Reveal Thyself

O Lord of my ancient heart,
Thou art my soul’s journey start
Why I fully believe in Thyself
Thou believe ever in myself
Thou trust in me, you pardoned
Thou care for me, gave me parents
Thou wish to teach, sent me a Guru
Thou want me evolve, led me to problems
Thou want me feel, sent someone to love
Thou do not want me to know Thyself?
Why do Thou hide behind my thoughts?
Only I seek Thee to see only Thee…
End my thoughts, don’t send me thoughts
I await Thou to reveal Thyself
For me, in me, as me…..
============================================Quote
I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn't, than live my life as if there isn't and die to find out there is. - Albert Camus
============================================Humor
Three buddies die in a car crash, and they find themselves at the pearly gates.
They are all asked, "When you are in your casket and friends and
family are mourning upon you, what would you like to hear them say
about you?

The first guy says, "I would like to hear them say that I was the greatest doctor of my time, and a great family man."

The second guy says, "I would like to hear that I was a wonderful husband and school teacher who made a huge difference in our children of tomorrow."

The last guy replies, "I would like to hear them say... LOOK!!! HE'S MOVING!!!!!"

Heaven is in Seven

Seven are body’s energy fields
    path of Yoga clearly reveals
Where you stay shows your growth
    be aware to know signs on the path
Mulaadhaara is base of spine, sign of earth
    staying in, you seek sustenance and wealth
Svaadhishtaana is in spleen, sign of water
    staying in, you seek respect and honor
Manipura is in navel, sign of fire
    staying in, authority and control you care
Anaahata is in heart, sign of wind
    staying in, your nature is love and being kind
Vishuddhi is in throat, sign of space
    staying in, you speak of knowledge and peace
Aajna is sign of mind, between the eye-brows
    staying in, intuitive you are where wisdom flows
Sahasraara is at crown of the head, petals of one thousand
    reaching which, birth less and deathless abode is found
Give up the three and stay in the fourth
    by grace of teacher and efforts you put forth
Toward five and six you move ahead
    seventh is reached by the grace of Godhead
============================================Quote
“For those who have an intense urge for Spirit and wisdom, it sits near them, waiting.” ― Sage Patanjali
============================================Humor
A wise old gentleman retired and purchased a modest home near a junior high school.

He spent the first few weeks of his retirement in peace and contentment. Then a new school year began. The very next afternoon three young boys, full of youthful, after-school enthusiasm, came down his street, beating merrily on every trashcan they encountered. The crashing percussion continued day after day, until finally the wise old man decided it was time to take some action.

The next afternoon, he walked out to meet the young percussionists as they banged their way down the street. Stopping them, he said, "You kids are a lot of fun. I like to see you express your exuberance like that. In fact, I used to do the same thing when I was your age. Will you do me a favor? I'll give you each a dollar if you'll promise to come around every day and do your thing." The kids were elated and continued to do a bang-up job on the trashcans.

After a few days, the old-timer greeted the kids again, but this time he had a sad smile on his face.

"This recession's really putting a big dent in my income," he told them. "From now on, I'll only be able to pay you 50 cents to beat on the cans."

The noisemakers were obviously displeased, but they did accept his offer and continued their afternoon ruckus. A few days later, the wily retiree approached them again as they drummed their way down the street.

"Look," he said, "I haven't received my Social Security check yet, so I'm not going to be able to give you more than 25 cents. Will that be okay?"

"A lousy quarter?" the drum leader exclaimed. "If you think we're going to waste our time, beating these cans around for a quarter, you're nuts! No way, mister. We quit!"

And the old man enjoyed peace.
====================================================

Living Knowledge

All knowledge is mere collection of letters
Speech is greater than letters
Mind is greater than speech
Intention is greater than mind
Intelligence is greater than intention
Attention is greater than intelligence
Understanding is greater than attention
Strength is greater than understanding
Food is greater than strength
Water is greater than food
Fire is greater than water
Space is greater than fire
Memory is greater than space
Hope is greater than memory
Life force is greater than hope…….
Revere the presence of Life in everything…this is the greatest knowledge!
(Inspiration from Chandogya Upanishad)
========================================Quote
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” ― Albert Einstein
======================================Humor
A pipe burst in a doctor's house. He called a plumber. The plumber arrived, unpacked his tools, did mysterious plumber-type things for a while, and handed the doctor a bill for $600.

