Chalo Buraa Hi Sahi

Chalo - buraa hi sahi - tum say magar achhaa hai 
Tumhari tang-dil galiyon say yaar ka dar achhaa hai 

Lagaa do tohamatain laakhon - giraa do laakh bijliyaan
Hai saath mere Rub - to mera shaamo-sehar achhaa hai

Na rukanaa musaafir tu naa aaye jab talak manzil
Sakootay maut say to zindagi ka safar achhaa hai    

Thehar jaaogay maazi may to kuchh bhi kar na paaogay 
Jo saamnay ho vo bhi rakhnaa madde-nazar achhaa hai 

Saqoon na maazi may mil paayega na khwaabgaahon may
Saqoon kay vaastay sabr-o-sidaq ka shehar achhaa hai 

Mainay kab panaah lee thi kisi jismay-faani ki 
Main jaantaa tha Be-deevaar-o-dar ka ghar achhaa hai 

Paak saaf hon sabhi - kahaan milega vo jahaan ?
Khud ko paak kar lengen to yehi nagar achhaa hai 

Kisi ki baaton me aakar na apnaa chain kho dena 
Toofaan me bhi jo qaayam rahay vo shajar achhaa hai 

Kisi ko kya vo badalega jo khud ko na badal paaye
Khud ko hi sanwaar lay jo vo hi bashar achhaa hai 

Jo phool ban kay na mehkaa sake duniya kay chaman ko
To ban kay khaar na uljhay kisi say agar, achhaa hai 

Naa dekho kisi ghareeb ki jaanib hiqaarat say
Kisi kay dukh me bhar aaye vo deeda-e-tar achhaa hai  

Vafaa hai - to vafaadaari bhi to laazim hai 'Rajan'
Na hokay bad-gumaan uth jaaye jo - vo sar achhaa hai  
                            
                                     By: 'Rajan Sachdeva'
                                             (July 30, 2017)

Tohamatain         =           Accusations, Allegations 
Shaamo-sehar      =          Evenings (nights ) Mornings 
Sakootay maut    =            Stillness of death 
Maazi                   =             Past
Madde-nazar      =            In view or in mind - to pay attention
Saqoon                 =           Happiness, pleasure, contentment, satisfaction etc.
Khwaabgaah      =            Dreamland, Fairyland, false-hopes
Sabr-o-sidaq     =             Patience & Contentment
Jismay-faani    =              Mortal body
Be-deevaar-o-dar  =       Without walls & doors
Paak saaf            =           Spotless & Pure (heart)
Shajar                  =        Tree
Bashar                   =       Person
Chaman                 =     Garden
Khaar              =            Thorns
Jaanib            =            Towards
Hiqaarat         =          Hatred, Disgust, Repugnance, Antipathy, dislike etc.
Deeda-e-tar      =        Wet or Tearful eyes - eyes full of sympathy, compassion, empathy   
Wafaa                 =       Love
Wafaadaari       =      Loyalty,  Allegiance, Adherence, commitment
Laazim           =         Necessary, Essential, Required

Bad-gumaan     =       Erroneous, Misguided, mistaken, flawed

चलो बुरा ही सही

चलो  - बुरा ही सही  -  तुम से मगर अच्छा है 
तुम्हारी तंग दिल गलियों से यार का दर अच्छा है

लगा दो तोहमतें लाखों, गिरा दो लाख बिजलियाँ 
है साथ मेरे रब - तो मेरा शामो -सहर अच्छा है

न रुकना मुसाफ़िर तू - न आये जब तलक मंज़िल 
सकूते मौत से तो ज़िंदगी का सफ़र अच्छा है 

ठहर जाओगे माज़ी में तो कुछ भी कर न पाओगे 
जो सामने हो - वो भी रखना मद्देनज़र अच्छा है 

सकूँ न माज़ी में मिल पाएगा न ख़्वाबगाहों में 
सकूँ के वास्ते सबरो सिदक़ का शहर अच्छा है 

मैंने कब पनाह ली थी किसी जिस्मे फ़ानी की 
मैं जानता था बे दीवारो-दर का घर अच्छा है 

पाक साफ़ हों सभी - कहाँ मिलेगा वो जहाँ 
ख़ुद को पाक कर लेंगे तो ये ही नगर अच्छा है 

