2. Jai Ho Jai Aadeshwara.

From the song Jai to Jai ho Shankara (Kedarnath)

जय हो जय आदेश्वरा
वीतराग  आदेश्वरा ,
आदी देव  आदेश्वरा ,
सर्वग्न  आदेश्वरा ...

तेरे  जाप के  बिना ,
परमकृपालु  आदेश्वरा ,
चले  ये सांस  किस तरह ,
करुणासागर  आदेश्वरा ...

मेरा  जीवन तू  ही जाने ,
क्या  बुरा है  क्या भला ,
तेरे  रस्ते पे  मैं तो ,
आँख  मुंड के  चला ...
तेरे  नाम की  माला ने ,
सारा  हर लिया  है दोष मेरा ...

नमो  नमो आदेश्वरा ,
वीतरागी  आदेश्वरा ,
जय  त्रिलोकनाथ  देव ,
हे  नाथ आदेश्वरा ...
नमो  नमो आदेश्वरा ,
वीतराग  आदेश्वरा ,
आदिनाथ  हे इश्वरा ...

सृष्टी  के जनम से  भी ,
पहले  तेरा वास  था ,
ये  जग रहे  या न रहे ,
रहेगी  तेरी आस्था ...
क्या  समय क्या  प्रलय
दोनों  में तेरी  महानता ,
महानता , महानता ...
सीपियों   की ओट में ,
दयालु  श्री आदेश्वरा ,
मोतिया  हो जिस तरह ,
हे  महान  आदेश्वरा ...
मेरे  मैं आदेश्वरा ,
परम  तारक आदेश्वरा ,
तू  बसा है  उस तरह ,
हे  प्रभु  आदेश्वरा ...

मुझे  भरम था  जो है ,
मेरा  था कभी  नहीं मेरा ,
अर्थ  क्या निरर्थ  क्या ,
जो  भी है  सभी तेरा ...

तेरे  सामने है  झुका ,
मेरे  सर पे  हाथ रख तेरा ...

नमो  नमो आदेश्वरा ,
हितचिंतक  आदेश्वरा ,
जय  भगवान आदेश्वरा ,
हे  सखा आदेश्वरा ...

नमो  नमो आदेश्वरा ,
भीडभंजन  आदेश्वरा ,
सत्देव  हे आदेश्वरा ...

Jai ho jai Aadeshwara,
Vitraag Aadeshwara,
Adi dev Aadeshwara,
Sarvagna Aadeshwara...

Tere jaap ke bina,
Paramkrupalu Aadeshwara,
Chale ye saans kis tarah,
Karunasagar Aadeshwara...

Mera jeevan tu hi jane,
Kya bura hai kya bhala,
Tere raste pe mai to,
Aankh mund ke chala...
Tere naam ki maala ne,
Saara har liya hai dosh mera...

Namo namo Aadeshwara,
Vitraagi Aadeshwara,
Jai triloknath dev,
Hey naath Aadeshwara...
Namo namo Aadeshwara,
Vitraag Aadeshwara,
Adinath hey ishwara...

Sristi ke janam se bhi,
Pahle tera vaas tha,
Ye jag rahe ya na rahe,
Rahegi teri aastha...
Kya samay kya pralay
Dono me teri mahanta,
mahanta, mahanta...

Seepiyon ki oot mein,
Dayalu shree Aadeshwara,
Motiyan ho jis tarah,
Hey Mahaan Aadeshwara...
Mere mann Aadeshwara,
Param taarak Aadeshwara,
Tu basa hai us tarah,
Hey Prabhu Aadeshwara...

Mujhe bharam tha jo hai,
Mera tha kabhi nahi mera,
Arth kya nirarth kya,
Jo bhi hai sabhi tera...

Tere saamne hai jhuka,
Mere sar pe haath rakh tera...

Namo namo Aadeshwara,
Hitchintak Aadeshwara,
Jai bhagvan Aadeshwara,
Hey Sakha Aadeshwara...

Namo namo Aadeshwara,
Bhidbhanjan Aadeshwara,
Satdev hey Aadeshwara...

1. RAQT.

आपके शरीर का,
  थोड़ा सा *RAQT*,
बढ़ा सकता है,
 3 जिंदगी का वक़्त...

आसान है देना,
  ना मानिये इसे सख्त,
इसका दान आपको,
  बनाएगा सशक्त...

आपके कीमती समय के,
  10 मिनट फ़क्त,
बन सकते है 3 परिवार के लिए,
  राजा का तख़्त...

प्रभु के सेवक भी होता है,
  इन्सानियत का भक्त,
एक जुट हो जाए हम 16 Dec को,
  भेद नहीं करता है *RAQT*!!

4. मस्त हूँ.

ना कोई भाग दौड़, ना व्यर्थ् उलझन,
नहीं कहीं कुछ खोज ने में व्यस्त हूँ,
अपनी मस्ती में खुश हूँ,
अपनी ख़ुशी में मस्त हूँ।।

कोई कुछ कहे, सोचे तो वह उसका है,
बाहर के परिवर्तनों में, नहीं त्रस्त हूँ,
अपनी मस्ती में खुश हूँ,
अपनी ख़ुशी में मस्त हूँ।।

हर किसे कुछ साबित करना है,
इन व्यापारो में नहीं दुनियपरस्त हूँ,
अपनी मस्ती में खुश हूँ,
अपनी ख़ुशी में मस्त हूँ।।

दुनिया में कुछ रोग है, जो भीतर है,
उनका सामना करने के लिए, मन से स्वस्थ हूँ,
अपनी मस्ती में खुश हूँ,
अपनी ख़ुशी में मस्त हूँ।।

यह खेल तो केवल चंद बरस चालेगा,
अपुर्व को हासिल करने की सोच में ज़बरदस्त हूँ,
अपनी मस्ती में खुश हूँ,
अपनी ख़ुशी में मस्त हूँ।।

3. नया साल.

हर साल, नया साल,
इसमे क्या है कमाल?
करना चाहूँ तो कर सकता हूँ,
कुछ ऐसा बेमिसाल...
चिंता नहीं इस बात की,
क्या नहीं मिलेंगे चावल और दाल?
विचार इस बात का है,
क्या बदलने है मुझे अपने हाल?
वक़्त तो ठहरेगा नही,
चलता रहेगा अपनी चाल...
मुड़कर देखु तो गुज़र गया है,
जो था पिछले साल, नया साल...
खैर, कहाँ इन सब बातों में,
उलझा रहा हूँ आपको फिलहाल...
शुरू किया जो सोचकर कर रहा हूं अब,
आप सभी को मुबारक, फिरसे एक और नया साल...

2. शुभ दिवाली.

खुशियों वाली...
प्यार वाली...
संतोष वाली...
सेवा वाली...
इंसानियत वाली...
अध्यात्म वाली...
सुख वाली...
शांति वाली...
आप सभी को...
शुभ दीवाली
🌟✨🌟

1. Helmet.

It was a not-so-busy day but stopping at the red light is inevitable.

I had to be passive for next 75 seconds behind the steering wheel. Per my usual pattern, I looked around and next to me, saw 2 riders on the bike. A little closer observation made me comprehend that they were cops on their official bike – no uniform, which is ok and no helmet, which is not-so-ok.

I rolled down the window a tad bit and waved to both of them. The rider responded. I made a polite gesture blended with few words – Sir, firstly I would like to acknowledge that you guys care so much about our safety and sacrifice a lot for the same. However, what about your safety?

Both of them were a little puzzled. On the next tick of the clock I put my index finger on my head and said – Where is the helmet, Sir?

The rider realized and smile. The pillion got down and asked me to put my window down a little more. I did so and he was like – Our helmets are at office; moreover we are in a civil dress.

His tone and facial mien sounded like he wasn’t so happy with my remark.

I said – Sir, all I want to say it please do care about your safety.

Before he would make the next statement, the rider told him – Whatever this guy is saying is right, so let’s go.

I beamed at both and greeted them with Diwali wishes. Both responded with a smile and made their way through the gap that was already formed.

The honk from behind made me realize that the light has turned green.

2. चंद सिकके.

चंद सिक्कों की खनक के पीछे,
रिश्तो का सुर कहीं छूट गया..

कुछ बेजान सी चीजें इकठा करते,
मैं मेरे से ही पूरी तरह लूट गया...

