We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves

~ Gautam Buddha

Saturday, April 16, 2011

The windy air



While typing the last few words on laptop I glanced on the clock. It was 6.00p.m.of evening. I had to get ready for dinner at an inaugural function. Anticipating a longer outing at night and to know how of the world outside I switched the TV for current forecast.

One after another the sequels of women atrocities that ranged from five yrs old child victim to forty plus woman flashed on the screen.

In yellow lights of MUV, the zooming engine had been piercing through the woods of plateau region. A narrow stretch of metalled road was reflecting in front of us. Through the abound chitterling of crickets the atmosphere was fragrant with flowers of Palash.

At the 7.30 the evening air of advanced spring was breezy. The darkness was serene except for occasional distant howling of jackals.The narrow windy road had been passing along the base of the hills. It was hemmed by the bamboo groves on the sides. And at some places the stretched was covered with the red of Plash blosooms. 

While enjoying the secenic view outside I  regretted my decision to visit the place after the dusk."Before dusk the scenery around could have been better enjoyed," I thought. The drive through the forest to guest house was of about forty minutes.

After the drive of more than fifteen minutes through the woods Bidyut, the driver seemed clueless and turned the vehicle at different passes. Puzzled in local dialect he yielded I took the wrong turn. “Hmm…. ask someone,” suggested Adi.

In past twenty minute we had crossed occasional hamlets along the path. Most of the routes were deserted through the forest. In abundance the orange blooms of Palash were strewn on the road.

When the vehicle took a turn and rode a bump we saw a girl in red attire was standing at the turning. At the turn the vehicle moved swiftly and I caught the glimpse of her big eyes. At the distance others folks were also walking ahead in groups.

“They are going for Bihu festival’s fair ”- Bidyut informed. Then we were hearing the faint chorus of folksong with rhythmic dak beats which was straining  at the distance.

The ride for next ten minute again passed in silence. We were listening the howls of wilds and occasional rhythm of beats in the commute. The grooves of bamboo were still accompanying us on both the sides of the roads. And now the clueless commute was puzzling us.

Fortunately after sometime an old man was seen walking on the path with a girl behind him. Ask them Adi retorted- “ How did you forget the route,you came many times at this side.” “But that was during the day,” countered Bidyut.

Nearing them Bidyut rolled down the glass. The duo stopped - in local dialect the old man explained something pointing to a side lane. I felt girl’s gaze on me. The moment I moved my attention to her the vehicle moved ahead. Thus I managed only the glimpse of her big, longing eyes and red attire. Bidyut slowed down the vehicle and they walked ahead with us for the time being to show the right lane.

I exclaimed to Adi," Thank god, we found the way." When the vehicle moved ahead both of them were still standing at the corner of the road. With gratitude I viewed them from the rear screen. Her expressive eyes were still at me.

The MUV took the turn through the thick bamboo groove on its side and in five minutes we were at the venue.

In dining hall for women I took the place at the far corner near the window. Through the windy breeze the folk songs with vibrations of beats strained through the open windows.

At the central courtyard of quest house the presentation of local artiste was going on. To continue the sequel of the events the artiste were passing through the passage near our chairs. Again I felt a gaze on me through the passing group. The same girl in red attire, while moving ahead she smiled. Her smile and gaze puzzled me. The function continued till latenight.

Around mid night we were heading back to home, a forest official was accompanying us on the front seat. Other vehicles were coming out in fleets. After the drive of few minutes MUV rode to the single strip road.

“Few hours back a fair was going on here nearby- somewhere near a side lane. We had asked the path and had taken the route,” Bidyut broke the silence after the ride of five minutes.
Ranger stated solemnly –“Only a single strip goes up to five kilometers and after that the nearest hamlet starts.” Again silence reign inside the vehicle. My baffled gaze met Adi. He stared back in puzzling silence.

Next day I get her image and story,the girl in the red attire in the local daily.She was the daughter of an old man.A local had persuaded her in the relationship, promising to marry. But after a while he stopped responding to marriage proposal-the girl fed up with his sexual advance had been seeking help.The relationship earned her and his family dishonor in the society. Fed up with dishonoring the family and unable to check his sexual advancement she ended her life.

