Knowledge, Attitude And Wisdom

Knowledge decides what to say 
Attitude decides how to say
Skill decides how much to say

                And

Wisdom decides whether to say or not

Cognitive Dissonance

एक मरीज और हस्पताल

नोएडा के एक फाइव स्टार हॉस्पिटल में डॉक्टरों की टीम ने एक पेशेंट को तुरंत बाईपास सर्जरी करवाने की सलाह दी......
ऐसे वक्त थोडा संयम रखकर सैकेंड ओपीनियन लेना ज्यादा ठीक होता.....
लेकिन पेशेंट बहुत नर्वस हो गया और तुरंत तैयारी में लग गया....

ऑपरेशन के पहले वाले सारे टेस्ट हो जाने के बाद डॉक्टरों की टीम ने बजट बताया....20 लाख....
जो कि पेशेंट और परिवार वालों को बहुत ही ज्यादा लगा। 
लेकिन...."जान है तो जहान है".... यह सोचकर वह फॉर्म भरने लगा
फार्म भरते भरते व्यवसाय का कॉलम आया...
आपरेशन की टेंशन....और रुपये के इंतजाम की उधेड़बुन में....
ना जाने क्या सोचते सोचते - या फिर जल्दबाजी में
उसने उस काॅलम के आगे "C.B.I." लिख दिया....
और फिर .....
अचानक हॉस्पिटल का सारा वातावरण ही बदल गया...
डॉक्टरों की दुसरी टीम चेकअप करने आयी.... 
री-चेकिंग हुई....
टेस्ट दोबारा करवाए गए....
और टीम ने घोषित किया कि ऑपरेशन की जरूरत नहीं है - मेडिसिन खाते रहिये ब्लाकेज निकल जायेगा....

पेशेंट को रवाना करने से पहले तीन महीने की दवाइयाँ भी फ्री दी गई 
और चैकअप और टेस्ट फीस में भी जबरदस्त 'डिस्काउँट' दिया गया....
------------------------------------------------------
इस बात को छः महीने हो गये....
पेशेन्ट अब भला चंगा है
कभी कभी उस हाॅस्पीटल में चैकअप के लिये चला जाता है....
उस दिन के बाद उसका चैकअप भी फ्री होता है....और बिना चाय पिलाये तो डाॅक्टर आने ही नहीं देते
पेशेंट बहुत खुश है हाॅस्पीटल के इस व्यवहार से और हमेशा लोगों केआगे इस हस्पताल की तारीफ करता रहता है

पर कई बार ये सोच कर बहुत हैरान होता है कि...20 साल हो गये उसे नौकरी करते....पर....
"Central Bank of India" का एम्प्लॉई होने की वजह इतनी इज्जत.....इतना सम्मान तो उसके परिवार वालों ने भी नहीं दिया
जैसे वो अस्पताल वाले उसे सर पर बैठाए रखते हैं....
                             -----------------------------------------------------

कितना अजीब और दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण है यह देखना कि किसी व्यक्ति की पोजीशन और सामाजिक स्थिति उसके प्रति लोगों के नजरिए को कैसे बदल देती है। दुर्भाग्यवश - हम सब भी आम तौर पर ऐसा ही करते हैं।
हम बातें तो करते हैं इन्सानियत की - मानवता के मूल्यों की, लेकिन अक़सर जब लोगों के साथ व्यवहार करते हैं तो उनकी पोजीशन को देखते हुए और उनके पदों के अनुसार ही उन्हें सम्मान देते हैं।
क्या हम सब को एक जैसा सम्मान - एक जैसी इज़्ज़त देते हैं ?
और सबके साथ एक जैसा व्यवहार करते हैं?

A Patient and the Hospital

In a 5-star rated hospital in Noida, India - a team of doctors recommended an emergency heart bypass surgery to a patient who had just got admitted for chest pain.
In such a situation, it would have been more prudent to take a second opinion.
But the patient and his family became very nervous. So, nonetheless, started to prepare for it in earnest.

After the preliminary set of tests, the team of doctors put the cost of the surgery at Rs. two Million (20 Lakh Rupees). The patient and his family thought that the cost was too extravagant for such a surgery. But thinking that his life is more important than money because life is priceless, they agreed to go for the surgery immediately.

