Yoga Vasishta

Hi Guys Jai Gurudeva!

First of all let me apologize for not being able to post on the my blog 4 u guys.It's better late than never.Ive got a whole lot of things to share with all of you. Its been 2 weeks now we(Mulund +Thane Vol) have been listening to the 'Yoga Vashishta series in the powerful voice of the most amazing orator of AOL Arun Mahadevan and Atikaji who incidently is also a Yes!+ teacher. Listening to Yoga Vasishta has a two fold benifit.The first implied benifit is that it gives you an entirely new perspective and dimension to human life.And the second obvious benifit is that it really adds value to improve your vocabulary big time. Such profound and deep knowledge explained in such sophisticated language.You actually go speechles and numb listening to Yoga Vashista.One experiences a mixed feeeling of wonder, amazement,and also a realization of utter insignificance dawns upon you.After listening to Yoga Vasishta when you go back to read the book its easier for one to relate to what the writer is wanting to convey. A must read book that I would strongly recommend each one to buy, for this would be the most valuable investment in the life of every individual who chooses to know more about life.

Where can I get the book : Yoga Vashishta (Venkateshanda) Giri stores matunga or in our divine shop.Just a phone call away, contact Jigar -9223371002

Gandhiji

M – Memorable
A – Awareness
H – Happy
A- Alertness
T- Transformation
M- Meaningful
A- Achievement

G – Great
A – Apostle of Peace
N – Noble
D- Devotion
H – Humble
I - Intelligent


Mahatama Gandhi whom we all lovingly called Gandhiji or Bapuji was born on 2nd Oct. He was a truly an inspirational leader to our country. He believed in non violence and peace.Gandhiji used to conduct satsang everyday which is why he was instrumental in giving India the freedom it deserved. So what can we learn from the father of our nation?
Gandhiji said, ‘The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems’. So its high time we realize that we are indeed capable of doing much more than what we believe we can do. Let’s do our bit to keep the values that Gandhiji gave birth to alive even in today’s world.

Happy B'day Dineshda

Dineshda! Peace, Silence,Serenity, Contentment, and Bliss personified.He is one person whom I know whose presence is so very powerful that it by default silences the mind of all those are blessed and fortunate to be in his presence. His smile says it all. He is the perfect example of a devotee who walks the talk of the Master. Guruji says 'You need to have your heart full, head empty and hands busy'. And Dineshda lives this knowledge completely in his life.In his presence we relaize that Silence definitely speaks louder than words.

Happy Bday Bau

BAU! Brave, Adorable & Unique! A true leader, an unfathomable inspirer, a sincere and dedicated devotee, an absolutely hilarious and mind blowing orator, an intelligent persona and a heart warming human being.... and the list of adjectives can go on when it comes to expressing my words about our dearest Bau. Today whatever I am I attribute it to the quality time that Bau has invested in my growth. I feel blessed, privileged and the chosen one to have Bau as my Mentor. He is one person I have ever come across in Art of Living who is so easily accessible via mail.

Whenever I have a question that pops up in my mind or any botheration that disturbs me all I need to do is pop a mail to Bau –khurshed@gmail.com and I have my answers right there. Presence of Bau in our life is lie that of a powerful catalyst to reach the Master. Bau’s fun filled knowledge sessions, his witty Q&As, his mouth watering recipes & last but not the least his Blog serves as a desert to our roller coaster ride of life.

He is one person I have met who is so damn practical at the same time very spiritual. Bau is an ideal youth icon that we need to all cherish and create opportunities as volunteers so that we can introduce Bau and his magic to more and more youngsters all around the globe.

My Friend Ganesha

Ganesh Stotram by Gurudev!

Ajam Nirvikalpam Nirakaram Ekam;
Niranandam Anandam Advaita Purnam;
Param Nirgunam Nirvishesham Nireeham;
Parabrahma Roopam Ganesham Bhajema

"Jagatkaranam Karanam Jnaana Roopam;
Suradhim Sukhadim Gunesham Ganesham;
Jagatvyapinam Vishwavandyam Suresham;
Parabrahma Roopam Ganesham Bhajema."

Jagatvyapinam Vishwavandyam Suresham;
Parabrahma Roopam Ganesham Bhajema

"Gunathithamanam Chidanandaroopam;
Chidabasakam Sarvgam Gyanagamyam;
Muni Dhyeyam Akasharoopam Paresham;
Parabrahmaroopam Ganesham Bhajema"


Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the day on which Lord Ganesha is believed to bestow his presence on earth for all his devotees. Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati, is worshipped as the supreme god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune.

The essence of Ganeshji is brought out beautifully by Adi Shankara. Though Ganeshji is worshiped as the the elephant-headed God, the form (swaroop) is just to bring out its parabrahma roopa. Ganeshji is described as Ajam Nirvikalpam Niraakaaramekam. This means that Ganeshji is never born.

Have alook at our Ganeshji story and the Symbolism right here: http://bawandinesh.name/ganeshji/

http://bawandinesh.name/the-secret-of-lord-ganesha-ii/

Importance of Rudram

In this Shravan Month we have been blessed to exprience a series of Rudra Puja's in Mumbai. I personally got an oppurtunity to witness a Rudra Puja with Swami Vishnupadji. Before I share my experience let me give you a gist of the Significance of Rudra Puja in our life.

Rudra Pooja is an ancient practice that has been followed in India since time immemorial. Rudra means Shiva the Benovelent, the Destroyer of evil.Pooja means that which is born out of fullness.Through this Pooja one can aim for inner peace and fulfillment.In this Pooja Lord Shiva is worshipped in his Rudra form, is hailed by all vedic scriptures as one of the greatest Pooja's to remove all evils, to attain all desires and for all round prosperity.The Astrology scriptures have repeatedly prescribed this as a remedy for several planetary doshas.

Why do Rudra Pooja - The world is a play of energy, negative and positive. When we pray to Shiva – the Lord of transformation; the entire negative energy around us in form of disease, depression, and unhappiness gets transformed into peace, prosperity and joy. Peace around us, in the mind, body and soul.

How is the Pooja Performed - This pooja is performed with a crystal “linga”. Each ancient mantra that is chanted gets absorbed in specific materials like curd, milk, ghee, honey etc. This is then offered to Shiva with reverence, love and gratitude. Specially trained Pandits and Veda students from our ashram in Bangalore perform this special pooja. The chanting of the mantras is so pure and meditative that it takes us to a different plane.

When the rudra pooja was conducted in Mulund I really felt as though I was sitting in Vishalakshi Manadap with Guruji. His presence was som very prominent. Everytime I attend a Pooja my love for chanting and my awarness about the Power of Mantras gets reinforced.

We have Rudra Pooja conducted in our Bangalore ashram every Mon. Another reason to visit the ashram:)

Solar Eclipse

What is a Solar Eclipse ?

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Sun and the Earth so that the Sun is fully or partially covered. This can only happen during a new moon, when the Sun and Moon are in conjunction as seen from the Earth. An eclipse of the sun occurs when the moon revolving in its orbit around the earth comes between the sun and the earth. The moon blocks the light of the sun and a shadow of the moon is cast over the earth's surface.

How does the moon bock the sun?

By a fortunate coincidence, the sun's diameter is 400 times larger than that of the moon, and at the same time, it is 400 times as far away. From where we are, this creates the illusion that they are the same size. If we look through a filter at the sun, it looks exactly like the moon on a full moon night. When the moon passes in front of the sun, the shadow falls on the earth and it appears to exactly cover the sun's disc. This is what a solar eclipse is - a shadow.

I was reading some reports about the Total Solar Eclipse on Aug 1st and most scientists claimed that eclipse does not affect us in any way ! We can be outside, eat etc. during the eclipse. Here is the knowledge from Guruji on the effect of eclipse.

Guruji : When that eclipse happens, sun/moon and earth aligns, a huge energy field is created. We should meditate, chant or do satsang because the effect is at least 100 times more. Also we should not eat 3-4 hours before and after to intensify the effect even more. When we eat our body uses up lot of energy to digest the food so instead of energy going to the mind it goes in digesting the food. So if we don’t eat all the energy goes to the mind and then we should do chanting of slokas or satsang.

