एक रुपया लाख रुपयों के बराबर नहीं होता।

जिन के पास लाखों होते हैं उनकी नज़रों में एक की कोई कीमत नहीं होती। 

चाहे वो लाखों रुपये हों या लाखों अनुयायी। 

वो जानते हैं कि एक रुपया - लाख रुपयों के बराबर नहीं होता। इसलिए उन्हें एक रुपये की क़दर नहीं होती। 

अगर उनके हाथ से एक-आध रुपया गिर भी जाए तो उन्हें उसकी परवाह नहीं होती। 

लेकिन वो ये भूल जाते हैं कि अगर लाख में से एक भी निकल जाए तो लाख भी लाख नहीं रहता।  

आप शायद लाख होंगे और और कोई दूसरा आप की निगाह में एक रुपये  के बराबर होगा। 

लेकिन ध्यान रखिये - उस एक को छोड़ देने से - अपने जीवन में से निकाल देने के बाद आप भी लाख नहीं रह पाएंगे। 

इसलिए हर इंसान की - और उसके विचारों की क़दर करें। 

हर इंसान में कोई न कोई गुण होता है। हर इंसान का अपना मूल्य होता है। 

केवल विचारों में मतभेद होने के कारण उनका तिरस्कार करके उन्हें दूर न करें - न ही उन्हें दूर होने दें। 

जैसे कहा है कि :

            तिनका कबहुं न निंदिये - पाँव तले जो होय 

            कबहुँ उड़ि आंखन पड़े तो पीर घनेरी होय 

पाँव के नीचे पड़ा हुआ तिनका हमें तुच्छ दिखाई देता है 

लेकिन अगर कहीं वो उड़ कर हमारी आँख में पड़ जाए - तब हमें उसकी ताक़त का एहसास होता है -

कि वो छोटा सा तिनका भी कितना कष्टदायक हो सकता है। 

इसलिए किसी भी कारण से कभी भी किसी का तिरस्कार न करें। 

कभी किसी की उपेक्षा अथवा अनादर न करें।  किसी का मज़ाक न बनाएं। 

अगर किसी को सम्मान न दे सकें तो कम से कम उनका अपमान तो न करें।

                                  " राजन सचदेव "

मन की अमीरी

मेरे घर के सामने गली में एक मोची  बैठता है जो आने जाने वालों के जूते मुरम्मत करता और पालिश करता है ।

मैं अक़्सर देखता हूं कि रोज़ एक कुत्ता उसके पास आकर बैठ जाता है, और वह उसे कभी बिस्कुट खिलाता है और कभी दूध पिलाता है।

फिर वो आदमी अपने काम में व्यस्त हो जाता है और कुत्ता वहीं बैठ कर उसे काम करते हुए देखता रहता है - जैसे कि उसे साथ दे रहा हो।

लगता है कि उनके बीच एक अजीब सा संबंध है - ऐसा लगता है जैसे वो  बिना एक शब्द भी बोले आपस में बातचीत कर रहे हैं।

वह हर रोज़ पक्षियों के लिए भोजन भी लाता है, जिसे वह फुटपाथ पर थोड़ी थोड़ी दूरी पर रख देता है। 

कई बार लोग रुक कर उससे दिशा-निर्देश मांगते हैं - सही रास्ते की पूछताछ करते हैं।  भले ही  वो लोग उस से कोई काम न भी करवाएं तो भी वह हमेशा मुस्कुराते हुए उनका मार्गदर्शन करता है। दिखाई देती है 

यदि वह किसी बेघर व्यक्ति को पास से गुजरते हुए देखता है, तो वह उन्हें पानी और भोजन प्रदान करता है - वो भोजन जो वह अपने लिए लाता है। 

वह उनसे बातचीत भी करता है। उस ग़रीब बेघर व्यक्ति को जो ख़ुशी और शान्ति मिलती है, वो उसके चेहरे से साफ़ दिखाई देती है। 

आज सुबह, मैंने उससे बात करने का फैसला किया और उसके पास चला गया। 

उस ने मुस्कुराते हुए मेरा अभिवादन किया।

उस ने कहा कि उस का नाम दया राम है (उसका नाम भी उसके दयालु और उदार स्वभाव के लिए काफी उपयुक्त लगता है )

उसने मुझसे पूछा " चाय पीओगे ?

