Thursday, September 3, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
My Bucket List
1. Learn to play the guitar.
2. Learn Salsa.
3. Learn a new language- Spanish perhaps?
4. Travel to Austria, Sun city, Dubai, New York, P.E. Islands and Greece.
5. Design and sell pencils.
6. Own a cafe.
7. Write a book.
8. Be and promote the Satvik Hippie :-P
9. Design shoes or slippers.
10. Paint a wall.
11. Become an Art of Living teacher.
12. Get lots of scarves and stoles.
13. Collect innocuous yet interesting little things in a box or bag.
14. See a place where a cliff overlooks the sea.
15. Start a magazine.
16. Take more photographs.
New Blog!!!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Decoding
And since several people have asked me these time and again, out of curiosity, irritation, anger, or genuine will to know, I took it as a sign to write about it and on my part set the record straight on a few things.
1. He is a guru of the rich
A Guru doesn't pick His followers by their economic status. Saying that He is a guru of only the affluent would insinuate that the rich have no need spiritual upliftment. Or the poor don’t exist at all. Art of Living reaches out to both, the spiritually and physically underprivileged sections of the society. And why not!
His, is a universal organization. And His followers range from villagers to IITians, auto drivers to NASA scientists. From Dharavi to Bosnia, prison inmates in South African and Scotland to Tihar Jail. From Hindus in India and Indonesia to Muslims in Iraq. Parsis, Catholics, Buddhists, everyone! His vision is an all-encompassing, non-discriminating acceptance (not tolerance. Ugh for that word) of all. And one that, we as His followers, are rather proud to be associated with.
A Guru by meaning of the word itself is someone who takes you from darkness to light. It is not His job to intervene in the laws of nature. What is born must die of course. He is not one to prevent death. But yes, if there is even 10% chance of you overcoming it, A Guru provides you with the tools, strength and the path to do so. Try the SKY if you haven’t already and you’ll know what MILLIONS across the globe are raving about.
It's only natural to doubt someone who stands out from the crowd. What He says quite often appears entirely non-believable. But for many of us who are doing our best to follow it (and in day-to-day life it’s a hard thing to do), we’ve experienced a certain level of enrichment in life. For sure.
2. Why does he have two ‘Sri’s’ to His name?
There’s a history to that but for another time. However, if you look into the Indian tradition (perhaps Hindu to be precise), you’d find several saints who have more than one ‘Shri’ as a prefix to their name. And can also go up to 108 (stay glued to Sanskar channel to know more. LOL! Thanks to Nani ;-) ). Simply google ‘Shri Shri Shri’ and you’ll find enough evidence.
So why does his name generate such a hullaballoo? Hmm…perhaps ‘coz He’s more accessible to the media than others. Some would call that publicity gimmick. We think it’s a good way to reach out to more people with the message of peace and service. And given that there are quite a few media persons who came reporting and left as devotees, I think it’s a bloody good idea :D
The stereotypical image of a guru is one dressed in rags, cut-off from the world, very austere etc etc. But, a stereotyped image set in one person’s mind need not be the reality for another. And a deviation from that image frankly affects the person with that perception not the one perceived. There were a lot of things in the ancient world that compelled many saints to live the way they did. Times have changed, and so if a guru is accessible on a Sanskar or Astha, why should raise such an alarm?
3. Spirituality should come cheap.
Sure, but every course sees several people participate. There’s a rent for the hall. Simple logistics that require money. Our volunteers are not just the businessmen that are hyped about. It’s largely people who are regular professionals, from electricians to engineers. And not all of us have the capacity to bear the funding for one entire course.
Our rural development programs and slum programs are offered free. But there is a cost involved in organizing it. The participation can be anything from 25 to 250. Can people with a junior level salary like mine shoulder the expense? NO.
