Hastkalaa

2013-04-24T12:19:00.001-04:00

I Have Learned....

2013-03-08T16:44:00.000-05:00

A post from http://successify.net

I’ve Learned…

that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.

I’ve learned-
that no matter how much I care, some people just don’t care back.

I’ve learned-
that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.

I’ve learned-
that no matter how good a friend is, they’re going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I’ve learned-
that it’s not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts.

I’ve learned-
that you should never ruin an apology with an excuse.

I’ve learned-
that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you’d better know something.

I’ve learned-
that you shouldn’t compare yourself to the best others can do.

I’ve learned-
that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I’ve learned-
that it’s taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I’ve learned-
that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I’ve learned-
that you can keep going long after you can’t.

I’ve learned-
that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I’ve learned-
that either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I’ve learned-
that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place.

I’ve learned-
that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I’ve learned-
that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I’ve learned-
that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I’ve learned-
that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you’re down will be the ones to help you get back up.

I’ve learned-
that sometimes when I’m angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.

I’ve learned-
that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I’ve learned-
that just because someone doesn’t love you the way you want them to doesn’t mean they don’t love you with all they have.

I’ve learned-
that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you’ve had and what you’ve learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you’ve celebrated.

I’ve learned-
that you should never tell a child their dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if they believed it.

I’ve learned-
that it isn’t always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you are to learn to forgive yourself.

I’ve learned-
that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn’t stop for your grief.

I’ve learned-
that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I’ve learned-
that a rich person is not the one who has the most, but is one who needs the least.

I’ve learned-
that just because two people argue, it doesn’t mean they don’t love each other. And just because they don’t argue, it doesn’t mean they do.

I’ve learned-
that we don’t have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I’ve learned-
that you shouldn’t be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I’ve learned-
that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I’ve learned-
that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process.

I’ve learned-
that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.

I’ve learned-
that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I’ve learned-
that the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

I’ve learned-
that it’s hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people’s feelings, and standing up for what you believe.

I’ve learned-
that people will forget what you said, and people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

2012-11-30T17:36:00.000-05:00

Nature inspiration

2012-11-26T23:18:00.000-05:00

Pumpkins gone wild :)

2012-11-26T23:05:00.000-05:00

Gond Painting.

2012-08-29T19:27:00.000-04:00

Gond painting is an art techinique created by the Gond tribe from Madhya Pradesh, India.

My latest attempt in trying my skills on this art. Loved every bit of it.

I was walking through the park one day......

2012-08-23T11:09:00.002-04:00

Gond painting greeting card

2012-08-18T23:28:00.000-04:00

2012-08-10T12:30:00.000-04:00

Krishna, the first Communist

Why Lord Krishna's life and message make him the father of communism?

Long before Karl Marx, Lenin and Mao, a historical figure in India fought against oppression, championed the cause of the poor, denounced religious dogma and empty ritualism, and sought to inspire a righteous and selfless attitude in society.
The basic tenets of communism say that all are equal, and exploiters and oppressors should be severely punished. It rebels against societal dogmas and advocates caring and sharing. The goal is to create a society free from selfishness, autocracy, aristocracy and oppression of people of any sort.

The life and message of Krishna reveals that he imbibed, taught and fought for these principles 5,230 years ago. In fact, an objective analysis of the Bhagavad Gita too would reveal that Krishna was a better communist than Karl Marx. One could go so far as to describe him as the real founder of communism!

Krishna grew up among cowherds - who today could be referred to as OBCs. A cowherd himself, he worked for the empowerment of his people. Later, he killed his own uncle, Kamsa, a king who was an oppressor, thereby liberating the entire society of Mathura and Brindavan from his tyranny.
Throughout his life, Krishna cared for the poor and the weak. In the Mahabharata war, he could have sided with the powerful Kauravas but he took the side of the Pandavas, who had nothing on their side except goodwill and pure hearts. He worked for them and went as an ambassador for peace for them. So definitely his mission was with the poor and the oppressed, the victims of royal aristocrat families and therefore he is called Deenabandhu, Deenavatsala (friend of the poor).

