कबीरा यह घर प्रेम का, खाला का घर नाहिं ।
सीस उतारे हाथि करि, सो पैसे घर मांहि ।।

kabir says, this is the abode of love and not the house of your aunt. Only one can enter here who has relinquished all pride.

This translation is contributed by Mr. Rajender Krishan (I chose to pick this one and not write one myself, as this one is written very beautifully.)

Kabir in this doha attempts to explain valor and fearlessness in love and devotion. A person who is able to defeat the passions of Anger, Carnality, Attachment, Greed and Enmity – the enemies within – is the valiant one. To be a lover or a true devotee is the job of a warrior and not of a coward. For love demands complete surrender of one's ego and a spirit full of compassion and poise.

The abode of love is not like a visit to an aunt's house where the social rules of entertaining guests may be available. Instead in this abode of love one enters with the spirit of giving or complete surrender.

Is a genuine offering to the Lord possible without surrendering oneself? Similarly, is love possible between two people when it is based on conditions?

The grind of life

Wish you a big leap on this leap year!!!!!

Here is one dedicated to you...

चलती चक्की देख कर, दिया कबीरा रोये ।
दुई पाटन के बीच में, साबुत बचा न कोए ॥

One of Kabir's dohas points to the realities of life on this earth. It says, just like the two stone grinding plates in a hand-operated grinding machine, earth and sky are the two grinding plates for all existing life. And, all life goes through a similar fate as does anything in the grinding machine. Nothing remains intact in between the two.

Story of Little Dhruv

When people recall someone for their kathor tapasya, Maharishi Dhruv's (ध्रुव) name comes first in the memory. This story was long lost in my mind until tonight when our temple pandit ji told this during the satsang between hanuman chalisa, hanumashtak and arti recitations. The story of Dhruv appears in Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana and it inspires one to overcome the misfortunes, become devoted and thus turn sorrows into eternal joy. In fact, Dhruv name became a synonym of his strong morals and devotion.

Dhruv was a five year old boy and son of King Uttanpad and Suneeti (meaning good morals). Before his birth, the couple were unhappy because she could not conceive and the kingdom needed a heir. So, king married again to Suruchi (meaning good desires). Later, Dhruv was born to Suneeti after the king's second marriage. Among the two wives, the King had a special liking for Suruchi who also gave birth to a son named Uttam. Suruchi was unhappy that her son was younger and secondary to the king's throne in presence of Dhruv. While playing one day, Dhruv saw Uttam sitting on his father's lap and he also wanted to sit on king's lap. When Dhruv went to sit, his step mother Suruchi became angry and lashed out at him saying "you have no right to sit on the throne because you are not my son. You should pray lord Narayan so that you take birth through me to sit on this throne".

Dhruv felt humiliated by her amid father's silence and told her mother Suneeti of the incident. The mother being of high morals consoled Dhruv and said, "My son, don't wish ill for the others. Those who cause sorrow for others, have to face the outcome themselves one day. Your stepmother is right. If you wish to sit on your father’s lap, then start worshipping Vishnu". Upon hearing this, Dhruv set out with firm determination to please lord Vishnu with his tapasya in the forest. On this way, he met Narad muni who asked the little boy to go back.

The deserving do not need to search for a guru. The latter is found at the right time, in the right spot; and a true disciple recognizes him instantly. Narad ji dissuaded Dhruv from undertaking such a difficult task. Narad ji told Dhruv: "You are young, you should be spending your time playing…even great sages have not achieved the Almighty…". But Dhruv was adamant. Narad ji taught Dhruv the technique of prayer and asked him to chant the following mantra: ‘Om Namo Bhagavate Vaasudevaaya’.

Dhruv sat under a Kadamb tree in Madhuban on the banks of river Yamuna and began his recitations taught by Narad ji. During the first month he ate roots and tubers. In the second month he ate dried leaves. During the third month he managed with Yamuna's water. During the fourth month he sustained himself only on the air. Then Dhruv even stopped breathing. Now, standing on one leg only, he was fully concentrating on lord Vishnu. At the moment when Dhruv stopped breathing all the three worlds shook with fear. The demi-Gods ran to Vishnu wailing that the balance of the universe was being disturbed.

Impressed Lord Vishnu arrived in Madhuban to see His beloved devotee Dhruv. As the Lord stood in front of Dhruv, the latter did not open his eyes as he was already seeing the Almighty within his own heart. The Lord made the form that Dhruv was witnessing within himself, disappear! Dhruv became restless and opened his eyes…and Lo and behold, God was standing outside! Dhruv recognized not only the physical aspect of the Lord but also all his hidden attributes of the Almighty! He exclaimed: "You are also within me! You are the one that makes my senses come alive! You are responsible for inspiring my intellect! You have the power of saving man from the cycle of Life and Death! You are capable of fulfilling all desires…and yet men ask of you that which will be the cause of their destruction! One can achieve You only by Your Grace! My desire is that I have the good fortune of listening to the Katha (Devotional narrative) rendered by Your true devotees!" (Note that Dhruv did not express the desire of hearing the Katha from scholars or intellectuals). When the Lord insisted that Dhruv ask for a boon, Dhruv asked for that which the Lord wished to give him. The Lord’s wish was that Dhruv should return to the kingdom. God wanted to establish the fact that God also gives material wealth to his devotees. When Dhruv expressed his fear that he might get ensnared by the grip of the power that material wealth bestows, the Lord promised to protect him always. The Lord knew that Dhruv had started his penance because he had wanted to sit in his father’s lap. Dhruv was transported to the highest point of heaven, where he sits on his Divine father’s lap as the Pole Star,also known as the North Star..The moral of the story is that at one point or another of our life we all encounter situations that are unfair. Instead of focusing on our misfortunes, we should turn to our Divine Father who will give us what we deserve, and turn us into a bright star which will guide misguided spiritual pilgrims to their final divine destination.

Then Dhruv returned to his father's palace. There he was given a grand welcome by everyone, including Suruchi. His father satisfied that Dhruv was in every way capable of running the kingdom crowned Dhruv king and left for the forest in the tradition of Vanaprastha ashram.

The moral of the story is that...at one point or another in our life, we all encounter situations that are unfair. Instead of focusing on our misfortunes, we should turn to our Divine Father who will give us what we deserve, and turn us into a bright star which will guide misguided spiritual pilgrims to their final divine destination.

Life as continuation of karmas

This week during the regular pravachan on Sunday, our temple pandit ji talked about the life as the continuation of our karmas. This means that we have come to this earth to repay the debt incurred by us due to our accumulated karmas over multiple lifetimes. When we would have repaid this debt of karmas, we will not have to take rebirth and bear the pains on this earth. He also told the attendees that a saint (or Sant) is the one who has controlled his desires and learned his wisdom through his tapasya. People should carefully pay attention to such words of the sant vani. In the same context, he mentioned that Sant Kabir has told the essence of life in very simple words:

देह धरे का दंड है, सब काहू को होए,
ज्ञानी भुगते ज्ञान से, मूरख भुगते रोये।

Then, he explained that it means that just being born is a punishment because one has come to this earth for his repayment of the karmic debts, not because of someone else's or parent's wish. Only can he pass this test of repayment by opening up the doors of his mind and learning through the divine wisdom. Vidya or knowledge is said to be an incarnation of Mata Saraswati because it is pure and it lightens up the soul. On the other hand, a fool, as Kabir said in this doha, spends his life in his ego and material attachments and spends time crying his whole life. Therefore, the best way to live this life is by learning through our internal divinity and through the pure wisdom of others.

More on this topic in subsequent blogs...

Rahim on Love

'रहिमन' पैड़ा प्रेम को, निपट सिलसिली गैल।
बिलछत पांव पिपीलिको, लोग लदावत बैल॥

प्रेम की गली में कितनी ज्यादा फिसलन है! चींटी के भी पैर फिसल जाते हैं इस पर। और, हम लोगों को तो देखो, जो बैल लादकर चलने की सोचते है! (दुनिया भर का अहंकार सिर पर लादकर कोई कैसे प्रेम के विकट मार्ग पर चल सकता है? वह तो फिसलेगा ही।)

'रहिमन' प्रीति सराहिये, मिले होत रंग दून।
ज्यों जरदी हरदी तजै, तजै सफेदी चून॥

सराहना ऐसे ही प्रेम की की जाय जिसमें अन्तर न रह जाय। चूना और हल्दी मिलकर अपना-अपना रंग छोड़ देते है। (न दृष्टा रहता है और न दृश्य, दोनों एकाकार हो जाते हैं।)

कहा करौं वैकुण्ठ लै, कल्पबृच्छ की छांह।
'रहिमन' ढाक सुहावनो, जो गल पीतम-बाँह॥

वैकुण्ठ जाकर कल्पवृक्ष की छांहतले बैठने में रक्खा क्या है, यदि वहां प्रियतम पास न हो! उससे तो ढाक का पेड़ ही सुखदायक है, यदि उसकी छांह में प्रियतम के साथ गलबाँह देकर बैठने को मिले।

जे सुलगे ते बुझ गए, बुझे ते सुलगे नाहिं।
'रहिमन' दाहे प्रेम के, बुझि-बुझिकैं सुलगाहिं॥

आग में पड़कर लकड़ी सुलग-सुलगकर बुझ जाती है, बुझकर वह फिर सुलगती नहीं। लेकिन प्रेम की आग में दग्ध हो जाने वाले प्रेमीजन बुझकर भी सुलगते रहते है। (ऐसे प्रेमी ही असल में 'मरजीवा' हैं।)

यह न 'रहीम' सराहिये, देन-लेन की प्रीति।
प्रानन बाजी राखिये, हार होय कै जीत॥

ऐसे प्रेम को कौन सराहेगा, जिसमें लेन-देन का नाता जुड़ा हो! प्रेम क्या कोई खरीद-फरोख्त की चीज है? उसमें तो लगा दिया जाय प्राणों का दांव, परवा नहीं कि हार हो या जीत!

