ON FRIENDSHIP & ENMITY

FRIENDSHIP & ENMITY

For friendship to be enduring
Suffusing with mutual love and caring
It is in the fitness of things
That the foundation of friendship is developed on strong footings
Without any lose ends in between
Since with prevalence of lose-ends
The mutual confidence besides each others likings
In the form of breach of trust
Goes bust
And faith and belief in each other gets shattered
Which if ones broken
Friendship loses its sheen
And slowly but surely
The bubble so very fragile
Of friendship gets busted
Leaving tell-tale signs of friendliness
With bits & pieces of it all left scattered
Remain to be seen here, there & everywhere!
Which may turn into a mud-slinging match
Go at it hammer and tongs
Seemingly, the ex-friends
Once chums with huge warmth
Have turned coolest
Thus turned into worst enemies
Knowing each other’s secrets
Ready to spill the cane of soiled beans
and washing the dirty linen
Which is so obvious
From their demeanor..

ON FRIENDSHIP & ENMITY

There is a truth in the maxim, ‘A friend in need is a friend indeed’. A good and a trustworthy friend is the one who can be relied on in thick and thin for anything whenever there is a need for the same. Friendship is based on amity, harmony in relationship, purity of mind, steadfast in support to the friend in need besides straightforwardness are their forte. Good friends do not hide anything and truthfulness is their credo (in actual practice real friends do not hide anything). Furthermore, friendship is based on purity of relationship, humility, modesty, sincerity, honesty, forgetting and forgiving whenever there are differences in perception besides absence of narcissism in the relationship. For the friendship to be more enduring or durable with sufficient warmth and understanding, it is necessary that true friends solve each other’s problems amicably. But care should be exercised that in all these, neither self-centeredness nor selfish attitude should come in the way.

A TRUE FRIEND OFFERS HEALTHY CRITICISM WHEN NEEDED

A true friend without hesitation offers healthy criticism whenever there is a need for the same on finding something irrational or unethical in the personal relationship which may adversely impact the friendship. Along with this, true friend also is aware of potentials and weaker areas and helps in bridging the gap or removing the weaker areas completely and have full cooperation and understanding of each other’s point of views. Differences, if any, should be settled with mutual discussions and on the basis of give and take.

SHARING AND CARING FOR EACH OTHER

For friendship to be on a stronger footing, it is worth mentioning that we should share anything which is worth sharing lest our friend should come to know about the event from others which is against the trust reposed. If such a thing happens, then that friend of ours may also hide things from us and that would be a starting point in cooling a relationship. As cementing factor of our relationship is based on truth and openness, it is in the fitness of things not to allow suspicion to take roots. Furthermore, the cornerstone for any friendship to be lasting, of necessity, friends should remove all the pin-pricks which may arise from time to time. Essentially, as the friendship is based on emotional-bonds, therefore, nothing should be done to break this emotional-bond which is mutually beneficial for each other. Trust, once compromised or broken, cannot be retrieved so easily.

FRIENDSHIP TURNS INTO ENMITY WHEN EMOTIONAL BOND IS BROKEN

Furthermore, it is also significant to note that if the emotional bond is broken, friendship loses its sheen and purpose for which friendship is established gets broken. If this happens then even the bosom friend may turn into a sworn enemy and the resultant animosity would be huge and may become dangerous since each of the ex-friend knows each other’s secrets. It has been observed that coolness in relationship impacts day to day behavior pattern and attitude towards each other. There is nothing rosy in the friendship – laced in sweetener outside but bitterest from inside.

The following are the reasons for a even a bosom friendship turning into enmity:-

• Trust Deficit. One of the foremost reason for friendship turning into enmity is when trust is at stake.
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• When each does not respect other. If one friend pays respect other and the other does not respond in equal measure then friendship does not last long.

• When Reciprocal Principle Fails. Reciprocity is one of the significant pillars of friendship. In other words, friendship is a two way traffic. If it were one way, then, friendship cannot last for long.

• Three Ws (Wine, Wife and wealth) Create suspicion in friendship. It has been observed that lust for anything proves counter-productive for establishment of friendship on solid footings.

• Deception. If and when a person outwardly showcases something else and in his/her mind the person concerned has something hideous and strikes on getting chance. All negative traits put together can impact friendship in the final analysis for good.

ENMITY – A FEELING OF HATRED OR ANIMOSITY

Enmity means a feeling of hatred for others. This hatred or animosity for others is partly due to our intolerant attitude toward others and partly due to others negative characteristics, habits and behavior patterns. Reasons may be any for cultivating enmity, but, the consequences of having enmity with others is always counter-productive.

The enmity of Kauravas and Pandavas was basically due to lust for power and position, anger, greed for wealth, rancor and all the negative traits put together. Here Pandavas personified goodness, tolerance, patience and all the good traits put together (the traits of a good relative or friend). Prince Dharyodhna, his brothers and most cunning Mama Shakuni who with his ill-intention did everything possible to create dissension between Pandavas and Kauravas. The festering enmity between the two families which resulted in Kurukshetra battle where Kauravas lost their everything. This battle was in fact fought for preservation of truth and elimination of evil.

A person who insults others at every given opportunity, place and condition earns for himself enemies around. Such a person sows the seeds of discord between his own colleagues by resorting to his negative traits. These negative characteristics are back-biting, use of abusive language, not being true to his words, being unfaithful, distrustful, showcasing of insecurity in behavior along with negative attitude and habit.