The patient was given a waiver form to fill out. One of the questions was about his occupation. Not being in the best of his senses, weighed down by the cost of the surgery, and other worries, the patient simply wrote down C.B.I.*

Within an hour, the whole atmosphere in the hospital changed.
Another team of specialist doctors came to check up on him.
They checked him thoroughly again...
Then conducted another round of tests...
And concluded that the surgery is not required. 
Instead, they recommended that medications should work just as well, and eventually, the blockage would be gone! 

At the time of discharge, they even gave the patient three months worth of medicines free! 
And in addition, they gave him a huge discount for the lab work too!
                                                 -----------------
Six months have passed since then, and the patient is well and healthy. Every once in a while he goes to the hospital for a regular check-up, and the doctors give him a clean bill of health! 
They even offer him a cup of tea whenever he visits!
So, he is very happy about the friendly and caring atmosphere at the hospital and heartily recommends everyone to go there for all of their problems.

He often wonders why, after working at the "Central Bank of India" for 15 years, even his own family doesn't care much for him, but he has gained tremendous respect from the entire hospital staff!
                                 ........................................
It is strange and so unfortunate to see how the position and the social status of a person change people's attitudes towards him. However - and unfortunately, at one time or the other, we all do this. We talk about the values of humanity but usually deal with - and pay respect to people according to their status and the positions they hold. 
Do we deal equally with everyone and give equal respect to all?

 C.B.I.*   Central Bureau of Intelligence 
           

The older I get - The more I think

The older I get - 
                             The more I think - And I must confess.
I don't want to be around any drama, conflict or stress.
All I want now - is a cozy home and some simple good food 
And to be surrounded by people that are not crafty or shrewd.

The older I get -
               The less I care about what people think of me
and how they judge me - or what 'they' want me to be.
Don't want to wear any mask - nor do I want to pretend
Who or what I really am - That I want to comprehend.

The older I get, the more I strive
To understand the meaning and the purpose of My Life.
What have I achieved - and what is unfinished?
The goals I had set - have they been accomplished?

The older I get - the more I know
It might be easier to go with the flow
But then suddenly, like a flash - comes a thought
By going with the flow - how can any change be brought?

As the years go by - 
           And the more I see, the more I understand
There are many things which are not in my hand
So, the best thing to do - is to surrender and accept 
The key to a peaceful life - Neither ask - Nor expect

                                By:  ' Rajan Sachdeva '

Note:
I saw a quote yesterday and found it quite interesting.
So, I took those three lines from there and expanded them in this poem in my own way - according to my thinking.
Here is the original quote:
The older I get, the more I realize that I don't want to be around any drama, conflict or stress.
All I want is a cozy home and some good food
And to be surrounded by happy people

जो अच्छा लगता है उसे गौर से मत देखो Do not look too closely

जो अच्छा लगता है उसे गौर से मत देखो
कहीं ऐसा न हो कि उसमें कोई बुराई दिखाई दे जाए !

जो बुरा लगता है उसे गौर से देखो ..
मुमकिन है उसमें कोई अच्छाई नज़र आ जाये !!

Do not look too closely at what looks good.
It is possible, that if you look deep, you may find some evil in it. 

Look closely at what may not look good.
By looking closely, it is possible to see some goodness in it !!

Happy Republic Day - India - Vande Maatram

The Last Message of the Buddha

'When I am gone, my Teachings shall be your Master and Guide.’

Three months before His passing away the Buddha addressed His disciples and said: ‘I have delivered sermons to you during these forty-five years.
You must learn them well and treasure them. You must practice them and teach them to others. This will be of great use for the welfare of the living and for the welfare of those who come after you’.
‘My years are now full ripe; the life span left is short. I will soon have to leave you. 
You must be earnest. O monks, be mindful and of pure virtue! 
Whoever untiringly pursues the Teaching, will go beyond the cycle of birth and death and will come to an end of Sufferings.’
When Ananda asked the Buddha what would become of the Order after He passes away, the Buddha replied, ‘What does the Order expect of me, Ananda? I have preached the Truth without any distinction; for in regard to the Truth, there is no clenched hand in the Teachings of the Buddha. It may be, Ananda, that to some among you, the thought will come ‘The Master’s words will soon end; soon we will no longer have a master.’ But do not think like this, Ananda. When I am gone, my Teaching and the disciplinary code shall be your Master.’
The Buddha further explained: It would be wrong if there is anyone who thinks, ‘It is I who will lead the brotherhood’, or ‘The Order is dependent on me - it is I who should give instructions’ etc. 
The Buddha does not think that He should lead the order or that the Order is dependent on Him. I have reached the end of my days. Just as a worn-out cart can only be made to move with much additional care, so my body can be kept going only with much additional care. Therefore, Ananda, be a lamp and refuge unto yourselves. Look for no other refuge. Let the Truth be your lamp and your refuge. Seek no refuge elsewhere.’