महल बनाने की तमन्ना को सराहे,
ना जाने कब घर तूट गया...

औरों को मनाने की कोशिश में था,
वहीं अपना कोई मुझसे रुठ गया...

हांसिल थी जो खुशी, वह अनुभव करने की जगह,
बाहर सुख की तलाश में जुट गया...

अंजाम की फिक्र किसे थी जनाब,
जब आग़ाज़ से ही ऊपर उठ गया।।

1. Sir.

જે માર્ગે તમે ચાલ્યા,
  નથી વળી ને જોયું કદી પાછળ...
અટપટા લાગતા હતા એ રસ્તા,
  તમે કર્યો પુરુષાર્થ, બને એ સરળ...
એ નિર્ગ્રંથના પંથે ચાલીને,
  આ જન્મમાં જો વધું હું આગળ...
તો ફક્ત આપનો જન્મદિવસ કે જન્મ નહીં,
  મહાદુર્લભ આ મનુષ્ય ભવ પણ થાય સફળ.

खुद भी पागल हो गए, तुम को भी पागल कर दिया....

7. शून्य की कश्ती में.

एक अनजानी सी तलाश में, मैं बरसो से लगातार था,
शून्य की कश्ती में, एक अकेला मैं सवार था,
थक गया तड़प कर, मरने से सपने सजाये,
लेकिन अंदर की आवाज़ को, आपका इंतेज़ार था.

आपके अस्तित्व की झलक ने, मेरी दुनिया ऐसी बदली,
तंदुरुस्त हो गया दिल, जो सालों से बीमार था.

आज आपकी मौजूदगी से, ज़िंदा है यह जिस्म,
इसे लाश बनने ना देने वाला, सिर्फ आपका प्यार था.

आपके स्पर्श ने मुझमें नई जान डाली,
वरना यह तन, मुर्दे की माफ़िक बेकार था.

इस दीवाने की गिनती हुई, आपकी मौजूदगी से,
आपके आने से पहले यह शून्य था, शून्याकार था.

गर आप ना आते, तो मिट चुका होता था इस जहां से,
मौत से इस रूह का, ऐसा मजबूत करार था.

6. Vegan on the Peak.

Vegan on the Peak – A sneak peek opening to the Voyage of a Life.

A twenty something dude graduates with an engineering degree and with no time to think on what next, takes up a post grad course somewhere in the United States. Two decades back, this was a dream-realized situation. Getting a job post that was even more than that.

The boy does, typically what others would do. A stereotypical life is really awesome and most awful at the same time. Awesome since it helps the mind slip into a comfort zone and further into a luxury precinct of life. One beautifully relishes the fancies of life in a utopian way. Most awful because of the same reason! Surreal? Indeed, but the facts are bizarre.

Leading a lovely life in the zone seldom has a scope of soul searching enquiries. Even if this vacuum crops up, either it is late or is overlooked. The chap in our story accidentally hits upon an opportunity of visiting the snow clad mountains in the northern province of his motherland. His heart strikes a feeling of his life; a sensation that naturally soothes him into the land of tranquillity for a while; for him this appears eternal. He loves the pacific vibrations so much that he packs those along with his bags and carries with him as he returns back to the city he dwells in.

The next morning he unpacks the bags and wants to travel to his work with the precious gift that he has experienced. Alas! The souvenir gets disappeared from the properly packed baggage like the soul vanishes from a perfectly intact body.

The experience of not being able to experience the feeling once again leaves him more restless than the thought of not being able to carry the experience alongside. He chooses to go back again.

Experiences and Feelings can be found anywhere and everywhere but Life is only in mountains. He shouts this to himself and adds – I am not here to keep transacting with various experiences in life; I am here to deal with life and to me, Mountains are synonymous to Life and Life is Mountains.

Juggling between making a living and living the inner making, he resumes the expedition of embracing numerous mountains in varied geographies. More than conquering them, he wants to hug them tightly to exchange the mutual love. Mountains also start loving him and sooner than later, the feeling of kissing the highest peak in the world sneaks in.

The young boy who is into a great shape from a career standpoint and has already turned vegan few years back for his immense love for animals is now dreaming of risking it higher.  As he makes few trips to the base camp of the mightiest, he gets the same calling each time. His feet are on the base but the soul including heart and eyes has already summited the peak. He just cannot wait.

The world is against him for his good. No vegan body has done this before. His folks are yelling – This is not a choice; it’s gonna be a nightmare and the last one. Fortunately, his ears turn deaf to these warnings. 

His entire body and soul gets into the mode of an impeccable groundwork. He starts training himself. His bread and butter is at stake but who cares when the call is from the divine. The pulsations in his heart have even overcome the thought of death.

I want to prepare, grow and walk towards the enormous. With such a strong will, he embarks the journey of his life. He fails. Comes back to the camp and looks at the peak. He cries but is not broken. He yells and quotes – I am gonna scale myself up and come again; I am afraid you cannot soar further O tall standing white statue.

After over a year, he is confident to step up and has to step back before reaching the peak. He breaks his wallet but the will is yet rock solid.

A year after that shines for him and the peak has no choice but to accept his kiss. He feels it easier to woo the peak in third strike than a beloved for whom umpteen attempts might be needed before she lures.

To be continued....Once I get to know the story further...

5. મારી વાત છે.

એક જન્મ નો અંત ત્યાં બીજા ની શરૂઆત છે,
આ તારી અને મારી વાત છે...

ચક્કર ચોરીશી ના, ચાલુ છે પુરજોશ માં,
દેવ ગુરુ જગાડે છતાં, આવવું છે કોને હોશ માં,
પોતાના ઠેકાણા નથી, પણ પારકા ની પંચાત છે,
આ તારી અને મારી વાત છે...

પરિગ્રહ ભેગું કરવામાં, વિતાવું છું આ જીવન,
નથી લઈ જવાનું સાથે, પણ માને છે ક્યાં મન?,
નશ્વર ની આધિ ઉપાધિ, દિવસ અને રાત છે,
આ તારી અને મારી વાત છે...

સંસાર સુખ મીઠા, એજ હકીકત લાગે,
પરભવ ક્યાં જોયો, એની ચિંતા માં કોણ જાગે,
તણખલા ની આડ માં ડુંગરા છુપાવું, એટલી તો લાયકાત છે,
આ તારી અને મારી વાત છે...

જતા રહેશું છોડી ને, એવી હોશિયારી બતાવે,
બધું પાણી ઉતરી જાય, જરા અમથું જો તાવ સતાવે,
શરીર, સગા, રાગ, દ્વેષ, મોહ, અજ્ઞાન, બસ આજ મારી વિસાત છે..
આ મારી અને મારી વાત છે,
હા, અત્યારે તો આ મારી વાત છે...

એક જન્મ નો અંત ત્યાં બીજા ની શરૂઆત છે,
સૌની હશે કદાચ પણ જરૂર આ મારી વાત છે.

4. BK Shivani at RCP.

Excerpts from BK Shivani’ s talk at Reliance Corporate Park –

·         Reliance believes in Empowerment.

·         Who can empower?

o   The one who is powerful can empower.

·         How can one become powerful?

o   On a positive side, developing abilities and qualities that can help others.

o   Staying away from negativity – Stress, Depression, Tension, Irritation, etc.

·         What is Stress?

o   Some years back, no one knew the word stress. Some people started using it and it became a trend to use it.

o   Stress is non-existent. It is a play of mind and a way of staying away from mental happiness and peace.

·         How do I feel when I come home? Tired, Fatigued?

o   If yes, then am I powerful?

o   No, I am weak!

o   If I am weak, will I be able to empower my family?

·         How do people feel when I come home?

o   The reply will tell me if I am powerful or weak. If people are happy and waiting for me to come home, I am powerful.

·         What should be main agenda of any business?

o   If the business works on the benefit of its consumer over it’s personal benefit, the business is bound to grow and succeed.

·         If I got to cover a distance of few metres in a pre-set time, How do I walk?

o   With Anxiety, Stress and Hurry to reach the destination?!!

·         What if I got to walk with a glass full of water in my hand and reach the destination without spilling water? How will I walk now?

o   I will walk with patience and utmost care that the water doesn’t fall.

·         The water is happiness. If I do everything is my life with happiness-focussed attitude, I am bound to live my life fully.