किसी की बातों में आकर न अपना चैन खो देना
 तूफ़ाँ में भी जो क़ायम रहे वो शजर अच्छा है 

किसी को क्या वो बदलेगा जो ख़ुद को न बदल पाए  
ख़ुद को ही सँवार ले जो - वो ही बशर अच्छा है 

फूल बनके न महका सकें दुनिया के चमन को
तो बन के ख़ार न उलझें किसी से अगर, अच्छा है 

ना  देखो  किसी ग़रीब की जानिब हिक़ारत से 
किसी के दुःख में भर आए वो दीदा ऐ तर अच्छा है 

वफ़ा है - तो वफ़ादारी भी तो लाज़िम है ' राजन '
न हो के बदगुमां उठ जाए जो - वो सर अच्छा है 

                       'राजन सचदेव ' 
                            (30 जुलाई  2017 )



तोहमतें           =         इल्ज़ाम    Accusations, Allegations 
शामो -सहर    =          रात -दिन      Evenings (nights ) Mornings 
सकूते मौत      =         Stillness of death 
माज़ी              =         Past
मद्देनज़र         =         In view or in mind - to pay attention
सकूँ               =         चैन    Happiness, pleasure, contentment, satisfaction etc.
ख़्वाबगाह       =        सपनों का नगर   Dreamland, Fairyland, false-hopes
सबरो सिदक़  =         Patience & Contentment
जिस्मे फ़ानी    =         नष्वर शरीर  Mortal body
बे दीवारो-दर  =        Without walls & doors
पाक साफ़     =         पवित्र  Spotless & Pure (heart)
 शजर            =         Tree
बशर            =          Person
चमन            =         Garden
ख़ार            =          काँटे   Thorns
जानिब        =         तरफ़ Towards
हिक़ारत     =         अपमान, तिरस्कार  Hatred, Disgust, Repugnance, Antipathy, dislike etc.
दीदा ऐ तर  =        Wet or Tearful eyes - eyes full of sympathy, compassion, empathy  
वफ़ा           =      प्रेम Love
वफ़ादारी    =      Loyalty,  Allegiance, Adherence, commitment
लाज़िम      =       Necessary, Essential, Required
बदगुमां     =       Erroneous, Misguided, mistaken, flawed

मांगी थी इक कली Maangi Thi ik Kali

मांगी थी इक कली - तुम ने  हार दे दिया
चाही थी एक धुन - तुम ने सितार दे दिया
झोली तो मेरी थी बहुत छोटी सी मगर 
हंस के तुमने सारा ही संसार दे दिया 

Maangi thi ik kali - Tum nay haar de diya 
Chaahi thi aik dhun - tum nay Sitar de diya 
Jholi to meri thi bahut chhoti see, magar 
Hans kay tumnay saara hi sansaar de diya 

अपने मरक़ज़ से अगर दूर निकल जाओगे Apne Markaz Se Agar door Nikal Jaaogay

अपने मरक़ज़ से अगर दूर निकल जाओगे
ख़्वाब हो जाओगे - अफ़सानों में ढ़ल जाओगे

दे रहे हैं तुम्हें जो लोग रफ़क़त का फ़रेब
उन की तारीख़ पढ़ोगे तो दहल जाओगे

सुबह सादिक़ है मुझे मतलूब - किस से माँगूँ ?
तुम तो भोले हो - चिराग़ों से बहल जाओगे
                                                        (इक़बाल अज़ीम)

Apne Markaz Say Agar door Nikal Jaaogay
Khwaab Ho Jaogay, Afsaano Mein Dhal Jaaogay

De Rahe Hain Tumhain jo Log Rafaqat Ka Faraib
Un Ki Tareekh Parhogay To Dehal Jaaogay

Subah Sadiq Mujhe Matloob Hai Kis Say Mangon
Tum To Bholay Ho, Chiraghon Say Behal Jaaogay
                                     By: Iqbal Azeem


Marqaz = Center
Afsaano me = in the stories
Rafaqat = Friendship , Well-wisher
Faraib = To Misguide, Mislead
Tareekh = History
Dehal jaaogay = You will be shocked, stunned
Subaha Saadiq = True Morning , true light (sun)

