The Sacred Walk (KM) - Part 2 - The Travel - Nepal & Tibet

Hurray!!! Finally at Nepal. The first leg of the journey accomplished. Better late than never. Nepal airport was a small one made of bricks – easily accessible.


Had taken selfi at selfi point on arrival.

As soon as we reached Nepal, we were taken for the Satsang – where we met Kathrin Akka, Praveen Anna and Dr. Asha ; thread dipped in turmeric was tied around our hands, and we were told that we would be going to meet Sadhguru at Dwaraka Hotel. A dream come true moment, that was much needed break after all the pain.


Dwaraka Hotel was amazingly beautiful and Sadhguru was full of life having just returned from Annapoorna mountains.


It was just like listening to him on the You tube videos, only difference being, that we could take a group picture and ask live question. Sai lost her watch.


On return to Hotel Yak and Yeti where we were stationed – I was allotted room were partners from US were staying – already 2 in the room. Would they let one more? No way! I was so exhausted could drop down at the reception. Sai’s room mate’s friend also had similar issue. She being a fighter got another room and she and her friend moved into that. Another blessing – I got the room with Sai.



Having lost 1.5 days at Nepal, So much to see in Kathmandu and so little time...



We thought of imbibing what we could in our brief visit to this beautiful city after contemplating to do it or now. The Doctor couple missed the bus.



Patan : An Ancient Fortified Town



Patan, once the capital of a powerful independent kingdom, is now largely absorbed by greater Kathmandu. Originally, Patan was known as "Lalitpur," meaning "beautiful city".

One of the well-known legends behind the name goes like this...

There once was a time when Patan was nothing but a grass field. One day, a leper from Kathmandu who was a farmer, arrived in search of feed for his cow because the grass here was bountiful. Before getting to the work, the farmer took his bamboo pole and plunged it into the ground. As he did this, a gush of water shot up from the ground and the thirsty farmer drank from the natural spring.

On his way home that evening, the leper stepped to the side of the road to make way for the king's convoy that was passing by. The king ordered his convoy to stop so that he could get a better look at the farmer, whose body no longer appeared to show any trace of leprosy. The king found this man to be so handsome, he named him "Lalit". Lalit shared the story of the natural spring and the king ordered a hiti (a traditional water supply system) to be constructed from the water source.

If you visit Kumbeshwar Mahadev Mandir, the most famous temple in Patan, look for a large, deep brick basin just outside the iron railings and you'll see one of these two hitis.



PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for devotees of Shiva. Built in the 5th century and later renovated by Malla kings, the site itself is said to have existed from the beginning of the millennium when a Shiva lingam was discovered here.

The largest temple complex in Nepal, it stretches on both sides of the Bagmati River which is considered holy by Hindus. The main pagoda style temple has a gilded roof, four sides covered in silver, and wood carvings of the finest quality. Temples dedicated to several other Hindu and Buddhist deities surround the temple of Pashupatinath.

Nearby is the temple of Guheshwori dedicated to Shiva's consort Sati Devi. Cremation of Hindus take place on raised platforms along the river. Only Hindus are allowed inside the gates of the main temple. The inner sanctum has a Shiva lingam and outside sits the largest statue of Nandi the bull, the vehicle of Shiva. There are hundreds of Shiva lingam within the compound.



The second half of the day was spend in repacking into duffle bags – we were given three bags – A bag pack, a duffle bag and a small hand bag; talking to Sai – going around the hotel and getting ready for the next leg of the journey. Pressure was high and had to start taking medicines. The journey had one thing consistent Diamox and pressure variation like the mountains.



On 24th August we set out for our flight to Lhasa. Flight to Lhasa was delayed by 3 hours so had to be in airport for some time, and once we got in – had seat next to Praveen Anna and Gloria Wang – All airhostess looked similar in Shesvan airlines –


could see mountains many snow cladded – and mountains without snows



and alas we were told that we would be getting down at Chengadu instead of Lhasa. After immigration clearance at Chengadu, we were put in next flight, which took and round about and came back. That night we had to halt at Chengadu. We were told that it was weather issue, but there were doubts that there was military parade going on there. Next day morning – finally got into Lhasa – Gongga airport surrounded by mountains, and filled with echoes of clapping inside.



Being into Tibet was another Dream come true moment – which had it’s own hindrances.

Lhasa is the capital city of Tibet and the second most populous city on the Tibetan Plateau. At 3656 meters, this is where we stop for acclimatization.


The name Lhasa translates to 'Place of the Gods'. It is one of the highest cities in the world and known for its culturally significant Tibetan Buddhist sites such as Jokhang Temple and Potala Palace.

Jokhang Temple - House Of The Lord



Jokhang Temple is the holiest site in Tibetan Buddhism, attracting crowds of prostrating Tibetan pilgrims and curious foreign tourists every day. It is where all ceremonies of initiation for the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lamas are hosted. It is also where the annual Great Prayer Festival is held.



The temple has been regularly expanded over the years; however, the core of the temple is still the original from the 7th century. Jokhang Temple's star attraction is the Jowo Rinpoche (or Jowo Shakyamuni), which is enshrined within the temple. The temple was constructed to house this sacred statue of the Buddha, which Queen Wengcheng brought with her from China as dowry. This ornate statue is the holiest object in Tibet.

Jokhang Temple is located in the centre of Lhasa at Barkhor Circuit, which is known for its handicrafts, Thanka paintings, Yak butter and much more.


Next day enroute to Shigatse we went around


Potala Palace : The Greatest Monumental Structure In Tibet

Early legends tell of a sacred cave on this rocky hill considered to be the dwelling place of the Bodhisattva (Avalokiteshvara). Built in 637, the Potala Palace stood until the seventeenth century, when it was incorporated into the foundations of the greater buildings we see today. Fortunately, all the chapels and their artifacts remain very well preserved at this time.


The Potala Palace was first and foremost the residence of the Dalai Lama and his large staff. In addition, it was the seat of Tibetan government, where all ceremonies of state were held. It housed a school for religious training of monks and administrators.; and it was one of Tibet's major pilgrimage destinations because of the tombs of past Dalai Lamas.

The Potala palace's most venerated statue, the Aryalokeshvara, known as "The Supreme God of Asia" is housed inside one of the two most famous chapels, the Phapka Lhakhang.


67 of us in three buses, went through beautiful landscape of mountains and Brahmaputra river flowing. Finally we reached Shigatse the 2nd largest city of Tibet – this had the most traditional hotel, all in red. Once there some of the team members went to a monastery , while we went to the park near by.


On 27th August we set Saga enroute narrow road almost touching Brahmaputra river. (A separate article on Brahmaputra)

While returning, on 3rd Sept – we celebrated Sadhgurus birthday here having Schewan dinner with the full team in traditional style.

All through the call of the nature was answered amidst nature, first behind trees, then behind mountains, and finally on plain landscape. We were becoming one with nature like other inhabitants there. Interesting thing was alomost every one there had mobiles with internet connectivity – Remembered Modi’s Toilet Abhyan and Toliet Eak Prem Katha.

Yaks:

Ever wonder where the term "Beast of Burden" comes from? This refers to a 'working animal' such as a Yak, which is a longhaired bovid commonly seen in Nepal and Tibet. Due to their large lungs and heart, yaks thrive in high altitude and are well suited for transportation.Tibetans are warmed by yak-dung fires and lit by yak-butter lamps; they eat yak butter, cheese and yoghurt. They also use yak hide for tents and the hair to weave clothing, blankets and shelter. Yaks are most often domesticated however not fond of people so as adorable and irresistible as they are, its best to maintain a respectful distance and avoid petting!


Bus:

We were in Bus 2 under the leadership of Hemant. Each day we have one person – Pravin Anna, Kathrin Akka and Dr, Asha in the bus, ensuring that no one sleep. We had Kali Kelly, Crazy Carin, Sexy Shanker (The US partners), Power Panda (missing Gloria Wang his wife who had to be moved to S6 group due to Chinese visa, Rocking Rajani, Annoying Anand (Rajani and Ananad – The Iyer couple Rajani being great singer and Anand photographer), mysterious Meera, Bolder Brandan, Naughty Naveen, Donkey Denny, Dragon Dennis, Terrible Tiana, Akori Dr. Ashok, Bombshell Dr. Babitha, (The doctor couple won best couple – for keeping bus lively with Ganapathi Bhappa moria and songs) Rediculous Rachana, Nappy Neha, Violent Vrishti, Horrible Hemant, Prikly Priya, Rowdy Rajani Dr. , Notorious/Nerdy/Naming Nikhil and Poopy Praveen. We also played – Pink/Ponk/Pink- Number; last name describtion, songs.

