Sunday, January 31, 2010

Super String Theory

Dear One,

We live in a wonderfully complex universe and we are ever curious to find it's deepest mysteries. Some of the questions, that has baffled modern scientists and philosophers alike are - Why are we here? Where did we come from? What is the universe made of?

Modern science has delved deep into this mysterious realm and has come out with some baffling revelations. The most famous and perhaps the most confusing idea in modern physics is the String Theory.

We all know that matter is composed of atoms which are in turn made up of  protons, neutrons and electrons. Electrons are the fundamental "dot" particles while protons and neutrons are still divisible in tiny micro-particles known as quarks. Quarks are truly the elementary particles that's been discovered till now by modern science.

Enter Super String Theory.

String theory, is a fast growing discovery in the field of modern physics. It also gives credence to the age old spiritual beliefs and postulates of many world religions. String theory aims to find one universal law of physics, that applies to everything.

According to string theory, everything in this universe, is based on minute strings (and not dots) - too subtle to be observed even by the most advanced microscope. These strings are in a constant state of vibration and the vibrations determine the characteristics of the objects and perhaps our experiences too. Different vibratory patterns means different manifestations of the same reality.

Eons ago, the Buddha discovered this secret in his deepest state of meditation. He said, "Everything is composed of subtle vibrations; and it's fast changing. These vibrations produce a corresponding sensation in our minds and bodies making us feel happy or otherwise. So the wisest thing to do, is just to observe these sensations and be free."

Vedas, too have unequivocally stated to the same effect - "Everything manifest comes from primordial vibrations, which is symbolized by the word OM."  All major religions and their religious texts, point to the same unified string theory.

All humans are beings of energy, vibrating at a unique and beautiful frequencies; like divine notes in the symphony of the universe. We are spiritual beings conceived through the sound of creation. We are one with all creation. The way we view ourselves can broaden the sense of who we are and help us appreciate ourselves as brave spirits on an important mission to learn and grow here on earth.

Life is the province of learning and the wisdom we acquire throughout our lives is the reward of existence. The purpose of life is to realize that we are intimately connected to a larger rhythm, a greater voice, a universal flow and acknowledging we are different parts of the same cosmic symphony is the first step towards universal harmony .

Universe is just a play of vibrations and so are we. Vibrations don't have any religion, caste or creed. So why do we?

Live in peace and let other's too live with the same understanding.

Peace in oneself - Peace in the world.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Autobiography Of An Unknown Tree

Dear One,

'I am a tiny seed. My life began as an inscrutable speck in this vast universe. Although small, I know, I have within me, verily, the blueprint of greatness itself. It is a journey of self-discovery and self-expression. This is my story.'

'My journey began when a friendly bird took me along with it and dropped me in a faraway land. I had to let go of my parents and siblings with the very first dawn. I guess for some of us, relationships are duly discovered only by chance. Everything seems so strange to me in this unknown stony island. All I see is grey rubble everywhere leaving me with no chance for survival. Yet I shall survive. That is my destiny.'

'A small crack in the stone nearby lends me a ray of hope. I muster all my courage and strength to fit in but I just fail to move all by myself. Thankfully, a gust of wind disperses me in to the crack and I find my rightful abode. Above me, the sun smiles in agreement and gently caresses me with it's warmth. It suffuses me with life giving energy making me fit to dream on for another day. Thus each day pass by with my hands wanting to reach to the heavens and my feet digging deep into Mother Earth for comfort.'

'Growth is guaranteed when your heart has the courage to withstand all odds. The night winds howl their deathly song, making me shiver in fear; yet I choose to remain calm and still. Mother Earth whispers in my ears, an earthly secret, 'One who withstands shall stand tall; one who gives away shall surely fall.' Come what may, I shall stand my ground.'

'Seasons come and go and I slowly grow with it, spreading my hands and feet far and wide; still I am to reach my full blossom. I stand in the brink of evolution. I don't know what the future holds in store for me. Will I grow tall to be like my ancestors or will I end up as fodder to some hungry animal? I don't know. All I know is that I have to keep growing. My outstretched hands yearn for heavenly grace. The tender flowers in my hands are ready to drop as an offering to the Divine.

'I have to grow and multiply. I have a responsibility to fulfill. Many a lives depend on me, including yours.'

'Years have passed and now I stand a full grown tree. My story is not yet over. If spared by man, I shall live to tell the rest of my story. If axed by his greed I shall be history tomorrow. Man's growing greed to survive has threatened the very existence for some of us. And unfortunately, when I am long dead and gone, just run your fingers through the pages of your favorite book - you shall find me there, silently shedding a tear of despair.'

Save The Trees. Save The Planet.

Peace in oneself - Peace in the world.

Friday, January 29, 2010

It's A Dog's Life

Dear One,

My neighbor's dog is an adopted stray. When it was nameless and young my kind hearted neighbor took him in and drowned it in love like no other dog had experienced. Now, it lives life king size. Comfy cushioned bed and a lavish lifestyle has spoiled it to it's teeth. It keeps barking it's material superiority the very first thing every morning. It's a sort of a wake up 'bark' for all the other lesser mortals.

This pet dog has become iconic in our society to say the least. Literally speaking, it lives a life that shall put human life to shame. A premium shelter that is worth nearly half a crore, breakfast-lunch-dinner like a king, no fear of binding rules and regulations, protected and loved like a child by it's owner, going for exciting dog camps, branded lifestyle products to splurge on, once a month visit to a chic dog spa - What a dogged life could it ask for?

Let's take a look at our poor mundane existence. We dream of a high life every night...and wake up low every morning. Life goes on in pursuit of fulfilling our choicest dreams. We earn and save every bit for a plush 3-bed room flat at a prime location, but then, we end up buying a 1-bedroom flat in some distant suburbs. We would love to go for a hearty meal in a 5-star restaurant, but last minute logistics takes us to our friendly neighborhood restaurant instead. Over the years, we get programmed to a game of compromise.

