Destination reached!?

I am about to finish my work, and Sabari has settled in Denmark. Looks like "Life in full speed!" has come a long way now, and possibly reached its destination. Or may be just another halt. Who knows. Depends on readers! They are the fuel who pulled this blog to 200+ posts! Yes, its more than enough material for a semester course or a book to be published!

I am quite addicted to writing a blog, so the flow is unavoidable though! There are some topics here which still have more in my mind, and deserve to be posted. And there are some more topics, which were promised earlier, but not posted! So looks like the journey will go on, even after having reached the destination! Let's see, comment as to what category or posts you liked most, will post on those topics. Or, comment as to what you would like to read about, and I will post about it.

Let's see. Since I am fascinated by wordpress, may be I will write something out of nothing.

Since I like to report my favorite engagement, I might tour you in YES!+ activities.


Or I might just scribble something in German. There you can play a guessing game, just write in comments, whatever you guess that German post means! I would correct it with what I meant! German is very close to English. So its hardly a difficulty to guess. Also, you can just get it translated from google!

We have decided to keep the Candid Eye on the events and concern of our India.

Do you know how many Saints have happened in India! This is a land of saints. Inform me of those you know, who are not mentioned in the Land of Saints archieve.

Finally, a little bit of physics fundae is welcome anyday! I intend to write about Physics in daily life, so pose some questions about nature, and you could get to know of the Physics mechanism behind!

Each of the topics tagged in this blog deserve a blog of its own! May be I will write about Bhagawath Geetha (The song of divine) sometime. Let's see, to sing the song of divine needs some practise!

Jaigurudev.

new venture

Thanks to Shaila and Maddy I am waking up at 4:30 types, which I can't believe in myself, and going for a group sadhana. Its a long term initiative (I would probably participate for atleast the summer, as otherwise I find Bengaluru pretty cold to get up so early) and its been three days now.
Its interesting to set out yourself when Sun is still on the other side of the planet, and check out what's happening outside.
When you are asleep, there is no problem in the mind- you only see the problems when you are awake- and also create problems! If the whole world goes to sleep on exactly the same time for 24 hours, I guess the problems in world would definitely reduce!
Its interesting though, even at 1 in night or 4/5 in early morning, in India, there are always some people on the streets. Its like, atleast some people dont sleep.
So when the mind is largely sleepy and little bit awake, in between 4-6am, and also there is so much silence outside, the meditation happens naturally! Its easy.
Plans are big. Let's see how things go.

Swimming!

Its absolute fun to get back to swimming these days! It was third day today. Its summer time in Bangalore, so its easy to swim in cold/normal temperature water. 

I am observing how body is getting ready day by day to this sport and exercise activity. I can feel exactly which muscle in biceps is used, exactly which muscle in thigh is getting exercise!

Its interesting, when you are in water, you don't feel so tired, when you climb out of the pool, you can suddenly feel so much more weight!

This is one exercise where breathing is highly important:- as it is one is struggling not to drown(!) :) and avoiding water entering in mouth or nose... and in addition, suddenly you can get tired, will be out of breath!

From my previous swimming experience I have learnt that I need to do swimming with proper warm up. Else in middle of pool if one gets a cramp or muscle pull, that's it! Quite awkward. I am going to start a full fledged multivitamin course also, as the muscles need it.

I only know two types of swimming strokes- straight forward hand motion, tortoise like swimming. Would like to learn other two common ones this summer:- butterfly and backstroke. In both these others, there is more chance of water going in nose once in a while, so I haven't managed it yet. 

However in Diwali vacation in Mumbai, I learnt how to just float for a while on water... Its a skill!! You know, the babies can do it effortlessly! Because effortlessness is the key! And they are good at it. Very Very young babies only. And of course don't experiment unless you are expert in handling them! They can do so in a bath tub... The thing is, our body has enough air and other empty space to make it float on water. The density of body is very close to that of water! So there is saying in Marathi which  means "Strange is the way of water, it drowns a live man, and keeps floating a corpse!" Yeah corpse floats on water! And so the key to float is to be like a corpse:- effortless! :) And in that effortless state of mind and body you can also feel oneness with water element, air flowing in and around, the space above and fire in form of sunlight... 