Our body is made up of 60% water and so during full/new moon we are affected also. That is why in olden days people use to fast on Ekadasi, few days before to balance out the effect! The fasting should be done eating fruits and vegetables. Also when we overeat or eat heavy meal during lunch, we are sleepy after food because our body is using up all the energy on digesting food and can’t do anything else.

ICE AGE 3

ICE AGE HERO

ICE AGE 3 - One the most beautiful animation movie I have ever seen. An ideal combination of humour, emotion and sensitivity coupled with excitement and adventure. Just like in the movie the animals were absolutely ignorant of this whole new underground world of Dinousours, similarly even we remain unaware of a whole new exciting world full of oppurtunities in the spiritual world till we do the Yes!+ course. The Ice Age introduced me to whole new set of creatures from slimy, small to big ones, I have never ever heard of or even seen. Ice Age would rekindle the child in you and stimulate the innocence which lies hidden in each one of us. A movie which no kid/ youth /adult should miss watching. I am going to watch it again 4 sure.

WORDS OF MY MASTER

Praising me is not enough. I am not satisfied by your praises,gratefulness and gratitude. Do not just keep me on the stage, on the altar, put flowers and say, Jai Gurudev!' Keep me in your heart.When you are grateful, there is also a lot of gratitude and you feel like praising. But all this should be converted into your soul and make you blossom.Once in a while when you have a problem, you come and say JaiGurudev. Don't say it only some times, say it all the time,everyday and every minute.

All these qualities you see in me are also in you.Only when you keep me in your heart, does guru ship arise in you.Otherwise just doing pad puja (worshiping the feet), saluting and running away, nothing will be born in you. If you only want to garland flowers, then go to temples. There are many idols there. There is no need of a Guru then. Not only that, there are many people in the world,who love to sit and be garlanded. Go and garland them.If you have come to me, then change. Change from inside.

There is no happiness in the world which you cannot get by being on the path ofknowledge. Once you taste this nectar, everything else will be bitter. Once you begin to float in this, you will never experience a lack of anything in any way in your life.Don't keep me at a distance. By staying far away from me you have no benefit whatsoever. You are just wasting your time and mine too. Whatever I am, you are that too. Whatever you thought was impossible for you, I have come here to show you that it is possible.

This body, this prana, has only one mission. It has come for one reason - to introduce you all to your own self, to reveal the true self to you. Who are you? You are truth. You are shiva. You are beauty.See, many people come here. Some come just to visit the place and say, "oh! nice." some feel nice inside and say, "oh! nice energy!"they take few deep breaths and go back after one or two days in a good state of mind. Few others come and stay a little longer, while, while others just loot every thing. They take every thing. And that is good. Those are the kind of people I want. They must loot everything.The shop is open. So loot all you can.

Magic of Bawan Dinesh's Presence

After the 25th June Yes!+ Morning batch got over I was not sure if Bawa n Dinesda were taking a Yes!+ course in Mumbai from 15th July. Then I had a word with Anjana and asked her to convince Bau if we could have a Yes!++ in Mulund and you know what Bau said why not have a Yes!+ in Mulund with BawanDinesh. Non of the volunteers could believe their ears. The enthusiasm, intensity, valour and energy level of each every volunteer was sky rocketing. We just had 10 days in our hand i.e. from 3rd July till 13th July to make this wonderful opportunity that we got to organize a Yes!+ for our very own Bau and Dineshda. The key words that contributed to the success of our course - Team work, 'Yes' Mind and Guru Grace. 180 registrations in 10 days was just an imagination once upon a time. But now it’s a breathing reality for each one of us. Self effort and faith in the master made the impossible very much possible.

And I could just not believe my eyes. From 15th-20th July -180 people did the Yes!+, 94 people did Sahej Samadhi Meditation, 35 people did Mathemagic with Bawa and 50+ people did SMS(Study Made Simpler) with Dineshda. I realized that when you give your 100% then the output is unimaginable.

Few of my learnings:
If the group sankalpa is strong then anything is possible.
Every opportunity for seva is an oppurtuntiy to experience Guru Grace.
Responsibility should always be taken and not given.
Clarity in communication while working in a team.
Do not hesitate to take challenges.
Learn to adapt to change.
Focus should be on the Guru and on learning.
Learn from your own mistakes and other’s as well.

JOURNEY WITH MY MASTER

I have been lately listening to the Patanjali Yoga Sutras and everytime I hear it, its a new learning. Its amazing to realize how I could have missed listening to that point which meant so much to me in my life the previous time I heard Patanjali. One can just wonder. Every moment is a miracle. The last I visited the ashram was last navratri. And the longing to meet Guruji was unbearable. And thats when I recieve the news that Guruji is visiting Mumbai! Now this is what I say "A sincere prayer never goes unanswered". And when I met Guruji face to face even without saying a word he said it all. That's Guruji.

And you know what, when I went to recieve Guruji at the airport after having a glimpse of him, I was definitely not satisfied. And guess what, Guruji's vehicle was just adjacent to our vehicle. And what an amazing divine race we were having. Sometimes Guruji's car would be ahead of our car and sometimes our car would be ahead of Guruji's car.

That's when I realized that this is exactly what Guruji does with us in our life. There are times in our life when we just need to quietly follow the Master and other times when the Master is behind us guiding us through the pathway ahead.

Sometimes we used to peep out of the car waving out to Guruji and sometimes he would peep out of his car, give us a naughty wink and contagious smile. It was really nice observing every little detail move of the Master; Guruji drinking water, Guruji looking out of the window, Guruji sitting with eyes closed. At that moment I wondered if we are enjoying observing Guruji's every move so closely, Guruji also must be enjoying keeping a close watch on all our moves in life na!

Truly an unforgettable journey with the Master!

Pearls of Wisdom from the Master

The aim of mankind is to reach towards happiness and joy’Mumbai (India), June 11

The mind can be slippery. Yet, faith should not be slippery. Life is about faith, though sometimes it becomes shaky. Whenever you have been in trouble, haven’t you received help? You will keep receiving it.You all are like flowers which will never die, never wither. Today there is not a single person who does not have sweetness in his heart. Even if you visit a prison, there are people who have sweetness in their hearts. This joy and happiness that we have received, should be reached to others. The aim of mankind is to reach towards happiness and joy. From joy, two things are born in you: a smile and a desire to serve.

There are two kinds of devotees. Have you observed a cat and a monkey? When a monkey walks, its child will cling to it. The monkey is not bothered about its child because the child follows the mother. Whereas a kitten does not follow its mother. The mother has to keep an eye on the child, and takes it in its mouth wherever she goes. Are you a cat or a monkey? Do you cling to the Divine or let the Divine carry you?Also, for those who are on the path, remember to relax.

Again, there are two types of devotees.Those who are just starting on the path are like those who are running to catch the train and those who have already begun are those who are already sitting inside the train. People who are just starting are worried about their ability to catch the train; they have to catch a taxi from home, rush to the platform on time, find the right platform, and then find the correct coach, and then get on the train. Until they get on the train, they cannot rest.If those who are on the train already run from one compartment to the other, will they reach their destination sooner? What is the use of running inside the compartment?

After getting into the compartment, put your luggage down and relax. And then you will get to your destination.

Sri Sri on the Holly Show

Recently we have been very concerned about what we can do to uplift individuals in the society. What we can do to make this world a better place. What we can do to share love rather than hate. My first guest is truly a global phenomenon. He is the founder of the Art of Living Foundation and the International Association for human values. One of the most successful educational and humanitarian NGOs in the world. The foundations strengthens the individual and revitalizes human values such as friendliness, co-operation, kindness, compassion and generosity.Through practical wisdom, service and celebration. Guruji is a multifaceted humanitarian and spiritual leader. He travels to more than 40 countries every year with the message of love and peace, service to humanity.

