Ise Shrine
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| Ise Shrine- My favourite spot on my visits |
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Beautiful Times in Ladakh
LADAKH
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| Ladakh... |
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Monday, June 9, 2014
Remembering our Braveheart Heroes- Courage under Fire
Remembering our Braveheart Heroes- Courage under Fire
Yet another Braveheart lays down his life heroically to protect and defend the nation. May the soul of our brave hero rest in peace...My heart reaches out to their families whenever I hear of such tragic news. Many of you don't even know his name or how wonderful a person he was. Many of you don't know the grieving family he has left behind in sacrificing his life for us or the everlasting memories he has left behind in the hearts of his men and officers he served with. He didn't have to die so young or he could have served the country more with his steel like valour and determination to defend the nation. So many thoughts like that cross our minds but what makes me more sad is when some don't give them their fair dues.
Not many have such courage to lay down their lives for the Nation as life is very precious to all. All the more we should as a nation salute our brave hearts and honour them countrywide for serving the nation faithfully. He or she has earned this rightfully.We all have to do our bit in spreading an awareness regarding the work of our officers and soldiers specially serving in extreme climatic conditions and highly dangerous places.
We must stand united in motivating people to recognize and value their sacrifices.There are so many nations who respect their Defence Forces and honour their men countrywide every year. The time has come when we should also do the same and recognize as well as appreciate the efforts of our Forces in protecting us or we will end up extinguishing the fire of patriotism in our soldiers. Why would men stand up to protect the nation when every time their contributions and sacrifices go unrecognised ? No they don't want anything in return as they are are selfless heroes as they feel more deeply about their country than most of us. But it is their right to earn the much deserved respect and honour of the people they protect. Moreover the families left behind have to be honoured even more for fighting a battle everyday in their memory.
Many nations honour their Armed Forces once a year and a day is marked as a national holiday when the entire country comes together in remembering their war heroes and honouring the ones serving in the forces as well. Countries like the U.K and U.S.A commit themselves to appreciate and recognize the sacrifices of their Forces.The government must bestow the same honour on our Defence Forces too and the media should contribute to this by continuously hi lighting the services of the Armed Forces and always the heroic sacrifice of a soldier and officer should be covered in the news.
We may celebrate the Armed Forces Day within the military and the government may honour some of our heroes on the Republic Day Parade. But just giving away medals or decorations isn't sufficient as we could give more meaning to their sacrifices only if we truly keep them in our hearts and remember them as often as we can. Our government has to be more supportive and appreciative towards the Forces and demonstrate the much needed sensitivity and empathy towards the work of the Armed Forces.
They should organize more events to create more awareness amongst other citizens regarding all that the Defence Forces are doing for the Nation. More events need to be hosted by the government and corporate houses to raise money to support some of the families of the defence brave hearts even though the Armed Forces are quite self sufficient in providing the best for their people.
Such heroic sacrifices can never be forgotten !
As I always say that we all desire world peace as wars only result in loss of lives on both sides. But on the other hand we should be realistic enough to realize that much against everyone's prayers and wishes there are bound to be wars and conflicts because of the thought process of certain people or their thirst for power . In such threatening situations, we need our Defence Forces to protect us. In fact at such times they are called upon to defend us. We may not believe in attacking but we definitely need the Forces to retaliate powerfully to defend us in every way possible. So how can we not give them the importance they truly deserve and express great appreciation for their work in our everyday lives.
It is the duty of our government to encourage people to respect the Armed Forces and not the other way around. It is also the duty of the government to ensure that the equipments, tanks, ships,planes and weapons provided to the Armed Forces to aid them in protecting us don't let them down. In the past we have seen a lot of cases where because of corruption some of the planes and ships purchased for the Forces were faulty and there have been accidents and crashes because of it. How can we as a nation forgive such people who have betrayed our Armed Forces when they have never let us down ever at times of internal or external threats and attacks. They gallantly fight for our respect and dignity every time . The Armed Forces consider it their sole responsibility and purpose to protect us and keep us safe. The time has come that we honour them generously and express our gratitude to them for standing up to defend our nation. We must remind them as often as we can that we completely value their services.
I respect the Army as an institution and all that it stands for. I respect our Armed Forces for their discipline, values, traditions and valour. Jai Hind !
Yet another Braveheart lays down his life heroically to protect and defend the nation. May the soul of our brave hero rest in peace...My heart reaches out to their families whenever I hear of such tragic news. Many of you don't even know his name or how wonderful a person he was. Many of you don't know the grieving family he has left behind in sacrificing his life for us or the everlasting memories he has left behind in the hearts of his men and officers he served with. He didn't have to die so young or he could have served the country more with his steel like valour and determination to defend the nation. So many thoughts like that cross our minds but what makes me more sad is when some don't give them their fair dues.