Matloob = desired , wanted, required
Bholay = innocent, naïve
Chiraag = Candle
Behal jaogay = will become satisfied


اپنے مرکز سے اگر دور نکل جاوگے

خواب ہو جاؤگے, افسانو میں ڈھال جاوگے

دے رہے ہیں تمہیں جو لوگ رفاقت کا فریب 

ان کی تاریخ پڑھوگے تو دھل جاوگ

صوبہ سدک مجھے مطلوب ہے کس سے مانگوں
تم تو بھولے ہو, چراغوں سے بحال جاوگے

Sumiran / Meditation

Sumiran does not mean a mere repetition of some memorized words, a phrase or a Mantra given to us.
Sumiran means to unify our-Self with Almighty Nirankar; the universal consciousness.
There are two ways to do the Sumiran: with eyes open and with eyes closed. 
We can do the Sumiran with our eyes open whenever we want – at any time or in any situation. For example, while brushing teeth, exercising at the gym, driving to and from work, or waiting in line at the bank or while stuck in a traffic jam etc. 
However, ‘awareness’ - keeping the mind focused - is an important factor of Sumiran or Dhyana. Simply repeating a Mantra, while the mind is wandering somewhere else, is not really ‘Sumiran’. 

As the Gurubani says:

             प्रभु की उस्तति करहु संत मीत 

             सावधान - एकाग्र चीत 
        Prabhu ki ustati karahu sant meet
        Saavdhaan ekaagra cheet”
                                            
“Sing the praise of Lord, Oh my dear saints, friends
With total concentration and focused Chitta (mind)”  
                                                                      SGGS Page # 295
And 

           यथा दीपो निवातस्थो नेङ्गते सोपमा स्मृता 
           योगिनो यतचित्तस्य युञ्जतो योगमात्मनः    (भगवद गीता 6:19)

“Yathaa Deepo Nivaastastho Naingate Sopmaasmrita
 Yogino Yattchittasya Yunjato Yogamaatmnah ||
                                              
“Just like a lamp in a covered sheltered place does not flicker,
Similar is the simile of a yogi practicing yoga with undisturbed controlled mind.”
                                                                       ||Bhagvad Gita 6:19 ||

Therefore, keeping the eyes closed while sitting still might be the most ideal and preferred way to unify with Nirankar, as there is no visual distraction. It takes you deep into the experience of your consciousness, as well as into the great void, the Nirakaar Brahm - the supreme source of energy.

                                          'Rajan Sachdeva'

एक ज़िद्दी परिंदा Ek Ziddi Parindaa

इन्सान   ख़्वाहिशों से बंधा हुआ इक ज़िद्दी परिंदा है 
उम्मीदों से ही घायल है और उम्मीदों पर ही ज़िंदा है
                             
Insaan khvahishon se bandhaa huaa ik ziddi parindaa hai 
Ummeedon se hi ghaayal hai aur ummeedon par hi zindaa hai 

'Writer: Unknown'

Perceptions and Interpretations

In the course of our life, we engage in countless activities, and receive many sensations from whatever we see or hear. However, what we actually feel or experience, depends on our own perception and interpretation. Every object and incidence can be perceived differently by different people – or by the same people - at different times, in different circumstances. 

The problem of misperception usually comes from our tendency to isolate particular aspects of an event and view them as ‘whole’. That implies a narrowing of perspective and creates a false perception. 

Same is true with people as well. We look at a person’s life from one aspect – from one particular angle and create certain image in our mind – good or bad – based on our own perception. Quite often, we even try to convince others what we believe – to paint the same picture in other people’s minds that we have created in our mind. Since our belief is based upon our personal judgment and experience, it can be justified too.

However, a narrow perspective – judging someone from one single angle – creates false perceptions and unrealistic expectations. 

But when we consider the reality itself – by looking at all other aspects of any particular event or an individual’s life, we may understand its infinite complexity. 

Then only we may realize that quite often we have an inadequate perception of everything and everyone around us.

                             'Rajan Sachdeva'

Little Humor

In an investment seminar a man saw a beautiful lady and falls in love instantly. 
He proposes her. But being a financial planning expert she asks about his background.
He said - "well, I am an ordinary man today - But ......
in few months, after my ailing father dies, I will inherit 300 million dollars"
The lady was deeply impressed - and they exchanged their business cards.
And within a month ........
the lady walks into his house as his step mother.

