAL SO HOLY

HOLI IS A TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL

 

The festival of HOLI has prominently been mentioned in Vedas and Puranas (Narad Purana and Bhavishya Purana). Archeologists have excavated 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 – the festival of colour.

Holi is a cultural festival which has the tradition of its own.  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 has an ancient origin and celebrates the triumph of ‘good’ over ‘bad’. The colorful festival bridges the social gap and renews sweet relationships. On this day, people hug and wish each other ‘Happy Holi’.

SIGNIFICANCE OF FESTIVALS

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.

In essence, we face multiple problems in our lives while aspiring for material and sensual objects, people become attached to these. Such attachments develop lust and lust generate 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 to downfall of an individual. In such a scenario, a healthy diversion is a must. Different festivals give us occasion to celebrate with our relatives and friends. We celebrate Holi with our nears and dears. The colourful festival HOLI presents our golden opportunity to share our joys with others. The gifts are exchanged in the form of homemade sweets, such as Gujia etc.

WHEN HOLI IS CELEBRATED?

The colorful festival of Holi is celebrated on Phalgun Purnima (Full Moon) which comes in February end or early March. This year, the Holi festival is being celebrated on 2^nd March 2018.

 SYMBOLIC LEGEND

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

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.  Pradhan personifies goodness.

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 the satisfaction of the senses, one who lives freeing from desires and gives up his false ego attains the state of peace and calm. 

VICTORY OF GOOD OVER EVIL

Subsequently, in the daytime, people celebrate this as a sign of victory of good over evil by sprinkling either the coloured water or dry colour (gulal) of various colour. 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.  

PEOPLE FORGET THEIR DIFFERENCES AND CELEBRATE THIS COLOUR FESTIVAL

It has also been seen that on Holi festival, people forget and forgive their old enmity and animosity and establish the 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.

IMPORTANCE OF HOLI IN MATHURA (THE BIRTHPLACE OF LORD KRISHNA)

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

HOLI THE HOLY FESTIVAL

When body, mind, and soul are colored together

In the hue of our  eternal Creator

Then a warm reaction of love is created

Along with a flood of feelings

Of oneness and togetherness in every being

Where there is no differences based on odd considerations

Like age, sex, colour, caste or religions

Everything loses its relevance

What actually remains

Are the likings for each others

Mixed with emotions

With varieties of colors

Whosoever meets us on the street corners

Corners us with colors

Reddish, yellowish or bluish in tint

Charming us in  its enchantment

Mesmerizing us with color’s touch

Having deep meaning

If we care to fathom its import

These colours can transform hostility

Between neighbors with a drop of color  

O Creators of ours
Imbue us with Thy indelible Color
Thy colour touches our heart’s chordS
Including every atoms in 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.

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 the rainbow of colours.
Scenes at the marketplaces 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 Krishna 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 spread amongst all

Let this be the message of this Holy Holi.

 

ON FACING THE HARSH TRUTHS OF OUR LIVES

HARSH REALITIES

 

Life doubtlessly is intricate one

We’re responsible for it a simple one

With our cool-headed response

To any not so pleasant occurrence

This sometimes places us in the seventh heaven

When we’re placed suitably

The other times we’re placed lowly

Without an iota of its expectancy.

But harsh truths are to be faced squarely

Without any grudge against anyone

Subsequently, when we feel let down

Then, It would be peril of our own

There will not be any way out then

With all the truths and half-truths

Looming large and staring large in our faces

We have no alternative

But to live with all the highs and lows

Which the circumstances place us in

As these harsh realities are to be experienced and lived

Rather than feared and run away from them

With unflagging belief in ourselves

Along with the belief on our Creator.

 

ON HARSH REALITIES OF LIFE.

First of all, what is the truth, it is the statement of fact which could be tested at any place or at any time; it is exactitude, certainty, without even an iota of doubt etc. The result of which cannot be disputed. Whereas harsh truths or hard realities of our lives have to be faced and sometimes lived with acceptance since there is no alternative for us.

When we talk about TRUTH, we always associate it with reality, which cannot be disputed. God is TRUTH. Truth cannot be disputed by any stretch of the imagination. But when we associate with harsh truths then this realism prompts us to have the reserve of the patient to not to feel slighted or disappointed and go on in life without let or hindrance. It is, therefore, in the fitness of things to infer that those who are respected in the society should set an example for others to follow in any situation or condition that we face in life.

In Bhagwad Gita, it has been emphasized: Because, whatever noble persons do, others follow. Whatever standard they set up, the world follows.

The following are some of the HARSH TRUTHS which we have to face in our lives and we cannot disregard these. Sometimes we have to ignore them and other times we have lived with them. If we do, then, it will not be possible for us to live with peace and ease.