1. What’s the relevance of "Yes We Can"and how did you come up with this whole concept?
Ans: You know I walk around and see there was no smile in young people’s face. A baby smiles 400 times a day, an adolescent smiles only 17 times and when they become adult they don’t smile at all.Well I have to put back the Smile right on their face again. Then this came up.


2. How do you see this program transforming society and changing lives?
Ans : Well its happening! Everyone who goes through the program they just come out with flying colours, they are free from stress they are able to communicate with people better, its very rewarding.

3. Are there any specific things your implementing, your using to develop people?
Ans : There is an ancient breathing technique and Sudarshnkriya a very powerful breathing technique it just turns the table all around.

4.So do you think this is a hard task that you have set for the Art of Living to do?
Ans: It’s a smart task I would say. I think everybody would love to do it.

5. We were wondering if you could tell us what your greatest strengths are?
Ans : I love people I love this planet. You know when your intentions are clear, when you are fulfilled and satisfied for yourself then you are able to do something for the world.

6. So you want to bring a little bit of this into everybody’s lives?
Ans : Everyone can feel that fulfillment within and then be dynamic and active in the world, help others.

7. Guruji, why have you chosen youth to implement this project.
Ans: Because youth have enthusiasm in them, they want to do something. They can dream. You know after 40 or 50yrs people become little apathetic and they are not interested to do something new or creative and then people always wants to go for something fantastic.

8. What kind of world leaders do you work with?
Ans: I work with all types of people, all leaders, all aspects every avenue of life needs this knowledge, spiritual. So I don’t choose to work with people, I work with everybody.

9. Guruji what is your focus for Yes We Can and why?
Ans: My focus is to see that more and more youngsters take responsibility for the planet they will be owning or they do own now and I want them to find a new direction in their life which is evolutionary and not self destructive. I want young people to get themselves free from tobacco, alcoholism, violence and get into creating a more happy family.

10. What is the best way to dela with when we get sad and how does it affect relationships.
Ans: You know youngsters get into relationships, but they get out of relationship very fast. And everytime they go out of a relationship there is a big heartbreak and when they get into a relationship there is a big uncertainity. So this Yes+ program helps them to be more stable, strong and think from their heart and move on in their life.

11. Guruji, what inspired you to make Yes We Can?
Ans : Just the youth themselves.

12. Guruji what is your vision for youth?
Ans : To see that our youths have deeper roots and broader vision. You know deeper roots makes them well grounded So deepen your roots and broaden your vision is the slogan for youths.

13. How to break down the barriers of prejudice?
Ans: Education and intermingling with people of other backgrounds, other race, religion nationality, sitting with them and getting to know them will break down all the barriers. Our prejudice is becoz we keep people away from us. Once we get to know them prejudice simply drops. We have to start feeling that the whole wolrd is one family with many differences.

Q. You travel the world continuously going to different places, spreading this knowledge. How many countries you have been this year.
Guruji : Ya . Oh ho so many I’ve lost the count. Last I did was 174 cities in 1 year.

14 How do we create a stress free and a violence free society?
Ans: By engaging youth into programs like Yes+, by creating more multicultural, multidimensional, multilingual & religious programs. Interfaith prayers and cultural programs will al bring people together.

15. Guruji, what does success mean to you?
Ans: A smile that doesn’t die away, a confidence that doesn’t wither away and a personality that doesn’t get shaken is a sign of success.

Guruji’s Message – Have a Dream and keep going I am with you!

The Holly Show http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe4cTrXmg4M

The Yes We Can website : http://www.yeswecan-clp.org/

12 qualities of a Good Leadership

The first major aspect of good leadership is letting go of control. For a leader, it is also important to be in the present moment. How can you be a dynamic, confident and enthusiastic leader? The first quality of leadership is to set an example.

a. A leader doesn’t just order things; he does it so that others can do it.

b. A leader takes good care of those whom he is leading.

c. He doesn’t create followers. A good leader creates leaders. And then chain action happens. A leader should delegate responsibility.

d. A leader does not depend on authority. He just does a thing, whether authority is invested or not. It comes by itself.

e. He does not worry about position. The respect that you gain through virtue is very different from the respect you gain through the position. The respect you get through a position is short-lived and temporary. But the respect that you gain just because of your smile, your attitude, your virtues are there with you all the time. You may be a chairman of this committee, a president of that committee, or you are barrister here or governor of that state — these are all momentary, temporary. They come and they go. And the respect you get because of this position is not genuine, it is not from the heart, it is not true. But the respect you gain because you are a nice person, is genuine, it lasts long. It is spontaneous.

f. A leader is alert and when challenges come, he is not disturbed. A good leader is one who does not drop things when challenges appear. (Read : Do not shy away from criticism - Sri Sri )

g. A good leader is one who does not care for comfort, but who stretches himself beyond the comfort zone. Anything creative, dynamic and great can happen only when you stretch beyond your comfort zone where we are often struck. We think we cannot do something: just make an effort and put one step ahead, and you will find that that you are expanding your comfort zone. Creativity transcends your comfort zone. Or, when you step out of the comfort zone, your creativity comes into play.

h. A leader should not mix head and heart. If you mix head and heart, you are in a mess! When you have to work, you work with commitment and you live with your head. In life, in situations other than when you are working, listen to your heart.

i. A good leader should be multidimensional and see from the other’s point of view. Put yourself in other person’s shoes, look from the other person’s point of view.

j. The leader doesn’t depend on one-sided information. When you get some news from one side, don’t take any decision or conclusion till you hear from the other side also. Leader should be a good communicator.

k. A leader should have a direct approach. 12 : A good leader does not judge himself. You have this tendency of judging yourself, “Am I good? I’m no good.” The self-judgment is an obstruction. Stop doing that. Don’t judge yourself. When you judge yourself, you are judging others also. Then you oscillate like a pendulum. If you feel you’re good, then you are saying that others are not so good. So when you find that others are good, and then you feel that you are no good, you blame yourself. Judgment is very similar to self-blame and blaming others. We have to get out of this vicious circle of self-judgment.

That is also the state of surrender. When you have surrendered to the Divine that means that you no longer judge yourself. Self-judgment is not necessary. A child is so innocent, why? Because the child doesn’t judge itself.

--- Sri Sri

Bali Guru story continues....

The other incident was on the last day. Last year in Bali, in the last session,Guruji had guided us through a lying-down meditation, which was one of my deepest meditations. My expectations was ready and waiting for a similarexperience this year. The last session started with a CD-guided meditation, oneI had never done before. Somehow the meditation did not click with me - there were too many thoughts, impatience etc. After the meditation ended Guruji came into the hall and the first question he asked, "How many of you did not have agood meditation?" I wanted to put my hand up but had this concept - I've done a few advanced courses, how can I say I didn't have a good meditation; maybe Iate too much, maybe this, that...., the mind came up with many reasons not toput my hand up. Then I noticed Austin, the experienced teacher from LA puttingher hand up. Not only that, Guruji said, "All those who didn't have a good experience, come up, come sit in the front." And a few more veteran meditators went up. Then Guruji said, "Okay, now all of you just sit - don't do anything,don't meditate. I'll meditate for you." My mind went into a downward spiral, "I should have put my hand up, now I won't have a good second meditation also,waah, waah, waah." And in the second meditation, conducted entirely in silence,I didn't have much of a deep experience either. When we came out of meditation,Guruji asked, "hmm....better, no?" I was by now amused at my own mind andopened my eyes looking at him. He was looking around the room and then heclosed his eyes, a blissful smile on his face and slowly rotated his neck. My eyes seemed to close on their own and the next few minutes were full of bubbling bliss.

Another couple of useful lessons:
Lesson 1. Drop your concepts in front of the Master.Be natural.
Lesson 2. Even if you don't, the Master will still take care of you.Afterward when we were sharing experiences - I realized, each person on the course had received a personalized, signature package of joy from Guruji during the course. So many people and yet each one really did their own course.Now, if you want your own personal packet of bliss with your name written on itwith Guruji's hand-writing, go and do a part 2 course with him. I think the gift is better if you travel a bit to get to him. (At least we don't have to climb a mountains to meet our Guru, right?) And if you're one of the lucky(may I say smart :) ) ones who do the part 2 course during Guru Purnima(us.artofliving.org/gp2008), you also get a very special gift of your choicefrom the Master on the day of Guru Purnima. The rest you have to find out for yourself.
By an ardent devotee

Jai Gurudev!