The story of Sudama, the poor Brahmin, is a well-known episode from Krishna's life. Often people think Brahmins were oppressors, when in fact Brahmins have always been very poor. One never hears instances or stories of rich Brahmins in history or in the puranas. But Krishna's love and compassion was such that he honoured him, cutting across the class barriers.

Krishna also rebelled against dogmatic religious practices of those days. Even today it is well known that the entire society stopped the sacrificial puja they were doing to Indra, shifting over, on Krishna's advice, to caring for the cows (Govardhan Pooja) and honouring the knowledge of the self. (Govardhan also means honouring knowledge.) He also promoted Annakoot, where there is food for everybody.

Krishna rebels against the people who are always arguing in the name of the Vedas. He has said that people who are driven by little desires, who are propitiating this deity or that, caught up in small rituals and greed, are fools (moodha). He also says, "Those who worship many devas and perform many rituals are of lesser intelligence."

Finally, after a detailed exposition of all aspects of life, knowledge and duty, he says, "Sarva dharman parityajya mamekam sharanam vraja" (Drop all the dharma and take refuge in me, ie, in the higher self). This is really a revolutionary thing. Karl Marx also has said drop the religion, "Religion is the opium of the masses." But beyond religion is the quest for truth. Where does a man go further? There Krishna leads Arjuna, leads the people into that spiritual realm of experience, which is seriously lacking in communism today.

To transcend religion, one needs to understand religion. Karl Marx was not aware of Indian spirituality. All that he saw was the blind faith and the authoritarian rule of the religious institutions that existed at that time in Russia, whereas Krishna takes us beyond religion.

He also says drop religion, but it brings you to a place of spiritual awakening, of knowledge, of truth, of beauty. The confidence that builds up in a person who knows the depth and the secrets of creation is something amazing, so beautiful - without which life is dry. So make the transition from religion to spirituality. It is what was missing in the Karl Marx principle and which Krishna has very clearly demonstrated and given to the world in the form of Gita.

Communism cannot reject Krishna at any cost because he stands for all its principles in a much more meaningful manner. If we don't see the reality, the truth with an open mind then we have merely replaced an old religion with a new religion called communism. So we have to be aware and wake up to adapt to changing times.
By principle I wonder why the communists have not yet owned Krishna. Many times in the Gita, Krishna says, "Yo mam pasyati sarvatra" (One who sees me in everybody, one who sees oneself in everybody, is the one who sees the truth). This is the basic principle of communism - see everyone as yourself. He says the banana peel has a meaning as long as there is a banana inside. But when you eat the banana, then the peel has no value. Similarly religion can't take people to the final truth, final goal. But it is the spirit of self-enquiry, the scientific temper in a person, that takes one deeper. Religion stays behind and one moves into a realm of pure humanism or pure divinity - this is the hallmark of Krishna's teaching.

Unlike in the west, where scientists were tortured and questioning of the religious scriptures was prohibited, India has always encouraged questioning and contemplation. In fact, most of the scriptures in India are in the format of questions and answers. After putting forth his opinion, Krishna tells Arjuna to independently think and question, and tells him that he has the freedom to accept or reject his opinion. He never imposes his idea.

Though communism advocates rational thinking, we hear many communists do not give the freedom to people to express a different ideology. At the same time, Krishna also inspired Arjuna to fight and not accept oppression, which again is what communists say. He advises Arjuna to fight not with anger or hatred, but with intelligence, with equanimity, with wisdom.

Another principle of communism is sharing. As a small child, Krishna would share the butter with all the boys, all the youngsters. Later he shared wealth. In the Srimad Bhagavatam, it said that in his last days Krishna used to go and give gifts to people every morning. A salient feature of communism is to work for the community and it comes down strongly on consumerism or greed. This is explained by Krishna in the Karma Yoga.

Karmanye vadhikaraste. Krishna goes on to say that one who is really wise regards all men as equal, and does not discriminate between a Brahmin and an untouchable, or a learned one and someone who is not so learned. Vidyavinaya sampanna.

