My experiences

Curry Chicken

2012-02-05T21:00:00.000+05:30

made curry chicken with the help of internet.... worth the effort of 1.5 hrs :)

Bangalore's amazing skylight

2012-01-28T21:23:00.005+05:30

Who Moved my Cheese?

2012-01-26T19:54:00.001+05:30

Just finished reading this book. First online complete book reading .

Change is the only constant is one of the lessons drawn after reading the book. I could see a reflection of self in all the 4 characters Sniff, Scurry, Haw and Hem. Just like Haw gets discomforted by not seeing any progress when their Cheese gets moved I have found myself in similar situations many times.

One of other links with brief of story and lessons learned: http://philipo.hubpages.com/hub/Why-is-Change-Constant-in-Life-Lessons-from-Who-Moved-My-Cheese

Flower show @ Lalbagh

2012-01-22T22:43:00.001+05:30

Similarity...

2012-01-21T23:23:00.000+05:30

Today I volunteer gave an opportunity to be part of waste collection understanding planned at one of the slums in Bangalore. We were first given an orientation on the waste management process practiced in the unit , followed by field exercise of garbage collection and segregation. All volunteers were quite enthusiastic about the task at hand and were separated in 2 groups. Each group had to cover one row/alley in the neighborhood asking for garbage and bring it back to the unit where we had orientation for further segregation of the content into different types... plastic, newspaper, bottles...etc. When we were done with the task of collecting garbage for 1 row/alley we were quite exhausted. And then we came to know that the garbage collector usually covers 11-12 rows in neighborhood as by herself daily. Only when we have done the task ourselves we realized the contribution of each person in the society we belong too. We ought to respect the contribution of each individual in our society. I have a new found respect and appreciation for the people doing this job.

Same goes for the organizations as well. How well different departments are oiled to each other guarantees the success in long run. An organization where all units are valued for their contribution is bound to thrive much faster than those where units are always at loggerheads with each other. Most organizations try to do but don't succeed in same.

Another question I had in mind after today's experience....we associate the contribution/ value of an individual by 2 factors:
1. amount of brain used in the work he/she does
2. amount of money he/she makes

It is unfair in my view to judge with a bias to these 2 factors.

Appreciation of good work done by an each individual is very necessary for building a healthy society.

Appreciating differences !

2012-01-04T19:30:00.002+05:30

Experience is a great preacher. Of late I have been introspecting and came to conclusion that one of the very important element in relationship especially is to do with appreciation of differences.

The case in my experience is startling like before marriage.... the "ideal love" time...one tends to find compatibility and sameness and everything seems right for the person you love..... maybe the mind frame is such that we tend to look at all the positives in the person we love. Once you settle down (married) you are in 24*7 with your ideal and soon you start discovering there are many things different ... right from sleeping habits, liking in eating, what to watch in tv., thought process etc etc.... and you tend to wonder woooh we are so so different from each other.

"EXPECTATIONS" are high and each difference at times feels like not in tune ....one tends to wonder so much tuning before marriage ...how come it feels suddenly out of tune.

EGO is another big roadblock in thinking clearly for me....realization came recently and i could see it getting associated with lot of dissatisfaction felt.

Another hurdle is the thing called " YOU SHOULD KNOW"(can be a sub category of expectations) and I would say women are adept in utilization of this skill. Even when men feel helpless to figure out what women wants, they would insist on men to know and are dissatisfied if what they are thinking in mind is not read by men. I find myself in this situation sometimes.

As I have learned from personal experience no two people are same and differences in individuals will always prop up in marriage. It is our ability to appreciate the difference and not force other person to change to our liking. Appreciate the person along with his/her good and bad. And one has to continuously work on the relationship to make it happen.

Pre marriage- we focus excessively on good alone

Post marriage- it keeps fluctuating and I fear if not addressed in time it shifts to focus only on bad

Not only marriage in my experience if we apply it to communication with any other individual , having this perspective is surely a great help in any relationship or interaction.

The Break Up by Vijayendra Haryal

2011-12-29T12:34:00.002+05:30

If you have to appreciate the depth of this book don't go by the title but read it without bias for all stories ending in a depressing state... btw that's not the case for all. The author has penned down nicely short stories which though in length are short but leave a lasting impact and prompts one to think through. It also raises question on true love and that's what author tries to unearth in the final story. The story narration has depths which makes me think that author has narrated his experiences in life through the medium of this book. At some places though it felt that the story has been hushed up just to keep it short :). I would have liked the depth to flow seamlessly in all stories. The other good part is shortness of stories gives you flexibility to read and contemplate even if you dont have luxury of time. On certain occassions though I could not resist continue reading even when the stories end on negative note. It is like one carving for reading on pain more and more. In the 21 stories author has penned down one will surely associate with one or more if he/she happened to be in love anytime ;). The writing style is plain and clear and author does a good job of putting in the perspective of real life situations in love.
The poems are equally expressive and one does not need a dictionary or a high intellect to understand the meaning. I hope author continues his writing spirit and amass more fans like me :). Looking forward to his next book......

thoughts after watching Rockstar!

2011-12-28T02:51:00.000+05:30

just finished watching the movie Rockstar. Though it has its faults but I still liked the movie. Quite a different one. The movie based on central theme of love and agony as source of music creation is impressive though after watching I felt that it is just one more form of how love comes alive in other virtues....it leaves a thirst to quench for...without which one feels incomplete and there is no way to take it as well. The acting of Ranbir Kapoor is commendable and Nargis Fakri also does a good job. It left me with a feeling of "HIGH AND DRY". Rationality sometimes does not prevail as certain things are not science bound or to say other way science has not progressed to that extent to understand the phenomenon......
Again the impact which a movie leaves is so much influenced by the background music ...profoundly.... REAL life does not have that. The power or forcefulness is felt way more than in real life....MUSIC impacts profoundly on our feelings as humans.... not only the vocals but instruments as well.

Churches in Bangalore

2011-12-26T02:29:00.000+05:30

Bannerghatta National Park

2011-12-24T22:08:00.000+05:30

Christmas bell !

2011-12-19T00:37:00.000+05:30

National Gallery of Modern Art, Bangalore

2011-12-18T14:33:00.000+05:30

waterworks....

