Eid-Al-Adha Or Eid-Ul-Adha Eid-Ul-Zuha Or Bakr-Eid simply for us all Calling this auspicious day With any name Makes hardly any difference Factually it is a festival of sacrifice The festival of giving Anything considered most precious Which one has for giving Thereby solidifying our faith in Almighty God. The custom that started When most venerable Abraham Offered his only son named Ismail At the command of Allah Without even the slightest demur of any sort A reality check or test Which God wanted From devout Abraham And also his son Ismail Lo and behold! After actually offering Supreme sacrifice Surprise of surprises Found a slaughtered lamb! Meaning the most Bbenevolent God Tested the love and willpower of Abraham For Him – the benevolent One While Abraham was obeying The commandments of God Satan made attempts to prevent Abraham From scarifying his only son But he did not care to listen to satan The diverter of our attention from Him and His Commandments Instead obeyed the commands of Allah And left for us all A message so enduring God loves those who obey Him And are ready to sacrifice anything On His bidding May this day brings a feeling of self-sacrifice So that needs of all are met By distributing love amongst all Let’s all pray and sacrifice our ego Which divides humanity from each other FOR THE OVERALL WELLBEING OF HUMANKIND AROUND THE WORLD.
HAPPY EID-AL-ADHA
Thoughts on Eid-al-Adha / Eid-ul-Zuha / Bakr-Eid
Thoughts on Eid-al-Adha / Eid-ul-Zuha / Bakr-Eid – A Holiest Muslim Festival
There are auspicious days occasioned due to some renowned events connected either with religions occasions or any other events of importance or connected with events of international or national importance. Eid-al-Adha or Bakr-Eid is connected with event of religious prominence and has gives us message of giving without any expectations, a message which could change our destinies and lifestyle. A positive oriented existence with complete faith on Allah.
Eid means festival and Eid-al-Adha means Festival of sacrifice or it is termed as Bakr-Eid meaning celebration with the sacrifice of a goat. This festival is celebrated with great solemnity and reverence across the world as a tribute to Prophet Ibrahim’s rock-solid belief in God. He willingly agreed to sacrifice his beloved son Abraham as ordained by God.
Here, Abraham’s love and reverence are of prime importance. Legend has it that Abraham agreed without even the slightest doubt to sacrifice his only promised son named Ismail on the express command of God. God wanted to test the love of Abraham for the general masses. Subsequently, before it could be done, Allah intervened and instead provided Abraham a lamb for the sacrifice that is why this day of sacrifice is also termed as Bakr’Eid. At that time the age of Abraham was 99 years and his son only 13 years.
This was also a test of Ismail’s maturity and faith in Allah. He himself offered to be sacrificed. When his father mentioned his (son’s) impending sacrifice, without any reservation the son offered himself. All this is evidence that it was not merely father Abraham but also Ismail was having faith in Allah commandments. It was really unprecedented. Willingness on the part of both father and son to accept the will of God is dear to both besides being dear to our God
There are high and low tides In the sea There are Tsunamis Of high intensity Generating tides of highest intensity But after taking it all Enduring it all While remaining calm within It exhibits its staying prowess The sea adjusts Becomes serene After huge disturbance As though There were no high tides Which the sea usually withstands Its waves are at the lowest ebb After every storm Of high and low intensity. A huge lesson for us humans There would be biases There would be favoritism There would be discrimination Of low And of highest order We too have to Either put up with everything Patiently Or fight it out With will power We can muster Or ignore it all But never Take this bias To the inner recesses of our heart And get disturbed And resort to some ultimate Which is neither good for us individually Nor collectively.
ON SPECTRE OG NEPOTISM
It pains me immensely when I find bias or discrimination at every step of our lives. This discrimination may be on the basis of caste, creed, colour, origin, region, language, culture, traditions; you take and think in any sphere of activity and you will find this hydra-hooded lurking in nook and corner. No society is immune to this malaise. No country can pride itself of not having this ill-conceived, morally bad, unkind, humiliating, and degrading disease. This is despite the fact that in the eyes of our All Knowing Being, we are humans first and then anything else. This malevolence or wickedness prevalent in our societies around the world divide the humans into different groups and, sorry to say, then stigmatized n- labeled as socially undesirable, persecuted and in some cases looked down upon as scum of the society to be ostracized at every step. I am sorry to use some tough words but is so.