The doctor exclaimed, "This is ridiculous! I don't even make that much as a doctor!."

The plumber quietly answered, "Neither did I when I was a doctor."
===============================

Light Up Someone!

When light is brought, where darkness go?
     if goes somewhere, indeed it is real!
     if goes not, it is mightier than light!
Darkness is neither real nor mighty
     its presence is just absence of light….
     in its spread, there is no vision or sight
So is the darkness of ignorance
     it is neither real nor truly mighty
     in its spell, there is no vision of life
Ego, its ruler alone reigns high…

Just single lamp kindled so well
    dispels darkness and all its spell
Wisdom of Truth, dispelling ignorance
    in the inner light, there is love without ego
    action without arrogance, smile without reason….
What a sight would be the row of lights?
    it is Deepavali, the festival of lights
    each lamp lit with help of someone
One for everyone, everyone for one
    light up someone, everyone, one by one
    leaving none, you will certainly win!
==============================================Quote
At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.  - Albert Schweitzer
==============================================Humor
A lawyer opened the door of his BMW, when suddenly a car came along and hit the door, ripping it off completely. When the police arrived at the scene, the lawyer was complaining bitterly about the damage to his precious BMW.

"Officer, look what they've done to my Beemer!" he whined.

"You lawyers are so materialistic, you make me sick!" retorted the officer, "You're so worried about your stupid BMW, that you didn't even notice that your left arm was ripped off!"

"Oh my god", replied the lawyer, finally noticing the bloody left shoulder where his arm once was, "Where's my Rolex!"
=================================================

Powerful Wealth of Knowledge

Three most esteemed gifts of life are
    Knowledge, Wealth as well the Power
Demand of wealth is of knowledge lower
    command over wealth and power is the higher
Wealth of knowledge is greatest wealth
    wealth without knowledge indeed sheer filth
Power of knowledge is mightier than sword
    stronger than steel, sharper than diamond
Richest are the divine abodes of God
    they are built with bricks of love for lord
Seeking only wealth and power is way of witless
    recognized the seers, the intelligent and wise
gave the form for higher knowledge as Saraswaty
    ever-flowing, Unseen River, enriching humanity
Wealth meant for all is the form of Lakshmi
    on unattached lotus, so is harmless money!
Powerful and daring is the form of Shakti  
    strength to kill ego and make our life healthy
Navaratri reminds us through nine holy nights
    to surpass darkness by the embrace of wisdom light!
======================================Quote
In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of  - Confucius
======================================Humor
A lawyer defending a man accused of burglary tried a creative defense to get his client off the hook. "My client merely inserted his arm into the window and removed a few paltry items. His arm is not himself, so I fail to see how you can punish the whole individual for an offense committed solely by his arm."

"Well put," the judge replied with a grin. "Using that same logic, I sentence the defendant's arm to one year's imprisonment. Your client can accompany the arm or not, as he chooses."

The defendant smiled. With his lawyer's help, he detached his artificial limb, laid it on the bench and walked out.
=====================================================================

Sermon in Silence

In the midst of assembled Rishis of the forest
was seated Rama with his resplendent face.
Eager to know about Rama
wives of the Rishis inquired Sita
as to who her husband among them was
Denying each one as ‘not him, not him’
when finally pointed out to Rama,
she hung her head and remained silent……
eloquent and most profound was the silence
Vedas, while teaching us about
the nature of Brahman do the same…..
denying all that we experience
as ‘not this, not this’…
finally reaching the undeniable Self,
remain profoundly, eloquently silent!
====================================Quote
Sometimes being a friend means mastering the art of timing. There is a time for silence. A time to let go and allow people to hurl themselves into their own destiny. And a time to prepare to pick up the pieces when it's all over. - Gloria Naylor 
======================================Humor
The teacher said; “Take a pencil and paper, and write an essay with the title ‘If I Were a Millionaire.’” Everyone but Jay, who leaned back with arms folded, began to write feverishly.