·         Always do everything in life keeping the glass full of water (happiness) in heart.

·         Is there a point in being successful without being happy during the journey? Will that be real success?

·         We have companies with Smoke-Free campus or designated smoking zones but do we have Anger-Free Campus?

·         If we have anger free life, we surely can be happy.

·         Designated anger zones are the place that signify, don’t harm people by smoking in public. Go into the zone and harm yourself.

·         Similarly, if I cannot live an Anger-Free life and I still want to be harm myself, I should create Anger zone and do so.

·         How are the relationship’s in the today’s world built?

o   Each person in a relationship wants to get something from other – Love, Care, Support.

o   This has a potential to result in clashes, chaos and disturbance.

o   If each person cultivate the attitude of giving than getting, all the relationships will be so beautiful.

Additional Points by Chintan Shah -

1. Stress is Pressure/Resilience. Pressure is external and not in your hands. Resilience is the mental resistance which one can develop to ensure stress isnt powering you.
2. Saatvik diet: Refrain from non veg food. Also one should cook or eat when he/she is in a positive and happy frame of mind

Action points:
1. Refrain from using any negative language like stress, busy, hard etc which can create negative energy
2. Spare first 20 mins of morning and last 10 mins before sleeping with yourself or any positive energy like prayer, meditation to not get affected by external factors throughout the day.

ThanQ so much Chintan for covering these points.

3. आवाज़ कर्म.

बाढ़ आई तब मैंने आवाज़ उठाई,
भूकंप आया तो ज़ोर से चिल्लाया,
     पर क्या मैं किसीके काम आया!?!

सरकार को दोष देने में कोई कमी ना दिखाई,
शाशन के खिलाफ जाकर सब को बताया,
     पर क्या मैं किसीके काम आया!?!

पीड़ितों ने अपनी दुविधा बतायी,
उनका दर्द लोगों को बताकर मैंने अपना फ़र्ज़ जताया,
     पर क्या मैं किसीके काम आया!?!

कौन सही, कौन गलत, इसकी पर्ची बनाई,
किसे क्या करना चाहिए, उसका चिट्ठा बनाया,
     पर क्या मैं किसीके काम आया!?!

भुला दी यह घटना, और जब दूसरी आयी,
फिर वही वाकिया मैंने दोहराया,
     पर क्या मैं किसीके काम आया!?!

सोचता, बोलता रहा, क्या ज़बरदस्त विचारो का प्रदर्शन किया, करवाया,
     पर क्या मैं किसीके काम आया!?!

2. Aapse Dur.

Aapse dur, aankhon me ek nami si hai,
Saansen aur dhadkane to hai,
Phir bhi aapke bagair, kuch kami si hai...

Ye raatein jawaan hai par kuch sehmi si hai,
Ye mohobbat ki dastaan, barf ki tarah jami si hai...

Pighal jaaye hum, aap aa jao kareeb agar,
Sanwar jaaye ye zindagi, jo mehrumi si hai.

1. Kerala Flood.

☑ Disclaimer: This is a long post. Kindly read through and connect with me on DM if you want to ask any queries and/or like to contribute. ThanQ.
-----------------------------------------

🌊 Disastrous Floods of Kerala – The Inside Story and An Appeal 🙏🏻

🙇‍♂ While the debate and blame games are going on, the survivors and the families of the victims are yet in a state of shock and awaiting support for their sustainability in the days to come. I get shattered by the thought of sleeping and surviving without a roof that has been taken off my head. My dear friends over there are actually experiencing what I am merely thinking about.

🤕 The recent visit to Kerala was indeed shocking but had an inner relief in the subconscious that I am safe (Ironical, but true). I can only feel a little of what they must be actually going through, but it is experienced only by those and hence, I can no way express the pain and suffering.

⛈ Backdrop: It began to rain heavily on the 15th of August and this is normal for the inhabitants. What went crazily wild was the high tide, unstoppable rains and the opening of the dams that resulted in a disaster for many parts of the state. Fire can be controlled by Water but how can one control the persistent flow of water? ⛈

🌌 Situation: Thousands of families got affected, of which a huge number of people lost everything and for many, most of the stuff in the homes got damaged. The farmers and the ones who rely on the agriculture oriented income encountered a significant setback as the crops and trees succumbed to the untiring attack of Water. Vehicles were damaged and Animals got washed away. Besides, a terrible loss to the public infrastructure viz. Roads, Schools, Offices and Vegetation was experienced.

➡ Immediate Action:  Firstly, the villagers came to each other’s rescue and it was a great display of unity. Navy extended a great help by getting into the affected areas through boats and saving human beings and animals. The fishermen community triggered prompt action from their end and most of the people I met conveyed that this act actually saved thousands. The NGOs all over the nation became active and a huge amount of food, medicines, groceries, clothes, utensils and other relief material was sent in by all the possible modes of transport.

⚓ Execution: With a detailed plan, the team initiated work in all the directions. Firstly, a crew of 5 members travelled to Cochin where they met the local Jain community that has 800 members. From Mumbai, a fund of 10 lakh rupees was mobilised to the community. More than 100 volunteers started working on the survival kit for the nearby areas that were heavily affected. They travelled in tall vehicles to the nearest possible location and from there they took boats and reached out to the houses for the relief activities. In one week, 32 tons of stuff – Groceries, Medicines, Clothes and Utensils – was purchased and collected through the participation of few NGOs and direct contributions. Everything was loaded in the parcel wagon of the train that flagged off on 25th of August with 5 more members from the NGO. This train reached on the next day and through multiple trucks, the distribution activities were resumed. A team of 3 people (including me) reached Calicut on the 29th of August.

1⃣ Waynad (29/Aug): One of the most affected areas, located at 700 metres above the sea-level. More than the water, the disaster was due to the landslides through the muddy mountains. Waynad district is a home to tribal community of Kerala. They drink mountain water that would run through their taps. With this calamity, the pipeline system was broken. We met few people in village who have become homeless and moreover, lost their source of income as the taxis they were driving were damaged and crops on the fields on which they were working got washed off. On immediate basis, they need the pipeline system with overhead tanks to be made. Also, they are looking for a small set-up wherein women can and are willing to work to earn some income to gradually recover the losses incurred.

2⃣ Trichur (30/Aug): We visited the 3 most affected areas of the district. The river that barely had few feet of water had scaled up to tens of feet and the water embraced the entire area including several villages and settlements. We got into many houses and the condition was shockingly painful. Many lost their cattle too. Cattle is the source of income for a maximum residents of that area. One of the bigger villages was home to 1300 families, and over 1000 families were shattered badly. The main requirement there was cattle so that they can get back to the business at the earliest. Also, due to a lot of damage in vegetation, fodder for the survived lot of cattle is a dire need for their sustainability. Schools need to be reconstructed and the kids need stationery kits.

3⃣ Trivandrum (31/Aug): The primary agenda was to meet the representatives of the administration. We had quite an insightful multiple rounds of discussion with the Chief Minister, Minister for Agriculture, several other ministers and the Principal Secretary for General Administration. The discussion was around the actual calamity, preparedness, failures, rehabilitation, support and current proceedings. Most importantly, had a word with the Principal Secretary who focussed on the requirements related to the education. Approximately, 3 lakh kids are affected, of which nearly 1.5 lakh kids come under the poverty line. We need to channelize our effort for helping those kids with the school related kits.

4⃣ Cochin (1/Sep): We had a similar experience like what we encountered at Trichur. A lot of damage to the houses and their lands has happened. We did visit a couple of schools that were in a deadly state. All the furniture and equipment was extremely damaged.

📢 Appeal: Our main focus currently is on sustainability and hence we want to make a sincere request and a humble appeal to come forward and support for the reconstruction of water supply at the Waynad district and the school kits for the kids. You may want to help with sponsorships, contacts, sharing your wallets, sharing the experience and spreading the word. 📢

Please contact me for more details. ThanQ so much.

4. मेरे जिनवरों.

कषाय से थक हार कर
आया तेरे पास मैं भगवन..
विषयो से थक हार कर...