However, our best adventure is in chasing love and loved ones. We are ace at this game of  'heart and seek'. We start with a whisper and end up barking to gain the prized attention of our lovers. We shout and bleed out of  love, yet everyone is so damn busy to even notice your pleas. Then we take to all sorts of things to forget the pangs of love just to end up being a hopeless nervous wreck. Dogs bark and people come running to it or go running away from it; we bark and people bark back and show us the finger. What a life!

In a way, the saying "It's a dog's life", is no longer apt for today's times. The friendly dogs, have a life that is protected by dog- loving activists and well-funded organizations dedicated to make their existence meaningful. Even technology is in favor of the 'Canis Lupis Familiaris', (Domestic Dog for the rest of us). Remember Aibo, the robotic pet dog that revolutionized the pet industry. That was just the beginning of the take over.

While we still ponder over our unfortunate lives; dogs, in all shapes, size and forms, I guess, will take over the world one day. In the near future, there will be a drastic role reversal. The most prized pet possession will be - us!

Peace in yourself - Peace in the world.

P.S - I don't intend to hurt the sentiments of any dog or their proud owners. I was just attempting to write a satire on human existence, which has literally gone to the dogs.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Touch Of The Buddha

Dear One,

"Blood quenches the hatred of my heart" echoed a ghostly voice, "and your blood shall fulfill my desire". Fear was the constant companion of all the travelers who chose to take the mountainous path across Takshila. The deathly voice belonged to the most feared man in ancient Takshila - Angulimala.

A ravenous man with hideous looks; he roamed the jungles in search of human flesh for sacrifice. A cannibal with no mercy, ready to butcher anyone who crossed his way. He was a nasty ghoul in a man's garb. People feared and loathed him for his bloody atrocities, yet no one could muster enough courage to stand before him and take him down. Thus time passed and he became the master of the living dead.

With the dawn of the morning sun, one day, Angulimala saw a man of exceptional beauty walk the lonely  mountain path. His mind and heart was filled with blackness as he ran like a beast possessed towards the calm silhouette.

"Stop! right there before I chop you down to pieces" shouted Angulimala. He halted abruptly when he saw the serene face of the Buddha, smiling gently.

"I have stopped, but you are still running" said the Buddha calmly. The blood thirsty cannibal couldn't understand the soulful words of the blessed Buddha.

"I am the dreaded Angulimala and I want a sacrifice of your finger to appease the gods and myself."

The Buddha unperturbed, said gently, "My child, no sacrifice is greater than the sacrifice of your own self." "What do you mean?" demanded Angulimala. "Sacrifice your hatred and embrace the heart of compassion towards all beings" replied the Buddha tenderly. Sacrifice means to let go all delusions.

No one had ever spoken to him before with so much love and compassion. The world seem to be sucked away in a chasm of confusion and he stood still like an obedient child before a compassionate father. The magic of the Buddha had worked yet again. Nothing can stand in front of a compassionate soul.

Angulimala, in a way, is the deepest blackness of our hearts; and when we come face to face with the whiteness of  Buddhahood, all hatred and smallness dissolves in the light of compassion. Darkness is just the absence of light. Ignorance is just the absence of knowledge. Suffering is just the absence of mindful awareness.

What remains is the touch of the Master making you complete and new again.

Every saint has a past and every sinner a future.

Peace in yourself - Peace in the world.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

My Dream For India

Dear One,

I have a dream for India
To be devoid of slavery
Mental and physical
With everybody living as one
Not as a hindu or a muslim
But as an Indian only and not any one

With love and respect
In our hearts for each other
With helping hands for one another
Sharing a colorful dream together
Rich and poor living with respect
To make our family picture perfect

No bombs to destroy innocent lives
Only love to touch all lives
I dream a dream of India
Where just money and corruption
Don't rule people's mind
Where children take pride in their motherland
Where women and men can walk with heads held high
And children to complete their education
Without tears in their eyes

No bureaucracy or red tape to pull you down
Only rightful freedom to live in your own homeland
This is my country so is yours
Let's make it rich with national pride
By living our life with respect each day of our life
Jai Hind!

Peace in yourself - Peace in the world.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

My First Free Verse

Dear One,

I've attempted to write my first free verse and this is how it has shaped up to be -

There lived a man in ancient Greece,
Who spoke of God, Man and Beast.
He stood in the temple doorway,
Prodding men to find their rightful ways.

Wise was he; so did people claim,
Yet they feared him, as he would surely disdain.
His words were sharp as solid steel,
Enough to make a thousand men take to their heels.

He spoke of heaven and hell,
Telling everyone all's not well.
"Refine yourselves" he cried aloud,
Else you shall remain knuckleheads all throughout.

World is to be seen through your own eyes,
And not through borrowed ones.
Think with your own little head,
Before you ruefully fall dead.

He made everyone fearlessly think aloud,
Fearing not of himself or any dark cloud.
Kings feared him as a man of astute reason,
And unlawfully booked him for pompous treason.

His name was Socrates,
The greatest sage who ever lived.
He claimed to know nothing,
Yet he discerned almost everything.

He shaped human history,
Only to die in complete mystery.
He swallowed the Hemlock with a smile,
But he lived his life worthwhile.

In death and in life he was a hero,
While the rest were pondering about empty zeros.
His last words were spoken with thoughtful glee,
"Know Thyself and thou shall be set free."

Monday, January 25, 2010

Life's A Khichdi

Dear One,

One of my favorite past time is experimental cooking. Well, experimental because, I start with something in mind but end up with a gastronomic innovation. Also because, I make it a point to experiment my fusion dishes only on close family and friends, lest they disown me someday.