Moral: 
Investment is subjected to market risks...
Don't sell your dream to others before it becomes reality.

                  

मौत का फ़रिश्ता Maut Ka Farishtaa

लोग  भरते  रह  जाते  हैं  उमर  भर  तिजोरियाँ 
मगर मौत का फ़रिश्ता कभी रिशवत नहीं लेता 

Log bhartay reh jaatay hain umar bhar tijoriyaan
Magar maut ka frishtaa kabhi rishwat nahin leta 

Tijoriyaan -      Safe deposit box
Rishwat   -        Bribery  

LAW OF NATURE

When we eat food, the body breaks down its components – the useful nutrients are digested and the waste is thrown out of body within 24 hours. If the waste is not thrown out, we get sick.
When we drink water – our body consumes whatever is necessary and the excess is thrown out along with impurities within few hours, or we will get sick.
The air we breathe in – body keeps the oxygen and the impure air is exhaled within few seconds, or else we will die.

But, what about negative emotions - like hatred, anger, jealousy, insecurity ... which we hold in our body for days, months and years?
If these negative emotions are not thrown out regularly, they can prop up into some psychosomatic diseases.

Today, we live in a world where tons of information on almost every subject is easily available on the net. We can find both sides of arguments – against or in favor of any concept, belief or popular notion. In fact, tons of information is constantly thrown at us whether we want it or not. The wise will choose what is good and useful, and reject the other. 
Though, many a times, the 'other' or negative ideology, false rumors and some juicy gossip may sound interesting and amusing - but it can lead to destruction of peace- in our own mind and in society as well.

So, be wise – choose what is beneficial and helpful to you in achieving your aim, and reject what may deviate you from your path.
Sumiran, meditation, company of wise people and prayers are the best ways to dissolve these negative emotions.

                       'Rajan Sachdeva' 

Do You offer what you ask for?

Do You offer what you ask for? 
...... Love, Affection, Friendship, Respect, Understanding, Hospitality, Joy, Complicity, Good character, truthfulness and Honesty etc.?
If you don’t, then then do not expect the same from others...

Do you Share dreams, pain, tears, fantasies - good and bad times- good fortune and laughter with others?
If you don’t, then do not expect the same from others.

Teacher vs Guru

A teacher is a guide on the path
A Guru is a pointer to the way

A teacher answers your questions
A Guru questions your answers

A teacher helps you get out of the maze
A Guru destroys the maze

A teacher instructs you
A Guru constructs you

A teacher takes responsibility of your growth
A Guru makes you responsible for your growth

A teacher gives you things you do not have and require
A Guru takes away things you have and do not require

A teacher requires obedience and discipline from the pupil
A Guru requires trust and humility from the pupil

A teacher clothes you and prepares you for the outer journey
A Guru strips you naked and prepares you for the inner journey

A teacher sends you on the road to success
A Guru sends you on the road to freedom

A teacher explains the world and its nature to you
A Guru explains yourself and your nature to you

A teacher makes you understand how to move about in the world
A Guru shows you where you stand in relation to the world

A teacher gives you knowledge and boosts your ego
A Guru takes away your knowledge and punctures your ego

A teacher sharpens your mind
A Guru opens your mind

A teacher shows you the way to prosperity
A Guru shows you the way to posterity

A teacher reaches your mind
A Guru touches your spirit

A teacher offers knowledge
A Guru awakens wisdom

A teacher gives you maturity
A Guru returns you to innocence

A teacher instructs you on how to solve problems
A Guru shows you how to resolve issues

A teacher is a systematic thinker
A Guru is a lateral thinker

A teacher punishes you with words and actions
A Guru punishes you with deep compassion

A teacher is to pupil what a father is to son
A Guru is to pupil what a mother is to her child

A teacher leads you by the hand
A Guru leads you by example

When a teacher finishes with you, you celebrate
When a Guru finishes with you, life celebrates

When the course is over, you are thankful to the teacher
When the discourse is over, you are grateful to the Guru

One can always find a teacher
But a Guru has to find you and accept you

Let us honor both, the teachers and the Guru in our life!

