It's Tuesday as I write this post. I wanted my hair cut as it's always too messy and ruffled. As I was returning from work I was looking for the salon near my home. It was a bit late and I was hoping that the salon would still be open.
As I was thinking on these lines, the years of conditioning inside me reminded me that it was Tuesday and I wasn't supposed to cut my hair on certain days!? Now before I could either banish this thought or my mind started playing thought-games with me, a far more striking thought overwhelmed me.
In Hindu religion and mythology, One God / many forms - Advaita principle - is always preached and practised. Now, if we have One saviour, which I truly believe in, and that saviour is seen as Jesus in Christianity, Mohammad in Islam and so on., then how could it be possible that being a Hindu what I do / don't do on certain days is bad whereas being a person belonging to another religion it is OK?
Does God ever say that if you are a Hindu, then you do this / don't do this; if you are a Christian then you practise in this manner; ? From any logical, practical mind, rational mind the answer would be a straight forward NO.
If that's the case why can't a human being be allowed to just be what he wants and seek his God from within ? In making a person follow so many rituals / practise principles of certain doctrine, we are stressing more focus on the methods than on the ultimate goal.
The words from a Chinese classic text which I recently stumbled upon can never be so appropriate as it is here : "We mould clay in to pot but it is what it contains that actually matters!"
P.S: Am certainly not atheist and I truly believe in Intelligent Design of this Universe - the designer being God / Almighty / Supreme whatever noun / adjective we tag Him with.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Am I in the right state of mind ?
The other day, while visiting a bank on Bracknell high street, I noticed a dog being tied to a post while his master had gone into a shop. He was barking on a very high pitch. I felt sad for him as it was very cold and close to -1 degree and he was helpless. But the events that next happened froze me in time and made me think.
I saw an old man pass by and he started talking to the dog, as in asking him whether he wanted something to drink or eat? He then gave a pat on the dog's back and went on.
Next, I saw a very young toddler coming out of a shop with her Mum. When she noticed the dog barking, her face lit up and she went running to the dog.
What appeared as barking to me, a help cry to the old man, appeared as something exciting for the toddler. And remember, all of this got registered in me in less than 20 seconds.
While I can truly appreciate the liveliness and the compassion of both the toddler and the old man, I am left pondering as to how I should have reacted to the situation ? Why didn't I react the way the toddler did or the old man did ? Honestly, I don't have an answer to my self-introspection!
I saw an old man pass by and he started talking to the dog, as in asking him whether he wanted something to drink or eat? He then gave a pat on the dog's back and went on.
Next, I saw a very young toddler coming out of a shop with her Mum. When she noticed the dog barking, her face lit up and she went running to the dog.
What appeared as barking to me, a help cry to the old man, appeared as something exciting for the toddler. And remember, all of this got registered in me in less than 20 seconds.
While I can truly appreciate the liveliness and the compassion of both the toddler and the old man, I am left pondering as to how I should have reacted to the situation ? Why didn't I react the way the toddler did or the old man did ? Honestly, I don't have an answer to my self-introspection!
Inventory of normality [extracted from Paulo Coelho's WOL]
Inventory of normality
I decided to conduct a survey among my friends about what society considers to be normal behavior. What follows is a list I have made of some of the absurd situations we face in day-to-day life, just because society sees them as normal:
1] Anything that makes us forget our true identity and our dreams and makes us only work to produce and reproduce.
2] Making rules for a war (the Geneva Convention).
3] Spending years at university and then not being able to find a job.
4] Working from nine in the morning to five in the afternoon at something that does not give us the least pleasure, so that we can retire after 30 years.
5] Retiring only to discover that we have no more energy to enjoy life, and then dying of boredom after a few years.
6] Using Botox.
7] Trying to be financially successful instead of seeking happiness.
8] Ridiculing those who seek happiness instead of money by calling them “people with no ambition”.
9] Comparing objects like cars, houses and clothes, and defining life according to these comparisons instead of really trying to find out the true reason for being alive.
10] Not talking to strangers. Saying nasty things about our neighbors.
11] Thinking that parents are always right.