This discrimination continues even after evolution of man from stone-age to the modern era of freedom of speech, freedom to choose our profession, freedom to choose our business, freedom to follow our faiths and belief we cherish etc. Still there are people amongst us who do not even think twice in differentiating others and tagging others the way they want. Some people just tolerate the excesses peacefully, some react with violence and fight this out besides still there are the ones who cannot take in any longer and take ultimate step of committing suicide and finish this all once and for all. The last
The subject nepotism is really on the lips of everybody owing to what happened to the budding Indian actor – Sushank Singh Rajput who started his career in television serials. He committed suicide (at the age of 34 years) due to the pulls and pressures of his profession created by nepotism or any other reason – although the case is under investigation, whether it was a suicide or murder by somebody is yet to be come to light. But one thing stands out, there is nepotism in some organizations or industries. In the instant case, the film industry with some hits to his credit. May be, he took the ultimate step because of disease called nepotism which is rampant in any society. It is there in workplaces even at our formal and informal institutions too.
There may be pulls and pressures, stresses and stra9ins or discrimination or bias in any profession or career but it is also a plain fact that, nobody has the right to take his/her life which is a gift by our Almighty God. If one finds that there is a bias or favoritism or discrimination of any sort, one can fight it out and if need be come clean out of the mess created by others. But to commit suicide is no solution to any problem rather it makes others around especially our blood relations shattered!? Those who think that suicide is the solution for solving any problem then, i am sure, it is one of the retrograde step and must not be taken in any situation or condition.
I shall touch upon my professional lifespan. After my retirement from a Central Government job, after 39+ years of unblemished service, frankly I did not face any bias or discrimination. My education and family background were not so rosy so as to command admiration. Initially, we all have to work hard in order to get on-the-job-experience and subsequently we can get adjusted in any environs in which we are placed. While in this service, I have worked at different places and with different people. My superiors were very considerate and i felt no discrimination or bias even due to fact that in our organization we had people from different family background, with excellent track record of service experience, with excellence in educational qualifications etc. I learned from each one with whom I worked.. Then after my retirement, i have got opportunity of working in two-three organizations wherein i found not even an iota of bias-feeling in any. Everybody, my superiors, my colleagues still like me and I get along with anyone and everyone with whom I work. In other words, I have not faced any nepotism in my public service of spanning around 44 years as on today. To be frank, if I was discriminated, I did not take it all seriously and took everything in my stride with the dictum: Let the sleeping dog lie, if you awake it, he will bark and may be bite you.
If experience is any guide, we get bias tag due to the following:-
EGOCENTRIC TENDENCY
In an organization, we are not always fortunate to get good superiors, colleagues and others. Sometimes, we have to work under fastidious ones too, under whom we have to make adjustments since in any organization we ourselves have to change, nobody will change for us. Our ego should not come in our adjustment in the organization we are presently working. This is also true in case of any society. In the society, we have to command respect by giving respect5 first. Nobody cares for a ‘dead horse’ should never be forgotten.
OUR REACTIVE TENDENCY
There are occasions when we are not able to cope with the situations and conditions in the organisation, especially so after our transfer from one place to another wherein we have to learn new things about the job. We have to be adaptive to change. If sometimes we get undue remark from your superiors or may be from our colleagues, we have to take these in our stride and learn from our mistakes and not resort to reaction – to pay in the same coin. If we do so, then, God knows what will follow thereafter. Reactions create more reactions and living in the surcharged atmospheric is not that easy.
RESPECT IS EARNED BY GAINING KNOWLEDGE
It should always be remembered that we have to have know-how about the organisation in which we are working and always keep in mind what we can contribute for its growth and development. We may not be in the position of POLICY MAKING yet whatever job is assigned to us should be done with optimum care and caution. Never forget even a single nut in a running vehicle can make the vehicle unfit to move. Everybody has his/her job cut out and should give his/her optimum. Then there will not be any ill-feeling for any one.
If at all you are feeling pinch, just have patience, TIME is a great healer. Everything and everybody is impermanent here on this earth. Even discrimination against us too will pass. Tolerance, patience, persistence, and perseverance make huge difference in our lives.
We should, therefore, keep in mind, bias or discrimination or favoritism persists and cannot be wished away. It ingrained in human nature, in some it may be lesser than others but it is there but we have to live with all these negative and positive forces.