And a little inside info- the courses were initially free. This, surprisingly enough didn’t increase the participation (Heh! one would think something free gets more attention :-P). A fee system was installed that would cover the cost of the program, go towards the other charitable programs and act as a commitment to complete the course. The result?- 25 glorious years of service. And many more to come :D
4. Do we need to learn how to breathe?
Yes. Did you know that the average person uses only 25- 30% of their lung capacity. It would be lower for smokers. And that’s quite a revelation. Because from the time we are born until the time we die, it is nothing but the breath that sustains us. How often do we even realize we’re breathing? Do we truly understand the impact of our emotions, food, habits etc on this integral, primary function of life? It is a power that few have understood and tapped into. A power that’s subtle and simple. So when you can’t survive without the breath how can you possibly underestimate its power to enrich life.
5. Why does he try to be God?
Really? Does he? By common sense I would think that this perception comes from the fact that everytime He is in the city His followers throng the airport, His rallies attract large mobs of people. Well, we’d much rather do that for a spiritual leader than a Shahrukh Khan. What is it that makes Him come across as a “Godman”? I don’t know of any such thing. All I know is that He is my Guru, my teacher. Who doesn’t say I have to renounce the world and go off to the Himalayas to find my island of peace. He brings the spiritual path within my reach, where I don’t have to give up my duties and responsibilities and sit in some cave to experience “bliss”. He has made spirituality accessible to the common man. So why complain if the common man can’t have enough of Him.
6. God is in me, why should I follow a Guru?
Well, you ‘shouldn’t have to following anything in life.
But what’s funny is that every spiritual master has always maintained that God is in you and we need to look within and find Him. It all boils down to you.
But how many people, in everyday life, have the time, energy, skill to look within? It is a very important thing to do. But how many people actually get around to doing it? For most, looking within and finding the answers (though a really fun journey) leads to a lot of confusion and in many cases depression too. It raises doubts and questions that can either propel you further or dissuade you completely from the path.
Trying to understand yourself is way harder than understanding the one next to you. For many seekers it takes a lifetime and they still fail to find answer. Let’s just say that with a Guru in your life, things like this are put on the fast track.
Have we as His followers found the answer? Hell no! We’d be like Him or other masters had we discovered the purpose of existence. But our journey now is simpler, and seeking is a celebration.
He states very often- “there is no difference between Guru, God and Self”.
So people who are atheists, are not away from God because they believe in themselves (which kind of defeats the purpose of being an atheist. Though I should add that it was kind of fun to go through that phase and does give rise to a strange sort of self-confidence).
Believers are very content and peaceful within. But those who form the majority of the grey area, who totter between believers and non-believers, the presence of a Guru definitely does bring some clarity.
God is within each one of us. It’s so true. We’ve all heard this as children. And yet, in how many of us has that Godly element truly blossomed? There are very few people who have devoted their life to that and have found an answer. It is they whom we call our Gurus. They know something we don’t. And just like in school, we go to these teachers to learn something. And the fact is, it’s a far more enjoyable learning experience than formal education can ever hope to be.
As I write this I remember Dev Anand (huge fan!) from Rendezvous with Simi: you could (if you are able to), pray to yourself after a certain time (you gotta love him :D )
What is a Guru or who is a Guru is an extremely vast topic, one that after a point cannot be put in words. I don’t want to sound like tooth-flashing, chandan-wearing, mala-japping devotee who throws about phrases like ‘bhagwaan ki marzi ke bina ek patta bhi nahi hil sakta’. But being a person who can’t accept things without rationalization, or putting it to the test, I can say that I have not only doubted my Guru, but have also tested Him and am pretty satisfied with the results. On several occasions I’ve expressed my love and respect towards Him and even my anger. And so far I find that I have grown more in this relationship than any other in life.
Aside: I’m in a totally Dr. Brian Weiss trip these days. And in one of the books, he finds that every soul on this planet has but one purpose: to move upwards towards a higher goal; to constantly learn and improve. If you’re one to believe in the karma theory and that people are born again and again, you would understand that this cycle continues only as long as you don’t learn to grow and from the view of the cosmic whole, each lifetime is nothing but a blink.