'रहिमन' मैन-तुरंग चढ़ि, चलिबो पावक माहिं।
प्रेम-पंथ ऐसो कठिन, सब कोउ निबहत नाहिं॥

प्रेम का मार्ग हर कोई नहीं तय कर सकता। बड़ा कठिन है उस पर चलना, जैसे मोम के बने घोड़े पर सवार हो आग (पावक) पर चलना।

- Dohas provided by unknown friend

Rahim on life lessons

जैसी जाकी बुद्धि है, तैसी कहै बनाय।
ताको बुरो न मानिये, लेन कहां सूँ जाय॥

जिसकी जैसी जितनी बुद्धि होती है, वह वैसा ही बन जाता है, या बना-बना कर वैसी ही बात करता है। उसकी बात का इसलिए बुरा नहीं मानना चाहिए। कहां से वह सम्यक बुद्धि लेने जाय?

खरच बढ्यो उद्यम घट्यो, नृपति निठुर मन कीन।
कहु 'रहीम' कैसे जिए, थोरे जल की मीन॥

राजा भी निठुर बन गया, जबकि खर्च बेहद बढ़ गया और उद्यम मे कमी आ गयी। ऐसी दशा में जीना दूभर हो जाता है, जैसे जरा से जल में मछली का जीना।

खीरा को सिर काटिकै, मलियत लौन लगाय।
'रहिमन' करुवे मुखन की, चहिए यही सजाय॥

चलन है कि खीरे का ऊपरी सिरा काट कर उस पर नमक मल दिया जाता है। कड़ुवे वचन बोलनेवाले की यही सजा है।

सब कोऊ सबसों करें, राम जुहार सलाम।
हित अनहित तब जानिये, जा दिन अटके काम॥

आपस में मिलते हैं तो सभी सबसे राम-राम, सलाम और जुहार करते हैं। पर कौन मित्र है और कौन शत्रु, इसका पता तो काम पड़ने पर ही चलता है। तभी, जबकि किसीका कोई काम अटक जाता है।

'रहिमन' जिव्हा बावरी, कहिगी सरग पताल।
आपु तो कहि भीतर रही, जूती खात कपाल॥

क्या किया जाय इस पगली जीभ का, जो न जाने क्या-क्या उल्टी-सीधी बातें स्वर्ग और पाताल तक की बक जाती है! खुद तो कहकर मुहँ के अन्दर हो जाती है, और बेचारे सिर को जूतियाँ खानी पड़ती है!

'रहिमन' तब लगि ठहरिए, दान, मान, सनमान।
घटत मान देखिय जबहिं, तुरतहि करिय पयान॥

तभी तक वहां रहा जाय, जब तक दान, मान और सम्मान मिले। जब देखने में आये कि मान-सम्मान घट रहा है, तो तत्काल वहां से चल देना चाहिए।

धन थोरो, इज्जत बड़ी, कहि 'रहीम' का बात।
जैसे कुल की कुलबधू, चिथड़न माहिं समात ॥

पैसा अगर थोडा है, पर इज्जत बड़ी है, तो यह कोइ निन्दनीय बात नहीं । खानदानी घर की स्त्री चिथड़े पहनकर भी अपने मान की रक्षा कर लेती हैं ।

अन्तर दावा लगि रहै, धुआं न प्रगटै सोय।
के जिय जाने आपनो, जा सिर बीती होय॥

आग अन्तर में सुलग रही है, पर उसका धुआं प्रकट नहीं हो रहा है। जिसके सिर पर बीतती है, उसीका जी उस आग को जानता है। कोई दूसरे उस आग का यानी दु:ख का मर्म समझ नहीं सकते।

कदली,सीप,भुजंग मुख, स्वाति एक गुन तीन।
जैसी संगति बैठिए, तैसोई फल दीन॥

स्वाती नक्षत्र की वर्षा की बूँद तो एक ही हैं, पर उसके गुण अलग-अलग तीन तरह के देखे जाते है ! कदली में पड़ने से, कहते है कि, उस बूंद का कपूर बन जाता है ! ओर,अगर सीप में वह पड़ी तो उसका मोती हो जाता है ! साप के मुहँ के में गिरने से उसी बूँद का विष बन जाता है ! जैसी संगत में बैठोगे, वेसा ही परिणाम उसका होगा ! (यह कवियों की मान्यता है, ओर इसे 'कवि समय' कहते है! )

काह कामरी पामड़ी, जाड़ गए से काज ।
'रहिमन' भूख बुताइए, कैस्यो मिले अनाज ॥

क्या तो कम्बल और क्या मखमल का कपड़ा ! असल में काम का तो वही है, जिससे कि जाड़ा चला जाय । खाने को चाहे जैसा अनाज मिल जाय, उससे भूख बुझनी चाहिए । (तुलसीदासजी ने भी यही बात कही है कि ;-
का भाषा, का संस्कृत, प्रेम चाहिए साँच ।
काम जो आवै कामरी, का लै करै कमाच ॥)

ससि संकोच, साहस, सलिल, मान, सनेह 'रहीम' ।
बढ़त-बढ़त बढ़ि जात है, घटत-घटत घटि सोम ॥

चन्द्रमा, संकोच, साहस, जल, सम्मान और स्नेह, ये सब ऐसे है, जो बढ़ते-बढ़ते बढ़ जाते हैं, और घटते-घटते घटने की सीमा को छू लेते हैं ।

जैसी परै सो सहि रहे , कहि 'रहीम' यह देह ।
धरती ही पर परग है , सीत, घाम औ' मेह ॥

जो कुछ भी इस देह पर आ बीते, वह सब सहन कर लेना चाहिए । जैसे, जाड़ा, धूप और वर्षा पड़ने पर धरती सहज ही सब सह लेती है । सहिष्णुता धरती का स्वाभाविक गुण है ।

जो बड़ेन को लघु कहै, नहिं 'रहीम' घटि जाहिं ।
गिरिधर मुरलीधर कहे, कछु दुख मानत नाहिं ॥

बड़े को यदि कोई छोटा कह दे, तो उसका बड़प्पन कम नहीं हो जाता । गिरिधर श्रीकृष्ण को मुरलीधर कहने पर कहाँ बुरा मानते हैं ?

जो 'रहीम' मन हाथ है, तो तन कहुँ किन जाहि ।
जल में जो छाया परे ,काया भीजति नाहिं ॥

मन यदि अपने हाथ में है, अपने काबू में है, तो तन कहीं भी चला जाय, कुछ बिगड़ने का नहीं । जैसे काया भीगती नहीं है, जल में उसकी छाया पड़ने पर । [जीत और हार का कारण मन ही है, तन नहीं : 'मन के जीते जीत है, मन के हारे हार '।]

बड़े बड़ाई ना करैं , बड़ो न बोले बोल ।
'रहिमन' हीरा कब कहै, लाख टका मम मोल ॥

जो सचमुच बड़े होते हैं, वे अपनी बड़ाई नहीं किया करते, बड़े-बड़े बोल नहीं बोला करते । हीरा कब कहता है कि मेरा मोल लाख टके का है । [छोटे छिछोरे आदमी ही बातें बना-बनाकर अपनी तारीफ के पुल बाँधा करते हैं ।]

भार झोंकि कै भार में, 'रहिमन' उतरे पार ।
पै बूड़े मँझधार में , जिनके सिर पर भार ॥

अहम् को यानी खुदी के भार को भाड़ में झोंककर हम तो पार उतर गये । बीच धार में तो वे ही डूबे, जिनके सिर पर अहंकार का भार रखा हुआ था, या जिन्होंने स्वयं भार रख लिया था ।

यह 'रहीम' निज संग लै, जनमत जगत न कोय ।
बैर, प्रीति, अभ्यास, जस होत होत ही होय ॥

बैर, प्रीति, अभ्यास और यश इनके साथ संसार में कोई भी जन्म नहीं लेता । ये सारी चीजें तो धीरे-धीरे ही आती हैं ।

यों 'रहीम' सुख दुख सहत , बड़े लोग सह सांति ।
उवत चंद जेहिं भाँति सों , अथवत ताही भाँति ॥

बड़े आदमी शान्तिपूर्वक सुख और दुःख को सह लेते हैं । वे न सुख पाकर फूल जाते हैं और न दुःख में घबराते हैं । चन्द्रमा जिस प्रकार उदित होता है, उसी प्रकार डूब भी जाता है ।