OUR DESIRES SHOULD HAVE ETERNAL SHINE Photo by Oleg Magni on Pexels.com
What we desire deep-down manifests While it is desired With full dose of emotions With the active participation Of our mind and heart with these emotions But we have to be carefully in choosing our desire To be manifested Since Universe is always Observe the charged vibrations Originated from our heart And fulfils these Whence these vibrations Reach a threshold so critical Desires originating from our deepest down us With charge given continuously Then there is sure intervention Of the Universe For manifestation of desire Whether the desire is rational Or irrational Depends on our own wisdom or otherwise And the strength of the charge Which we give to its vibrations. What we want Or do not want Depends solely on our choice These choices could be exercised Either with the intervention of others Around us But if nobody comes to our succor Then we can exercise our own freewill If our freewill too fails Due to some unexplained reasons But the severity of our desire just continues To hang around us In such a case The change in vibrations goes unabated Then comes the intervention of The Universe Which anyhow manifests It fructifies our deepest desires That deepest desire May or may not have any utility With diminishing returns Due to passage of time Therefore, what we desire Or do not desire Should be in consonance With our heart and mind Within time We need that desire to be manifested Otherwise the job of the Universe Will go waste. Similar is the case with our relationships If emotions and sentiments Of both the spouses are in sync And are adaptive to change With the change of time and space Or as situation demands Then there is cohesion And complete cooperation Between the spouses But if one spouse Pulls northward And the other one southward When deep down There is no emotional link Thence Universe intervenes And the relationship just goes bust. So before desiring something Just introspect seriously Break your desire Analyze – break it down logically Its pros and cons Of your desire fulfillment But within the timeframe When you have choice To change your desire Whether you want a particular desire Or just rescind Or else it would be too late With the intervention of the Universe You have your desire fulfilled Good or bad desire That is based on your own choice And you have to suffer or enjoy \ The fruits of your choice. life brings in its wake Umpteen choices We have to be very selective And do our Karmic deeds thus With severity of our emotional vibrations So that the Universe grants our desire manifestation.
OURDESIRES SHOULD BE POSITIVE ORIENTED Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
OUR DESIRES AND THEIR MANIFESTATION
Within the timeframe we want.It has rightly been said, what we eat,, we become. In the same way, what we intensely desire, we attain. In essence, it is in the fitness of things to remember what we intensely desire and what we should desist from having should be kept in mind. We should not rely more on our sense objects while aspiring and pursuing desires. What we desire intensely, manifests when the vibration of our desire reaches a threshold after it is charged with vibrations of highest intensity. If we develop attachment to our sense objects then we give more credence to impermanent things. Attraction towards such things which has outer beauty and we develop a desire to attain them will not be of much value in the long run.
In Bible it has been rightly said: So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
WE SHOULD SELECT OUR DESIRE WITH CARE
This apart, essentially, we should always be judicious and careful in making the choice of our desires after fully analyzing the pros and cons i.e. desire chosen has to be introspected closely and then intense emotion charged with the participation of heart and mind. When threshold in emotion is reached, the function of the Universe starts. But in all these, our inner self or heart’s participation should be more than our senses.
In Holy Quran it has been said: Have you seen him who takes his low desires for his god? Are you a guardian over them? Or do you think that most of them hear or understand? They are but as the cattle; nay, they are farther astray from the path.
OUR DESIRES SHOULD BE BASED ON POSITIVE THOUGHTS
The desires which are based on the positive thoughts and actions thereof results in positive outcomes albeit with our intense surcharged emotions. Care ought to be exercised that our desires should never be delusive in nature but realistic in its standpoint. We are aware that negative desires are based on sense appeasement which generate negative thoughts and actions.
Having fixed our desire after going through all the angles and parameters including the intensity of our emotions, the function of the Universe starts for fructification of our desire so chosen.
STAGES OF OUR DESIRE CHOICE
There are certain stages in choice of our desire. First of all, it is choice of our desire wherein we have our free-will in choosing our desire after introspecting pros and cons of our desire so chosen. Subsequently, the intensity of our choice of our desire is enhanced and action too followed. With the severity of our desire along with participation of our heart and mind, the vibrations of our emotions are surcharged. At this stage, the function of the Universe starts.
While affirming or choosing our desire finally, we should never have too much reliance or attachment to worldly possessions or follow corrupt practices as a means to get our desire manifested or fructified otherwise we shall be falling into the quagmire of ku-karma.
In Guru Granth Sahib, it has been mentioned that we all should have desires based on righteousness. It is every Sikh’s duty to defeat the Five vices: Kam (Lust), Krodh (Rage), Lobh (Greed), Moh (Attachment) and Ahankar (Ego).
SONG OF GITA AND OUR DESIRES
The Song of Gita gives us a moral lesson; that we should not have too much attachment or reliance on the fruits of our Karma. We should take into consideration the dictum, we had not brought anything while we came to this earth and would not be taking anything while we depart after our death. Whatever we got is obtained from here only. Therefore, whatever choices we have during our life-time, we should exercise them judiciously. Our desires are not chosen randomly but after analyzing thoroughly with special emphasis on spiritual orientation. Living spiritually means following positive orientation in our life. This also in case of choosing our desires for manifestation.
It has rightly been said in Bhagwad Gita: While contemplating on the objects of the senses, one develops attachment to them. Attachment leads to desire, and from desire arises anger.