Even the play enacted by our bus team was on Parikrama-Ganesha and Karthik around the world/parents with Isla and trip to Kailash included. Bus three enacted the bus trip and bus one did a spiritual delivery of the complete essence of yoga, inner engineering ending with Jai Ho...song and dance. Krishna's dance on Choli Khe Pichee was highlight, as Rajani and Gloria Wang's song.

Bus 1 had birthday girl Maples poem as below:

A tribute from the birthday girl to her birthday guru,
🖤JAI SHRI SADHGURU🖤

Rumi said, “the wound is the place where the light enters you.” Indeed, the divine does work in uncanny ways too I know now my heart’s in the right place Only because of your grace.

Once upon a time now seems like worlds away, When my heart was a rock, and my insides twisted like my fate.
The time I asked the universe for the highest dimension of intelligence, And invoked every god I knew for assistance.

Gautama The Buddha responded with that which is known as the nature of the mind.
Not long after, Youtube answered with a voice saying ‘I’m not the body, i’m not the mind’,
His words nudged my mind...from the guru who instantly became mine.

Inner Engineering set me straight.
What used to be pain, bloomed into something great.
Shambhavi gave me my first dose of clarity,
My GPS is ON, Ive detoured and arrived as Shakti.

When you taught me the true meaning of yoga,
It felt like I went from hell to a spa.
Whenever I would go off my rocker,
I hear your voice saying, ‘from filth to flower.’

You showed up & brushed me by,
You even showed up, as a buzzing fly.
You show up as many a disguise
But you always show up, like the sun will rise.

A day without you is therefore a day without the sun.
I see now how my life has just begun.
Simply live, you say, simply BE WITH ME
And so I live, everyday as your undercoveryogi.

My devotion to the process & to you,
Has brought me to Kailash.
I’ve come away from everyone & everything I knew,
To breathe every step of the way with you.

Indeed, what a glorious sojourn the whole way through...
Again, you let me know you were there through & through.
Everytime rays of light cut through the freezing air,
You were blasting into every wound, from my toes to my hair.

For all the brilliant, brilliant work you’ve done for us,
For your immense devotion to each one of us,
Thank you for this chance to walk with you in this life...
So profound a chance, to flourish in your light.

In my heart you live.
In every aspect of my life, you give.
I bow down to you, my guru,
For this chance, this life, to breathe with you
With eternal gratitude I bow down to you, my guru,
JAI SHRI SADHGURU🙏🏽

This was soon after Steve's Tribute:

Shiva's Grace for America

Tears flow down as I sit in your presence, eroding my very being. Washing my mind of thought my emotions of impropriety. Washing my body of impurity and restoring equanimity. My spirit soars to your magnificent brow where I am drawn inside to be shortly expelled as a new being.

As I slowly lose my physical Grace to time, I hear you telling me to sit and reverberate with you. You want us to build a wave of Grace that will sweep across America reaching every city, every town, every village, every campsite, every river, and every beach.

You want us to build a wave of Grace into an inescapable tsunami that washes away hatred, biggotry, violence, and exploitation.

You want us to leave in its wake a path of balance, equanimity, and justice, not as an achievement but as a birthright.

You want us to build a wave so powerful that it melts guns, reduces nuclear weapons to rubble, and melts away weapon control systems.

You want our wave to mollify fear and melt hearts into pools of love and compassion.

A few years ago I would have called you crazy, but since then I've become a little crazy myself. I see no other path that can lead to our success.

With you, my guru, and Isha we have made a twenty year start. Now we must make the wave build in intensity until it engulfs the wavelets we have seen so far. With all of your contribution, maybe 12 years from now that golden age of spiritual development will be riding the crest of an enormous wave of Grace.

Let's make it happen!

Your Servant

Our journey to the Himalayas of Tibet with Sacred Walks was to be an intense spiritual experience, complete with meditation sessions, satsangs, chants and much more. With songs, dance and celebration even in hotel when returning. It was emotional moment both at Lhasa and Shigatse when returning.

Got to see live examples of East being process oriented vs. Goal oriented.

The Sacred Walk (KM) - Part 1 - The preparation- Inner Engineering & Isha

Each of our journeys is deeply unique and personal. Will you get out of it what I did? No.

The journey began with Inner Engineering – First the book gifted on my 40th birthday; and then the course attended in July/August. Indeed it was highly transformational for my life. Still surprised I choose to take it. It was the life breath of the journey, along with Shambhavi Mahamudra, a crash course of which say:



· All rules are my rules,

· This moment is inevitable

· I am responsible for everything

· I am not the body, I am not the mind

· I am a mother to the world.



Having visited Isha Yoga Centre at Coimbatore – my heart was already at Kailash. Was waiting for my body to get there, and on 23rd of December, Sailakshmi called from US asking if we can plan for the pilgrimage in 2018. Given the health and monetary requirement, realised, it was now or never. And thus began the journey of miles and heights.



Standing tall at 22,000 feet, Mount Kailash—known to be the abode of Lord Shiva—is one of the world’s most revered holy places. A peak in the Kailash range, Mount Kailash is a part of the Transhimalaya in Tibet. Courtesy its high altitude and remote location in western Tibet, only a few thousand pilgrims are able to do the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra every year.



To pre-book, one can either go through the Ministry of External Affairs (there is a selection process for the same) or through a private tour operator in Nepal/Tibet.



Routes as Declared by the Ministry of External Affairs for 2018

As stated on the official website of Ministry of External Affairs, there are two routes for this Yatra. The route through Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand), which involves some trekking is estimated to cost about Rs.1.6 lakh per person. It will be conducted in 18 batches of 60 pilgrims each. The duration of the Yatra is 24 days for each batch including 3 days in Delhi for preparatory work. This route passes through important sites like Narayan Ashram, Patal Bhuvaneshwar etc. Yatris can also see the scenic beauty of Chialekh Valley, or the ‘Om Parvat’ which has the natural occurrence of snow in the shape of ‘Om’ on this mountain.

The route through Nathu La Pass (Sikkim) is motorable and suitable for senior citizens unable to undertake arduous trekking. From Gangtok the route passes through scenic places like Hangu lake, and through the vast landscape of the Tibetan plateau. It is estimated to cost about Rs.2 lakhs person, and duration would be 21 days including 3 days in Delhi for preparatory work. This year 10 batches of 50 pilgrims each are scheduled for this route.

Selection of applicants will be through a fair computer-generated, random, gender-balanced selection process. Applicants will be notified of their selection after the computerized draw through automated email or SMS. After selection, applicants have to pay the confirmation fee as detailed on the website, to confirm their participation. Applicants can also get information, and track the status of their application through interactive helpline No: 011-24300655.

You may also check with private tour operators for individual trips and bookings.


Kailash Manasarovar Yatra (05 Days Trip By Helicopter)


This tour is perfect solution for the yatris / pilgrims, who cannot take out two weeks from their busy lives, but have ardent desire to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva at the feet of Mt. Kailash. The itinerary does not include the 3 day parikrama around Mt. Kailash. Therefore, this tour plan is also very well suited to elders and those with lower fitness levels. The major part of the journey is covered by specially chartered helicopter.

Duration : 05 Days
Location : Lucknow - Nepalgunj - Simikot - Hilsa - Manasarovar - Hilsa - Nepalgunj - Lucknow.



This is the exclusive Kailash & Manasarovar pilgrimage route that is meant for those who have ardent desire to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva but due to the paucity of time, are unable to take the standard route that takes more than two weeks. Taking acclimatization into account, this trip takes 9 days. However, it can be customized as per individual requirements. The major part of the journey is covered by specially chartered helicopter.

Duration : 08 Nights/ 09 Days
Location : Lucknow - Nepalgunj - Simikot - Hilsa - Manasarovar - Tarboche - Zuthulphuk - Dolma pass - Manasarovar - Hilsa - Nepalgunj - Lucknow.



Kailash Manasarovar Yatra : 16 days Overland Tour Program.



This is the most common and popular tour plan that is undertaken by maximum number of people every year. The trip is done by Land Cruisers with stopovers along the way. The most important aspect of this plan is that it is the most basic and cost effective.



Duration : 16 Days
Location : Kathmandu - Dhulikhel -Kodari -Nayalam - Saga - Prayang -Manasarovar - Torboche - Uthulphuk - Dolma pass - Manasarovar - Prayang - Saga - Nayalam - Kathmandu



Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Via Lhasa (20 Days)

This programme is a very wholesome plan that covers most of the important Tibet landmarks. This tour is designed so that it enables the visitor to savour everything - the traditional ancient Tbetan architecture in the form of palaces and monasteries, the ethinic art & craft, culture & religion as well as the indescribable landscape is unique in itself with 360 degrees panoramic view of the plateau. It is the traditional Tibetan pilgrimage route that starts from Jokhang temple and ends at Mt. Kailash. moreover, one gets the opportunity to visit "Forbidden City" Lhasa that is one of the must visit destinations on the geographical map of earth. To sum up, it fulfills one's sense of adventure as well as spiritual sensibilities.