2011-12-17T03:10:00.001+05:30

Thoughts are to be captured as and when they flow ....as the moment you feel them they are most profound and accurate ....

You tend be strong when you face hard challenges in life and always keep up to self never to cry in front of others... something which you cannot imagine to do in front of others .... you believe you are stubborn and hard who is a non romantic.... but it baffles you when your tear drops fall while watching a fictional movie or a television serial (alone)......what real could not do imaginary does....and you feel the need to cry out in silence more.... some sort of relief sensation it gives and feels good to cry...experiencing this sounds crazy as rational mind cannot explain and heart overrules. And then you ponder do you really know yourself enough ? do you associate more with imaginary than real? or thus this has to do with the melodramatic music?clueless... never the less feels relief with waterworks...they always flow like a silent river...

I Too had a Love Story

2011-12-13T12:25:00.000+05:30

Nice read by Ravinder Singh. The story is captivating and I ended up finishing it in one sitting from 11.30- 4 AM. Last book i did this way was 11 minutes.
One can really relate well to the story as it sticks to the reality. Though at times it felt otherwise but overall it holds on the attention very well. You cant help but get this feeling of chocking (for guys) by the end of the story and maybe waterworks (for gals). It hits you hard and the down part extends and makes it more intense leaving you feel literally chocked..... at least that's what I felt.

Immediately after finishing the book I checked on what happened to Ravinder and got to know he is releasing a new book soon titled- Can Love Happen Twice?

comparing TV serial to organization functioning

2011-12-12T20:30:00.000+05:30

lately watching a lot many soap operas on the TV depicting ways of living triggered a thought in me.... first it was that how crucial the background music and lighting is for making depiction of daily living enacted out by actors in different shows so critical.....infact without background noise and lightening it would reflect as a dull scenario without any energy in it.The light and music give the serial its soul. the actors are the body. The tone of background music will tell what kind of scene it is going to be even if I am sitting in other room and not able to hear out clearly. ......Similar to that a thought occurred today that this is very much like importance of the support functions which act as the soul of the organization where as delivery, sales act as the body. Both need to be paid equal attention in other for the organization to function effectively just as soul and body enrichment is necessary for healthy living :).

Spinach soup

2011-12-12T09:39:00.000+05:30

Loved the color of the soup. This is Spinach soup :).

@Ulsoor in evening

2011-12-11T23:00:00.000+05:30

Kala Madhyam Mela (Craft Bazaar) @ Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath

2011-12-11T00:44:00.000+05:30

Shift....

2011-12-07T09:26:00.001+05:30

Bangalore landscape is changing with new structures coming in place where colonial ones prevailed once. This shot was taken on MG Road depicting Namma Metro rail bridge and behind is the one of colonial structures of the old Bangalore. The city is changing its face as it tries to keep up to the blitzkerg of companies and workforce in Information Technology industry.

The Dirty Picture

2011-12-06T09:44:00.000+05:30

Full of witty dialogues, indirect talks and funny quotes ...Dirty picture is fun to watch. The song O la la is on my playlist for long now :).

The film portrays life of south indian actress in 80's who struggles her way in the film industry and is willing to go any length to realize her dream.

Some quotes which I could recall:
Girlfriend pehle malai ki tarah hoti hai
phir kuch time mai cholesterol
and finally heart attack

Holi khelne chahte hain
par pichkari nahin chalti

P1: Plastic cover(P2) (cigarette packing) ki koi kadar nahin karta, sab cigarette puchte hain (P1)
P2: Agar barrish ho jaye to Plastic hi Cigarette ko bachata hai

On other note the film tries to question the hypocrisy prevalent in our country where people want to enjoy the sex but at same time don't feel it appropriate to accept it in public as society will look down on them. I am not sure myself what is the correct stance to be taken on this being grown up in same society. Everyone has got freedom of expression and labeling someone "Vulgar" based on clothing is more easy than doing it on thought basis.

The land of Kamasutra has transformed to land of "behind closed doors" .

Kodaikanal

2011-11-20T20:43:00.000+05:30

Madurai....

2011-11-19T20:35:00.000+05:30

Met Saket after a long long gap of 14 years and it didn't feel that way. Looked as if we have been in touch all along ...strange :). Anyways both Saket and Vrushali ( better half) were excellent hosts for us in Madurai. Kudos to both.

Felt really good after the trip....and wished we had few more days to carry on the enjoyment a little more. Nevertheless it is quite tough to get doctors time and we were lucky to have time from both Saket and Vrushali out of their busy schedule.

Sadness....

2011-11-18T14:58:00.001+05:30

Words are too sharp
piercing the heart
you feel helpless
and it pains a lot

Smiling to outside world with a sunken heart
is a difficult task for both guys and gals

not everyone cries with tears in eyes
but everyone cries in their heart
it is difficult to bounce back
even near ones seem far apart

You try to reason
what is the cause
heart tells you
dear ones are at fault

You question again
if anyone is to be blamed
heart tells you
don't get anyone close again

Harboring grudges only sickens the mind
Neither those having them are happy nor those around them
They develop tendency to record only negatives
and then they say nothing is right in their existence

One should express negative emotions with caution
it hurts many in their jubilant motion
those who say may forget the harsh words soon
but those listening have their hearts doomed

The feeling kills all appetite and desire
you suddenly find yourself all alone and dire

You wonder if those who call themselves near and really so
as they are worse of than strangers in their anger
Looks to me as a loop hole in the language of love
we all are selfish to our inner core

Have patience and peace
Forgive those who have done this harm
and take lessons from whats gone wrong
One of the ways to come out of this rut without much harm!

one of the ways to pour out your discontent ...write it out!!!!

Shopping

2011-11-12T19:00:00.000+05:30

Going out shopping with wife
is one of the most testing times

You are not able to make out what she wants
and if you says she should look by herself
she will give you a glaring stance

You try to be calm
But cannot be in that state for long

Applying logic is a big mistake
Trying to understand woman's mystical mind is like a never ending race

You don't know what to do
and she will keep asking you "help me choose"

When you try to help she says "you are not picking the right kind"
and when you let her choose she says "you are not helping her out anytime"

No selection happens quickly
and hours seem to her like minutes passing by

You tell her you cant stand anymore
she says OK and make you wait more

On other occasions even a small walk is tiring
but in the maze of shop world energy never seems to run out

Shopping is a booster in itself
and effect can last on for days from one shot (for her)

She will not rest until she checks every nook and corner
and then would say shop does not have what I like

To say one is baffled is toning down the experience
One needs immense patience to face this challenge

Selection is done as though this is the last chance to shop
and you wonder when this craziness will stop......