I am learning to be of some value to others in any situation and condition I am learning to keep distance & put on face mask during lockdown situation I am learning to rely more on my own decisions rather than be under the mercy of others I am learning not to forget the impermanence of life I am learning to live with my limitations rather than be perfectionist I am learning to accept my mistakes and change my attitude and behavior I am learning to thank God everyday for His graces I am learning to confess my faults or guilt-related emotions whenever there are traces of it in my behavior I am learning to remain positive under all circumstances. I am learning not to fear competition with fear of losing I am learning to do my karmic deeds without fear of result of my Karma I am learning to stay calm or cool on all occasions I am learning to act tough so that nobody takes undue advantage I am learning to take one step at a time while keeping clarity at every step I am learning to be patience to face the facts of life I am learning to improve myself on day to day basis I am learning to believe in my own self while believing in God’s existence I am learning to keep balance at every moment of my life I am learning not to have any expectations from anybody I am learning to be free from rancor and lust I am learning to have do my karma without caring for result of my action I am learning to be compassionate with others I am learning to live with my what I have got I am learning to be simple and humble at all times I am learning to be self-assertive when there is a need to do so I am learning to know that I should compete with my own self than competing with others I am learning to be the master of my senses and mind I am learning to not to be fearful of anybody or anything under the sun I am learning to defend my self-esteem since it is the only thing which I have earned in my life I am learning to take a balanced diet to maintain good health I am learning to adopt an attitude of forget and forgive others I am learning to rely more on this moment than the dead past or unpredictable future I am learning to adopt the trait ‘if thy want to get respect from others then respect others’ I am learning to feel pain and others around me are feeling so I am learning to be balanced both in happy and unhappy situations I am learning to respect others’ privacy at all times I am learning to learn new things from any source available I am learning to be of use to others as and when required I am learning to keep myself and my surrounding neat and clean I am learning to stay cool at any situation and condition I am learning not to be reactive in any situation. I am learning to love myself. I am learning to always remember that I am a human therefore not infallible. I am learning to try again if I fail. I am learning to face any challenges which may come at any time.
CONFLICT AVOIDANCE IS ESSENTIAL BUT NOT AT THE COST OF SELF–ESTEEM
Nobody can dispute that we all want peaceful existence. But there is a caveat; conflict resolution should not be at any cost including our self-esteem. It should never be forgotten that when self-esteem is lost then will to live with respect evaporates. I opine, fighting conflicting situations doggedly, when it is essential, is better than living a dog-like existence. Rather dying with respect is better after fighting like a lion is suitable than living on somebody terms? If possible, we should unite to take on a conflicting situation head-on, in order to resolve it. United we stand, divided we fall should never be forgotten.
AVOIDANCE OF CONFLICT IS SYNONIMOUS WITH PURCHASING TEMPORARY PEACE
The subject chosen by me was the question ‘IS AVOIDANCE OF CONFLICT ESSENTIAL OR NOT?’ I chose this subject since while dealing with day to day, we come across several scenarios wherein conflict of interest comes to fore. My personal experience on this aspect is; if we try to avoid conflicting situations every time, means we compromise against the wrongs against us. Alternative is to face hard realities of life resolutely while agreeing to disagree on certain aspects where some meeting ground could emerge after persuasion and discussions. Importantly, we should never be rigid in any aspect, otherwise, we would have disharmony in our relationship with others. a disrespect tag which will be harmful for our further growth and development.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION AT WORKPLACE THROUGH MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING
In the workplace, there are times when we face some piquant situation wherein we cannot easily decide whether we should face the hard realities or just avoid the conflicting situation. In the former case, we may have to experience ignominy many a time since the person concerned may get encouraged to create such situations afterwards too. The best way to avoid future conflicting situations is to nip the evil in the bud. Here avoidance of conflicting tantamount to creating more conflicts in future too. These conflicting situations may be creation of our own colleagues or sometimes our superiors due to enviousness in the former case and keep somebody under his thumb in the latter case. Although it is a bit tricky, but it is an disputed fact we have to live with. We should always face realities in our lives. Keeping away from conflicting situations is not a healthy way of conducting ourselves in workplace.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION BY MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AT HOME
In our homes too sometimes we feel pinch. It may be differences between spouses. If one of the spouses just tolerates the conflicting situation or sweeps the same under the carpet to buy momentary peace will face persistent problems. But this scenario cannot be continued indefinitely. Some line has to be drawn – this far and no further. Conflict resolution with discussions on the basis of give and take or may be through the intervention of some trustworthy individual.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION BY THE POLITICAL PARTIES
It has been observed that if simmering/festering conflict goes on in the party and not resolved within timeframe permissible, then, one day such a party will lose its credibility. Such parties will face the ire of the voters. This is happening in Indian National Congress presently. Therefore, intra-party discipline is a must and this could be done with mutual discussions on the basis of give and take. Thus avoidance of conflict in political parties and sweep difference under the carpet would be counter-productive in the long run. Internal party democracy is a must and so is the freedom of expression.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION BETWEEN COUNTRIES
It is worth its while to avoid conflict between countries otherwise peace will not be there between the concerned countries. If we want peace and tranquility between the countries, it is essential that countries concerned should resolve their differences through discussions, détente, agreements etc. and sort out differences. On the other hand, if one country remains tolerating the transgressions with impunity from the other country with the intention of avoidance of conflicting situation without realizing its long term implications, then its results would be disastrous for the tolerating country. It should always be realized that a line should be drawn; this far and no further. The maxim; ‘if you want peace, remain prepared for war’ should always be kept in mind’ and ‘nobody flogs a dead horse’ – meaning nobody respects a weak; this is true of individual or a country. The present example of one of the neighbors occupying some territory of Ladakh is a case in point. If India had accepted the occupation and not taken action of bolstering its defense capabilities, the country concerned must not have retreated from the illegally occupied areas. India positioned its defense forces with necessary weaponry which made the adversary to take recourse to discussions and a sure war was averted for sometime!? This happened because India matched its adversary’s transgression.