Duration : 20 Days/19 Nights
Location : Kathmandu - Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Lhatse - Saga - Paryang - Mansarover - Dirapuk - Zutul-puk - Paryang - Saga - Nayalam - Kathmandu.



Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Trekking Return By Helicopter



Duration : 15 Days
Location :Nepalgunj - Semikot - Tulin - Kermi - Yangar - Tumkot - Torea - Sipsip - Hilsa - Taklakot - Manasarovar - Diraphuk - Zuthulphuk - Taklakot - Nepaljunj - Lucknow.



Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Trekking Return By Overland

This trip is actually meant for those religious aspirants who are also endowed with a sense of adventure and a keen desire to unravel the mysteries of the unknown. This is a very exclusive tour plan that has been specially designed to take care of the most important hurdle that one has to overcome for successfully completing this pilgrimage - namely altitude sickness. The visitors trek their way till Manasarovar wit 5 - 6 hrs. of trek everyday. It enables them not only to enjoy the beautiful and unique landscapes of isolated Humla Valley, but also prepares them to do the Kailash Parikrama successfully with minimum discomfort. The return journey is done by chartered helicopter to save the time as well as come back in relaxed way after the adventure of onward trek.

Duration : 18 Days
Location :Nepalgunj - Semikot - Tulin - Kermi - Yangar - Tumkot - Torea - Sipsip - Hilsa - Taklakot - Manasarovar - Diraphuk - Zuthulphuk - Taklakot - Saga - Nyalam - Kathmandu.



With Isha my destined/choosen path – having enquired in December 2017

Typically I was eligible to go under A category and Sai (since a NRI) in S category. The dates are different in each of this category.


As we wanted to travel together then, they accommodated us in S5 batch - that's the only batch which can accommodate Indians in the NRI batch.



Full payment of Rs. 285000

At the time of registration

( OR )

1st Installment of Rs. 30000

At the time of registration

2nd Installment of Rs. 130000

Before March 15th 2018

3rd Installment of Rs. 125000

Before May 15th 2018



Our medicals were done in January, and had medical clearance from the Isha doctors to join us as a participant for Kailash Manasarovar Sacred Walks 2018.

With the doctor recommendation as below:
· Daily brisk walking or jogging for 5 km / 3 miles.

· Those who have already taken an Isha program are advised to maintain daily practice of Shambhavi Mahamudra / Shakthi Chalana Kriya / Isha Kriya / Hatha Yoga.

· 1. To reduce weight 5 kgs before yatra.


Tickets to Kathmandu via Delhi was booked in early May and thus began the preparation with discussions with Bala Anna of Isha Coimbatore, Sai and her Brother Aravind – whom I had never met before, but without him, this journey would never have been possible. He was as instrumental as was my family – who partially sponsored the trip, and gave me full support to go ahead with it, and even motivated and pushed me to do it when I was in doubt.


Since March a couple of trekking and trips were done, to accustom and accommodate the trip – Munnar in March, Chicmangloor in May and Kanakamala in July – each an unique and amazing experience of their own.


Tickets to Delhi was booked from Kochi airport – but Alas August! Turned out to be a dreadful month in the history of Kerala, which witnessed flood like never before. My team members were stuck, and so some of the friends, with so much of tension and disruption of routine life around. Kochi airports were closed, and as suggested by Bala Anna, there was no way to reach Coimbatore and they were not ready to refund my tickets. My pressure started mounting up. On discussing with Sai and Arvind – Arvind said Sorry Meera, I didn’t want to take chances so I have booked tickets for you from Trivandrum. Don’t bother! Just pray that things return to normalcy soon!

Thankfully amma was at Kakkanad home before Onam, and therefore was not stuck in Chalakudy rains and Neil being with her was a great comfort. Friends in need were friends indeed – It was the long calling from Priya and Sajeena to be with them before the travel that had come true too and if not for Priya, I would have struggled in Trivandrum. Neil asked why was I travelling South to Trivandrum to go to North Himalaya – May be God wanted me to meet end to end. With only special trains running between Trivandrum and Kochi – left out to Trivandrum on Saturday morning to avoid further risks though flight was for Sunday night. The train was overcrowded and there was no place to stand comfortably, leave alone place to sit. Covered the distance between Kochi and Trivandrum standing in the train – only relaxation being getting down at some stations; and talking to some co-passengers; one being Bhumi from UP – Etah; whose flat at Aluva was effected by flood, and Kochi airport being closed could not join work until they reopened. The flood had caused nightmare both around and within me. I would get scary imaginations.

Priya, Sudhi and their lovely daughter Neharika came to the railway station to pick me, and next day Sajeena, Firoz, Zeba and …can to Priya’s house. We had Hostel get together there before I embarked on the epic travel that night from Trivandrum to Delhi. Never did I realise untill I reached Delhi hotel that AMMANI chechi; who was my mother's compacompanion, help and support at night and tto bridge relations, who wanted to fly to Trivandrum; get into airplane with me breathed her last when I was waiting to board flight from Trivandrum. May be when I was aadmiring Shabri & Sumathi's beautiful house. Her desire, dream and the way she constructed her house flash as I type.

Had an extra day at Delhi – and as suggested by Bhumi visited Ugrasen Khi Baoli, had yummy Bengali Thali meals met her at Rajiv Chowk, went to Chandini Chowk, had Delhi Chat, went to Gurudwara and took Metro back to hotel. Met Meera mami and Raman mama at the hotel all excited for the big trip. Went with them to the airport on Tuesday morning. Arvind, Doctor Ashok and Babita were at the airport – but we could not find the person with Visa and passport. Then we get a call asking if we have our Voters Id. It appeared that we had not received our Permits yet and we could travel to Nepal and wait there is we had our Voter’s ID. Who carry Voters ID these days? Sai had already reached Nepal the previous day, as she had US passport and her permit was form Nepal. We were asked to rebook our tickets for the next day! Arvind helped to get new tickets and took us to his office guest house – where we had Vinay who had prepared delicious meals for us. The location and stay at Gurgaon was amazing, but all of us were worried. There were 5 others we met and 11 of us with Indian passport with our figures crossed. Thankfully we got our passports around 11.20 and could fly to Nepal on Wednesday; a day behind the earlier planned scheduled. With just 10 minutes left to board in, we had done web check in’s except for Dr. Ashok. So he went with Arvind to do Priority/Privelage check in and asked me to support Babita. Babita was asked to stand aside, when we were running out of time. On enquiry it was understood that she was chosen for customs check on behalf of the whole team. After a very long walk from the terminal to the gate – of more than 2 kms it was a great sign of relief to board the flight to Kathmandu finally on 22nd of August.

At Nepal, The Trekkers Society Pvt. Ltd. awaited to welcome us, at Isha Stalls with shawl, water and ID cards. All correspondence was with Sacred Walks Tamil Nadu. Email tn@sacredwalks.org. My contact person was Bala Anna.

The famous 11 of S5 who just managed to board the Delhi - Kathmandu flight 🤪😁 but what a trip it was.......Cannot Thank Arvind Ganesh enough...

Kerala Flood

Last few days was so engrossing...forgot the death of the legendary Ex-PM. As a child my sis was Nick named after him Vajpayee. Born 1924 died 2018. And what a coincidence...both the years, after the same span; Kerala witnesses two disastrous flood. - Discovered by Sangeeta Gopinathan

Dams being open; heavy rains/depression/pressure; landslides all happening together. First with warning/making us a fool and reoccurring with greater intensity.

Thanks to one and all who withstood the tough time, who had been supporting the people here in whatever way. Indeed small drops made mighty ocean; first creating flood and with rescue measures. Thanks to social media for being one of the control rooms to deal the natural calamity. A big salute to all my brothers and sisters who are standing firmly with Kerala The Defence, The DMS, The Fishermen community Who were amazing, The KSEB; The mobile network providers; The police; The innumerable social workers and charitable organisations from across the globe and the budding youth community both from office, in and around and every nook and corner you guys prove that future is in safe hands. For countries across the globe for aiding funds to rebuild the shattered dreams. Thanks all for working tirelessly to support kerala to stand. Thank you ...