हाथ देके तूने अपना चलना सिखाया था ना,
दरिया है ये गेहेरा, पार करा देना,
प्रभु! मैं तेरा बच्चा, तू पक्का और मैं कच्चा,
संसार है मुश्किल, पार करा देना,
कर्मो को मेरे दूर करो, जिनवरों.. (2)

बाँधे जो कर्म जल्दी, छूटते नहीं है,
बंधन ऐसे है जो, टूटते नहीं है, (2)
ऐसी सगाई कर दो, दोषों की सफाई कर दो,
दरिया है ये गेहेरा, पार करा देना...
प्रभु! मैं तेरा बच्चा, तू पक्का और मैं कच्चा,
संसार है मुश्किल, पार करा देना,
कर्मो को मेरे दूर करो, जिनवरों.. (2)

मेरे जिनवरों...
बरसे जो कृपा फिर से...
मेरे जिनवरों...
दया का हाथ हो जो सिर पे...
आपके पाओं तले,
मेरी दुआ चले,
दुआ मेरी चलें...

हाथ देके तूने अपना चलना सिखाया था ना,
दरिया है ये गेहेरा, पार करा देना,
प्रभु! मैं तेरा बच्चा, तू पक्का और मैं कच्चा,
संसार है मुश्किल, पार करा देना,
कर्मो को मेरे दूर करो, जिनवरों.. (2)

कषाय से थक हार कर
आया तेरे पास मैं भगवन..
विषयो से थक हार कर...

3. Kya Le Aau?

Laa sakte ho to le aao wo bite hue din,
To humne guzaare tum bin.

Laa sako to lekar aana wo khushbu aur mithaas,
To aapke saath rehne se hoti hai kuch khaas

Leke aao agar sach me laa sako to, wo sunhere anubhav,
Jinke bagair, humara adhura hai ye bhav...

2. શોધ.

ના ધર્મ સંભવ છે,
ના હોય ધર્મ નો બોધ,
જ્યાં સુધી આ જીવ સેવે
માન, માયા, લોભ અને ક્રોધ

રાગ, દ્વેષ અને મોહ નો,
શરુ થાયે જ્યારે નિરોધ,
રોકે આ આત્મા ત્યારે,
આવતા કર્મો નો ધોધ

હું શરીર, આ બધું મારું,
આ માન્યતા નો જે વિરોધ,
એ આરંભ કરાવે આત્મલક્ષી,
સાચી અંતર શોધ

અનાદિ ની આ સફર ની,
પિયર છે નિત્ય નિગોદ,
બોધ, નિરોધ, શોધ કરતા,
જાશું મોક્ષ, કરી સકલ કર્મ અબોધ

1. मेरे प्यारे जिनवर.

ऐसे दिल में मेरे रूबरू हो गये,
धड़कने बेताहाशा धड़कने लगी,
भावना ऐसी लगी, इस दिल में जगी,
भक्ति करने लगा, तो मज़ा आ गया...

मेरे प्यारे जिनवर, तेरी पहेली नज़र,
मुझ पर आ गयी तो, मज़ा आ गया...
दीवाना हो गया, मैं फिदा हो गया,
जीवन ऐसा संवारा, मज़ा आ गया!!

पाप ही पाप थे, आत्मा में भरे...
पाप ही पाप थे, आत्मा में भरे,
दोष ही दोष से, आतम मेरा डरे...
दोष ही दोष से, आतम मेरा डरे,
आप की छांव में, प्रेम भरे पाँव में,
कृपा दृष्टि बरसाई, मज़ा आ गया!!

मान और लोभ थे, मेरे सर पर चढ़े...
मान और लोभ थे, मेरे सर पर चढ़े,
क्रोध और माया भी, मुझ पर थे खड़े...
क्रोध और माया भी, मुझ पर थे खड़े,
प्रभु कृपा करो, दिल में अपने धरो,
मिल गयी जो दया तो, मज़ा आ गया!!

रांझा हो गया, मैं फना हो गया...
भक्ति करता गया, और मज़ा आ गया!!

ThanQ Suchit for suggestions and changes in words. 

6. Sansaar.

Sansar is Surreal...
But seems real...
Mukti sounds distant..
But is "easily" available.


Na koi aachaar..
Na koi vichaar..
Fakt vyabhichaar,
Chhe maaro sansaar...
Tem chata mane gamey,
Kaadhva sat-vachano na saar..
Kon jaane kyaare jashe,
Aa aatma pele paar...

5. Guru Purnima 2018.

Yesterday I was talking to someone about the Journey of Pathshala that has been close to 26 years now. I expressed that I am surely not speeding on the spiritual path but Pathshala is the only thing that comes in my totally बहिर्मुख life as a speed-breaker.

It is only and only due to constant effort, persistent presence and undying love of Dhiren Sir, Meena Teacher, Chetan Sir and all my Kalyan Mitras from Pathshala that has helped me at each and every juncture of my life. I am full of umpteen vices and faceted towards the material world but Pathshala is the strong support that has held my being.

Had I not encountered such amazing gurus, I would have 100% topped the list of the infamous personalities.

On this auspicious occasion of GURU PURNIMA, I would like to seek blessings from all of you with a wish that I may or may not improve but the love, effort and presence will always be needed.

Beyond Gratitude,

D  

4. Visit to Gandulwad.

Visit to Gandulwad

A mere 65 miles away from the glam of the MAXimum city, there exists a life that gives people like me a tangential experience in its entirety.  An exquisite landscape of Gandulwad and surrounding houses umpteen families that dwell in scattered villages. Amid the beautiful locale, exists one old abode that is a home to 424 kids who have shifted their bases from anywhere between a mile to around 20. There are 14 rooms and the roof above and the floor below each is shared amongst 25 to 30 kids.

Earlier they would also study in those rooms but with the grace of almighty and support from kind humans, they now have a one storey building that is equipped with 12 classrooms for the kids to facilitate education (Grade 1 to 10), that I believe is the ultimate need of time and I am sure many of us align with the thought.

Managing this number in limited capacity is certainly a mammoth task. However, the intention of the institute are so noble that they are determined to take care of whatever best they can afford to. They have put their foot down to ensure that not a single kid should be deprived of education. My heartfelt respect and salute to them.

The world is yet full of noble-hearted beings. Rashmi’s Smile Trust (RST), a group of such vibrant, generous and lovely humans, took up an initiative of aligning with the intention of the stakeholders of the institute at Gandulwad and commenced a drive towards the cause.

The idea was to raise funds to cater towards the necessary requirements including the painting of the school walls, bore well water pump system, repairing the bathroom doors, installing 50 bunk beds, flour machine, fan and water purifier. Besides, for the motivation of the kids and to share love & receive blessings, some stuff viz. Books, T-shirts, Leggings, Undergarments, Towels and a snack goody bag was shared with the cute little beings.

The total project cost was estimated at around INR 500K and the plan was to fulfil the primary stuff before we visit them. We wanted to experience the reaction of the kids and hence the visit was planned on 15/Jul/2018. I feel so glad that the group happily accommodated me and three of my friends for the same.

We started off at 9 am and after a delicious breakfast halt (RST didn’t allow me to pay and I owe them one treat :P) and amid extreme pouring, cruising through the highway first and then enjoying the lust green countryside, we reached the soul-soothing place at around 12 noon.

To start with, our chief guest a renowned Obstetrician-gynaecologist, who has numerous accolades to his credit, inaugurated the bore well pump that was set up right outside the school building. Post that, we visited the classroom that were in neat condition but deserted since it was a Sunday. We planted 5 saplings; eventually 1000 trees will be grown.

The next stop for us was the residence that was bang opposite the school. Soon as we entered, we were welcomed by them with a thrilling Lezim dance complemented with a heart pulsating Dhol music. It was so enthralling that we also started tapping our feet and in no time, we joined them. The environment was full of happiness and bliss.

We moved ahead and visited all the rooms and each room was uniquely and nicely decorated, using only basic things like leaves, flowers and earthen lamps. The staff was extremely engaging and they along with kids expressed their gratitude towards us. In each room, there was at least one kid who spoke in front of all of us and blessed us with kind words. We all felt extremely touched when the kids expressed that due to the newly installed bunk beds, they will be able to sleep comfortably and will face no issues with weather and insects that used to be more or less a daily case when they would sleep on the floor. Our hearts and eyes were filled with tears, while we were letting the beds open to the kids for use.

Each room packed our hearts and soul with an exceptional feeling and it was incomparable. In one of the rooms, they displayed a magic show and a couple of scientific experiments. The students were more than excited and had put in paramount efforts.