At the age of eighty, on His birthday, He passed away without showing any worldly supernatural powers. He showed the real nature of component things even in His own life.
When the Buddha passed away into Nibbana, one of His disciples remarked, ‘All must depart—all beings that have life must shed their compounded forms. Yes, even a Master such as He - a peerless being, powerful in Wisdom and Enlightenment - must pass away.’

The parting words of the Buddha:
            "Appamadena Sampadetha Vaya Dhamma Sankhara".

            'Work diligently. Component things are impermanent.'

विश्वास से देखो अगर Vishvaas say Dekho agar

             जो हृदय के मर्म को समझे - वही इन्सान है 
             न देखे सब में राम जो इंसान - वो नादान है 
            मंदिरों में सजी  मूर्तियाँ  ये कहती हैं  'राजन '
            विश्वास से देखो अगर तो पत्थर भी भगवान है

Jo hriday kay marm ko samjhay - vahi insaan hai
Na dekhay sab me Raam jo insaan - vo nadaan hai 
Mandiron me sajee murtiyaan ye kehti hain 'Rajan'
Vishvaas say dekho agar to patthar bhi Bhagvaan hai

Marm  -   Deep hidden emotions, pain
मर्म     -  गहन भावना, हृदय में  छुपी वेदना - दुःख  

A question about Vices

Question:  Rajan Ji. Yesterday - you mentioned the 6th vice in the very beginning of your vichar in Chicago. what is it? Could not hear very well. I have always heard of 5 vices.
                                                                 January 21, 2019

                                      ~~~~~~~~~~~ 
Usually, 6 Doshas or vices were mentioned in most of the ancient Sanskrit Scriptures namely:
Kaam   -  Lust or desires (short version of Kaamna)
Krodh  -   Anger
Lobh    -   Greed
Moh     -   Attachment
Mad     -   False Ego
Matsar -  Jealousy 

 However, almost all the Saints of Bhakti-Yug (from the 14th century onwards) -such as Guru Kabeer ji, Guru Nanak and Sant Tulasi Das etc. talked about five. Perhaps, they considered Matsar or Irshya (Jealousy) as a part of ego and anger.
However, another reason could be that they wanted to keep the number five to keep it consistent with many other things that are counted in fives - such as :

Paanch Tattva - Five basic elements of the body namely Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Aakash (space)
Paanch Anubhava (Experiences) - Five ways of getting basic information - Vision, Sound, Smell, Taste, and touch.
Five Gyan-indriyaan (Sense organs associated with five Anubhavas) - Eyes, Ears, Nose, Tongue, and skin.
Five Karm-Indriyaan (Organs of function) - Hands, Feet, Tongue (speech) and organs of excretion and reproduction. 

There are several other general terms that are also counted in fives. So, it is possible that the later saints - in order to keep it consistent, mentioned the five vices instead of six. 
However, regardless of how many numbers or categories we classify them, the important thing is to have these vices under control. 

                                     'Rajan Sachdeva '