'रहिमन' चुप ह्वै बैठिए, देखि दिनन को फेर ।
जब नीके दिन आइहैं, बनत न लगिहैं देर ॥

यह देखकर कि बुरे दिन आगये, चुप बैठ जाना चाहिए । दुर्भाग्य की शिकायत क्यों और किस से की जाय ? जब अच्छे दिन फिरेंगे, तो बनने में देर नहीं लगेगी । इस विश्वास का सहारा लेकर तुम चुपचाप बैठे रहो ।

'रहिमन' तीन प्रकार ते, हित अनहित पहिचानि ।
पर-बस परे, परोस-बस, परे मामिला जानि ॥

क्या तो हित है और क्या अनहित, इसकी पहचान तीन प्रकार से होती है: दूसरे के बस में होने से, पड़ोस में रहने से और मामला मुकदमा पड़ने पर ।

'रहिमन' निज मन की बिथा, मनही राखो गोय ।
सुनि अठिलैहैं लोग सब , बाँटि न लैहैं कोय ॥

अन्दर के दुःख को अन्दर ही छिपाकर रख लेना चाहिए, उसे सुनकर लोग उल्टे हँसी करेंगे कोई भी दुःख को बाँट नहीं लेगा ।

'रहिमन' मनहिं लगाईके, देखि लेहु किन कोय ।
नर को बस करिबो कहा, नारायन बस होय ॥

मन को स्थिर करके कोई क्यों नहीं देख लेता, इस परम सत्य को कि, मनुष्य को वश में कर लेना तो बात ही क्या, नारायण भी वश में हो जाते हैं ।

'रहिमन' मारग प्रेम को, मत मतिहीन मझाव ।
जो डिगहै तो फिर कहूँ, नहिं धरने को पाँव ॥

हाँ, यह मार्ग प्रेम का मार्ग है । कोई नासमझ इस पर पैर न रखे । यदि डगमगा गये तो, फिर कहीं पैर धरने की जगह नहीं । मतलब यह कि बहुत समझ-बूझकर और धीरज और दृढ़ता के साथ प्रेम के मार्ग पर पैर रखना चाहिए ।

'रहिमन' रिस को छाँड़ि के, करौ गरीबी भेस ।
मीठो बोलो, नै चलो, सबै तुम्हारी देस ॥

क्रोध को छोड़ दो और गरीबों की रहनी रहो । मीठे वचन बोलो और नम्रता से चलो, अकड़कर नहीं । फिर तो सारा ही देश तुम्हारा है ।

राम न जाते हरिन संग, सीय न रावन-साथ ।
जो 'रहीम' भावी कतहुँ, होत आपने हाथ ॥

होनहार (या 'होनी') यदि अपने हाथ में होती, उस पर अपना वश चलता, तो माया-मृग के पीछे राम क्यों दौड़ते, और रावण क्यों सीता को हर ले जाता !

स्वासह तुरिय जो उच्चरे, तिय है निहचल चित्त ।
पूरा परा घर जानिए, 'रहिमन' तीन पवित्त ॥

ये तीनों परम पवित्र हैं :- वह स्वास, जिसे खींचकर योगी त्वरीया अवस्था का अनुभव करता है, वह स्त्री, जिसका चित्त पतिव्रत में निश्चल हो गया है, पर पुरुष को देखकर जिसका मन चंचल नहीं होता । और सुपुत्र,[जो अपने चरित्र से कुल का दीपक बन जाता है।]

- provided and contributed by an unknown friend

A real guru is invaluable...

...who opens up the doors of your mind and soul.

Sant Kabir has mentioned it in many dohas...

ये तन विष की बेल री , गुरु अमृत की खान ।
शीष दियो जो गुरु मिले, तो भी सस्ता जान ।।

This body is a vine of poison and guru is a mine of life-giving nectar, Kabir says. Even if you find such guru by sacrificing your head, you should consider it cheaply received.

Rahim on compatibility

A famous quote from Rahim on compatibility:

कह रहीम कैसे निभे, बेर केर को संग ।
वे डोलत रस आपने, उनके फाटत अंग ।।

It means that there is no way a berry tree (with juicy berries and thorns) can be planted next to a banana tree (soft stem) even though both trees are beautiful creations of this nature and both give tasteful fruits for everyone. Because, when berry tree swings in its own celebrations, it becomes hard to survive for the banana tree, as berry's thorns pierce the banana stems and tear up its trunk.

Melodies

1. Ramaiya Vasta Waiya - Shree 420
Listen to the song by clicking here.

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2. Bhula denge - Humko Deewana Kar Gaye
Lyrics are:
Abhi naaz hai toote dil ko wafa pe,
Ke tootenge saare bharam dheere dheere

Listen to the song by clicking here.
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3. Kabir Bhajans
ज्यों तिल माही तेल है, ज्यों चकमक में आग ।
तेरा साईं तुझमे है, तू जाग सके तो जाग ।।

जहाँ दया तहां धर्मं है, जहाँ लोभ वहाँ पाप ।
जहाँ क्रोध तहां काल है, जहाँ क्षमा वहाँ आप ।।

Listen to more bhajans by clicking at CD 1, CD 2, CD 3, CD 4, CD 5 and CD 6 here. Also, interesting is Kabir's life story at this link.
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A Land of Love, Purity and Sacrifice

A land so old that it has seen it all. A land where great gods have taken birth. A land where love is in everything and everyone. A land where the guest is considered a god. A land where yogis have scribed the vedas that liberate you from suffering. A land whose glory spans beyond the lifetime of most modern nations. A land where a kid doesn't talk back and remains silent even when a parent hits him. A land where people remain happy and satisfied despite poverty. A land where the real joy is found by many. A land that gave the number zero to this world. A land that is an example of Love, Purity and Sacrifice in its traditions, people and elements. A land that shows decency, morals and principles of life to the world. A land that makes its people proud for being their birthplace. A land where humans are seen as incarnations of god and goddess. This land brings examples so great that it gives:

* A river so proud that it sings...कि मेरे तट पर वो लोग आये, जिन्होंने ऐसे नियम बनाए । कि प्राण जाये...........पर वचन न जाये।
* A brother so loving that he ruled the kingdom by keeping his brother's खडाऊ (sandals) on the throne in his absence when his brother was sent to jungle for fulfilling their father's promise.
* A friend so affectionate that he gave away two worlds to his very poor friend in exchange for two handfuls of puffed rice that his friend brought for him to the palace.
* A wife so proud of her husband's dignity that she jumped into हवनकुंड (worship fireplace) when her father insulted her husband and did not invite him for the हवन (worship).
* A husband (shiv) considered so powerless that he exists in one inert form without his wife (shakti).
* A wife so daring that she brought her husband's soul (life) back from the hands of death (Yamraj).
* A king so truthful that he even sold himself and sat on the pyre to fulfill his words.
* A city so pure and intellectual that great pundits made its bank their karmbhumi and wrote vedas.
* A sister so caring that she tore her saree to make the band-aid for her brother's injured hand, thus starting the festival of Rakshabandhan.
* A mother with love so tender and such a provider that we name all objects that give, a mother.
* A student so devoted that he cut his thumb for his guru in exchange for the knowledge of supreme archery.
* A donor so great and brave that he gave away his divine body armour on demand from a brahmin even though that meant his death in the battleground.
* A devar so devoted that his drawn line on ground becomes a firewall for the safety of his bhabhi.
* A prince lord so loving that he ate the half-eaten berries saved by a lowly woman for his guest welcome.
* A singer so expert in the art that he brings the rain and fire with his perfect voice and acumen.
* A mother so protective that she comes in different forms to save the humanity and kill the demons.
* A father god so caring that he drinks the हलाहल विष (poison) to save the humanity and retains it in his throat.

Such is the history of this land of Bharat. This feat is just incomparable to any material achievements because it takes centuries when a culture becomes so refined with knowledge so deep that it becomes the basis of our life. In today's times, ignorance takes the form of so dark the clouds that a mind without an illumination from inside cannot understand the value of such non-materialistic virtues. Evolution brings the eternal change that better suits the plans of the nature and so will be demonstrated by these ages old virtues that have provided the light to this world again and again.

On Passing Moments of Life...

(आप की कसम) by Kishore Kumar

This beautiful hindi song from Kishore cuts through emotional turmoils and teaches the importance of genuine understanding of moments of life, love and four days of moonlight. The voice with its sentimentality adds magic to this song portrayed by no other than the master and my favorite, Rajesh Khanna.

जिंदगी के सफर में, गुज़र जाते हैं जो मुकाम,
वह फिर नहीं आते, वह फिर नहीं आते।

फूल खिलते हैं, लोग मिलते हैं।
फूल खिलते हैं, लोग मिलते हैं मगर
पतझड़ में जो फूल मुरझा जाते हैं
वो बहारों के आने से खिलते नहीं
कुछ लोग इक रोज़ जो बिछड़ जाते हैं
वो हज़ारों के आने से मिलते नहीं
उम्र भर चाहे कोई पुकारा करे उनका नाम
वह फिर नहीं आते, वह फिर नहीं आते।
ज़िंदगी के सफर में...

आँख धोखा है, क्या भरोसा है
आँख धोखा है, क्या भरोसा है सुनो
दोस्तों शक दोस्ती का दुश्मन है
अपने दिल में इसे घर बनाने ना दो
कल तड़पना पडे याद में जिनकी
रोक लो रूठ कर उनको जाने ना दो
बाद में प्यार के चाहे भेजो हज़ारों सलाम
वह फिर नहीं आते, वह फिर नहीं आते।
ज़िंदगी के सफर में...