A hostile person, with his acts of omissions and commissions not only harms others but also earns for himself psychological related ailments. Fact remains, a person with negative mindset is impure of mind with fears of all sorts remain haunting him, does not have control over his senses besides he always exhibits his ill-gotten position and status to influence others. Inwardly specter of fear keeps haunting him due to which he loses self-confidence and self-esteem compelling him to behave irrationally to prove his point. Though outwardly, he shows that he is in total control of situation and condition.
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Yesterday, I got proof of hideous and malafide intention of one of the employees of our organization when a colleague of mine used insulting and offensive tone when I enquired about the official work he was assigned. Instead of explaining why he was not able to perform his job assigned, he resorted to use of foul language with loud tone and tenor to hide the true reason, why he was not able to perform his job? Although all this happened in front of all the employees still I remained cool but in my place, if somebody else would have been there, then situation coul have turned worst. It goes to prove that if we remain calm and composed while facing some bully, we can avoid creating situation turning unpleasant and creating enemies in the bargain. Choice is ours – we want more friends or more enemies. Tolerance, patience and keeping silent saves situation to turn uglier, earns for us friends as a reward but intolerance and impatience create enemies for us who may prove very harmful in the long run. This also proves that those who are equipoised or balanced both in honour and dishonor earn for themselves favourable association as friends. The said employee have earned for himself so many enemies with his ill-conceived and irrational behavior including his outbursts at every given opportunity.

Those, who are alike to friend and foe, equapoised in honor and dishonor, cold and heat, joy and sorrow, and are free from all unfavorable association; those who take praise and reproach alike, who are given to silent contemplation, content with what comes their way, without attachment to the place of residence, whose intellect is firmly fixed in Me, and who are full of devotion to Me, such persons are very dear to Me.

HOSTILITY, HATE, ANTAGONISM, ILL-FEELING OR BAD FEELING
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The hostility that is generated in the mind of our friends and others is due to perception problems, fear psychosis, feeling of sense of betrayal, jealousy based on competition, bullying tactics, showcase of passive aggression to put others in defensive mode, focusing on weakness of the person concerned to tarnish the image, show selfishness openly, backstabbing others by back-biting just to make others socially down, giving no credence to others for their successes rather not mentioning their upward movements, hurl lies at any time for personal gains, talking about the negative things only. Insensitive about the needs of others, creating scare in opposition camp, creating inferiority complex by hurling abusive language even, bullying to bring home the point of view, show no ill-feeling on the surface and secretly working against the interests of others, makes you in angry mood so that you are not able to think rationally, acting like wolf in the lion’s clothing, backstabber and backbiter,

ON CHARITY

ON CHARITY

ADVERSE EFFECTS OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC

As has been observed, human civilization has been passing through intellectual and civilizational change. Most of the people want ‘maximum’ for the ‘maximum number of people’. However, these ambitious plans have been put paid by the downward spiral of economic development caused by Coronavirus pandemic. We all are aware how the  LOCKDOWNS and resultant business and job losses have impacted the general masses globally. These job losses have caused irreparable damage to the social fabric of most of the societies. Though Government has decided to distribute free ration to the people living below poverty line besides certain other steps are taken to alleviate the condition and remove social and economic disparities yet it will take more time for the economic health to be restored fully. Despite all the steps to retrieve the situation, there are still socio-economic inequalities. With uncontrolled unemployment due to job losses, the conditions of the general masses have worsened. In this, the middle class is worst hit. They are the ones who have to shell out taxes on their income, manage their household expenditure besides sundry expenditures to sustain their existence. Therefore, the need of the hour is to provide succor to the needy and take them along. How best we can retrieve the situation is a moot point. In order to ameliorate the condition of the poor,   contributions and donations by the ones who have resources is also a need of the hour. In Holy Quran it has been mentioned: And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these [is] charity.

NEED FOR CHARITY/DONATION

Charity or donation should be given by a person who is able to donate from his earnest earnings. A charity given from the ill-gotten affluence will not bring about Karmic credit to the doner. For charity to be credible, pure intention to donate from the legitimately and earnestly earned income will bring addition in Karmic credit account. In Bible it has been very rightly mentioned: And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these [is] charity

CHARTY TO ADD TO OUR KARMIC CREDIT ACCOUNT

It has also been observed that it is not that a person with huge reserve of wealth can donate or give money in charity but a person with large heart with warm feelings for others can also donate in charity even from the paltry resources he/she is having. We accrue more reward in the form of addition in Karmic credit account if we part with what we have with us. It would be relevant to make mention about a employee of our organization. His name is Mr. Arvinder Singh, who donates partly to the daily Langar (Joint Kitchen) organized by the Sikh Gurdwara and partly meets the fees of those school children who due to their hard financial straits cannot pay the school fees but are proficient in their studies. He has set an example for others to follow that it is not the economic affluence by which one can make charities but expansiveness of heart too which counts too. Many of the people have taken cue from his large-heartedness and started giving money in charity for the needy ones.

TO WHOM TO GIVE IN CHARITY?

It is also worthwhile to note; when donating in charity we should know to whom you are giving our hard earned resources. Firstly, he/she should be the right person to donate and secondly the time of donation should be appropriate. Suppose there is an accident and money is required instantly to meet the hospital bills and the concerned person is not having even a penny. Then, it is a most appropriate time. Thirdly, the place where the charity has to be made is also taken into account. If we donate in charity just to showcase your status and position in public place then that donation will not earn you any Karmic Credit. It would be a futile exercise, an exercise done with passion. Fourthly, an intention to donate should originate instantly after seeing somebody in distress. There should not be any reluctance or dilly-dallying about meeting somebody emergent need. Fifthly, and most important one at that, we should not hope or expect anything in return from the charity we have made to that person. It is better if that person is worthy of your assistance and also a rank stranger.