Next, all the students gathered in a huge community hall and the management arranged a stage for all the volunteers. Turn by turn, we ignited the lamps depicting the formal start to the activity. Once comfortably seated, each one of us was introduced to the kids and the management in a very generous manner by one of the chief volunteers who is a popular medical practitioner and a gold medallist. As we were introduced, each of us received a rose from the staff; what an amazing feeling it was. A fantastic speech was delivered by the doctor and it was summed up in a wonderful manner by articulating her wish to see the kids on the stage once they grow and serve the society by carrying on the legacy. Kids were convinced that this could be the best way of expressing gratitude.

The kids were extremely disciplined after we announced that we will be sharing some love in form of gifts. On their own, they formed a queue and very silently and happily they blessed us by accepting the stuff that was sent by almighty and delivered by us.

The icing on the cake was the delicious and mouth-watering lunch prepared by the school staff for us. Post filling our hearts with joy and love, they helped us fuel in our abdominal.

We started our journey back home, which ended at around 9pm in the night, while the incredible experience is still more than fresh and shall last for quite some time to come.

Love you all, while personally thanking each one of you who were the part and heart of this sustainable cause.

PS: The school gets a grant of INR 30 per kid per day (only for resident students) and in this petty amount, the management has to cover food and stay related expenses.

Love and Prayers,
D 

3. Aansu.

Ye aansu kabhi kabhi tameez dikhaate hai,
Logon ke saamne chhupte chhupate hai,
Koi Ham-Dil hamaari nazar ko dekhe,
Ussey pehle hamaare hoth muskura  jaate hai.

2. Complete Belonging.

When the desires begin, happiness does end...
The road suddenly takes a bend,
Life has many rough patches,
But do they all mend?

Well, it is said life moves on,
But does it satisfy truly or its just gone,
To know about life, is a mystery,
It does show you dreams, at the end it's a con...

Meeting you was may be a chance,
The desires probably begun to dance,
But as we grew, things so moved,
You made me feel heavenly with your romance.

Now there is no longing..
In you I see my belonging....
Happiness has surfaced, desires now halted,
You make me complete, with your being

1. Kamraj Nagar.

Visit to the home of those who maintain mine.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kamraj Nagar (Ghatkopar) is located merely within a mile of where I stay. With a population of around 200K human beings, it is a home to most of the hygiene engineers (many of us call them maid servants) who are employed in the uptown and urban locality of a sizeable suburb of Mumbai.

Ironically, the health and hygiene conditions over there aren't in a great shape.

The purpose of our visit was to engage ourselves with the kids who come for various activities (academic tuitions and computer classes) at the institute which is run by a trust operated by noble people like Mr. Ratnam and few others.

While the kids relished the delicious brunch and blessed us by accepting the small gifts in form of school stationery (pens, pencils, erasers, sharpner, scale and pouch), we also were informed about various activities being conducted for local men and women at a very nominal cost. These activities include - tailoring classes, beautician courses and mobile repairing institute.

Additionally, a line up of 4 doctors visit on daily basis (except Sunday) from 10am to 10pm and cater to on a average 250 patients a day at a nominal fee of ₹5 per patient.

We could discover that the main challenge over there is the awareness related to health and hygiene. An average family household income of ₹10000 a month cannot afford high end nutrition plan but the know-how related to maintaining nutrition from basic household items can be of a great help. For hygiene, awareness related to waste management has a potential to do wonders.

Kindly help with any recommendations that you may want to share. If any can volunteer, we can plan such program(s) to support them.

ThanQ all.

With loads of love and prayers,
D

5. Romance.

Somewhere amid the rain...
There exist a romance,
The weather of love...
Comes to many as a chance,
The heart beats to get her...
Together, it wants to dance,
Life dwells in Love...
Love has such a stance!!

4. With You..

With you, a bond is built..
With you, each moment is a treat..

With you, life is a song..
With you, i can sing along..

With you, it's a fairy dream..
With you, life flows like a stream..

With you, the days are bright..
With you, everything's alright..

With you, the nights shine..
With you, my world is divine..

With you, the starts twinkle..
With you, all stuff's simple..

With you, the noise is peace..
With you, it's nothing but bliss..

With you, i enjoy the rain..
With you, vanishes the pain..

With you, my heart does melt..
With you, the breath is felt..

With you, i live in a cocoon..
With you, it's always full moon..

With you, my emotions have enough room..
With you, romance does bloom..

With you, i feel complete..
With you, each moment is a treat..
With you, each fraction I wanna repeat...
With you I feel complete!

3. Dreamy De javu.

As always, the car started at half crank. I simply love the feeling of sitting in the car for around 30 seconds post ignition. By the time the fuel runs in the line, there is almost nothing trending on my mind.

I stepped on the gas and in less than a minute, hit the silky tar of EEH. To my surprise, it was desserted. Usually it is fast moving, but hardly had I encountered such a low volume of vehicles.

Cruising through the mesmerizing combination of green trees and black terrains, the time taken to reach the Gate B of the workplace was significantly less. The next moment was more surprising as I witnessed a barricade in front of the gate.

The security officer swiftly moved the barrier and made way for me with a smile and salute. This was a shocker. The movement inside the campus was quite sparse.

Assuming something wierd, I gently clicked on the power button on the cell phone and checked the date. Didn't find anything strange until I saw the day of the week that displayed - Saturday.

How silly was the feeling! I traveled for 20km just to enlighten myself that it is a weekend. Wow!

To celebrate my foolishness, I thought of buying an ice-cream.

The next moment, I could see mom asking me - what is it you are eating that makes you exclaim 'Yummy' in your dream?

Ah! I had woken up to a Saturday early morning dream that made me traveled to work erroneously on a weekend.

After my routine, I switched on the phone to see a text from the president - Can you make it to work today for a couple of hours?

2. Tu Meri Hai.

Tu meri hai..

Dil me tu basi hai,
Chahe paas hai ya dur hai,
Itna mujhe pata hai,
Tu saath mere zarur hai,
Yehi wajah hai, tu meri hai...

Bichadne ke gham me,
Kai aashiq majbur hai,
Bardasht nahi hogi phir bhi
Judaai mujhe manzur hai,
Pata hai, tu meri hai...

Tujhe lagega is bande ke andar,
Bhara pada gurur hai,
Par tere wajood ki wajah se,
Ye banta phira magrur hai,
Ehsaas hai, tu meri hai...

Mausiki ke kai taraane hoge,
Is dil me bajta ek hi sur hai,
Tera astitva na ho jisme,
Har wo sapna chur chur hai,
Haqeeqat hai, tu meri hai...

Tu meri hai!

1. Square, Squared.

Here comes the rain again
Falling on my head like a memory
Falling on my head like a new emotion
I want to walk in the open wind
I want to talk like lovers do
I want to dive into your ocean
Is it raining with you…

With both her ears plugged, Misha was listening to this and singing along. The song was a perfect fit for the weather. She was at her happiest best until the cab broke down around 3km before her workplace. She had no choice but to get down and get another one.

The luck dumped her again as there wasn’t any cab around that could lift her in the next few minutes. While she was embarrassed to ask for a drop, she had no better option left.  She got down and in next 20 seconds, she got drenched.  Busy city where everyone was in rush and the pour to add to it, who would stop for anyone?

A car pulled off and stopped by, the windows rolled down and a gentle voice of a middle-aged man was barely audible. All she could gauge is – he is asking if she wanted to jump in. Without much thought, she entered the car and alongside expressing her gratitude, she began to dry herself with the help of her tiny hankie which itself was too wet to come to rescue. She was offered with a bunch of paper towels that would really work wonders for her; she accepted it against her typical nature.

---------

Tell you what, I had gotten shipwrecked today but to my luck, got saved and made it to the presentation.

Kritya responded with a basic nod.

Misha was on and on.

Let me call you back, Misha – Kritya hung up with a cold period.

Misha got involved and broke for lunch at the usual time. However, it was a business lunch today with the vendors and hence, she didn’t text or call Kritya. Neither did she receive any message or ring.

It was an hour late than usual when she left work. Per her normal habit, she made a call and like it happened most of the times, it was disconnected. She typed a sentence and initiated her travel.

No response, not even a blue tick until she reached home. With no ego in mind, she redialled.

Hey expect my call soon, I am tied – came the reply.