1913 construction- Minto Ophthalmic Hospital

2011-11-05T17:30:00.000+05:30

Tipu Sultan's Summer palace

2011-11-05T16:30:00.000+05:30

after the morning rain..

2011-11-05T10:40:00.001+05:30

2nd Anniversary

2011-10-31T19:00:00.000+05:30

HIV awareness

2011-10-29T16:30:00.000+05:30

first in person volunteering activity in India :). Earlier one was in Singapore long back in 2006 . As part of I volunteer we had performed a skit to educate Metro construction workers on HIV , its causes and some of the misconception people usually associate it with. It was a good experience.

Diwali @ Bangalore

2011-10-26T23:04:00.000+05:30

The Difficulty of Being Good by Gurcharan Das

2011-10-23T23:00:00.000+05:30

This book takes few character of Mahabharata and try to decipher what is the meaning being conveyed through the acts of each. Author covers Duryodhana, Draupadi, Yudhisthira, Arjuna, Bhishma, Karna, Krishna and Ashwatthama in the book. After the read it looked like no one is right all time including God. Lot of emphasis is put on actions described in the epic and trying to decipher if that was the best way. Even the God's are at fault at times when seen from dharma point of view. I never new Mahabharata went way beyond the ending of war until I read this one. The art of dharma is subtle... likely it depends on the context one is in which defines what to do. There is no one right answer all time.

Some notes:
1. If greed is the sin of capitalism envy in the vice of socialism. Envy is felt more strongly between near equals than those widely separated in fortune.
2. Draupadi assumption: Law too often reflects the will of the powerful in the society and diverges from the right thing to do.
3. Manu smriti - Satisfaction of the mind is the only authority in cases of conflicting alternatives
4. Idea of dharma based on one's reason sits side by side with deep faith in the existence of God in the Mahabharata.
5. Happiness comes from upholding a certain balance, by living according to a system of beliefs that restrains them and gives coherence to their desires.Dharma is precisely discipline of ordered existence
6. To fight is easy, to forgive is more difficult
7. The great divide in ethical thinking is between those who judge an act based on its consequences versus those who judge it based on duty or some role.
8. One who is destitute of wealth cannot practice dharma.
9. Adopt a friendly face to the world but do not allow yourself to be exploited.
10. Caste duty-- Svadharma
duty of Consciousness - Sadharana dharma
11. Be intent on action, not on the fruits of action.
12. On some occasions we let "ends" dictate our behaviour; on other occasions, 'means' seem to matter more.
13. Selfishness is the principal cause which makes life unsatisfactory
14. Let no man do to another that which is repugnant to himself
15. Purpose of yoga- to calm the ceaseless activity of mind
16. To be happy one must not be too concerned with the opinion of the others. One should pursue one's goals single mindedly. with a quite confidence. without thinking of others.
17.True dharma is not the sva dharma of caste , but the sadharana dharma of truth, commitment , generosity and friendship.
18. Karma has its optimistic side in a human being's ability to act with freedom , and be responsible for this act. Its pessimistic side is a feeling that we cannot escape from our past.
19.Point of Mahabharata is that dharma is Sukshma (Subtle) and it is often difficult to tell right from wrong.
20. In taking revenge, a man is but even with his enemy; in passing it over, he is superior.
21. There is no future without forgiveness.
22.If strict justice is viewed as a precondition for peace, then the quest for national unity and peace may be doomed to failure.
23. One who gains victory also suffers loss.
24. Ahimsa is the highest dharma
25. One should never do to another what one regards as injurious to oneself. This, in brief, is the law of dharma.
26. Compassion is the highest dharma
27. Moral integrity begins with the awareness of other human beings.
28. Good behaviour grounded in dharma earns good karma.
29. Mahabharata was divinely pre planned in order to rid the earth of Kshatriya's. This is the epic's way of reminding that human lives are vulnerable.
30. Who has in his heart always the well being of others, and is wholly given, in acts, thoughts and in speech, to the good of others, he alone knows what dharma is.
31. Unexamined life is not worth living

paisa

2011-10-19T00:36:00.001+05:30

jo haath mai hai wo jamta nahin
jo nahin hai uski chahat hai
hum phas gayee aise jaal mai
jahan na sima hai na rahat hai
bas hod hai aur ki
jitna bhi ho ye bharti nahin

aj bhi sara jivan lage ghar bananae mai
usse kuch bach jaye to kharch ho baccho ki parvarish mai
pehle pati akele ghiswae
aajkal biwi bhi saath nibhaye

kaisi tarraki kaisa sudhar
aaj bhi jab jhuke kamar udhar ke byaj se lagatar

paise ka moh badh raha
bhaichara ghat raha

kaise duniya bana raha insan

jahan paise ke piche lut raha jahan

Slideshare version of Fall of Human Intellect

2011-10-17T18:03:00.002+05:30

View more presentations from ParshwadeepLahane.

School of Ancient Wisdom

2011-10-16T16:31:00.000+05:30

Vedanta Retreat notes

2011-10-15T19:00:00.000+05:30

DESIREàDECIDEàDESIGNàDESERVE

One way to keep brain activated is through learning newlanguages

Most believe we need to have some dramatic causeunderlying behind dramatic effect. This is NOT TRUE

Mind and Intellect – does not have a form only function –just like software

MIND	INTELLECT
Feelings	Thinks
Emotions	Discriminates
Impulses	Judges
Likes and Dislikes	Reasons
Desires	Analyses
Indecisive	Decides
Sporadic thoughts	Deliberate thoughts
Pattern Making	Pattern breaking
Operates with known	Probes with unknown
Compulsive Thinking	Conscious thinking

Indiscriminate flow of thoughts= MIND

Discriminated flow of thoughts= INTELLECT

Vedanta preaches to produce the effect and cause will befollowed.

Example: be happy –cause for happiness will follow

Ignorance ofthings make them look mystical.

Learn to live life by thinking alone

Living – desires and values

Desires – primary ( present in everyone ) and secondary (depend on situation- stimulus based)

Desires by nature are always conflicting in nature.