CORRUPT  PRACTICES IN GETTING LOAN FROM THE BANKS

The recent bank frauds in India in which the Bank officials and doled out loans in crores deceitfully to fraudsters without concrete securities. The loan takers just left the country with their booty – a thumbs down for the enforcement agencies and other law enforcement agencies indeed. The analogy could be cited for ‘a fence eating the crop’ – those who are in charge of protecting the banks swindle and embezzle the liquidity available in the banks. If our own stable is not cleared off such fraud playing bank officials the hapless taxpayers have to live with this crop of corrupt people. Why other countries accept such people with questionable credentials in their midst is also a moot point? This a reality we Indians have to live with until such time we change our laws and consider such willful defaulters/fraudsters as financial terrorists. Those who are assigned the duties to safeguard and protect the taxpayer’s funds in the Banks should transact their duties should work within the ambit of rules and should not be the willing helper in spreading corruption.  We have to weed out corrupts and make the financial institution’s corruption free. Corruption is a hard truth and we all have to face it squarely. Harsh punishment to the defaulters is only answer for this HARSH TRUTH.

THREE NEGATIVE TRAITS WHICH REMAIN HAUNTING US

There are three negative traits which remain visiting us despite our best efforts to avoid them. These negative traits are anger, greed, and lust. We ought to make sincere efforts so as to eradicate these from our system. We want to not to reactive to any untoward happening which causes anger, we compare ourselves in every respect with others which produces greed for more and lust means to hanker after; fame, wealth, sex outside the institution of marriage without true love attached to it. We have to be guarded against all these in our lives if we want to live a balanced life. If one of these remains to haunt us, then we have to face the realities of life when it will affect our lives.

 EVERYBODY IS SELFISH TO A LIMIT.

 When it comes to our self-respect, we all are, to a limit, selfish. Reasons may be any; call it our compulsion, out of necessity due to the situation or any other reason for that matter. For instance, we give sermons to others for giving quality time to our offspring for infusing in them value systems and etiquettes but when our own children misbehave with others we just defend them!

BEING REACTIVE

It has been seen that our religious preachers give out lectures on how and why we should keep cool despite provocation. But, maybe, the same preachers may not be adopting tolerance when it is hugely required. I experienced this when a discourse was going on and a boy inadvertently disturbed his speech. This was sufficient provocation for hitting the boy who unintentionally intruded in front of the congregation. Such people are there who preach something to others but do not follow the same themselves. We have to live with this harsh truth.

EVERYBODY IS JUDGMENTAL TO A DEGREE.

 Many of us become hypercritical when somebody intrudes in our privacy but we ourselves butt in somebody else’s space then what?

LIFE SEEMS UNFAIR SOMETIMES

Evidently, every one of us, sometimes, feels let down by the unethical behavior of our own people without rhyme or reason. It is all the more painful when our own blood relatives are involved. This could be termed as emotional blackmail but we have to bear with all these and go on in life.

ACCEPTANCE IS THE BEST REMEDY

There are times when we have to accept some realities. We make sincere efforts to get through some examinations but despite our best efforts, we are not able to succeed. The best way then is to accept the reality and be with it with an idea that that profession is not for us. Try something else instead. Similar is the case with our relationship. If we have made our best efforts to mend fences with our friends but that friend does not come round to our viewpoints despite our best efforts then the best thing is the acceptance with, in fact, belief in God.

Holy Bible clearly mentions: Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.”

WE MAY NOT BE LIKED BY SOME PARTICULARLY, HARDLY MEANS WE ARE NOT LIKEABLE

There are occasions when we may not be liked by others due to one reason or other. Or worse still, we have the trait of telling spade and spade and others may not like it. In this sort of a scenario, we have to accept the reality.

WHEN OUR MERIT DOES NOT FIND TRACTION

There is a huge travesty of fact when despite our best qualification for a job, we are ignored and somebody else with less merit and qualification is put above us. This is disappointing but we have to accept the harsh reality and transact our part of the job with demur.

WHEN OLD PARENTS ARE LEFT AT THE MERCY OF ELEMENTS BY THEIR OWN

There are people who throw their old parents to fend for themselves when they have spent every penny on the children upbringing, education and for the home to shelter them. But when the children grow up, instead of looking their old parents, they throw them to the mercies of elements. This is the height of insolence and this act will surely earn KARMA DEBT for them.

HARSH TRUTH ABOUT DEATH

While we are conducting ourselves in our day to day lives, we should never forget that death is a harsh truth and would surely visit us one day; time and place, nobody knows for sure. Those who lead a spiritually oriented lifestyle just do not take death as a reality since such people lead a God-oriented life; with association or partnership with Him.

 Holy  Quran proclaims: Who created death and life that He may try you- which of you is best in deeds; and He is the Mighty, the Forgiving

FACE MUSIC IF WE COMMIT KARMIC MISDEMEANORS

 It should always be kept in mind that Newton’s third law of motion always stands in good stead; ACTION AND REACTION EQUAL AND OPPOSITE. It is a harsh truth that if we transact any immoral turpitude (even if others are not knowing), we earn Karmic Debt and the results of this debt have to be borne by the person concerned – this birth or the birth(s) just following this one.