Not many have such courage to lay down their lives for the Nation as life is very precious to all. All the more we should as a nation salute our brave hearts and honour them countrywide for serving the nation faithfully. He or she has earned this rightfully.We all have to do our bit in spreading an awareness regarding the work of our officers and soldiers specially serving in extreme climatic conditions and highly dangerous places.
We must stand united in motivating people to recognize and value their sacrifices.There are so many nations who respect their Defence Forces and honour their men countrywide every year. The time has come when we should also do the same and recognize as well as appreciate the efforts of our Forces in protecting us or we will end up extinguishing the fire of patriotism in our soldiers. Why would men stand up to protect the nation when every time their contributions and sacrifices go unrecognised ? No they don't want anything in return as they are are selfless heroes as they feel more deeply about their country than most of us. But it is their right to earn the much deserved respect and honour of the people they protect. Moreover the families left behind have to be honoured even more for fighting a battle everyday in their memory.
Many nations honour their Armed Forces once a year and a day is marked as a national holiday when the entire country comes together in remembering their war heroes and honouring the ones serving in the forces as well. Countries like the U.K and U.S.A commit themselves to appreciate and recognize the sacrifices of their Forces.The government must bestow the same honour on our Defence Forces too and the media should contribute to this by continuously hi lighting the services of the Armed Forces and always the heroic sacrifice of a soldier and officer should be covered in the news.
We may celebrate the Armed Forces Day within the military and the government may honour some of our heroes on the Republic Day Parade. But just giving away medals or decorations isn't sufficient as we could give more meaning to their sacrifices only if we truly keep them in our hearts and remember them as often as we can. Our government has to be more supportive and appreciative towards the Forces and demonstrate the much needed sensitivity and empathy towards the work of the Armed Forces.
They should organize more events to create more awareness amongst other citizens regarding all that the Defence Forces are doing for the Nation. More events need to be hosted by the government and corporate houses to raise money to support some of the families of the defence brave hearts even though the Armed Forces are quite self sufficient in providing the best for their people.
Such heroic sacrifices can never be forgotten !
As I always say that we all desire world peace as wars only result in loss of lives on both sides. But on the other hand we should be realistic enough to realize that much against everyone's prayers and wishes there are bound to be wars and conflicts because of the thought process of certain people or their thirst for power . In such threatening situations, we need our Defence Forces to protect us. In fact at such times they are called upon to defend us. We may not believe in attacking but we definitely need the Forces to retaliate powerfully to defend us in every way possible. So how can we not give them the importance they truly deserve and express great appreciation for their work in our everyday lives.
It is the duty of our government to encourage people to respect the Armed Forces and not the other way around. It is also the duty of the government to ensure that the equipments, tanks, ships,planes and weapons provided to the Armed Forces to aid them in protecting us don't let them down. In the past we have seen a lot of cases where because of corruption some of the planes and ships purchased for the Forces were faulty and there have been accidents and crashes because of it. How can we as a nation forgive such people who have betrayed our Armed Forces when they have never let us down ever at times of internal or external threats and attacks. They gallantly fight for our respect and dignity every time . The Armed Forces consider it their sole responsibility and purpose to protect us and keep us safe. The time has come that we honour them generously and express our gratitude to them for standing up to defend our nation. We must remind them as often as we can that we completely value their services.
I respect the Army as an institution and all that it stands for. I respect our Armed Forces for their discipline, values, traditions and valour. Jai Hind !
Sunday, June 8, 2014
" Abstract Relationships "
Some relationships are like abstract paintings. They are not the usually defined ones or those that have shape of some sorts. Such relationships are interpreted or understood only by some and admired by a few who are dictated by their hearts alone. In such a relationship you may fall for someone you have never met and just interacted with through letters or calls. You may have seen the photograph of the person but may not have had an opportunity to meet...Sometimes such relationships can touch the heart and soul more than the ones that are formed by meeting in person.
Abstract paintings don't have any defined lines , colours or rules as they are a uniquely beautiful result of an individual's spontaneous or free expression and emotion.The same way some relationships like the one mentioned above also are free from the usual norms existing in other traditional relationships. Such relationships may lack definition or some sort of shape and yet the emotions in it are more vibrant than the usual relationships.
As it is "abstract relationships" as I would like to call them rely totally on a person's innermost feeling but may not represent the usual relationship found in everyday life in the sense that it is difficult to be understood by everyone . The usual relationship is based on what is visible.