For the charity to be of any substance, we should follow the guidance given in Bhagward Gita. Charity given to a worthy person simply because it is right to give, without consideration of anything in return, at the proper time and in the proper place, is stated to be in the mode of goodness. Then; the charity given in reluctance with the hope to get something in return or in expectation of reward is said to be in the mode of passion.

In Guru Granth Sahib Ji vide its Shabad, the Guru Guru Sahib has highlighted the significance of charity. He has compared Truth and Charity as His white clothes. In the Guru Granth Sahib the five traits are considered as important ones. It is also relevant to say that all the charities should be made in the name of God without witch where is no benefit of charity so given.

These five traits are:-

• Truthfulness.
• Honest Living.
• Goodwill to all.
• Praise of Lord.
• Charity in the name of God.

The Ramayan states this too:

• It reduces the attachment with the material possessions. When we do not have much attachment with the material wealth, then, if we lose material possessions, we shall remain balanced thus bring in its wake good health and wellness.

• It inculcates a feeling of service (Seva). This service without any expectation is one of the best Karma Yoga that a Yogi performs.

• It expands the heart – by enhancing our compassion and empathy for the needy ones.

The Skandh Purāna states the following:-

• From the earning we have earned by earnest means, we should give one-tenth in charity.
• We should dedicate our charity for the pleasure of God.

Lord Krishna has very rightly asserted in Bhagwad Gita: When charity is given freely from the heart to worthy recipients, at the proper time and at the appropriate place, it is considered to be in the mode of goodness.

ALL LIVES MATTER IN THE DOMAIN OF GOD

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Whilst living things were created on our earth

By the Creator

Using His creative energy

In his mold

As He desired

And for continuation

In the production of living beings and civilization

He made males and females

Thence started the continuous evolution

As time passes

But He exerted total control over births and deaths

Which may be due to the Karmic deeds

With mind and body

To consciously think and act according to the individual’s capacities

But as truth stands out

We are responsible for our thoughts and actions

Bad thoughts and actions lead to Karmic credit depletion

But good thoughts and deeds lead to increase in Karmic credit accretion

Of the person concerned

God made everybody in His mold

And that too with His energy

Every creation of His is dear to Him

In His domain

There is no difference

Based on caste, creed, color, region

Language, religion

Status and ideologies.

But Alas!

We humans have segregated

Divided His creations based

On narrow, selfish and pettiness

By pitting one person

Against another person

Without even slightest notion

That all the creations

Come and go to the Source of Origin

Where ALL LIVES MATTER

With no conflicts in civilization identities.

There are the selfish ones

Who get more pleasure by putting one against other

For spreading hatred and then rebellion

Resulting in violence

Amongst the vulnerable members of the society

By creating artificial divisions in the communities

Thus, pursue their violent agenda

Of provoking anger and unrest

Based purely on ignorance

That ‘SOME LIVES MATTER’

Pitting against the slogans ‘ALL LIVES MATTER’

The gullible and vulnerable get engulfed

And get stuck miserably

In the quagmire

An instigation for burning and looting of public properties

Without much insight that the properties burnt and looted

Are made out of their own taxes only!

We humans should follow those who taught

How best to adjust with all

Without any narrow judgment or distinction

Though we have the freedom for pre-assumptions

Based purely on compassion

Knowledge and wisdom-based considerations

That all that exists on this beautiful earth and beyond

Is the creation of our Benevolent Creator

With the definite purpose for all who is created on this earth

Besides in His realm so vast

Nobody is big or small indeed

Because ALL LIVES MATTER in His domain and ALL LIVES COUNT.

                      ALL LIVES COUNT IN THE DOMAIN OF OUR GOD

We all are aware that when our Creator created living beings in His mold and with His energy. Therefore, He created everybody unique – in traits and other characteristics. Everybody created by Him has a separate purpose. But the modern man has become very material-minded, for him money is very important; being an end in itself and not a means to an end. By doing so, the man has virtually ignored ethical, moral and above all spiritual aspects of his life. What he does or does not do, he wants something in return. In such a social environment, even a child cannot remain unaffected by this negative change. He picks up what his older members of the society do or do not do. Selfishness, self-centeredness, conceitedness and above all man has become intolerant. This intolerance is due to the fact that he has not got the patience to listen to other viewpoints, no tolerance to face facts and is always swayed by innuendoes which are fed to him on day to day basis. He forgets his roots and above all the source from where he is originated – leading to violence, lack of empathy and above all his basic purpose for which he has come to this earth gets woefully forgotten.  

DIFFERENCES IN THOUGHTS COMES WHEN WE MOVE AWAY FROM OUR TRUE NATURE

In his quest to get what the man wants to get, he forgets how the Mother Nature bestows Her most precious gifts in the form of air, water and sunlight without which we cannot survive. If our Lord does not discriminate in anything, then why we humans have a biased mindset based on parochial and close-minded considerations. If anything happens in any part of the world, we get swayed and want to showcase our egocentric tendencies by burning public properties, harming others based on differences in caste, creed, the color of our skin, region etc. All this happens when we are unaware of our true nature, we all are not apart from our God. 

In the BIBLE it has been said:

“Since all lives are created by our Creator

 So, God created mankind in his own image,

 in the image of God, he created them;

 male and female he created them”. 