IF WE OVERSPEND OUR EARNINGS WE HAVE TO FACE THE MUSIC

The fact stands that if we spend more than what we earn and become debt-ridden then we will have to face the consequences of harsh truth of this extravagance. While spending, we have to take care that our expenditure should match our earnings. Care ought to be exercised that we should keep some amount for rainy days too – to meet unforeseen expenditure on emergencies which may creep in without any inkling.

CONTROLLING OR REINING IN OUR MIND

It has been observed that those who are mental loafers are not able to focus on anything – it may be studied, it may be meditations/prayers or any other job which requires concentration. Therefore, those whose mind goes awry on silly pretexts will have to make amends and control their mind otherwise they will have to face the HARSH TRUTH of its unpredictable consequences.

Then, in life, we have to face the HARSH TRUTHS which may visit is without any warning to us; at our home front, at our workplaces, at our formal or informal institutions etc. These harsh truths should never be ignored otherwise will cause an irreparable damage not only physically but also psychologically.

 

ON SPECTER OF HATE

ON SPECTER OF HATE

When we were born
We did not carry any hate-germs
Which entered our psyche
Due to the influences of our society
Starting from our homes
To our school books
Which sometimes taught us distorted history
And fed us know-how

Suffused with malice, ill-will, and spite
Which suited only for that ‘time’
But has got no relevance now
That sufficient water has flown
From the Ganges to the ocean till now
Hate could be minimized
By taking course correction
Which has molded our present-day thoughts
The total elimination of specter of hate
Could be made possible
By following a spiritually inclined lifestyle
With a final realization
That whence we die
We shall not be carrying hate symptoms with us
But only the KARMA CREDIT
Which we would be carrying with us
When we leave the carrier of our Soul on this beautiful earth.

THE HATE IS BYPRODUCT OF THE JEALOUSY

First of all, we have to understand what is hate or abhorrence or disgust due to one reason or other. Hate means not to like a person due to one reason or other. The degree of hate depends on person to person and case to case. This repulsion may be due to jealousy on somebody’s economic clout or business rivalries, professional related reasons or just based on race or regional considerations.

History reveals that hatred is generally generated by narrow apprehensions, unfounded fears, fear of losing power including fear of revulsion amongst own people due to the poisoning of our mind by vested interests. The example of queen Kaikeyi in epic Ramayana is known to everybody, her mind was poisoned by Manthara (maidservant) while Rama was about to be coroneted as the king of Ajodhya.  An unprecedented haltered was created in the mind of Kaikeyi due to which Rama was exiled for 14 years and coronation for her son Bharata.

Hate and its creation thereto could be created in our homes. Reasons may be any – property dispute, a misunderstanding due to any reason etc. I was fortunate to meet one person, named Raghubir Singh in my office today. His age as per his own admission was 80 years. I asked him about the secret of his sound health and agility at this age.

He pointed out that while he was only 40 years old, he used to live a very busy life; working from early morning to late in the night. The life was so pre-occupied that he did not get any time either for exercise or for taking the balanced diet to maintain his health due to which he grew very fat. In the meanwhile, diseases like high blood pressure, diabetics, impaired vision, chronic pains etc started. All these diseases left him bed-ridden due to which he could not attend to his business altogether. To my discomfiture and surprise, he told us during his sickness, his two brothers took control of his business and also bank accounts forcibly even by faking his signatures; following all the corrupt practices to the hilt.

The condition was so severe that his family was starved of any cash even for meeting his doctor’s bills and other family expenses. His two brothers started hating him and his family members and started treating him like a liability to them and his wife was constrained to work as a maidservant in his own family. A  paradox wherein the owner of the whole property was treated virtually like a slave with no Medicare or any solace from any quarter. They started to hate his two school-going children too and did not pay the school fees and allied expenditure incurred on schooling. He was constrained to stop schooling of his children and his own health was going from bad to worst.

Due to the above stated calamitous scenario, health wise and deterioration of the socio-economic condition, there remained no hope. It is rightly said, when no way is left, then only way left is the succor of our Creator. Seeing no way out from any quarter, Raghubir sincerely prayed God for His succor.

It has been experienced that sincere prayers are always answered by our Creator. On the same day, one of his old friends came to meet him. Raghubir told the part of his story to his friend, mincing nothing at all. His friend took him to an Ayurvedic Achariya who finally decided to take him to his Ashram at Haridwar (Uttarakhand) for healthcare besides living in natural settings; performing Yoga regularly, went on a diet which suited him due to which he started recuperating his health and wellness.

1. He posed him a question as to how animals and other creatures living naturally live their lives without much reliance on any medication whatsoever? This way, they live their full life without any debilitating diseases like us humans face. Only humans rely on the artificial style of living thereby earn for themselves various diseases.
2. Living in the natural settings and lifestyle (in diet and another way of living), we can avoid stress-related diseases such as hypertension, blood pressure, diabetes, disturbance in digestive system etc.
3. The Acharya took upon himself the responsibility of not only curing him in natural settings but also meeting the expenditure of his childhood education.
4. Living in the lap of nature with Yogic exercises and medication, Raghbir started recovering from all his ailments and in one month’s period, he was in sound health.