Guru stories from Bali

A couple of things happened during the Bali course. The first incident was on the second day of the course. It was satsang and that time when Guruji looks around and says, "Anybody has birthdays?Anniversaries?" That day there were only three or four people who came up and one of them had a large cake with her. Guruji cut the cake and while cuttingit, managed to get some cake on his clothes. He gave the ecstatic devotee a piece and looked around for a napkin to clean his clothes. Of course it was the one day when the tissue box was not on the side-table. The inevitable volunteer scramble happened and a box of tissues appeared. Guruji took the box and...immediately offered it to the birthday girl. She was enjoying the sweetest cake and while she was eating it, a few crumbs had made their way onto her cheek. A very simple gesture, yet so indicative - first making sure the devotee's needs were met and then rubbing off the cake from his clothes. It reminded me of a passage in the book, "Guru of Joy", where some volunteers questioned building houses for nearby villages when the Ashram itself needed more housing. Guruji said, "If we wait for all our needs to be met before helping others, we'll never help anyone!" Each moment, he naturally and effortlessly shows us how to live like that.

Gaia Theory: Chakras and the Seven Sacred Cities

Seven cities in India correspond to seven centres orchakras in our body: Ayodhya, Mathura, Maya, Kashi,Kanchi, Avantika, Puri drawaravati chaiva, saptaidemoksha dayikaÓ.

Haridwar: Maya or Haridwar corresponds to themooladhar chakra situated at the base of the spine.When the jadata or lethargy goes and you commence your journey. This is the seat of emotions like inertia, enthusiasm. When there is no 'Inertia' 'Enthusiasm' appears and vice-versa. At one time only one emotion is there. `Haridwar' specifies the `Mooladhara' chakra. Haridwar means `entry into divinity'

Kamakshi: The second is Swadhishthaana chakra. This is situated at the back of the genitals. The energy for creativity, lust originate here… Temple of Kaanchi is equal to Swadhishthaana chakra. The devi of Kaanchi is Kamakshi. The devi of lust, desire.

Ayodhya: The third is Manipoor chakra. This is situated at the abdomen. Emotions like happiness, generosity, greed, jealousy are felt here. These emotions are related to `Ayodhya'. It was the jealousy and greed of Kaikeyi that madeRama take vanavas. Ayodhya is also known for thegenerosity of Rama. The joy of Rama's return toAyodhya is celebrated as Diwali.The jealousy and greed of Kaikeyi sent Raama into the forests. Similarly `Ayodhya is famous for Raama's generosity… `Ayodhya' means a place where there is no fight where it cannot be hurt.

Mathura: Situated at the heart is the fourth chakra, `Anahaata'. Emotions like love, fear are related to the heart. The holy city of `Mathura' is associated with this chakra. Mathura symbolises the love and devotion of the gopisfor Krishna, as well as of the fear and hatred ofKansa, all matters of the heart.

Avantika also called Ujjain: The fifth chakra, `Vishuddhi' is situated at the neck. Gratefullness, sorrow are experienced here. … The holy city of `Avantika' or `Ujjain' specify `Vishuddhi' chakra. This is the city of art and literature. The great poet Kaalidasa was born here. It is also the city of King Vikramaaditya, grief and glory. We feel gratitude in the throat region - we getchoked.

Kaashi: The sixth is `Aagya' chakra. Situated between the eyebrows this chakra is the seat of knowledge, unawareness, anger. This chakra is also known as the `Gnana chakshu' or the third eye. `Kaashi' is the seat of knowledge. `Kaashi' is the city of learned men and wise men.Kashi has always been the seat of knowledge.That's why the ajna chakra is also called gyanachakshu, the third eye. Kashi is the city of punditsand scholars.

Dwaraka: The seventh chakra is `Sahasraara'. This is on top of the head. Eternal bliss is felt here. The holy city of `Dwaraka' specifies `Sahasraara'. Dwara-ka means `where is the door?' What is the significance of door without walls? Look, there are no borders, walls for eternity. Srikrishna left his body in Dwaraka. `Sahasraara' also means `one thousand paths'. So, the path towards mukti starts at Haridwar and ends at Dwaraka. The `Aatma' is also called `Purusha'. `Puru' means `City' and `Purusha' means `Resident of a City'. Purusha is blemishless and eternal. But, when negative feelings come, purusha experiences bondage. Pure emotions steeped in knowledge leads one to moksha. Feelings devoid of knowledge create negative feelings. These unsettle us. Alongside create bondage. Being aware of the praana and the sensations in one's body is the only way to end negative feelings.

The soul is called Purusha. Pura means a town. Purushameans one who lives in the town. The Purusha isunbound and infinite. But the Purusha experiencesbondage with all the negative emotions. Positivefeelings with knowledge are liberating. Positivefeelings without knowledge create negative emotionswhich are stifling, hence one experiences bondage.When you observe the prana moving through differentcentres associated with sensations, the negativefeelings cease to exist and one is libera-ted frombondage.

The microcosm and the macrocosm are interlinked.Planet earth, home to many organisms, is itself alarge organism. It is not just a place for livingbeings; it is a living organism as a whole. This iswhat the Gaia theory says. Materialism considerseverything as objects. Spirituality, on the otherhand, discovers life in everything. So do children.For them, the moon talks, the sun smiles and themountains hear. Everything comes alive. Chicken, cows,mice - all are perceived to be in communication mode.Even cities have collective consciousness.

A streetwhere unethical people conduct their business isbelieved to emit heavy vibrations whereas aneducational institution or a place of worship emitspositive and light vibrations.The seven sacred rivers are the Ganga, Yamuna,Saraswati, Godavari, Narmada, Sindhu and Kaveri.Together with the seven sacred cities, they are linkedto the seven sacred spots within you.

You can do 'Hari Om' Meditation during Padmasadhana by being aware of the significance of each chakra and taking your attention to each one.

- H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji.

Intention, Attention, Manifestation

http://guruvaani.wordpress.com/2008/01/08/intention-attention-manifestation/

http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2006/05/the-power-of-now/


--- Sri Sri

Reflection

Past few weeks have been an eye opener for me. Unbelievable realizations, interesting observations and challenging situations. I recollect Guruji’s words that it’s not easy to walk this path, it really requires a lot of courage, patience, an open & broad minded attitude and a continuous willingness to learn from your own mistakes, from the mistakes that others make and from situations that the Guru puts you through.

Here is a poem that reflects my thoughts and feelings…

Yes+! gave us a platform to grow.
A path to walk the Guru’s talk.
Arguments, Difference of Opinions & Conflicts
Are all a part of the game
That makes us time and again aware of our focus that we need to regain.
Sadhana, Seva & Satsang is the Youth Mantra for this lifetime
The learning curve from a Partcipant – Volunteer – Teacher – Devotee.
Guruji says 2009 is the Virodhi year.
But with Guruji’s knowledge and our commitment
We can walk miles and miles beyond our imagination.
Just make sure that your vision is in alignment with the Master’s Vision
And you are walking at the pace of the Master.

The Magic of Sri Sri through his Divine Angels

Jai Gurudev Guys,

I recollect in one of the knowledge sheets Guruji had said that if your car runs out of fuel you can't run the car, to do that you need to refill the car. Similarly in our life we run out of dedication and commitment and Guruji gave me another oppurtunity to reawaken these qualities .

2nd April-5th April , 4 blissful days of my life till date. Reason :) An advance course with Rishi Vidhyadharji. To put it in simple words it was an ideal combination of fun with knowledge. Rishiji is one person whom you just cannot miss doing a course no matter what! The beauty, style, simplicty and grace with which he shares the vision of the mater and inspires each individual is something that each one needs to experience(Especially Rishiji's Sanskrit one liners). Although I knew that doing Yoga is important both for the body and mind, for this first time in my life i saw an entire;y new dimension of Yoga - Asanas+ Music+Knowledge.....wow what a deadly combo na! It feels so wonderful living in the present moment and Rishiji made us conciously aware of this breathing reality of life and trust me its not so diificult as i thought it to be. Wanna know the key...