DIFFERENCE IN PERCEPTION 

In essence, the religion-based, region-based and skin colour-based differences have made a huge negative impact on our psyche. All right-thinking people feel dismayed by the chaotic and confusing conditions created at the slightest provocation of a person or a group of people. We are aware of the ugly incidents of mob leeching or killing or maiming by the violent crowd due to difference in religious beliefs.

DIFFERENCES IN PERCEPTION BASED ON PAROCHIAL THOUGHTS LEAD TO VIOLENCE AND BAD BLOOD BETWEEN COMMUNITIES

We observe how violence erupts with global ramification due to a specific incident owing to the fault of a single or two persons; who anyhow was dealt with according to the laws of the land. There are clashes between ‘SOME LIVES MATTER’ versus ‘ALL LIVES MATTER’. This has affected societies more adversely than even Coronavirus Pandemic which too has engulfed the entire world. The Covid-19 pandemic infection and lockdowns will come and go as societies grow but the violence between societies based on narrow thinking remains. Alas, this is a matter of concern. 

OUR EXPECTATIONS 

 It is a sad commentary that we expected more tolerance, accommodation and acceptability of diverse opinions based on caste, creed, colour, language, status and ideologies due to spread of knowledge due to evolution of mankind. This all-encompassing knowledge dissemination should have changed the old mindset and changed outlook based on narrow considerations which were hitherto prevailing. But unfortunately, there were incidents of public property burning, looting due to spread of anger and hatred pitting one community against other. The division in the communities, based on perverted mindset, has opened a Pandora box of reeking worms proving that our perceived advancement and evolution are merely paper-oriented.

DIVISIONS IN THE SOCIETIES IMPACT OUR EXISTENCE 

In essence, the global adverse effect created due to parochial thoughtlessness has divided our societies. The situation becomes all the more daunting while almost all the communities globally are facing economic stringency owing to job losses and business losses due to Covid-19 pandemic lockdown conditions. Some people take pleasure in spreading violence and dissension even in these difficult times. It is a well-known fact that in this sort of scenario, the vulnerable and gullible are the poor and ignorant ones who get swayed and fall into the swamp of violence. Contrarily, the influential people mobilize people to deliver catchy slogans and speeches with an intention to create dissensions and consequent mayhem amongst communities by spreading hatred and hostility. By so doing, the authorities are constrained to close down economic activities thus impacting the economic health of the country concerned becoming a cause for an increase in unemployment.

IN THE DOMAIN OF GOD EVERY LIFE COUNTS

While we are aware that everybody is dear to our Lord, then, why we humans act otherwise and pit one against others owing to narrow considerations. Let all, without any ulterior motive, be empowered equally and grow equally by getting an equal share from the economic development of the country concerned. If this happens then there would be a dawn of good relationship between the communities based on the personal involvement of all, cooperation and understanding where ALL LIVES MATTER. 

WHEN ALL CONTRIBUTE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COUNTRY THEN THERE WOULD BE A DAWN OF HARMONY

Importantly, the moot point is how best we all, without any bias, be equal partners in any situation and condition. If the situation in the country concerned is good, we can enjoy our life together, if otherwise, we can work hard together and make a difference. This could only be possible when all contribute with the avowed aim of bringing in its wake the dawn of harmony between all the communities without any discrimination. This becomes reality only when we realize the truth ALL LIVES MATTER. 

COVID-19 PANDEMIC ADVERSELY AFFECTS ALL SOCIETIES WITHOUT ANY BIAS!

The lockdowns due to Covid-19 pandemic, has clearly shown that the virus affects all. No society is immune to its ill effects then why to create artificial barriers? We can fight this virulent virus together since ALL LIVES MATTER.

FASTING FOR CLEANSING OF BODY, MIND AND SOUL

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FASTING – FOR CLEANSING OF BODY, MIND & SOUL

Food sustains our body is an undisputed fact
Proves harmful to our body system
When taken more than our body can digest
Since it forces our digestive system
Working more than what it is able to function
In the process
Producing toxins and fatty contents – in excess
Than our body actually requires
Being obese is the result of excessive food consumption
Which impairs our body constitution.
Fasting is a willful self-restraint
We impose on ourselves
Giving a needed breather
To our digestive system
And other metabolic related organism
In the process regulating the body function
In sync with our body’s needs
Thus ensuring sound mind
In a sound body
Thus cleansing the body and mind
Thus live a life suffusing with piety
With enough of satiety
Free from worries
Created due to life bereft of health related problems
Which otherwise adversely affects our system
Fasting thus gives us break
From eating
Which gives our digestive system
Too a needful break
Thus help our body
To perform all the functions properly
In sync with the need of our body
Along with all the organs of our body.
In the current Covid-19 Pandemic
Fasting will cleanse our body
With it our mind and spirit
Thus help establish connectivity
Connectivity with Omnipotent and Omniscient God Almighty.

 FASTING TO INFUSE SPIRITUAL ORIENTATION

Fasting means not eating food for a fixed or for a per-determined period of time. Fasting gives our digestive system some break or rest consequently keeping the body free of extra fats/fatty acids and toxins which results in numerous diseases such as disturbed sleep, hypertension, overweight etc. All these ailments prevent us from focusing on the job we are doing besides with unsound health puts a stop to focused attention to our prayers to our God for peace and prosperity in our life. Not having peace in life means we cannot serve the very purpose of our existence on this beautiful earth. Our purpose on this earth is to lead a spiritual oriented life by seeking connectivity with our Creator. Leading a spiritual oriented life means to perform our duties sincerely, having empathy for others by fulfilling the needs of others besides thanking Omnipotent and Omniscient God for His bountiful gifts which He has given us. Besides, leading a spiritual oriented life also do everything positive in life for Moksha or liberation from births and deaths ultimately. All this happens when we are having sound health. Sound health results when we keep a tight leash on our eating habits – when to eat, how best to eat and WHEN NOT TO EAT.