सुबह आती है, रात जाती है
सुबह आती है, रात जाती है यूँही
वक़्त चलता ही रहता है रुकता नहीं
इक पल में ये आगे निकल जाता है
आदमी ठीक से देख पाता नहीं
और पर्दे पे मंज़र बदल जाता है
इक बार चले जाते हैं जो दिन-रात सुबह-ओ-शाम
वह फिर नहीं आते, वह फिर नहीं आते।
ज़िंदगी के सफर में...

To hear and watch this song, click here.
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(गोलमाल) by Kishore Kumar

Kishore sings on the eternal truth of nature that brings the cycles of laughs and cries and how one must not waste its moments in the false senses of mind. It says the time is here for you to spend in memorable ways that bring cheers to all.

आने वाला पल जाने वाला है - २
हो सके तो इसमे जिंदगी बिता दो पल जो ये जाने वाला है
आने वाला पल...

इक बार यूं मिली मासूम सी कली - २
खिलते हुए कहा पुषपाश मैं चली
देखा तो यहीं है, ढूँढा तो नहीं है
पल जो ये जाने वाला है
आने वाला पल...

इक बार वक़्त से लम्हा गिरा कहीं - २
वहाँ दास्ताँ मिली लम्हा कहीं नहीं
थोडा सा हंसा के थोडा सा रुला के
पल ये भी जाने वाला है
आने वाला पल... - २

To hear and watch this song, click here.
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(आ गले लग जा) by Kishore Kumar & Shushma Shreshtha

Shushma & Kishore in the roles of son and his dad talk about love as being a relationship that is generations old and repeated over and over in many lives among the two. (Some say, I look and smile like Shashi Kapoor. :-) )

तेरा मुझसे है पहले का नाता कोई, यूँही नहीं दिल लुभाता कोई - २
जाने तू या जाने ना
माने तू या माने ना

देखो अभी खोना नहीं, कभी जुदा होना नहीं - २
अबकी यूँही मिले रहने दो ना
वादा रहा ये इस शाम का
जाने तू या जाने ना
माने तू या माने ना
तेरा मुझसे है पहले का नाता कोई, यूँही नहीं दिल लुभाता कोई - २

वादे गए बातें गईं
जागी जागी रातें गयीं
चाहा जिसे मिला नहीं
तो भी हमे गिला नहीं
अपना है क्या जियें मरें चाहे कुछ हो
तुझको तो जीना रास आ गया
जाने तू या जाने ना
माने तू या माने ना
तेरा मुझसे है पहले का नाता कोई, यूँही नहीं दिल लुभाता कोई - २

To hear and watch this song, click here. There is another version of this song with different lyrics, if you want the romantic version.
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The Depths of Our Comprehension...

Every thing has a limit in one way or the other. So, does your comprehension. Whatever is unknown, never heard of, may become hard to fathom. After all, brain is an organ enclosed in a bone skull with imagination that goes very far. But, how far depends on this organ's past experience, exposures and quality of its matter. As we grow old, we get exposed to different objects, technologies, incidents and stories that shape up the comprehending power. When people use the word incomprehensible, they usually mean a surprise or a shock. This use of the word is in reaction state where the incident or exposure occurs before the reaction. The other side of this is the meditative state where one can imagine the incident or the exposure before it actually happens. This second state would mean a deep imagination out of the ordinary that has not been experienced before.

All people come with a conditioned state of mind from the past and they move forward with time and gradually shape their comprehending power accordingly. Just like a Mogul emperor from fourteenth century would surprise himself at the look of a machine as complex as a refrigerator, even though he had other ways of cooling at his time. Or, just turn it completely upside down and think, could it be your comprehension that thought of the emperor as being backward in technology to what we have today. You may be right or wrong here. But, there is definitely only one answer in your mind between right or wrong.

Let's see how we reach at this conclusion of right vs wrong. When we judge any thing or situation, we use anchors. There is such an importance of anchors in our life that these anchors keep our comprehension tied to a reference point. Let's imagine the technologies of the past. It's very hard to make people believe that something like a pushpak vimaan ever existed in Ramayan. But, why would many people try to dispel such thoughts? This story is believed to be at least five thousand years old. Now, this period is nothing when compared to the existence of life on the earth. Evolution science says that humans have been on this earth as late as the last hour on the 24-hour clock. If humans have existed on earth for thousands of years, how is that we think of the current generation as its brightest ever? Can you figure out an anchor that makes you feel this way and deny the existence of such superior technology in the past? Yes, one of it could be as simple as the calendar system. Anything dated BC seems old and unsophisticated. We usually relate the use of sophisticated technology to only a few hundred years back. That is a general perception because that has been taught, shown and repeated in history books over and over. Such repetition conditions the brain and chisels your depths of thinking. The repetition is what makes the practice of learning. When the exposures repeat, you develop your thinking accordingly. Now, let's take an example of someone who did extensive study into anything ancient such as pyramids, ancient mechanics, human evolution and even the evolution of today's mindset and technology. There have been great inventors, scientists and thinkers who have created wonders of this world. Unfortunately, written record of evidence is only what we want to believe in today because we cannot logically accept the facts that are quite incomprehensible.

Talk about intellectual curiosity. People have even analyzed the religious books and claimed some of their incidents as false. It's not their fault, but their ignorance which prevents them to comprehend that something like that could happen at all. Anything out of the ordinary surprises them. They attribute most of the sophistication to only the recent inventions. They may be wrong even with their own beliefs of them as being otherwise. Come to say about Leonardo's lion, Egypt's pyramids or the Pushpak vimaan. By the way, Leonardo's lion was a non-power operated woodden lion that came out of the castle to greet people with flowers centuries back. Such was the excellence of mechanics back then. These today's minds find them hard to figure out, especially since their blueprints now belong to history. Theories develop accordingly about history with individual and collective comprehensions and are later believed widely. It would be very difficult to make an ordinary mind even believe that ancient technology was far superior than what it is believed to be. At least a person watching Ancient Discoveries on history channel might be somewhat willing to believe. The civilizations of the east were far more sophisticated at times way before thousands of years ago. Such discoveries have been made in ancient Mesopotamia and at the lost treasures found in the ocean bottoms that change our perceptions completely in awe. The point of discussion is to understand that our thinking has its own limits, regardless of our admittance. That's one of the main reasons why most of the people are consumers of idea rather than inventors.

On the other hand, sometimes reason stands opposite of faith. A curious mind always finds ways to go beyond the limits of comprehension. But, there are always limits on the reason. Guru Nanak ji once said...One cannot comprehend Him through reason, even if one reasoned for ages. Of course, word Him refers here to God. We can never understand god by reasoning our daily lives or god's actions or existence. In today's world, even people who pray to god assume that it's a business deal. Once they pray, they must receive the fruit of their prayers. However, the fruit belongs to the one who really deserves it. The one who can show his patience. The one who can really devote himself. The one who doesn't ask for it. In his lectures, shree Kripaluji Maharaj says...There are two kinds of absolute: Material Absolute (Maya) and Divine Absolute. And, that human mind, being substantially conditioned to the laws of cosmic manifestation, co-relates only to material creations and existences. Practically it cannot understand the Divine matters, because unperceived things cannot be imagined and unimagined things cannot be understood. So, the Divine love matters should be taken with faith. Even though Material or cosmic power 'maya' has many inherent qualities such as in 'self-euphoric' feeling attained through sensual gratification. But, such happiness is far from spiritual, as said in bhagwad geeta. Every material existence is related to 'time' and 'space' that have physical limitations whereas faith in divine realm is not limited to such factors. When you cannot find logic to go further than your reasoning, have faith and expand your horizons to be able to accomodate the unknown.

Taking into account such limitations, you must not haste into your preconditioned perception of each situation that you encounter everyday because the decisions that you will make may not teach you anything. Sometimes people say that they didn't know that they had a particular quality until they faced a circumstance that opened up hidden dimensions of their personality. That new feeling is one window into a different kind of world that you should not miss. You can always see this situation positively to learn and get exposed to a new universe. Therefore, it should be considered that there are always dimensions that either you have not visualized or you are afraid to experience. Now, if you accept the depths of your comprehension, you should develop the faculties of your mind accordingly. That requires tremendous effort as it is not easy when you are fighting your own inertia (inclination for status quo). A great way to prepare towards that path is to focus your energies and open up your channels of thought because unless you make yourself vulnerable and try these 'new' ways of thinking, you would not succeed. Just like lord Buddha said...In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true. Therefore, it's only when you limit your ways of thinking and create your dimensions that the dimensions do actually appear. Otherwise the world of wisdom is unlimited and omnipresent. All we need to do is realize that we can be ignorant and choose a path while many other paths were waiting to be picked. One of the ways to bring such vision is through the meditation as quoted by the lord Buddha...Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance [inside you]. Know well what leads you forward and what hold you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom. Only then would you comprehend the realities that are unseen, unwritten or only told over the generations. And, that will make you realize what was incomprehensible till this day.