Primary Desires

For Bodily comfort

For a Sense of security

To be Noticed and admired

Feel that one matters to somebody

To feel superior

For companionship and fellow feeling

To be like others of ones own “Set”

To be attractive

To look after and protect

To find out- discover- gratify curiosity

We always have dilemma between Good Vs Good and Bad VsBad

If one has Inferiority complex it is expressed assuperiority

But this is notalways the case and hence complex

Example

We usually associate with some charity… all acts ofcharity have root to feeling of superiority

EGO- cannot be seen by self mostly

Cause……….à…………Effect

We must put inefforts for Effects-----à--------Cause cycle . We don’t do this usually.

“Way to get anythingis to lose it”

Always when planninga course of action –consider desire. When you are executing your plan keepaside desire.

Never bring in desires while performingaction

Scriptures at 3 levels:

1. Shruti- pure truths declared

2. Smriti- explanation of the truths…. Influencedby time and place

3. Puranas- telling stories to convey the message.Problem is usually the message gets lost in the story

Areas emotions influence:

-Selective perception

-choices

-language

- first reaction

Apply intellectwhen deciding on something but introduce emotion just before conclusion. Ex.Just like desert positioning in a full course meal. This needs to be there to maintain humanityin decisions taken.

At level of perception don’t bring in emotions.

If a person is using more adjectives in speech he isusing more emotions than intellect.

Emotions by itselfare not a problem --- the manner in which they areexpressed is the real culprit

Emotions comingout of DESIRE are always negative.

Expression cannot be classified as right or wrong but appropriate or inappropriate

Don’t lose temper- use your temper

Any emotionstemming out of GRATITUDE is a positive Emotion

Keeping GRATITUDEas base, a feeling directed towards equal/lower object or being is LOVE

Feeling directedtowards higher object or being is DEVOTION.

Synthesis of Thinking and Feeling only in positive emotion.

Positiveemotion--- stems from—alertness—stems from—GRATITUDE—stems from—reading ofscriptures(VALUES)

Knowledge does nothelp in living—we live life by wisdom

Sanyasi –one whohas moved away from cursing and blessing

How to improveone’s intellect:

1. Introspection/ Listen to live master/ reading (less preferred as does not bring in conviction)

2. Retrospection

3. Meditation ( last 10% associated to this)

Look at existing intellect available. ( introspection)

Simple exerciseto start with : Before hitting bed run through the days activities

Do not while performing this activity:

- Do not analyze your action

- At no point move backward and forward . Goserially only from first to last activity of the day

- Should not take more than 5 min

Practice at least for a month to see the effect

Path of spiritual growth –

1. Monkey way – take complete responsibility

2. Kitten way- don’t do anything

Till a certain level we need to be monkey type and thenwe switch to kitten type

Relationships

-only exists at thought level

3 most difficult statements in the world for people tosay:

1. I Love You

2. I am Sorry

3. I need Help

At one point of time we can manage at max 7 relationshipson day to day basis.

Rational sufferance – most tough to do-

Go through the suffering of other person thinking one dayother person will grow

Communication:

- Don’t use many adjectives

- Watch the tone

- Use plain, direct and simple statements

LOVE	ATTACHMENT
Universal	Preferential
Unconditional	Conditional
Thankful for taking	Tallying accounts
Self sufficiency	Dependency
Freedom	Binding
Peaceful	Agitated
Evolve	Devolve
Things gain personality	Person becomes things
Irreplaceable	Replaceable
No Polarization	Swing to opposites

LOVE +SELFISHNESS= ATTACHMENT

ATTACHMENT-SELFISHNESS=LOVE

Foundation ofHarmony:

- Have a common goal

- Respect others independence

- Identification not attachment

- Communication

- Be suggestive not compelling

- Familiar not vulgar

- Rights vs Duties

- Rational Sufferance

Relationship Snags

- Justified expectations

- Want unconditional acceptance

- Mind reading

- Refuse and resist change

- Law of distance

- Want to change the other

- Intentions justify actions

LADDER OF FALL

Indiscriminate thinking

Attachment

Desires

Fulfilled Unfulfilled

| |

Fear, envy, greed, arrogance Anger

Delusions

Loss of memory

Intellect Lost

Burger Forks !!

2011-10-10T20:59:00.000+05:30

Clouds

2011-10-09T16:00:00.000+05:30

captured on flight from Delhi to Bangalore. Clouds looked amazing...

Steve Jobs

2011-10-07T10:34:00.003+05:30

heard sad news of Steve Jobs passing away. I wasn't a fan of Jobs but for some reason I feel bad about such great person passing away so soon. He could have brought a lot more revolutions in design and technology. Do what you love is one of his feedback to other fellow beings..... yet to figure that out for myself.

Muddiness

2011-10-03T19:30:00.000+05:30

this text I wrote (on a notepad) on my way back from office to home today on bus.... this city (Bangalore) is doing strange things to me... today i had an urge to write....for a moment i thought it wont come out good as thoughts are staggered but then decide to write just what is going on in mind...