I was dumbfounded. Why was I getting her frequently? Why the red attire and her eyes were so evocative? Whether she was aware I had recently been helping and working with local women commission. Was she wanted to be heard and knowingly following me everywhere or was its just a coincidence? I was unable to find out.

Monday, April 11, 2011

A prayer to Lord Rama


The Maryada Pursottam!
The Kaushalaya nandan!
The lotus eyed –king!
The shyam verna –dusk color!
The delight of Iksvaku dynasty!
The epitome of dharma!
The annihilator of demons!
The incarnation of Lord Vishnu!
The best of human- the idol of the superlative!
Anadaswarupa-the conferral of bliss!
Dharmaswarupa-the compassionate one!
The epitome of morality!
WE BOW TO YOU!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Faithful ally-the whiff


The whiff or the breath is the oldest ally of ours- the everlasting companion. It is the reflection of self. Still it is most ignored and forgotten aspect of the body. The whirling brain has indiscriminately exploited it and negative emotions further plundered it with reactions. But as a faithful companion it accompanies us throughout our lives and has endured all apathy of ours.

The whiff is the inner reflection of self. The ongoing emotion of mind shows in the breath. Vice versa the dormant wizard breathe too holds magic to change the thought pattern.

Every thought consumes energy. But the worst plunderers are negative emotions as they create more reactions. Reaction is an active process which saps energy and leaves one fatigued.

Thought courses the breathing patterns. Under positive emotions of love, happiness and gratitude-it remains calm and relaxed. But under negative emotions like-anger, hurt and indecision it becomes shallow, unsteady and rough.
So when thoughts can change the course of breath. Breath too holds magic to change the thought patterns.

To bring best of ours and the best of life, the deep,calmer and steady breath works best for us. As the calm breath supply enough of oxygen and nutrient to body cells and brings the best of physiological activities.

To bring it to best, attention is needed. Meditation and breathing techniques induces the calmness in whiff. The calm,deep and steady breath is the the elixir of all cure and healing techniques(but it should not be forced in certain medical conditions and can be undertaken by the help of skilled guide). It is the savior of all biological processes. We must work on it.

A view of whiff through different angles-
On physiological level- It aids physiological functioning of body. As the transporter of nutrients, oxygen and remover of toxicity/detoxifier, it is the supplier of basic amenities of the cells.

On religion level- it represents Lord Hanuman-the son of Lord of Vayu -Ajani-known as Pawanputra. The Lord Hanuman-the breath acts as a bridge to sustain body-supply fuel to mind and body. It provides life force energy as breath therefore japa of Hanuman mantra strengthens physical body. The worship of Lord Hanuman is under taken to increase vigor and earning capacity.

The Ram represents Prusha –the spirit-and the consort Ma Sita represents- the physical body. Lord Rama an incarnation of Lord Vishnu is the sustainer of life.
It suggests us that the breath (Lord Hanuman) has power to tune the mind(Ram) and body(Ma Sita) and brings best of vitality.

On Astrological level-the breath- Lord Hanuman represents the planet Mars- the planet of physical strength. Calm ,deep and steady whiff is a sign of vitality. A good physical strength ensures good health and earning power.

All of us are the best arbitrator of our lives. Are the intellects still doubt the correct course? I don’t think so, have a good day and best of vitality!

Monday, April 4, 2011

A prayer of Ma Durga


O’Ma Aditi, the conferral of boons!
The epitome of virtues
Salutation to you!

Brahma and Vishnu meditate upon you!
Saints and sages sing praise of you!
O’ Radiant-salutation to you!

The creator of world
The nurturer of world!
O’ Annapurna—salutation to you!

O Primeval beauty Bela
Beloved of Shiva Shanker
O’ Ma Parvati-Salutation to you!

The embodiment of wisdom
Mother goddess of Vedas
O Aditi-Salutation to you!

The epithet of Ma Lakshmi
The bestowal of fortune
-Salutation to you!

The goddess of strength
The dwelling of the virtuous
Conferral of auspiciousness
O’ Ma Gauri-salutation to you!

The primordial energy
The protector of all!
O’ Devi Mahamaya
Salutation to you!