Dedication & Commitment with Self Discipline - Regular Sadhana (Yoga Asanas+Padmasadha+Sudarshankriya+Satsang+Sahej twice a day), 2 advances& 1 dsn in a year , and listening to Guruji's knowledge. And also inspiring others to do the same.

This reminds of Guruji's words. Guruji always says; We can't decrease the negativity in the world because the world is not going to change but we can definitely increase the positivity.
And we all know how!

Prajakti Deshmukh the new Sahej teacher re-emphasized the importance of doing Sahej everyday twice a day. I am blessed with the best company I tell you...al credits to Guruji.Ur the best Guruji!

Rishiji's Key to An Unshakeable Smile

Key to Happiness

We base our happiness on factors which are outside our control. Life is ever changing and full of opposites. Basing our state of mind on such factors outside our control leads to depression, frustration and unhappiness.

For e.g.
If we are happy because of good health then we are sure to lose our happiness as and when our health deteriorates.

If we feel secure because we have money then its opposite is also not far away.

If we are in high spirits being in love then whenever we are alone again due to death or separation from partner and without any assurance that the partner will ever come back, we are bound to be depressed.

If we are contented because of our progeny, then losing our progeny to death or separation due to some other cause will lead to utter discontentment.

If we are happy due to fame and power then their lack will also cause total unhappiness.

All these factors are outside our control and hence basing our mental state on any one of these is dangerous and is bound to end in unhappiness. The only happiness which is stable and free from external influences is the one which is what we feel when we do Sudarshan Kriya, which is without any reason.

The happiness based on the 9 factors- pleasures based on 5 senses, fame, love, progeny and money is short lived and leads to pain whenever one of these factors is missing from our lives.

Rishiji's Gyan Ganga

"Rishiji", I call him a Divine scanner. In his presence you have no choice but to be in the present moment. Let me share with you a few pearls of knowledge straight from the horse's mouth.

Maya is that which can be measured and Mahamaya is that which cannot be measured. You can't be always happy but you can choose to maintain your happiness for a longer period of time.Whenever you get attracted to somebody be rest assured that some day it will lead you to being unhappy. In Bhagvad Gita Krishna says that; 'You can blame the world for your physical discomfort but you alone are solely responsible for your mental discomfort.

Relationship
Whenever you are in a relationship know that expectations reduces the joy in your life.If you are intention is to serve in such a relationship you can never be unhappy as opposed to a relationship wherein you always keep demanding to fulfill your own veted interests.


Decision Making
Rishiji says that you making a decision is right. There is nothing like a right or a wrong decision. Whenever you make a decision in order to look good in front of the soceity that's a shallow decison. On the other hand if your taking any decision because you fell good about it , such a decision has more value.
Feeling Good - Yogi/ Faith
Looking Good - Bhogi / Doubts in Mind


If you want to prove to the world that you are somebody you have made a fullproof plan to be miserable.Either you can be in love with perfection or in love with the perfect("Guruji"). In the former case there is a possiblity of expectation & anger to overpower the situation whereas in the latter case i.e. when you are already in love with the perfect automatically you imbibe all those qualities in you. If you are righteous you will easily get offensive. If you are looking out for some kind of happiness out there in the world then forget it, 4 sure you are not going to find it. And even if you do that would be temporory. Do you know, there are some people even the best of the best things you give them they fill still figure of a reason to blame and complain.


Assumption leads to aloofness. Respect is something that earn and not ask for. Anyone who demands respect is sure to get insulted. He would be a slave of victim conciousness.
Only when you keep yourself away from all such tendencies can you experience freedom in the real sense of term and life would then be no less than a true celebration.

Who is a Volunteer?

One who comes to help, without being asked to help; one who is self-motivated, inspired, becomes a volunteer.There is the possibility of the inspirational motivation going down in a volunteer, which could bring frustration.Usually volunteers come from the space of demand rather than humility – this dilutes the quality.Another slack that could happen to a volunteer is that they could slip away from commitment, thinking there is no 'boss' – "If I like it, I do it; if I don't like it, I don't!" It is like the steering wheel of a car – if all the tires say they do not need steering, then the car cannot run smoothly. If you want to construct a building, you have to accept the authority of the structural engineer.All these can only be overcome by being more grounded in spiritual knowledge. A volunteer devoid of spiritual dimension is utterly weak.

1.A volunteer needs to stick to his commitment.

2.The integrity in a volunteer comes from spiritual practices.

3.The authority needs to be acknowledged.

4.The strength of a volunteer comes from the challenges he is ready to willingly face.

5.A volunteer moves beyond boundaries as he finds he is capable of doing so many things he never ever thought of doing.

6.A true volunteer does not expect appreciation or reward.

7. A volunteer has such a joy – that joy, itself, comes as the reward.

8. If a volunteer thinks he is obliging somebody, he is thoroughly mistaken. He is 'volunteering' because he derives so much joy out of it.The joy is immediate – it does not come on the first of every month in the form of a salary!When a volunteer realizes this, he is filled with gratitude.
When a volunteer waivers from within, the support system is knowledge and good friends.

-- Sri Sri

Pearls of Wisdom

True Embodiment of Silence

Today we had an eye opening session with Dineshda. Trust me I really do not have the words to express what I went through as I sat for his session. Dineshda began with explaining to us the importance of chanting. Om Namah Shivaya Chanting- for overcoming any obstacles that comes in life.
Om Namo Narayanaya – For anyone who has any problem related to the nervous system
Om Namoh Bhagvate Vasudevaya - Breathing related problems.

He also spoke about the influence of planets especially the moon on us. The impact of the moon brings tidal waves in the ocean and similarly we are made up of 75% water. So automatically the moon will have an impact on us, on our mind. People who have lost it are called lunatics and that comes from the word lunar. He also emphasized on the fact that we need to make sure that we chant regularly everyday. The way we chant also matters a lot. Dineshda then guided us into “Om Namah Shivaya Chanting” followed by a deep meditation. It was simply out of the world. He then asked us as to if we meditate regularly and encouraged us to do so. 12 rounds of Surya Namaskar followed by meditation everyday can improve the quality of our Meditation. He also asked us to keep a check on our food habits which can have a direct impact on our experience of meditation.
Dineshda spoke about the 3Cs which we need to imbibe in our life :

a. Conciousness

b. Conversation

c. Conduct

He then gave us a few interesting and extremely useful tips on how to give intro talks. We need to ask 2 important questions when we interact with youngsters to give a talk.
What do you really want in life & what do you want to get rid of in your life & then formulate your talk on those grounds. He said that more than our words our presence is what matters. And we can strengthen our presence by regular Sadhana & Advance courses. When you go with such a presence nobody will dare to say “No” to you.

Dineshda then spoke about the key factors that we need to be aware of and at the same time educate the other youngsters about the same.

Our country is in a big time threat. The main culprits are:
Terrorism
Corruption
Poverty
Education

Some startling statistical facts:

90000 crores is missing from the treasury of the Indian government in the form of misappropriation or misrepresentation of funds.

Media has completely sold itself thereby becoming slaves favoring & encouraging corruption.

Media Journalists like Prahalad Kakkar & Barkha Dutt are being paid ransome amounts by the Muslims so that more of Muslim oriented issues can be highlighted by both print & electronic media.

Every year 50,000 Bangladeshi’s who are not Indians i.e. illegal immigrants come to India and get a legal voter's id and ration card made for themselves and there is nobody to stop them.

In the name of minority reservation a lot of Muslims are being given privileges which they do not deserve. For example the Muslim Madrasa community are being given the CBSE syllabus os when they graduate they can easilty get government jobs. That's exactly what is happening in ITT's as well. Read bawa's recent blog.