Hating our Creator’s creations will add up our Karmic debt as it is a negative trait. It not only negatively influences our present life but also the coming living forms.

In Holy Bible it has been said: Love must be sincere, hate what is evil, cling what is good.

Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers our all wrongs.

In essence, hate, when created, could harm not only the person for which it is directed but also harm the person who hates others. In another word, it is a negative trait and carries with its stigma of dislike.
We should know the reasons of hate:-

1.   When somebody disapproves our legitimate actions.

2.  When somebody backbites against us.

3.   When somebody hates us for our religious leanings, caste, creed, color or language or due to regional bias etc.

4.  Others sometimes hate us simply because we do not submit to their unethical or immoral advances.

5.   Sometimes hate also originates when someone criticizes us irrationally in front of others.

6.   When somebody illegally and forcibly snatches our property.

In epic Mahabharata, Kaurva prince Duryodhana was full of haltered and hostility towards Pandavas, he in connivance with Shukni, won the dice match with deception which resulted losing everything that Pandavas were having including their consort Dropti. This caused a war between the armies of Pandavas and Kauravas wherein Kauravas lost their everything including themselves and consequently resulted in vanquishing of evil.  

7.  Hate is generated when somebody interferes with our cultural and traditional modes of behavior.

8.   Hate amongst youth is created when their merit is disregarded and others without merit get placements or employment etc.

9.   Sometimes, when history is not taught in correct perspective to the present generation, it leads to a feeling of hate towards a section of society. This hate is irrational since this generation has no role in creating such hate. It may be part of history but what happened in the past should not be given too much credence.

10.  The element of hate between the spouses is created because of distrust and non-compatibility between the couple.

11.  In society there are chronic hate mongers, they have to be counseled for leaving their unethical standpoints and behave in a manner which is in the overall danger to the society in general.

Taking in cognizance the above-cited facts, my humble request to all my friends not to carry with you the burden of ‘hate’ which takes away peace of mind from our midst and makes us inconsiderate, inhumane, irrational, despotic and finally even our Almighty God does not like that person who carries the specter of hate for others.

Conclusively, it could be said that all those negative traits like ill-will, jealousy, rancor, covetousness, lust, irrational comparison etc which if removed from our system then the prevalence of love could be ensured and hate decimated. In other words, the specter of hate is generated when ignorance (darkness) is present but when love (light) pervades then this ignorance (darkness) is decimated. In this surcharged global environment, universal love is the need of the hour.

 

 

 

LOVELY LOVE DAY – THE VALENTINE DAY

NEW MEANING OF LOVE FROM SAINT VALENTINE.

LOVELY LOVEDAY

 VALENTINE DAY

A love which is all inclusive

A love we would not like losing

A love which is all pervading

A love all sweeping

A love all-embracing

A love which is broadest in content

A love from which we get contentment

A love which is fully bloomed

A love which is full-blown

A love which is sweeping

A love where there is not even an iota of doubt

A love where losing makes no difference

A love for which any sacrifice could be given

A love where we do not demand but would like giving

A love where we get extreme joy in giving

A love which teaches us values of living

A love where suspicion has no place while giving

A love rooted in sublime and  humane delicate touch

A love which broadens its base without an iota of bias

A love which is synergy giving while sharing

A love which increases by every day passing

A love which kindles trust among all creatures living

               A love where we do not care for caste, creed, colour or race

A love which is magical in nature

A love which is not theatrical in its character

A love which enlightens us and is not mechanical in nature

A love where we do not care for results

A love where every skepticism melts

A love which gives is eternal peace

A love which takes us to love heights

A love which erases all lingering reservations

A love which spreads its fragrance

A love which gives happiness in taking pain of other

Like the love of Saint Valentine,

A Catholic Bishop of Terni

In Roman Empire
Who for love’s sake attained martyrdom,
For solemnizing marriage secretly,
Of condemned soldiers,
For whom marriage was a bar
Under the Roman Empire’s law
And marrying those forbidden once to marry,
Attracted the Saint’s imprisonment,
And ultimately martyrdom.

While in the condemned cell of a prison,
With his miraculous touch, he cured the daughter of the jail warden,
Saint Valentine sent out a farewell letter,
With words so eternal in nature,

“From your Valentine”,

These words have become a grand brand,
Presently for us all to express to our loved one,
With a huge sprinkle of pride,
Mixed with a huge smile,
Lasting for good in our imagination,
And in real life too, we live with complete affirmation
That love binds us & bestows us God’s eternal compassion.

A love which is all-encompassing, where there is no suspicion, where giving is the only mantra without any expectations and finally were even losing one’s life is not taken so seriously. It is such a love which cannot be exchanged with pecuniary or other gains.  