Sometimes one can fall deeply in love with the unknown or someone you have never seen contrary to what people may believe. It is all about the interpretation of the heart as some hearts see beyond what is visible and defined by most. Such a relationship may mean the world to you but not to others as others would not accept it or even try to comprehend the emotions as it does not appear real to them because of it's mysterious nature.
But then it is quite natural that what may appear beautiful to you may not appear the same to others. It is rightly said that " beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder ". The same way the beauty of such a relationship lies in the hearts of those who truly love and believe in that unusual relationship which is born within the distance that separates them.
Most of the times what is not easily visible is deeper and soul stirring than what is visible. Hidden emotions in an abstract relationship are found or unveiled not by the world but by the person who has the courage and faith to believe in it. Isn't love said to be spontaneous ? Love is an abstract art that knows no reason or boundaries. Love is spontaneous and not planned. It just happens to you.But emotions however abstract have relevance and have to be appreciated even though they cannot be explained at times.
No two relationships are the same. But each relationship has it's own meaning and importance to the two who reside in it and that has to be respected instead of being questioned all the time. One's interpretation of a relationship may differ from the other and what suits one may not suit another. So one cannot be judgemental about relationships that may not be defined at times as those too are the designs of God and cannot be judged even if not recognized and accepted. But abstract relationships may be far more challenging than the usual ones as one has to battle the critical analysis of others all the time. As I always say that it is human nature that we fear what we cannot understand as the unknown is intimidating. The authenticity or the reality of unique relationships are always questioned.
Abstract paintings don't have any defined lines , colours or rules as they are a uniquely beautiful result of an individual's spontaneous or free expression and emotion.The same way some relationships like the one mentioned above also are free from the usual norms existing in other traditional relationships. Such relationships may lack definition or some sort of shape and yet the emotions in it are more vibrant than the usual relationships.
As it is "abstract relationships" as I would like to call them rely totally on a person's innermost feeling but may not represent the usual relationship found in everyday life in the sense that it is difficult to be understood by everyone . The usual relationship is based on what is visible.
Sometimes one can fall deeply in love with the unknown or someone you have never seen contrary to what people may believe. It is all about the interpretation of the heart as some hearts see beyond what is visible and defined by most. Such a relationship may mean the world to you but not to others as others would not accept it or even try to comprehend the emotions as it does not appear real to them because of it's mysterious nature.
But then it is quite natural that what may appear beautiful to you may not appear the same to others. It is rightly said that " beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder ". The same way the beauty of such a relationship lies in the hearts of those who truly love and believe in that unusual relationship which is born within the distance that separates them.
Most of the times what is not easily visible is deeper and soul stirring than what is visible. Hidden emotions in an abstract relationship are found or unveiled not by the world but by the person who has the courage and faith to believe in it. Isn't love said to be spontaneous ? Love is an abstract art that knows no reason or boundaries. Love is spontaneous and not planned. It just happens to you.But emotions however abstract have relevance and have to be appreciated even though they cannot be explained at times.
No two relationships are the same. But each relationship has it's own meaning and importance to the two who reside in it and that has to be respected instead of being questioned all the time. One's interpretation of a relationship may differ from the other and what suits one may not suit another. So one cannot be judgemental about relationships that may not be defined at times as those too are the designs of God and cannot be judged even if not recognized and accepted. But abstract relationships may be far more challenging than the usual ones as one has to battle the critical analysis of others all the time. As I always say that it is human nature that we fear what we cannot understand as the unknown is intimidating. The authenticity or the reality of unique relationships are always questioned.
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Amritsar, PUNJAB
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| The Historical Shrine of the Sikhs in the Holy City of Amritsar |
The Golden Temple ( Harmandir Sahib / Darbar Sahib ) Amritsar
Sikh Gurudwara
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| The most famous Gurudwara of the Sikhs ... |
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Paper Art Kirigami Connection with Traditional Art Form of Rangoli & Marble Inlay Work
Paper art is a beautiful art form and is popular in many counties like Japan, Germany, U.S.A and China. Japan is known for the paper art Origami and Kirigami. Origami is a well known paper art and is famous worldwide. Origami is a paper art that involves folding of paper. While Kirigami paper art involves folding of single paper many times to form different shapes like a square or a cone for instance and cutting that paper base into various shapes symmetrically in each section to form designs. That folded paper with numerous small cuts in many shapes and sizes are then opened to reveal the final patterns in the shape of snowflakes,flowers etc.
" Kiru" means to cut and "gami "( kami ) means paper. Kirigami means to cut paper. It is a beautiful as well as delicate and intricate form of paper craft of folded as well as cut paper to form paper designs of snowflakes etc.