मैं चौंक गया और आश्चर्य से सोचने लगा।

यहाँ एक आदमी है - जो  इतना संघर्ष कर के भी दिन भर में मुश्किल से 100 या 150  रुपये कमाता होगा - और उसमें से भी वह 15 - 20 रुपये कुत्ते और पक्षियों के लिए भोजन पर खर्च कर देता  होगा।

और अब, दो कप चाय के लिए भी 20 रुपये खर्च हो जाएंगे ।

लेकिन फिर भी मैंने कहा, ठीक है - चलो चाय पीते हैं।"

वो धीरे से मुस्कुराया - उसकी मुस्कराहट में उसके अन्तःकरण की अमीरी साफ़ झलक रही थी। 

बात जारी रखते हुए मैंने कहा कि मैं कुछ दिनों से उसे और उसकी कार्य-प्रणाली को  देख रहा हूं - और मैं उससे बहुत ही प्रभावित हूं।

फिर मैंने उससे उस कुत्ते के बारे में पूछा।

उस ने कहा, "हाँ ! वह भी हम में से ही एक है - हमारे जैसी ही ईश्वर की रचना है "।

 (मुझे लगा कि अद्वैत विचारधारा का इस से बढ़ कर सुंदर एवं प्रैक्टिकल उदाहरण क्या होगा !)

जब मैंने उस की उदारता के लिए उस की प्रशंसा की, तो उस ने कहा: 

"मैं कुछ भी नहीं कर रहा हूं ... यह तो स्वयं ईश्वर ही है जो मेरे माध्यम से ऐसा कर रहा है। यह कहना गलत होगा कि 'मैं' कुछ कर रहा हूं!"

मैंने हाथ जोड़कर उन्हें प्रणाम किया - और उनसे कुछ पैसे भेंट रुप में स्वीकार करने का अनुरोध करते हुए कहा, "यह पैसे आपको मैं नहीं दे रहा हूँ । यह वही ईश्वर ही है जो इसे मेरे माध्यम से आपको भेज रहा है।"

उसने हँसते हुए मेरी भेंट स्वीकार की। 

जैसे ही मैं चलने के लिए उठा तो  उसने कहा:

"मांगो उसी से - बांटो ख़ुशी से - पर कहो न किसी से "

( अर्थात केवल ईश्वर से ही मांगो, लेकिन फिर - उसे जमा मत करो - इसे दूसरों के साथ खुशी और कृतज्ञता के साथ साझा भी करो । लेकिन  चुपचाप - बिना शोर किए - बिना प्रचारित किए )

वैसे तो वह मोची जूतों की मरम्मत करके उन्हें सुधारता है - उन्हें पॉलिश करके चमकाता है - लेकिन आज उसने मेरे मन और आत्मा का सुधार करके उसे चमका  दिया। 

A Cobbler who Mended my Spirit

There is a Cobbler - who sits across the street in front of my home. 

Every day, I see that a stray dog comes and sits with him as soon as he arrives at the place, and he feeds him biscuits and sometimes milk. 

The man gets busy with his work while the dog sits there and gives him company. 

One can feel an unknown connection between them - they seem to have a conversation without a word being spoken. 

He also brings food for birds, which he keeps at different places on the street pavement where he sits for his work. 

Many people stop by and ask him for directions. He always guides them with a smile. Even if he doesn't get any business from them. 

If he sees a homeless person passing by, he offers them water and food - that he has brought for himself. He engages in conversations with them too. One can see and feel the peace that his conversations bring to them.

This morning, I decided to meet him - and talk to him.

He greeted me with a smile. 

He said his name was Dayaram (quite befitting to his kind and generous nature). 

He asked me if I would like to have some tea?

I was surprised and started to wonder.

Here is a man - who must be struggling to make Rs.100 a day, out of which he might be spending 15 to 20 Rupees on the food he brings for the dog and the birds. 

And now, two cups of tea would cost him another 20 rupees. 

But nevertheless, I said, "Sure, let's have some tea." 

He, being rich in his own way, smiles radiantly. I smiled back at him. His calm, effortless, and peaceful nature seems to be contagious. 

We continued talking. 

I told him that I have been observing him, what he does, and that I am humbled and fascinated by it. 

I asked him about the dog. 

He said, "Oh!  he's just one of us - God's Creation". 

(Talk about non-duality! )

When I praised him for his generosity, he said: "I am not serving or doing anything ... it is He who is making it happen through me. 

It would be wrong to say that 'I' am doing it!" 

I folded my hands and bowed to him - and requested him to accept some money, saying, "it is not I who is giving you this money. It is He who is sending it to you through me."