--The more I read on Vedas the less I am becoming inclined to follow the religious rituals and religion too.Given up not eating non veg on every Thursday of week.It didn't sound right for some reason though I have been following it religiously for years. Practicing religion is to be set by someone or each of us can choose their own path? Through reading and videos I agree on the fact that what we cannot define/know we try to associate that to GOD. Journey of Life-- I have tried to dwell on this topic for past several weeks :listening to lectures by Vedanta gurus, listening to lectures by Sadhguru, going through the excellent documentaries of BBC on Mohammad (Islam), Atheism and The Incredible Human Journey. The concept of GOD is as old as we are on this planet and over the years we have made lot of scientific progress to put a logical reason to things that happen around us. This has reduced the scope of what GOD can do but still leaves a vast area where he is the reason behind. I find myself more of a fence sitter debating which side to take ( believe in GOD or not).
I had always got a liking for astrology - mystery part of it made it exciting to read but then lately I have stopped believing in it altogether. Earlier also inclination wasn't that great but I liked reading on it. Now since the new awakening through Vedanta reading I feel drawn more and more away from it. It is interesting to see myself how much influence readings have on ones outlook and beliefs in life. The recent visit to a temple left me wondering if capitalism and commercialization has taken away the meaning of the activity what the place was meant to be. Right from the entrance to the exit path place was filled with shops selling items more directed towards the woman segment as they happen to be more regular on such places. Maybe it is required to sustain and maintain the upkeep of temple but I doubt that. How much can be associated to that? Do temple have accounts which need to be published? their might be an outrage I guess if this is asked for? ...this leads to other thought of temple is a safe means of investing the black money and then reaping rewards on same? but how?? and what's the purpose. Looking from business angle it is the easier to do in order to attract crowd and hence prospects of getting more share of their spend. FAITH is very strong force and many people pay loads of sum to temple but will fight on with financially poor person (Maid/Gardner/ Gatekeeper/Garbage cleaner) if they ask for more money for their work which may be reasonable as well most of the times.
In my view most of us have ended up taking religion as it was already practiced by the family we were born in. Even though we study science in school applying it to religion is still thought to be not correct. Likely as it shakes the long held belief /FAITH. I also find it hard at times to convince myself why I am doing something in religious context? Does it makes any meaning? Why all over world different religions have certain strict norms to follow and if one does not do rituals he becomes a maverick.
Another interesting point to ponder at is there are loads of swamis and gurus in this country and each seems to convince his followers that he is leading them to the right path of awakening or many people may end up following blindly as well. World has become more and more urban but our idea of religion has stayed in rural land. One ? again occupied my thought... Do all religious figures and swami/guru are vegetarians in India? is it the same outside India? especially when talking of Hinduism?
Reflections on experience is what we call as Wisdom ( a recent learning from Gita class...) . So experience alone cannot make us wise if we don't reflect upon it. Always running in morning to catch a bus happens to be one of my experiences which has not been reflected upon....or more correctly even though reflected but no corrective action taken. Is it ok or not? it depends on the gravity of the issue at hand and personal conviction to bring out the change in ones lifestyle.

Is there a meaning to life? --I was searching for an answer to this for quite some time and then i stumbled upon a video by Sadhguru where he says Life has no meaning ... It is too huge to a meaning to itself.
As per my little understanding so far Vedas focus more on making ones life as productive as possible by concentrating on the present and keeping mind under control through intellect.

Even though I have read/seen a lot in past 2-3 months it has not motivated me to change my habits... (or as they say in veda... mind is not in control of the intellect). I keep that lax attitude ...also too long not being exercising/playing outdoors to keep the body active and a sedentary job are contributors as well apart from the most prominent -"ME".
I am motivated at times but then it seems to fizzle out and then cycle repeats after a while. Drug dosage which help in sustaining is missing... what that drug should be is a good ? Mind is full of thoughts which seem to originating from nowhere ...now I know the source is vasana which is responsible for the thoughts but I cant control anything there but to apply intellect to judge on the thought coming out....

Traveling in bus in dim lights gives ample time to reflect upon as well if one wishes too apart from usual..zzzzzzz.

-If you have read this till the end....kudos ! as its quite hard to follow my random thoughts coming from vasana :).

visit to Lord Shiva Temple

2011-10-02T17:17:00.000+05:30

Aleph !

2011-09-20T09:54:00.001+05:30

11th read of Paulo. This one is more on making peace with your past . He goes through a soul searching mode once again by travelling through the Trans Siberian railway (9288 Kms)--Moscow to Vladivostok. I improved knowledge on Russian cities as well :). I found it not as captivating as the earlier ones but still holds on the interest.

Some quotes from the book which attracted my attention:
- There are lot of people who care about others and are extremely generous when it comes to GIVING and who feel real pleasure when someone asks them for advice or help. On the other hand very few people are capable of RECEIVING, even when the gift is given with love and generosity. Its as if the act of receiving made them feel inferior, as if depending on someone else were undignified. They think: if someone is giving something that's because we are incapable of getting it ourselves. Or else: The person giving me this now will one day ask for it back with interest. Or even worse: I don't deserve to be treated well.
- Anyone who knows GOD cannot describe him, anyone who can describe GOD does not know him

-Controlling your aggression in order not to harm other is Path to Peace

-The most sophisticated things in the world are precisely those within the reach of everyone

- Is it possible to avoid pain? Yes, but you will never learn anything

-Is it possible to know something without ever having experienced it? Yes, but it will never truly be part of you.

- Sometimes you have to travel a long way in order to find what is near.

Who am I?

2011-09-15T00:09:00.004+05:30

who am i?
a lonely warrior
or a commander of a battalion
i am confused, I am restless
i am searching the meaning of my existence

Does this happen to all i wonder?
but then one usually wont share such things in general
we shy away from making some deep analysis
as we fear it might tear away our modern curricular

life is a journey they say
how to make that journey memorable is what i debate?
we are always vying for that next material achievement
we surely are making progress
but are we losing sanity in the process
how do i stay on the course
difficult to decide where is the balance to attain the smile of a monk

I have a wish to spend a month in a monastery
to see how to live life peacefully
may be that will teach me some lessons
or I will return with same aspiration

Children are referred to as full of life
but as you grow you are always quoted on occasions "don't behave like children"
a set of rules every society imposes
and very few get to the tendency of a maverick
People will always have issues with the rules
as every person will have a different viewpoint of how to live

Do you hear anyone praise " He lived a common man's life"
because there is a derogatory remark associated in that style
perhaps common man is looked upon as under achiever and easily overpowered
maybe its to do with the history of our nation

Belief that You need to be better from others in order to be recognized
drives us crazy all our life
we do things more for recognition than following our own talent
we are put into competition right from childhood
and perhaps we compete till the time of our end

when will we respect the individuality of every other human being?
that each person is unique in his/ her own way
I wish we live to see that day
When we wont need any religion / any yoga
this common sense is enough to have peaceful junta !

I feel lost at times in the current times
as i fail to make meaning out of this life
Search is on to find a solution
Hope I find an answer.......