Which brings me to another point, why should I believe in rebirth? The law of thermodynamics (or something like that which I studied in school) states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed. And by Newton’s laws of motion, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. So if soul is energy then it must be true that our forefathers said that it’s only the body that dies. The soul lives on. And therefore by the law of motion, the soul would have to be born again to move towards the higher goal, rectify mistakes, live through the results of its past actions and all that karma logic and stuff.
Hmmm….It’s kind of unfair that I should be paying for sins committed in my past life. But if I’m enjoying a good life, then I wouldn’t complain right? It’s like the sprouts and fruits analogy. When you soak sprouts it germinates very soon- almost overnight. Plant a mango seed and it takes a few years. And it’s even longer for a coconut. And I suppose that’s how the karma theory really does work. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction but the results come to you depending on the nature of your action. So while some accounts are settled in this life, others have to be carried forward.
Okay. Hold on! Where have I landed in this post! Talk about digression! :-P For my sake and yours, I shall sign off now. See you later alligators.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Sunday, August 9, 2009
The Warriors of Virugambakkam
Dunno about that but this nagging thought led to a more firm realization. That it is probably now more than ever that people need to be brought into knowledge. All around the world there is a shift happening all at once. No country is free of violence. And every person is facing the heat of financial, civilian or terrorist crisis in one way or the other. It only leads every human being to one thing- a search for peace, away from the maddening crowd, in one's self. So what better time than now to announce our courses and arrange them in a big way!
It was sometime in the second week of July, over a casual dinner on a Sunday night that few of the volunteers decided to organize a course. In one day flat, at a slightly distant corner of Chennai- Virugambakkam.
And so it was, on the very next day that they swung into action. On ground and over the phone. Under the guidance of a very dynamic teacher, Dr. Babu (who has some very interesting experiences of his own to share), we worked from 6 in the morning to late at night. The result? More than 20 participants in one day, without pamphlets, emails or intro talks. A most satisfying, energizing experience for all of us.
Well, so that was that. The course began and the Sudarshan Kriya worked its magic. Doubled of course, by the powerful persona of our teacher and the impeccable organization of the Virugambakkam volunteers. And just when we were recovering from the excitement, the next vision was before us.
On the second last day of the course, we decided to arrange another Part 1 program on the following Tuesday. This gave us exactly three and a half days to put together, what we wanted to be, a mega course. Over 100 participants.
And so we spread out all over the neighbouring areas. Volunteers arranged intro talks in a matter of hours. We caught people off guard and off the street, walked into their homes, and did whatever we could think of to spread the word.
The frenzied rush for registrations also came with serene meditative pauses that worked better than energy drinks on our system. And the best part- every time we chanted the Guru Puja or Om Namah Shivaya, the heavens rained down on us. It was a beautiful play with the divine. One that not only us, but He too seemed to enjoy. And it was through this tacit conversation with nature that we gained further strength and momentum to carry on the work.
While positive response trickled in little by little, our enthusiasm faced a constant seesaw. In those three days we faced the worst criticism, experienced the strength of collective consciousness, the strange joy of uncertainty, the headache caused by confusions, the tiredness of the mad rush, the mutual admiration of our commitment, the inspiration from our teacher, the shared excitement at every registration, the competition to outdo one another and the support extended to help each other. It was a whirlwind of experiences and emotions. But the drama really began to unfold on the final day.
The course was slated to begin at 6 in the evening and the volunteers worked relentlessly until then. As difficult as it was to start, they were now finding it hard to stop! And in the end the volunteers of Virugambakkam organized the course for over 50 people. Quite a figure in such a short time! And that too, without leaflets, pamphlets or emails. And when we sat back and reviewed the rush we went through, it was the funny mix of enthusiasm and calmness that left us more satisfied than the final numbers.
Well, two back-to-back courses with over 70 participants. So what was next? Another Part 1 program of course.
With one course already filling people with a sense of peace and solace, we set about organizing the next one, once again in only 3 days. The process was the same. But this time the work simply flowed. Things were beginning to fall into place without much effort. And in such a short time span, we had registered over 40 people. What a week that was!