A good night text at midnight did the trick. She got a call back with a subtle apology.

---------

An extended weekend to the lovely beach of south coast was around the corner. Misha took an additional leave for shopping and Kritya had planned to work from office during the first half and further remotely, until the seat-belt signs are turned on.

Hello! We are on a vacation and more importantly, we are engaged – Misha otherwise a calm and patient girl sounded tad bit irritated on the third day of their holiday as Kritya was more or less with his stuff since the time they met on the airport.

After a 5 day holiday, the routine resumed for both.

---------

Shankhesh was married for 4 years and living a life with hardly any zing. Both were working in typical corporate environment. They didn’t have much to talk about and when they conversed, they, especially she had loads to crib on.

She was extremely workaholic hence most of the times, would leave early to work and almost all the times, he would return to home much before she did. They had significant space but barely any spice.

Happy-go-lucky Shankhesh would plan drives, dinners and movies quite often but many a times ended up enjoying it in solitude due to needless-to-mention reasons.

The idea of a weekend for her was to do research on her professional topics of interest and for him, it was to stretch legs and either read a novel or laze under the sun. Most of the times, this would happen at their home. Seldom, a holiday would shape up especially when an opportunity of an extended weekend came along but the respective ideas yet remained the same.

It’s been long we have made out. Is this a right night for you? – Shankhesh requested in a smooth tone.

---------

How can I make things right for him so that things get perfect between the both of us? – Misha was speaking to herself in the pantry but the tone was audible to him who just had entered for a cup of coffee.

I am sorry to poke in but is everything ok?

Oh! Hi, I am so sorry I couldn’t even thank you properly last week and then I was off on a vacation and have resumed today itself. I never knew we were on the same floor. I feel apologetic and moreover, it is so silly of me that neither I asked your name or number so that I can just come up to you and express my gratitude – Misha was non-stop until she felt she had to take a breath.

Hang on, it’s alright. I came in for a cup of coffee and I got so much of thank you and sorry that my stomach won’t accept, neither my heart would like as much. Ha-ha – He tried to relax the conversation and added – I don’t belong to this floor. I had come to catch up with someone but look, who has been caught. He ended the last sentence with a beam.

Misha complemented with a laughter and rearranged her hair, which made her look all the more beautiful and full of life.

So, when are we meeting for our next cuppa? – He jolted in.

I am a coffee person – She winked.

---------

Hey, we did plan a coffee and you are still at work. I am waiting at the coffee house since 30 minutes; a text from your end would have helped, Kritya.

Well Misha, I know but…

Chuck it, Kritya. Some other time. Misha placed an order for takeaway and to her surprise she was patted on her back.

I didn’t plan this but here I catch you again. Today, I am forced to trust my luck for the second time and probably the last.

Misha’s derailed mood came back to normalcy and she chipped in. I thought you were third time lucky today. You seem to have forgotten the rainy day.

Come on, that time you were lucky – He blasted even before he finished the last word.

Ha-Ha, but why did you say – probably the last?

From next time, I would be confident and so, luck would be out of picture – came the reply following by a wink.

---------

How come you are so confident? – Shankhesh asked his wife.

I am not only confident but sure enough about this.

Ok, go ahead.

She had to travel for a month for striking a huge deal for her organization. It was supposed to be a hectic trip that included due diligence and working towards a live proof of concept and that too at the client’s experimental location.

Shankhesh was apprehensive as it was an unknown location and a much longer than usual trip. His caring attitude put him in a state of worry but there was nothing much he could do about it.

Her ambitious nature and bold attitude didn’t allow her to focus on anything else. She left after a week.

---------

For this entire week, we haven’t met and have hardly spoken on phone. Can we please meet today? – This text message went out from Misha’s phone after a lot of edits.

Let’s meet up tonight at the airport coffee house before I fly for an assignment – a subtle response popped up on her phone.

What? Which assignment? Did we speak about? – Three questions in a row reflected some amount of agony.

Something sudden. Backfilling for my subordinate who can’t due to an exigency. More at the terminal. Laters – bullet point reply.

The flight took off alongside so many thoughts that landed in Misha’s mind; predominant of which was – What wrong have I done to him?

---------

I think I was wrong. This is sheer fate again. Ha-ha.

He was right in front of Misha but she was engaged in her thoughts and hence didn’t respond at par with the expectation.

Since I have arrived after you are done with your coffee, you are feeling sad. Is it?

Kindly let me be alone – Misha started walking.

He was dumbstruck.

After a few steps, she looked back and requested if he wanted to walk along for a while.

He agreed.

She apologized.

They walked. Initiated a chat that lasted for over 45 minutes.

More than chat, it was a monologue.

Let’s have a cuppa, what say? – The monologue ended with a statement followed by a 2 word question?

Wow, you and tea? – He was surprised.

Consider it as a compensation for listening. Ha-ha – Misha couldn’t resist.

Well, we need to go back to the airport as I have left my car there – He exclaimed.

Oh no! Silly of me – Misha was feeling inept but she laughed at herself.

---------

Don’t be silly, Misha – I had texted you about my arrival.

Yes, it’s been 2 days post that, Kritya.

Ok, I am fine, you take care – Kritya was uninterested in engaging himself on the conversation as he had to enter the boardroom where the vendor team was waiting.

Arnita, who was leading the project, had come up with a presentation.

Kritya was impressed but smartly he kept it to himself.

After the presentation, Arnita had arranged a dinner party and was more than keen to know the feedback from Kritya.

They entered into a dialogue and after a warm-up talk, Arnita attempted to pull him into the feedback mode.

After the dinner, they took a stroll and exchanged insights from their professional experience so far. They discovered many things in common and with no much realization, the talks manoeuvred from professional to personal.

---------

My personal life is not worth discussing – he hummed.

This isn’t fair. I told everything about my life and when I asked you, your lips got locked – Misha sweetly complained.

Ha-ha. If I start, you will get fed up and probably this would be the last sip with you. Post that nothing will work – neither luck nor confidence.

Misha raised her eyebrows and quoted – That’s not funny but your wish. She turned the face towards the west after the statement.

He steered her chin with his thumb and finger towards east and their eyes met.

I will surely tell you my story but let’s keep it for some other day. It is late today and let me drop you back home. Also, I need a reason for our next coffee meet, try to comprehend. Ha-ha.

---------

Kritya and Misha met over a light dinner. Misha wanted to tell him few things but since she wasn’t very expressive, was struggling to frame the words.

While they were about to wrap the evening up, Kritya asked her if he can spend some time with her.

Misha was surprised but she nodded in agreement.

Kritya was upfront and he told Misha every about his trip. He also told her that he met Arnita and described about how well the chemistry worked between the both of them.

Arnita and Shankhesh filed a divorce after Shankhesh confessed about her relationship with Misha.

Kritya moved in with Arnita and Shankhesh started living with Misha.

Both the couples got back on the track and the love square was squared.

11. Love, Repaid!

Love, Repaid!

A few years ago, I was strolling with a friend. On our way, a tall stray dog was struggling to eat the food that was lying on the ground. I didn’t find anything unusual as I assumed he will attempt to bite and eat.

As we walked a couple of steps, she turned back and started fiddling with the food. I was like, what is she upto. I walked back and observed that she was making pieces out of a whole bread. Once she was done, the dog started eating and we recommenced the walk.

We would have hardly walked 30 steps and all I hear is a barking sound from behind. As we turned back, she received a hug from the biggie. It was a wow moment.

I was reminded of this incident few days back, while I was running on the highway. A dog was trying to get something out of a plastic bag. I stopped by and bent down. The bag was knotted and I could sense some food inside it. I untangled it and took the food outside. I ensured that he starts eating it. I sustained the run and after running around 50 meters, looked back to see if I am gonna be lucky enough. Alas! He had started walking northwards. However, I felt happy about him and continued south.

10. Expect, Yes!

Expect, Yes!

Driving in the city is fun with a baggage of a lot of things. To reduce the weight and add more fun, I did an experiment recently.

A vehicle coming from the opposite side yet in the lane that I am driving is quite typical on the internal roads. However, it does arrive and comes with a frustration on my mind. It approaches and passes by; thwarting stays. Similarly some one overtaking from left and coming parallel to the car for going straight, despite me with left turn indicators on is another common scenario that looks quite normal for everyone except me who is behind the steering. There are similar situations that many of us would have encountered.