And today two guys were swimming in another interesting way!! They swam :--- well, its tough to describe, you should have seen them, and I couldn't stop laughing for long after that --- They swam in the direction of their legs!!! so stomach was on water, their motion is not in the direction of head, but legs! they move the hands in opposite direction!! :) Its good to have number of  regular swimmers in the pool, along with amatures and novice. The Jayanagar swimming pool is very well maintained by corporation, there is nice mechanism to clean feet before entering, the pool is wide and long, goes upto 16 feet deep, and you can see the bottom even in 16 feet!!

hmmm. so to do thing is to buy a hair cap, goggles, ear cap, and get professional help for learning remaining forms of swimming now! lots to do.

new Laptop

Bought a new laptop! Mac Powerbook G4. Thanks to a wish fulfilling angel!

@ a fashion show

from the "nida for skin" fashion show at olive beach, long back. sizzling catwalk and music full of beats... lower left is Nida herself, the designer. right is a wonderful model who performed a dance also. cool evening it was. when seen in person, rather than on television, a glimpse of fashion world is more of a electrifying nature, rather than sensationalizing.

What gives value to what?

Right from my childhood, I have been aware of what gives value to which thing!

I was in 6th standard. I had gone to Sangli, from Pune, and easily solved a puzzle competion in a local festival contest. They called me on stage and asked, "which place do you like more, pune or sangli !?" I said, "since my father is here right now, I like Sangli !!" My this quick and innocent reply was probably not expected by the organizer, and he burst into laughter, along with all the audience, clapping and laughing!

So when I heard this in His Holiness Sri Sri Ravishankarji's Commentary on Narad Bhakti Sutra, I was happy to see that this has been in me since long! He says:- Do you get value because you are wearing a necklace, or a necklace gets a value because you are wearing it!? A shawl is important because of the person who wears it. A stick carried by Gandhiji is important because it was used by him.

Instead of wanting something for myself, I ask:- does it worth deserve me?

I like Bangalore, because I have so many friends here. So also, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Germany, France, US! I like some languages because my friends speak them too. :) And I like to learn those. Now that I have friends all over the world, It seems that I will end up learning all the world's languages!! hahaha!

Before you sign up or pay...!

Be it a class, a trip, a business deal or a movie show. One thing I have learnt very well now, is that I need to know the terms and conditions of any contract, BeforE I sign up or pay! And I need to know it in full detail. Often those who want to sign a deal with you, have their own benefit in mind, and they unintentionally hide or intentionally don't disclose the details which you may not be comfortable with.
So, ASK for the details. GET To Know the total information Before You Sign up or Pay. Your ignorance is not counted as innocence in business world!

gave an exam...! Abschluss Prufung.

Ending exam of the German class. Es geht gut.

I was watching during the prep, am I "relaxed and focussed at the same time!?"

Sometimes I was, sometimes I wasn't. 

Its been some 3 years after which I am giving a formal exam. Quite a long time for any normal student! 

And I saw the old patterns coming up:- postponing the important and not so urgent till it became urgent, fantasising, day dreaming, escapism, shortcuts, regrets, building up of anxiety as the time of exam came closer, rise of body temperature, wishing to just go away somewhere else from the textbooks...!  

The difference was I was watching these and letting go... sticking to study for learning. and It went pretty good I say, this time. Its Just a Simple Skill.

You have a choice!

It was one more of those days in my college life, when I was interested in nothing (except some girls may be...!).
However I had one habbit of being with good teachers. And I was hanging around a nice maths educational institute after a class. My teacher came out and we had a conversation...
He pointed me to one boy almost of my age, working on a construction site. He said, "right now, that boy is better off than me, because he is earning, and I am not. That boy is not dependent, unlike me. However, he said, That boy will be working there itself, for years to come, but you have a choice, you can progress further in life. "

Years later, I still remember those words, and keep reminding myself that I still have a choice, to keep progressing further in life, instead of getting in a job where I plough the field like a bull.
Its great that such beacons of light still exist in the world, showing the right way to thousands of youth.

Karnataka Rapid Chess Championship

It was in Mangalore, in last November I guess. Over the weekend. I missed my first of 10 rounds due to late reaching of bus... Then obviously won most of the rounds, till a draw. And then winning all the last rounds, I stood joint first! On progressive counts it was second rank. I was amazed at my own performance after a gap of some 8 years in Chess tournaments!

Kidnap

Saw Kidnap... my rating 6/10. As Bhawana says, I am used to find some thing sensible from non-sensical movies too!
Anyways, this post is not about the movie... But the actual story in which a guy almost kidnapped me and Sabari for few minutes, here is how!