Valentine’s Day is celebrated on 14th February every year. There is a very popular account that a Christian Saint was imprisoned and prosecuted under the Roman Law for solemnizing the marriage ceremony of soldiers who were not allowed to marry. Saint Valentine performed the marriage of these soldiers and broke the Roman Law. There is also a legend that while being in the prison; he healed the daughter of the jailer named Asterius.
Legend has it that before he was to be beheaded he wrote a letter finally signing as YOUR VALENTINE to bid the final adieu.

For expression of love for our soul-mate, it is important that we fulfill all the ingredients which are needed. such as; our intention and attention that we pay in the expression of our sincere love, synergy in that love, the willingness that may spring from our inner self, etc. It is also a must that we’ve full trust on our soul-mate.
For love to be effective, it is a must that we develop an initial belief or trust that we are ready to have a right friend, with traits in agreement with ours to shower love and affection. If one finds the friend of his/her liking, it is equivalent to love of our Lord. This love of the Infinite Absolute Lord facilitates us, humans, to distribute this love to others with whom we come in contact with. His eternal love also solves many of our own problems concerning love.

A love of a soul-mate is unique in nature, the person with whom we want to develop the friendship, we have to accept him/her wholly – with all weaknesses and strong points. True love transcends all boundaries, all differences based on colour, creed, caste etc. It is pure and simple love. No questions asked about anything else.

There are two ways of finding an appropriate life partner; firstly love at first sight and secondly somebody arranges the same and he/she could be termed as our life-partner (this is termed as arrange marriage, where marriages happen according to Hindu religious beliefs; where Vedic Mantras/Hymns are chanted, by taking seven vows around the fire with seven promises made by both the partners). Or there may be other customs and traditions in other religions for marriage.

Anyway, we can have true and sacred love with our soul-mate or any other person around with basic premise of following parameters:-

(a) Trust each other without any strings attached.

(b) We should exhibit emotional maturity while ironing out differences.

(c) Take her/him to the inner recesses of your heart and feel that he/she remains in your imagination though he/she may not be physically present with you.

(d) Thinking about him/her may evoke a feeling of joy and sometimes you may skip a heartbeat for your partner.

(e) Creating a strong affinity with the soul-mate of yours even in his/her absence.

(f) Sharing joys or sorrows together, good and bad situations, etc.

(g) Not to hide anything from your partner so as to develop an indelible impression of friendship.

(h) We should forget and forgive each other’s mistakes which may creep in sometimes.

(i) A love knows no boundaries, the need of intimacy to establish a sacred love beside it is all inclusive – just seamless.
Love has many manifestations. When one is immersed in it, he/she gets everything in losing everything even the most precious one for us. While we take love as a God’s gift, love gifts us many things in return too. This return gift is all-encompassing – a saintly feeling for us all. We do not care for our life if that is at stake for earning the gift of love. We want losing everything including making supreme sacrifice for gaining the ultimate LOVE.

May this day usher in indelible love to us all and removes doubts and differences from us all in fact without biases and live happily

In the surcharged global environment which pervades presently, where doubts persist, we should always realize that ultimately when we leave this earth, we should leave the imprints of humane considerations, forgiving and forgetting, giving without any expectations, multiplying happiness by dividing smiles. This legacy of ours would be appreciated by our coming generations like we appreciate the Saint Valentine now. AMEN.

 

THOUGHTS ON LORD SHIVA – SHIVRATRI

THOUGHTS ON LORD SHIVA

LORD SHIVA

The Trinity has their roles cut out

Each performs its role, justly assigned

And diligently delineated

For continuation of the creation, evolution and destruction

Lord Brahma is in charge of creation

And also the type of passion

Lord Vishnu is in charge of evolution

Besides maintenance and mode of all virtues

Lord Shiva is the in charge of destruction

And subsequently to be created again.

Goddess Parvati is the Goddess of fertility

Love and devotion along with power (Shakti)

She has been called variously by 100 names

She is part of Trinity amongst Goddesses

Lakshmi, the Lorddess of wealth and prosperity

Lordess of knowledge an learning is Saraswati.

For Lord Shiva it is essential to be aware of

Satyam Shivam Sundaram

Where Satyam relates to truth

Which could be tested

Shivam means giving for growth

From infancy onwards

Sundaram means aesthetic beauty

Inculcated through giving knowledge (Gyan)

But without expectation in return

The Great Night of Shiva – our most loved Godhead

When Shiva and Parvati got  united in the marriage considered most sacred

Parvati is the daughter of King Himachal

And the sister of Goddess Ganga

The sacred promises of marriage were exchanged

To be kept in mind while living the life together

While reminiscing the marriage of the greatest Souls

The Bhole Shankar & Mother Divine

And seek oneness of ourselves with that of Divine.

Thenceforth Divine Couple appeared in the form of Ardhanarishwa

This way, complementing each other

As Shiva and Shakti to bless all the creation

From the early morning

The devotees sing prayers to the Divine Couple

Offerings of bel patra and flowers are made

After reverently bathing the Linga

With milk, curd and sufficient clean water

 Prayers are made to earn the Sacred Couple’s graces

Devotees also fast for the entire day.