Many people talk about communism but lead a capitalistic life. However Krishna never did that. He stood for the cause of the poor. He saw that oneness in everybody and so he was remembered for centuries.
But nowadays it is suddenly fashionable to regard even the Ramayana and Mahabharata as epics and not as something that really happened. This is ridiculous, because just a legend cannot have such an impact over the whole continent, and even beyond. The Ramayana and Mahabharata have made such an impact on civilization without any modern technology. The Sanskrit word itihasa means 'it happened like that/it happened thus'.
To see everyone as equal is a matter of the heart, and the heart can be made to blossom only through spirituality. And uplifting the spirit is what is spirituality. So you cannot be a true communist if you don't have that spark of love and compassion in your heart.

Modern communism negates religion but leaves you in a vacuum. Devoid of spirituality, frustration overtakes life, leading one to violence and aggression or depression and suicidal tendencies. You cannot serve someone if you don't see them as yourself or part of yourself. What was missing in communism is the very soul, that is spirituality, of which Krishna was an expert teacher.

Now communists in Kerala need not feel guilty about going to Guruvayoor and those in Bengal can openly participate in Durga Pooja!

- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Getting Ready for Rakshabandhan

2012-07-27T17:17:00.002-04:00

I was introduced to Rakhi-making when I was in boarding school. The whole hostel used to get into the spirit of Rakshabandhan and girls made beautiful rakhis and bands. Each year of my boarding school life I tried to make beautiful silk thread Rakhi for my Brother. The beauty was in simplicity and hard work. Going to a market and buying a rakhi may be is an easier option but it is not as fun as when you get to design and make it. It remains close to my heart.

This year I tried making rakhi from felt cloth, glitter. beads and mouli (sacred Hindu thread).
My partner in making is Michael's art and craft store.

Rain

2012-07-20T13:58:00.000-04:00

2012-07-17T21:55:00.000-04:00

I have always found Spiders as scary creatures, but recently have realized how important they are to our world. They are immensely hard working and great architects.

The spider I captured here sat in the sun the whole day, even when there was no sign of relief from the summer heat and humidity. As a kid i would have taken seconds to destroy the web for fun. As an adult i realize how much of hard work and planning went into making this delicate structure. God has made us powerful so that we use our powers wisely rather than harming the harmless.

My Friend Ganesha :)

2012-07-17T21:47:00.000-04:00

My Day With My Plants

2012-07-03T15:01:00.000-04:00

Peaceful Pine Forest

2012-05-22T19:23:00.003-04:00

A Rare Orchid

2012-01-26T12:55:00.000-05:00

This one made me smile :)

I am sure many of you must have already read this but for those who didn't here it is.....

♥Love her …when she sips on your coffee or tea. She only wants to make sure it tastes just right for you.

♥Love her…when she "pushes" you to pray. She wants to be with you in Jannah (Paradise).

♥Love her…when she asks you to play with the kids. She did not "make" them on her own.
...
♥Love her...when she is jealous. Out of all the men she can have, she chose you

♥Love her…when she has annoying little habits that drives you nuts. You have them too.

♥Love her…when her cooking is bad. She tries.(But Yours is just awesome)

♥Love her…when she looks disheveled in the morning. She always grooms herself up again.

♥Love her…when she asks to help with the kids homework. She only wants you to be part of the home.

♥Love her...when she asks if she looks fat. Your opinion counts, so tell her she's beautiful.

♥Love her…when she looks beautiful. She's yours so appreciate her.

♥Love her...when she spends hours to get ready. She only wants to look her best for you.

♥Love her…when she buys you gifts you don't like. Smile and tell her it's what you've always wanted.

♥Love her…when she has developed a bad habit. You have many more and with wisdom and politeness you have all the time to help her change. Love her…when she cries for absolutely nothing. Don't ask, tell her its going to be okay

♥Love her…when she suffers from PMS. Buy chocolate, rub her feet and back and just chat to her (trust me this works!)