12] Getting married, having children and staying together even though the love has gone, claiming that it’s for the sake of the children (who do not seem to be listening to the constant arguments).
12ยช] Criticizing everybody who tries to be different.
14] Waking up with a hysterical alarm-clock at the bedside.
15] Believing absolutely everything that is printed.
16] Wearing a piece of colored cloth wrapped around the neck for no apparent reason and known by the pompous name “necktie”.
17] Never asking direct questions, even though the other person understands what you want to know.
18] Keeping a smile on your face when you really want to cry. And feeling sorry for those who show their own feelings.
19] Thinking that art is worth a fortune, or else that it is worth absolutely nothing.
20] Always despising what was easily gained, because the “necessary sacrifice” – and therefore also the required qualities – are missing.
21] Following fashion, even though it all looks ridiculous and uncomfortable.
22] Being convinced that all the famous people have tons of money saved up.
23] Investing a lot in exterior beauty and paying little attention to interior beauty.
24] Using all possible means to show that even though you are a normal person, you are infinitely superior to other human beings.
25] In any kind of public transport, never looking straight into the eyes of the other passengers, as this may be taken for attempting to seduce them.
26] When you enter an elevator, looking straight at the door and pretending you are the only person inside, however crowded it may be.
27] Never laughing out loud in a restaurant, no matter how funny the story is.
28] In the Northern hemisphere, always wearing the clothes that match the season of the year: short sleeves in springtime (however cold it may be) and a woolen jacket in the fall (no matter how warm it is).
29] In the Southern hemisphere, decorating the Christmas tree with cotton wool, even though winter has nothing to do with the birth of Christ.
30] As you grow older, thinking you are the wisest man in the world, even though not always do you have enough life experience to know what is wrong.
31] Going to a charity event and thinking that in this way you have collaborated enough to put an end to all the social inequalities in the world.
32] Eating three times a day, even if you’re not hungry.
33] Believing that the others are always better at everything: they are better-looking, more resourceful, richer and more intelligent. Since it’s very risky to venture beyond your own limits, it’s better to do nothing.
34] Using the car as a way to feel powerful and in control of the world.
35] Using foul language in traffic.
36] Thinking that everything your child does wrong is the fault of the company he or she is keeping.
37] Marrying the first person who offers you a position in society. Love can wait.
38] Always saying “I tried”, even though you haven’t tried at all.
39] Putting off doing the most interesting things in life until you no longer have the strength to do them.
40] Avoiding depression with massive daily doses of television programs.
41] Believing that it is possible to be sure of everything you have won.
42] Thinking that women don’t like football and that men don’t like interior decoration.
43] Blaming the government for everything bad that happens.
44] Being convinced that being a good, decent and respectful person means that the others will find you weak, vulnerable and easy to manipulate.
45] Being convinced that aggressiveness and discourtesy in treating others are signs of a powerful personality.
46] Being afraid of fibroscopy (men) and childbirth (women).
47] And finally, thinking that your religion is the sole proprietor of the absolute truth, the most important, the best, and that the other human beings in this immense planet who believe in any other manifestation of God are condemned to the fires of hell.
I decided to conduct a survey among my friends about what society considers to be normal behavior. What follows is a list I have made of some of the absurd situations we face in day-to-day life, just because society sees them as normal:
1] Anything that makes us forget our true identity and our dreams and makes us only work to produce and reproduce.
2] Making rules for a war (the Geneva Convention).
3] Spending years at university and then not being able to find a job.
4] Working from nine in the morning to five in the afternoon at something that does not give us the least pleasure, so that we can retire after 30 years.
5] Retiring only to discover that we have no more energy to enjoy life, and then dying of boredom after a few years.
6] Using Botox.
7] Trying to be financially successful instead of seeking happiness.
8] Ridiculing those who seek happiness instead of money by calling them “people with no ambition”.
9] Comparing objects like cars, houses and clothes, and defining life according to these comparisons instead of really trying to find out the true reason for being alive.
10] Not talking to strangers. Saying nasty things about our neighbors.
11] Thinking that parents are always right.
12] Getting married, having children and staying together even though the love has gone, claiming that it’s for the sake of the children (who do not seem to be listening to the constant arguments).