Origami does not involve cutting of paper. I remember how as children my brother and I learnt Kirigami and Origami in our craft class in Japan. Origami and Kirigami lessons were the lessons we always looked forward to as these paper arts would transport us to a peaceful world of pretty designs and creativity. I used to love the beautiful and bright coloured papers specially with Japanese motifs used specially in origami. We used to create snowflakes for decorating our school windows before Christmas at our International school in Tokyo.
Kirigami was particularly interesting as according to me it is closest to an individual expression and what is interesting is that the more innovative you get the more interesting and delightful designs of paper craft you create. It is a paper art form that children specially enjoy and while all forms of paper art around the world are lovely, Kirigami is very popular and teaches kids to develop patience and refine their concentration and creativity. The wonderful pop up cards or books that are an old time favourite of most are also an example of Kirigami.
The Kirigami designs resemble some of the patterns of " Rangoli ". In modern India Kirigami paper stencils are now available to make " Rangolis " on Hindu festivals like Diwali ( Festival of Lights ) and other auspicious occasions at the entrance using vibrant coloured sand, powders or rice. Rangoli is an ancient traditional folk art form from India where mostly geometrical,floral or other ethnic motifs are drawn on the floor or ground in the form of a circle with actually a chalk or freehand with coloured powder. These patterns are filled with lively coloured sand, petals or rice. These patterns are then decorated with earthen lamps around them usually at the entrance to welcome the Gods and the guests. On Diwali Rangoli is made at the entrance of the house to attract and welcome the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi . Now that my imagination is becoming more active in comparing the traditional art of Kirigami , I wonder if artisans, craftsmen and designers got inspired by it to even create those block printing wooden blocks which are used with vegetable dyes to design saris and fabrics and the designs on these paper mâché or brass, mother of pearl and marble pill boxes. My mother and I were just discussing how the delicate art form of inlay work using semi precious stones on marble in Taj Mahal also reminds us of Kirigami art. The art form of Inlay work originated from Italy and then appealed to the Mughals soon after that.
I believe that Kanako Yaguchi is a very famous and well respected artist in the world of Kirigami. I have always been particularly interested in this paper art form since my childhood days but I intend to pursue this childhood interest and hobby now to study more about this art form and learn about this artist as well to inspire myself more in immersing myself deeper in this form of paper art.
Spanish Touch in Japanese Countryside
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| Carmen Hall , Spain "Mura " ( Village ), Ise shima, Mie-ken |
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Sometimes it is easier living a lie ! This is a line from the movie "Catch me if you can" directed by Steven Spielberg. This movie is based on a true story about Frank Abagnale Jr., who before his 19th birthday, successfully conned millions of dollars' worth of checks (cheques) as a Pan Am pilot, doctor, and legal prosecutor. An FBI agent Carl Hanratty hunts him down after a long and interesting chase. But later it is Carl who convinces the FBI to offer a deal to Frank to spend the remainder of his sentence working for them.In the end Frank ends up working for the Bank Fraud Department of FBI and serves the remainder of his sentence of twelve years there. Later in life Frank goes on to earn millions of dollars each year because of his work creating unforgeable cheques.
Well this movie has come on TV several times but I never got interested in watching the entire movie at one time until last week. Earlier on I have watched it in bits and pieces but today this movie kept me engrossed from the beginning till the end and I realized that the message in this movie is far deeper than I imagined.
It made me think about a lot of things and I couldn't help but think that for various reasons and maybe limitations in their life, most people tend to live a life of lie maybe not the way the character Frank ( played by Leonardo DiCaprio ) in this movie did but in so many different ways.
Some people live a "make believe life" as I would like to name it to escape reality as the truth for them can be more harsh than the lie. People sometimes think that the solution to their problems lies in not addressing it at all and to detach themselves from the truth they resort to pretending and gradually start living a life of lie.
When people live a life of lie be it in a relationship or profession, they actually start believing that there can be no life other than that and resign themselves unfairly to an unhappy life filled with only pain,loneliness and disillusionment. They cheat themselves from living a real and true life where they may actually find peace and happiness. I have seen people living an unhappy marriage or working somewhere that does not serve their appetite of dreams and ambitions but they continue living that life and falsely convincing themselves to feel that this is the only thing and the best thing for them for whatever reasons.
But I have also seen people who save such people above from their lives of lies and restore confidence in their lives by motivating and inspiring them to find themselves again and basing their lives on strengths.
The way I see it in this movie Frank tries to escape the pain of the separation of his parents and the breaking of his family life by pretending to be many things and people at one time but himself. He is very intelligent and can do anything he puts his heart and efforts into but he uses his skills and talents only to escape himself by living a life of lie. Frank challenges the FBI agent Carl Hanratty ( Tom Hanks ) to catch him if he can and yet keeps giving him clues perhaps because he wants someone to save him and give him the attention he wants. Frank tries to hide from life in a way and tries to cheat life by running away from it all the time and pretending to be many characters. He tries to take control of his life by pretending to be many characters but his actual real self till the time his father is lost to him forever. What is sad is that he tries to buy happiness for his family and himself through money and makes tremendous efforts to unite his parents but in vain.