Lord Shiva is known by 1008 names as per Shiv Purana

Mahadeva, Maheshwara, Ardnarishwara

Devadeva, Gurudeva, Lingaraja, Natraja, et al

In fact, He is the 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 destructive effect
And kept this high potency poison in his throat (kantha)
Reason why Shiva is thus called Neelkantha
He is also known for His benevolence
Can be pleased with utmost 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 admix 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 Rudraksha beads around 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 likable devotee
Whosoever invoked Him with sincere love and piety
Becomes a candidate for His bounty,

The Omniscient & Omnipotent Yogi’s abode is Mount Kailash
Where He dwells with our Divine Mother Parvati
And sons Ganesha & Kartikeya – the greatest in their own right
Lord Ganesha for His troubleshooting
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.

We rejoice this occasion and seek His Ultimate blessings
with the immensity of reverence in our inner recesses of being
For our spiritual health and inner peace.

MAHA SHIVRATRI IS THE PIOUS NIGHT

Before delving more on the MAHA SHIVRATRI, it is relevant to understand the true meaning of SATYAM SHIVAM SUNDARAM

The Trinity amongst Gods (Lord Bhrama, Lord Vishnu & Lord Shiva) are responsible variously:-

Lord Bhrama is in charge of creation.

Lord Vishnu is in charge of maintenance and evolution.

Lord Shiva is in charge of destruction (Sanghaarkarta) and subsequently for rebirth.

The Trinity of Goddesses and their responsibilities are;-

Goddess Parvati is the Goddess of fertility, love, devotion, and power (Shakti).

Goddess Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Goddess Saraswati is the Goddess of knowledge and learning.

Satyam connotes essence or truth or reality – whose results could be tested and attested at any time and anyplace with similar results. In other words, these results could be confirmed scientifically.

Shivam means giving. This may be in the form of Gyan (knowledge) or any other agent of change which may help an individual’s growth in various stages of growth from childhood onwards.

Sundaram means that one ensures to receive information required for growth and development and wellness of the child without any expectation. This function is performed by the family and the society at large.

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 the sacred marriage of Lord Shiva and Lordess Parvati (the daughter of Himalaya) – in fact coming together of Shiva & Shakti.

It is pertinent to mention the background as to how Shiva and Parvati had their first meeting. Parvati had seen Shiva while she was only eight years old. She formed an opinion that she will marry him only when she grows up while he was in a meditative trance. When she grew up, she told her father (Himavan) that she wanted to marry Shiva but he always remained in meditative consciousness. She was also fully determined to make him realize her love for him. She used to take leaves only and after a while, she left eating anything and thereafter even drinking water. Then finding the suitable opportunity, her father made mention about the state of health of his daughter to Shiva.

Mysticism of it all is that Shiva wanted to test her love for him still more. He went to her in the form of a handsome young man and asked her why she wanted to marry Shiva who, more often than not, remains in a meditative trance and always remains in the cremation grounds amongst ghosts etc with ash smeared on his body. He offered himself to marry her. Parvati straight away refused to marry him and was adamant that she will marry Shiva only and no one else. This way, he came back to his old form and asked Parvati for a boon. She asked Shiva to marry her.

Shivaratri means the night of Shiva. On this day devotees observe the 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 the earth was created, Shakti (Lordess Parvati) asked Shiva which day was the dearest and favorite one for Him. Shiva replied that 14th night of the new moon in the month of Phalguna 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 the 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 to 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 Physician) and finally the vessel of Amrita (nectar). 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.

SHIVA OR SIVA means ‘that what is not’ or which is beyond anything or everything. It is comparable to the nothingness of vast cosmos/nothingness of space with galaxies, planets, etc. That which is propitious, pure, simple, gracious, benevolent and full of beauty. In Vedic scriptures/literature, Shiva also connotes liberation or emancipation. He is the auspicious deity who is creator, reproducer, and destroyer of the forces of negativism and darkness. Shaivism also represents beliefs and practices of Hinduism. Shiva is not affected by three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas). He is called Supreme Lord. He is a great Yogi. One who is beyond any limit of appreciation – nothingness which can absorb anything and everything.

A great Yogi who gave us Yoga and method of living – living as mystic  Yogi but not oblivious of the family bondings. His contribution as a recluse and the householder is the phenomenon and cannot simply be ignored. The complexity of His traits as a deity cannot be comprehended if we do not delve deep into his life. In the earlier years, he used to wander in the Himalayan region and subsequently an ascetic who is always absorbed in Yogic meditation. This was proved right when the barat (marriage party) was received. Strange as it looked: Shiva as a groom, rode a bull, with matted hair, ash smeared all over the body, was a part of koupina or loincloth., a garland of bones and skulls, as usual, a trident in one hand and damru (drum) in the other hand.. There was the beating of drums and the mixed sound of trumpets – a terrific sound indeed. Amongst the baratis Marriage party) were Gods and Demi-Gods Not to speak of this, his marriage barati’s consisted of the ganas, ghosts and other strange and fearful witches, vampires etc. The marriage receiving party

A  MYSTIC WHO COULD BE PLEASED EASILY

We always say him in meditative posture – completely immersed in contemplation. He is Yogi with a difference who could be termed as the deity who could be pleased with bel patra and fruits. Simple sincere prayer can earn His bounties – that is why He is called as Bhole Shankar.