“What’s the matter,” the teacher asked. “Why don’t you begin?”

“I’m waiting for my secretary,” Jay replied.
=====================================

Response-ability

Dharma is both choice and responsibility
If choice, love is first and commitment is later;
If responsibility, commitment first and love is later
Krishna in Gita, advised Arjun his responsibility
        through it to develop love for God
In developing love for god,
   Arjuna recognized the inevitability of his dharma
Hence Krishna offered him choice later
   यथा इच्छसि तथा कुरु  – do as per your choice!
So also in our life….
When we don’t have love for god, work is burden
    and responsibilities appear as choiceless encumbrances
When we develop of innocent love for God
     we discover the inevitability of work
Out of choice we can commit to our dharma, willingly!
     serving with smile, leaving aside personal prejudices....
=============================================Quote
One's philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes... and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility. - Eleanor Roosevelt 
==============================================Humor
Mr. Marlow was strolling through the country when he saw a stable with the most beautiful horse he ever laid eyes on. It was seventeen hands high and white, with rippling muscles and a fine, flowing mane. Mr. Marlow struck a deal to buy it from the owner who did, however, pass on one key piece of information.

"We are a religious family, Mr.Marlow, and we've instilled those values in our horse. To get him to gallop you must say 'Thanks God' to get him to stop you must say 'Our Father Who Art in Heaven,"

Settling into the saddle, Marlow said " Thanks God," and the animal took off. They rode for miles; suddenly they were coming up to a cliff. Unfortunately, Marlow couldn't remember the phrase to make the animal stop and tried every Biblical passage he could think of until, just a few feet from the edge of the cliff, he shouted,
 " Our Father Who Art in Heaven!"
The animal stopped instantly. Shaking and perspiring, Marlow reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief.
"Thanks God," he said as he mopped his brow...
========================================================

Seva - A Spontaneous Goodness

Seva is spontaneous service
as flowers give out their fragrance
without questioning why or who
when or why to help without ego
doing so, don’t dwell on own demands
get going with what task commands
Noticed or unnoticed move ahead
every action will turn out to be good
For the soul to become noble and pure
this is the way, it’s Krishna’s cure!
===============================Quote
I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.- Rabindranath Tagore
===============================Humor
One day, a grandpa and his grandson go golfing. The young one is really good and the old one is just giving him tips. They are on hole 8 and there is a tree in the way and the grandpa says, "When I was your age, I would hit the ball right over that tree." So, the grandson hits the ball and it bumps against the tree and lands not to far from where it started. "Of course," added the grandpa, "when I was your age, the tree was only 3 feet tall."
====================================

Vote for Devotion

To dedicate one’s life for the love of God is DEVOTION….so enumerated Sri Rama to Shabhari the nine ways to love God:
Drawing oneself to the company of good people
Earful listening to stories of God
Votary to serve Guru without ego
Offering one’s heart by singing the qualities of God
Tuning the mind by chanting the name of God
Inner control, character building and detachment by following noble teachings
Only seeing God as the world and saints as greater than God
Never seeing wrong in others even in dream and being content
Simplicity in dealing with others with balanced emotions
===============================Quote
Devotion to duty is a fire that warms us but worldly ambition is a fire that consumes us
============================Humor
A famous art collector is walking through the city when he notices a mangy cat lapping milk from a saucer in the doorway of a store and he does a double take. He recognizes that the saucer is extremely old and very valuable, so he walks casually into the store and offers to buy the cat for two dollars.
The store-owner replies "I'm sorry, but the cat isn't for sale.
The collector says, "Please, I need a hungry cat around the house to catch mice. I'll pay you twenty dollars for that cat."
And the owner says "Sold," and hands over the cat.
The collector continues, "Hey, for the twenty bucks I wonder if you could throw in that old saucer. The cat's used to it and it'll save me from having to get a dish."
And the owner says, "Sorry buddy, but that's my lucky saucer. So far this week I've sold sixty-eight cats."=================================================