12ยช] Criticizing everybody who tries to be different.
14] Waking up with a hysterical alarm-clock at the bedside.
15] Believing absolutely everything that is printed.
16] Wearing a piece of colored cloth wrapped around the neck for no apparent reason and known by the pompous name “necktie”.
17] Never asking direct questions, even though the other person understands what you want to know.
18] Keeping a smile on your face when you really want to cry. And feeling sorry for those who show their own feelings.
19] Thinking that art is worth a fortune, or else that it is worth absolutely nothing.
20] Always despising what was easily gained, because the “necessary sacrifice” – and therefore also the required qualities – are missing.
21] Following fashion, even though it all looks ridiculous and uncomfortable.
22] Being convinced that all the famous people have tons of money saved up.
23] Investing a lot in exterior beauty and paying little attention to interior beauty.
24] Using all possible means to show that even though you are a normal person, you are infinitely superior to other human beings.
25] In any kind of public transport, never looking straight into the eyes of the other passengers, as this may be taken for attempting to seduce them.
26] When you enter an elevator, looking straight at the door and pretending you are the only person inside, however crowded it may be.
27] Never laughing out loud in a restaurant, no matter how funny the story is.
28] In the Northern hemisphere, always wearing the clothes that match the season of the year: short sleeves in springtime (however cold it may be) and a woolen jacket in the fall (no matter how warm it is).
29] In the Southern hemisphere, decorating the Christmas tree with cotton wool, even though winter has nothing to do with the birth of Christ.
30] As you grow older, thinking you are the wisest man in the world, even though not always do you have enough life experience to know what is wrong.
31] Going to a charity event and thinking that in this way you have collaborated enough to put an end to all the social inequalities in the world.
32] Eating three times a day, even if you’re not hungry.
33] Believing that the others are always better at everything: they are better-looking, more resourceful, richer and more intelligent. Since it’s very risky to venture beyond your own limits, it’s better to do nothing.
34] Using the car as a way to feel powerful and in control of the world.
35] Using foul language in traffic.
36] Thinking that everything your child does wrong is the fault of the company he or she is keeping.
37] Marrying the first person who offers you a position in society. Love can wait.
38] Always saying “I tried”, even though you haven’t tried at all.
39] Putting off doing the most interesting things in life until you no longer have the strength to do them.
40] Avoiding depression with massive daily doses of television programs.
41] Believing that it is possible to be sure of everything you have won.
42] Thinking that women don’t like football and that men don’t like interior decoration.
43] Blaming the government for everything bad that happens.
44] Being convinced that being a good, decent and respectful person means that the others will find you weak, vulnerable and easy to manipulate.
45] Being convinced that aggressiveness and discourtesy in treating others are signs of a powerful personality.
46] Being afraid of fibroscopy (men) and childbirth (women).
47] And finally, thinking that your religion is the sole proprietor of the absolute truth, the most important, the best, and that the other human beings in this immense planet who believe in any other manifestation of God are condemned to the fires of hell.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
What time is it?
Seems to be a very easy question to answer ?? probably yes, until you watch the BBC's horizon program [link provided below].
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00fyl5z
Particle physicist, Brian Cox, talks about "bending" time and goes deeper into Einstein's space / time relation.
But what struck me the most is the fact that what we take for granted [Time] is actually a phenomenon that is still debated/researched upon. Even today, as I write this article, 21st century modern physicists are trying to match the findings of Quantum Mechanics to Einstein's Time theory.
Brian Cox goes on to say that the question 'What time is it' actually would have varied answers depending upon every individual and their every action.
And you should watch the ultra-slow motion videos shown in the program. Mind-blowing stuff.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00fyl5z
Particle physicist, Brian Cox, talks about "bending" time and goes deeper into Einstein's space / time relation.
But what struck me the most is the fact that what we take for granted [Time] is actually a phenomenon that is still debated/researched upon. Even today, as I write this article, 21st century modern physicists are trying to match the findings of Quantum Mechanics to Einstein's Time theory.
Brian Cox goes on to say that the question 'What time is it' actually would have varied answers depending upon every individual and their every action.