Finally he loses to life because as usual life has it's own plans and nobody can alter that. That is when Frank gives up in a way because he gets disheartened to see that his mother now has no place for him in life as she has a brand new family. He turns himself in to the FBI on Christmas Eve. What is most touching is how the agent recognizes the child in Frank who just wants to be loved and accepted and it is he who shows this deep sensitivity to him by getting his prison sentence reduced and giving him a life that suits his talents and adds meaning and order to his life. The character of the FBI agent is also most brilliantly played by Tom Hanks.
Frank always calls the agent on Christmas Eve and that is because he is lonely and the agent realizes that. In the end the FBI agent actually saves Frank from running from himself all the time and helps him reach his true potentials and gets him back to life by motivating him to live a life based on truth. It is really interesting to see how the relationship between Frank and the agent grows through the story and how the agent succeeds in stopping Frank from running away from reality and face his life and create a wonderful ending for him through all that he is capable of giving back to life.
I loved the movie as it is light and humorous at times but with a serious and deep note and a dash of inspiration to make anyone who has lost his way in life to get back on path. In a way the FBI agent turns out to be a kind of " wing friend" or his Guardian Angel in other words to restore his life after his father's demise and his mother's desertion.
Life sure is tough most of the times and the only way to make it somewhat simple is to be true to yourself and stay true to yourself even if you end up alone.
Well this movie has come on TV several times but I never got interested in watching the entire movie at one time until last week. Earlier on I have watched it in bits and pieces but today this movie kept me engrossed from the beginning till the end and I realized that the message in this movie is far deeper than I imagined.
It made me think about a lot of things and I couldn't help but think that for various reasons and maybe limitations in their life, most people tend to live a life of lie maybe not the way the character Frank ( played by Leonardo DiCaprio ) in this movie did but in so many different ways.
Some people live a "make believe life" as I would like to name it to escape reality as the truth for them can be more harsh than the lie. People sometimes think that the solution to their problems lies in not addressing it at all and to detach themselves from the truth they resort to pretending and gradually start living a life of lie.
When people live a life of lie be it in a relationship or profession, they actually start believing that there can be no life other than that and resign themselves unfairly to an unhappy life filled with only pain,loneliness and disillusionment. They cheat themselves from living a real and true life where they may actually find peace and happiness. I have seen people living an unhappy marriage or working somewhere that does not serve their appetite of dreams and ambitions but they continue living that life and falsely convincing themselves to feel that this is the only thing and the best thing for them for whatever reasons.
But I have also seen people who save such people above from their lives of lies and restore confidence in their lives by motivating and inspiring them to find themselves again and basing their lives on strengths.
The way I see it in this movie Frank tries to escape the pain of the separation of his parents and the breaking of his family life by pretending to be many things and people at one time but himself. He is very intelligent and can do anything he puts his heart and efforts into but he uses his skills and talents only to escape himself by living a life of lie. Frank challenges the FBI agent Carl Hanratty ( Tom Hanks ) to catch him if he can and yet keeps giving him clues perhaps because he wants someone to save him and give him the attention he wants. Frank tries to hide from life in a way and tries to cheat life by running away from it all the time and pretending to be many characters. He tries to take control of his life by pretending to be many characters but his actual real self till the time his father is lost to him forever. What is sad is that he tries to buy happiness for his family and himself through money and makes tremendous efforts to unite his parents but in vain.
Finally he loses to life because as usual life has it's own plans and nobody can alter that. That is when Frank gives up in a way because he gets disheartened to see that his mother now has no place for him in life as she has a brand new family. He turns himself in to the FBI on Christmas Eve. What is most touching is how the agent recognizes the child in Frank who just wants to be loved and accepted and it is he who shows this deep sensitivity to him by getting his prison sentence reduced and giving him a life that suits his talents and adds meaning and order to his life. The character of the FBI agent is also most brilliantly played by Tom Hanks.
Frank always calls the agent on Christmas Eve and that is because he is lonely and the agent realizes that. In the end the FBI agent actually saves Frank from running from himself all the time and helps him reach his true potentials and gets him back to life by motivating him to live a life based on truth. It is really interesting to see how the relationship between Frank and the agent grows through the story and how the agent succeeds in stopping Frank from running away from reality and face his life and create a wonderful ending for him through all that he is capable of giving back to life.