We were now getting addicted to all the action. That day, the volunteers worked on tirelessly until 6 in the evening. And once we realized that we had indeed managed to cross our target of 100 participants, the rains rocked Chennai.
Phew! Three weeks. Three consecutive Part 1 courses. Over 100 people who were immensely moved. And if that wasn't enough, the volunteers also organized Navchetna and Balchetana Shibirs for way over hundred people around the area. It was humbling to see the turnout at the follow-up session that week. Easily over 70.
But all of this seva and sadhna felt incomplete without a satsang. And after nearly a month of continuous hard work it was only fitting to celebrate in a grand way. And what better way than a Maha Satsang! One that would introduce the new entrants into the celebratory spirit of the Art of Living and give others a chance to let their hair down and enjoy!
Given our knack for last minute decision-making, the satsang too was organized in two days flat. And it was then that we truly experienced the power of our Master. What was to be a regular satsang on just a slightly large scale was now effortlessly and automatically shaping up to be something bigger.
We invited people over the phone and on email. Someone arranged for a stage and a decorator. People we didn't know were calling up to confirm the time of the satsang. And the neighbourhood kept peeping into the school grounds feeling and adding to the buzz. Clearly, this was turning into an event we had never imagined.
It was then that we heard the news of our Master's arrival in Chennai- a one day visit that was jam-packed with meetings. And strangely enough there were phone calls enquiring about His arrival at the satsang. Was He coming? We were as inquisitive and surprised as everyone else. None of the official emails and SMSes we had sent out carried any inkling of that information. How then did people suddenly begin to guess? Or rather, assume. Could it be? Really? Now things were really getting exciting.
Given His schedule, it was tough. But given our longing, it was definitely worth a shot. Some of the volunteers hurried to His residence and surrendered our efforts to Him in person. And while He shuttled between one appointment and the next, the satsang in Virumgambakkam began in high spirits. Constant news updates from the school grounds kept up our excitement and anticipation. And just when Guruji was meeting the devotees at his residence, the phone rang: a head count of over 200 people at the satsang within the first hour!
Oh my God! Could that really be possible? Could just two days of work pay off this way? It was obvious at this point that the Master couldn't make it. We surrendered our love and longing, hurdles and successes to Him. And He in turn blessed us with a loving smile and two very uplifting words: ‘Very good!’
It’s funny how the simplest words from the Master have the capacity to drive you forwards and fill you with such a sense of completeness.
And so we sped off. Back to where it all began, fighting the city traffic as best as we could. The volunteers there were waiting with a look of contentment. They had pulled it off without even realizing it. Silently working behind the scenes (and on it too). Constantly surrendering both their anxieties and elation at the feet of the Master and simply moving ahead from one vision to the next. While both the teacher and the volunteers felt proud and inspired to be working with each other, we noticed a wonderful new feeling within us- the power of togetherness that can only happen when you are united in seva.
Because it’s only during seva that your skills, your knowledge, your commitment, focus and energy, everything is really put to test. And you begin to understand and appreciate the contribution of everyone involved in the process. You begin to look at yourself and others as seva warriors. Exactly what He wishes us all to be (and our Chennai has so many).
When we returned, the rocky backyard of the school had an air of other worldliness. Draped in a sequined fabric of blue and gold, the stage personified a most elegant lady- poised, welcoming and full of charm. It was a shimmering island of joy. The singers and musicians reveled in a space of their own. And neighbours joined in from the terraces leaning in for one curious look.
The celebration peaked when our teacher Dr. Babu motivated the volunteers further. “The volunteers of Virugambakkam who made the teacher proud”, he stated. And once that was said, there was only one thing left to do- plan the next course of action :-)
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
:-)
Read a post recently that got me thinking. It had some pertinent points which made me question the meaning of spirituality in my life. And since half my brain lives on this page, the thoughts HAD to be here :-)
Hmmm, so what is spirituality to me. Let's see...