CONFLICTING SITUATION BETWEEN THE ANIMALS
Recently, I observed a video how the wild animals take on their prey. A wild stag (with long sharp horns) was pursued by two tigers. The stag ran hard for saving its life but could not match the fast pace of tigers. One of tigers lunged at the stag with all the fury. At first the stag was very fearful and did not defend itself. This encouraged the tigers to take on their docile prey. But surprise of all surprises, suddenly, the stag started taking on tigers with its sharp horns. Seeing the encouraging and ferocious response of the stag, both the tigers just retreated. From this, we can get a lesson; if we have a meek response in a conflicting situation, then, our adversary will take it as our weakness and may prove to be counterproductive. Therefore, best course of action is to face the situation head on.
Firstly we adopt conflict avoidance in case of certain ill-tempered and fastidious persons who habitually are prone to creating piquant situation – with such persons the best way is to agree to disagree but never be argumentive with such people. Secondly, there are the people who flow with the current, they could be easily persuaded to change their mindset.
There are three scenarios in conflicting avoidance or facing the situation head on./
We want to avoid conflict so as to purchase momentary peace but this momentary peace will prove to be counter-productive in the long run since we have to live in accordance with others’ terms and biddings. An exercise replete with disrespectful existence.
Facing the conflicting situation will not be easy but it paves the way for earning self-respect albeit with some bruises, physical and mental. But living with self-esteem is better than living with somebody’s mercies with attached strings.
In a conflicting situations, when we are not able to resolve anything tangible with our adversary going hammer and tongs then agreeing to disagree is the only course of action open for us – a middle ground.
In Bhagwad Gita the performance of duty from the point of view of gain is considered essential in any situation. Inaction is suicidal. Meeting the challenge is the glory of life. Success need not be the ultimate goal. The spirit with which we act is more important. Act, act and act. Otherwise one will be benumbed by frustration and sorrow.
Youth of today should always face the situations and condition with firm determination and not fear the challenges thrown by any unethical person.
Taking on every eventuality with firmness means not keeping away of running from the conflicting situations and conditions since how long we can keep these unethical brutes away by buying peace. One day the youth of today have to inculcate resoluteness and and tame that brute of a person. Nobody else will help the youth of today, you will have to exploit your inner potentialities.
GOOD HEALTH LEADS TO HOLISTIC GROWTH AND DEVEELOPMENT
GOOD HEALTH GENERATES POSITIVE FEELING FOR LIVING HAPPILY
GOOD HEALTH IS BASIC TO OUR HOLISTIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
We are in good health when we are physically fit and can transact all our assigned tasks with focused mindset. Having good health (Swasth) means no disease at all, no ailment at all, physically and mentally.This happens when we feel positively oriented in our thoughts and actions thereof. Good health helps in creating situations and conditions to put long hours of work continuously A person with good health, while performing their tasks, we do not get tired or get bored but feel agile or lively and that too with joy abandon. Success or failure does not make any difference to such a person because a person with good health, vigor or strength remains balance in all situations and conditions. No fear or qualms of any sort to weather the storm and face the challenges of our lives with determination and with singleness of purpose. This is possible only when we enjoy sound health.
CORRELATION BETWEEN GOOD HEALTH AND HAPPY LIFE
In Shaloka 2.11 of Bhagwad Gita, it has been rightly said that those who are wise do not grieve for the living nor for the dead – meaning any sadness was of no consequence. Contentment is the result of natural state of one’s being which leads to good health and happy life which is everybody’s right.