I loved the movie as it is light and humorous at times but with a serious and deep note and a dash of inspiration to make anyone who has lost his way in life to get back on path. In a way the FBI agent turns out to be a kind of " wing friend" or his Guardian Angel in other words to restore his life after his father's demise and his mother's desertion.
Life sure is tough most of the times and the only way to make it somewhat simple is to be true to yourself and stay true to yourself even if you end up alone.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Lakshya
Everyone has some "lakshya" in life...an aim,goal or target in life. Never forget that even when life derails you, the dream of obtaining your aim will only make you thrive in the most challenging circumstances and will help maintain focus. The more determined you are the closer you would reach your Lakshya.
If you do not have an aim in life then your lakshya itself will find you soon enough or maybe sometimes later in life. Destiny has an odd way of uniting us with what we are meant to do. Life shapes us in a way where eventually our lakshya will greet us. It may not be something you planned on having or wanted but you have to fulfill your destiny by fulfilling that aim or purpose you are given by fate. Stay true to your lakshya and you will be rewarded and it will definitely be fulfilling.
Many times when I am faced with situations that make me temporarily lose my focus, I watch Farhan Akhtar's " Lakshya" . It is a very well directed movie and deeply inspiring. It is basically a story of a carefree guy who does not know what his aim in life is and it takes him long to find what he is searching for. His family and friends don't seem to understand him as they feel that he lacks purpose in life. He eventually meets his Lakshya. In his case he finally realizes that he wants to protect his nation and he remains true to this thought because he finds that this is what he truly wants to do.
This movie never ceases to inspire me and makes one feel that with faith,confidence,belief,patience and discipline anyone can reach their Lakshya. The only distance between your lakshya and you is You. It is left to you to decide how soon you are willing to meet your aim in life. The power lies within you !
What is Life...?
What is Life...?
It is so tragic that nobody is untouched by the pain of the terrible loss of a loved one in life...The year has ended so sadly as received one devastating news after the other of the deep losses of people in our circle.
I feel it is so important to be thankful in life for the moments you are given. It is so important to appreciate each and every moment but we still keep getting lost in our daily and irrelevant battles. It is so important to cherish each moment in life.
Once in a while we pause to consider how short life is but then again we forget that as human as we are...In life the moments we live never come back...The moments just slip away before we could even grasp them tightly to appreciate them. Life may be a stage as stated by so many but there are no rehearsals in life. You just have one take...one shot and you have to give it your best ! In that one performance you have to live the entire story, you have to live your entire life and all the more you ought to give your best performance ever to avoid regrets and to be remembered forever in all hearts.
Life is an illusion in the sense that it does not appear the way it is...we feel it exists but when we try to reach it or control it and try to comprehend it entirely, it disappears in a instant. Life does not last forever and it is as delicate as a soap water bubble.
We keep chasing something or the other in our thirst of wants on the vast desert of life but only to lose it in the end.Life is many things...Life is beautiful, life is charming but it still cannot be trusted. Life is a mirage...it is not real and it deceives us after all. There are conflicting theories and viewpoints on this thought as some religions like Hinduism believe in afterlife. They feel that life never ends as it lasts even after death. Some believe that there is life after death too like the Incas. In ancient times Egyptians also believed in an afterlife. Somewhere I too believe that it may hold true and that there may be a parallel world. Am I dictated by my individual thoughts or my religion in saying this ? That I shall never know...But my thought is also derived from the beliefs of people around me too and those of different cultures I have met during the course of the journey of my life...In the end lies a new beginning but that is too deep and hard to comprehend even for me who believes in many a things. To each to his own as everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and impressions depending upon their illusions.
For some the world is an illusion and for some Love is an illusion. The story goes on...and that is what makes it life as life is a place where we get no answers and to live happily ever after in the short time we have here,we have to accept it the way it is despite our urge to seek answers. At the moment just be grateful enough that you are alive, healthy and safe as nothing else matters...Just celebrate life ! A very close friend of mine from Israel always says, " Life is Beautiful ! ".
“Before someone’s tomorrow has been taken away, cherish those you love, appreciate them today.”
— Michelle C. Ustaszeski
Turmeric
Ayurveda is a very important part of our daily lives in India as we apply Ayurveda in home remedies and beauty care. It is purely natural and the herbs or spices used in Ayurveda have healing qualities whether applied externally as a paste or consumed internally in a mixture or concoction. For instance there are various spices found in the kitchen that can cure headaches and colds. My favorite must have in the kitchen is Turmeric. A pinch of turmeric powder when used in cooking adds a beautiful colour to the the curries . And a pinch of turmeric when mixed with chick-pea flour and rose water or 2 tbs. yoghurt serves as a face pack as part of your beauty regime. A teaspoon of honey can be added to this face pack. Another face pack can be made with turmeric,sandalwood powder and orange peels. My grandmother would always dry the skins and peels of oranges in the sun which were crushed thereafter to make a powder for face packs. She would always send me a big box of home-made powder of orange peels. It is really interesting to prepare such things from simple things specially when they have miraculous effects on your skin and health.