Have been meeting, discussing with people and understand what we need is proper distribution, at some places we have surplus while others don't get. We need to ensure funds reach the right people. We have work force from other states who have no one to support but every measure is taken to ensure that they reach their home town; there are people from effected areas who take their loved ones outside of the places. One need to ensure that they do not return untill places and things are sanitized. I know it is tough to hold back. Everything is contaminated and we would be short of fresh water; provisions; garments; carpentars; electricians; doctors. Pray there is no outbreak of epidemic. What we need is that. Volunteers for that please and let's pray that funds are used to reward them too generously. Apparently, some people have disappeared from camps and other places in the aftermath of the floods. Theses are highly suspicious linked to human trafficking. Most people, might be of poor families and might have been abducted with promises of money and other things to rebuild their homes. We need to find them. Majority of the people effected are from well to do families who have lost millions and many are with ego unwilling to accept help or take used items, though not all. Also like every place there would be the not effected ones trying to claim and get things. Every place and people are different. But there is a huge task ahead of building the state back. My heart goes out to one and all who is helping to do it. As I keep praying Heartfelt....Gratitude...Love......And overwhelming emotions....Thank you.... Forever Grateful...A time of Divine Interventions.

C's

cease, – Comparison, Competition, Criticism and Complain,

Constant companions – Change, Choices, Chances,

Critical - Character, Career, Creativity

Career - Caricature, cartographer, commerce, composer, cultivator

Clear – contaminate, Contrive, Controversies, Conundrum,

Calamity, capitulate, Capricious, cacophonous

Chronic - Callow, Candid, chagrin, Charisma, Cognizant,

Confine, Consensus, Conserve,

Connections, Coincidence , Complacent

Care, Can'do, Climb. Come-on.

Coffin, church, cemetery 

-------------------------------------------

Did you notice that the alphabet *"C"* has shot to prominence in this Covid-19 era?

See the Sea of Change that  the alphabet *C* has brought!

No one expected that the alphabet "C" would play a Completely overwhelming  role compared with any of the other alphabets...

Cough (C)

Cold (C)

Corona virus (C) 

Covid-19 (C) 

Case (C) 

Confirmed (C) 

Confinement (C)  

Contamination (C) 

Containment (C)

Curfew (C) 

        Two most serious "C"s  are,

Cemetery (C) 

Cremation (C) 

        The possible remedial drug is, Chloroquine (C) 

      The beauty is, it started from China (C)....

      But at the same time,

GOD smiled, and said...

      Cleanliness (is the remedy...)

Courage (is the need of the hour...)

Compliance to the expert advice...

Contention to overcome the crisis...

Clarity of thought...

Cooperation with the fellow beings...

Caring for the needy..

                          and finally....

"Clearance" is awaited and in a Short while..

        

"Cure" is definitrely going to "Come"......Care.

Life's under no obigation to give us what we expect - July 2018

Learned a lot this year….this month. Had a roller coaster Journey.



I learned that things don’t always turn out the way you plan, or the way you think they should. And I’ve learned that there are things that go wrong that don’t always get fixed or get put back together the way they were before. I’ve learned that some broken things stay broken, and I’ve learned that you can get through bad times and keep looking for better ones, as long as you have people who love you.



This was the month – I saw a person literally die and get back to life, at time of 4th attack. I realised how things can turn topsy-turvy in the fraction of a second. We asked the nurse to pay attention to Amma but she said the other patient was important and here she was collapsing. In a week's time after her 3rd attack.


I realised how important it was to polish your skills – weather it be driving or cooking and how important it is to maintain financial security – especially health insurance for the old age.



Planning for Journey, even if it don’t happen is enriching. What will be will be. Losing weight, climbing stairs easily, walking 5 kms. Tried attending Shambhavi Mudra correction course, ended up being stuck in traffic and therefore visiting Purnathrasian temple on Ramayana Month day 7, and Kakkanad temple on day 2.



Though could not make up to Wayanad – Thanks to Roniya – Roy uncle and family and Sony – could make it to Kanakamala. It was interesting and enriching to cross the 14 paths. Moreover, it is always good to stay connected to nature. It keeps us grounded. It was amazing to see Chalakudy on onside and Kodaly on the other. Mountain on onside and flat land on the other. Though so near, it took so long to be there. Thanks to Sony for capturing beautiful pictures.



It has been raining crazy this month. Proving that nature is our divine mother next to our own mother. Fearful yet loving. Rivers where overflowing. Hopefully this year at least we would not have water and electricity shortage. People were fearing about Idukki dam and Aluva river, and today it was Charppa Bridge and Chalakudy river that had to face unexpected consequences.



Also interesting to see this month was the lunar eclipse, and Mars being closest to the earth.



Don’t give up when you can’t see results right away. Somethings take time. Just be patient with yourself. Live Life that is ours every moment. Simplify life. Love and Live with others peacefully.At times I feel blessed that I am not talented like others and eccentric. Thank you Life for giving me these three life saving mantras long before, and keeping me sane:



· If God brings you to it, it will bring you through it.

· This too will pass away.

· If it is to be it is up to me

Personality matters - So do being Rich

Being rich is an attitude and being poor is also an attitude. This attitude decides our ultimate destinies.

A friend of mine has been insisting on me the need and benefits of being presentable which I have always tend to ignore. Then I read this.

The more you grow your personality, the more fruit you bear, the more helpful you get for others, the richer you become. There's no shortcut.

Richard Branson a prolific entrepreneur who’s founded several multimillion companies, many of which are under the Virgin group say that his real passion is “creating things I can be proud of.”

To sustain long-term wealth, rich people live by other values that go beyond making money for the sake of it.

And they are:

#1: Rich people know their HOWs and WHYs, and are Not wishy-washy about getting wealthy - They have a sense of direction and purpose.

#2: Rich people love challenges, Procrastination, denial and blame are the top three symptoms among people who stay poor all their lives.

#3: Rich people INVEST,and not just SPEND, Lather, rinse, repeat. They get their priorities straight.

#4: Poor people get their success BEFORE they’ve earned it, rich people play the LONG GAME - lack of money management skills leads them to making terrible decisions. The most common one is falling into credit card debt. Don't use it in till it is dire necessity- something that adds value to life.

#5: Rich people value health above wealth: If you treat your mind and body with the respect and care that it deserves, you’ll be unstoppable. Exercise, Eat right , Sleep well.

#6: Rich people want someone that inspires them, poor people want someone to be feel bad with. Ever heard of the expression, “Misery loves company”? Seek out others who either inspire them, teach them something new, or both.

#7: Rich people focus on being grateful and not on wrong things. And if you’re up to it, take it one step further by recognizing someone who’s got it better than you.

“Personal Magnetism”, it’s the key to unlocking every opportunity for you to succeed beyond your expectation.

And this is not about talent, intelligence or technical ability, but about:

1) Curiousity :- Key to get attention
2) Connection :- Make people feel special
3) Command :- To make them see you as leaders and do things for you.

Recognise people and make them feel appreciated.Pull & Hold the fort. Create the confidence pyramid.

Presence, Power & Profit.

Weight Loss

It is true...Bringing oneself to shape need lot of motivation; especially more when you are a foodie.

Staying fit is hard. But it is possible if you are self motivated. We put on weight gradually and do not realise when we cross the limit.
1. Drink honey in warm water (no clold water) morning and at night in empty stomach..you can add lime juice and cardamom to it.
2. Cut down sugar
3.1 coffee/tea per day if you can't live without it...
4. No fried items/pastries/bakery items
5.Say bye to coca cola,Pepsi,canned juices etc.
6.Start your day with citrus juices if possible. Lime or gooseberry... Or have it during morning time anytime
7. Cut down boiled rice intake... Two cups would be good...have more curry instead...include chappathi...but two maximum if possible
8. Have protein rich foods for breakfast.. like dhaal, green gram etc... Avoid all oily foods, fried fish, biryani etc...
9. Drink your food and chew your water; use small dark colour plates. You feel you have taken a lot.
10. Include plain juices (no sugar/ice) and veg foods in diet
11. Have a lite dinner...coz big Dinner makes you fat...preferably 4 hours before you go to sleep.
12. Workout for atleast 30 minutes without no breaks... If you are so tired stop to make the breathing right for 30-45 seconds...otherwise no stops in between...
13. Include plain fruit juices or salad if you feel hungry between meals instead of oily foods during evening
14. After few weeks you will notice your intestine will adjust to the small amount of food intake... From there on your weight loss journey is more easy...
15. This is from one of friend, if you cut down carbohydrates from your diet, you will see more faster results... Carbs are present in rice, wheat etc... So if you can go on a fruits and vegetables diet following above guidelines, first month should show the results... But I did not follow this rule... So my weightloss took around 3 months...
16. I followed body-weight exercise at home... Did not go to gym... I do push ups, squat, plank, leg raise, pull up, calf raise etc... Plank and leg raises are very good exercise build core strength and shaping middle and back section
17. You can take rest 1 day if you feel tired after work outs of consecutive days...
18. Include protein based foods based on weight in diet so that you don't loose much muscle mass while loosing excess .
19. Keep walking and do cycling whenever possible ....
20. Swimming is the best exercise. But unfortunately I don't.