WE BECOME WHAT WE EAT
GOOD HEALTH LEADS TO HAPPINESS
We are in good health and wellbeing when we enjoy with no disease. In Bhagwad Gita it has been said that what we eat we become. If we eat nourishing and balanced diet meeting the requirement of our body in terms of provision of necessary salts, minerals, needed fats etc.
Good health generates a feeling of contentment which a person enjoys which results from intake of nourishing and wholesome which gives us satiety. Such foods are suitable for persons with Satvic traits.Thus satiety and good health are correlated. Such a person wants to enhance his knowledge from any source he/she can lay his hands on.
The ones who eat pungent and burning foods, with condiments with more salt and which results in producing heat in the body, pain and sometimes disease; this sort of food is liked by persons with Rajsvic traits. Such persons would like to follow an active oriented lifestyle such as taking up military as a career etc.
On the other hand, foods taken half-cooked, tasteless with unpleasant smell and tastes etc. is Tamsic in nature and results in getting all the negative traits with no aspirations to get enlightenment.
WE GET STRESSED WHEN WE ARE PHYSICALLY WEAK
It would not be relevant to mention the stress level resulting in mental health problems of the students who are following online studies which they had never followed till the adverse situation created by Novel Coronavirus Pandemic.
STRESS LEVEL OF OUR STUDENTS IN COVID-19 PANDEMIC SITUATION
In the Covid-19 pandemic situation the students perforce have to follow online studies sitting at home thus missing the formal lesson in classroom environment, with hectic, with lessons from their teachers wherein they can queries clarified what they are not able to understand instantly. They are also missing the morning assembly, tete-a-tete with their peer group besides physical exercise period etc. All this is the unique situation created owing to Covid-19 situation. All this is telling on the students in a big way since holistic growth and development of a child could only be possible in the formal schooling environment.
DIGITAL DIVIDE BETWEEN HAVES AND HAVE-NOTS AND STRESS LEVEL
It is also pertinent to mention here that all the students are not able to pursue online courses because of their parents’ hard financial background. The students from poor family background can ill-afford the necessary connecting equipment such as computer/laptop, suitable mobile, microphone, speakers et to communicate with full net-connectivity. It goes to show that all students cannot follow the modern method of education. Thus digital divide between haves and have-nots is appalling indeed and a cause for concern. The authorities concerned should come forward in bridging this gap so that all without exception get education in this Covid-19 pandemic situation. Care ought to be paid that the students from the poor family background should not be the losers and get unnecessary stressed thereby impacting not only their studies but also their health and wellbeing. This pressure tells badly on the students of poor families who though are intelligent but cannot afford the costly phones and other equipment.
WE ARE HEALTHY WHEN WE ARE INTERNALLY STRONG
We are healthy (swasthya) when we are intrinsically strong. We are intrinsically strong when we follow spiritually oriented existence. In Bible it has rightly been said: A cheerful heart is good medicine but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
WITH SPIRITUALLY ORIENTED EXISTENCE WE ARE INTRINSICALLY STRONG
Spirituality is something that’s talked about a lot but is often misunderstood. Many people think that spirituality and religion are the same thing, and so they bring their beliefs and prejudices about religion to discussions about spirituality. Though all religions emphasise spiritualism as being part of faith, you can be ‘spiritual’ without being religious or a member of an organised religion.
Following a life of spirituality is individualist in nature. It means, we have freedom to follow a course of action which has honesty and sincerity as its two hallmarks. Spiritual oriented way of life may or may not have specific or particular type of faiths, beliefs and practices thereof which are being followed by a person or group of people. Spiritual way of life thus includes how best we fulfill our obligations, trust others and perform our duties with sincerity etc. When specific way of beliefs (in case of religion) and individual freedom merge, it becomes all the more beneficial for an individual and the society. It follows that spiritual way of existence includes purity of thoughts and actions. When we talk of purity of thoughts, we connect it with heart and with our eternal soul or rather intrinsic in nature which gives us peace, contentment and happiness ultimately.
CURE OF BODY AND MIND
It should always be realized that the physical health of an individual could be cured with medical intervention based on physical symptoms and ailment but inner peace could be realized by connecting with God and following positive oriented way of life thereby solving our problems which beset us. In Guru Granth Sahib it has rightly been said: He is Everything. He is the one who will listen to all your problems and sorrows and he will heal the pain of yours.All you need is trust and faith.
Conclusively, it could be said that good health and well-being is essential for us but for this to be reality, we have to follow some basic requisites for a holistic growth and development. Here good health is precursor for every other aspects because if we enjoy good health, we are physically and mentally agile and if we are physically and mentally sound then we can follow positive oriented existence including spiritual way of life to realize the purpose of life for liberation from births and deaths (Moksha) ultimately.