Yesterday, I felt like making a simple khichdi for everyone. So I prepared myself and the kitchen after much haranguing with mum to leave her prized domain. She finally relented, but kept mumbling under her breath for the temporary loss of daily monopoly. Women can feel threatened when a man tries his hand (and also succeed to an extent) in her area of expertise. Nevertheless, I felt elated and started my culinary journey of sorts.

The wok was set and the gas was lit to burn bright. In went an assortment of whole spices sizzling in a dollop of hot melted ghee. Next came the turn of the humble onions. They crackled with a ferocity of sworn enemies meeting after a long time, as the moisture in them hit the hot wok. The rice and lentils too were popped in with a dash of salt; and it was solemnly covered with water and left to soulfully simmer away. The gentle fire beneath crackled with excitement as it started to work it's magic.

In a short while delicate aromas started wafting around with careless glee. Moods were instantly lifted by the  delectable fragrances. All the raw ingredients were cooked to perfection and together they metamorphosed into a delicious dish fit for urban kings (and queens too).

Life's too like that. It is a combination of various ingredients sorted and doled out in right measures to get the desired outcome. It has to be heated in the fire of adversities to release all it's hidden flavors. Without adversities you will remain kinda half cooked. Don't forget to add loads of ghee...oops I mean love, to make it a truly enriching experience. A word of caution though - go less on the salt of anger, greed and jealousy, else it will spoil the whole dish.

The proof of the khichdi is in eating; so also, the proof of life is in living. Live as if there is no tomorrow and eat as if there is a tomorrow.

One last pointer - Don't complicate life by adding too much masala to it. Keep it plain and simple. May the fragrance of your beautiful life spread far and wide as my khichdi. (:-)

Peace in yourself - Peace in the world.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Math-e-Magic

Dear One,

If A,B,C are the points z1,z2,z3 and the angles B and C are each pie- alpha/2 then (z2-z3)^2 = 4(z3-z1)(z1-z2) sin^2 alpha/2

The above equation for me is equivalent to a fatal death blow. As a student I used to dread the mathematics class and the mathematician (teacher). Both were morbidly inscrutable. Numbers and equations gave me headaches that no aspirin could cure.

My math teacher was an avant grade ego basher. My Class 10th. math teacher especially was one such prodigy. He got supreme pleasure to catch hold of me and parade me and my ridiculous mathematical knowledge in front of the whole class just for fun. Those were the days of sheer humiliation and contempt at my own inability to understand numbers and a holy disgust towards my sadistic math teachers.

Much later in life I came across Vedic Mathematics. An ancient system of solving complex mathematical problems using simple vedic solutions. It didn't catapult my interest greatly due to my avowed aversion for math. But then I decided to give it a shot and what came out of it was wondrous math-e-magic. Numbers revealed their secret language in the most simplest ways. Numbers like any other language has a system of understanding. Once you understand the basics, it opens up a Pandora's box to explore and experiment.

By the way, I do not claim to be least proficient in this ancient system or of any other modern mathematics. I still remain the same nerd who has a love-hate relationship with numbers, but yes, I am no longer afraid of them. Instead, I have gained some fascinating insights into their mysterious world beyond words. The domain of numbers have finally earned my long lost respect.

Primarily, there are 16 sutras or principles in the tradition of vedic mathematics. Each sutra is unique to it's application. The ancient Indian mathematicians, I guess, were a tolerable lot. They made math fun and easy to learn unlike present day math teachers who take special pride in number bashing their poor students .

 Jokes apart, this system is mind boggling in it's nature and application. You have to try it to know it's potential. To understand and experience the computing power of this ancient system, you can visit the following website for a free e-book http://vedic-maths-ebook.com/

Peace in yourself; Peace in the world.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

I Quit...

Dear One,

"I Quit..."

Remember those infamous words from 3 Idiots. That was just a reel shot but how many young people are making those two words their last words.

I recently attended a seminar by an eminent psychiatrist on 'Teen Suicides'. The venue had a capacity of holding hundred odd participants. But to the surprise of many, more than two hundred people turned up, most of them anxious parents. The hall was jam packed yet many "upper class" people chose to sit in the doorway or any other cranny they could squeeze in.

The entire scene was dismally upbeat. I know it contradicts but all the parents were visibly concerned and  excited to know professional answers and solutions to the latest teen fad - Suicide.

One anxious parent asked "Why do children commit suicide? We give them the best of everything. What is it they lack that prompts them to take such extreme measures."

"We prompt them to commit suicide," pat came the reply of the psychiatrist, much to the horror of everyone present, "And what they lack is our quality time." He let his bold yet pertinent answer sink in for a moment before he explained further.

"In today's time," he added, "every parent works doubly hard to give their children the best of everything. Be it education or entertainment or any fancy gadgetry, you name it and they have it. In return they expect a lot more from their children. They want them to score top marks in their exams, play cricket like Sachin Tendulkar and dance like Madhuri Dixit. In short every parent dreams of their child to be nothing short of a Superman."

Well, in my opinion it is not wrong to expect from your children, but the expectations should be real and practical. Don't push them to the extremes. Identify what they are best at and gently encourage them to expand their own limits. At times, we have to just let them be what they want to be and not what we want them to be. What is the point of living your dreams through your child's eyes. Let them dream and live their own dreams. Our duty is to become their loving guide and not a ruthless dictator of dreams.

Let's face it. Today's children are much more stressed out than what we were in our childhood. They have to face the vagaries of the modern world which is hopelessly demanding and unforgiving. Let us be forgiving with  our children to start off with. Let's appreciate them often and lecture them less. Inculcate deep spiritual values of love, sympathy, compassion etc. from an early age. Most importantly let us gift them our most invaluable possession - Quality time.