A teaspoon or two of Turmeric powder boiled with about a cup of milk can provide immense relief from severe congestion,sinus or cough and cold. Of course expecting mothers should consult a doctor regarding this as this combination gives a lot of warmth to the body.
Turmeric is also always used in rituals for purification and auspicious occasions specially weddings as part of beauty care too. Turmeric paste is applied on the skin of the Bride for beauty purpose as well as purification. In Indian weddings , an event is dedicated to the usage of Turmeric and the ceremony is called "Haldi" which actually means Turmeric.
A teaspoon or two of Turmeric powder boiled with about a cup of milk can provide immense relief from severe congestion,sinus or cough and cold. Of course expecting mothers should consult a doctor regarding this as this combination gives a lot of warmth to the body.
Turmeric is also always used in rituals for purification and auspicious occasions specially weddings as part of beauty care too. Turmeric paste is applied on the skin of the Bride for beauty purpose as well as purification. In Indian weddings , an event is dedicated to the usage of Turmeric and the ceremony is called "Haldi" which actually means Turmeric.
Love that is enduring...
A love that is enduring will survive fights and disagreements. In today's stressful world there are bound to be arguments and differences of opinions on a wide range of matters.One has a right to disagree and express differently or feel differently about things as long as you do not take it too far where you start judging each other and stop communicating.
There will be many challenges,difficulties and problems in lives and people should be willing to resolve them together with patience,tact,maturity,understanding,empathy and sensitivity. In opinion and decision making matters,there are bound to be differences but they should not allow differences of thoughts to damage a relationship. In any relationship people should to be able to express their wants and needs to each other without fear of alienating each other . At least that way they will know what is needed to enhance their relationship.
Arguments should be fair without taunts and insults. Fighting should not involve emotional, mental and physical abuse and attacks. Disagreements can be there as long as that does not retard communication. Sooner or later a compromise and mutual understanding has to be reached. However bad and uncomfortable things become one should not stop communication. In a relationship sometimes even arguing can be considered a form of communicating your feelings .
Respect each other's differences in thoughts. There has to be honesty and transparency in a relationship which may sometimes result in disagreeing with each other. At the end of it two people should be willing to take responsibility for their faults and mistakes too or consider the other person's view point too. The aim should be to arrive somewhere where two can meet each other half way irrespective of whose fault it may be in the first place. Sometimes this may require patience and time but that is alright as All's well that ends well.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
I watched the movie "Madras Cafe" some days back and can't help but think about what is said in the beginning of the movie that innocent civilians get killed, whatever the conflict may be or between whomever it may be...I have always thought about this so many times just like so many others...Everybody has a right to live a peaceful life. I wish there was a way to prevent injustices.
The worst affected are always women and children. They pay a heavy price for no fault of theirs when there is a conflict or war. It is heartbreaking to hear how much they suffer and the way they are tortured for even not taking sides. In a conflict , both sides are unfair in attacking innocent and vulnerable people just because they happen to be on opposite sides. But life chooses it to be this way and in history and till date so many have suffered so much for no reason at all. My heart reaches out to those suffering in political conflicts and wars. War crimes are the worst and we can't even begin to imagine the crimes committed against human beings in the name of power and ideology. In political conflicts as well as riots or racial attacks, the lives of people change drastically because they are placed somewhere at the wrong time and wrong place by destiny. Nobody can actually do much to really help them or immediately prevent attacks against them because unfortunately they happen to be present at a place where human beings have lost their sense of humanity, decency and sensitivity in the name of hatred and war. In the name of war, where there is loss of humanity, there is rise of darkness in the minds and hearts of ordinary people. It seems as if at that time , the forces of darkness and evil take over the minds of human beings...
Nobody wants conflict or war but sometimes there is no other option left when one is attacked. Then the only option left is to protect and defend oneself and all that you hold dear. I wish there was world peace but that will remain to be just a dream as wars can never end in the world we live in.Yet I pray and dream for a world where peace resides... In saying that I may be labelled as a dreamer but I 'm not the only one.