Learn the Truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him with reverence and render service unto him. Such an enlightened Saint can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the Truth. BHAGWAD GITA
GURU IS THE ONE WHO REMOVES OUR IGNORANCE AND ENLIGHTENS US TO FACE THE WORLD AT LARGE WITH SELF-CONFIDENCE AND WITH COMPLETE AWARENESS.
In essence, in our lives, from our childhood period to all the stages of our lives, we gain knowledge thereby remove our ignorance which pervades. Gurus are the Enlightened Souls who have acquired their Knowledge (Gyan) over a period of time with complete dedication, severe penance, self-discipline, with oneness of purpose, focus meditation or prayers, etc. As our Gurus are the ones who transform our lives, we should always be very grateful to our parents (as the first Guru), teachers, religious preachers, all the knowledge given in religious texts of different religions. Anybody who helps to remove our ignorance is our Guru.
We commemorate different days with various names; such as Mothers Day, Father’s Day, Sister’s Day, The Earth Day, etc. Guru Purnima is the GURU DAY (An annual feature) in which we showcase our thanks to various Gurus we come across in our lives who help us remove our ignorance, darkness which pervades in us, clear the smut from our midst, thus show us the righteous path for our self-realization and enlightenment.
I am of the view that whosoever changes our lives are our Guru. This is because our lack of knowledge or unawareness on any subject can pull us down anywhere in the society – in our workplace, in our formal and informal institutions and any other forum we are exchanging our viewpoints or ideas. A person with well-polished, based on empirical truth can raise our real status and standing in the community in which we are living. All this know-how is learned from a person who is knowledgeable, enlightened soul. He/she may be a teachers, religious preachers or any other esteemed personage.
The various Gurus who transform our lives are mentioned below:-
OUR PARENTS
In our childhood, our parents are our Gurus who teach us a variety of things which stand us in good stead in our lives. The first Guru or teacher is our mother, from whom we learn much, which we all are aware. Father’s pat relieves our fear and makes us courageous to face any difficulty in our lives. It is in the environment of our homes only from where we learn the first lesson of value system besides transferring of traditional modes of behaviour along with knowledge about our ancestors, family Devtas, etc. It is well said that the know-how we attain from the LAP OF OUR MOTHER cannot be learnt from anywhere else.
OUR TEACHERS
During our schooling, we inculcate holistic knowledge that is physical and mental growth and development. We also learn how best to adjust with our peer group with different temperament with different background (rich and poor alike). The true discipline and fellow-feelings are learned in the schools, colleges, universities or any professional institutions.
OUR SOCIETY
While we come out of our schools/colleges, we are ready to take on the society wherein our efficacy would be recognized. It should also not be forgotten that our society too influences us. If the environment in the society in which we are living is appropriate then we can learn a lot from each other. A sense of accommodation, cooperation and fellow-feeling could be learned from the society in which we are living. I have learned much from everybody I interact with because I am ever a student. The know-how I am possessing is not sufficient. It could be added from anybody and from anywhere. Anybody could, therefore, be my Guru.
OUR INFORMAL INSTITUTIONS
Our religious places such as Temples, Churches, Mosques, Gurdwaras etc. are the places from where we can learn a great deal from our Gurus as Preachers or Pandits etc. They are the ones who have acquired their knowledge undergoing penance over a period of time and know what influence the spirituality can augur on the lives of general masses. They are the ones who know much about the best of knowledge contained in various religious texts and thus can remove our ignorance and change our outlook on life. It should never be forgotten that our religious texts contain the whole truth, therefore, should be followed in letter and spirit.
OUR FORMAL GURU
Our Guru who whispers a Mantra in our ear, the one which is most suited for us. The Mantra, our Guru has given us should be recited with regularity while performing our duties or Karmic deeds with sincerity and honestly. We should adopt compassion and humility as two pillars of our lives.
CONCLUSION
Today being Guru Purnima, we should thank anybody and everybody from whom we have leaned anything and everything. One who transforms our life, removes our darkness and takes us to enlightenment, infuses knowledge in us is our REAL GURU. Here age, gender, religion, caste, creed,colour or any other consideration should not be any impediment. My Guru could be anybody because I am a student, not knowing much since I have to learn much STILL.
The best Guru is the one who teaches us:-
A feeling of Compassion.
Self-belief and belief on our God.
Sincerity and honesty.
Fellow feeling.
Enlightenment for leading a balanced life.
Righteousness.
Follow a disciplined spiritual oriented lifestyle.
Adjustment in any environment
Learning from anybody and anywhere for better living.
The best Guru who teaches me to live for present while learning from the experiences of the past.