You need to be self motivated and determined to see the results... If you can follow it for one month then slowly it will become your habit... Good luck...

Follow, 90-60-30
Its not something related to what you are thinking of. But a terminology to make you remember this effectively.

No usage of social media for first 90 minutes of the day. Keep this time for yourself. Go for a walk, gym, exercise, meditation, plan your day.

No usage of social media for first 60 minutes after coming home back from office. Keep this time for your family members who wait for you to come home eagerly.

No usage of social media for 30 minutes before going to bed. Keep this time to recap your day. Learn the mistakes made, think of the possible solutions and thank god for the wonderful life.

You feel good and it's motivating when people say you look younger.

Bon Voyage - June to July 2018

An evening well spend on 1st July; after the exhausting Badminton tournament .


An amazing watch 'Bon Voyage' ; a play by Fifth Estate at River Bourne Centre, Thripunithura. Music by Vishnu Varma was mesmerising ; Text, scenography & direction by P.R.Arun was precise and convincing with Kanmani being the suspense superstar, well enacted by ThasniBanu...Great job dear...Keep up the spirit. Muttumani was such an awesome person. Her aura is so positive.No qualms of a star. Very down to earth. Amazing Jamna Pyari couple Arun and Muttumani.

As Thasni mentioned:
യാത്ര...

യാത്രകൾ പലതരത്തിലാണ്..

കാണാത്ത ഭൂമികൾ തേടുന്നവർ..
യാത്ര സ്വപ്നം മാത്രം ആയവർ...

ചിലർക്ക് യാത്ര ആന്തരികമാണ്

ചില യാത്രകൾ ആത്മീയവും...

യാത്ര ജീവിതമാക്കിയവർ..

ജീവിതം തന്നെ യാത്രയായവർ...

എവിടേക്കെന്നറിയാതെ.. കരകാണാക്കടലിലൂടെ അലൻ കുർദിയുടെ യാത്ര...

അതെ...

ചില യാത്രകൾ ജീവിതത്തിലേക്കാണ്.. ചിലതാവട്ടെ മരണത്തിലേക്കും

ഞങ്ങൾ യാത്രക്കുള്ള ഒരുക്കത്തിലാണ്...

വഴിയിൽ വെച്ച് നമ്മൾ കാണും എന്ന പ്രതീക്ഷയോടെ..

When billionaires are part of scams that run into crores and flee the country, this intense women-centric play about accountability has global conglomerates in its crosshairs. There is an art of making cash from catastrophe. But lives will be lost. Yet, this is now a template of a corporate phenomenon many Indian have witnessed multiple times over the years. The play follows the impact of such calamitous corporate decisions, white-collar crime, and its implications on the families involved, especially on how women deal with it.

Sanju - Movie Review

Though I decided not to watch movies, only a couple of months before on Sridevis death and the connections it could have had with underworld; could not resist myself from watching Sanju for a couple of reasons.


Cannot say a complete biopic, but Sanju is an emotionally touching film. In this 2-hour-42-minute long biopic, his two wives and eldest daughter didn’t feature at all! Richa Sharma whom he married in 1987 and died in 1996; his first daughter Trishala Dutt and his second wife Rhea Pillai.

It picturises how important it is to have strong family relations/support and good friendships. Second half loved the references to old songs and how aptly they concluded with kuch tho log kahenge...Every cast was Eak Se Bhadkar Eak. Manisha as Nargis and that song Kar Har Maidaan Fateh raised goosebumps...A movie that would take you down the memory lane from Rocky to pune yerwada jail; News paper articles, communal riots, and deaths.

My plus was watching Sanju and Ranbir.....and Watching it at Savitha.....Nostalgia....Old charm theatre. With my movie partners - Mom and son.

Travelogue

One of the desire at the beginning of this year was to Travel at least once a month to at least one New location and meet new people. Thankfully for the first half of the year this was possible. The added unexpected advantage was that I could do it with family/friends and different people using different modes. To start with locally in a Tempo traveller, Car, sleeper bus which was an amazing experience, Two wheeler long drive, flight and train.

Travel to me is about connecting with people. It’s about understanding cultures and practices unfamiliar to my own. I think that this is something that is crucial to the times we are living in.

Wishing and praying that I am able to do this for the rest of the year as well.

To Pune in Train - June 2018

Finally got to live the childhood train travel again – Thanks to Saroja, could go to Pune on the 15th of June in train reaching there on 16th morning, be there that day, and returning the same night via train.



The thrill of finding our names in the list, Getting into the upper berth and enjoying swinging and sleeping-secretly looking at people going around, and TT asking looking at my length is that a male of female; a mandatory game of hide and seek with my chappals as we get down; the sweet alarm that sang – ‘Chai, chai, garam chai’, window view worth fighting for though we have booked upper berth – looking at various rivers overflowing, windows with no bars and drizzling rain entering in, putting paste on brush in the moving train, checking weight, our wobbly knees between two bobbing compartments, the book station on the platform and all its irresistible comics, tasting various local food and buying things for people back home, getting down at each station and clicking selfi – being at Madgao/Kandala/Lonavala; clicking pics and sharing in the Thrimorthi group – were all fun, with Jisha's remarks like:

Londa junction mein wo peeche wala londa pataya kya?😂
Nice! 👌🏼😊 Par please ruki Hui train par hi stunts Karna! 😜 Saroja...Zara nazar rakhna....
Nahi we r talking abt shadi😂
Wo theek hai. Par jab ghoomne jaayegi to mujhe bhi le jaana padega. " pati, patni aur woh" 😜😄😄

Jisha was virtually travelling with us.


Pune kha Raja Suraj and his family played a perfect host, took as around, prepared yummy food, arranged a two wheeler for us to go around; and we selected the third house that we saw, which saved our day. All could see the office, Earwada jail and schools. So we could go to meet Rajshree –wow. Finally could meet her after almost 20 years. She was now married and mother of two sons. Could try most of the food from the wish list too – Vada pav, sabudana vada, bakri, and Pav Bhaji all in a day – though had to break my timings.



Wishing Saroja’s actual stay in Pune is as eventful and happy – and we are able to go and meet her often.

Jisha was greatly missed all through the trip.

Father's day...

Missing my father ....But was inspired by fathers who play both fathers and mothers role, had three of them , but Thanks to Ramya Udayan could spend quality time with her very positive, ever smiling (externally to give strength to his children) father with nostalgic story reminiscing the times spend with my father. The story was about a boy who lost both his parents. He was so heartbroken that he kept crying at their funeral pyre and pleading 'Yama' God of Death, to take him as well. God said nobody could leave this earth untill their time is over. The boy had no means of earning his livelihood. He was Blessed with the cure to remove poison from snake bite. He went to the neighbourhood village and brought back to life a wealthy man's daughter who was about to die. Later he married her, became wealthy and had many children. As he was leading a happy life, one day when he was about to take bath in his pond he saw the reflection of yama. Yama said it was time for him to leave earth. But he said he could not leave his wife and children and would want to live. Yama said that is not possible. Nobody would get extra time on this earth - Jisha Jose Ramya Udayan , Soumya Udayan Some super heroes don't have capes but are Dad's.

Udayan uncle never made his children realise the loss of their mother; but soon after her death; on their wedding Anniversery he too passed away.

The women is a reflection of her man. And this happens at time. Spouse departs within a year of the other.

Dad although you are no longer with me, I still think about you and miss you so much.Often remember my fathers favorite quotes: 'All for himself, God for all'; 'Time and Tide waits for No Man'.

Weekend exploring Karnataka - May 2018

A weekend exploring Karnataka – May 2018
Socha tha khya – Khya ho gaya? Planned for Singapore travel with friend. Ended up in Karnataka with family. Amazing time with Sis and family – Special Thanks to Brother In Law for making this happen.

Left Kochi at 5 am on the 22nd of May and via Coimbatore crossing 27 hairpin bends set on for the trip. Had scrumptious lunch at Poojari’s Fish Land and off we drew to Chikmagalur with stay at ‘The Orkut’. As we were reaching, we thought treaking would be something like Malayatoor as we could not find the place like Munaar or could not see many hills around.

Next day proved me wrong. Off we went to the highest peak in Karnataka at Chikmagalur, called the Mullayanagiri. Enroute there was a statue of a pretty lady lying down. The height of this peak is close to 2000 metres. This peak is supposed to resemble a trekker’s backyard. There is no doubt that trekking in this place is a memorable experience, on acres and acres of land – it was only four of us – and at places with 60 degree bend – in case we would fall backwards – that is it. Indeed a Knife’s edge. On top of the peak, there is a small temple. Felt Thankful for having reached there, having lost the way in between.