We, as teachers and parents, should give them a solid grounding to walk on and mighty wings to fly high. Educate them for life and not just for a career. Appeal to their heart as much as we teach them to expand their minds. A balance of heart and mind is very essential for a successful and happy living.

Lastly, no one would like to choose death over life. It's only when they lose hope in life that they find respite in death.

Give them hope and encouragement. Help them to live. Help them to love - because life is still beautiful.

Peace in yourself; Peace in the world.

Friday, January 22, 2010

The Art Of Letting Go

Dear One,

An old Master and his disciple were about to cross a river, when they see a woman sobbing nearby. The disciple out of curiosity asked the woman as what was troubling her. She explained, “I have to cross the river but there are no boats to take me across. The river is too deep and I don’t know how to swim.”

The Master, who was silently listening to her woes came forward and offered his help. He asked her to sit on his shoulders while he crossed the river. The disciple was shocked at the blasphemous behavior of his respectful teacher. He thought how could a monk observing strict monastic vows, commit such an act of sacrilege. Yet he chose to keep silent and wait for the opportune moment to question his Master.

They all crossed the river and the women profusely thanked the Master and went her way. The Master too kept walking as if nothing had happened. The disciple was seething with disgust at his teacher’s nonchalant attitude. He rushed to the master and asked, “How could you possibly carry a woman on your shoulders and yet pretend as if nothing happened.”

The Master, unmoved by the disciple’s rage calmly said, “I have left behind the woman a long time back; however you seem to be carrying her even now.”

What an eye opener? Aren’t we too, like the disciple, carrying our past baggage on our mind, heart and shoulders? We love to hold on to the past with so much tenacity that it becomes impossible to differentiate it from the present. Complications arise when we fail to see things as they really are. We use our past as a looking glass to see into the future and ruin our momentous present.

The secret of happiness is very simple. Learn to let go. Let go of your past mistakes, past hurt and unfulfilling  experiences. Do you not regularly dispose unwanted clutter from your house? Then why do you hold on to century’s worth of past clutter in your heart and mind. Dispose them from time to time and you will be living happily in the present. That is true mindfulness.

Let us choose to look back in gratefulness rather in hate. Let us focus on the living rather than the dead. Let us live happily in the present moment for this is the only moment of truth. Breathe deeply and let it go once and for all. How long do you intend to hold on to the stale air in your lungs (mind & heart too)?

Let the words of the Buddha always ring true - “Just let it be.”

Peace in oneself; peace in the world.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Of Friends & Friendship

Dear One,

True friends never go away; they arrive when you need them the most. I am basically a social outcast by choice; in a positive sense of course. I like to be in tune with myself and with nature most of the time. In a way you can say, I am my best friend. That doesn't mean I am a self-obsessed freak or a cracked introvert. I just find too much silence to be disturbed by meaningless words.

However, over the years I had managed to earn some fine friends with whom I shared the best moments of my life. Friends who were more than family to me, who stood by me when the world doubted my very existence. Each one of them came with a specific mission. Some came to break old patterns and many came to form mighty good ones. But all of them had a common purpose - to make me better person.

Acquaintances I have many; friends a very few. A friend is someone who leaves a part of his soul etched on yours, making you a worthy or an unworthy reflection of himself. So you have to choose your friends wisely. I bet you don't want to end up being like a disfigured reflection of someone.

To have a worthy friend you should first aspire to be one. Everybody, irrespective of their age, needs a hand to hold and a heart to understand. That's a job of a friend. Look at nature and it shall reveal the secret of friendship. The bee is the flower's best friend and together they team up to produce the sweetest honey. Friendships are forged instinctively without a forethought or an afterthought. It's not a compromise. It is an opportunity to write an ode to life itself.

One such lost friend I found today. From the pages of bygone times, walked my old buddy into the present. What an exhilarating feeling it is to know that your friend still sounds the same (although with oodles of extra baggage and a newly wedded wife to top it off). I am glad we picked up the scattered pages of memory and avowed happily to re-stitch it for old times sake. Good times are back again and this time it's here to stay.

Well, it's true that diamonds are timeless and lasts forever; yet I wonder, why they don't have any lifelong friends. Because the fact is, they only have proud replaceable owners; friendship doesn't.

Welcome back my friend!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Genesis Of A Genius

Dear One,

It was a bright sunny day for him and a dark moonless night for her.

He was an old man and she was just a little girl. They were complete strangers, yet the hands of fate were to tie them together for a greater purpose.

One fine day, the man was walking along with his friend in a narrow alley. A little girl was playing blissfully with her doll, unaware of the world and it's passerby. The man stopped for a while to see the child playing merrily. His heart swelled with filial affection. On closer look, he realized that the girl was blind.

He stepped closer and whispered to the girl, "Don't you miss the beauty of this vast creation?"

The girl gently replied, "I don't. I may not see it, but I can feel it in my soul". The man couldn't respond, as he was stone deaf.

He then asked her, "What is the most beautiful thing you ever dreamt of seeing?"

"The symphony of the moonlight on a cloudless night" said the little girl. He read her lips through his experienced eyes.

Then and there he composed a melody for that little girl and for the rest of the world to cherish. And when he played it for the girl in his grand old piano, the girl was simply transfixed in a heavenly trance, with streams of joyful tears flowing down her sightless yet grateful eyes. She saw the beauty of the moonlight through his eyes and he listened to the soulful music through her ears.

The man was Lugwig van Beethoven and the symphony he created for the blind girl was 'The Moonlight Sonata'.

Passion is the genesis of a genius.

To listen to the magic click here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQVeaIHWWck

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Leaders & Leadership

Dear One,

Let's see what Chanakya has to say about leaders and leadership. Chanakya has described over one hundred traits of an efficient leader. Some of them are reproduced below.