GURU PURNIMA – GURU A MOST REVERED ONE WHO REMOVES DARKNESS FROM OUR MIDST
OUR GURU THE REVERED ONEWHO HELPS US REMOVE IGNORANCE AND INSTILLS ENLIGHTENMENT THROUGH HIS PREACHING
It is the day, so sacred, dedicated To the Gurus or teachers or preachers Who act as a vehicle of change for us Firstly Guru enters our psyche Then thoroughly understands Our potentials and weaker areas Thence through suggestions And enlightened guidance Makes amendments required For effecting changes With heavy dose of love and affection After guidance so galore At every step in our lives The Guru controls the oars of our boat And steers clear our boat And save us from the storm Which may come without prior warning.
When we are utterly confused When there is no way out When everywhere we see dark clouds When we’re in the state of immobility When we need somebody Who could provide us mobility And thus remove the inertia From our midst And help us Acquire self-realisation Who can this bestow us guidance Except our venerable Guru. Guru, with two syllables Gu and Ru Guru stands for darkness or ignorance Ru means remover of darkness or ignorance Thus Guru is the One Who helps us remove ignorance And darkness that pervades in us From our midst And bestows enlightenment He has the ocean of knowledge (Gyan) Acquired through severe penance For days, months and years on ends Thru a lot of perseverance From whom even a drop of water From His reservoir Can change our destiny Thus enlivening our lives And makes it more purposeful Guru thus could be termed as a spiritual preacher Who possesses awareness of highest order Acquired with focused meditation and prayers Guru is a true Karma Yogi Based and got purely on the principles of Karma Yoga Thus earned for Himself the category of most evolved And enlightened soul The Guru transfers the knowhow Either through Yogic postures Or through spiritual teachings Provide us guidance While we are engulfed In sorrow and discontent or discomfort By infusing spiritual longings of highest order Along with making their disciples aware About eternal reality or truth about God.
THE FIRST GREAT GURU WHO IS THE EMBODIMENT OF SIMPLICITY AND PURITY
On this day Lord Shiva Termed as the Adiyogi or First Guru The first Guru of great repute Who transferred the Mantra To Saptarishis – the seven Rishis Which became the seven basic forms of Yoga of a Yogi.
A MOST REVERED GURU WHO MADE THE TRANSFORMATION OF OUR LIVES THROUGH FOLLOWING PRACTICAL DHARMA WITHOUT RITUALS
Guru Nanak Dev Ji is most revered one Who transformed the thoughts and actions Of the multitudes by His preaching His beliefs and teachings Given in Sri Granth Sahib Ji obviously Touch our heart, mind and soul immensely.
VED VYASA – A GREAT GURU WHO PENNED DOWN THE GREAT EPIC MAHABHARTA
The Sage Ved Vyasa Was the greatest of all Gurus Who had penned the great epic Mahabharta Was not only born on this day But also started writing Brahma Sutra on this day Recitation of which is also done on this day That is the why This day is also called as Vyasa Purnima too. The Buddhists celebrate this day And remember Lord Buddha For his teachings. The Jains celebrate this day And remember Lord Mahavira For enlightening them With his teachings. This festival is celebrated On the full moon day (Purnima) In the month of June-July (Ashadha) On this day we offer special prayers to our Guru Ji And thank him For enriching our life By making us aware about the essence of life By whispering in our ears the Mantra The most appropriate one Reciting of which Makes us turn inwards. On this day, people celebrate this day as teacher’s day The students thank them for removing ignorance from their midst This helps in consolidating their bond of relationship. On this day the students organize Various competitions by reciting poetry and hold debates Finally show their sincere gratitude to their teachers. We know Acharya Chanakya The all encompassing Guru of King Chandergupt Mauriya The renowned author of Arthashastra Who with his wisdom changed the rulers so tyrannical With his philosophy and sagacity. As the parents are the first Gurus For the children Because of their guidance Thus they show their special respect And thank them for what they have done for them Without which they could not have moved any further
My own Guru NANGLI NIWASI The most revered one Had changed my outlook on life By infusing self-belief in me By whispering a Beej Mantra The most suitable for me The recitation of which makes me feel elated By engendering warmth in my heart With which I cultivate empathy Along with deepest understanding Of others’ needs And pains Which others experience.
REMOVAL OF DARKNESS BY OUR REVERED GURU& DAWN OF NEW HORIZON OF CHANGE
The One Guru The most renowned One Who has infused enlightenment Through His teaching and preaching His Autography The Autography of a Yogi Has obviously changed many a lives For it is a treasure house of knowledge Gained by our Guru – Paramahansa Yogananda Born on 5th January 1893 Who changed many a lives Through his teachings Of meditation and Kriya Yoga And united the East and the West Marriage of Eastern spirituality and Western material growth Through his preaching He was the disciple of Guru Swami Sri Yukeswar Giri One of the most revered One. Thence there are umpteenth of Gurus But the best one is the One Who exerts to change our mental outlook And helps us attain Moksha or liberation By disciplining our lives.
INNER THOUGHTS 
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