                        From: "Rajan Ramchandani"- Singapore 



          

Do Less of....

Do less criticizing,
and pay more attention to complementing.

Do less thinking,
and pay more attention to your heart.

Do less acquiring,
and pay more attention to what you already have.

Do less complaining,
and pay more attention to giving.

Do less controlling,
and pay more attention to letting go.

Do less arguing,
and pay more attention to forgiveness.

Do less running around,
and pay more attention to stillness.

Do less talking,
and pay more attention to silence.

Knowledge is Learned in Four Steps

आचार्यतः  पाद्मादत्ते  - पादं शिष्यः स्वमेध्या 

पादं सह ब्रह्मचारिभ्यः - पादं काल क्रमेण च 

      Aachaaryaatah Paadamaadatte, Paadam Shishyah Svamedhyaa
      Paadam Sah-Brahmchaaribhya:  Paadam Kaal Kramena cha 
A quarter of knowledge is obtained from the teacher, a quarter due to the student’s own intellect.
Another quarter is gained in the company of fellow students and the remaining quarter from the experience over time.
This is true in every field of learning. Teacher gives the same knowledge to all students but since each individual has a different level of understanding, therefore each student receives it according to his or her own talent and level of understanding. 

This is also true in the path of spirituality.
The Guru gives the same Gyana to everyone. Some understand it immediately and completely while others may take longer to grasp it.  
We continue to learn, revise and reinforce the Gyana in the company of fellow students or seekers in the form of Sangat or Satsang.
Eventually, over time, we may grasp and understand the ‘Truth’ with experience thru Sumiran and meditation.
As it was told in the old story of ‘Bopdeva’:
       "करत करत अभ्यास कै जड़मति  होत सुजान 
        रसरी आवत जात ते  सिल पर पड़त निसान "

      “Karat Karat Abhyaas kay, Jadmati hoat Sujaan
       Rasari Aavat Jaat tay, Sil par parat Nisaan”

By practicing over and over, eventually, a slow learner can also become a master of his trade -
just like by rubbing over and over at the same point, even a rope can create a deep groove in a stone.

Therefore, the key is –
                     Practice …… Meditation.

                                      'Rajan Sachdeva'

Pray or Not to Pray ?

By praying, we may not always get everything we ask for or whatever we want. 
However, with prayer and good intentions, we can make our lives sacred and balanced.
Praying can help calm our minds – free of regrets and anxiety.

Blaming Others

All blame is a waste of time. No matter how much fault you find with another, 

and regardless of how much you blame him, it will not change you. The only

 thing blame does is to keep the focus off you when you are looking for 

external reasons to explain your unhappiness or frustration.

 You may succeed in making another feel guilty about

 something by blaming him, but you won't 

succeed in changing whatever it is 

about you that is making 

you 

Uunhappy.

            Received from: Aman Verma

अगर हम एक हैं Agar Hum Ek Hain

अगर हम एक हैं  - तो  फिर इतने जुदा क्यों हैं
अगर वो एक है  - तो फिर इतने ख़ुदा क्यों हैं

अगर वो सब में है  -तो फिर मुझ से जुदा क्यों है
गर मुझ से जुदा है - तो फिर मेरा  ख़ुदा क्यों है
                     "डॉक्टर जगदीश सचदेव "   [मिशिगन  - यू एस ए ]


Agar hum ek hain to phir itanay judaa kyon hain 
Agar Vo ek hai - to phir itanay Khuda kyon hain 

Agar Vo sab main hai - to phir mujhse judaa kyon hai 
Gar mujhsay judaa hai - to phir mera Khuda kyon hai 

                     "Doctor Jagdish Sachdeva"
                           Michigan - USA 

दर्पण की शिक्षा

पुराने जमाने की बात है। एक गुरुकुल के आचार्य अपने शिष्य की सेवा भावना से बहुत प्रभावित हुए। विद्या पूरी होने के बाद शिष्य को विदा करते समय उन्होंने आशीर्वाद के रूप में उसे एक ऐसा दिव्य, चमत्कारिक दर्पण भेंट किया, जिसमें व्यक्ति के मन के आन्तरिक भावों को दर्शाने की क्षमता थी। शिष्य उस दिव्य दर्पण को पाकर प्रसन्न हो उठा। उसने परीक्षा लेने की जल्दबाजी में दर्पण का मुंह सबसे पहले गुरुजी से छुपा कर उन्हीं के सामने कर दिया। वह यह देखकर आश्चर्यचकित हो गया कि गुरुजी के हृदय में मोह, अहंकार, क्रोध आदि कई दुर्गुण परिलक्षित हो रहे थे। इससे उसे बड़ा दुख हुआ। वह तो अपने गुरुजी को समस्त दुर्गुणों से रहित सत्पुरुष समझता था।