>> Intelligence and SpiritThey are like two sides of the same coin. A leader cannot afford to be emotional. Although he/she has to understand emotions but should not turn emotional in the bargain. He/she should have great thoughts, but also implement them skillfully. He/she should be a master of situational leadership. Plan out your work and work out your plan.

>> Given To Seeing Elders - An evolving leader should definitely have an experienced mentor, who will guide, challenge and help rework perceptions. 

>> Truthful In Speech - Think 100 times before making a promise or a commitment. Once made never go back on your word. Excuses are not leaders best used weapons.

>>  Being Grateful - Present day leaders lack one vital leadership trait - Attitude of gratitude. You will garner people's support only if you are truly grateful. Your success is just not yours; it was with the contribution of many a supportive souls.

>> Easily Approachable - A leader should be easily approachable, mentally and physically. Don't sit inside a cabin with just your choicest few. Movement is the mark of a great leader. Be open to new ideas even from an abject new comer.

>> Continuous Education - Keep on learning. Always be a student. Share your knowledge with everyone who is desirous of learning. Don't hold on to this treasure as it will make you a rich lone pauper.

>> Be A Role Model - You may not be a role model to everybody, at least be a role model to somebody. Conduct yourself to be a worthy role model.

Monday, January 18, 2010

A Legend & His Music

Dear One,

The stage was set and a few thousand people waited in anticipation to catch a glimpse of their beloved idol. Slowly a stretch limousine pulled across the aisle and the restless crowd went berserk.

The King had finally arrived and the wait was finally over.

Elvis Presley, the King of Rock n Roll, was already a legend of his times. Last week saw his birth anniversary and this post is a humble tribute to the man whose music shaped and inspired millions including mine. I recently watched "The Elvis Tours" documentary in TCM and it was such a treat to watch and hear the legend and his music.

Born under lowly circumstances, he rose to phenomenal heights of fame and fortune early in life. He had the grace and style to make the entire nation swoon to his music. His style of music was bold and vibrant, simply much ahead of his times. His contemporaries would mock him for his flamboyance, but deep inside they craved to be like him.

The sheer range and versatility of his voice was his greatest asset. He would sing a soulful ballad like 'Love Me Tender' and the very next moment he would break into a frenzied rendition of 'Burning Love.' The crowd simply loved him. No one knew if it was the music or the man himself that caused so much excitement.

He lived like a King. He had his share of aristocratic vices, yet the soul of a rustic village boy never left him. His music resonated with a sincerity that was never to be heard again. John Lennon of the Beatles said, "Before Elvis, there was nothing."

To this day, thirty two years after his untimely death, the King's music continues to bring solace and inspires millions of listeners to live their dreams. Legends never die. They live on in the hearts of men, forever inspiring and motivating till the last song.

As he once said, "Without a song, the day would never end; without a song, a man ain’t got a friend; without a song, the road would never bend - without a song. So I keep singing a song. Goodnight. Thank you."

Sunday, January 17, 2010

The Cosmic Dancer & Origin Of the Universe

Dear One,

He is known as Nataraja - The King Of Dancers. It is one of the epithets of Lord Shiva, the Destroyer of the Hindu pantheon. Lord Shiva is a cosmic enigma. He represents the merging of opposites. He wields the power to destroy death and helps usher in newness and birth.

For most of us, Shiva or any of the other half a billion hindu gods and goddesses are divinities residing in their starry abodes in a faraway galaxy. Willing to humbly differ, I feel they are the representations of a deeper cosmological subtleties.

Shiva, for example, is a representation of the primordial principle that existed when nothing else existed. He is represented by the primordial sound OM. It began as a frenzied dance, and the Universe emerged out of the resulting chaos. Thus began the process of creation.

To quote from the Rig veda -

In the beginning there was neither existence nor non- existence; there was no atmosphere, no sky, and no realm beyond the sky. What power was there? Where was that power? Who was that power? Was it finite or infinite?

There was neither death nor immortality. There was nothing to distinguish night from day. There was no wind or breath. God alone breathed by his own energy. Other than God there was nothing.

In the beginning darkness was swathed in darkness. All was liquid and formless. God was clothed in emptiness. Then fire arose within God; and in the fire arose love. This was the seed of the soul. Sages have found this seed within their hearts; they have discovered that it is the bond between existence and non-existence.
- Rig Veda 10:129.1-7

The above verses from the oldest living text - The Rig Veda, has paved way for modern day postulates of Cosmology and Quantum Physics. Big Bang theory stipulates that at the beginning the entire universe was concentrated at one point. Whether it was mass or energy all was inside one point At that point about 14 billion years ago a big explosion took place and the galaxies started forming and started running away from the center.

The Rig Veda is more explicit in its account of creation. The whole universe was at first concentrated at one point or dot (Bindu). It is the Primordial Seed of creation. After a period of germination it undergoes an explosion (Sphota) resulting in the sound (Nada) of creation (OM). (Sound is used in the scriptures for all kinds of vibrations.) All creation (Kala) proceeds from this sound. Thus the doctrine of Nada, Bindu, and Kala is but an implied reference to the Big Bang theory of creation.

We have a storehouse of encrypted scientific knowledge in our ancient scriptures waiting to be deciphered by modern minds. All it requires is an open mind and a willingness to explore without any religious or scientific prejudices. Those who unlock it, shall come face to face with the very secrets of Creation itself.

The truth is out there.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Stilling The Mind

Dear One,

A blissful silence prevailed. All noises drowned away in the rhythm of a wordless silence. Even the ceaseless chattering of the mind stopped. Nothing seemed to affect. Time and space stood completely still. Your heart beats with the oneness of the universe. Pain transforms into joy, past vanishes into the present and the future merges into eternity.

Don't be puzzled. I ain't talking about a death scene or an out-of-body experience. It is when your mind stood still; completely still in deep meditation.