And you should watch the ultra-slow motion videos shown in the program. Mind-blowing stuff.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
UK driving license
Oh it is such a relief to clear the driving test and obtain the UK driver's license. Woo-hoo I passed the test and now I can drive almost anywhere in the world with my UK license. Of course, I failed my first attempt and cleared it in the second. But it is still a feat according to me and many others, cos it's really tough getting the license for people like me who is so conditioned with Indian traffic and style of driving ;)
Check out the pics that I clicked along with my driving school instructor who played a great role in making me pass the test.
Check out the pics that I clicked along with my driving school instructor who played a great role in making me pass the test.
Friday, September 19, 2008
My Gems
One has to be childish, spontaneous and a hopeless romantic to win over a girl's heart. But he has to be mature, emotionally stable and forward-thinking to be able to take her hand. If one cannot be both, then he will marry a girl for sure [or even a boy these days ;-) ] but she may not be the one he loved!
My gems
The world wouldn't be beautiful without Girls, but its the Guys who appreciate it, celebrate it and fill the air all around with romance and love ;)
Friday, March 28, 2008
Simplicity
I came across an interesting line in a blog recently. It said "Technology is great. Pencils are better. Simplicity rules." and somewhere else stumbled upon this quote of Leonardo da Vinci - "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication".
Actually, while reflecting on these lines, I realised that simplicity actually brings awareness and focus in to anything one ventures into. And sometimes, in the pursuit of sophistication and refinement, I tend to divert and deviate from my original intent.
Just to inspire you on a good article on simplicity, check out this link:
Keeping it simple
Actually, while reflecting on these lines, I realised that simplicity actually brings awareness and focus in to anything one ventures into. And sometimes, in the pursuit of sophistication and refinement, I tend to divert and deviate from my original intent.
Just to inspire you on a good article on simplicity, check out this link:
Keeping it simple
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The road to becoming a Maverick. Well, still searching for the route....
I was chatting with one of my closest pals today, while at work. She said that she started sensing in me the change and that it is close to becoming a Maverick! Well, I don't know for sure but a little bit of thinking makes me feel that she might be right. Cos' what am trying to achieve is break the shackles of years of conditioning thats been fed to me from family, friends , school and society and to analyze/approach everything afresh. Well, I initially thought my idea is stupid cos' one can never make all the mistakes to learn from them. But then, I would rather try and get defeated in the process, if at all, rather than give up even before starting and continue in the rat race approaching the unknown!
The most captivating and mind-blowing composition of Ilayaraja that has stirred my soul inside-out until this day
Ennulle Ennulle song from the film Valli...
Past, Present and Future
Some people say and believe, one should bury their past and start living in the moment and look forward to the future. Now, how I wish, I could bury my past along with all my liabilities and start afresh by amassing great wealth and start looking forward to the future??? Ha Ha Ha, Juz kiddin....as in how Alf says ;o)
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Maestro Ilayaraja's composition of Thiruvasagam
I am a die-hard / hard-core / fanatic (whatever one calls it) fan of the greatest living musical genius, Maestro Ilayaraja. Ever since I came to my senses, I started calling him fondly as "Mottai". There have been days where me and my closest pal, Raj , have gone for hours singing his tunes one after the other without breaks, completely oblivion to our surroundings!! Now I get a chance to post certain links to one of his greatest compositions, Thiruvasagam in Symphony.
Conducted by the Royal Symphony Orchestra in Budapest, Hungary in the year 2004. And this is what , the Oscar Award winning English Lyricist of Hollywood, Stephen Schwartz (who did the English translation of Thiruvasagam) had to say about the great IR....
Quote "No one has ever done such a musical piece." Unquote.
Here is a photo album with the song lyrics and couple of his pics during that time.
Here are some video links from YouTube, to his interview after he returned from Hungary:
Ilayaraja: making of Thiruvasagam in Symphonic Orchestra - Part 1
Ilayaraja: making of Thiruvasagam in Symphonic Orchestra - Part 2
Ilayaraja: making of Thiruvasagam in Symphonic Orchestra - Part 3
Ilayaraja: making of Thiruvasagam in Symphonic Orchestra - Part 4
Conducted by the Royal Symphony Orchestra in Budapest, Hungary in the year 2004. And this is what , the Oscar Award winning English Lyricist of Hollywood, Stephen Schwartz (who did the English translation of Thiruvasagam) had to say about the great IR....