The Hindu-Muslim Ratio has become 1:9

After becoming aware of these facts I am sure it has dawned on each one of us that we really need to wake up and do something for our nation before it's too late. This may involve a lot os sacrifices from your side, but remember that every sacrifice that you make is worth it.

Our Naughty Guru on Holi

An asura king, Hiranyakashyap, wanted everyone to worship him. But his son Prahlad was a devotee of Lord Narayana, the king's sworn enemy. Angry king wanted Holika, his sister, to get rid of Prahlad. Empowered to withstand the fire, Holika saton a burning pyre holding Prahlad in her lap. But it was Holika who was burnt, and Prahlad came out unharmed.Hiranyakashyap symbolizes one who is gross. Prahlad embodies innocence, faith and bliss and joy. The spirit cannot be confined to love of material only. Hiranyakashyap wanted all joy to come from material world. It did not happen that way. The individual jivatma cannot be bound to the material forever. It's natural to eventually move towards Narayana, one's higher Self.Holika stands for the past burdens that try to burn Prahlad's innocence. But Prahlad, so deeply rooted in Narayana Bhakti, could burn all past impressions (samskaras) and joy springs up with new colours. Life becomes a celebration. Burning the past, you gear up for a new beginning. Your emotions, like fire, burn you. But when they are a fountain of colours, they add charm to your life. In ignorance, emotions are a bother; in knowledge, the same emotions add colour.Each emotion is associated with a colour - anger with red, jealousy with green, vibrancy and happiness with yellow, love with pink, vastness with blue, peace with white,sacrifice with saffron and knowledge with violet.So Holi should be colourful and not boring. When each colour is seen clearly, it is colourful. When all the colours get mixed, you end up with black. So also in life, we play different roles. Each role and emotion needs to be clearly defined. Emotional confusion creates problems. When you are a father, you have to play the part of a father. You can't be a father at office. When you mix the roles in your life, you start making mistakes. Whatever role you play in life, give yourself fully to it. Harmony in diversity makes life vibrant and more colourful.

Narayan & Lakshmi - Guru Story

Bau's article on "Why do you want to be rich" has inspired me to share this story with you. Once Guruji was shopping with one of his devotees.Suddenly the devotee realized that he had forgotten to carry his wallet but at the same time was confused as to how to express this fact to Guruji. He somehow gathered the courage to do so and went to Guruji and said, "Guruji I have forgotten my wallet so we do not have the money to pay for the shopping. Guruji smiled at him and said," Just check in your right hand corner pocet you'll find the money". He said,"Guruji I've checked thrice", but.... Guruji insisted that he checks once more. So when he does check once more guess what he found...a few nores of Rs500/- in his pocket. He pleasantly shocked!Guruji with a twinkle ion his eyes said "Jab Narayan Saath Mein Ho Tho Lakshmi Ki Chintha Kyon Karte Ho!".

Which means when you have Narayan with you Lakshmi by default will come to you. All you need to do is check if your focus is on Narayan or Lakshmi(By the way -Lakshmi is Narayan's wife). Most of the time our focus is Lakshmi and we forget Narayan that's why Lakshmi goes away easily. Just shift your focus to Narayan and you will 4 sure get the Lakshmi that you truly deserve.

As Guruji wonderfully puts it; " Don't keep money in your head, then pockets will be empty.Keep your head empty and you pockets will always be full!".

Cool Na:)

Mathemagic...

Our Very Own Khurshed Batliwala(Bau)

"Maths"- what comes to your mind when you hear the name of this subject. Numbers, Trignometary, Derivatives, Integration. Is is it a wow!....or is it oh no not again. Maths can be made very interesting if you get your basic fundamentals strong.Are you aspiring for an MBA, MS, giving your very best to crack, CET, CAT, NMAT, GRE. If Yes then come and be a part of Bawa's seminar on Mathemagic on 7th March'09 in Mulund. All those who want to refresh their concepts & develop a love for the subject be there ...and remember this is a session that you simply can't afford to miss!

An Inspirational Guru Story

There is a story which Swami Pragyapadji (my blessing course teacher) told us which I want to share. Few years back, when Swamiji was working on a very challenging project in AOL, he was going through a lot of disappointments. One day he decided he could take it no longer and went to speak with Guruji about changing his project. When all the people had left the room, and he was alone with Guruji, Guruji looked at him and said "If tomorrow all the people of the world turned against you, will you be able to handle it ?" Swamiji got very scared at such a question and was thinking in his mind "Ok I will not ask you to change my project, but pls do not ask me such questions!" Guruji then said "How can you lose when I am with you!" This was the most inspirational Guru story we heard during the Blessings course. Swamiji told us no matter how bad the situation is, how hopeless it looks know that Guruji is always with you. There might be many setbacks in life , but you will not lose, since GURU himself is behind you! Hope those of you who have not yet done the Blessings /Healing course, will go for it as soon as possible. After this course, it seems , every step , good or bad, is led by the Divine.

-- Jai Gurudeva!

Guru-Grace-Gratitude

3Gs that changed My Life .....
The Grace of my Master is unparallel and beyond words. As we say in aol it’s not that we just believe in miracles. We rely on miracles. I have seen that happen in my own life. Gurudev so beautifully takes care of every small little thing to the most important things in my life no matter what. I remember in one of Guruji's talk he had said "Have you seen how much a Mother loves her child. You think the Divine loves you any less. He does everything for you and still hides behind you so that you may feel comfortable".

A Mother's love for her child is 10 times more than that of a Father & the Guru's love is 100 times more than that of a Mother. Just wanted to share one of my Guru stories.

Once I had my first final exam paper and my college was located in Mahim. That day I took a cab from the Mahim station to my college. I was busy reading my last minute notes sitting in the cab. Then suddenly I saw that there was this huge truck coming towards my cab from the opposite direction. Before I could realize anything the intensity of the truck pushed my cab almost 10-15 feet ahead. My eyes was shut for a few seconds as I took Guruji’s name and kept saying “Jai Gurudev”. And when I opened my eyes I couldn’t believe it. I was perfectly fine, so was the driver. Not even a scratch on any of us. I had expected the cab to be in bad shape. But nothing happened to the cab as well except for a small bent near the door. Wow! Now that’s what I call a miraculous escape :)

ABC of Life

A - Anger- Awareness - Action
B - Blame - Belongingness
C - Commitment-Courage-Confidence.
D - Dedication-Deliver.

E - Ego - Enthusiasm-Energy-Emotions-Encouragement.
F - Feverish-Fail-Faith-Fun.
G - Guru-Grace-Gratitude.
H - Hate-Humility-Hardwork-Happiness.

I - Insecure-Inspiration-Implementation
J - Jealousy-Joy
K- Kind-Kiss(Keep It Simple & Stupid)
L-Lethargy-Lust- Love-Life

M- Mother-Mentor -Music
N - Novel-Naughty
O - Opinion-Opposition-Outstanding
P - Plan-Perfection-Purity

Q - Question
R - Revenge- Revolution-Rainbow
S - Struggle- Smile - Simplicity-Suggestions-Share
T -Tired-Time-Thank-Thoughts

U - Uncomfortable-Upgrading-Understanding-Useful
V - Venom-Vision- Velocity-Victorious
W - Waste-Wonderful-Worthy
X - Xclusive

Y - Youth-Yes+,Yes++:)
Z - Zeal

Check them Out!!!

Chimpanzees use tools more than any other animal except man.
A chimpanzee can learn to recognize itself in a mirror, but monkeys can't.
Zanzibar is the only place where you will find the Kirk's Red Colobus monkey.

Only one mammal can't jump -- the Elephant
The trunk of an elephant can hold up to two gallons of water.
The elephant is the national animal of Thailand.
During World War II, the very first bomb dropped on Berlin by the Allies killed the only elephant in the Berlin Zoo.
An African adult elephant eats about six hundred pounds of food a day; thats four percent of the elephants body weight!

A group of Cows is called a murder
Cows can sleep standing up.
A cow gives nearly 200,000 glasses of milk in her lifetime
In the U.S., the milk production per dairy cow is approximately 12,000 pounds.
Humans and cows have the same gestation period, which is about nine months.
Dexter is the smallest type of cow.