WHAT TO EAT AND WHEN TO EAT AND IN WHAT QUANTITY ARE IMPORTANT

Essentially, it has rightly been said, we become what we eat since we get necessary energy from the food we eat. If we eat a balanced diet, rich in vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates etc. then we would be having sound body. More the energy and synergy to perform our daily work more output thus more the satiety in our life.

It is important to mention ‘What to eat’ is very important since if we eat indiscriminately, we may have the intricate situation of having Covid-19 Pandemic  created by eating ‘bats’ meat’ or consuming whatever comes our way which has engulfed almost the entire humanity.

Then comes the significance of ‘When to eat’ since if we continue eating fast foods or anything which comes our way any time without even conforming to our eating schedules (breakfast, lunch and dinner), then, we are in for digestion related problems. It should always be remembered that every organ of our body including our digestive system require some breather or respite/rest; if it overworks, then, sure enough, it will not only adversely affect our digestive system but also impair overall working of our body metabolism. If we give a day’s rest to our digestive system, we shall feel light, our important organs like liver, intestines and in fact all the internal body mechanism will work in sync.

FASTING IS SKIPPING THE FOOD AND WATER INTAKE

Fasting is intentional skipping of intake of food material, drinks or sometimes both for a fixed or sometimes for a prolonged period of time. It may be for a complete day (24 hours) from early morning to evening (dawn to dusk) or early morning on a particular day to the morning of next day. Then the fasting could be continuously or intermittent; depending on the body requirement or for the intended purpose of observance of fast as a religious tradition being followed in some religions.

While in intermittent fasting, we remain without food, for a fixed time-span and then eat at a set time but in continuous fasting we remain without food for a long period of time – say from morning to the following morning of the day or still more for more days at a stretch.

BENEFITS  OF FASTING

Fasting is both for regulating and energizing the body metabolism by pepping up / streamlining the digestive system so as to keep the body free of the extra fats and toxins besides keeping the body’s carbohydrates (sugar) synchronized with the need of our body. With slower and regulated metabolism, means our body organs can work for a longer period of time thus prolonging our age.

FASTING AND RELIGIOUS CONNOTATION

FASTING BY HINDUS. Hindu fast on religious and sacred days or on the religious festivals like: Navratris, Puranmashi (Puranmashi is the full moon day in traditional Indian calendar), Ekadshi (Ekadashi is the eleventh day of both the dark and light fortnight of each month), Maha Shivratri (auspicious time for Maha Shivaratri puja activities like Fasting and prayers are performed), Ramnavmi (Fasting observed on the birthday of the Lord Ram) , Krishna Janamashthmi (fasting on the birthday of Lord Krishna) besides many other festivals connected with Demi Gods and fasts relevant to local populace of a particular locality.

FASTING BY CHRISTIANS. The Christians skip their desire for food and instead devote time in seeking God. Meaning, the time spent on preparation of food etc could meaningfully be utilized for prayers and meditation on the Word. This fasting time could be per-determined and hunger for food could be compensated with hunger for the Lord. Jesus fasted from all food and drink. The Bible also describes some extreme times when people fasted.

THE FASTING BY MUSLIMS. The Muslims observe fasts in the month of Ramadan or Ramzan. It is a sacred month since Holy Quran was revealed in this month. The word Ramadan has been driven from the Arabic word ramaida meaning intense heat accompanied with dryness of ground. It is called so since it amounts to driving out sins with our good deeds like offering charity and keeping away or desisting from all body enjoyments etc along with intense penance by following the practice of fasting.

The word “fasting” (sawm) literally means ‘to refrain’ – means desisting from not only from food and drinks but also from unethical thoughts and actions which sully our thoughts and actions besides following all the guidance in letter and spirit enunciated in the Holy Quran. In other words, it is not merely restraint from food and drink but also our resolve as to how to control the urge of hunger and thirst besides devote ones energies on prayers thus gain spiritually. This way, the devout learn the traits of self discipline through self restraints too. The fast is broken at sunset before recitation from Holy Quran and thus being in connectivity with Allaha. The fast is broken with a sip of water and some dates.

FASTING FOR SPIRITUAL FORWARD JOURNEY

Fasting is done as an exercise of keeping oneself away from certain activities which prevent devout from being spiritually aesthetical both physically and emotionally. Thus desisting from taking anything and keep oneself away from worldly pleasures i.e. humdrum of eating drinking or even being away from thinking about anything like lust etc and divert all the energies to prayers – five times. Having abstinence means devoting much of time and resources on charities besides prayers infuses self discipline and ushers in all round development in the individual.

Everybody may be aware about IFTAR party – a social event where fast is broken. Here meal is shared with friends and others. Free meals are also served for the general public too at this get-together.

Ramadan or Ramzan is more than fasting. The entire month is devoted to prayers, internal cleansing, charity etc.

• The devout devote all his/her energies to focus on God.
• No compromise on the practice self restraint – physical or mental.
• Re-evaluate lives in the light of Islamic guidance.
• Forget and forgive those who wronged.
• Purify our lives physically and emotionally besides our thoughts and actions. A devotee thus adopts the qualities of head and heart.

Fasting helps self awareness / self enlightenment

• Saves a devout from distractions and create the traits associated with sincerity and simplicity.
• Restraint helps us discipline ourselves besides a person turns inward with regular prayers.