Community - Common Unity

A community must have a common vision that strives for unity. When such a vision is compromised, community will become mere commercial entity. Mahatma Gandhi observed the following as ‘Sins’ that can potentially destroy a community:
Wealth without work
Knowledge without character
Pleasure without conscience
Commerce without morality
Science without humanity
Politics without principle
Religion without sacrifice
==========================================Quote
Action expresses priorities – Mahatma Gandhi
==========================================Humor
A lawyer died and arrived at the pearly gates. To his dismay, there were thousands of people ahead of him in line to see St. Peter. To his surprise, St. Peter left his desk at the gate and came down the long line to where the lawyer was, and greeted him warmly. Then St. Peter and one of his assistants took the lawyer by the hands and guided him up to the front of the line, and into a comfortable chair by his desk. The lawyer said, "I don't mind all this attention, but what makes me so special?" St. Peter replied, "Well, I've added up all the hours for which you billed your clients, and by my calculation you must be about 193 years old!"
=============================================

Transform to Reform

Sadhana is  to transform –
Boasting with the Body to Beneficence
‘Mine’-ness of the Mind to Meditation
‘I’-ness of the Intellect to Intuition
Prejudice of the Perceiver to Perpetrate
Fickleness of the Feeler to Felicitation
Torpidity of the Thinker to Transcendence
Obsession with Objects to Observation
Exhaustion with Emotions to Empowerment
Tossing with Thoughts to Tranquility…
=================================================Quote
Man can no longer live his life for himself alone. We realize that all life is valuable and that we are united to all this life. From this knowledge comes our spiritual relationship with the universe. -- Albert Schweitzer
=================================================Humor
Two elderly couples were enjoying friendly conversation when one of the men asked the other,” Fred, how was the memory clinic you went to last month?" "Outstanding," Fred replied. "They taught us all the latest psychological techniques: visualization, association, etc. It was great." "That's great! And what was the name of the clinic?" Fred went blank. He thought and thought, but couldn't remember. Then a smile broke across his face and he asked, "What do you call that flower with the long stem and thorns?"

"You mean a rose?"

"Yes, that's it!" He turned to his wife, "Rose, what was the name of that memory clinic?"

=================

Known to No one

True knowledge is eternal and profound
source is Brahman, the Supreme beyond
enlightened ones receive it in faith
 in deep stillness in oneness with Truth
vision of Truth is the feat of intuition
where subject and object find no division
vision takes form, expressing as thoughts
result of the silent mind that ever reflects
spoken words are the means to convey
subjective Truth in objective way
O mindful listener, reverse the order
listen, reflect, intuit and ponder
go beyond thoughts, words and sound
it is Truth within, rishi-s have found 
in this journey you meet everyone
those who wish to lose to be One!
=================================Quote
Words are only postage stamps delivering the object for you to unwrap -  George Bernard Shaw
=================================Humor
A new business was opening, and one of the owner’s friends sent flowers for the occasion. But when the owner read the card with the flowers, it said. “Rest in Peace”

The owner was little upset and called the florist to complain. After he had told the florist about the obvious mistake, the florist said, “Sir, I’m really sorry for the mistake, but rather than getting angry, you should imagine this: Somewhere there is a funeral taking place today, and they have flowers with a note saying, “Congratulations for your new location.”
=====================================

Stop Negation

Enlighten me, O infinitely compassionate
 how much long should I engage to negate?
When you touch me through pair of ears
 through sound and silence, you I hear
When you happily dance in my tongue
 I enthrall you through speech and song
When you toughen my pair of hands
 I serve in love per your own commands
When you run through my fleeting mind
 I feel you as emotions of several kinds
When you breathe through my own nose
 I slow down to relax and to repose
If only you are not me, not my being
 I will be inert, changing and decaying…
Conversely, I am full of life and vigor
 it is you, O beloved… you are here
As undivided presence, spirit that is free
 my eyes are open, yet fail to see
O Lord, become my pair of eyes
 then, nothing to negate… you I realize!
====================================Quote
“The eyes indicate the antiquity of the soul” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
====================================Humor
Three old men are sitting in a diner, chatting about various things. One man says, "You know, I'm getting really forgetful. This morning, I was standing at the top of the stairs, and I couldn't remember whether I had just come up or was about to go down." The second man says, "You think that's bad? The other day, I was sitting on the edge of my bed, and I couldn't remember whether I was going to bed or had just woken up!" The third man smiles smugly. "Well, my memory is just as good as it's always been, knock on wood." He raps the table. With a startled look on his face, he asks, "Who's there?!"
====================================

Wisdom in Freedom

Krishna’s celestial song is not commandments
nor are they list of instructions…
they are lofty statements of wisdom
and list of constructive suggestions
for, they show us the standard of life
ordinary mortal can emulate to become wise,
to be free from fear of hell
to no more fancy about heaven hereafter,
to be clear about one’s duties of life
to enjoy the beauty of calm mind
to learn the ways to worship
to skillfully play game of life…
choice is always yours 
for, wisdom dawns only in freedom!
=========================================Quote
“Freedom is nothing but a chance to be better.” - Albert Camus
=========================================Humor
Little Johnny was at football practice one day and the coach said
"Who here thinks they can jump higher than the goal posts
Immediately little Johnny said, "Ooh me sir me
The coach then said, "But Johnny you are the worst in the team!
Then Johnny said, "I know, but goalposts can’t jump!"

================================

Spring is here...

Three seasons are Maya’s treason
Her expression is this diverse creation
Summer - the heat of lustful passion
Fall-ego’s decent to deep depression
Search for true light - cold winter night
Spring is when the wisdom shines bright
Welcome spring….for the joys that you bring
Relief from agony and nameless suffering
We welcome Thee with showers of flower
As grateful tribute to mystery we discover
Summer, fall and winter are three moods
Beyond is you, O spring – you’re Godhood
Says Shankara, saint’s heart is spring season
Full of compassion, love without reason
Life and happiness wherever they go
For, they’ve discovered the land without ego
Land that is, it is God’s own garden
Freedom fruits in it fully laden
It’s hidden within in your heart, oh dear…
Spring is here, spring is here…
=======================================Quote
“And you would accept the seasons of your heart just as you have always accepted that seasons pass over your fields and you would watch with serenity through the winters of your grief.” -  Kahlil Gibran
=====================================Humor
A man hasn't been feeling well, so he goes to his doctor for a complete checkup. Afterward, the doctor comes out with the results.
"I'm afraid I have some very bad news," the doctor says. "You're dying, and you don't have much time left."
"Oh, that's terrible!" says the man. "Give it to me straight, Doc. How long have I got?"
"Ten," the doctor says sadly.
"Ten?" the man asks. "Ten what? Months? Weeks? What?!"
"Nine..."
=============================================================

Image of a Sage

A sage is he who has come out of the cage
       of sorrow and violence, of passion and aversion…
content like space  that includes all,
       nothing exists beyond, nothing can contaminate
Like content of a book is written at the end,
       so is the contentment of sorrowless sage…
culmination of virtues that has fulfilled his life
       practiced to be free from all earthly shackles…
Sacrifice to purify one’s own soul
       Like fire with whatever is offered into it
Austerity to tame and conquer the mind
       Like river water moving towards its own source
Grace to embrace and serve everyone
       Like the wind that ever sustains all lives as same
Endurance to bear all burdens with no complaints
       Like the earth exemplifying tolerance and patience…
===========================================Quote
"The sage speaks of what he sees; the fool, of what he hears.”- Turkish Proverb
==========================================Humor
A juggler, driving to his next performance, is stopped by the police. "What are those machetes doing in your car?" asks the cop.
"I juggle them in my act."
"Oh, yeah?" says the doubtful cop. "Let's see you do it.” The juggler gets out and starts tossing and catching the knives. Another man driving by slows down to watch.
"Wow" says the passer-by. "I'm glad I quit drinking. Look at the test they're giving now!”
======================================================================

Rationale of Sadhana

Sadhana begins with right balance one’s own psyche...
Refrain to rationalize the feelings of the mind
Desist to emotionalize the reasoning of the intellect
Use the memory to decide, not to day-dream
Employ the ego to empower and not to arrogate!
Avoid treating object experience as subjective one
And most importantly…
Subjective experience as objective one!
=================================================Quote
There are only three types of people; those who have found God and serve him; those who have not found God and seek him, and those who live not seeking, or finding him. The first are rational and happy; the second unhappy and rational, and the third foolish and unhappy. - Blaise Pascal 
================================================Humor
Jay went to a psychiatrist. “Doc, he said, “I’ve got trouble.Every time I get into bed I think there is somebody under it.I get under the bed; I think there’s somebody on top of it. Top, under, under top. I’m going crazy!”
“Just put yourself in my hands for two years,” said the shrink.“Come to me three times a week and I’ll cure you.”
“How much do you charge?”
“A hundred dollars per visit.”
“I’ll think about it.”
Jay never went back. Sometime later he met the doctor on the street.
“Why didn’t you ever come to see me again? Asked the psychiatrist.
“For a hundred buck a visit? A bartender cured me for 10 dollars.”
“Is that so! How?”
“He told me to cut the legs off the bed.”
==================================================

Spiritual Leap

True success in any endeavor
demands evolution, not
a sluggish adjustment…
Spiritual life is also an evolution from -
comparison  to compassion
competition to competence
delusion to decision
division to devotion
imitation to ingenious
hostility to humility
repentance to reason
sensation to sensitivity
stress to    s  t  r  e  t  c  h…
This Year Let Us Leap Forward!!!
===================================quote
That's one small step for man... one giant leap for mankind. - Neil Armstrong
===================================humor
A tour bus driver drives with a bus full of seniors down a highway, when a little old lady taps him on his shoulder. She offers him a handful of almonds, which he gratefully munches up.
After approximately 15 minutes, she taps him on his shoulder again and she hands him another handful of almonds. She repeats this gesture about eight times.
At the ninth time he asks the little old lady: ‘why you people don't eat the almonds? ‘
She replied: ‘We have old teeth, not able to chew almonds.’
"Why do you buy them then?" he asks puzzled.
The old lady Answers, "We just love the chocolate around them."
===========================

Divine Love

Like the fallen seeds of Ankola tree
at once moving to its parent, to be united and free
Like the iron filings sticking to magnet stone
even when shaken as though dancing in tune
Like a loving wife devoted to her beloved
remaining with him in thought, word and deed
Like  creeper to the tree attached and wound,
deriving all strength, sustenance and food
Like  gushing river merging into the ocean
joyfully forever, discovering  its destination
O Lord of beings,  let every thought of mine
find ultimate shelter at thy lotus feet shrine
deviating never as even  the thoughts move
such state of mind the sages call as divine LOVE
(inspiration from Shivananda Lahari – 61)
=======================================Quote
“Human beings must be known to be loved; but Divine beings must be loved to be known.” - Blaise Pascal
========================================Humor
The Surest Sign That Intelligent Life Exists Elsewhere In The Universe
Is The Fact That It Has Never Tried To Contact Us!!!!
====================

Shrine of Heart

Not all holy shrines are
meant for same purpose –
there are those meant
to pray for wealth and pleasure – bhukti
some for skill and knowledge – yukti
some for forbearance and power –shakti 
few for liberation – mukti
and rare ones  for devotion – bhakti
whereas, the wise ones seek
the shrine within in meditation
with yukti of Self-knowledge
to gain mukti from thoughts,
unconditional bhakti for the Lord and
Shakti to abide in the Self!
All in one holy shrine – the heart!
===========================================Quote
“The traveler has to knock at every alien door to come to his own, and he has to wonder through all the outer worlds to reach the innermost shrine at the end.” -  Rabindranath Tagore
===========================================Humor
Smart Alex went to an interview.
Interviewer: Imagine that you are in the fifteenth floor.  Suddenly fire bursts out, and there are many people who are struggling to survive.  In that situation, what will you do ?
Smart Alex: Oye! I will stop imagining!!!!
========================================

Idea

A creative thought leads to idea
given life it is ideal,
When  exemplified, it is idol,
without life it remains idle!
====================================Quote
First, have a definite, clear practical ideal: a goal, an objective. Second, have the necessary means to achieve your ends: wisdom, money, materials, and methods. Third, adjust all your means to that end. -  Aristotle
=============================Humor
Two men were in a forest, when a lion came roaring towards them. One of them throws sand into its eyes, and runs. Second one stays unmoved. When asked why he is not running,  he  said: "Why should I be running? It is you who has thrown the sand!"
===========================================