ULTIMATE WHEN FEROCIOUS

When Shiva is provoked beyond a limit, when He was in trance, as was done by Cupid or Kamadeva,  He opened His third eye and reduced him to ashes in a fit of anger.

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 the 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 to 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 dissolution. 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 in 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. Forgetting His grace and bounties offerings when dhoop (incense) is ritualistically burnt give maximum benefits.
4. The 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, autistic (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 SHIVAJI 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 extension 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 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 (vegan 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 the destroyer of poison.

(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:-

NATARAJA

There is a description in the 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 the 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 represents 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.

AVATARS 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.

Ashutosh – One who fulfills wills.
Akshayaguna – With limitless attributes.
Anantadrishti – With an unrivaled 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. Vaidyanathan (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, the universe and all that it possesses (the sun, the moon, 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 the 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 fulfill 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.

 

 

SPREADING SMILES (MUSKAAN): FUNCTION OF OPTIMISM IN SPREADING HAPPINESS

SPREADING SMILES (MUSKAAN): FUNCTION OF OPTIMISM IN SPREADING HAPPINESS

SPREADING SMILES (MUSKAAN)

 

We shall be spreading enduring smiles

Amongst all those born with some challenges

Physical and psychological afflictions

When we provide assistance

Incommensurate with their physical and mental needs

To provide health protection

To shore-up their physio-psycho health condition

By providing medical cover to needy

Then on significant recovery

Bestow them education, so necessary

Besides training in art or craft, so suited in each case

So that challenged could stand on their legs

Then lead a life of self-assurance

With a paradigm shift from living on crutches of doles

Rather than living on self-dependence

Thus living in an eco-system of self-help

To stand-up and face life with confidence

With self-esteem writ large on their faces

Thence instead of living on charities

Would like to contribute to spreading smiles

To all those deserving ones’

Those who accept the challenges of the hapless challenged

Are the chosen gifts of our Omnipotent and Omniscient God.

 

Evidently, those who contribute for multiplying happiness and dividing smiles (Muskaan) especially amongst those who are physically and psychologically challenged are obviously performing Yeoman’s service to persons concerned particularly and to the community in general. Spreading happiness to physically and mentally sound people is easier since it is known what it entails to make them happy but when question is related to physically and psychologically challenged group of individuals then it requires ocean of expertise to gauge the problem of the person, reserve of patience, tenacity to resolve problem, congenial environment, understanding the psyche of the persons concerned to make difference and then bestowing appropriate training etc. so that such individuals could also feel pride in living a normal individuals as you and me do without any stigma attached.

What transformational influence consistent supervision, grooming, and training can do was realized by us during a visit to Centre for Differently Abled and Gifted children located at Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.  This visit offered us the opportunity of interacting with the Centre Head (Ms.Neera Chawla) a person who contributes immensely along with the team of motivated teachers in changing the lives of those who are having various types of disabilities like autism spectrum disorder connected with neuro-development disorder – difficulty in communication and interaction, slow in learning processes or in other words persons with intellectual disabilities, problems related with seeing and hearing or other challenges of mind and body etc.

The elegance and finesse with which this Centre is running (with community-based contributions) speaks volumes. What a total involvement and commitment cannot do can be seen to be believed. Here visionary zeal and enthusiasm, empathy and graces of our Omnipotent and Omniscient comes into play. Spreading MUSKAAN or SMILE should be the purpose of our life to say the least. Our salute to their unwavering resolve, perseverance besides pushiness despite hurdles in tacking the challenges of those who are challenged. At Muskaan, compassionate souls are making the lives of challenged children purposeful and inspirational in a way an expert sculptor chisels the uneven granite into a wonderful piece of the statue which immortalizes his work leaving everybody to appreciate his workmanship. My prayer to God is that such Muskaan (Smile) spreading Centres multiply to divide the smiles amongst those who need the same, the most.

FUNCTION OF OPTIMISM IN SPREADING HAPPINESS QUOTIENT

Optimistic means hoping or believing that things will happen appropriately. It is favourable view of events or situations or conditions and expectation of favourable outcomes. A sort of positive expectations  (Ashabadi)  The root word for is ‘optimum’ meaning the ‘best’. It means good expectations in any given situations or conditions. An optimist will see a ray of hope even when actually there is little or no hope of its recovery in normal circumstances. For example, a doctor tries to revive a person afflicted with the most debilitating disease with little or no hope of survival. Or an expert dealing with physically or mentally challenged condition makes difference in the lives of differently-abled children by proper training and avid attention.