At the end of the days, seldom anything happens to the car or the situation but a ding is created in mind. The stuff in the exterior will keep happening and is not in my control. The reaction from my interior comes out of the expecation in mind. My brain doesn’t want to expect the hindarances on the way.

What if I start asking it to expect?

Eureka! I am driving on a single lane. There is no vehicle ahead of me and there are 2 vehicles approaching me, while they are in their respective lane. The first of them is the slowest. Hence, I ask the mind to expect the vehicle #2 to pass #1 and zoom in the gap between the two of us. It does expect and is happy if the expecation fulfils and if it doesn’t, I feel elated.

Driving in the city is now more fun and the baggage has reduced. Hope the fun continues.

9. અનિત્ય.

વિદ્યુત લક્ષ્મી,
પ્રભુતા પતંગ,
આયુષ્ય તે તો,
જળ ના તરંગ...

દિલીપ જેવા મુરખાઓ,
વાંચી ને 2 સેકન્ડ રહે દંગ...

જ્યાં સુધી ના સાંભળે,
બીજો કોઈ વૈરાગ્ય પ્રસંગ...

તયાં સુધી લીલાલેહેર,
ટાઈમ પાસ અને કુસંગ...

ભવિષ્ય માં પાછું કાંઈ સંભળાય,
તો 2 સેકન્ડ ફરી રંગ માં ભંગ...

જિંદગી જાણે 2 કોડી ની છે,
મનુષ્ય પર્યાય તો જાણે વ્યંગ.

8. પુરુષાર્થ.

કોઈ પણ મોટું કાર્ય, જેને પૂરું કરવામાં દિવસો લાગવાના હોય એના પાછળ મેહનત જરૂર લાગે છે.

કેટલી પણ મેહનત કરી ને જ્યારે એ કાર્ય પૂરું થવા આવ્યું હોય અને માની લઈએ કે આવતી કાલે એનું ઉદ્ઘાટન છે તો આજ થી લઈ ને આવતી કાલ સુધી ની જે મેહનત છે તે અત્યાર સુધી ના પુરૂષાર્થ ના સરવાળા જેટલી અથવા એનાથી પણ વધારે હોય છે.

આ મનુષ્યભવ અત્યંત અત્યંત પુરુષાર્થ પછી મળ્યું છે. હવે આવતી કાલે જો આત્મજ્ઞાન અનુભવ કરવું હોય તો કેટલું પુરુષાર્થ જોઈએ!!??

હું કેટલું પુરુષાર્થ કરું છું??!!

7. Default Offers.

Default Offers
----------------------

Not so often, I put on the FM while driving. I have had a peculiar observation while I do that, probably a few others might align.

Typically, soon as the power on button is pushed on the steering wheel, the immediate next instruction that the brain gives to the left thumb is - switch over to the next channel. The normal tendecy of sequence follows. Until my last FM transaction, I had comfortably ignored this observation.

It so happened that the thumb switched on to another channel in the next fraction of the time the device was switched on. However, the subtle gap between the 2 units of time made me feel that the default channel that was playing had something really interesting.

Here goes the signal back to the thumb to switch back to the one that was playing on power on.

Why am I so scared about the default choices that are offered? - so much so that I don't want to stick on to those for a while!! It might have a great potential to offer me something incredible.

6. Love Undefined.

Love Undefined
-------------------------

There are instances where I think about you. You know what, those are mere distractions because barring those moments, I simply feel you.

You exist in my breath, you dwell in my heart, you have occupied my mind and you are all over the soul.

With you next to me, I don't only exist but I live. The distance converts me into stone; dead and hard.

I may not be able to express love but I can only love. The words might pour in and will stop some day but feelings surely will go a long way.

There is no reason for me to love you but there is also no reason for not to love.

You are not a memory that flashes in my mind but you are an experience; simple pure and divine.

The world would call you a criminal for stealing my heart. However, I feel indebted as because of you I am saved from falling apart.

I can collect a bunch of evidences to prove my love for you; it's up to you to validate those lifeless proofs or simply touch my life to feel the love.

I inhale you while each moment of this life exhales out. A day will come when life will stop breathing out and you will be breathing in me for eternity, beyond the timeless.

5. Execute Higher.

Execute Higher.

Aim Higher - is an old proverb and a popular one too. There are some proverbs in the language that have a contradicting partner. I haven't heard of anything that refutes this one. However, I am experiencing it to an extent, off late.

Before the morning running regime, I have been feeling lazy these days. Initially I would pump my mind by saying Aim Higher, even if you execute less it's alright. This didn't result in any motivation. Thereafter, I attempted an opposite. I negotiated before the start and settled down with my mind for a 3km run, to which the mind agreed.

Even for 3km the mind wasn't ready to come out of inertia. I would remind it about the negotiated number. It would concur to start. Once it gained momentum, it became a little easy to initiate a bargain for an extra km. Despite subtle apprehension, it would budge.

With the support of legs, it became little less difficult to keep adding half a kilometre. It's been 6th Run of the month today and haven't done less than 7km on the tar in any of those.

Love to play tricks - Aim lower, Execute higher.

PS: No intent to damage any proverb, just exploring the other side of the coin.

4. પરોપકારી આત્મા.

પરોપકારી આત્મા

આ આત્મા ખુબ પરોપકારી છે.

એને પોતાની ચિંતા નથી, પરંતુ પોતાના સિવાય
ઘણા બધા ની ચિંતા છે.
એનું સંપૂર્ણ જીવન બીજા માટે સમર્પિત છે. દુનિયા, દેશ, સ્વજન, પરિવાર આ બધાની સેવા કરતા કરતા થોડો થાક લાગે ત્યારે શરીર ની ચિંતા સતાવે.
શરીરની સેવા નું પરોપકાર પણ વિના વિલંબ
કરતો રહે. પ્રત્યેક ની ચાકરી કરવા માટેસમય અને શક્તિ નું નિવેશ કરવામાં બિલકુલ કચાશ ના રાખે, આને મહાપરોપકાર નહિ તો શું કહીયે.

દેહ અને કુટુંબ ની જરૂરિયાતો પુરી
કરવા માટે પૈસા કમાવા જાય અને એમાં દિવસ તો ત્રીજો ભાગ વ્યતીત કરે. બાકી નોત્રીજો ભાગ શરીર ને આરામ આપવા માટે ગાળે. બાકી નો સમય પર ચિંતાઅને તૈયારી માં વિતાવે.

આ બધું કરતા કરતા એને પોતાના
માટે સમય ન મળે. પરંતુ એની એને
કોઈ ચિંતા નથી કારણકે એ કટિબદ્ધ છે સંપૂર્ણ જીવનનું બલિદાન પરોપકાર ને અર્થે કરવા માટે.

ખરેખર, આ આત્મા ખુબ પરોપકારી છે. 

3. मैं खुश रहता हूँ।

किसीने पूछ लिया, तुम क्या करते हो?

मैंने कहा - मैं खुश रहता हूँ।

फिर वे बोले - कुछ काम तो करते होंगे,

जी, ज़िन्दगी के हर मोड़ पर नदी की तरह बहता हूँ,

चलता हूँ, रुकता हूँ, थकता हूँ, गिरता हूँ, संभलता हूँ,

हर हाल में अनुभव के आनन्द में चहकता हूँ,

कई मुसाफिर मिलते है इस सफर में,

सब से यही बात मैं कहता हूं,

कुछ करना, ना करना सब क्षण का मोह है,

इस क्षण में जो जीवन है, उसमे "मैं" महकता हूँ।

किसीने कह दिया, कविता खूब करते हो!!

मैंने कहा - मैं शब्दों से चहकता हूँ, हाँ, मैं खुश रहता हूँ।

Changes in last line suggested by Suchit 

2. माँ.

माँ की तस्वीर को लोगो ने किया प्यार से Share,
उम्मीद है जिंदगी भर होती रहे ऐसी Care,

माँ ऐसा सब कुछ करती है, जो नही कर सकता कोई Dare,
माँ पास है तो जन्नत है, चाहे वो जगह हो Anywhere,

बचपन, जवानी, बुढापा, माँ की ममता हमेशा There,
माँ की हाज़री में नही कर सकता अपने पर कोई Stare,

तस्वीर करें ना करें, माँ के साथ करें जिंदगी Share,
सारी दुनिया ख़िलाफ़ हो तब भी, माँ सदा करेगी Care.