He laughed and obliged me by accepting it.

As I was about to leave, he said: 

"Maango Sirf Usi say - Baanto khushi say - par Kaho na kisi say" 

                           माँगो उसी से, बाँटो ख़ुशी से, पर कहो ना किसी से 

(Ask only from Him, but then - don't just accumulate it - share it with others with happiness and gratitude. 

And do it silently! Without publicizing it)

The cobbler who seemingly mends shoes - mended my spirit today.

                                                     (From the net)

Gairon say kahaa tum nay - कुछ हम से कहा होता

ग़ैरों से कहा तुम ने  - ग़ैरों से सुना तुम ने 

कुछ हम से कहा होता कुछ हम से सुना होता 

Gairon say kahaa tum nay - Gairon say sunaa tum nay

Kuchh hum say kahaa hota - kuchh hum say sunaa hota 

                         ~~~~~~~~~~~~

You spoke to others - and heard from others (and believed)

(I wish) You had talked to me and heard from me directly.

We can not force people

We can not force someone to hear a message they are not ready to receive. 

Whether it's friends, colleagues, or children - no one likes to be forced into believing or doing something they don't want to - or do not find valuable and beneficial. 

In fact, when we try to impose our thoughts forcefully, people become rebellious. 

They might even want to do the opposite of what we ask them to do.

Everyone wants to do what they find interesting - what they think is beneficial for them. 

If we - the parents, teachers, or leaders think something is good for our children, students, or followers - then we should try to find the proper ways to convince them. We must create appropriate circumstances and environments for them to enjoy and learn new things and see the benefits directly. 

If we force them, children or people may follow our directions to some extent and for some time. But, eventually, they would stop following the directions and leave. 

Therefore, the responsibility lies on the shoulders of parents, teachers, and leaders of society to pass on their wisdom and lifelong experiences gently and appropriately - with valid logic and selfless actions. 

Remember - we can only plant the seeds in young minds. 

They have to water it with their own understanding and wisdom, and personal experiences to make it grow and reap the benefits. 

As the famous poet Poorn Prakash Saaqi once said:

       "Teri mehfil me deewanay chalay aatay hain

         Sab apnay aur begaany chalay aatay hain

         Koyi kehtaa nahin insay ki challay aayiyega 'Saaqi'

        Jab shamaa ho raushan to parwaanay chalay aatay hain"

No one sends invitations to moths and insects - no one forces them to come

But when the candle is lit - invariably, the moths come and start dancing and embracing the flame. 

So, let's mend our ways. 

Instead of forcing them, we should try to make it worthwhile for them to come and join us.

                              " Rajan Sachdeva " 

कभी एक पल भी किस्सा बन जाता है Sometimes a single moment becomes a tale

कभी एक पल भी एक ख़ूबसूरत किस्सा बन जाता है 

जाने कब कौन कोई जिंदगी का हिस्सा बन जाता है 

राह में  मिल जाते हैं कभी कुछ ऐसे लोग कि जिनसे 

कभी न  टूटने वाला इक रिश्ता सा बन जाता है

Kabhi ek pal bhee ek khoobsoorat kissa ban jaata hai 

Jaanay kab kaun koyi zindgee kaa hissaa ban jaata hai 

Raah mein mil jaatay hain kabhi kuchh aisay log ki jin say 

Kabhi na tootnay vaalaa ik rishta saa ban jaata hai

                          ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sometimes even a single moment becomes a beautiful tale

We never know when, where and how someone will  become a part of our life

Sometimes during the journey, we meet certain people -

with whom we develop an unbreakable relationship -

 that will continue for the rest of our life. 

During my visit to India for the last five weeks, I got the privilege to meet so many great people who have left great impressions on my mind. The love and respect they gave me and the excellent hospitality they offered - will always be remembered and cherished in my heart. 

May Almighty Nirankar bless them all - 

And may this mutual love and respect continue to grow for the rest of our lives. 

                                               " Rajan Sachdeva " 

इन्सान की चाहत Insaan ki chaahat (Man desires to have...)

इन्सान की चाहत है कि उड़ने को पर मिलें    

परिंदे ये चाहें  कि रहने को घर मिलें 

                              'अज्ञात '

Insaan kee chaahat hai ki udnay ko par milen 

Parinday ya chaahen ki rehnay ko ghar milen 

                               (unknown)

Man desires to have wings to fly like birds

Birds want to have a home to live in and rest

In other words, everyone wants what others have. 