एक पिता - वृद्ध आश्रम में

अपनी माँ की मृत्यु के बाद, एक व्यक्ति अपने पिता को वृद्ध आश्रम में छोड़ आया।
क़रीब एक साल के बाद, एक दिन अचानक उसे वृद्ध आश्रम से फोन आया कि आपके पिता बहुत गंभीर हालत में हैं। एक बार उनसे मिलने के लिए आ जाओ। वह वृद्ध आश्रम गया तो उसने देखा कि उसका पिता बहुत ही नाजुक स्थिति में था। वह मृत्यु के अत्यंत निकट था और बहुत मुश्किल से बोल पा रहा था। 
पिता को इस हालत में देख कर लड़के का दिल पसीज गया। उसने भरे मन से कहा, पिताजी - मुझे बताइए कि मैं आपके लिए क्या कर सकता हूं।
पिता ने जवाब दिया: बेटा - यहाँ इस आश्रम में कुछ पंखे लगवा दो, यहाँ बहुत गर्मी है। मुझे यहाँ गर्मी में बहुत परेशानी होती रही है।  एक फ्रिज भी ला कर दे दो। गर्मी के कारण यहां का खाना अक्सर खराब हो जाता है। कई बार खाना ख़राब हो जाने के कारण मुझे भूखा ही सोना पड़ता था। 
बेटे ने आश्चर्यचकित हो कर कहा: "पिता जी, आपने पहले कभी इस बारे में कुछ भी नहीं कहा। कोई शिकायत नहीं की। आज आखिरी समय पर आप यह सब क्यों कह रहे हैं?
पिता का जवाब था: कोई बात नहीं बेटा। मुझे गर्मी में तकलीफ होती रही तो मैं सहता रहा। कभी भूखा भी सोना पड़ा तो मैं सोता रहा। मैंने तो अपनी जिंदगी जैसे तैसे काट ली लेकिन सोचता हूँ कि जब तेरे बच्चे तुझे यहां छोड़ कर जाएंगे तो तुझे तकलीफ न हो। 

            बच्चों के इक इक हौके पर जो मापे मर मर जाते हैं 
           वो मरते मरते भी उनको जीने  के काबिल कर जाते हैं 

ਇਕ ਪਿਤਾ - ਬਿਰਧ ਆਸ਼ਰਮ ਵਿੱਚ

ਆਪਣੀ ਮਾਂ ਦੀ ਮੌਤ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਇਕ ਆਦਮੀ ਆਪਣੇ ਪਿਤਾ ਨੂੰ ਬਿਰਧ ਆਸ਼ਰਮ ਵਿੱਚ ਛੱਡ ਆਇਆ । 
ਫਿਰ ਇੱਕ ਸਾਲ ਦੇ ਬਾਅਦ ਇਕ ਦਿਨ ਅਚਾਨਕ ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਬਿਰਧ ਆਸ਼ਰਮ ਚੋਂ ਫੋਨ ਆਇਆ ਕਿ ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਪਿਓ  ਬਹੁਤ ਸੀਰੀਅਸ ਹੈ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਇੱਕ ਵਾਰ ਮਿਲਣ ਲਈ ਆ ਜਾਓ । ਉਹ ਬਿਰਧ ਆਸ਼ਰਮ ਚਲਿਆ ਗਿਆ । ਉਸ ਨੇ ਵੇਖਿਆ ਉਸਦਾ ਪਿਤਾ ਬਹੁਤ ਨਾਜੁਕ ਹਾਲਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਸੀ । ਉਹ ਮੌਤ ਦੇ ਬਿਲਕੁਲ ਨਜ਼ਦੀਕ ਸੀ । ਮੁਸ਼ਕਿਲ ਨਾਲ ਬੋਲ ਸਕਦਾ  ਸੀ । 
ਪੁੱਤ ਦਾ ਦਿਲ ਪਸੀਜ ਗਿਆ । ਉਸ ਨੇ ਭਰੇ ਮਨ ਨਾਲ ਕਿਹਾ ਪਿਤਾ ਜੀ - ਦੱਸੋ ਮੈਂ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਲਈ ਕੀ ਕਰ ਸਕਦਾ ਹਾਂ ।
ਪਿਓ  ਨੇ ਉੱਤਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ : ਬੇਟਾ - ਤੂੰ  ਇਹ ਕਰ ਕਿ ਇੱਥੇ ਇਸ ਬਿਰਧ ਆਸ਼ਰਮ ਵਿੱਚ ਪੱਖੇ ਲਗਵਾ ਦੇ, ਇੱਥੇ ਬਹੁਤ ਗਰਮੀ ਹੈ । ਇੱਕ ਫਰਿਜ਼ ਵੀ ਲੈ ਕੇ ਦੇ ਦੇ । ਇੱਥੇ ਅਕਸਰ ਖਾਣਾ ਖਰਾਬ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ । ਮੈਨੂੰ ਇੱਥੇ ਗਰਮੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਬਹੁਤ ਤਕਲੀਫ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ - ਬਹੁਤ ਵਾਰ ਖਾਣਾ ਖਰਾਬ ਹੋਣ ਕਾਰਨ ਮੈਂ ਭੁੱਖਾ ਹੀ ਸੌਂਦਾ ਰਿਹਾ ਹਾਂ ।
ਪੁੱਤਰ ਹੈਰਾਨ ਹੋਇਆ : ਉਸ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ ਪਿਤਾ ਜੀ  ਹੁਣ ਤੱਕ ਤੁਸੀਂ  ਕਦੇ  ਇਸ ਬਾਰੇ ਕੋਈ ਗੱਲ ਨਹੀਂ ਕੀਤੀ ।ਕੋਈ ਸ਼ਕਾਇਤ ਨਹੀਂ ਕੀਤੀ । ਹੁਣ  ਆਪਣੇ ਆਖਰੀ ਸਮੇਂ ਤੇ ਇਹ ਸਭ ਕਿਉਂ ਕਹਿ ਰਹੇ ਹੋ ।
ਪਿਓ  ਦਾ ਜਵਾਬ ਸੀ : ਕੋਈ ਗੱਲ ਨਹੀਂ ਪੁੱਤਰ । ਮੈਂ ਗਰਮੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਤਕਲੀਫ ਵਿੱਚ ਰਿਹਾ, ਦਰਦ ਹੰਢਾਇਆ - ਭੁੱਖਾ ਸੌਂਦਾ ਰਿਹਾ । ਮੈਂ ਤਾਂ ਕਿਵ਼ੇਂ ਨਾ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਜਿੰਦਗੀ ਕੱਟ ਲਈ, ਪਰ ਹੁਣ ਜਦੋਂ ਤੈਨੂੰ ਤੇਰੇ ਬੱਚੇ ਇੱਥੇ ਛੱਡ ਕੇ ਜਾਣਗੇ ਤਾਂ ਤੈਨੂੰ ਤਕਲੀਫ ਹੋਵੇਗੀ ।