Desperation

2011-09-08T01:24:00.003+05:30

Desperation
sometimes it comes from not meeting the loved one
other times it comes from job

there is no sense of direction you are heading to
and you wonder what exactly are you fit for

at times you take it lightly as a phase which will pass soon
at other times it gives you sleepless nights

you try to judge what is right and what is wrong
but then others will always have a view of their own

some things can be deducted logically
at other times astro/ star play their role
we take it for our convenience which tool to use at what time
end objective being what we wish for gets fulfilled in someway

Sometimes life is full of joy
and at others it shows dearth of same
scriptures say it all depends on how you relate to the world
need conscious effort to get in that state of continuous bliss

You try to find the fitness for work you like
but then doubt creeps in how long that liking would sustain
if it comes in too easy it does not hold value
if it is too difficult you think of giving it up at start

Desperation may be good
to make us elevate from the current state to next level
but can same be done without getting into this mode
perhaps spiritual gurus hold key to that

Wonder with 5% brain being used we feel such state of desperation at times
Wonder what it will be like when we start using 95% of it......

Liebe !! some more thoughts...

2011-08-25T00:58:00.002+05:30

Heart is restless
Mind is foggy
In love there is a sweet taste
and excitement so divine
the name of loved one erupts like fragnence in heart
feeling of bliss captures one's soul

When you are with her
your heart beats 1000 times
and you pretend outside
you are just fine

There is an unusual excitement when time is less
as you want to fully utilize the time you have
Time flies fast in company of loved one no matter how much you have
and you long for the next meeting when you will be with her again
Good memories is what one relies on in times of seperation
and people think you have gone mad when you laugh out or smile without any reason
But how are you to tell them what an experience you had
when you replay the sweet time spent again in your head ;)

Romancing has different ways
and so is the expression type
if one looks through the eyes of a lover
even a smile will equate to a bunch of heavenly butterflies

some become satiated
just by a glance of loved one's sight
and some always ask for more
making the efforts of other go vile

expectations rise and so does curiosity
you come out with things to talk about without any fight
and then you wonder how the loved one influences you to this extent
that you lose all fear and feel like a free bird again

Day and night you long to hear her
it is like you are waiting for an angel's voice

Emotions at that time are funny
they make you jealous they make you angry
happiness is instant and so is sadness
importance is assigned to each single activity
and it is difficult to meet all unsaid expectations
there are surprises and there are disappointments
doubts crop in and so does fear
and you question the one who is dear

Love is funny and amazing
you tend to question does it happen to every human being
some are lucky and some are not so
but it is a feeling worth indulging into

Stakes are high and emotions peak
be careful to whom you pick
vibrations should be right and so should be comfort
don't go by figure alone look inside the person :)

Love gives you wings, it shows you the power within
It is a source of eternal happiness if you give it without asking for repayments !!

Nandi Hills Rock !!

2011-08-18T19:29:00.002+05:30

Bangalore Palace !!

2011-08-13T19:36:00.001+05:30

New phone

2011-08-09T20:36:00.002+05:30

Corporate pe kuch vichar

2011-07-28T20:04:00.001+05:30

office aao aur meeting karo

kam ke nam par bas yahi karo

aish ki aish tarif ki tarif

logo ko lage kitna kam

but unhe kya pata hai kitna aram

meeting karo meeting karo

na iske siwa kuch aur karo

point pe sidha na bolo

meeting ko lamba khicho

hai yahi sikhati badi janta

meeting mai hi sari discussion

taki bad mai na bache kuch karne ki tension

meeting karo meeting karo

na iske siwa kuch aur karo

kaam pura na karo

logo ko frustrate karo

phir thoda sa kar do

logo ko prasaann karo

expectation lo set kar do

aur phir thoda kam kar do

yahi sikhata hai corporate culture

bhaiya isme mai chipa hai iska mantar

kam jo kare use aur kam do

jo na kare usko aram do

but jab appraisal ki bari aye

to dekho kisne boss ke kitne chakkar lagaye

jo raha usme agge

wahi badha corporate sidhi mai agge

kam karne wala bus kaam kar raha

ulloo sidha karne wala upar chad raha

ghado ki kami nahin hai chadhai pe

ab samjh mai aye itni lagti kyoon hai

10 baje ki free coffee pina hai priority

aur kaam karne wali janta hai minority

khao piyo aur thahake lagao

jab man kare tab kam pe jao

logic se kam karne ki hai kami

boss ki chamchagiri mai hai unnati

boss ko kabhi doubt na karo

jo kahe gadhe ki tarah kar do

boss se jo logic ki zaban ladayee

rotation ki bari ayee

hai lagta ye ek khawab

but hakikat yahi hai janab

corporate ka yahi hai raaz

chidiyaghar se kam nahin hai mere baap

( Note: in good humor only ;), reality is coincidental)

Gori(Fair)

2011-07-28T02:01:00.001+05:30

as I look around my surroundings
people are crazy for becoming white

Having fair skin is in high demand
if you are a woman u have lot of fans

Obsession for skin color is feeded by advertisers
and craziness is rampant in this part of the sphere

earlier it was only women
now companies have figured out the same subconscious need in men
big stars roped in for promotion
and herd sets in to follow what is said in the commercial

lots of cream and loads of cosmetics
and people feel happy
when others comment "You look Pretty"

one needs to pause and reflect
Not to go by the skin surface
but to look in the character of self
and find the Gorapan in oneself

One does not need creams and facials
but only a common sense to realize their Gora potential :)

but most don't evolve and reflect at that level
and fall flat at first glance of a Gori girl

The day people realize this true potential
there will be kohram in the cosmetic business world

some thoughts on Love

2011-07-27T23:38:00.004+05:30

Love is a funny feeling
u hate it and u love it
depends on how u see it
excess looks like obsession
deprived looks like neglect
how you define a fine line
which makes you stand just right

love seems to has many meanings
some link it to physical proximity
some associate it to feeling of oneness
true love is hard to define
as it must be felt without any selfish mind

human-being an animal
realizes love by physical kind
but one who is divine
sees love in every kind
his heart is pure, his mind is clear
for him all are near and dear

Existence....