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EGO –The Dire Enemy

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It has been our common experience that more often than not, people have great attachment to their material possessions. The more they have, the more they crave for. This never ending pursuit for ‘more’ goes on and in its wake brings misery and ill-will.  This pursuit has far reaching repercussions on the family relationships. Even the relationship between even the closed relationships has been ruined by the greed for material possessions. The instances of sibling killing their parents for getting rich soon are shocking, to say the least. This has put to dire shame the blood relations.

People with a particular educational background; make much ado about their acquired knowledge. It is because with knowledge gained about the particular subject but lesson wisdom scale are also to be egoist.  They may talk big about their attainments in particular field, putting a question mark on the knowledge acquired by others in other fields.

Then there are the people who do not have any knowledge base but are connected with big family background. They are prone to have ego not because of their standings based on their hard work in any field but family leanings which they boast of day in and day out. This, occasionally, leads to an unusual situation. More of the material possession and less level-headedness is always appalling. 

There are the people who are temperamentally very aggressive. If they are at the helm of affairs, they resort to highhandedness and create bad blood in the company they are heading. This company, more often than not, would be heading for a trouble in the long run. The employees would be facing trust deficit and every other malady which over stressed people may face.

A person with less ego and more knowledge-based-wisdom will attract more friends and well wishers than a person with sufficient material possessions. The latter is loner and finally is afflicted with different debilitating diseases. Besides adversely affecting the onward march of the organization which that person is heading, they become a virtual liability in place of facilitator.

PROBLEM

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A life bereft of problem is a life bereft of creativity,
No problem to solve means nothing in life to look for,
Life in essence, is a continuous journey with a lot of activity,
Every step of the ladder of the life which counts,
Sometimes we slip but zeal to step up must not cease.
Mathematic problems can be made easy and solved
With the time-tested formulae, times without number,
But daily life problems have no laid down forms or norms.
Problem like Picador fight has to b resorted to
To weaken the problem into pieces
Peacemeal resolution brings ease and peace
Evincing of recovery if bogged down
By the pestering and knotty problem at hand,
Problem, if left unresolved, becomes a pestering sore,
Resulting in resentment festered in mind and spirit.
Nature of problem is contagious like flue,
If left to itself, unattended and untackled,
It adds on and piles up by making kinship
With similar other stonewalling maladies
Becoming unwieldy and finally macabre ghost
Haunting day and day out.
When confronted with problem
Faith in our Creator and in our inner resolve is a must
Tackle it with a sculptor’s touch
Who chisels the uneven lump of marble into fine statue.
HARBANS KHAJURIA

Heartiest FELICITATIONS ON THE OCCASION OF TEACHERS’ DAY CELEBRATIONS ON 5th SEPTEMBER 2020. AN IDEAL TEACHER – A MOST PRECIOUS GIFT OF GOD

HEARTIEST FELICITATIONS ON THE OCCASION OF TEACHERS’ DAY CELEBRATIONS ON 5th SEPTEMBER 2020.

AN IDEAL TEACHER

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An ideal teacher is a priceless gift of Almighty God
Since this gift builds the character of the pupils so solid
That the students face the challenges of life with fortitude.

An ideal teacher quenches the knowledge thirst of his disciples
By imparting needed know-how with a sense of inquest
To go deeper into the subject
Thus inculcating holistic growth & development.

An ideal teacher gives meaningful tasks to his students
In the class-room settings
Or through home assignments.

An ideal teacher takes online classes as an alternative
In the Covid-19 pandemic situation
And changes the mindset of the students according to the change in condition.

An ideal teacher is a human being who is kind-hearted and humane to the core
Imparts and spreads awareness amongst students and more.

An ideal teacher exhibits traits of tenderness & gentleness in abundance
And ensures that likewise these good traits be put in his students with a heavy dose of tolerance.

An ideal teacher has a huge reservoir of patience
And try imbibing the same in his students along with resilience.

An ideal teacher has attitude bereft of any discrimination
Against his pupils, with whom he teaches with utmost concern.

An ideal teacher posses sincere attributes with a firm belief system to follow
So that students absorb goodness and excellence in every way.

An ideal teacher inculcates the traits of compatibility
So that his students could adjust in any territory.

An ideal teacher is the modest and free of any egocentric tendencies
And expects these traits in his students.


An ideal teacher teaches the art of diplomacy in day-to-day existence
So that for getting their things done they do not follow the path of violence.

An ideal teacher removes the ignorance of the learners
And infuses enlightenment with self-belief and self-confidence
And transforms his raw pupils who changes according to the changed circumstances.

An ideal teacher, of necessity, should lay a solid foundation
So that the students can weather all storms which may come in the lives of their students.

An ideal teacher adopts different methodologies to set right the weak areas
Of his students to the best of his/her capacities and capabilities.

An ideal teacher teaches the value of innovations
With a lot of motivational appreciations
As and when needed most essentially.
.
An ideal teacher is firm like a rock when need be
But soft like ice when needed hugely.

An ideal teacher has the genteel outlook with pleasing personality
Impresses the students with the lessons imparted so diligently.

An ideal teacher is sought after by the students personally
Because of his method of making even a most difficult lesson look so easy.

An ideal teachers uses trial and error method, so skillfully
Or through subject interaction technique so adeptly
Or Froebel method of freedom to act in a stimulating ambience
Or Montessori’s method tells us about the atmosphere so serene
With stress on social justice and community justice and fair-play
Method may be any,
The ideal teacher ensure that his students get enlightened in every way.