This is the power of meditation. The sole aim of meditation is to train your mind to acquire silence. Because, if the mind is silent there is a great possibility of clarity in your thoughts. It becomes sharp and powerful like a laser, capable of cutting through the densest of confusions.

In ancient times almost everyone understood the power of meditation and its effects on the mind. Children were trained in the science of meditation at an early age, so when they reached adulthood they were masters of this science. I say science because it is a systematic and process-driven prescriptive practice, capable of resulting in a predictable type of outcome.

Modern research backs the claim of the ancients in unequivocal terms. Meditation eases out the stress hormone; cortisol and epinephrine, making you feel relaxed and energized. Brain research conducted on people practicing meditation has shown that it increases the frequency of alpha waves to levels not seen even during sleep.

Meditation improves blood circulation, protects the nervous system, helps decrease muscle pain, fatigue and depression. It also lowers blood levels of lactic acid making you last longer with reduced anxiety.

Structured meditation is the panacea for all modern ills. Just fifteen minutes daily and you are assured of a healthy, clutter-free mind. Even your bosses' rueful outpourings will not affect you. You will not lose your inner smile under any circumstance. You will be as you were originally programmed to be - Serene yet powerful, assertive and not belligerent, silent yet expressive.

To learn more about meditation, feel free to contact me at srinathraghavan07@gmail.com

Friday, January 15, 2010

Giving Back

Dear One,

After a three day hiatus I am back to do what I love to do...writing of course.

Well, in the last few days ideas and insights have been flashing in my mind prompting me to take a decision. Your life changes for better or for worse by a decision you take; the rest are just superficial excuses.

Looking back, my childhood was nothing short of extraordinary. It handed me vivid experiences through set backs and frequent failures to make me want more for success. Many people came as guiding angels but most came down as cruel morale busters. I ended my school/college days on a bitter note, but my schooling in the 'Life Experience University' continues to this day.

What makes a child grow with cynicism? A truth handled with grave brutality. I knew I wasn't a bright student as there were hundreds of people to tell me just that. But very few cared telling me what I was good at, as the rest were busy trying to dig out my deepest flaws. A child blooms when nurtured with timely appreciation and withers away with undue criticism and comparison.

I have made a choice. I have decided to give back, as a gesture of gratitude to the same society, who once thought I and millions like me are worthless if you don't get good grades. I have decided to teach deprived vernacular children the necessary life-skills to survive in this highly ego-centric and cynical world.

I have decided not to throw away my life in climbing the vain corporate ladder, when it can be used as a ladder for others to climb and explore their own potentials.

I have decided to give back in loving kindness what I once received as rueful mockery. And this time I am not to be judged on the basis of my certificates.

Let's stop asking for more for and give back for a change.  Wake up! The world is much bigger than you and me.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

I Value Life...

Dear One,

I value my life. Although filled with it's share of ups and downs, I choose to continue living. I have had many of my dreams being shattered, yet I choose to dream more. I have had my heart broken many a times, yet I choose to love some more. I have spent many sleepless nights coming to terms with rejection, yet I choose to accept the very people who rejected me in the first place. I am as human and frail as you are, yet I choose to be what I wish to be.

Seeing the plight of things, it is very disheartening to see people give up on life after a brief struggle. Studies forecast that by 2020 India will be a country of highly depressed men, women and children; and depression will be a common occurrence like flu. What a sad state of mind, body & spirit.

The missing link between life and death is the art of living. We have simply forgotten how to live a contented life.We want more of everything. We want to prove our credibility to the world, yet we fail to prove it our own self. We look for material security outside, yet we are mentally & emotionally insecure within. In good times we talk of courage and when faced with testing time, we flee discouraged.

What should we do at such difficult times. To start off with, stay grounded. Live in the present moment, forget and let go the past and stop expecting miracles of the future. Utilize the present moment by focussing on all rounded development of mind, body and spirit. Take to some kind of sport or exercise at least for 20 minutes every day. Read encouraging literature and expand your mind to larger horizons. Meditate for a few minutes daily. Silence can be a great energizer. Forgive and forget your mistakes and those of others. Move on, don't look back because t's dead and gone. Renew the friendship with yourself.

Stop giving excuses and start living your life. Remember no one cares how you died, but how well you lived.

Friday, January 8, 2010

The Way Of Zen

Dear One,

Listen to a story.

An old Zen Master was living in a crowded street by the local bazaar. The street was perennially filled with day to day clatter. Dogs barking, vendors shouting, people arguing, children frolicking and all other imaginable  noises could be heard.

A disciple who once visited the Master, got so caught up by the commotion outside that he blurted out, "Master, How do you live in such a noise filled place, without getting distracted?

The Master smiled and said, "I simply listen to the noises inside and the outside din fades away."

This is the essence of Zen. When you begin to hear your inner clamor, all external noises fade away. The minute your inner clamor comes to a naught, you shall attain Nirvana - The Endless Silence.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

The Mind Of A Genius

Dear One,

On the banks of the river Ganga was a man walking with a determined gait. His eyes were burning like hot embers, and his mind was running like a wild horse determined to reach his destination. He was so engrossed in his own thoughts that he didn't care about anything that came in his way. A cluster of deep rooted wild grass made him stumble and his chain of thoughts were abruptly broken. His body and mind trembled with rage and he wanted to avenge this senseless triviality.

What happened next is completely unexpected and it goes down the annals of history as a baseless myth. Nevertheless, we get a sneak-peak into the notorious yet brilliant mind of a master schemer and strategist.

A little errand boy was the sole witness to what was about to happen. The man, sprinkled a handful of sugar over the grass. In seconds, thousands of vicious ants came from all directions and devoured the grassy patch clean by the very roots. The elderly man smiled in brute satisfaction and the boy looked on in mute amazement.