The worst affected are always women and children. They pay a heavy price for no fault of theirs when there is a conflict or war. It is heartbreaking to hear how much they suffer and the way they are tortured for even not taking sides. In a conflict , both sides are unfair in attacking innocent and vulnerable people just because they happen to be on opposite sides. But life chooses it to be this way and in history and till date so many have suffered so much for no reason at all. My heart reaches out to those suffering in political conflicts and wars. War crimes are the worst and we can't even begin to imagine the crimes committed against human beings in the name of power and ideology. In political conflicts as well as riots or racial attacks, the lives of people change drastically because they are placed somewhere at the wrong time and wrong place by destiny. Nobody can actually do much to really help them or immediately prevent attacks against them because unfortunately they happen to be present at a place where human beings have lost their sense of humanity, decency and sensitivity in the name of hatred and war. In the name of war, where there is loss of humanity, there is rise of darkness in the minds and hearts of ordinary people. It seems as if at that time , the forces of darkness and evil take over the minds of human beings...
Nobody wants conflict or war but sometimes there is no other option left when one is attacked. Then the only option left is to protect and defend oneself and all that you hold dear. I wish there was world peace but that will remain to be just a dream as wars can never end in the world we live in.Yet I pray and dream for a world where peace resides... In saying that I may be labelled as a dreamer but I 'm not the only one.
Sometimes everything comes at the same time in your life...and you wonder how to deal with them all at once and which emotions to address first. Almost all of us may be familiar with this place in our lives. At such times one needs to keep one's focus to concentrate on what is at hand and to deal with it in the best way possible. Meditation and prayers help the most at such times. It gives you certain amount of peace and strength to rely on. Sharing your problems with your friends also helps. One has no choice but to be strong enough to face these sudden uncalled interruptions in your life. No choice but to be strong ! When the Going gets Tough the Tough get Going !
Yet another news of someone going through so much of pain as they will lose their loved one very soon....Just the though of losing someone close to you in life is frightening enough and it must be all the more so very devastating for the people who get the dark news that their loved one is going to part from them soon. Life is so short ! And we still take life for granted every time thinking that everything is going to remain the same as ever and that our lives will remain untouched...Life is so unfair when it tears apart an important part of your life from you. I just heard some sad news about a friend's mother and my heart is filled with deep sadness and pain ...The family must be severely anguished to know that anytime soon, the person close to them will leave them forever...Nothing can ever prepare you to accept such a loss.
There are never any answers or closures in that respect as life may take away as is the norm but the heart will refuse to let go...The person lives in your heart even if lost to you in life. The person lives in your memories even though not there to create new memories...The biggest loss in life is the loss of human life, the loss of someone you love as you never recover from it whatever people may say. Such a loss makes you grieve silently all your life specially when you try to find the impressions of that person in every moment of your life and miss their presence. The permanent absence of someone you hold dear is the hardest loss that someone can endure and what is more difficult is to be told to continue living without that person. I have often seen how the people left behind suffer so much and my heart reaches out for them.
Yes everyone is fighting their own battles everyday in life but the toughest battle is to fight the loneliness and emptiness left behind by the person you have lost to life...Kal Ho Na Ho...There may be no tomorrow...So it is very important to keep reminding ourselves to live our life to it's fullest everyday in life...It is so required to live every moment with love and happiness and yet we often forget that and start taking life for granted. Life is so fragile ! Life is so uncertain and yet we keep making plans thinking that we will live forever when life may cheat us anytime. The best thing to do would be to live for the moment and live in the moment. Life is escaping from us every second and we should actually make the most of it in the time we have with each other though that will never be enough...
http://nickiworldtranscendingcultures.blogspot.in/2011/02/autumn-of-life-there-comes-time-of-pain.html
There are never any answers or closures in that respect as life may take away as is the norm but the heart will refuse to let go...The person lives in your heart even if lost to you in life. The person lives in your memories even though not there to create new memories...The biggest loss in life is the loss of human life, the loss of someone you love as you never recover from it whatever people may say. Such a loss makes you grieve silently all your life specially when you try to find the impressions of that person in every moment of your life and miss their presence. The permanent absence of someone you hold dear is the hardest loss that someone can endure and what is more difficult is to be told to continue living without that person. I have often seen how the people left behind suffer so much and my heart reaches out for them.
Yes everyone is fighting their own battles everyday in life but the toughest battle is to fight the loneliness and emptiness left behind by the person you have lost to life...Kal Ho Na Ho...There may be no tomorrow...So it is very important to keep reminding ourselves to live our life to it's fullest everyday in life...It is so required to live every moment with love and happiness and yet we often forget that and start taking life for granted. Life is so fragile ! Life is so uncertain and yet we keep making plans thinking that we will live forever when life may cheat us anytime. The best thing to do would be to live for the moment and live in the moment. Life is escaping from us every second and we should actually make the most of it in the time we have with each other though that will never be enough...
http://nickiworldtranscendingcultures.blogspot.in/2011/02/autumn-of-life-there-comes-time-of-pain.html
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