BHU Kulgeet

मधुर मनोहर अतीव सुन्दर, यह सर्वविद्या की राजधानी ।
यह तीन लोकों से न्यारी काशी ।
सुज्ञान धर्म और सत्यराशी ।।
बसी है गंगा के रम्य तट पर, यह सर्वविद्या की राजधानी ।
मधुर मनोहर अतीव सुन्दर, यह सर्वविद्या की राजधानी ।।
नये नहीं हैं यह ईंट पत्थर ।
है विश्वकर्मा का कार्य सुन्दर ।।
रचे हैं विद्या के भव्य मन्दिर, यह सर्वस्रष्टि की राजधानी ।
मधुर मनोहर अतीव सुन्दर, यह सर्वविद्या की राजधानी ।।
यहाँ की है यह पवित्र शिक्षा ।
कि सत्य पहले फिर आत्मरक्षा ।।
बिके हरिश्चन्द्र थे यहीं पर, यह सत्यशिक्षा की राजधानी ।
मधुर मनोहर अतीव सुन्दर, यह सर्वविद्या की राजधानी ।।
यह वेद ईश्वर की सत्यवानी ।
बने जिन्हें पढ के ब्रह्यज्ञानी ।।
थे व्यास जी ने रचे यहीं पर, यह ब्रह्यविद्या की राजधानी ।
मधुर मनोहर अतीव सुन्दर, यह सर्वविद्या की राजधानी ।।
यह मुक्तिपद को दिलाने वाले ।
सुधर्म पथ पर चलाने वाले ।।
यहीं फले फूले बुद्ध शंकर, यह राजॠषियों की राजधानी ।
मधुर मनोहर अतीव सुन्दर, यह सर्वविद्या की राजधानी ।।
सुरम्य धारायें वरुणा अस्सी ।
नहायें जिनमें कबीर तुलसी ।।
भला हो कविता का क्यों न आकर, यह वाक्विद्या की राजधानी ।
मधुर मनोहर अतीव सुन्दर, यह सर्वविद्या की राजधानी ।।
विविध कला अर्थशास्त्र गायन ।
गणित खनिज औषधि रसायन ।।
प्रतीचि-प्राची का मेल सुन्दर, यह विश्वविद्या की राजधानी ।
मधुर मनोहर अतीव सुन्दर, यह सर्वविद्या की राजधानी ।।
यह मालवीय जी की देशभक्ति ।
यह उनका साहस यह उनकी शक्ति ।।
प्रकट हुई है नवीन होकर, यह कर्मवीरों की राजधानी ।
मधुर मनोहर अतीव सुन्दर, यह सर्वविद्या की राजधानी ।।

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To read the interpretation of this kulgeet, click on Kulgeet (English).
To listen to this kulgeet, click on BHU Kulgeet. (This broken link has been recently fixed)
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Literal meanings:
विश्वकर्मा - Lord of architecture
सर्वस्रष्टि - All creation of nature
बिके हरिश्चन्द्र थे यहीं पर - Once King Harishchandra even sold himself to keep up the truth of his words, providing a glorious example of his morals on this land of Kashi. Read full story of him by clicking here.
थे व्यास जी ने रचे यहीं पर - Maharishi Ved Vyas ji wrote sacred books, including Mahabharat, in Kashi.
मुक्तिपद - Steps of freedom
यहीं फले फूले बुद्ध शंकर - Kashi is the birthplace of Lord Buddha (in Sarnath) and land of Lord Shankar (Kashi Vishwanath Bhagwan)
वरुणा, अस्सी - The two tributaries of River Ganga; Varanasi name comes from Varuna + Assi.
नहायें जिनमें कबीर तुलसी - Kabirdas was born in Kashi and Tulsidas ji was born on the ganga shore
वाक्विद्या - Study of voice (Speech and Poetry)
प्रतीचि-प्राची का मेल सुन्दर - Beautiful mix of east (prachi) and west (pratichi)
विविध कला अर्थशास्त्र गायन गणित खनिज औषधि रसायन - Multiple Arts, Economics, Music, Mathematics, Mining, Medicine and Chemical Science

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Singing as "voice of the soul"

You must have heard this many times..."Work like you don't need money, Love like you've never been hurt, Dance like no one's watching, And Sing like no one's listening". Note that last piece of this quote. Singing is that piece of voice that is shaped in beautiful melodies. Each syllable vibrates a different piece of tissue in our body. Each has a different kind of effect on us. That's why our vedic books stress on the chanting. The actual chanting involves producing clear sounds of syllables that vibrates upwards from abdomen towards the head. If you've been a student of physics, you would know the concept of resonance. A small amount of sound resonates through the vocal cord to the engulf the tissues upwards. The reason of explaning this is to provide you a credible scientific argument for singing. Now, imagine those lines in the quotation above. People sing for various reasons. Some just sing or silently chant the songs. That is not voluntary effort. What I will emphasize is singing with your soul behind it. When you open your mouth for singing, try going all out not on volume, but on rhythms of that song. Sing as if it's coming from your heart. Put efforts on the right syllables or notes.....going up and down on pitch. And slowly slowly, as you practice you start reallly singing. This is called Riyaaz. That is the practice towards perfection.

Now as you start singing, many of the meanings of that song will suddenly become alive again. The meanings that were lost in the extreme familiarity of the song come back again. The oft-repeated words get new dimensions. That's when you know that the words have touched your soul. They are no more just the lyrics on a paper or of a nagma. Be it a ever-green song, an oldie or a chalisa, it seems to just come from the soul. That's what makes singing so cherished. It's not just the words, but the total combination of resonance, words and full-throttle effort put in from your heart and soul.

So, if you've never tried it, try it often. And, you will soon find a beautiful outlet of the melodies of your heart and also, get a whole new hobby to work at. Guru Rabindranath Tagore ji once said, "God respects me when I work; but God loves me when I sing".

Some favourite song lyrics

(हिमालय की गोद में ) by Mukesh

चाँद सी महबूबा हो मेरी, कब ऐसा मैंने सोचा था।
हाँ तुम बिल्कुल वैसी हो, जैसा मैंने सोचा था।

ना कसमें हैं ना रस्में हैं, ना शिकवे हैं ना वादे हैं।
एक सूरत भोली भाली है, दो नैना सीधे साधे हैं।
ऐसा ही रुप ख्यालों में था, ऐसा मैंने सोचा था।
हाँ तुम बिल्कुल वैसी हो, जैसा मैंने सोचा था।

मेरी खुशियाँ ही ना बाँटे, मेरे ग़म भी सहना चाहे।
देखे ना ख्वाब वो महलों के, मेरे दिल में रहना चाहे।
इस दुनिया में कौन था ऐसा, जैसा मैंने सोचा था।
हाँ तुम बिल्कुल वैसी हो, जैसा मैंने सोचा था।

चाँद सी महबूबा हो मेरी, कब ऐसा मैंने सोचा था।
हाँ तुम बिल्कुल वैसी हो, जैसा मैंने सोचा था।

To hear and watch this song, click here.

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(जिस देश में गंगा बहती है) by Mukesh

If this one didn't bring tear to your eyes, you probably didn't pay attention or you missed its meaning and heart-touching combination of Mukesh and Raj Kapoor. It contains everything: pride of the nation in the eyes, depth in the voice and after all, Raj Kapoor's flawless expressions.

होंठों पे सचाई रहती है जहां दिल में सफ़ाई रहती है
हम उस देश के वासी हैं – 2
जिस देश में गंगा बहती है

मेहमान जो हमारा होता है वह जान से प्यारा होता है
मेहमान जो हमारा होता है वह जान से प्यारा होता है
ज़्यादा की नहीं लालच हम को
थोड़े में गुज़ारा होता है – 2
बच्चों के लिये जो धरती मां सदियों से सभी कुछ सहती है
हम उस देश के वासी हैं – 2
जिस देश में गंगा बहती है

कुछ लोग जो ज़्यादा जानते हैं इंसान को कम पहचानते हैं
कुछ लोग जो ज़्यादा जानते हैं इंसान को कम पहचानते हैं
यह पूरब है, पूरबवाले हर जान की कीमत जानते हैं
मिल-जुल के रहो और प्यार करो एक चीज़ यही जो रहती है
हम उस देश के वासी हैं – 2
जिस देश में गंगा बहती है

हम कल क्या थे हम आज हैं क्या, इसका ही नहीं अभिमान हमे - २
जिस राह पे आगे बढ़ना है, है उसकी भी पहचान हमें
इस धारा को किसने रोका, ये बंधकर भला कब रहती है
हम उस देश के वासी हैं
जिस देश में गंगा बहती है - २

To hear and watch this song, click here.
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(गंगा जमुना) by Hemant Kumar

Another lovely example of our country's innate belief in truth, justice, pride on our morals and strong emphasis on passing it over generations. Beautifully portrayed.