Quote "No one has ever done such a musical piece." Unquote.
Here is a photo album with the song lyrics and couple of his pics during that time.
 |
| Maestro Ilayaraja' |
Here are some video links from YouTube, to his interview after he returned from Hungary:
Ilayaraja: making of Thiruvasagam in Symphonic Orchestra - Part 1
Ilayaraja: making of Thiruvasagam in Symphonic Orchestra - Part 2
Ilayaraja: making of Thiruvasagam in Symphonic Orchestra - Part 3
Ilayaraja: making of Thiruvasagam in Symphonic Orchestra - Part 4
Friday, February 29, 2008
Prolonged Passion n Fervour
Can you listen to your most favourite song, again and again in repeat mode, with same fervour and passion that you had when you first started liking it? If you can't, then how would you love and be passionate with your partner for life, forever??!!!
This might sound strange or stupid to some and may also make one think what kind of dumb ass is this guy to compare a liking to a song to that of partner for life. Well, you are not alone, cos' I projected myself outside and saw this thought as a third person. But then, beyond the oceanic surface of this thought, lies the true wonder and puzzle of life in the deep stillness of the sea, that we all will experience in life. And that conviction made me translate my thought in to words!!
This might sound strange or stupid to some and may also make one think what kind of dumb ass is this guy to compare a liking to a song to that of partner for life. Well, you are not alone, cos' I projected myself outside and saw this thought as a third person. But then, beyond the oceanic surface of this thought, lies the true wonder and puzzle of life in the deep stillness of the sea, that we all will experience in life. And that conviction made me translate my thought in to words!!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
My Current Reads:- Enduring Love by Ian McEwan & The Appeal by John Grisham
After finishing the gripping novel "The Client" by JG, I have jumped on to his latest book.
As for Enduring Love, I started reading it because I watched Atonement recently, which was an adaptation of IM's novel "Atonement" in 2001.
As for Enduring Love, I started reading it because I watched Atonement recently, which was an adaptation of IM's novel "Atonement" in 2001.
Thoughtful or Thoughtless ?
The door opens with it's own pipers singing loudly so as to alarm the surroundings. Am courteous enough to wait for co-travellers to board (something that I have inculcated after coming here) and finally, with a sense of relief that comes from the fact that the guard has still not blown his whistle and not left me stranded, I get in. Yes, I am in a train, commuting to work, something I do from Monday to Friday pretty much like a zombie.
I manage to find a cosy seat next to a window, to enjoy the warmth of the heater that's on during this time of the year and to enjoy the scenic beauty that Mother Nature has to offer in South West of London.
I start my ritual of "ipodding" and pull out my current read. Fellow passengers, sitting right across me and besides me, are in to their world, occasionally looking at me for all the charm that I have to offer! (ok, I made this one up!).
During the journey, there are times when I stare out of the window in to the open fields and skies and realise that my eyes are seeing but not looking. That's because my mind is in to it's own world - wandering/loitering in to a maze of thoughts. Physically present, mentally absent!
Suddenly, when my mind comes home, I realise that am staring at a blank space without any meaning!!! ha ! ha! That's when my eyes start to "look" and send back signals to my brain asking " how stupid are you, to make me stare at empty spaces!".
What I realise from this whole experience is the fact that it's really difficult to sit in your seat without doing anything, not thinking about something and not dozing off, be completely present in the presence of your fellow passengers and yet not look at them.
Only goes to show how conditioned I am and how difficult to keep my mind still and yet be present in the moment. That's something I have always wanted to do or be in - the state of "here and now" as Osho says it....
I manage to find a cosy seat next to a window, to enjoy the warmth of the heater that's on during this time of the year and to enjoy the scenic beauty that Mother Nature has to offer in South West of London.