The hills and the waterfalls are plenty located at regular intervals. Sightseeing and trekking have a prominent place in the tourism sector of this tiny town which is highly blessed by the mighty Western Ghats.

- Mullayanagiri: Famous for Trekking
- Hebbe Falls: Waterfall Visit
- Baba Budangiri: Famous for trekking
- Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary: Famous for Wildlife
- Kemmangundi: Famous for Trekking
- Kudremukh National Park: Famous for Trekking
- Sharadamba Temple: Sightseeing
- Kalhatti Falls: Waterfall Visit

We also had a jeep ride to Baba Budan Giri range. The day began with Neil feeling unwell and Sajeev’s 40th Birthday about to go for a toss, but ended as a memorable day. The amazing video with wishes from everyone was truly emotional.

With mist in front the jeep drive was amazing. Next day enroute to Mysore we stopped at Belur to have a view of the Majestic Hoysala temple. The architecture of ancient times are indeed Aweamazing….so many years before, such an amazing work.

Reached Mysore and checked into Hotel Sandesh, The Palace – especially given that Neil wanted to enjoy the pool. So guys were in the pool and me and Tara went to Nandi Hills, how could we be in Mysore and miss it? Evening went to Vrindavan gardens.

Next day having done shopping from Mysore Silks, went to Mysore Zoo. Indeed well kept and clean. Neil enjoyed to the core, with map in his hand, he was the guide. We spend around 3 hours there, and then began our return journey, accompanied with rains – showers of blessings. Four days just flew away, given memories. Neil was excited learning Districts in Kerala, and states in India, along with viewing the site and being the guide enroute – especially looking for Power grids, and comparing Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Law of Attraction

A research in California conducted by psychotherapists proved that Energy Flows where Attention Goes.
Everything in our Universe is Energy.

When you say,
“ I don’t want War.” You are giving your attention to War and where you give your attention, your Energy will flow there.

Law of Attraction will match your Energy with that and bring it in your Three Dimension reality.

So instead of saying, “ I don’t want War.” you should say
“I want Peace.”
Then your attention is on Peace, so you are giving your Energy to Peace and Law of Attraction will match your Energy with Peace and your life will be Peaceful.

This Universe works on Vibrations.

So similarly change your statements –

– Instead of saying
“ I don’t want to fail.” say
“I want to Win!”

– Instead of saying
“I don’t want to be sick.” say "I want to be healthy."

– Instead of saying
“I don’t want to have a struggling job” say
“I want to have a happy and exciting job."

– Instead of saying
“I don’t want to fight with my husband” say
“I want to have a happy relationship with my husband”and so on..

Our thoughts are very powerful because Energy is transmitted through thoughts.

If you think and speak about what you don’t want, you will attract what you don’t want!
But if you speak about what you want you start attracting only what you want!

Also remove words from your dictionary like
Depression/ Hatred/ Failure/ Illness/Disease/ Jealousy/Misunderstanding/Problem. (Forward...)

Happiness

Did you know that at Harvard, one of the most prestigious universities in the world, the most popular and successful course teaches you how to learn to be happier?__ The Positive Psychology class taught by Ben Shahar attracts 1400 students per semester and 20% of Harvard graduates take this elective course. According to Ben Shahar, the class - which focuses on happiness, self-esteem and motivation - gives students the tools to succeed and face life with more joy._This 35-year-old teacher, considered by some to be "the happiness guru", highlights in his class 14 key tips for improving the quality of our personal status and contributing to a positive life:
🚩Tip 1. * Thank God for everything you have: * Write down 10 things you have in your life that give you happiness. Focus on the good things!
🚩Tip 2. * Practice physical activity * Experts say exercising helps improve mood. 30 minutes of exercise is the best antidote against sadness and stress.
🚩Tip 3. * Breakfast: * Some people miss breakfast for lack of time or not to get fat. Studies show that breakfast gives you energy, helps you think and perform your activities successfully.
🚩Tip 4. * Assertive *: Ask what you want and say what you think. Being assertive helps improve your self-esteem. Being left and remaining silent creates sadness and hopelessness.
🚩Tip 5. * Spend your money on experiences..a study found that 75% of people felt happier when they invested their money in travel, courses and classes; While only the rest said they felt happier when buying things.
🚩Tip 6. * Face your challenges *: Studies show that the more you postpone something, the more anxiety and tension you generate. Write short weekly lists of tasks and complete them.
🚩Tip 7. * Put everywhere nice memories, phrases and photos of your loved ones *: Fill your fridge, your computer, your desk, your room, YOUR LIFE of beautiful memories.
🚩Tip 8. * Always greet and be nice to other people *: More than 100 inquiries state that just smiling changes the mood.
🚩Tip 9. * Wear comfortable shoes *: If your feet hurt you, you become moody, says Dr. Keinth Wapner, President of the American Orthopedics Association.
🚩Tip 10. * Take care of your posture *: Walk straight with your shoulders slightly backwards and the front view helps to maintain a good mood.
🚩Tip 11. * Listen to music * It is proven that listening to music awakens you to sing, this will make your life happy.
🚩Tip 12. * What you eat has an impact on your mood *:- Do not skip meals, eat lightly every 3 to 4 hours and keep glucose levels stable.- Avoid excess white flour and sugar.- Eat everything! Healthy- Vary your food.
🚩Tip 13. * Take care of yourself and feel attractive *:70% of people say they feel happier when they think they look good.
🚩Tip 14. * Fervently believe in God *: With him nothing is impossible!

Happiness is like a remote control, we lose it every time, we go crazy looking for it and many times without knowing it, we are sitting on top of it

Literally Time Travel

Happiness is meeting childhood friend; sharing stories and being young again! - Juhi Gupta

Finally it was nice to meet and have Juhi in Kerala; bringing back the school days. Amma was unable to believe she was mother of two boys; elder so big. Having mesmerized by Ishan when we first met in Mumbai; my admiration grew further listening to his talks; especially 'the bio' question! And the question-do anyone wear dupatta like this? - Change please. Nice that we were able to meet thrice.

And then next week it was Sajeena and Priya @ Hoysala. Reliving the hostel days. So nice to have them with kids at home. Surprised to see how bubbly Sajeena had so much of responsibility now and the changes in her life with two daughters.

And finally; finally; finally...another dream come true....The reunion of soul sister's.. .two weekends...lovely get together with kids, playing hide and seek; Snake and ladder; Ludo.

Time pass; we have New people in our life; but some relations never die.

To Chennai- To Ponder April 2018

A sudden invitation to visit Chennai soon after my team member was here; and an invitation for consideration. Well how did I miss the amazing Natraj statue before?

Time to visit Kapaleswara Kovil, Ramkrishna Mutt and Sai Baba Temple.

Your hardest battle is between what you know in your head and what you feel in your heart.

Will it free her to spread her wings or will it trap her in a gilded cage?

Question: What is Love?

Answer: The light of Life!

Question: What is Marriage?

Answer: *The Bill for that Light!*😂😂

Met Sathishni and Krishna Tara as well. Indeed time for reminisce...ponder ...and catch up on the lost times.

Thanks for considering me worthy...

"Do not look for the ideal man or the ideal woman – there is none." But If you understand that it is your needs that make you seek a companion, find someone who is reasonably compatible with you. If you accept, respect, love, include, care for, and take responsibility for each other, it can be a beautiful #relationship." Why not give a try? One Life.


"It is easy to understand the emotions of a woman when she is in love. If she loves you then you will always be on her mind every minute of the day and she would love to stay connected to you all the time. If she keeps calling you or texting you it doesn’t mean she has nothing else to do in her life …just remember she is taking out time from her busy schedule just to give her and time and attention to you. If she shows jealousy towards other women in your life it means she just can’t share your attention with anyone else. If she says sorry for no fault of hers it means she just loves you and she doesn’t want to make you feel bad for whatever you did to upset her. If she keeps forgiving you for your mistakes and accepts you back in her life again and again it simply means that she loves you and you are really important to her and she treasure your relationship with her. If she is truly in love with you she can go to any extent to show her love and affection and she wants nothing more than to feel loved. " {Aarti Khurana }

Yes. I am.

There's a big difference in being alone and being lonely. Being alone is a choice and being lonely is a feeling. Loners are a unique type of people. They prefer having a small circle of friends, and they do not mind spending time alone.

My alone feels so good, I'll only have you if you're sweeter than my solitude.” ― Warsan Shire

But I I'll have you even otherwise. Just want to make sure you are comparable. And why Me?

The wrong one will find you in peace and leave you in pieces. The right one will find you in pieces and lead you to peace.

Never regret being a good person, to the wrong person.

I choose to love you in silence...
For in silence I find no rejection.