दर्पण लेकर वह गुरुकुल  से रवाना हो गया। उसने अपने कई मित्रों तथा अन्य परिचितों के सामने दर्पण रखकर परीक्षा ली। सब के हृदय में कोई न कोई दुर्गुण अवश्य दिखाई दिया। और तो और अपने माता व पिता की भी वह दर्पण से परीक्षा करने से नहीं चूका। उनके हृदय में भी कोई न कोई दुर्गुण देखा, तो वह हतप्रभ हो उठा। एक दिन वह दर्पण लेकर फिर वापिस गुरुकुल पहुंचा। उसने गुरुजी से विनम्रतापूर्वक कहा, ‘गुरुदेव, मैंने आपके दिए दर्पण की मदद से देखा कि सबके दिलों में नाना प्रकार के दोष हैं।’ 
तब गुरु जी ने दर्पण का रुख शिष्य की ओर कर दिया।

शिष्य दंग रह गया। क्योंकि उसके मन के प्रत्येक कोने में राग, द्वेष, अहंकार, क्रोध जैसे असंख्य दुर्गुण अत्यंत भारी मात्रा में विद्यमान थे। गुरुजी बोले, ‘वत्स ! यह दर्पण मैंने तुम्हें अपने दुर्गुण देखकर अपने ही जीवन में सुधार लाने के लिए दिया था - दूसरों के दुर्गुण देखने के लिए नहीं। जितना समय तुमने दूसरों के दुर्गुण देखने में लगाया उतना समय यदि तुमने स्वयं को सुधारने में लगाया होता तो अब तक तुम्हारा अपना व्यक्तित्व बदल चुका होता। मनुष्य की सबसे बड़ी कमजोरी यही है कि वह दूसरों के दुर्गुण जानने में ज्यादा रुचि रखता है। वह स्वयं को सुधारने के बारे में नहीं सोचता। इस दर्पण की यही शिक्षा थी जो तुम नहीं समझ सके।’

Past, Present & Future

If you want to experience fear - think of the future.

If you want to experience shame and guilt - think of the past.

If you want to improve and progress - concentrate on present. 

Fear stops us from doing something different. There is always some risk in trying new ideas. 

What will happen in the future, is most likely to be uncertain, but how will we find out the outcome if we don’t even try? 

Not only the ‘Feeling of shame and guilt’ brings depression and makes us inactive – constantly talking and taking pride in a glorious past may also have a similar effect on individuals and the psyche of a society as well. Thinking, that we can never achieve those heights again, can also make us sedentary and not wanting to do anything to improve the current situation.

In order to progress – individually, and as a group or society - we need to think rationally and work together to create a positive environment in the present moment.

                                     ‘Rajan Sachdeva’

Spreading Rumors

Unfortunately, there are lots of unsupported - unsubstantiated rumors that are being spread these days over the social media. Obviously, they are causing further speculations and doubts in the minds of many. Any sincere and intelligent person would want to see a solid and authentic proof behind such rumors before believing and forwarding them among friends and acquaintances.     

Therefore, keep the following philosophy in mind next time you hear - or if you are about to spread a rumor.

Triple Filter Test

In ancient Greece (469 - 399 BC), Socrates was widely reputed for his wisdom.

One day an acquaintance came to the great philosopher and said, "Socrates! do you know what I just heard about one of your students?"

"Wait a moment," Socrates replied. "Before you tell me anything, I'd like you to pass a little test. It's called the Triple Filter Test."

"Triple filter?" asked the acquaintance.

"That's right," Socrates continued. "Before you talk to me about my student, let's take a moment to filter what you're going to say.

The first filter is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?"

"No," the man said, "actually I just heard about it."