इन्साफ की डगर पे, बच्चों दिखाओ चल के
ये देश हैं तुम्हारा, नेता तुम ही हो कल के

दुनियाँ के रंज सहना और कुछ ना मुह से कहना - २
सच्चाईयों के बल पे, आगे को बढ़ते रहना - २
रख दोगे एक दिन तुम, संसार को बदलके - २
इन्साफ की डगर पे, बच्चों दिखाओ चल के
ये देश हैं तुम्हारा, नेता तुम ही हो कल के

अपने हो या पराए, सब के लिए हो न्याय - २
देखो कदम तुम्हारा, हरगिज़ ना डगमगाए - २
रस्ते बडे कठिन हैं, चलना संभल संभल के - २
इन्साफ की डगर पे, बच्चों दिखाओ चल के
ये देश हैं तुम्हारा, नेता तुम ही हो कल के

इन्सानियत के सर पे, इज्जत का ताज रखना - २
तन मन की भेट देकर, भारत की लाज रखना - २
जीवन नया मिलेगा, अंतिम चिता में जल के - २
इन्साफ की डगर पे, बच्चों दिखाओ चल के
ये देश हैं तुम्हारा, नेता तुम ही हो कल

To hear and watch this song, click here.
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(शालीमार) by Kishore Kumar

हम बेवफा हरगिज़ न थे पर हम वफ़ा कर ना सके
हमको मिली उसकी सजा हम जो ख़ता कर ना सके

कितनी अकेली थी वह राहें हम जिन, अब तक अकेले चलते रहे
तुझसे बिछड़ कर भी ओ बेख़बर, तेरे ही ग़म में जलते रहे
तूने किया जो शिकवा, हम वह गिला कर ना सके
हम बेवफा हरगिज़ न थे पर हम वफ़ा कर ना सके
हमको मिली उसकी सजा हम जो ख़ता कर ना सके

तुमने जो देखा सुना सच था मगर, कितना था सच यह किसको पता
जाने तुम्हे मैंने कोई धोखा दिया, जाने तुम्हे कोई धोखा हुआ
इस प्यार में सच झूठ का, तुम फैसला कर ना सके
हम बेवफा हरगिज़ न थे पर हम वफ़ा कर ना सके
हमको मिली उसकी सजा हम जो ख़ता कर ना सके

To hear and watch this song, click here.
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(आक्रमण) by Kishore Kumar

मेरी जान के प्यारे तुझको तेरा, देश पुकारा जा
जा भैया, जा बेटा, जा मेरे यारा जा...

देखो वीर जवानों अपने, खून पे ये इल्जाम न आये - 2
माना कहे कि अपने ही बेटे, वक़्त पड़ा तो काम न आये
देखो वीर जवानों अपने, खून पे ये इल्जाम न आये
देखो वीर जवानों ...

हम पहले भारतवासी - २
फिर हिन्दू मुस्लिम सिख इसाई
हम पहले भारतवासी
नाम जुदा है तो क्या भारत माँ के सब बेटे हैं भाई
अब्दुल उसके बच्चों को पाले, जो घर वापस राम न आये
देखो वीर जवानों अपने, खून पे ये इल्जाम न आये
देखो वीर जवानों ...

अँधा बेटा युद्ध पे चला तो, ना जा न जा उसकी माँ बोली
वह बोला कम कर सकता हूँ, मैं भी दुश्मन की एक गोली
जिक्र शहीदों का हो तो क्यों, उनमे मेरा नाम न आये
देखो वीर जवानों अपने, खून पे ये इल्जाम न आये
देखो वीर जवानों ...

अच्छा चलते हैं,
कब आएंगे, ये कहना मुश्किल होगा
तुम कहती हो, ख़त लिखना
ख़त लिखने से क्या हासिल होगा
ख़त के साथ रणभूमि से, विजय का जो पैगाम न आये
देखो वीर जवानों अपने, खून पे ये इल्जाम न आये
माना कहे कि अपने ही बेटे, वक़्त पड़ा तो काम न आये
देखो वीर जवानों अपने, खून पे ये इल्जाम न आये

To hear and watch this song, click here.
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(पूरब और पच्छिम) by Mahendra Kapoor

A land so pure and great that only words of this song on Manoj Kumar's lips can describe to someone from the West.

जब जीरो दिया मेरे भारत ने,
भारत ने मेरे भारत ने,
दुनिया को तब गिनती आई
तारों की भाषा भारत ने, दुनिया को पहले सिखलाई
देता न दशमलव भारत जो, यू चाँद पे जाना मुश्किल था
धरती और चाँद की दूरी का, अंदाजा लगाना मुश्किल था
सभ्यता जहाँ पहले आई,
पहले जन्मी है जहाँ पे कला
अपना भारत वह भारत है जिसके पीछे संसार चला
संसार चला और आगे बढ़ा,
यू आगे बढ़ा बढ़ता ही गया
भगवान करे ये और बढे, बढ़ता ही रहे और फूले फले -२

है प्रीत जहाँ की रीत सदा... -२
है प्रीत जहाँ की रीत सदा, मैं गीत वहाँ के गाता हूं
भारत का रहने वाला हूं, भारत की बात सुनाता हूं
है प्रीत जहाँ की रीत सदा

काले गोरे का भेद नहीं, हर दिल से हमारा नाता है
कुछ और न आता हो हमको, हमे प्यार निभाना आता है
जिसे मान चुकी सारी दुनिया, - 2
मैं बात, मैं बात वोही दोहराता हूं
भारत का रहने वाला हूं, भारत की बात सुनाता हूं
है प्रीत जहाँ की रीत सदा ...

जीते हो किसी ने देश तो क्या, हमने तो दिलों को जीता है
जहाँ राम अभी तक है नर में, नारी में अभी तक सीता है
इतने पावन हैं लोग जहां, -2
मैं नित नित, मैं नित नित शीष झुकाता हूँ
भारत का रहने वाला हूं, भारत की बात सुनाता हूं

इतनी ममता नदियों को भी, जहां माता कह के बुलाते हैं
इतना आदर इन्सान तो क्या पत्थर भी पूजे जाते हैं
उस धरती पर मैने जनम लिया, - 2
ये सोच, ये सोच के मैं इतराता हूँ
भारत का रहने वाला हूं, भारत की बात सुनाता हूं
है प्रीत जहाँ की रीत सदा…

To hear and watch this song, click here.
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More good songs...
* आओ बच्चों तुम्हे दिखाएँ (जाग्रति)
* साबरमती के संत (जाग्रति)
* हम लाये हैं तूफ़ान से (जाग्रति)

* इक राधा इक मीरा (Lata)
* राधा कैसे ना जले (लगान)
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The need of concentrated mind before learning

You must have seen students toiling over to become educated and sometimes wonder why is it all that important. It is not just the process by which you attain the knowledge. But, that is the essence of the truth that a body must be tamed with self-discipline before it becomes effective in absorbing the wisdom. A Guru understands this and guides you through the process where you can control your mind and focus.

Speaking of concentration, old texts of Patanjali state the importance of Yog (or Yoga, as people call it). Patanjali wrote Ashtanga Yog to describe the process of controlling the mind. This text starts with the line, योग: चित्तवृत्ति निरोध:, meaning 'Yog limits the oscillations of the mind'. Ashtanga in sanskrit means eight limbs. Therefore this yog consists of eight limbs:

1. Yam (Moral Principles) - Non-violence, Truth, Non-stealing, Abstinence and Non-possesiveness
2. Niyam (Personal Disciplines) - Purity, Contentment, Endurance, Self-inspection and Devotion
3. Aasan (Yog Postures) - body postitions to release tension and prepare for meditation
4. Pranayam (Yog Breathing) - controlling the life forces or tendencies of the mind through breathing
5. Pratyahar (Withdrawl of Senses) - developing inner powers to reduce distractions
6. Dhaarna (Concentration on Object) - Focusing on the singleness
7. Dhyan (Meditation) - Withdrawing of mind and deep concentration
8. Samadhi (Salvation) - Realization of super joy and bliss

Goal of this discussion is to see the very high level view of the role of preparations for body and mind. In today's world, people want shortcuts. Some want to lose weight by doing Yog Aasan (as in step 3 above). Many commercial establishments cater to this need. But, is it really worth it? Yog was written by Patanjali for people to discover through a sequence of sincere steps. Before one can attain the real wisdom, the body and soul must be cleansed through Yam and Niyam. The Yog vidya or knowledge is meant to cleanse your thoughts and thus leading you to the super joy by providing a stable mind that lives in a self-disciplined body. Now, questions come as to how that is possible. And, my honest advice is that it is not, if you don't believe it. Only after your sincere efforts are put in with complete faith in this wisdom, you will spend time to fully utilize its benefits rather than wasting your resources getting entertained along with others in a skill sold at establishments. There will not be much harm either. You will flex your muscles and bones while doing these Yog aasans. Or, it could be that you are not interested that far into the world of controlling your mind.

In the ordinary life, it's a rare realization that mind cannot be controlled. Some, you would find, are so certain that they have controlled their mind and desires. But, usually it's on their own terms. That is not effective. That involves the self in the decision-making process.

Therefore, if you ever feel tired in difficulties that arise in life for you to learn a lesson or skill, just remember that it is a process that MUST occur for taming of the body and mind. Only a stable mind can acquire the precious lessons provided by the destiny. So, practice it in daily life and you will find that the ancient wisdom guides you through the process of learning and takes away your confusions arising everyday. As they said, getting prepared is half the battle.

Some interpretations from hindu teachings...