There are over 9 million beef and dairy cattle in New Zealand.
Studies have shown that classical music helps cows produce more milk.
Dairy cows can produce 20 to 35 gallons of saliva a day.

There are no Snakes in New Zealand.
The venom of the king cobra is so deadly that one bite can kill twenty people or one elephant.
Snake venom is ninety percent protein.
Most snakes have six rows of teeth.
Sea snakes are the most poisonous snakes in the world.
Snake is a delicacy in China.

In the United States, every year about 15 people die from Dog bites
The largest dog in the world is the Irish Wolfhound.
The dumbest dog in the world is the Afghan Hounds.
There are almost 60 million dogs in the United States
The dog with the largest ears in the world is a Basset Hound named Mr. Jeffries. The dog's ears are 11.5 inches longs, and are insured for $47,800.
A dog by the name of Laika was launched into space aboard the Russian spacecraft
Dogs can't see colors. They're color blind.
Dogs sweat only through their tongues.
Dogs have been man's pet for over 14,000 years
The Basenji dog is the only dog that is not able to bark.

Stories with a Moral

The Bear & the 2 Travellers...

Two men were traveling together, when a Bear suddenly met them on their path. One of them climbed up quickly into a tree and concealed himself in the branches. The other, seeing that he must be attacked, fell flat on the ground, and when the Bear came up and felt him with his snout, and smelt him all over, he held his breath, and feigned the appearance of death as much as he could. The Bear soon left him, for it is said he will not touch a dead body. When he was quite gone, the other Traveler descended from the tree, and jocularly inquired of his friend what it was the Bear had whispered in his ear. "He gave me this advice," his companion replied. Two men were traveling together, when a Bear suddenly met them on their path. One of them climbed up quickly into a tree and concealed himself in the branches. The other, seeing that he must be attacked, fell flat on the ground, and when the Bear came up and felt him with his snout, and smelt him all over, he held his breath, and feigned the appearance of death as much as he could. The Bear soon left him, for it is said he will not touch a dead body. When he was quite gone, the other Traveler descended from the tree, and jocularly inquired of his friend what it was the Bear had whispered in his ear. "He gave me this advice," his companion replied.

Moral - "Never travel with a friend who deserts you at the approach of danger." Misfortune tests the sincerity of friends.

The Flies And the Honey...

A number of Flies were attracted to a jar of honey which had been overturned in a housekeeper's room, and placing their feet in it, ate greedily. Their feet, however, became so smeared with the honey that they could not use their wings, nor release themselves, and were suffocated. Just as they were expiring, they exclaimed,

Moral- "O foolish creatures that we are, for the sake of a little pleasure we have destroyed ourselves." Pleasure bought with pains, hurts.

Nine Dream Jobs for the Indian Youth

Job opportunities and compensation packages may be getting smaller...but not dreams. India’s youth are still dreaming big and are willing to walk the extra mile to get their hands on that dream job. But what are the constituents of this aspirational job-chart? Let's check it out.....(ET)

MNC Job

Getting the hotshot MBA degree and embarking on a high-flying corporate career still tops the charts. The desire for the ‘image’ of a management executive, particularly in one of the large corporates or MNC’s still drives many to the hallowed portals of B-schools.“Now, many students are looking at hedging their risks by taking up dual specializations or choosing options like marketing and HR instead of finance.

Investment-banking

The institutional giants of the investment-banking world may have collapsed but domestic banking is expected to come into its own in 2009. Not only are we seeing the horizontal expansion of banks , many banks particularly in the public sector, are expected to ramp their workforce. So while this may be a notch below the MBA, banking is still a job worth reckoning for.

Media and communication

This industry is also increasingly viewed as a savvy option. While appearing on TV screens seems to be the highlight for some, others are content with behind the scenes jobs like production, editing, designing. “However, journalism still seems to be the largest slice of the pie and attracts the most number of people. Many also venture overseas for advertising, journalism and film-making courses.

Engineering & Medicine

The two retain their positions in the top nine though medicine has slipped down below engineering. Even engineering students seem to be getting over the IT fixation and looking at other streams. Design-related careers are also on people’s minds.

Teaching

Making its way from the bottom to the middle of the charts is teaching. While this had definitely been mooted as the last option on many people’s lists, it has re-emerged as something increasingly do-able. The catalyst seems to be the announcement of the revised pay-scales for teachers, particularly at university level. Moreover, there is also scope for careers in education management.

Research

Clinical research and pharma companies are also wooing those who are of a research bent of mind. With domestic pharmaceutical companies investing more in research as well as clinical trials being outsourced from foreign countries, the demand for research analysts, quality control specialists and even marketing is on the rise.

Law

This is yet another profession which has remained on the list but the demand seems to have shifted to international and corporate law. Similarly, with legal process outsourcing increasing in India, the opportunities are galore.

Self-employed

Becoming an entrepreneur is also sufficiently in vogue. In addition to the alumni from many of the top B-schools, even those from smaller B-schools are taking this path. But for many, entrepreneurship is an option only after learning the ropes as part of larger corporates.

Offbeat

A few have taken the tangential path. Offbeat careers include tattoo making, radio jockeying, voice overs, disc jockeying, aroma therapy, nature cure, ethical hacking and choreography.

Come Let's Meet one of the Dynamic Guru Devotee...Man Who Dared To Make the Guru's Vision a Reality

An Interesting Devotee

Mahesh Giriji: Born in Nasik, MaheshGiriji as a young boy of 16 ran away from home and accompanied a Himalayan Swami and thus began his Spiritual Journey. At 25 he became the Peethadheesh (The Head) of Guru Dattatrya Peeth at Girnar in Gujarath. Millions of devotees come to this holy place every year.
In 2002 he met out dear Guruji Poojya Sri Sri Ravishankar and instantly felt enchanted and realised his long search has finally ended. Guruji told him that Swamiji was here in this planet for a very special Cause.He is now an Art of Living Teacher and his USP is organzing & conducting Mega courses; it began in 1000s and now it has reached lakhs....wow man. He is a true source of inspiration to every Guru devotee. When Guruji met him and they spoke about Gurudev's vision for the world i.e "A One world Family through Sangachattvam", Gurudev said that 'I was ready to give it, but there was no one who was ready to recieve it, to make it a breathing reality'. And Maheshgiriji was the only one who could dare to walk the masters words.

Today I was a witness to an absolutely eye opening and thought provoking session conducted by Maheshgiriji in Thane. He is one devotee I have met who is so damn clear about Guruji’s vision and so confident about making the impossible very much possible. His commitment, devotion, passion, dynamism, enthusiasm, conviction, love and integrity towards Gurudev is a benchmark for each one of us. Our beloved Gurudev’s Vision is to see a new India (A New Bharat) by 2014 free of crime, voilence, stress, corruption, pollution, etc but Maheshgiri believes that if we all get together through Sangachatvam we can make Gurudev’s vision come true by 2012 and Gift Guruji a New Bharat that he had dreamt of by creating a Divine society. But how? Now this is a million dollar question to which here are the answers.

For example: The current situation of Mumbai especially after the blasts is like less said the better. All the 4 Ps – Police, Politician, Press & Public are all pointing fingers at each other and blaming each other for the current Mumbai situation instead of holding each other's fingers and fighting aganist the unfortunate occurance. But do you think this kind of an attitude will lead us anywhere, for sure not. So the what’s the solution or for that matter what’s the right attitude that each one of us need to have.

Maheshgiriji says; we need to bear in mind 3 key factors which would serve as the platform from where we can together unanimously make a big positive difference to each individual & to the society as a whole.