1. Lifeless Hair, Smile for Life.

A niece of mine is in her late teens. She is full of life.

She loved her long hair. Everyone would not only adore but crave to have such a length and quality.

Wondering, what happened to her hair?

Recently, she happened to come across a salon in a suburb that had tied up with a NGO. The NGO was on a mission to collect the hair and get the wigs made out of it. These wigs were created for the cancer patients.

My niece has a heart that is lovelier than her hair. Without a moment of thought, she curtailed her hair by several inches and donated it to the salon.

Hats off to her superb gesture.

Well, now her hair appear more beautiful as she has poured in her love in it.

Greatly appreciated!! 

5. 100 Km April.

Today I arrive at 3 months of the fitness regime that was initiated during the end of Jan 2018. Last 3 months have been a great mix of excitement, sluggishness, passion, competitiveness, ambition, targets, breathing, meditation, strengthening, endurance, exploration and overall, having a lot of fun with fitness goals.

Although 3 months is a short time and it will turn out to me worth only if I happen to continue the stride. However, I still want to autograph it as a landmark for self since it has given be excellent results during this period.

While I am looking forward to more, I would like to mention a few names who were a constant motivation for me during the regime, especially when I would wake up to the alarm. There were 2 options when the alarm rang – Snooze and Sleep or Think of 1,2, 3 or all of these names and take the leap.

Looking forward to more and beyond…

Ajay Chhabra

Ajay Chheda

Bhavya Haria

Chintan Shah

Dhrumil Soni

Hasti Savla

Jayesh Kothari

Khyati Haria

Monica Khodke Suvarna

Nirjara Turakhia

Pankit Fariya

Parin Shah

Rahul Vala

Ruchita Sanghavi Malaviya

Ruchita Shah

Saurabh Pawa

Shirish Dwivedi

Vikas Kapdoskar

Vishal Doshi

Apologies if I have forgotten anyone.

4. Love - Tiny Tale.

She wanted support and shelter. He was in search of a companion and food.

Both started staying together not because of their respective want and search but since they LOVED each other.

#TinyTale

3. Lazy Morning.

Today was the laziest morning in last 3 months. Last night, I had planned to run but somehow was feeling too bored to start when I woke up.

The clock was maintaining it's pace but the mind wasn't agreeing to quit the state of inertia. The negotiations started and we agreed to settle down for a 2km run and that too starting at 6.15 instead of 6. 

After a few minutes of warm up, the mind got a bit active and indicated to the legs to start.

As I stepped down, I wanted to play a trick and hence recommended my mind to strike on EEH to which the reply came - it will take 800 metres to touch EEH and 800 metres back home so what is the point? 

I smartly replied - The point is 400 metres sprint on EEH.

I was contemplating that once I kiss the EEH, mind would feel better and may be help with a couple of additional kilometers. 

I wasn't wrong and we did a km extra and then the lovely atmosphere at the EEH pepped up both of us and we could together do 8 kilometers, of which first 5 were done at a decent average of 5'15" to a kilometer.

2. Chitkaar.

Movie Review : Chitkaar (Gujarati).

Release date: 20/Apr/2018.

It is said that potentially all living beings have the same level of energy and power. Humans, being a subset of the living beings, are no different. However, what matters is the mindset. It is seen that the mental attitude that one possesses can scale heights or can get one plunged into the blackhole. 

The thinking and action as a result of it can not only impact one self but also can trigger the mindset of the person who gets influenced by it. A healthy relationship can turn hostile in matter of moments. Each and everyone of us lives with varied mindsets and attitude during the multiple phases of life and somewhere everything is driven by some sort of influence. The people with more or less generic or common thought process come on one platform and those that are less in numbers are considered as abnormal or mad by this generic lot usually coined as Society. For those less numbered, there are multiple synonyms having technical terminologies in the psychology department of medical science.

Each one of us has a story and this is a story of a woman who is considered to be a case of paranoid schizophrenia.

Based on a true story, the latest Gujarati flick Chitkaar revolves around the life of Ratna who underwent more than enough domestic torture in her life between 30 to 40.

Mark, who is a doctor in psychology, believes that all his patients are human beings and not mere cases to be handled through the medium of drugs. He takes up a challenge to revive Ratna back to normalcy and he does succeed with his theory of love and empathy.

He not only gets Ratna back to the same old happy woman but ensures that she gets an opportunity to lead a wonderful life ahead.

Chitkaar is all about the life and struggle of Ratna that she faces in her golden age, where a human being aspires to make the most of it.

On the critic front, I am aware that it is very easy to chalk down the anomalies but it is very difficult to make a movie and that too a creation that is not meant for entertainment. Such an art is made after accumulating a lot of courage.

While the movie has a good grip on the subject during the first half, the initial 30 minutes post interval could have been curtailed sizeably. Editor has to do a bit more of work in the next endeavor.

The story telling gets quite streamlined when the director and the writer is the same. Music department has done a decent job with the support of the lyrics that add meaning to the story as well as life.

For such a brave attempt that is class oriented, I believe there is a subtle gap in production quality that could have been filled.

Coming to performances, Mehta scores full marks wearing the protagonist hat. Her existence in each frame of the movie is what adds the soul to the story. Kumar is a good actor but too loud at times. It might have been to display is passion towards his profession but certainly needs a check, in my humble opinion. Gheewala's dramatic style adds some light moments to the show. Rest all are apt with their job in do as directed manner.

I have always loved stage artists as they get into the character and add soul to it. This is being mentioned as most of the artists are with stage background. However, movie requires one to be a bit subtle.

Kudos to the director for a ginger attempt to make a movie that probably even he must have thought that it would not appeal to the masses.

1. Am I A Product?

Am I a Product?

There is a quite a bit of buzz over the statement –”If I am offered a free service, I am the Product” – pointing towards social media, search engines and the web.

To throw some more light, the common interpretation is that the Social media is using all the individual data in the public domain. I do agree to this and this is what makes me, as an individual, a product. My simple question is – Who decides on the ingredients of the product? It’s me, isn’t it? If I spill out my data on the public domain on the platform of which the social media or the search engines are designed, they are bound to use the data to run the business. They, I don’t think have established a charity organization. I am the one who can control what data I input from my side.

This may lead to another piece of argument mentioning – Do I not have a freedom to search anything on web or post what I like on Social media? Well, it is at my prerogative to do that but if I am using a search engine to fetch what I need, the search engine is providing a complimentary service and hence, it can know what I like to search. Similar for social media. These services make the best use of the elements that I myself provide them.

I am not cribbing over the statement but I want to see the affirmative side of it. I have been using social media, search engines and instant chat messengers since quite some while now and I truly feel, they are a boon to the mankind in many definite ways.

In the busy life, I don’t happen to meet my folks often. However, I have instant messengers for individual and group chatting that helps me stay connected. On social media, I can see their images and videos. I am aware that rendezvous have become thin in existence of social connect but if the social connect gets extinct today, am I sure I will be connecting with them in a similar of better manner?

There is so much of information readily available for me if I want to learn, explore and establish anything and everything under the sun. Will this be a cakewalk in the web disconnect?

Besides, I see loads of motivation and it helps me do a lot of things that probably were buried in my heart since long. On fulfilling these, I do boast about it on these platforms and yes, it might look bragging but I get the satisfaction as it results in self-assessment and go the extra mile.

When I was running a venture, social connect, messengers and technology had helped me connect with a bunch of people that ended up in strong business relationships.

I always wanted to be a part of something that can be beneficial to the living beings – at a social or an individual level. In the absence of technology, it would have been very difficult for me to connect the kind with the needy. I will be honest – To an extent, it would have also been embarrassing for me to seek direct help for the person who needs help from someone whom I know. Putting it on social media and messengers has made the life of a postman like me so straight. I experience results, I get loads love, blessings and satisfaction.

Social media and Technology has varied faces but it is up to my individual choice to make the best use of it or be best used by it.

On a lighter note, it is an irony that cursing Social media is also happening on Social media to a greater extent otherwise who has time and energy to gather people in an open ground and go ga-ga over it.

Yes, I am a product but I define my ingredients. The choice of ingredients is on me.