(This is an ever-growing list)

As I discover some beautiful teachings myself in our hindu dharma shastras, I wish to bring them to you:

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In Hanuman chalisa, we ask lord Ram for 4 fruits of life. Do you know where and what?
Says, Jo dayak phal charu, in the first doha. This means that, hey lord, please give 4 fruits of Dharma (Morals), Artha (Prosperity), Kaam (Love) and Moksha (Liberation)।

To listen to Hanuman Chalisa, click here (Try to listen and sing this chalisa daily).
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Some quotes from चाणक्य नीति (Chanakya was a sharp-minded advisor to King Maurya):

-- प्रत्येक व्यक्ति को स्वाध्याय अवश्य करना चाहिए। उसे प्रतिदिन धर्म शास्त्रों का कम से कम एक श्लोक अवश्य पढ़ना चाहिए। इससे व्यक्ति को ज्ञान प्राप्त होता है और उसका भला होता है। (Everyone must spend time daily in self-inspection and read moral teachnings from vedic books to enhance their knowledge and happiness.)

-- मन के संयम के बिना कोई दूसरा तप नहीं है, संतोष जैसा कोई सुख और तृष्णा जैसा कोई भयंकर रोग नहीं है और दया जैसा कोई धर्म नहीं है। (No meditation is bigger than self-control; No happiness is bigger than abstinence; No disease is bigger than desires; And, no religion is bigger than that of mercy.)
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Funny role of the catalysts...

1. A man was born in a brahmin family in Banda district of Uttar Pradesh. This man loved his wife just too much and was obsessed with her passion. One day when he came back home and found that his wife had gone to her father's house, he couldn't bear this separation and set out to her house in the dark night. He walked in wind and rain and reached the river bank. Then, he crossed the swollen river on the back of a dead body thinking of it as a boat. Finding all her doors closed, he climbed up to the upper floor using a hanging python thinking of it as a rope in the dark. His wife woke up after he climbed. He thought his wife will become happy seeing him come miles to see her, but she felt very ashamed on his insane obsession of her. She said, if you put the same heart in lord ram, you will cross this ocean of the world and attain eternal bliss. This man was so ashamed on hearing this that he went back and became an ascetic and went on to write a great hindu text that people read to this day and offer their prayers to the lord. Do you know who this man was?

Yes, this great man was Goswami Tulsidas ji and he wrote Shri Ramcharitmanas that describes the life of lord Ram.

2. Centuries ago, a young princess named Vidyottama, meaning extremely wise lady, proposed that she will marry someone who was more intelligent than her. Her intellect disturbed pundits and they conspired to find her the dumbest man for her. One day, they saw a man (wood cutter) cutting the very tree branch on which he was sitting. They found him the dumbest and approached with her proposal. They just told this man to pretend deaf and mute and let pundits interpret for him. On the day of great debate with her, the lady started by holding up her one index finger, meaning that One god exists. This man, thinking she wants to poke into his eyes, raised two fingers that pundits interpreted as Two faces of god (body and soul). Next, she showed her five fingers with palm, meaning five elments of life. This man thought she wants to slap, so he showed a fist that Pundits interpreted as five elements embedded in one body. Finally, she accepted his superiority and decided to marry him. Soon after marriage, she found out about his dumbness and threw him out. This man got so humbled that he dedicated himself to the literature and knowledge and became one of the greatest writers of Indian Literature. Do you know who he was?

He was Mahakavi Kalidas who wrote famous books including Meghdoot and Abhigyan Shakuntalam.
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Lord Ram's date of birth (as calculated by a software)
I spotted an interesting article that stated that a computer software called 'Planetarium Gold' has calculated the date of birth of lord Ram as January 10, 5114 BC at just after noon time। This date was based on the descriptions in Valmiki Ramayan. It said the lord went into exile at the age of 25 and came back to Ayodhya at the age of 39.
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Gayatri Mantra and its meaning
Gayatri mantra has been used everywhere by all. This powerful mantra contains in its line the essence of all vedic knowledge. In that it calls for illumination of the mind, body and soul by dispelling of ignorance through the divine light (Sun).

ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः । तत् सवितुर्वरेण्यं ।
भर्गो देवस्य धीमिह । धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥

Interpretation: We contemplate the glory of Light illuminating the three worlds: gross (Bhur), subtle (Bhuvah), and causal (Swah). I am that vivifying power, love, radiant illumination, and divine grace of universal intelligence. We pray for the divine light to illumine our minds.

Literal meaning of the words:
Om: The primeval sound
Bhur: The physical world
Bhuvah: The mental world
Suvah: The celestial, spiritual world
Thath: God; transcendental Paramatma
Savithur: The Sun, Creator, Preserver
Varenyam: Most adorable, enchanting
Bhargo: Luster, effulgence
Devasya: Resplendent,supreme Lord
Dheemahi: We meditate upon
Dhiyo: The intellect,understanding
Yo: May this light
Nah: Our
Prachodayath: Enlighten,guide,inspire
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A painting of perspective

One day I was thinking of drawing a picture that I have deep in my thoughts about many around me. Each individual, as you know, comes with a unique personality and thought process. Now, have you thought why a person you know thinks so differently from you? As science says, it has something to do with genetics and something to do with how the bringing up was. But, I somehow it's about a 'well' that the individual lives in that shapes the perspective. Here is the picture...

Imagine a waterwell not-too-deep, round, without water, hardened soil floor wide enough to live and move around. Some grass on the edges, some chips coming off the wall and some moss on the rims. But, once you go down, it gets better...well-maintained walls, painted, decoration, mirrors, furnitures, tv, kitchen, view of the sky, temperature controlled, views of the well. Inside sitting a person. Very happy. Feeling accomplished. Feeling lucky. Feeling free. Lost in own world. No stairs to go up. Many more sitting in nearby wells. All happy. All they see is their world. One of them one day puts two pipes together and makes a periscope, long enough to see outside. It was green outside. Birds chirping. Sun overhead. People working hard in the fields. Living simple life. Sometimes in pain. Sometimes in misery. But, happy from inside. With lunch breaks with their wives who bring fresh warm food to the fields. They look around. They are satisfied. Why is it not down here? Why did the person think he had everything? Is it possible to have misery and peace together outside? Sleep well and work hard next day. What could be possibly in other wells? Why is the neighbor not doing the same thing?

Perspectives differ. The awakening requires a periscope into a totally different world. It's very difficult to get the idea of making one. Second is to get the angles right in its construction so we see the right target. But, it's always easy to not have one and enjoy our own perspective because change is against human instinct and desires, but remember this...Change is the law of nature. Everything changes easily besides your own perspective. Your perspective is attached to the inner self and its conditioning. You cannot easily shake your inner self and change the scene in front of you. It requires tremedous effort and the deeper your ego, the harder is the change of perspective.

I will give you a very beautiful quote from lord Buddha...If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change. He says, don't just see the flower. See the miracle that this flower is. See its beauty, its power, its birth and the whole life behind it. And, by seeing, you explore and pay attention .

Perspectives involve a lot of things - your thoughts, wisdom, genetics and your experiences. These keep getting chiseled and take a shape as time goes. The intelligence is in knowing that there is no end. As George Lichtenberg said, One's first step in wisdom is to question everything - and one's last is to come to terms with everything. See around and you will see it everywhere.

I believe that the real insights come not from chasing the ideas, dreams, people or notions, but from searching within. Just like the slow process of evolution, perspectives do change, but they change slowly under the slow heat of experiences and intricate chemistry of thought processes. It is almost genious to be putting oneself away from the 'well' and see where you were to begin with. But, the true reformers of oneself are rare because we don't often see things as they are, we see them as we are.

This painting has so much truth into it that it comes lively as we start to think about it. But, that's how it will always be. Not each one will get the perspective right. Not each one will get awakened. Not each one will be willing to try. Not each one will know to try. All this picture says is...

"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes." -- Marcel Proust

The importance of listening and understanding

I was laughing my heart out on this cartoon below. (Click on the image for clarity)












It is so true in real life.... It's just funny and I am sure you have been through such instances. Or, may be my laughing bone just got stimulated, call me crazy. but, he he...I am just a Dilbert fan. :)

Few of my favorite dohas and quotations...

(This is an ever-growing list)

जाल परे जल जात बहि, तजि मीनन को मोह । 'रहिमन' मछरी नीर को तऊ न छाँड़ति छोह ।।
(Story of fish's unending love for water... Caught in a net, water leaves the fish leaving its attachment for the fish. But, rahim says, the fish gives up its life in the craving and separation with the water.)

टूटे सुजन मनाइए, जो टूटे सौ बार । 'रहिमन' फिर-फिर पोइए, टूटे मुक्ताहार ।।
(If your beloved gets angry with you, you should console him or her 100 times, just like we tie the garland of pearls as many times as it breaks.)

वहै प्रीत नहिं रीति वह, नहीं पाछिलो हेत । घटत-घटत 'रहिमन' घटै, ज्यों कर लीन्हे रेत ।।
(Rahim says, it’s not love, it’s tradition that diminishes with time. True love is not like the sand in our hands that slips away slowly from us. कर means hand in sanskrit.)

मीठा सब से बोलिए, फैले सुख चहुँ ओरे । वाशिकर्ण है मंत्र येही, तज दे वचन कठोर ।।
(Speak sweet with everyone because that spreads happiness. The only mantra to overpower others is to give up the harsh words.)

कबीरा तेरा झोंपड़ा गलकटियन के पास । अपनी करनी जांयगे, तू क्यूं हुआ उदास ।।
(Kabir says why do you worry even if you live near the butcher shop. He who does so will get accordingly.)