To change the “Time” one needs to give “Time”. This means; to see good times ahead, to make a safe, bright, trustworthy & happy society for our future generations we need to give that Quality time from our life। You can’t make a difference outside by sitting inside your house. You need to get out there and

समय को बदलने के लिए समय देना पड़ेगा ।

To see good times ahead one needs to stop looking at the time in your watch.
अच्छा समय आने के लिए अपने घड़ी को देखना बंद करना पडेगा ।

To do good work is not easy. (अच्छा काम करना आसां नही है ) Gandhiji used to say 4 key things for anyone who goes out to do something good for the society will have to willingly face:
Criticism from the society.
Ridicule from your own people, friends & society.
Shouts & Fights
But Finally victory will be yours।

क्यूंकि सच्चाई परेशां हो सकती है पराजीत नही हो सकती।

He also shared a very interesting example of the Mahabharata. During those times; both the Pandavas & Kauravas were asked whether they wanted Narayan on their side or the Sena of Narayan during the war. The Kauravas thought that its better to get a large army of the Narayan so asked for the Sena of Narayana to be on their side during the Kurukshetra war. But the Pandavas, i.e. Arjuna chose Swayam Naryana to be on his side. Why, because he was very clear that if the Lord is on my side there is no way I can lose this Kurukshetra war no matter ho powerful the opposition. This example is a perfect analogy to all the SriSri devotees, isn’t it? When we have our Guru with us any obstacle, challenge or situation we encounter we can overcome it with a smile, what say!

Jai Gurudev!

Magic of the Alphabets

In considering the good handwork of God in our lives, we need to praise Him much more than the alphabets.... see below.

GOD MADE ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL AND FOR HIS PRAISE EVEN THE ALPHABETS.

Although things are not perfect; Because of trails or pain; Continue in thanksgiving; Do not begin to blame; Even when the times are hard; Fierce winds are bound to blow; God is forever able; Hold on to what you know; Imagine life without His love; Joy would cease to be; Keep thanking Him for all the things; Love imparts to thee; Move out of "Camp Complaining"; No weapon that is known; On earth can yield the power; Praise can do alone; Quit looking at the future; Redeem the time at hand; Start every day with worship; To "thank" is a command; Until we see Him coming; Victorious in the sky; We'll run the race with gratitude; Xalting God most high; Yes, there'll be good times & yes some will be bad; but... Zeal waits in glory...where no one is ever sad!

"I AM Too blessed to be stressed!" The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything.

13 Amazing Q and A for the Youth by Guruji

Guruji says - There are two types of youth. One is the youth that grows up and gets older and older and the second type of youth is the kind who refuses to get old. What type of youth are you? Tell me. And if you have done ART excel, Young Adult or Yes+ you refuse to grow up. You reverse the aging. Those who are grown up, you make them into children again. If you are the second type of youth, then you are in my category. Are there lots of questions? Good, Good, shoot them!

Here you go......

1. Adults are doing so much of moral policing to us. How do we react when we can see their double standards?
You police them. You know the double standard police don’t have a standing usually.

2. My parents always fight. To find love I look for it in strangers, that’s the reason I have had many boyfriends, still I feel lonely, what should I do?

You know loneliness can produce a lot of creativity. You can come up with nice love songs, write poetry, write novels. You don’t have to read Mills & Boons. You can write one of them yourself. Use your loneliness to bring out more creativity and know that you can never be lonely. There is always some force that is with you. You meditate for a little while and you will know that the loneliness is gone. It cannot be filled by any friend at all. You go from one friend to another. After a little while you will become all mushy mushy. Always wanting something! Instead, you have to go like a lion or lioness. Wherever you are make a contribution to your friends rather that you wanting something from them. What do you say?

3.In case of career selection should I go by my heart or by my brain? Should it be a practical or emotional selection?

Career selection should be through your brain. And your hobby should be from your heart. You know, often many of you choose your hobby through your brain, because someone else is doing it. You think – “Let me also do that hobby”. But, it doesn’t work. Your hobby should be a matter of your heart; where your feelings go. But your career should be chosen through your head, right?

4. Some of our friends do drugs, smoke & drink. When we stop them, they say what’s the harm in trying? We really want to stop them but we are unsuccessful. Please suggest a way to stop them.

Sudarshan Kriya, Satsang. You know if you want to remain young, keep two things in mind. Keep away from alcohol, however tempting it may be as this is something that makes you old very soon. Spirit takes away the spirit in you. And I see enough spirit in you. You don’t need any extra spirit from outside. You are the source of spirit. You know when you get addicted, you don’t get any extra bliss or joy in that, but leaving that becomes so painful. This is the nature of these habits. The habits don’t give you great joy, but you can’t leave it, you become a slave of it. And you see families are ruined, nations are ruined, and communities have been ruined by alcohol.

Today the greatest problem of alchohol is in the Native American community, in America. The community could never come up because the youngsters started to drink so much. You hardly find a scientist, a doctor, an engineer, a politician, a businessman in the Native American community. Why? They have been supplied with so much drink and they drank and drank and they are ruined. So we can’t afford to do that. The greatest youth force is present in this part of the world today, in Asia and you have to take lead and feel that the whole world is your family. Own the world, not just your state or your little whatever.

5. How can I as an individual make a difference.
I think I answered that. As a person keep up your enthusiasm. There will be 100 efforts from many corners to pull down your enthusiasm.

6. How to become the most attractive person on this earth?
Become like me. Keep smiling.

7. Guruji why don’t you ever get angry? What is the reason for it?
I try to, but nobody believes it.

8. Why do bad things happen to good people?

Because they have been foolish. Foolish that you don’t understand that. No bad thing can happen to any good person at all. If you have sown a neem tree then a neem tree will come. If you have sown a mango seed, only mango tree will come. But you don’t know what happened, what you did in the past. You can’t pity yourself. Oh I am so good, everybody one else is bad. Why bad things happen to me. Bad things happen to you because you have been foolish. Not skillfull not intelligent enough so better improve yourself in many ways. And if some bad things have happened to somebody, it must be due to some past mistakes for that you help them. You are there to help those people who are victims, right?

9. How can one person change the world? Is it not better to focus on oneself?
You have to do both. Focus on yourself and also at that time on the environment. Saying let me 1st watch the TV then hear it. Or 1st let me hear and then watch. You will miss out okay.

10 What steps is the AOL taking regarding the corrupt politicians of India?
It’s waiting for you to grow up and become an honest politician.

11. What are your views about teenage romance, sex, relationship etc? If god wanted us to abstain from it why did he create an option?

You know. In the tree they pluck the small mangoes to make a pickle. The little ones are called kairi. If you pluck it when it is kairi, then it can’t become into a mango for mango to grow bigger, you can’t pluck it as a kairi, it will only be an achar (pickle).

So similarly certain things you need to wait for sometime. Then your body, your mind, your environment everything becomes right for it. So there is a particular time, particular phase, in life where you can enjoy this. But if you start doing it much before that then, it’s a lot of strain on your nervous system. Then you see that by the time you are 25 you will look like you are 50 years old. Do you see what I am saying?

So there is a certain biological cycle, biological rhythm in us. And we have to follow that. Honor that. We have 7-year cycle. You will see that first 7 years our mind matures, intellect matures. You can learn a lot in the first 7 years. And next 7 years till you are 21 your emotions mature. So you as teenagers are most emotionally troubled from 14 to 21, is when your emotional body is maturing. But many people don’t grow out of it at all. They remain there even though. They are 28 or 30 or 50. But, their emotional body is stuck at 15 or 16. So they behave in a very immature manner. Not that everybody is immature.

But today we are seeing that youth are maturing much earlier, in their emotional body also, because you see so much TV, soap operas. And you don’t want to be a part of that soap opera, right? You have already experienced that. You feel that you have already gone through that. The media has contributed a lot towards your emotional growth. By 21 you become mature in your physical, mental, emotional and intellectual body in your system. So you should stop becoming mushy mushy. After you are 21, you should stop complaining. And stop playing all those games, those emotional games, you know. Do you get what I am saying. So that emotional maturity has to come in us by 21. It should come to us. But you might get it by 15.

12. What is the purpose of life?
Make a list what is not. Then you will get it. The last thing will get the answer because once you get the answer there will be no question.

13. How do you select your life partner?
I have no experience. I am trying to figure that out still. I haven’t got an answer.

- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar