* So far as I am able to judge, nothing has been left undone, either by man or nature, to make India the most extraordinary country that the sun visits on his rounds. Nothing seems to have been forgotten, nothing overlooked.
- Mark Twain (American writer)
Friday, November 7, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Master Saleem in Vancouver
Punjabi singer Master Saleem from the house of Jullundhar's Puran Shah Koti singing 'Mai keya chann ji salaam kehne aa...' with Rani
Puran Shah Koti and Bebe Mathro
Puran Shah Koti guru to Hans Raj Hans, Anand Rah Hans and his son Saleem, singing at home with his wife Mathro Bebe.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
GovindGhat - Trekking base to valley of Flowers
The greenest Garhwal Himalayas that I have ever seen... The road conditions are far better than our expectations (seem better now than they were last year in June). With no route map to guide us we discovered that the best help was available from truck drivers.
Rishikesh to Govind Ghat by car: all in a day
We had slept the night (at 1.30 a.m.) in the Gurudwara at Rishikesh. From 5.30 a.m. this morning we've been on the road by car. With just a stop at Nandprayag for a dip in the river, we are in at Govindghat in a single day.
Govind Ghat in August
Rishikesh to Govind Ghat by car: all in a day
We had slept the night (at 1.30 a.m.) in the Gurudwara at Rishikesh. From 5.30 a.m. this morning we've been on the road by car. With just a stop at Nandprayag for a dip in the river, we are in at Govindghat in a single day.
Govind Ghat in August
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Saavan song - Shyam kunjan me jhoolana jhulaay gayo ri
'Shyam kunjan me jhoolana jhulaay gayo ri...'
Jhoolan song for Radha Krishna
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Vande Mataram sung by Pandit Bhimsen Joshi
Vande Mataram
Sujalaam, suphalaam, malayaja sheetalaam
Shasya shyamala maataram
Vande Maataram
Indian National Anthem: Lyrics, meaning and video
Lata Mangeshkar sings:
Jana Mana Gana Adhinayak Jai Hey
Bhaarat Bhaagya Vidhata
Punjab Sindh Gujarat Maratha
Draavid Utkal Banga
Vindhya Himachal Yamuna Ganga
Ucchal Jaladi Taranaga
Tav Shub Naame Jaage
Tav Shubh Ashish Maange
Gaahe Tav Jai Gaatha
Jan Gan Mangal Daayak Jai Hey
Bhaarat Bhaagya Vidhata
Jai Hey
Jai Hey
Jai Hey
Jai, Jai, Jai, Jai Hey!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Lakhwinder Wadali sings Haiyo Rabba
Folk music from Punjab. This song is part of prenuptial celebrations at a Punjabi wedding.
Lakhwinder Wadali sings Pani lain de bahane aaja
lyrics
paani lain de bahane aa ja
mitara da khu vagada
ude jab jab zulfe teri kawaariya da dil machale
tujhe chand ke bahane dekhu
tu kothe ute aaja goriye
pani lain de bahane aaja
mitara da khuh vagda jind meriye
ye chikne gore chehre
kaise na nazar phisale chan mereya
Lakhwinder Wadali sings - Shaama pai gaiya - Punjabi folk song
Lyrics
Mai takdiya rah ve, tu chheti chheti aa ve,
mainu tere vekhne da chah,
shyamla chheti ghar aa jaa,
shaama pai gaiya ve...
ve boote ne kaaiye de
mai rah vekha maihiye de
kyu tur gaye ne ghara nu mala
sanwala tu aese vele aa shyama pai gaiya
jiniya tan mere te lagiye ae
tere lage te tu jaane ve
nange pinde ve maare chamka ve mahiya
ve mere ronde nain ve nimane
gulam farid dil othe dil deiye jithe agla qadar vi jaane
mai takdiya rah ve, tu chheti chheti aa ve,
mainu tere vekhne da chah,
shyamla chheti ghar aa jaa,
shaama pai gaiya ve...
Lakhwinder Wadali sings Hai ni tere nakhare te jaan kadi jaande ne
Lyrics
Chori chori takdi ae
Aakada vi rakhdi ae
Sona mukh chunni de palle de naal dhakdi ae
Eho kam jaan to pyaare lagi jaande ne
Hai ni tere nakhare te jaan kadi jaande ne
Ghat matkaya kar patle je lakh nu
Rakh samajha ke ni tu tunehaari akh nu
Nazara de dil de
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Ali Abbas sings - mora piya mose bole na
Ab bhi ho jaye kaharwa
Man mora ghabraye
Aiso gaye paredes piya tum
Chaen hume na aaye
Mera piya mose bloe na
Mai lakh jatan kar haari
Mora piya mose bole na
Mora saiya mose bole na
Pyaar tumhe kitna karte hai
Tum ye samajh nahi paoge
Jab hum na honge o piyarwa
Bolo kya tab aaoge
Mora saiya mose bole na
Friday, August 8, 2008
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Hijab in India
The traditional purdah for Muslim women has got a trendy twist from designers.
Girls will be girls. And get all dolled up in pretty clothes, jewellery and the works! And well, the mandatory hijab or purdah just becomes another article of clothing to experiment with different kinds of embroidery and embellishments.
Even as fashion designers, online stores and local boutiques spot the niche market for designer hijab, burqa, chador, niqab, abaya or jilaba, girls have never had it so good.
Mumbai-based fashion designer Nisha Sagar designs hand embroidered head scarves or hijabs and full length lose jilabas for an elite Muslim clientele.
"Young girls are experimenting with colours, cuts and embellishments in these garments," she says.
Rooted in the traditional purdah system, the hijab dress code is a choice that some women make, while it becomes a mandatory stipulation for others.
But interesting requests for "Chadors, head scarves and burqas in chikan and zardozi embroidery" handled by Joshina Saluja from her city-based boutique speak of the feminine desire for pretty clothes.
Another local entrepreneur exporting hand embroidered fabric to Muslim and European countries, Shalini Zafar, acknowledges the special burqas that are "made to order in rust, cream, grey, embellished with crystals, sequins, elegant zardozi and other embroidery" for her clients.
According to hubby Zafar Haq, "The hijab in the Middle East countries is as trendy as it can get. Body-hugging cuts, buttoned halfway down, and front open, with the skirt or jeans peering through the open slits; bright colours, leather appliques, sequins, embroidery, you name it and it's there!"
Lucknowite Nancy Fare, now teaching in Muscat adds, "The designs are getting functional and working women enjoy the difference.
"Fashion designers may have just identified the new market, but traditional embellishment favourites such as "Multani mirror work, Sindhi Ajrak block prints in navy blue, maroon and cream and of course, chikan, zari and zardozi" have always been there, informs Lucknowite Sehar Hasan.
Even as she chooses her sari pallu or dupatta to cover her head when required for religious ceremonies, Sehar, a school teacher, doesn't feel the compulsion to wear a hijab herself.
Even as Muslim women are increasingly looking at careers, the hijab, if still on their priority list, is definitely in step with their aspirations. And apna Lucknow is quite in sync with the times.
Girls will be girls. And get all dolled up in pretty clothes, jewellery and the works! And well, the mandatory hijab or purdah just becomes another article of clothing to experiment with different kinds of embroidery and embellishments.
Even as fashion designers, online stores and local boutiques spot the niche market for designer hijab, burqa, chador, niqab, abaya or jilaba, girls have never had it so good.
Mumbai-based fashion designer Nisha Sagar designs hand embroidered head scarves or hijabs and full length lose jilabas for an elite Muslim clientele.
"Young girls are experimenting with colours, cuts and embellishments in these garments," she says.
Rooted in the traditional purdah system, the hijab dress code is a choice that some women make, while it becomes a mandatory stipulation for others.
But interesting requests for "Chadors, head scarves and burqas in chikan and zardozi embroidery" handled by Joshina Saluja from her city-based boutique speak of the feminine desire for pretty clothes.
Another local entrepreneur exporting hand embroidered fabric to Muslim and European countries, Shalini Zafar, acknowledges the special burqas that are "made to order in rust, cream, grey, embellished with crystals, sequins, elegant zardozi and other embroidery" for her clients.
According to hubby Zafar Haq, "The hijab in the Middle East countries is as trendy as it can get. Body-hugging cuts, buttoned halfway down, and front open, with the skirt or jeans peering through the open slits; bright colours, leather appliques, sequins, embroidery, you name it and it's there!"
Lucknowite Nancy Fare, now teaching in Muscat adds, "The designs are getting functional and working women enjoy the difference.
"Fashion designers may have just identified the new market, but traditional embellishment favourites such as "Multani mirror work, Sindhi Ajrak block prints in navy blue, maroon and cream and of course, chikan, zari and zardozi" have always been there, informs Lucknowite Sehar Hasan.
Even as she chooses her sari pallu or dupatta to cover her head when required for religious ceremonies, Sehar, a school teacher, doesn't feel the compulsion to wear a hijab herself.
Even as Muslim women are increasingly looking at careers, the hijab, if still on their priority list, is definitely in step with their aspirations. And apna Lucknow is quite in sync with the times.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Wisdom quotes by Chankya for daily life
Wisdom quotes from Chanakya, who was Prime Minister in the empire of Magadh, India. An ace politician and strategist. (350 BC-275BC)
"A PERSON SHOULD NOT BE TOO HONEST.
STRAIGHT TREES ARE CUT FIRST
AND HONEST PEOPLE ARE VICTIMISED FIRST."
"EVEN IF A SNAKE IS NOT POISONOUS,
IT SHOULD PRETEND TO BE VENOMOUS."
"THE BIGGEST GURU-MANTRA IS: NEVER SHARE YOUR SECRETS WITH
ANYBODY. ! IT WILL DESTROY YOU."
"THERE IS SOME SELF-INTEREST BEHIND EVERY FRIENDSHIP.
THERE IS NO FRIENDSHIP WITHOUT SELF-INTERESTS.
THIS IS A BITTER TRUTH."
"BEFORE YOU START SOME WORK, ALWAYS ASK YOURSELF THREE
QUESTIONS - WHY AM I DOING IT, WHAT THE RESULTS MIGHT BE AND
WILL I BE SUCCESSFUL.
ONLY WHEN YOU THINK DEEPLY AND FIND SATISFACTORY ANSWERS TO
THESE QUESTIONS, GO AHEAD."
"AS SOON AS THE FEAR APPROACHES NEAR, ATTACK AND DESTROY
IT."
"ONCE YOU START A WORKING ON SOMETHING,
DON'T BE AFRAID OF FAILURE AND
DON'T ABANDON IT.
PEOPLE WHO WORK SINCERELY ARE THE HAPPIEST."
"THE FRAGRANCE OF FLOWERS SPREADS
ONLY IN THE DIRECTION OF THE WIND.
BUT THE GOODNESS OF A PERSON SPREADS IN ALL DIRECTION."
"A MAN IS GREAT BY DEEDS, NOT BY BIRTH."
"TREAT YOUR KID LIKE A DARLING FOR THE FIRST FIVE YEARS.
FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, SCOLD THEM.
BY THE TIME THEY TURN SIXTEEN, TREAT THEM LIKE A FRIEND.
YOUR GROWN UP CHILDREN ARE YOUR BEST FRIENDS."
"BOOKS ARE AS USEFUL TO A STUPID PERSON
AS A MIRROR IS USEFUL TO A BLIND PERSON."
"EDUCATION IS THE BEST FRIEND.
AN EDUCATED PERSON IS RESPECTED EVERYWHERE.
EDUCATION BEATS THE BEAUTY AND THE YOUTH."
"A PERSON SHOULD NOT BE TOO HONEST.
STRAIGHT TREES ARE CUT FIRST
AND HONEST PEOPLE ARE VICTIMISED FIRST."
"EVEN IF A SNAKE IS NOT POISONOUS,
IT SHOULD PRETEND TO BE VENOMOUS."
"THE BIGGEST GURU-MANTRA IS: NEVER SHARE YOUR SECRETS WITH
ANYBODY. ! IT WILL DESTROY YOU."
"THERE IS SOME SELF-INTEREST BEHIND EVERY FRIENDSHIP.
THERE IS NO FRIENDSHIP WITHOUT SELF-INTERESTS.
THIS IS A BITTER TRUTH."
"BEFORE YOU START SOME WORK, ALWAYS ASK YOURSELF THREE
QUESTIONS - WHY AM I DOING IT, WHAT THE RESULTS MIGHT BE AND
WILL I BE SUCCESSFUL.
ONLY WHEN YOU THINK DEEPLY AND FIND SATISFACTORY ANSWERS TO
THESE QUESTIONS, GO AHEAD."
"AS SOON AS THE FEAR APPROACHES NEAR, ATTACK AND DESTROY
IT."
"ONCE YOU START A WORKING ON SOMETHING,
DON'T BE AFRAID OF FAILURE AND
DON'T ABANDON IT.
PEOPLE WHO WORK SINCERELY ARE THE HAPPIEST."
"THE FRAGRANCE OF FLOWERS SPREADS
ONLY IN THE DIRECTION OF THE WIND.
BUT THE GOODNESS OF A PERSON SPREADS IN ALL DIRECTION."
"A MAN IS GREAT BY DEEDS, NOT BY BIRTH."
"TREAT YOUR KID LIKE A DARLING FOR THE FIRST FIVE YEARS.
FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, SCOLD THEM.
BY THE TIME THEY TURN SIXTEEN, TREAT THEM LIKE A FRIEND.
YOUR GROWN UP CHILDREN ARE YOUR BEST FRIENDS."
"BOOKS ARE AS USEFUL TO A STUPID PERSON
AS A MIRROR IS USEFUL TO A BLIND PERSON."
"EDUCATION IS THE BEST FRIEND.
AN EDUCATED PERSON IS RESPECTED EVERYWHERE.
EDUCATION BEATS THE BEAUTY AND THE YOUTH."
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Sheena Bharwani's home decor
Sheena Bharwani's home is a labour of love. It underwent extensive renovation over the last 6 years and retains a meticulously planned, practical and aesthetic aura. Architecturally the old structure has gained by a magnificent arched façade which reminds of the Vidhan Sabha and Cannaught Place all at once. The vibrant deep chrome yellow and white exteriors are inspired by an Italian fishing village Burano, where the houses are coded in 12 different colours to identify the family tree that has extended all over the little island village.
Nothing, absolutely nothing from the old house has been discarded. Most of the furniture is antique or remodelled antique, treasured over the years dating from the exodus from Pakistan, or picked up from Kabariwallas and antique shops in Mumbai.
Curtains, all made to order with Chikan work butas, embellish each room of the house. Big windows everywhere lit by the green potted plants fluttering in the breeze outside, add natural luminosity to each room.
Light and electricity have really been used thoughtfully. The solar panels on the roof heat up all running water supplies, and glass-cubed roof over staircase, central lobby and corridors leading to bedrooms bring in the oh so welcome sunlight into every corner of the house. Electricity has virtually no part to play during the day, as the house is so well stocked on natural light.
The drawing room with a special ‘Laila-Majnu’ seat for 2 special friends who get oblivious to all else when blessed with each other’s company is a warm corner. The etched glass sliding partition between the drawing room and central lobby gives a nice open feel. Hand-crafted ceramic-tile topped side tables, one with an onyx lamp which was refashioned from a matka from Lahore are delightful.
Brass plaques of Ganpati in jovial celebration, singing and dancing, picked up from Orissa, now framed against dazzling red add a festive flavour to the otherwise Europeanised room. A full length Burano lace table cloth set against burgundy on a corner round table subtly ties up with the Ganpatis on the wall. Bamboo shoots standing tall in a cut-glass vase, announce the good energy in the house. A writing desk which converts into a bar is a thoughtful addition with small parties in mind. It also hosts an antique silver candle stand and coloured glass tulips.
The central lobby basks in the sunlight that filters through the glass-cubed roof and reflects off the sponged sun-yellow wall of the staircase. Chikan and appliqué cushion covers, all made to order like the Chikan curtains in each room add the Lucknowi nafaasat here too.
The dining hall with a 80 year old dining table which sparkles as new was retrieved from Sheena’s maternal home as were the doors that form her bathroom cabinet as well as bathroom door. These landmarks from the British era actually fanned Sheena and Sheela’s fancy to redo the house entirely according to this period theme. Modern practicality and aesthetics have added to the original theme in a big way. In the dining hall itself, the Cuckoo clock got by Sheela from Black Forest in Germany is right out of a English storybook illustration. The life-sized embroidered girl on the mantelpiece is equally British-flavoured, all handmade by the daughter of the house of course!
Madhur who is not a student of fashion communication at NIFT Mumbai has left a bevy of art work on the walls. In Krishen’s bedroom rust fern-prints on off-white walls add a lovely glow to the study den cum bedroom.
The master bedroom upstairs is as airy and well lit naturally as the rest of the house with a flowering Gulmohar peeping from the ventilator and onion-pink Chikan embroidered curtains breezily adding the lived in touch. An elaborate throw-over picked up from Karachi is a close reminder of our Gujrati artisans’ connection with the undivided India’s cultural give and take.
The verandah upstairs opening into a open to the sky aangan is a place where one can spend a lifetime looking up at the blue sky. A cast iron winding staircase leading to the roof with matching grill as a boundary adds to the period look.
Nothing, absolutely nothing from the old house has been discarded. Most of the furniture is antique or remodelled antique, treasured over the years dating from the exodus from Pakistan, or picked up from Kabariwallas and antique shops in Mumbai.
Curtains, all made to order with Chikan work butas, embellish each room of the house. Big windows everywhere lit by the green potted plants fluttering in the breeze outside, add natural luminosity to each room.
Light and electricity have really been used thoughtfully. The solar panels on the roof heat up all running water supplies, and glass-cubed roof over staircase, central lobby and corridors leading to bedrooms bring in the oh so welcome sunlight into every corner of the house. Electricity has virtually no part to play during the day, as the house is so well stocked on natural light.
The drawing room with a special ‘Laila-Majnu’ seat for 2 special friends who get oblivious to all else when blessed with each other’s company is a warm corner. The etched glass sliding partition between the drawing room and central lobby gives a nice open feel. Hand-crafted ceramic-tile topped side tables, one with an onyx lamp which was refashioned from a matka from Lahore are delightful.
Brass plaques of Ganpati in jovial celebration, singing and dancing, picked up from Orissa, now framed against dazzling red add a festive flavour to the otherwise Europeanised room. A full length Burano lace table cloth set against burgundy on a corner round table subtly ties up with the Ganpatis on the wall. Bamboo shoots standing tall in a cut-glass vase, announce the good energy in the house. A writing desk which converts into a bar is a thoughtful addition with small parties in mind. It also hosts an antique silver candle stand and coloured glass tulips.
The central lobby basks in the sunlight that filters through the glass-cubed roof and reflects off the sponged sun-yellow wall of the staircase. Chikan and appliqué cushion covers, all made to order like the Chikan curtains in each room add the Lucknowi nafaasat here too.
The dining hall with a 80 year old dining table which sparkles as new was retrieved from Sheena’s maternal home as were the doors that form her bathroom cabinet as well as bathroom door. These landmarks from the British era actually fanned Sheena and Sheela’s fancy to redo the house entirely according to this period theme. Modern practicality and aesthetics have added to the original theme in a big way. In the dining hall itself, the Cuckoo clock got by Sheela from Black Forest in Germany is right out of a English storybook illustration. The life-sized embroidered girl on the mantelpiece is equally British-flavoured, all handmade by the daughter of the house of course!
Madhur who is not a student of fashion communication at NIFT Mumbai has left a bevy of art work on the walls. In Krishen’s bedroom rust fern-prints on off-white walls add a lovely glow to the study den cum bedroom.
The master bedroom upstairs is as airy and well lit naturally as the rest of the house with a flowering Gulmohar peeping from the ventilator and onion-pink Chikan embroidered curtains breezily adding the lived in touch. An elaborate throw-over picked up from Karachi is a close reminder of our Gujrati artisans’ connection with the undivided India’s cultural give and take.
The verandah upstairs opening into a open to the sky aangan is a place where one can spend a lifetime looking up at the blue sky. A cast iron winding staircase leading to the roof with matching grill as a boundary adds to the period look.
Corporate Social Responsibilty - Is it for real?
Philanthropy makes business sense to corporate
Anisha Sharma
While Bill Gates and Warren Buffets of the world pursue philanthropic interests, Indian corporate houses are equally aware of living up to their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and Tata, Infosys, Wipro, Reliance, Ranbaxy, Hindalco, NTPC, ONGC and IOC among others set the trend.
IIM Lucknow's Prof Debashish Chatterjee spells the tenet: "Corporate houses are units of society. And as you gain from society, you should be giving back." That is exactly how JRD Tata saw it, way back in the previous century. Some visionary! Jayant Krishna, heading Tata's TCS-Lucknow airs: "JRD Tata always believed that 'What comes from the people should go back to the people many times over." "As a matter of fact, a significant part of the profits of Tata Sons Limited is ploughed back to enrich the nation through various philanthropic trusts," he continues, apparently proud to belong to the magnanimous organisation.
It's not money alone that makes all the difference - sharing of resources, time and energy also means a lot. Vivek Sinha heading a
Without doubt, CSR seems to be gaining ground in
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Sufi Song: Charkha by Wadali brothers (Puran Chand Wadali and Pyare Lal Wadali) and Lakhwinder Wadali
Sufi music is still flourishing in Punjab. Here is a video from the Wadali family :-)
Valley of Flowers, Himalaya
In the Himalayan region of Garhwal, in Uttranchal state, the captivating Valley of Flowers is a paradise on Earth. With a touch of mystique and divine solitude, it inspires equanimity. A World Heritage Site since the year 1988, the Valley of Flowers has enraptured mountaineers and botanists alike much longer. More
Getting to know Ajmer Sharif with Pranav Khullar
To enter the sanctum of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti to offer the customary ‘chadar’, the ornamental spread, is to touch the core of the Sufi, the one for who the heart is the true shrine of God. You enter a sacred space where all distinctions dissolve, where the “power of now”, as Eckhart Tolle puts it, seems to draw into its vortex all other outer preoccupations of the mind. Such is the magnetic call of the heart of the Khwaja that seekers and pilgrims alike have sought inspiration and blessings from Ajmer Sharif through centuries.
The spectacle of the nazrana or offerings at the tomb is symbolic of human ego bowing down to the austere and compassionate spirit of the Khwaja. You can feel your heart expand as you experience liberation suffused with a mystical love even as the mehfils and the qawwalis rise to a crescendo, creating the right ambience.
The Urs of Ajmer serves as an annual reminder of the need to humble the individual self in the presence of the divine. For such was the faith of the Khwaja himself in the need to surrender to God through service to others while leading a strict spartan life himself, that this became the Sufi way of transcending the ego.
The stress on generous sharing and serving is embodied in the cooking and serving of large quantities of kheer. The milk pudding is prepared in two large cauldrons to be distributed later as ‘tabarruk’, the blessed food. His uncommon love for the common man, his defining religion in the context of service to all, has earned the Khwaja the epithet of Garib Nawaz, the benefactor of the poor.
While his own simple life was a living example of all that he believed in, his teachings reflect a rare compassion for all, transcending all barriers. He would say: “Develop river-like generosity, sun-like affection and earth-like hospitality.” His message was carried forward by Chisti Silsilah disciples like Bakhtiar Kaki, Baba Farid and Nizamuddin Auliya. More
The spectacle of the nazrana or offerings at the tomb is symbolic of human ego bowing down to the austere and compassionate spirit of the Khwaja. You can feel your heart expand as you experience liberation suffused with a mystical love even as the mehfils and the qawwalis rise to a crescendo, creating the right ambience.
The Urs of Ajmer serves as an annual reminder of the need to humble the individual self in the presence of the divine. For such was the faith of the Khwaja himself in the need to surrender to God through service to others while leading a strict spartan life himself, that this became the Sufi way of transcending the ego.
The stress on generous sharing and serving is embodied in the cooking and serving of large quantities of kheer. The milk pudding is prepared in two large cauldrons to be distributed later as ‘tabarruk’, the blessed food. His uncommon love for the common man, his defining religion in the context of service to all, has earned the Khwaja the epithet of Garib Nawaz, the benefactor of the poor.
While his own simple life was a living example of all that he believed in, his teachings reflect a rare compassion for all, transcending all barriers. He would say: “Develop river-like generosity, sun-like affection and earth-like hospitality.” His message was carried forward by Chisti Silsilah disciples like Bakhtiar Kaki, Baba Farid and Nizamuddin Auliya. More
Why Shiva loves Saavan, finds out Seema Burman
When Shiva tried to swallow the poison that emerged from the churning ocean, he experienced intense heat.
He had to douse his body with cold water to neutralise the effect. Indra asked the skies to open up. To this day devotees pour water and milk on the Shivling and the rainy season is the time when kanwarias make the pilgrimage to Haridwar and back, after offering prayers to Shiva.
Namah Shivaya is the five syllable mantra that means 'Salutations to Shiva'. When Om is chanted before it then it becomes a six syllable mantra. The five syllables in this mantra stand for the five elements. Na stands for Shiva's hidden grace, Ma symbolises the world, Shi means Shiva, Va is the revealing grace and Ya is the soul. Adi Shankaracharya has said that Shiva means, “One who purifies the one who repeats His name.''
Ramakrishna Paramhansa had a vision of Shiva when he was visiting Benaras. When he was asked by the pundits of Benaras whether Shiva really lived in the holy city he replied, “I saw a tall white person with tawny matted hair walking with solemn steps to each pyre in the burning-ghat, raising carefully every jiva and imparting into his ear the mantra of supreme Brahmn. On the other side of the pyre the all-powerful Mahakali was untying all the knots of bondage, gross, subtle and causal of the jiva produced by past impressions and sending him to the indivisible sphere by opening with Her own hands the door to liberation.''
Shiva represents destruction; He is also Ashutosh or the One who is easily pleased. Shiva is the Supreme Reality who is our Inner Self. Shiva is the name of the eternal Consciousness that resides in all. More
He had to douse his body with cold water to neutralise the effect. Indra asked the skies to open up. To this day devotees pour water and milk on the Shivling and the rainy season is the time when kanwarias make the pilgrimage to Haridwar and back, after offering prayers to Shiva.
Namah Shivaya is the five syllable mantra that means 'Salutations to Shiva'. When Om is chanted before it then it becomes a six syllable mantra. The five syllables in this mantra stand for the five elements. Na stands for Shiva's hidden grace, Ma symbolises the world, Shi means Shiva, Va is the revealing grace and Ya is the soul. Adi Shankaracharya has said that Shiva means, “One who purifies the one who repeats His name.''
Ramakrishna Paramhansa had a vision of Shiva when he was visiting Benaras. When he was asked by the pundits of Benaras whether Shiva really lived in the holy city he replied, “I saw a tall white person with tawny matted hair walking with solemn steps to each pyre in the burning-ghat, raising carefully every jiva and imparting into his ear the mantra of supreme Brahmn. On the other side of the pyre the all-powerful Mahakali was untying all the knots of bondage, gross, subtle and causal of the jiva produced by past impressions and sending him to the indivisible sphere by opening with Her own hands the door to liberation.''
Shiva represents destruction; He is also Ashutosh or the One who is easily pleased. Shiva is the Supreme Reality who is our Inner Self. Shiva is the name of the eternal Consciousness that resides in all. More
Creativity? Answers from Osho
Creativity means enjoying any work as meditation; doing any work with deep love. Are you thinking that if you paint, you will feel creative? But painting is just as ordinary as cleaning the floor. You will be throwing colours on a canvas. Here you go on washing and cleaning the floor. What is the difference? Talking to somebody, you feel time is being wasted. You would like to write a great book; then you will be creative. But a friend has come: a little gossiping is perfectly beautiful. Be creative.
All the great scriptures are nothing but conversations of people who were creative. What do I go on doing here? Conversing. They will become gospels some day, but originally they are conversations. But i enjoy doing them. If you really love something, it is creative.
A man of understanding is continuously creative. Not that he is trying to be creative. The way he sits is a creative act. Watch him sitting. You will find in his movement a certain quality of dance, a certain dignity. Life consists of small things; just your ego goes on saying these are small things. You would like to do some great thing -- great poetry. You would like to become Shakespeare, Kalidas or Milton. It is your ego that is creating the trouble.
Drop the ego and everything is creative. Then everything is tremendously great. If you don't love, then your ego goes on saying, "This is not worthy of you." Cleaning is great. More
All the great scriptures are nothing but conversations of people who were creative. What do I go on doing here? Conversing. They will become gospels some day, but originally they are conversations. But i enjoy doing them. If you really love something, it is creative.
A man of understanding is continuously creative. Not that he is trying to be creative. The way he sits is a creative act. Watch him sitting. You will find in his movement a certain quality of dance, a certain dignity. Life consists of small things; just your ego goes on saying these are small things. You would like to do some great thing -- great poetry. You would like to become Shakespeare, Kalidas or Milton. It is your ego that is creating the trouble.
Drop the ego and everything is creative. Then everything is tremendously great. If you don't love, then your ego goes on saying, "This is not worthy of you." Cleaning is great. More
Spiritual muse: Learning from Nature - Bachi Karkaria
We think of higher things and beings only when we are down and out. This is one of the three lessons I learnt during a morning walk...
The seasons bring variety to my morning walk around Mumbai’ Five Gardens. The quality of light changes, new flowers splash across the branches, and different bird song filters out of the dense foliage
However, my eyes are usually lowered as I walk. This has little to do with my non-existent humility and everything to do with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s inability to lay and maintain a single level pavement. That and the inability of dogs, stray and pet, to keep their poo off it.
Thus it was that as I walked with downcast eyes, came upon a swathe of purple prose. No, call it poetry. The pavement and the road beyond it had been dyed like a royal robe, though not evenly Here, it was of deep rich hue, there, the fuchsia segued into a paler mauve. I marvelled over this unfamiliar beauty. The end-of summer breezes cover the pavements with the golden blooms of the copper pod tree, and the first showers do the same with the resplendent gulmohur, spreading out a red carpet which might be the envy of Cannes. But that recent morning, the night’s rainfall had changed the accustomed palette, it had brought down hundreds of jamuns .
And that’s how I discovered how many jamun trees there are in Five Gardens. I had never noticed them before. Now, as gingerly skirted the slippery purple, I looked up to behold the magnificent trees that had nestled this benevolence. A philosophical amble does not normally accompany me as I stride through this sylvan enclave, but this time I found myself pondering over the lessons that had dropped from those mystic branches. More
The seasons bring variety to my morning walk around Mumbai’ Five Gardens. The quality of light changes, new flowers splash across the branches, and different bird song filters out of the dense foliage
However, my eyes are usually lowered as I walk. This has little to do with my non-existent humility and everything to do with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s inability to lay and maintain a single level pavement. That and the inability of dogs, stray and pet, to keep their poo off it.
Thus it was that as I walked with downcast eyes, came upon a swathe of purple prose. No, call it poetry. The pavement and the road beyond it had been dyed like a royal robe, though not evenly Here, it was of deep rich hue, there, the fuchsia segued into a paler mauve. I marvelled over this unfamiliar beauty. The end-of summer breezes cover the pavements with the golden blooms of the copper pod tree, and the first showers do the same with the resplendent gulmohur, spreading out a red carpet which might be the envy of Cannes. But that recent morning, the night’s rainfall had changed the accustomed palette, it had brought down hundreds of jamuns .
And that’s how I discovered how many jamun trees there are in Five Gardens. I had never noticed them before. Now, as gingerly skirted the slippery purple, I looked up to behold the magnificent trees that had nestled this benevolence. A philosophical amble does not normally accompany me as I stride through this sylvan enclave, but this time I found myself pondering over the lessons that had dropped from those mystic branches. More
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Saavan in Vrindavan
Come rains and the month of Savan, Vrindavan is aglow in verdant greens inside temples dating 25 to 550 years! The artist’s palette will have fewer shades of green than Sri Radha-Krishna’s wardrobe flaunts. Be it Iskcon or Sri Radha Raman temple, Gopinathji or Radha-Vallabhji, Rangnathji or the dearest of them Sri Banke Bihari, greens the colour of gourd to pista green, to new leaves, to rice fields, to mango leaves, to mehandi hue, to parrot green, to lime and fluorescent green, to emerald and aquamarine…embellish the naughty persona of God who came to love and be loved as Sri Radha-Krishna.Visitors from Delhi zip up to Vrindavan in 2 hours on the well-maintained Delhi-Agra highway, and Sunday is the day when Delhites are here in large numbers. For other visitors from neighbouring and far-off cities and villages, even countries, each day is equally important ‘coz they’ve travelled far to meet the Lord of their hearts. The special train from Lucknow to Mathura has increased visitors to Mathura-Vrindavan from the city of Nawabs too. And yes we Lucknowites have a place in Vrindavan to call our very own! Shahji’s temple near Sri Radha Raman temple is a signature of Nawabi opulence, Italian and Rajasthani architectural flicks; experimentation that is a hallmark of Lucknowi monuments. Kundan Lal Shah ji from Chowk in Lucknow built this palace over 2 centuries back for Radha-Krishna, Chote Radha-Ramanji as they are fondly called. This palace with a huge gateway in red sandstone is reminiscent of the entrance to the Asafi and Hussainabad Imambaras. The arched gateway houses bright shops of knick knacks from haute-coutre for the Lord to music vcds and cassettes, tulsi jewellery and key-rings.
In the front courtyard an electronic display of tableaus brings to life episodes from Radha Krishna’s lives. Lilies blossom in gay abandon. This courtyard is a resting place for many travellers in the afternoon when the temple is closed as the Lord rests. Red sandstone steps take one up to the architectural beauty akin to the Taj Mahal in certain ways. Inlay portraits in Italian marble, enhanced with gems have stood the test of time and fine craftsmanship. The 12 twisted-pillars in the verandah from which the temple also gets its name ‘Tehre khambe wala mandir’, are made out of single pieces of marble. This pillared verandah has a Ras mandli nowadays performing the famous dance-drama everyday.
Chote Radha Raman greets devotees in his drawing room with a water fountain in front of him and Itr dipped cotton-buds on sticks to scent the air. Their bedroom is behind them and the famed Basanti room with Belgian glass chandeliers, glasses, mirrors and other royal finery that befits the ruler of all opulence, is on the other side. This Basanti room is specially used on Basant-Panchmi in Jan-Feb to celebrate His wedding anniversary. An impeccable garden with parrots and other birds, monkeys and squirrels exploring the shady greens, opens for the Lord’s frolic 2 days before Raksha-bandhan, Savan Purnima. Yellow sandstone garden walls with intricate jalis and windows overlook river Yamuna that saunters by Keshi ghat with its tortoise population sticking out their heads of the water like lotus buds.
The floral decoration or Phool Banglas at Mathura’s Janma-bhoomi temple or Dwarikadheesh temple or Banke Bihari ji or Iskcon or Radha Ramanji temples in Vrindavan are out of this world and must be witnessed to add to sensory and spiritual joy. Sri Radha Krishna in their finery seated in flower-laden silver swings are a treat for the senses and heart.
Savan brings with it untold moments of grandeur in Vraj bhoomi. A weekend trip would store memories for a lifetime…. And how about planting a tree as an offering to the Lord who dances here!
Monday, July 21, 2008
what is yoga?
"The word yoga is related to the English word yoke. Yoga is the union of body, mind, and spirit—the union of your individuality with the divine intelligence that orchestrates the universe. Yoga is a state of being in which the elements and forces that comprise your biological organism are in harmonious interaction with the elements of the cosmos."
: Deepak Chopra and David Simon
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga
: Deepak Chopra and David Simon
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga
Sunday, July 20, 2008
what is 'dhyana'?
"As water takes the shape of its container, the mind when it contemplates
an object is transformed into the shape of that object. The mind which
thinks of the all-pervading divinity which it worships, is ultimately
through long-continued devotion transformed into the likeness of that
divinity."
BKS Iyengar
The Illustrated Light on Yoga
an object is transformed into the shape of that object. The mind which
thinks of the all-pervading divinity which it worships, is ultimately
through long-continued devotion transformed into the likeness of that
divinity."
BKS Iyengar
The Illustrated Light on Yoga
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