♥Love her…when whatever you do is not pleasing. It happens and will pass

♥Love her…when she stains your clothes. You needed a new thobe (kurta) anyway

♥Love her…when she tells you how to drive. She only wants you to be safe.

♥Love her…when she argues. She only wants to make things right for both

♥Love her…she is yours. You don't need any other special reason!!!!

All this forms part of a Woman's Character. Women are part of your life and should be treated as the Queen.
• Treat the women well

2012-01-26T08:53:00.000-05:00

I have started posting on www.centreofgravity.blogspot.com. :) Hope you like it.
I have been inspired by a lot of bloggers and have crated this blog just for the peaceful side of our mind.

Laughter

2012-01-23T11:10:00.000-05:00

Laughter is universal: All humans in all cultures laugh

Laughter is unconscious: You can’t actually laugh on command — it will be fake laughter if you try to.

Laughter is for social communication: We rarely laugh when we are alone. We laugh 30 times more often when we are with others.
Laughter is contagious: We will smile and then start laughing as we hear others laugh.

Laughter appears early in babies: at about 4 months old

Laughter is not about humor: Provine studied over 2,000 cases of naturally occurring laughter and most of it did not happen as a result of “humor” such as telling jokes. Most laughter followed statements such as “Hey John, where ya been?” or “Here comes Mary”, or “How did you do on the test?” Laughter after these types of statements bond people together socially. Only 20% of laughter is from jokes.

We rarely laugh in the middle of a sentence. It is usually at the end.

Other primate and mammals laugh. There are videos of rats laughing while being tickled.

Speaking of tickling, laughing seems to have “evolved” from tickling.

Most laughing occurs by the person who is speaking, not the person who is listening. The person who is speaking laughs twice as much.

Women laugh more than twice as much as men.

Laughter denotes social status. The higher up on the hierarchy you are in a group, the less you will laugh.

Read more

New year new beginnings, I am starting a new blog - Centre Of Gravity.
Please do visit and leave your comments whenever you get a chance. Thanks!!!!

Burning Wishes

2012-01-13T16:41:00.000-05:00

Please give me feedback regarding the template I am currently using. I just got bored of my old one and wanted to try something new. After a lot of browsing I could only find this one the simplest. If you know from where I can get some awesome templates then do suggest. I feel so inspired when I look at fellow bloggers with such fine templates.

Placid Reflections

2011-12-15T22:23:00.000-05:00

Surya and Chandra Namaskar.

2011-11-20T11:17:00.001-05:00

Surya Namaskar

Chandra Namaskar.

The cutest representation of Surya/Chnadra Namaskars (Sun/Moon Salutation)

Image courtesy - http://tudodeom.blogspot.com/

Colourful world.

2011-11-17T14:49:00.001-05:00

It happens only in Indiaaaaaaaah! :-)

2011-09-10T22:47:00.000-04:00

No matter where I end up on this earth, my heart will always stay in India.

India is the only country in the world which has so many religions, so many languages, so many people, so many animals, so many mysteries, so many complexities, so chaotic and yet so simply organized. :)

Animal transportation. (Wonder what they are standing on)

Overloaded - Underpaid

Coexistence

Love for colours

Hand weavers still weaving tradtionally.

Contagious Smiles :)

Gypsies

Misplaced- Geese and desert?

Happiness and Love unlimited.

A few corners of my home.

2011-09-07T22:02:00.000-04:00

Summers have come to a halt and the nature is preparing for Fall. The sunlight doesn't enter my window anymore warming up my entire space with radiance. Nights are getting longer and days shorter. It feels like the fun is about to get over. New England's winters are so long and harsh that the greed for summer is insatiable. Sigh!

These are the two painting I painted with my teacher.

Still Art.

A copy of a painting by Sisley.

The original - http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a5/Sisley-Bridge_at_Villeneuve-la-Garenne.jpg

Dwarikadheesh and Radha

Fire not touching the source.

Glowing Ganesha.

Tibetian Ganpati.

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi

2011-09-02T14:16:00.000-04:00