1. It's about accepting the duality of things in existence. Everything is, in its own place, alright.
2. It's a hard thing to follow. Think I've mentioned this in a previous post- when you're in that serene space all those words of the spiritual lexicon seem so effortless to put into practice. Then of course you step out of the ashram and begin to judge the woman next to you who coughs without covering her mouth. :-) [And then the Master pops into your head and you offer her some water. Heh!]
3. Spirituality is not about renouncing the world or constantly smiling at people (yes, even the ones that get on your nerves). It's about doing whatever it takes to make sure you are at peace with yourself. Even if it means having to yell at someone. The art lies in snapping out of that mood soon enough without holding any grudges and moving on calmly. That is quite do-able and does become easy with a lil' conscious effort.
4. It's about learning how not to be rigid. About anything. I suppose once you begin to understand the reason behind every action, to an extent it stops to exist for you. Of course I have my likes and dislikes. And that's fine. I've been sent to this planet to enjoy it all- the juicy apples and the rotten ones too. But the art of living really happens when you learn to let go of everything- the positive and the negative. And that is super tough!
5. It's rather foolish to dissect people, their words and their actions. Because nothing remains the same ever. Feelings change so often. Moods swings every now and then. Opinions change with time. So judging anyone is rather futile. But before you try to overcome this habit, it's important that you learn how not to judge yourself.
6. Spirituality helps me be a little more open than I was. It gives me energy, a goal in life, a focus. An ability to actually care a damn about the world without really doing so.
7. It helps me visit a slum and talk to its people and sit in a mansion and share jokes with the owner with absolute ease. And every time that happens I feel a sense of awe at life and everything she puts me through ( is 'life' usually referred to as feminine or is that my sub-conscious feminist side raising it's pimply forehead?)
8. It's not about flashing a silly grin at people, confusing sleep with meditation or throwing around words like 'bliss' and 'grace' at the drop of a hat.
8. And finally spirituality teaches me to forget all the above points and simply rejoice in whatever makes me happy. It teaches me to take some time out for strangers. What's more, it gives me the strength to do that.
When I see my Master it shows me a glimpse of infinity. When I speak to Him, I feel a surge of emotions- good and bad, 'censored' and otherwise. And I offer it all to Him. When I fight through the crowd just to touch Him, I wonder at myself. At this madness that springs forth against all reason. And it feels great. Liberating, is the word- to put my mind on the shelf and let my heart take over completely. I've never been drunk in my life. Not that I haven't tried. But it's never fascinated me. And I always think that perhaps, this is what it feels like to be intoxicated. His presence makes me want to dig deeper into our vast storehouse of spiritual knowledge and vedic gyaan and know the mechanics of having a guru. And then to chuck it away and actually realise the blessed joy of it all.
At times I really don't see much point in revising knowledge points. I don't always remember it. In times of distress, I don't recollect page 72 (or whatever) of 'Celebrating Silence'. More than anything else, it's my Master's face that helps me swim through the rough tides. And I suppose it is a good thing. All I need is my Master. :-)
Ok, I'm on a trip now. Haha! Might as well go with the flow.
Somebody once asked Guruji, why should one have a Guru in life? And if everything is destiny, what can he possibly change. To which his piercing eyes scanned the hall and in his tinkling voice he said, " If an arrow is destined to hit you on the head, the arrow will come towards you no doubt. But the presence of a Guru will divert it. Instead of hitting your head it'll go right over, take the hat on your head and fly away."
Nice. Makes sense on some level. But frankly, how much of intellectualising can truly explain the joy millions of people, who have a Master in their lives, feel. Like the most breathtaking scenery, or a handsome hunk like Milind Soman, this too is beyond all words :D
And that's the end and beginning of everything.
My journey in AOL is just three years old. And the sea of emotions I've felt, learnt- both from personal experience and others' stories- has changed me as a person. Life now is simply before AOL and after AOL.
Spirituality has taught me more than anything else to love myself. Without anyone branding me egoistic, conceited etc.
Ok, can go on forever. It's a topic I love (and God knows my blog is full of it :-P). But when in office act official. So ta-ta my lazy readers. Put your fingers to some use and key in your comments. I promise to publish the ones I like best ;-)