"All right," said Socrates. "So, you don't really know if it's true or not.

Now let's try the second filter, the filter of Goodness.

What you are about to tell me about my student - is it something good?"

"No, on the contrary ...".

"So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about him, even though you're not certain it's true?". 

The man shrugged, a little embarrassed.

Socrates continued." You may still pass the test though, because there is a third filter -

 the filter of Usefulness. Now, what you want to tell me about my student - is it going to be useful to me?"

"No, not really..."

"Well," concluded Socrates -

"if what you want to tell me is neither True, nor Good, nor even Useful to me, why tell it to me at all?"

The man felt defeated and ashamed.

This is the reason Socrates was considered a great philosopher and held in such high esteem.  

Are we as great as we claim to be? 

Do we – the so called ‘Gyanis’ – try to look at everything through the lens of Gyana or do we tend to believe everything we hear without analyzing and verifying it? Without realizing the consequences, and its effects upon our own and other’s spiritual practices? 

Do we want to build bridges and fill the gap between people? or dig ditches to keep them separate? Erect walls to divide?

Remember:

It’s easier to damage than to repair.

It’s easier to destroy than to create.

Therefore, Next time you hear a rumor -  Pause for a moment ………and think.

Filter it through the ‘Triple Test’ before passing it on to others – especially to the innocent and unsuspecting faithful minds.  

                'Rajan Sachdeva'

आज के दौर में ऐ दोस्त Aaj kay Daur mein aye Dost

आज के दौर में ऐ दोस्त  ये मन्ज़र क्यूँ  है 
ज़ख़्म हर सर पे - हर हाथ में पत्थर क्यूँ है 

जब हक़ीक़त है कि हर ज़र्रे में तू रहता है 
फिर ज़मीं पे कहीं मस्जिद कहीं मंदिर क्यूँ है 

अपना अंजाम तो मालूम है सब को फिर भी 
अपनी नज़रों में हर इक शख़्स सिकंदर क्यूँ है 

ज़िंदगी जीने के क़ाबिल ही नहीं अब शायद 
वरना हर आँख में अश्क़ों का समंदर क्यूँ है 


Aaj kay daur mein aye dost ye manzar kyun hai ?
Zakham har sar pay, har haath mein pathar kyun hai ?

Jab haqeeqat hai ki har zarray mein tu rehtaa hai
Phir zameen par kahin masjid kahin mandir kyun hai ?

Apnaa anjaam to maloom hai sab ko - phir bhi
Apni nazron mein har ik shakhs sikandar kyun hai ?

Zindagi jeeney ke qaabil hi nahin ab shaayed 
Warna har aankh mein ashqon ka samandar kyun hai ?

                                               (Writer unknown)

Close the Doors to the Past.

Wise people open the door to the future by closing the doors to the past.

How can you drive forward if you constantly keep looking through the rear-view mirror?

How can a Brahm-Gyani get stuck with the past?

Wisdom means- remember the past, learn from it and move forward.

As Gurubani says: “Sahib mera nit navaan”

A Brahm-Gyani constantly sees the Lord and his works; His creation in new ways, in new shapes and forms – without getting attached with the past.

Just as long-distance travelers look for the landmarks or milestones – to see where they are – if they are on the right path or not and how far they have to go – The spiritual seekers should also look for the signs to know where they stand and if they are on the right track or not.

If we are attached to the past – if we are stuck with the memories of the past - regardless of how glorious it might have been – we are on the wrong path. It’s time to investigate our ideology through the Gyana - to set our priorities straight –to analyze our thinking process – and see things in the right perspective. 

If we want to move forward - towards the future - then we must close the door to the past. 

                                  'Rajan Sachdeva'

Wafaa or Anaa ? वफ़ा या अना ?

       क़र्ब के ना वफ़ा के होते हैं 
      झगड़े सारे अना के होते हैं 
                    ~ फ़ैज़ अहमद फ़ैज़  ~ 

Qarb kay na vafaa ke hotay hain
Jhagday saare anaa ke hote hain 
                      ~Faiz Ahmad Faiz~

( Neither to gain closeness, nor for the sake of love

All quarrels and fights are - to satisfy one’s 'ego' )

क़र्ब     Qarb       -     Closeness 
अना     Anna      -     Ego