If we have optimum hope, things turn in our way in magical ways. I remember an incident during my youth when I was swimming in a canal, suddenly the current of water increased due to which I lost control. Despite that, I tried my utmost to restore my balance yet the severity of the current was too much for me, I started drifting to the other side of the bank where the water was being transferred to another channel and the force of water has increased beyond my imagination. Seeing a shred of grass on the bank due to which I lunged ahead with full force and by the grace of God, I held that lump of grass and saved myself from being drifted! After I recovered, I found that the water from the main channel fell from an elevation of around 20 feet to another channel – the uncontrolled fall could have made my survival in jeopardy. Only a optimistic approach and the God’s bounties saved me.

OPTIMISM IS CHARACTERISED BY POSITIVE APPROACH

We should always remember that those who are optimist are always positive in their words and deeds. Optimists seek the light even in the pitch darkness. Though broken with fatigue, they steer clear off any hurdle in which they are thrust due to one reason or other. If sometimes, they fail to make a grade, they just try again and again till they get through. Such people are realist, reasonable and may be weak in health but not in their mental strength. They have the attitude of go-getter – anyhow ‘try again attitude’.

REAL HAPPINESS COMES WHEN WE SUCCEED BY CHALLENGING FAILURE

It is also a fact that in life, it is not that we always succeed. Failure could also steer us on the face sometimes but our motto should be to not to lose heart and take on the challenge head on. The success got thus brings us real happiness.

SEARCH FOR HAPPINESS – REIN IN THE MIND

Happiness is a state of our mind nor it is got through wishful thinking. It should always be remembered that if you search for happiness, it goes away from you. It is not a tangible thing which could be searched and found out. A true happiness is not a fruit which could easily be plucked from a tree. There are certain rules of the game. There are people who lose their cool and peace on a silliest pretext are the ones suffering from superior complex. Whenever somebody pricks the balloon of bloated superiority it bursts with a huge bang. The huge obsession with  ‘I, me, my’ is the cause of unhappiness. Equanimity comes when we do not lose of composure on a slightest provocation and stop becoming compulsive reactive. Real happiness lies within us, just by reining in the mind through reasonableness.

Happiness is a state of our mind. Parameters of happiness are:-

CAPACITY FOR THOUGHTFUL ACTIONS

Our happiness depends on our ability to think rationally and apply that thought to action which makes fundament difference  not merely in the present but also future paradigm of thoughts and actions which affect our overarching perspectives of our life.

OUR HAPPINESS IS IN RELATION TO OTHERS AROUND US

It has been observed that we are infatuated with individual  happiness. We as humans are tightly linked to our relatives, friends and the environment surrounding us, therefore, our happiness quotient is not dissociated from others around us. We are not happy when our relatives and friends are unhappy or when our surrounding is not appropriate to live happily.

HAPPINESS IN RELATION TO ECONOMIC STANDARD

To enhance the economic standard of the people, it is paramount that the achievement motivation (partly by simple training and partly by giving awards for good results) so as to enthuse the people to achieve excellence for better results. 

REALIZING THE REAL PURPOSE OF LIFE

The real purpose of our life is to seek connectivity with our roots (GOD) when we become successful, the happiness we get just cannot be explained with words. A true hunger for finding truth amidst the malaise of confusion which pervades around should be the motto of our life.

NEVER FORGET THAT EVERY CREATURE HAS TO PERISH ONE DAY.

 It should always be remembered that we have a perishable life. No medical help or any other magic trick can stop death for anyone who is born. This being a universal truth should never be forgotten in our life. When inappropriate situation comes then we should always think and try to wriggle ourselves out, the best way we can and the amount of happiness that we get through this exercise is unlimited.

NEVER DISTURB THE BALANCE OF MOTHER NATURE (PRAKRITI)

While enjoy all the elements of nature to the best of our satisfaction then it is our bounden duty to respect Mother Nature. It should always be kept in mind that during our fulfillment and enjoyment we should not disturb the natural balance otherwise we shall have to suffer the pangs of our Ku-karma because the Nature gives in abundance but when it is violated it never forgives our misdeeds. Its retributions come in the form of the earthquakes, tsunami, blizzards, floods and dry spells etc. Meaning it enhances our happiness quotient but when disused, it could prove to be counterproductive.

LIVING SPIRITUAL ORIENTED LIFE MULTIPLIES OUR HAPPINESS

First of all, we should be able to understand spiritualism. SPIRITUAL principles are based on truth, pure consciousness, pure knowledge, pure perception, pure conception, doing everything without fear because it is based on purity in thought and action thereof, pure desires, righteousness, compassion or kindness, love and renunciation without any inhibition of any kind etc. In other words, whatever the path we follow, we do it truthfully, systematically and with enthusiasm, desire; freedom; liberation; positive attitude,  compassion, with a sense of sacrifice, giving away possessions in excess of one’s own basic necessities without any expectations in return, living purposefully following moral turpitude,  unity of self with universe, contributing holistically for the upliftment of body, mind and soul enabling and empowering, enrichment, commitment for enduring peace and happiness  besides eternal bliss. Living a spiritual life, thus, means living a life of eternal happiness.