I choose to love you in loneliness...
For in loneliness no one owns you but me.

I choose to adore you from a distance...
For distance will shield me from pain.

I choose to kiss you in the wind...
For the wind is gentler than my lips.

I choose to hold you in my dreams...
For in my dreams, you have no ends.

Rumi.

Where there is love, There is Life...

Could not resist sharing this; though not my own writing; this speak out my mind at this juncture:

Love is a beautiful human emotion. It ranges from affection to attraction, and represents kindness and compassion. Love inspires us, motivates us, balances us, and makes life beautiful. The love of family and friends, the love of life, love of God, loving another, this is how our life should be, filled with love and happiness. Love is the beauty of the soul, it is about kindness, patience, understanding, sharing, trusting, protecting, rejoicing, and perseverance.

Everyone wants to be loved and accepted, and no matter how successful our career, our status in life, our wealth, without love our life is empty. A wealthy business owner or a poor rice farmer will feel the same emotion when surrounded by a loving family, because it is love that makes us feel special.

Love between two people is a magical feeling, your lover is your best friend, and time is not measured by clocks but by moments, beautiful moments when both are together and sharing life experiences. But for love to last we must also respect, communicate, compromise, care, and trust each other.

Without communication there is no relationship. Without respect there is no love. Without trust there is no reason to continue.

If the relationship did not succeed, it taught us what we do not want in a relationship. Life is about learning, so instead of feeling rejected, or lost in blame, let go the past and look to the future with hope and happiness, and we shall again be blessed with love.

How much we love will determine our life and our happiness, and best of all when we give love we receive love back. The more we give the more we receive, so we should love with all our heart, because a life without love is like a tree without blossoms or fruit, an ocean without water, darkness without light. We must also love ourselves, not with ego but with loving kindness, because if we cannot love ourselves it will be difficult to show love to another. So love without depending, speak without offending, showing kindness and compassion to everyone, feeling blessed and grateful, because life is beautiful :)

Photo: Bilinga Beach, Gold Coast

Ticking Times

Glad to finally grab a copy of Ticking Times and reading it in one go...Interesting to read some of the questions Pattabhi Ram Sir had asked in the classes. Overall it gave a nostalgic feeling and some points to ponder. Also few why? One thing that keep coming to my mind after reading the book is what had happened to Rs.925,000? What was in the note of the train of events? Did I miss something or was it deliberately left for imagination. Excellent book covering various aspects. Am not surprised it has come from Sir. A proud moment to posses this and to have attended your classes. Looking forward for more books.

Here is what  CA Chikkerur C R wrote about the book:

Dear Pattabhi Ram sir

#TickingTimes - Yesterday, I had completed reading this book fully. Even though I bought it on 15th March 2019, could able to complete it yesterday in 4 days reading including yesterday's marathon reading of 150+ pages. Thanks to #Covid19 which bought back my reading habit.

I felt to share few points/Observations on this book as Student, Your follower and as CA.

1. #TickingTimes - I must say it is Ready Recknoer kind of book for people who wants to have CA as career. I liked Characters in that are Mike Mahi, Alka Varma and R Parkar.

2. Best part of book is how you built stories around each character. Child life of Mahi is inspirational as you gave all substance to show him as Born CA rather Certified CA.

3. I liked your narration of college life of Mahi, where you depicted him as Solution finder than Problem seater.

4. Articleship at Big4 story narration shows how much you had observed practices of Big4 in your articleship. It was True and Correct picture at any Big 4 of any articleship guy.
Dilemma experience of Tejas Arya in Big4 and Filmy style solution of Mahi on Signature issue reminds me Hindi movie of 90's

5. Beauty and substance of this book that - any new CA can see as Ready recknoer for practice is Mahi's story of building his practice of CA. Attitude matters. It is giving many hints on practices and current situation in CA field. Mahi's implimentation of Network idea is solution for SME CA firm. As a writer's right to give message through characters , I think you are hinting indirectly how SME need to solve Big 4 competition.

6. Wherever possible, you tried poke your nose in the area of fashion and explaining beauty in this book whenever you are explaining receptionist or other woman characters. But you tried your best tactic of "Touch & Go" in this.

7. You also shown a way to respond on media allegation. Indirectly You made a point that Media Trial is wrong way. Yes you gave fitting reply of Arnab kind of 24/7 news anchors.

8. As expected , you gave detailed picture of ICAI Election and working. Because your closeness with many Council members in the past and current, you gave each step of election. Your book must become RTP and Solved QP manual for any new candidate who want try his luck on Central Council membership.

9. Through Mahi Character, you had shown a way for Exam reforms needed in CA. Exam in every Quarter of a year is good idea to impliment. Hope it becomes reality.

10. Many times, I felt that you wanted to bring every character which you respect most. Bringing EX PM Manmohan Singh in this book and showing him as Game changer shows how much you respect him to the core.

11. Lastly I liked surprise twist in the tale end to the story to make Tejas role in Mahi's success shows that you made book as Good Story. Overall It was Upendra's Movie Story( Famous Director cum writer in Kannada Film Industry who gave movies like Om, A)

But I have few Q's on the book

A) Even though story has time period till 2014, I wonder how did you skip making any comment or reference on Gujarat Model, Gujarat CM (Current PM ) directly or indirectly. Did I miss anything in reading between the lines or it was intentionally missed

B) Its 8th wonder of world that how can Pattabhi sir misses #SachinTendulkar in his book. No much reference on Cricket and even no reference on World cup 2011 win in the book.

C)Even though there was in detailed documentation on election and working of ICAI, but I felt story of Birth of CA Act 1948, ICAI is missing in the " TickingTimes" which is needed for Readers who are CAs.

Conclusion : Thank you for giving in detailed story of CAs through Tickingtimes. Every page of this book has mark of your passion, your life, your observations, your taste and your aspirations.

Expecting an Autobiography from you sooner. I still wonder Why you are not jumping into administration and Election politics either in ICAI or in National politics even after having so much caliber and knowledge.

If you are not entering in politics, then it is loss for India. Can I expect Mahi's kind of decision for President post directly in ICAI in first term of Central Council soon or becoming Minister through RajyaSabha ??? Hope you act

A hundred little flames - Preeti Shenoy

"Do not look for the ideal man or the ideal woman – there is none. If you understand that it is your needs that make you seek a companion, find someone who is reasonably compatible with you. If you accept, respect, love, include, care for, and take responsibility for each other, it can be a beautiful #relationship."

Is it wrong to be in relationship? Are all blessed to have fruitful relationship? What's the difference between friendship and relationships? The book cover all these and more.

This year too of the sweet tokens on my birthday were books...and from the actual to official I finished reading the second.

If the contemporary Ticking Times was so much in line with all the bank scams unveiling; ' A hundred little flames' revealed the reality behind the myth of family bonding in God's own country.

I liked the way the story tries to convey a very important message, to look at relationships beyond what we think they are. There is more to an individual than how they are related to us. This was a great read from actual to official.

One thing that brought smile on my face is the importance of writing a dairy.

So many facets to relationship- father-son; grandfather - grandson; husband-wife; parents- children; master-servent; friends. Ayan; Gopal Shanker; Jayaraj; Shyamala; Rohini; Kamakshi; Ghanshyam; Padmaja; Velu...Good Lord. You bring back memories.

Cormoran Strike - J.K.Rowling/Robert Galbraith

Cormoran Strike is one of the main characters of a series of crime fiction books written by British author J. K. Rowling, published under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith. The story chronicles the many cases of private investigator Strike and his assistant Robin Ellacott. Three novels in the series have so far been written with another announced in 2017.

They being:

1. The Cuckoo's Calling
2. The Silkworm
3. Career of Evil
4. Lethal White (upcoming)

Rowling has stated that she has plans for at least another ten.

Reverberating Thoughts

Why do certain things happen at a certain time and fashion? At times when least expected. Some bringing joy and some sorrow. Is it divine will; destiny; fate or Karma? These questions keep reverberating. How do the law of attraction work here?

"As I keep pondering, I read what you seek is seeking you" - Rumi.

Geeta Mishr said: When you have difficult time in your life...just sit down....see the incidence in your life as if u r thitd person....u will get better perspectives and understanding of the situation....then decide your action to react..hold...be quite and let time pass on or work on remedy. So I believe instead of thinking in y it happens we need to focus on how to handle"

True: How is a more important question than why. Always.


One point to note is our reactions like we cry we shout will occur naturally thought your mind knows that we need not react....

It was a very big realisation for me that our body and brain are different.

Geeta: I was on operation table.... surgery was done...my body was very unstable....when I opened my eyes...but my mind was fresh and noticing everything around...my body unstable , nurses sitting and chatting besides...