An ideal teacher teaches through discussions and collaborations
With each other for knowledge dissemination
Or through knowledge gained through experimentation
In a variety of situations and conditions.

Teaching could be by a formal teacher in the formal institute
Or informally through any informal institutions
Like temple, mosques, and churches so pious
The purpose is to disseminate instructions

To make huge difference in the students life surely
So that they get indepth know-how to face the life squarely.

An ideal teacher is resilient and infuses resiliency
Since greatness comes with the traits of flexibility.

O my God, please do help the teachers
To realize his/her dream of shaping the destinies of his learners
So that when they grow up they become a better person
Who gets adaptive in any circumstances with positive disposition.

AN IDEAL TEACHER

The teachers could be very rightly construed as the builders of a Nation as they assist the students in drawing out their inner potentials thus shape their future. Ideal teachers are the ones who exert sincerely and find out potentials and weak areas of all the students in the class and devise various methodologies in bridging the gap besides inculcating discipline and cooperation fervor amongst the students.

Importance of ideal teacher, as a national builder, although is acknowledged and appreciated, yet, one thing that needs to be remembered is that a teacher should be dispassionate or unbiased in attitude towards all the students. A good teacher should command respect from the students, exhibit the high sense of integrity, should be a unifying force and above all should be unbiased. For a teacher, all the students are equal and necessarily need attention equally while clarifying all the concept queries of all the students.

As a great teacher, Lord Krishna exhorts his disciple Arjuna to cut doubts that have developed in his heart, burn the ignorance with the sword of knowledge (Jnana) while taking shelter in Yoga of action.

Teachers’ Day is being celebrated on 5^th September 2020 as a tribute to Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, a thinker, philosopher, a most proficient statesman besides a learner of repute. He was born on 5^th September 1888. While his admirers requested him to celebrate his birthday, he replied that he would consider himself more honoured if his birthday is observed and celebrated as ‘TEACHERS DAY’ which is according being done. 

It is worth mentioning about his early life. He did his Masters in Philosophy, thereafter, became professor of Philosophy at Madras Presidency College. He was appointed King George V Chair of Mental and Moral Science at University of Calcutta. He is well known for his knowledge of scriptures and known as 20^th Century philosopher of Comparative Religion and Philosophy. He became Vice Chancellor of AP University in 1931 and also VC of Banaras Hindu University. He also taught Eastern Religions and Ethics at Oxford University besides being appointed Haskell lecturer in Comparative Religion at University of Chicago. His philosophy was grounded in Advaita Vedanta. He proved to be a bridge between the East and the West. 

 He was not having much experience in politics and that is why he is referred to as the politician in shadow. He became the Vice President of India in 1952 and subsequently as the President. His insightful treasure of critical study of Indian Philosophy is worth appraisal.

TEACHER SHOULD BE WHOLLY IMPARTIAL IN THEIR ATTITUDE

I was obviously pained after observing the unethical and un-teacher-like attitude of an educator. A teacher should impart knowledge without any discrimination. For a teacher, every student is a learner and should try hard in removing ignorance and disseminate know-how. A teacher who is unbiased and imparts education to all without any ulterior consideration is precious – a gift of God. 

A TEACHER IS ALWAYS A LEARNER 

It should be kept in mind that knowledge has no limits. When we learn one thing, there is yet another thing to be learned. A teacher who enhances his knowledge and keeps himself updated on variety of things can quench the thirst of his students in a meaningful way. It should be kept in mind that now a days, the students can get knowledge from a variety of sources; net connectivity, media etc. yet, the knowledge imparted by the teacher is second to none, it has the formal stamp of authority and wisdom along with heavy dose of love and affection. 

ATTITUDE OF A TEACHER OR A GURU

The teacher or a Guru should be knowledgeable, unbiased, compassionate, and his only intention should be to teach the students and make them a true citizens so as to face the vicissitudes of life confidently that is. learn to be adaptive to the changed circumstances and  face the challenges in life with belief and confidence.

GURU SHISHYA PARAMPARA  (THE TRADITION OF TEACHER AND PUPIL)

The Guru (teacher) Shishya (pupil) tradition (parampara) is quite old in the Indian context. In Upanishads, the mention of Gurukulas have been made; here the progenies of the ruling classes and others used to get spiritual knowledge about scriptures such as Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads etc. The age group for this purpose used to be from 8 to 12 years. Besides, scriptural knowledge, the pupils (shishya) used to get weapon training too.For instance, there were Gurukul run by Drona to impart knowledge about scriptures and weapons – as imparted to Pandavas (of which Dhanushdhari Arjuna is the more pronounced one). Then there were discourses on the Brahman In Guru Varuni’s Gurukul on Indian traditions.

Conclusively, it could be said that a teacher is an essential part of any society, who changes the destinies of the students in the way considered most appropriate in accordance with change in time and space,/situations and conditions. Besides an ideal teacher is himself a student for ever.

 . 