The man was Chanakya and the boy was to become Chandragupta Maurya, the famed ruler of the Mauryan dynasty. Chanakya, single handedly dethroned the conceited reigning Nanda King with his masterful schemes and pushed an unknown, uneducated Chandragupta, to dizzying heights of able rulership.

Chanakya was infamous for his temper as much as he was famous for his skillful strategies. His dual magnum opus, The Artha Shastra and Chankaya Neeti, are considered to be ageless masterpieces of socio-political literature, famed for it's sheer universality and shocking ingenuity.

Few gems of wisdom from Chanakya are reproduced below.

1. Never share your secrets with anybody. It will untimely destroy you.

2. Before you start any venture, always ask yourself these three questions a) Why am I doing it? b) What shall be the outcome? c) Will I be successful? Only when you think deeply and find satisfactory answers to these questions, go ahead with it.

3. Treat your kid like a darling for the first five years. For the next five years, scold them. By the time they turn sixteen, treat them like a friend. Your grown up children are your best friends.

4. There is some self-interest behind every friendship. There is no Friendship without self-interests. This is a bitter truth.

5. A person should not be too honest. Straight trees are cut first.

Modern day leaders and layman alike, will have something of invaluable importance to learn from the genius that was Chanakya. Read Chanakya; Think like Chankaya and the world will be your playground.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Children Of A Lesser God

Dear One,

It was morning, but there was a deathly darkness lurking around a lost soul. No earthly light was able to reach to the darkest part of his being. Something was clawing him inside as a tear of sorrow escaped his drooping eyes. He had failed the test. He had lost the game. He was sorry for everything that had happened and for everything that was about to come.

He took a deep breath and looked up to the vast blue sky. He saw the birds flying without any care. He felt the wind blow with careless abandon. He wanted to be like them. His soul yearned for an early escape. And for a moment he felt happy and that was his last cheerful respite.

He went inside his room and locked himself in. He looked around as if to say goodbye to all the lifeless objects; for he too was about to join them shortly. He thought of his mother who loved him dearly, who wanted him to become a successful Neuro-surgeon. His dad too was very successful in his chosen field, and he was his hero. Although, he couldn't see much of his hero during the day as he was busy saving the world and making money. His dad had fantastic dreams for his only child.

Today, however, he had let down his hero. He felt a surge of intense guilt surge through his entire body and in an instant threw himself out of the balcony. He floated for a second in a sea of happiness and all was over.

He was just a child of 11 and he had failed his mid-term exams.

He was afraid to face his own kind; people like you and me.

Do you think it is a fragment of my own imagination? However, over the last few days, this has been the ugly truth. 3 children, ended their life even before it had actually started. What a frustrating plight of today's children burdened by the dreams and expectations of a competitive tomorrow.

Who is to be blamed? You tell me.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Soulful Journeys - The Workshop

Dear One,

Today I have taken the first step towards fulfilling my cherished dream of conducting my own self-discovery  workshop for the masses. The deadlines have been set, course framework has been drawn and I am busy planning & working on managing the workshop logistics.

Over the ages, we have seen glimpses of extraordinary greatness in a few select men & women. They seem to decide the course of action for the world to follow. The rest of us settle down for a mediocre and a stressed out life. What was their secret? What did they know then, that we don't seem to know now?

After years of preparation and research, I have managed to dig out the best practical techniques and principles to bring about a complete transformation of mind, body and spirit. These priceless techniques are simple to practice yet immensely powerful on the human body and psyche. Age old habit patterns and painful  three fold constitutional blocks (mental, emotional and physical) are shattered by practicing these powerful techniques daily.

Various studies have shown that 92% of human beings use only a fraction of the unbounded potential he/she is actually capable of. This untapped power that lies dormant within us, is waiting to be discovered and unleashed through proper channeling methods.

No tall claims about this one, but this shall be a unique experiential workshop for everyone who craves for  self-unfoldment. In crazy times such as these, where everything zooms past us with blinding speed, this workshop will open you to a calmer world. A world where you shall enjoy every second of your stay in  complete awareness and focus; where past & future will be forgotten for the bliss of the present moment. In here the monotony of words shall fade away to bring you face to face with deeply relaxing and meaningful  silence. You shall definitely turn a new leaf.

That is the aim of this workshop - "To help you start the journey of self-discovery and to make you aware of  your immense potential through powerful channeling principles and techniques."

Take this 'Soulful Journey' to re-discover your truest potential.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Remembering Leonidas

Dear One,

Remember Leonidas? The brave Spartan king who stood ground with 300 of his bravest men against the thousands of Persians warriors in the bloodiest battle of Thermopylae.

In all, 7000 spartans fiercely defended their small country of Greece against the mammoth onslaught of a power hungry Persian Emperor - Xerxes. They knew they were fighting a lost battle. but the Spartans kept on till the last man standing.

Today, if anyone remembers King Leonidas (courtesy the movie 300), he is remembered for being one of the greatest warriors history has ever known. He claimed a rightful place for himself in the annals of history, for his matchless courage.

What made a handful of Spartans give sleepless nights to countless persians? We shall see.

In today's corporate battlefield too, there is no dearth of Xerxes wannabes. Every boss wants to suck more blood. They are power thirsty and will stop at nothing to strike a lucrative deal. They don't think twice to chop down their adversaries to bits by their sharp tongues and nasty manipulative schemes. You either with them or you against them, no chance for being neutral.

This is the 21st century bloodless bath of the powerful. So who is the one, who has the might to stand against this corporate tyrant? Who is the redeemer of the oppressed? More so, what qualities or strengths does he need to possess, to wage an epic battle against the dark mighty forces of modern day business bureaucracy.