We were returning late from Ashram, almost 11pm... Somehow got lift till Konankunte cross, few km before Banashankari. Then there are these office vehicles which take passengers on way to their night duty, and make pocket money for themselves. Its not a bad idea, as its not easy to get conveyance at that time. So we asked for travel to Koramangala. He asked for 100,and I said no then drop us at Banashankari, for 30 Rs. He agreed and we sat in. Then I made the mistake. I asked him, will you come for 70Rs to Koramangala. He didn't agree, and kept mum. In Banashankari, he didn't have parking place, so he pushed off a bit... Sabari got down, me too, and I had no change, so gave a note of 100, and asked for change.. but he didn't have it too, and started moving! then I got in and Sabari got in too, and as we moved further, looking for change, he started demanding more,something like 50 or so. After some arguments, I wanted to just get out of vehicle, and asked him to stop... But he wouldn't stop, and started moving much faster!!
Now I threatened to jump out by opening the door slightly.. this put him off balance further and finally when he stopped at a place, midway between koramangala and Banashankari, he was asking same high money...
Arguments continued on footpath, and I looked at the jeep number intending to copy it... That's it.. he was shouting and threatening to give a blow! He stood so close to me, my feet started trembling... At this time Sabari's coolness helped... He somehow convinced him for 80-90 bucks and we got in..
The part that I was angry at was that he was demanding us to take ride with him, when we didn't agree to. and then he was not stopping also when we wanted.

But his final avatar changed me. He threatened that he would follow us to home and come back and hit us! After that I was all soft, and asked him why he was so aggressive. He wouldn't talk... Sabari's kannada/tamil came to help. He found out that the driver was angry on me noting the number, since if we tell that to police, their job is lost for few years.

Finally we reached Koramangala, paid him handsome amount, thanked him to drop all the way, and gave him a packet of biscuit too. He left and then we walked to our homes. That night I couldn't sleep well!
Discussing with Sabari I realised and still remember one point which came up: I was wondering why such an incidence wouldnt even happen to Swamijis or teachers in aol. First was that their travel would be planned and they would have the conveyance ready. Second more important thing Sabari pointed out is that these Swamijis are so centered that they first think of the welfare of other person. What I was doing in my bargain with the driver was to make most of my profit, leaving very little margin for him.
This is where Saints differ, they think of others first.
Since then i have stopped bargaining. I just quote the rent I would give, if they agree yes, else I just say no thank you, please carry on. No further discussions.
Its great Sabari was there then, else I would have lost temper much more!

Thus they walked ...

...together for more years of life than I have lived myself! In the times of turbulence and happiness, leading and following, discovering and troubleshooting, caring and sharing... Parents are there unchanging factors in the changing world.

Skill in Action

In Gita Krishna says, Yoga Karmasu Kaushalam, meaning Yoga is skill in action. 

Where could I have seen it better than in Navaratri, when The Master displayed his skill in action by simply striking the strings of Veena and bringing out melodious music! He also played one more music instrument, I don't know its name.  Who will tell me!?

He once said, when you have rhythm inside, you can bring out the rhythm in any instrument or anything outside!

Its like this... He playfully, lovingly holds the Veena... He tunes it, playfully checks the sounds by pressing on different notes, and then his speed of striking those notes changes, it increases, he intermixes the notes and whoa! From nowhere a satsang song comes up! 

This process is very similar to the way the kid in Taare Jameen Par draws his final competition picture:- the colors re-arrange themselves to form a picture that is not planned beforehand.

Master displayed fantastic creativity, spontaneous impromptu performance!! HATs off!!

ps. pictures coming soon. may be tunes too! :)

pps. I attempted similar thing on my guitar, didn't work out so well! I think I need more training on it or more love for those notes!

Have a great weekend!

Lots to come next week...

I am really looking forward for the Ganesh Homa this weekend in Ashram. 

Articles are in queue for next week, with some interesting food stuff, some news, and much more. Sabari is also about to introduce all of us to a great south Indian Heritage. I am just surprised as to how much there is to know about India! I don't think any one person in India, or even the Planet Earth, would know of India's culture, heritage and history totally- except for Sri Sri of course! :)

I have made some upgradation in recent articles.

Have a great time on the weekend! 