SHRAADDHAS OR SHRADHA FROM 1ST SEPTEMHER 2020 TO 17TH SEPTEMBER

SHRAADDHAS OR SHRADHA

Shraaddhas or Shradha meaning faith or belief
To bestow respect to our ancestors –  the departed souls
By the progenies of the (Pitr) soul so departed to the heavenly abode
These are important annual rituals as a remembrance
For our no longer alive  relatives of ours
And have gone to the lands unknown – none knows to where
We remember their love and affection
With overflowing emotions
For our love ones who had shown us this beautiful earth
Truth is, due to them only we’re here on this planet
The dear ones who had bestowed us the righteous path
Along with showering us with care so affectionate
And delivered us from many a difficult situations.
Now, as they have turned to Pitr (Gone for good from us) domain
It is our sacred duty, the bounden one
To remember their stellar contribution
Due to which we are in the present state of wellness
During Shraaddha days we tend to remember their role
In shaping our destinies
In which we’re placed presently.
Besides recollection of their role while they were with us
With eyes filled with tears and our emotions running at its zenith
It is our sacred duty to remember them
For bestowing us the care and caution when it was hugely needed
And steering us clear from the troubled waters in which we were placed
Thus saving us from directionless journey of our existence.
By observing Shraaddhas
With absolute faith, we present offerings of food
So that our (Pitras) ancestors
Who might be in the dark regions
After they are with us no longer
Are able to move from dark recesses
To the region of lights of the heaven
By attaining liberation or Moksha from births & deaths
By the performance of Shraaddhas
In which rituals are held
In the form of reciting of holy mantras
Mention of which have been found in Upnishads
And most sincere prayers to Omnipotent & Omniscient
With utmost devotion
Besides the charities too are made to the needy ones
For our departed love ones
Who though are not with us now
But we represent them to carry on family traditions
Never forgetting without them our existence would not have been
We reminisce them during these days
And thank them for everything they had done for us
While they were on this planet with us.

SHRAADDHA OR SHRADHA

Shraaddha or Shradha is the Sanskrit word which literally means Shradha or faith/belief and any act that is transacted with all the honesty and sincerity at our command according to pre-determined goal besides it has got sanctity faith/belief attached with it. Our emotional faith (Bhav) is a must for getting full benefits of the Shraaddas. Shraadhas are observed for 15 days (in the Hindu month of Ashvin) termed as the Pitra Paksh Period is very auspicious to offer Pinddaan so that the departed souls may get liberation (Moksha) from births and deaths. Mention of this has been in the ancient scriptures like Upnishads.

SHRAADDHA THIS YEAR FROM 1^ST SEPT 2020

This year these are observed with effect from 1st September 2020 {Puranmashi – Full Moon Day to 17^th September 2020 (Dark Night – Amavasya}. On these days, we Hindus reminisce our  forefathers/ancestors, who are not presently not with us. In other words, it is expression of our gratitude to th dead blood relatives (Pitras) and pay them respectful homage for their contribution towards us. In other words, it is expression of gratitude to our ancestors (Pitras) due to whom we are on this planet. For instance, I would be conducting Shraaddhas for my parents, elder brothers after linking with the dates on which they died.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Shraaddhas are held based on the dates on which our parents or grand-parents have left for their heavenly abode. The date for the shraadhas are observed based on the death anniversary – on the Shraadha Paksha.

SHRAADDHAS AFTER DEATH TOO

These Shraaddhas are also observed after the death of an individual (after the left out ashes are immersed in the holy water of river Ganga). These Shraddhas are performed accompanied with chanting of Mantras for the departed soul. The Sharaaddha ceremonies are also performed at Kurukashetra (A Holy place in Haryana) in a water-body where there was a huge battle between Pandavas and Kauravas and Holy Song of Bhagwad Gita originated.

SACRED PLACES WHERE SHRADDHA RITUALS ARE HELD

The Shraaddha rituals could be performed in Gaya (Bihar) the waterless river containing Phalgu (A type of sand) but water could be extracted from any spot by digging 2-3 feet at any part of this waterless river. While I visited Gaya and offered prayers at the famous Lord Vishnu temple and performed Shraaddhas for the departed souls of my parents, my brothers and grand-parents, and of course, for my relatives and friends who had left for their heavenly abode. I was spellbound by the air of Godliness everywhere there. It is believed that Sita Maa (while they were observing 14 years’ exile) had performed her Shraaddha rituals for her father-in-law Dhashratha at Gaya. It has been mentioned in Purana in great details.

The Shraddha rituals are performed not merely for our deceased parents, grand-parents but also our close relatives including small children who departed from this earth suddenly due to sickness or due to some unfortunate accidents. As these Pitrs (departed souls) have departed to their heavenly abode or may be not got Liberation or Moksha, due to one reason or other, the Shraddha performed with wholeheartedness will help liberate these departed souls.

METHODS OF SHRAADDHA RITUATIONS 

Place where these rituals are held. First of all, it is essential that the rituals are held at a place which is known for performing these sacred rituals. It could be places like banks of river Ganga, Yamuna, Gaya, Baranasi etc. For these, there is no need of appropriate time like Shraddha Period (15 days).

Pinddaan. This constitutes the offering consisting of baked rice, cow’s milk, ghee, honey, barley flour. All these are mixed together so as to make balls of contents as mentioned. This should be done with intense faith and belief with emotional attachment.

Tarpan. It is the offering of clean water mixed with sesame, barley, and flour; in these, Kusha (grass) forms an important part. By adopting right approach besides absolute faith and belief, our ancestors could get the benefits for their onward journey from dark or negative region to brighter one.

Offering to the Animals and birds. Before offering meals to the priests (Brahmins), it is considered a good omen or auspicious to offer the prepared vegetarian meal, prepared without use of onions and garlic, khir (prepared with cow milk, rice, sugar, dry fruits etc.) to the cows and birds. If the offering of Khir is taken by the crows, it is consider auspicious.

Feeding to the Brahmins. Subsequently, the prepared meal is offered to the priests (Brahmins) with utmost reverence and emotional faith.

Clothes and donation. After serving food with love and affection with positive emotions running high (Priti-Bhoj) to the Brahmins, the Brahmins are offered clothes and cash so as to cover their expenses to reach the place of Shraaddha rituals.