I start my ritual of "ipodding" and pull out my current read. Fellow passengers, sitting right across me and besides me, are in to their world, occasionally looking at me for all the charm that I have to offer! (ok, I made this one up!).
During the journey, there are times when I stare out of the window in to the open fields and skies and realise that my eyes are seeing but not looking. That's because my mind is in to it's own world - wandering/loitering in to a maze of thoughts. Physically present, mentally absent!
Suddenly, when my mind comes home, I realise that am staring at a blank space without any meaning!!! ha ! ha! That's when my eyes start to "look" and send back signals to my brain asking " how stupid are you, to make me stare at empty spaces!".
What I realise from this whole experience is the fact that it's really difficult to sit in your seat without doing anything, not thinking about something and not dozing off, be completely present in the presence of your fellow passengers and yet not look at them.
Only goes to show how conditioned I am and how difficult to keep my mind still and yet be present in the moment. That's something I have always wanted to do or be in - the state of "here and now" as Osho says it....
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Redemption
I am at a stage in life where I think I should redeem myself. However, choosing the path is biggest scare !! :)
My Current Read:- The Client by John Grisham
This book is more than a decade old. It got released in 1994 but I get to read it only now. Am almost at the end of the novel. It's really gripping and certainly one of John's marvels. This novel has been adapted as a movie too. Am planning to watch the movie as well.
After this, I have got "Enduring Love" by Ian McEwan lined up. :)
After this, I have got "Enduring Love" by Ian McEwan lined up. :)
What's in my iPod now?
I am currently listening to:
1. Long Way to go - Cassie
2. Me & U - Cassie
3. Piece of me - Britney
4. Now you're gone - Basshunters
5. Baby when the lights go out - David Guetta
6. Tear drops on my guitar - Taylor Swift
7. Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
8. Bed - J Holiday
9.Wait For You - Nelly Furtado
1. Long Way to go - Cassie
2. Me & U - Cassie
3. Piece of me - Britney
4. Now you're gone - Basshunters
5. Baby when the lights go out - David Guetta
6. Tear drops on my guitar - Taylor Swift
7. Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
8. Bed - J Holiday
9.Wait For You - Nelly Furtado
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Chimes shopping mall, Uxbridge, Greater London
This is the front elevation of the Chimes shopping mall in Uxbridge high street. It's been decorated for X'mas and new year festive season. When we were living in Uxbridge, this was our favourite shopping destination. Shilpa Shetty visited a perfume shop in this mall when she launched her fragrance series. It houses many famous brands such as Debenhams, Burtons, BHs, H&M, FCUK, GAP etc...!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Sri Balaji Temple @ Dudley, West Midlands, UK
This is one of the largest hindu temple in UK and is situated in Dudley, a town that is close to Birmingham. Since Birmingham is a much bigger city compared to Dudley this temple has come to be known as Birmingham Balaji temple over the years. Shot pic is the front main entrance to the sanctum sanctorium. It is around 2 1/2 hours drive from West London and roughly about 120 miles from our place.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Nelson's Column, Trafalgar Square, London : Panoramic view of Christmas tree decorations
The Christmas tree seen in the picture is a real x'mas tree. It was brought from Norway and installed for X'mas 2007 in London. Few more pics of the place is here...
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Reflections
Have you ever been fully captivated, completely mesmerised and held in a spell by a person for a longer duration? I have been!!! And that's when I realised what it is to be in Love ! :)
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
"Night Vision" of our London home :)
This is how our housing block looks at night. Shot during one of the winter nights.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Ice Skates @ Kew Gardens Ice Rink, London
This was the first experience for me and boo. boo-boo had done it few times during his previous stint at UK. The skates were really tight and had sharp blades and it was loads of fun on the ice rink. After couple of initial hick-ups we all managed to stand and move on our own and did many rounds. However, it was quite painful to consciously keep balancing and slowly moving ahead. The blades were almost piercing through the shows and hitting us on the bottom of our feet. Eventually, we started getting used to the pain and went around and had many hit upon us and so did we hit upon quite a few and finally managed to go round in the given time. It was a one hour slot and we enjoyed it fully. We dared enough to take these pictures from our mobile while we were skating (or rather standing on the rink !!!).
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