Stick To Your Ground

Ragi Gudda Temple

If you want to breath fresh air in Bangalore city, you should go to Ragi Gudda temple. Walk up the top of the temple, and enjoy the freshness of the breeze!
Very well maintained, clean and neat, well organized temple. Like an exhibition, you enter in it from one side and passing through a well directed railing, you exit after seeing all the idols in the temples
It carries an energy, a presence that is attractive...


At the end of the visit of course, you are served with delicious sweet and tasty Prasadam and you would leave with a satisfied feeling.

Durva

The favourite offering to Ganesha is Durva, a special type of fresh grass. What is so special about it! There is a secret...! The freshness of this type of grass has a very soothing effect on your mind. If you are getting sleep disturbance or lots of fearful dreams, just keep few bits of this grass near your pillow before you go to sleep... you will have a sound sleep!

Well, its time to bid farewell to dear Ganeshji... See here a fantastic interpretation by Bawa on why we put back the idols in the rivers or a sea...! In Marathi we have a saying "Pudhalya Varshi Lavakar ya!", meaning please come early next year, we will be eagerly waiting for you...!

Having bid farewell to Lord Ganesha, time is coming close to welcome the Godesses Lakshmi, Durga, Saraswati... in Navaratri!

Happy Onam to all!

Onam celebrates the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. Celebrated with great joy in Kerala and other parts of South India, this is a festival filled with elaborate feasts, folk songs, elegant dances, energetic games, elephants, boats and flowers! www.onamfestival.org is an excellent website for the information on this festival.

The Legend goes that the King Mahabali ruled wisely and judiciously, and all the people in his kingdom were happy and prosperous. The King's popularity continued to go endlessly and it also gave him lot power and a big ego. The Gods requested the Lord Vishnu to control the King's power. The Lord Vishnu took form of a Brahmin boy and appeared in front of the King. He asked the King of a donation, and the generous King said ask whatever you want, I will give it. The Boy asked for the land that can be covered in his three Footsteps. The King agreed. The boy suddenly started becoming huge in size and covered the whole sky with one foot, the whole earth with another, and asked the King where he should keep the third footstep. The King recognized that the boy was the Divine himself, and said that please keep your third foot on my head. Lord Vishnu did so, and pushed the King to the nether world. The Lord was compassionate to the King and offered him a boon for all his good qualities. The King with all his love for his people, asked the boon to visit them once a year. The day of the Onam is the homecoming of the beloved King for the people to their homes. They rejoice and celebrate his return in this festival.

Our mythology is so nice. The King symbolizes the Ego, which when grown too much, can cause harm to oneself and others. The Lord Vishnu is the maintainer of the Universe, or the Energy within us that maintains a balance for existence and proper living. The Brahmin boy symbolises the knowledge of life. The knowledge of life shows us that life alone encompasses all realms, and then the Ego humbly bows down. Uncovered by the Ego, we would love to go and meet people, which is what the homecoming of the King symbolises! And devoid of Ego, the celebration is spontaneous!

Also, if we look at the timings of the Festivals in India, we will notice that the work and celebration is put together by wise men in this country. This is the harvesting time, and for a country with huge farmland and large population of farmers, this is a time of great hardwork. The wise sages have given the celebration to go hand in hand by choosing this time for Onam!
Don't forget to check out www.onamfestival.org for the amazing details, fun games and things related to Onam!

Work in Celebration! Celebrate your work!

Bihar Flood Relief work

Art of Living Foundation is doing excellent service in Bihar Flood Relief work. Check out the details in this webpage.

We did it, we did it!

Its been a while for not writing the post... so here I go!

Last few days have been too fast to add posts, and the story of last weekend is yet to get complete!

This weekend Raghav and I did 108 Suryanamaskars...! Its was so nice to have Raghav's company. His home carries that energy... We did so much group sadhana there. This time I had better control. And I could see that, beyond a point, its all grace...

Rintu, just make sure that you stick to "Sthiram Sukham Asanam":- An asana is a steady and pleasurable posture, while doing every Suryanamaskar... Its important that your breath flows as normal as it would if you were generally talking to someone.

So we have a Club 108 now! Memberships open!

I had made a friend long ago,during a lunch, in Sukhasagar hotel. His name is Neelkanth. He has such a good memory that he recognized me after few months now! He is very good at painting, you can check his paintings here on his blog.

So nice to read all the comments, keep posting them!!

And yes, I will fill up the gap of the posting soon... keep checking for updates!