खामोशी छुपा लेती है Silence hides everything

खामोशी छुपा लेती है ऐब और हुनर दोनों 

शख़्सियत का अन्दाज़ा गुफ़्तगू से होता है

Khaamoshi chhupa leti hai aib aur hunar donon 

Shakhsiyat ka andaazaa guftgoo say hota hai

       ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Silence hides vice and virtue - both.

The true nature and wisdom of a person can only be judged through conversation - 

by talking and exchanging dialogues with them.

Three Choices for a Happy Life

Change the changeable
Accept the unchangeable

And 
Remove yourself from the unacceptable

If you think you have the capacity and strength to change the circumstances 

then put your genuine and sincere efforts - gently - not with arrogance, but politely. 

However, if certain things and circumstances are unacceptable and unchangeable, then it's better to remove ourselves - quietly and calmly - without losing our own peace of mind.

                    ' Rajan Sachdeva '

Happy Teacher's Day

From the first day of school to the end of our academic education - we all learn from many different teachers.

However, there are a few who cling to our memory for the rest of our life.
Because they take personal interest and responsibility in our progress.

The teacher is a candle that burns itself and gives light to others.

Teachers help build the characteristics of an individual, a society, and a nation.
They take the hands of the students, opens their minds, and touches their hearts.
Such heartful teachers become role models for the students.

The great Gurus - the good teachers don't simply teach -
They plant the seeds of knowledge in the minds of their disciples and students that last a lifetime.
They guide and support us personally at every step to understand - to apprehend the subject thoroughly and inspire us to improve and rise to such heights where the sky is the limit.

Find a great teacher - a Guru - who will help you personally - by guiding you at each step of your life on a personal level - answering all your questions and removing any doubts that you might have.
A Proficient and experienced teacher will never tell you to stop asking questions - to stay quiet or be withdrawn and believe every word without any doubt whatsoever.
Good teachers will always encourage you to ask questions until you are fully satisfied.
Because the teachers who are indeed wise, do not advise you to enter the house of their wisdom. They lead you to the threshold of your own mind.

Great Gurus and Good teachers encourage their students to become as knowledgeable as them or even better than them.
Real Gurus or Good teachers never become jealous of their students.
In fact, they feel proud of their students if they rise and become even better than the teachers.

There is a beautiful prayer in Yajur Veda - also found in Taittarey, Mandukya, and Shvetashvatara Upanishads - which explains the beautiful relationship between the Guru and the Shishya - the teacher and the disciple.
It says: 
         ॐ सह नाववतु - सह नौ भुनक्तु - सह वीर्यं करवावहै
               तेजस्विनावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै
                ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः
               Om Seh Nau-Avatu Seh Nau Bhunaktu
               Seh Veeryam Karavaavahai
Tejasvi Naav-Adhiitam-Astu Maa Vidvishaavahai

Meaning:May the Brahman (Almighty Lord) protect us both (Teacher & Disciple);
May He nourish us both;
May we both work in harmony with great vigor;
May our study be illuminating and fruitful;
May we - Guru and Shishya - the teacher and disciple - never be jealous of each other.

An awe-inspiring teacher is hard to find, difficult to part with, and impossible to forget.
I was fortunate to have a few such great teachers in my life - who not only helped me in my professional carrier as a teacher - but helped me in every sphere of my life - to broaden my horizons - to remove the walls of narrowmindedness - to get out of the limited confined space and become open and broad-minded and think universally.

My salutations and attributes to all my such teachers - my Gurus, who helped me personally to reach where I am - to be what I am today.
I am especially indebted to Bhapa Ram Chand Ji Kapurthala and Sant Amar Singh Ji Patiala - along with a few others, for awakening and reviving my spiritual interests. They personally helped, encouraged, supported, and guided me to walk on the path of my Spiritual journey - step by step - on each step, as well as to admire the good qualities in everyone - even in the rivals and opponents.
And in my professional field - I am so grateful to Professor D S Narula, (Punjab), Pandit Vacahaspati ji (Jammu-Kashmir) - and Aaftaab-e-Sitar Ustad Vilayat Khan Sahib who taught me the universal and spiritual side of Sangeet (music).
At the same time, I will always be indebted to my parents - especially my mother and grandmother.

Being a teacher is the highest privilege - and having a great teacher is the best blessing.
In fact, if there were no teachers, all other professions would not even exist.
                                            ' Rajan Sachdeva '