Practically it's seem to be difficult...but when be a witness to these they really doesn't bother you...you have witness like a oil drop in bucket of water...Rumi what here meant is your divine nature...which is not connected with your body...like out side air is seeking the air inside the mud pot...with the present mind we think the mud pot is the only reality however...it's only the voidnes which is the truth.

Law of attraction works for them who believe in their thoughts or power of mind. Confused minds get lost in their thoughts n forget to believe.

12 Life Lessons from a Man who’s seen 12000 death

Thanks to Nitto for sharing this.

Kashi Labh Mukti Bhawan in Varanasi is one of the guesthouses where people check in to die. Bhairav Nath Shukla has been the Manager for 44 years. He shared his 12 recurring life lessons with Deepak Ramol, who shared it in upliftconnect.com; and also has his youtubes updated. Interesting, so thought of sharing.

1. Resolve all conflicts before you go

2. Simplicity is the truth of life

3. Filter out people’s bad traits

4. Be willing to seek help from others

5. Find beauty in simple things

6. Acceptance is liberation

7. Accepting everyone as the same makes service easier

8. If/When you find your purpose, do something about it

9. Habits becomes values

10. Choose what you want to learn

11. You don’t break ties with people; you break ties with the thought they produce.

12. 10% of what you earn should be kept aside for dharma

The End To Movie Watch & Reviews

Life is a mystery - Mystery of beauty, bliss and Divinity.

And here we get the news of the mysterious death of the beauty diva of yesteryear. Who is to be blamed? How can we mourn?

Well for me personally; having been a great fan of her can relate each phase of my life to her movies or events from her life. So personally I decide to say goodbye to movies.

RGV’s msg-

MY REALLY PERSONAL NOTE ON SRIDEVI

YES she was the most desirable woman and the biggest super star of the country and ruled as a main heroine in the entire country for more than 20 years..But that’s just a part of the story

However shocked and sad I feel about Sridevi's death, it’s finally once again a rude reminder for all of us about how unpredictable, cruel,fragile and mysterious both life and death are

After her death ,there is definitely much more for me to say than what most people are saying now about how beautiful she was, what a great actress she was, how her death affected them, " RIP"s "Om shanthi" s. etc etc etc
Sridevi's life is a classic case of how each persons actual life is completely different from how the rest of the outside world perceives it.
For many, Sridevi's life was perfect . Beautiful face, great talent, seemingly stable family with two beautiful daughters--
From outside everything looked so enviable and desirable... But was Sridevi a very happy person and did she lead a very happy life?

I know her life from the time I met her first for my film kshanakshanam . I saw with my own eyes how her life was like a bird in the sky till her father’s death and then became like a bird in a cage due to her overprotective mother

In those days actors used to be only paid in mostly black money and due to fear of tax raids her father used to trust friends and relatives who all betrayed her the moment the father died
Coupled with this the ignorant mother made many wrong investments in litigated properties and all those mistakes combined made her penny less by the time Boney came into her life
Boney himself was in huge debts and all he could afford to give her was a fat shoulder to cry on
After her mother became a psychotic patient because of a wrong surgery on her brain in USA,though Boney sued the hospital they dint get any huge amounts of money in settlement because of some agreement mistakes he did with the lawyers there
Once the mother died her younger sister Shri Latha eloped and got married to their neighbours son ..The mother before dying put all properties in sridevis name but her sister put a case on her demanding half the property claiming that her mother was insane and not in her senses when she signed the will due to the brain surgery

So in effect the woman desired by millions in the world was all alone in the world except for one Boney

Boney ‘s mother portrayed her as a home breaker and publically punched her in the stomach in a five star hotel lobby in revenge for what she presumed about what she did to Boney’s first wife Mona

Except for the short glimmer of English vinglish Sridevi has been pretty much a very unhappy woman
Boney’s debts ,the uncertainty of the future,the ugly turns and twists in her private life left deep scars in the super stars sensitive mind and there after she was never at peace. She went through so much in her life and due to her early career entry,life never gave her time to grow up at a normal pace.
More than the external peace, her internal mental state was of a high degree of concern and this caused her to look at her own self . She was the most beautiful woman for so many people. But did she think she was beautiful ?
Yes but every actresses nightmare is age and she was no exception
For years she was doing cosmetic surgeries the effects of which can be clearly seen In her interviews and public appearances,
She always came across as very shy,insecure and low on confidence .
Some one who is very uptight, who built a psychological wall around her as she was scared of anybody to really see what's going on within her. She was panicky about anybody knowing what her psychological insecurities were.
Not because of her fault, but because she was thrust with fame from a very young age that never gave her a chance to be independant and be what she could really be and really wanted to be
She had to put on the make up and be somebody else not just infront of the camera,but also behind the camera.

Though I as an audience thoroughly enjoyed her on the screen , I now after knowing her as a person wish that she was allowed to be a star even in her normal life instead of being constantly directed by her parents,her relatives, her husband and to an extent even her own daughters .. She was scared whether her daughters would be accepted or whether they will go the Hema Malini’s daughter Esha Deol way

I could see in her eyes the pain she was going through deep inside her and that’s because she is actually a child trapped in a woman’s body ..she is naive as a person, but suspicious because of her bitter experiences which is not a very good combination . She used to convey to me so much through her silence than most would in their best conversations

Coming to her death ,it is most likely a combination of heart stroke induced accidental drowning death in the tub . But medications might have played a huge role.

Many suicides and accidental deaths happen after big parties or weddings. That's because people with depression and insecurities can't understand why the whole world is so happy and enjoying, but they are not able to feel the happiness inspite of all the glitter and spotlight. That reminds them that they are deeply sad and that there is nothing wrong with the world and the fault is with just them that they are not able to feel anything.

Some people who are very deeply depressed commit suicide. Others, just to control their depression and anxiety, take extra pills not knowing that it can be dangerous in certain doses and conditions

Keeping the speculations on her death aside and coming back to the point of her life,I generally don't say " Rest In Peace" after people die, but in her case I want to really say it because I very strongly believe that she would finally and really rest in peace now for the first time in her life ,

Or shall we say death?

-----'

Henceforth no more Moonlit nights! Chandni gone forever. Alas!
We’ll never forget those Lamhe  

--------

There was something unexpectedly old-school about how Sridevi and Boney Kapoor fell in love. It wasn’t loud, it wasn’t performative, and it certainly wasn’t designed for headlines. They grew close during Mr India, a film that changed her career and quietly changed his life. Boney has spoken openly about how he fell for her discipline first, the sheer seriousness with which she treated her work, her punctuality, her silence, her focus. This wasn’t a star chasing romance. This was admiration turning into attachment, attachment turning into commitment. Sridevi, who had been working since childhood, trusted very few people, and when she did, it was absolute. Their marriage in 1996 felt protective, almost insular, like two people choosing family over noise. With Boney, she stepped back, chose motherhood, chose privacy, and built a life that was deliberately smaller than her stardom. For someone who had lived in front of the camera since she was a child, that choice itself was deeply romantic.

And then came the night that still feels impossible to process. In February 2018, in a Dubai hotel room, Sridevi passed away due to accidental drowning following loss of consciousness. Boney was there. He had gone to surprise her. That detail alone makes the story unbearable. He was the first one to find her. The man who had built his adult life around her suddenly had to navigate police statements, forensics, paperwork, and the brutal logistics of bringing her home, all while being in shock. Public grief is cruel, but private grief like this is something else entirely. Boney has never romanticised that loss. He speaks of it with broken honesty, of emptiness, of guilt, of learning to live with a silence that never really lifts. When I think of their story, I don’t think of gossip or controversy. I think of a woman who finally chose herself, love, and family, and a man who lost the centre of his life in a moment that still doesn’t make sense. Some love stories don’t end. They just stop mid-sentence, and the ache stays.

20th March: International Day of Happiness

In 2011, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution which recognised happiness as a “fundamental human goal” and called for “a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples” Celebrated for the first time in 2013 “This International Day of Happiness is more than just a fun celebration, it also remind us all that the world is a better place when we connect with and care about the people around us”
https://youtu.be/K7gYZENLTmY

What's wrong with the world today?
A drop of Happiness can cause
Smiles
Optimism
Self worth
Reduced Depression
Improved Health

But what a day it was. An International declaration of the celebration; and 39 Indians abducted by Isis were declared dead😕

Tried to take stock of people around me who were really happy and could not find any.

Some striving for basic necessity;
Some wanting a house; others a car;
Those having cars wanting bigger ones.
Single Souls looking for a life partner,
Married ones wanting to get seperated;
Those busy with work wanting some leisure,
Ones with time looking for a past time.


Life is so quer with its twists and turns.

A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms. Wish we could learn to be happy from them.