Watch 300 again. You will find hidden clues to prepare yourself for today's corporate battle. For starters -

- Train, Train and Train some more. Training is very important for today's corporate warriors. You have to be skilled to the teeth and you should know how to use your best tools in time of need. Sharpen your sword of knowledge every single day. Every blow has to be a death blow. Every move has to be a checkmate.

- Build a tribe. Assemble a group of like minded people who shall dedicate themselves for a common cause and who will stand for you. A leader is nothing without his followers. Learn to lead like a King. Just and courageous; but when situation demands, willing to sacrifice his own head (Ego) and not of anyone else. Lead by strict example.

- Study your enemy. Half the battle will be won if you know the mind of your enemy. Study - Prepare - Plan - Execute - Followthrough - Study again. This is the corporate battle mantra. Make a game plan and try different variations of the same game. Remember if you lose a sword, you should have a spear to fight with.

- Face your own fears. This is the most important lesson a modern warrior has to learn. Come face to face with your own demons and defeat them once and for all. No excuses. No reasons. No fall outs. Take full responsibility for your own actions and that of your tribe.

- Make the team self sufficient. Today's corporate warrior has a limited life span in a company. Leave a seal of incorrigible leadership on each of your team members. They shall remember you long after you are dead and gone. They shall recount and carry your legacy forward.

Remember, it took 7000 men to fight a brutal war at Thermopylae, but one Leonidas to bring them together and inspire them to sacrifice their lives for their country. That is legendary leadership.

Leaders are not extraordinary men or women. In fact, they are ordinary men and women just like you who chose to stand up and lead in extraordinary situations. They took the responsibility where others simply fled or gave up. Do you have it in you to become a legend?

For Victory! For Spartans! For you!

Sunday, January 3, 2010

3 Idiots

Dear One,

Man! What an amazing movie to start the new year with. It is enough to fuel my confidence to last for an entire year. Rancho steals the show with his bohemian attitude. Farhan & Raju too compliment this brilliant man perfectly. Moreover, Virus leaves no stone unturned to snub the human spirit from burning bright.

What stands out is the message this movie has to offer. Dare to think different. But think nevertheless, using your "OWN" mind and not through borrowed ones. True education is aimed to expand the human mind; make it wonder in sheer amazement at the finer workings of the universe. It is not meant to despairingly rote hundreds of text books to end up with a piece of laminated paper, certifying your years of herculean but unintelligible efforts.

You may live well with common knowledge but you need uncommon wisdom to make a life.

So people, do not judge a person just by his/her certificates but also by the sheer profundity of their minds.

Finally, Mum & Dad am I not making you proud, without a certificate? LOL.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Beyond Dreams

Dear One,

Dreams are reality modified. When I dream with my eyes closed, I am called a dreamer. When I live with my eyes open, I am branded a victim of reality.

Dreams are meant to be dreamt with eyes open, if you want to realize them. Each passing year we dream of making it big or doing something different, but as the year fades away our dreams too fade into oblivion. What a life we live. Dreaming about a super-duper life we get super duped by the pressures of reality and stop dreaming for good.

Don't you want to live your dream. Don't you want to sing the song you always wanted to sing. Don't you want to soar high on the wings of your matchless dreams. Don't you want to live your life on your own terms. What are you waiting for? Stop groping in your past and start envisioning your glorious future by living in the opportune present. Wake up dude!

Go ahead! Reclaim your life. Don't ever stop dreaming else you shall sadly stop living. Do the things you always wanted to do (Don't try to kill your boss though). Explore newer avenues and possibilities. Learn something new. Eat something new. Write something new. Discover something new. Fall in love with yourself all over again.

Kick out that old comfy attitude of yours and start reinventing yourself. Carve your unique identity in this world filled with dull similarities. Push yourself to the limits to bring out the very best in you. Try to fly so that you can learn to jump high enough.

Remember, sky is not the limit; it is just the beginning.

Finally, I have found a dream to wake up to...what about you?

Friday, January 1, 2010

The Cosmic Sound

Dear One,

Does the universe has a voice of it's own? Does it dance it's own mystical tunes? Is there a cosmic rhythm behind every measured movement or is it plain soundless silence in an ever expanding space?

Well, our ancient yogis, or you can say, the world's earliest scientists clearly understood that every object, animate or inanimate has an innate vibration or a palpable sound attached to it. The atoms inside everything has a subtle sound of it's own, waiting to be unlocked by the rightfully attuned. It vibrates to a unique frequency that is primarily inaudible to the human ear but can be heard to the highly evolved spiritual souls. As for us lesser mortals, technology is fast catching up with the old yogi's claims, as it brings the sounds of the universe to the common man's ears.

NASA has managed to record the subtle residual sounds of the various orbiting planets of our solar system using high precision equipments. One of the sound clips, (that of the earth) posted in their website http://www.nasa.gov/vision/universe/features/halloween_sounds.html, has an eerie resonance to the sacred sound of AUM. The ancient yogis knew this primordial sound very well. They heard it in their deepest levels of consciousness when heaven and earth stood still in their meditation. The old western mystics also knew this sound very well, when they said, "In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God." I know, many modern day traditionalists won't support this claim; nevertheless it is in man's nature to interpret the simple and shroud it in mysticism to make it sound inhumanly complicated. So be it with this one too. However, a rose by any other name is still a rose.

Coming to the point, the eternal sound of AUM is the primordial sound of the universe. It is an innate frequency that pulsates within all things alike. It is the cosmic ballet of atoms and space, to the beats of this ancient sound.  It is the very essence of life and creation. The one who knows this sound shall know the Creator as well and everything created. All duality then shall cease to exist. The minute you tune your mental antennas correctly, you shall experience the sound of God. It so powerfully resonates in every atom that every other sound in the universe gets dissolved in it. Then what remains is pure cosmic consciousness.

Tune in to Radio Universe 101 and experience pure bliss 24/7.