2011-07-25T00:48:00.001+05:30

why am I on this planet
Question lingers in my head
I try to wade it off
but it keeps popping back

the purpose of our birth
is a mystery that engulfs few
as most dont realize
it is something worth looking into

reading books relating to scriptures i get a thought
our only aim in life is to find the god within
I fail to undertstand why arent we born with that fact imbibed
as we could then achieve much more in rest of our lifes

I dont know where I am heading
most of the time gets on activities not worth doing
job which does not satisfy
watching tV at home which plays on emotional apetite
addictions to web which strain the eyes
thought of uselessness props up in mind
but then getting a comfort feeling that everyone is in the same den

all seem to be in mad rush of amassing more
the apetite for which keeps growing as one grows
who do i choose to be?
as a begger and a rich man can be equally happy
and to what level of comfort is to be said enough?
as a begger wishes for a bed and
an investement banker wishes for a house in switzerland

it looks like a funny world
half employed to create things
which make other half unproductive
Who is to judge what is right and what is wrong?
businessmen are only interested in piling the cash reserves up
the private companies are under constant pressure to perform profitably
and time and again neglect upon whats good for the society

I wonder if the purpose of life is to have fun
or to struggle through to find the god within

we are animal kind
and scriptures tell to restrain that animal within
as we only have the POWER of CHOICE
why on earth Humans are born
is a question that still lingers on.....

cooking

2011-07-23T19:57:00.000+05:30

No task is less important and easy.... in fact some tasks not valued much become very important once their absence is marked.
I have been experimenting with cooking for about a week and found it is full of creativity and requiring a substantial effort to make the end result (cooked food) fruitful. During this period I also realized the effort which need to be put in by all married women (esp. in India) in kitchen...a new found respect and admiration for the homemakers :).

Cooking is one of the avenues where one can bring in lot of creativity and the scope is vast :)... even though you tube/ google is full of multiple ways of cooking same thing.... the scope of differentiation is always there.

Happy cooking !!

Meaning to life.... reflections

2011-07-20T01:19:00.001+05:30

trying to define meaning to life
is a daunting task of one's life

some say realizing god should be the aim
others say thats what is residing in every human being

some associate the meaning to success and prosperity with material wealth
but then who is to define what is sufficient for oneself

the endless desires keep everyone in rat race
today you are ahead tomorrow you are behind and chase

the comparison mode never ends
and people go crazy following the latest trends

it has become hard to live a peaceful life
ubiquity of gadgets has made us more busy then we think

new addictions are being invented each day
people are minting money at others people dismay

I wonder who is to debate on optimal utilization of resources
every country seems to be busy industrializing themselves

prosperity and development are linked to physical living status improvement
but who is to question if that is coming at the cost of losing your mental peace

as one becomes prosperous
desires grow in cube
and mental peace deminishes by cube root
as one amasses more one fears of losing more

this is where I see a flaw
attaching all definitions to material amassed by one
but then they say such is life
and people live by without questioning the state of their plight

I wonder what world we are creating
but inventing more and more virtual things

I am still in search of meaning to life
and this is what till date i have realized.....

Thoughts on current life

2011-07-04T01:11:00.003+05:30

Being offered an ocean
When in need of a glass of water

How is one to decide?
when thousands chase one to buy

Allure of things not required is high
most are in the ditch that's why

Losing sanity is easy these days
When advertising does emoting of products we really dont need

Sense of achievement is in gratifying more and more
Craziness driving everywhere with few people left sane

When will one realize true self?
When most go by what the salesman says doing the pitch

Life is hard to understand these days
Grandeur of what you are projecting to world is high
True self is looked down upon
and faking makes the word go round

The Fall of Human Intellect

2011-06-28T17:01:00.014+05:30

Finally, after a long break managed to finish reading one book :). The book is such though that i will need 2-3 readings to understand fully.
A Parthasarthy has spent his lifetime understanding Vedas and other ancient scriptures and have good deal of things to reflect upon in this book.
He reflects on developing the Intellect which relates to ability to think and contemplate which has been gradually minimized by majority in world. Starting with the basics of human body and mind and then dwelling into the understanding of the Thinking process is very well explained. The good part is that many things are there to reflect upon and improve with practical life including work and family life. Reading will definitely prompt one to think over and reflect upon the life we live today .

Bangalore weather is Amazing !

2011-06-04T18:31:00.001+05:30

long break from blogging....

2011-05-06T11:09:00.000+05:30

Long time since I have written down.....Facebook has taken over other interests for now i believe.

pondicherry again....

2010-11-27T01:28:00.000+05:30

houses along ECR and in pondicherry

salt and pepper..

2010-11-24T01:26:00.001+05:30

Non Skinny Chef's restaurant - Sparky's

2010-11-22T01:23:00.000+05:30

the dish had coca cola as on of the ingridients... did not disappoint :)

@bowling center

2010-11-21T01:20:00.005+05:30

rainy season again....

2010-11-20T11:15:00.005+05:30

Spotted !!

2010-11-06T16:38:00.001+05:30

Diwali !! Festival of Lights

2010-11-05T23:10:00.001+05:30

Iranian Cafe !

2010-10-31T23:03:00.001+05:30

on first Karwa Chauth

2010-10-26T22:57:00.001+05:30

short visit in Mumbai..

2010-10-24T12:43:00.001+05:30

Taj Hotel

Gateway of India !!

new Sea Bridge..

Mumbai Airport..

sunlight effect.... in kitchen

2010-10-17T11:10:00.001+05:30

Navratri.... south style

2010-10-16T21:06:00.003+05:30

deitys are placed on all steps and worshipped for 9 days...here it is only 3...people do upto 9 steps.

Benefits of CWG

2010-10-14T21:27:00.001+05:30

In spite of all drama and action pre event....(all thanks to the organizing committee) CWG 2010 in Delhi has helped brought other sports to limelight in India. It is rare to see Media (in all forms) covering games other than cricket in the first sports page... but surprisingly thats been the case for majority of Oct 3-14 papers of leading dailies at least in Chennai :). I am sure lot more sports enthusiast will be there post this event in sports other than cricket...especially boxing , archery, table tennis, badminton... along with Hockey and Tennis. Kudos to the sports spirit shown by the players in all events and the getting reward for their hard work :).

Ranganathan street in T nagar

2010-10-10T17:40:00.005+05:30

people everywhere.... this is market for common man... more like Janpath in Delhi..

one name is common across all chennai whether it be a shop or a restuarant or something else.... SARAVANA...

near T nagar market

along sterling road area

2010-10-09T17:21:00.001+05:30

common across Chennai houses...a place to keep deity at house entrance...this was a company building

Lord Ganesha...

Bunglows of one of officers of Southern Railways...

Awesome song !!

2010-10-04T01:14:00.002+05:30

“Tere ishq mein
Haaye tere ishq mein
Tere ishq mein... haaye tere ishq mein..
Raakh se rookhi
Koyele se kaali
Raat kate na
Hijraan waali
Tere ishq mein...haaye tere ishq mein..
Raakh se rookhi
Koyele se kaali
Raat kate na..
Hijraan waali...
Tere ishq mein..haaye haaye...
Tere ishq mein..tere ishq mein...tere ishq mein..tere ishq mein..
Teri justjoo.. karte rahe
Marte rahe..
Tere ishq mein..
Tere roobaroo.. baithe huey...
Marte rahe...
Tere ishq mein...
Tere roobaroo...tere justjoo
Tere ishq mein..haaye..tere ishq mein..
Baadal dhuney...mausam buney
Sadiyaan gini...lamhe chuney...
Lamhe chuney...mausam buney..
Kuchh garm the..kuchh gunguney
Tere ishq mein...baadal dhuney..mausam buney...tere ishq mein..
Tere ishq mein...haaye haaye...
Tere ishq mein...tere ishq mein...tere ishq mein...tere ishq mein...
Tere ishq mein...tannhaaiyyaan...tannhaaiyyaan...tere ishq mein
Humnein bahot...behlaaiyyaan...tannhaaiyyaan...tere ishq mein..
Roosey kabhi..manvaiyaan...
Tanhaiyyaan..tere ishq mein
Mujhe toh kar..koi din gaya
Mujhe chhed kar...koi shab gayi
Meine rakh li ...saari...aahatein
Kab aayi thi...shab kab gayi..
Tere ishq mein..kab din gaya...shab kab gayi..tere ishq mein..
Tere ishq mein...haaye ....haaye haaye...
Tere ishq mein..tere ishq mein..tere ishq mein...tere ishq mein...
Raakh se rookhi..
Koyele se kaali
Raat kate na..
Hijraan waali..
Dil sufi yeh thaa......
Hum chal diye...jahaan le chalaa...tere ishq mein..
Hum chal diye...
Tere ishq mein......haaaye...tere ishq mein..”

Chit Chat!

2010-10-03T03:02:00.000+05:30

from left Shilpa, Imran and Payal

....one of the few places in chennai which is open till 1.30 AM

Brazil Brazil ! show

2010-10-02T22:43:00.001+05:30

http://www.indianstage.in/events/brazil_brazil_the_show.html

awesome music !!

valluvar kottam... exhibition

2010-09-20T21:38:00.001+05:30

Devi Cinemas near Spencer Plaza

2010-09-19T23:31:00.006+05:30

first visit to the place...had an impression that it will be a small but turned out to be quite big... huge rush

...captured on Chennai- Bangalore route

2010-09-10T12:11:00.002+05:30

Prez reception

2010-09-09T12:07:00.001+05:30

Gandhi Mandapam and anna university @ Guindy

2010-09-04T21:16:00.000+05:30

Anna University

night view of Gandhi Mandapam

@home

2010-08-28T15:16:00.001+05:30

Rakhi

2010-08-24T15:11:00.000+05:30

@marina- freedom

2010-08-15T23:18:00.001+05:30

along ECR road

2010-08-01T22:55:00.001+05:30

@ Vandaloor zoo

2010-07-24T19:18:00.000+05:30

Menu card @ ID...

2010-07-18T12:41:00.002+05:30

Broken Images play starring Shabana Azmi...

2010-07-17T20:44:00.001+05:30

Getting soaked up again deliberately ! after 3+ yrs

2010-06-26T23:52:00.002+05:30

in March 2007 i went out with Balu at ard 1 am to get soaked up in the rain..... Balu wanted to go and I tugged along. We were roaming out getting all wet for about 20-30 minutes. After we returned I was down with cold the very next day but nothing happened to Balu. Though i ended up being sick , it was really wonderful to walk in the heavy rain then.

Now after 3+ years I did that again ...though for a shorter time of ard 10-15 minutes. Strangely it has been raining cats and dogs in Chennai and I took advantage today. went out on terrace of the apartments and nicely soaked in the heavy rain... it really felt amazing with getting wet and cool breeze passing...

( 2007 in Singapore with Balu)

inside view

2010-05-29T22:50:00.001+05:30

@ T Nagar

2010-05-22T21:23:00.000+05:30

Torch and Shadows

2010-05-18T00:31:00.000+05:30

24 X 7 Marriage

2010-05-17T01:11:00.010+05:30

Quite interesting read and very much relevant for India's newly married couples and those soon going to be married. The writer has spent around 25 years consulting people on advice for happy married life. I could relate very well on few shortcomings and circumstances of my own. The author gives useful advice on how to build on to the marriage and make it successful. One thing is for sure...there is no magic jingle.... you have to work towards marriage all times. From individual suddenly the life is changed to couple ....it is an intersting and colorful journey !!

along Porur road @ DLF IT park

2010-05-15T17:03:00.001+05:30

Give me the sunrise (Great song !)

2010-05-14T15:56:00.000+05:30

near Guindy

2010-05-08T16:08:00.001+05:30

Art of balancing

TED Talk: amazing and insightful talks

2010-05-07T00:00:00.002+05:30

Amit Gupta- India's hidden hotbeds of invention

Anupam Mishra-The ancient ingenuity of water harvesting

Amethyst @ Gopalapuram pics

2010-05-02T20:34:00.005+05:30

Snake Park

2010-05-02T01:07:00.001+05:30

Long lasting....

2010-05-01T11:17:00.002+05:30

By looking at the pictures it is hard to believe that this toothbrush has been used extensively day and night for past 6 months. I wonder how ?? but I am witness to the same to believe what I see. I can't maintain this original form of brush even 6 days into using it :P.
Today is it's last day of usage for brushing teeth.......it is being disbanded as its owner feels its time for a change (...likely she got bored). I tried to convince not to change but all effort in vain ....anyways

Thought

2010-04-30T08:12:00.001+05:30

What if there is a computerized terminal analyzing whats happening around the world in different countries and collects information as to how different problems are being resolved in different regions. Then based on observations in a particular region proposing the solutions which have been effective in other regions/country/city/district. All this being Proactive than being retrospective.

It is similar to idea we usually apply in corporates right?? see across different engagements/divisions how things are being done and problems being tackled and then transfer the best practices across so that we leverage on our learnings.....

Just a thought !!