माटी कहे कुम्हार से तू क्यों रोंदे मोंहे । इक दिन ऐसा होवेगा मैं रोंदूंगी तोहें ।।
(Earth says to the potmaker, why do you knead me under your feet. There will come a day when I will knead you under me. This doha points to the eternal truth in death)

जे रहीम उत्तम प्रकृति, का करी सकत कुसंग । चन्दन वीष व्यापत नही, लिपटे रहत भुजुंग ।।
(Rahim says a person with good character does not get swayed in the bad company, just like the sandal tree does not get poisonous even when serpents hang around its trunk.

छमा बड़न को चाहिये, छोटन को उत्पात। कह रहीम हरि का घट्यौ, जो भृगु मारी लात ।।
(It's required of elders to forgive when young ones do mischieves. Rahim says lord vishnu didn't lose anything even when maharishi bhrigu, brahma's son, kicked him in the chest. The lord even asked bhrigu if he had hurt his leg by kicking him. Vedic stories say bhrigu was testing who the greatest was among brahma, vishnu and mahesh by pushing their limits on anger. Since vishnu was asleep, bhrigu decided to wake him up through his kicks. This dohas says forgiving shows your greatness and high character.)

Other quotes

* "One can overcome the forces of negative emotions, like anger and hatred, by cultivating their counter-forces, like love and compassion." -- Dalai Lama

* "Love, joy, and peace cannot flourish until you have freed yourself from mind dominance." -- Eckhart Tolle

* "I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches. If suffering alone taught, all the world would be wise, since everyone suffers. To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, patience, love, openness and the willingness to remain vulnerable." -- Joseph Addison (1672-1719)

* "When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight." -- Kahlil Gibran

True Love Never Did Run Smooth

Even though I've heard stories on famous love stories from this world, I was just amazed at this line from Shakespeare 'True Love Never Did Run Smooth'.

I am no writer, but I've found that writing about painful subjects give you an outlet just as your regular crying or doing something worse. As I think more about this line, I wonder about what true love is. When two people break up or let's just say one rejects the other because it's rarely mutual. There can be umpteen reasons. Sometimes past behavior or current habits push people away. People separate. Did they really separate? Because if they truly loved each other at one time, how is it possible that they split up? Let's assume that one person's behavior was the worst and it created hatred or disinterest in the mind of the other. Should both or one person stop loving in that case? Can negatives become so heavy over the positives? Ultimate question people ask is, if I stay, will he or she change? Now, hold your thought there because I am going to quote some words from ancient wisdom...

One Arabian parable says...Write the bad things that are done to you in the sand, but write the good things that happen to you on a piece of marble.

I believe in these words. I have been through some bad things done to me all along my life. I mean it generally. Because YOU and ME were brought to this earth to be tested. God will not give you if you do not give up your fears and work hard to climb up that hill. There were no freebies sprinkled for you. In this test, you will move with vigor sometimes, but you will also cry and fall in despair at other times. You will want the help. Then, you ask the god and he shows you the way. That is certainly promised. But, it's YOU who must do it. Therefore, take a moment and think. What really happened? Someone rejected your love or you withheld your love for someone? Is the other person repenting for his or her behavior and made remedies? You say, it does not matter now because your love is gone. Gone? Where? Were you loving before? Imagine mother's love for you. Does it go away? Some kids are just incorrigible, aren't they? Do their mothers start loving less? If not, why not? You would think it's the blood relation because that's the obvious. But, what about the adopted son or daughter? Do moms love less to the adopted ones? If you answered No, why? No, love is never about blood relations. It's a bond. It's unlimited. It's 'for'-giving. It knows no boundaries. People are called crazy. They are called blind in love. True love soaks your soul. Believe me, it goes that deep. It touches the very existence of YOU. You would have your reasons later to deny or reject that love. Did you really reject that love? Have you ever tried telling your mom that I break up with you and she still loves you? Did you really have the courage? Did you go very far after doing that? No, your ego did, it took you wherever you wanted. But, deep down, your soul was crying. It will never accept that you rejected her love because that was her true love. That love never stopped you because your ego will become unhappy. Your ego will make your tongue act out. But, mom's love knew that her love will stay happy as long you remain happy. Her love can see you go away than remain unhappy. This, my dear, is true love. It is the faith of the soul. It is the bond that always stays. Humans leave and so do their egos. But love has always won and will keep winning as long as it is true. Love never asks you for something. Love bears the pain. How easily shakespeare summarized it in one line...because unless the love is tested, it's worth cannot be measured.

I can guarantee you that if you love someone, love them always. Love them when they are gone. Just forget the bad things that happened. For one, just let it go. Wipe it off of your brain. You want some examples? How about the famous Shama-Parwana? Shama means fire, Parwana is used for the moth that just never stops flying around that fire lamp. Isn't that moth aware of the fatal energies of the fire? Moth said...yes and? Just as you thought you were losing control in love, you still loved. But why do you give up now? He or she offended you. And, you cannot trust him anymore. Fine. The deal is made. You tried and failed. But, wait a minute, did you push the other person's love away? So, how did you fail? Not for your ego. Never. You told yourself that I will move on because this love has failed. Ok, fine. Who will argue with you? It will never be your friends who will. After all, aren't they friends who want your happiness? See the irony? Friends will sooth you. But, can they probe you? Why would they? They will give you alternatives. They will patch the rough wounds. They will ask you to make yourself 'safe' by avoiding the person who hurt you. And, they are right. Because they know what you told them. It came from YOU - the brain, the mind, the ego. When you were hurt, you forgot to ask your heart or your soul. What would a soul know when the brain is making logical steps to keep you safe? Great. Didn't that just kill you when you said you are safe now? Let me just ask you this. Were you on seventh heaven when you said you feel safe now? I mean, did that give you joy? If it did, you should keep doing it. If it did not and trust me you know it did not, then choose the right path.

I sometimes wish people come face to face and be very relieved to break up. Some cases may be true, but some are quite artificial. They are made up. No one can tell, except you yourself. It is so because you cannot fail at any cost. You cannot become vulnerable again. Gandhi ji used to say, It's easy to slap someone. But, it's the hardest to ask for someone's forgiveness. You know why? Because asking belittles you. On top of that, if it's to accept your fault, just forget it. How dare you hurt your ego!! So, dear, saying sorry is a big thing. Trust the other person, when you receive one heartfelt sorry. And, come on. Trust yourself!!! You can always do it. You better do it because as long as you are on this earth, it's a never-ending stream. Love is the only medicine and love is the only refuge. You are free to try everything else. You can try to outsmart the traditions. You can think that you will not see this person again, so why not just throw away his or her love. After all, you've moved on. If you firmly believed in this, you are right. Not everyone wants to retry the same person when the history was bad. But, listen now. See through your soul's eyes on what is holding you back. Is it really his or her past behavior? Or, is it your own vulnerability? Or, is it just your ego? People mess up frequently in love. But, once the realization and true repentence sets in, it has that power to make your love more deep and mature. So, go ahead and make a decision because either way, it will be good for you. But, remember...prophets have said this again and again in many ways...

"And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course." -- Khalil Gibran (1883-1931)

Patience

It just came to my mind yesterday while walking down the street. I was thinking of someone who went through a lot of emotional pain recently and started feeling better as time passed. Then, I recalled having read about the "heirarchy of needs" that starts from physiological upto the self-actualization. As it says, people climb up this ladder from most basic to most advanced needs in their life. But, what about people who were somewhere in the middle and fell down the ladder? Let's say falling from the fulfilled need of "love and belonging" to the unfortunate search for food, water or shelter due to compulsions of this life. And, even people who dropped from the level of fulfilled esteem or self-actualization to the search for "love and belonging". Once these people on the higher level encounter sudden change of fortune, can they go back after the misfortune has passed? I think it all depends. That's where one of the most needed human quality comes in. It's called the resilience. The resilience to weather the storm. The resilience to not be arrogant. The resilience to be flexible and the resilience to have no fear. One who doesn't fear conquers all. But, this statement shouldn't be taken from the view of a conquerer. This should be understood from a view of devotion and sacrifice. If one doesn't fear losing material things, he becomes fearless. Just close your eyes and see if it's merely the attachment that holds you back. The attachment to your unblemished record, or to your wealth, or to your well-cherished ego, or to your relationships. And, you shall understand the subtle and gradual immersion of your mind and soul into the material world. It would be very hard to let it all go.

So, going back to the needs, ask yourself what was the most unfortunate thing that happened to you. Then, think about someone who may have gone through even worst and survived. There can be many inferences that you can make out of this recollection. But, there is one I especially like. ....That......these are life's lessons that make one grow. People have been and will fall onto the steps of these ladders. But, everything single bit of it will give you a lesson and, in time, you will become a mature and thankful person for what you have got. It will take time. It will require patience. There are no shortcuts to the experience. Experience is part of this life and it shall stay. Experience matures the creatures and makes them capable of fulfilling their needs. Even in love, people make mistakes. But, keep in mind that when you have the guts to be kind when you can rather be right, you will see more love and your kindness will just melt the soul of everyone around you. So, cherish the experiences and live happily......To end, I will give you this beautiful rhyme from Kabir:

Dheere Dheere Re Mana, Dheere Sub Kutch Hoye.
Mali Seenche So Ghara, Ritu Aaye Phal Hoye
[Slowly slowly O mind, everything happens in own pace.
Gardner may water a hundred buckets, but fruit arrives only in its season]

God bless all!!!