                 ਬੱਚਿਆਂ ਦੇ ਇੱਕ ਇੱਕ ਹੌਂਕੇ ਤੇ ਜੋ  ਮਰ--ਮਰ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਨੇ 
                ਓਹ ਮਾਪੇ ਮਰ ਕੇ ਵੀ ਬੱਚਿਆਂ ਨੂੰ  ਜਿਉਣ ਜੋਗੇ  ਕਰ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਨੇ ।

A Father in Elderly Home

After the death of his mother, a man left his father in a Vridh-Aashram (Elderly home).
After about a year, one day he got a phone call from the Vridh-ashram that his father was in a serious condition. 
So, he went to the ashram to see him. 
He saw that his father was in a very weak and poor condition. He was near death and could hardly speak.
He was saddened to see his father in this condition. 
With a heavy heart, he said: Father, tell me what I can do for you.
Father replied: Son - Please donate some fans to this place. It is very hot here. Give them a fridge also. The food here often gets spoiled because of the heat. I have had a lot of discomforts here in the summer - and due to food becoming spoiled, too many times I had to sleep hungry.
The son was surprised. He said, "Father, you have never spoken about this until now. You have never complained before. Why are you saying all this at the last moments of your life?
Father's answer was: It didn't matter son. Though I was suffering in the heat - sometimes I was sleeping hungry - but somehow I managed to live my life. 
Now I am thinking that someday when your children will leave you here, you should not have to go through the same problems.

             Even when they are dying, parents still think for the welfare of their children. 

सुमिरन कैसे करना चाहिए?

एक बार किसी ने भापा राम चन्द जी से पूछा :
सुमिरन क्या बैठ कर करना चाहिए या किसी भी अवस्था में - चलते फिरते या लेटे हुए भी किया जा सकता है?
उन्हों ने कहा -
आप मुँह मे मिश्री (Sugar cubes) डालकर चाहे चलें , चाहे बैठ जाएं या लेट जाएँ - मिश्री आपको मिठास देती रहेगी - 
आपका मुँह मीठा ही रहेगा। बैठने या चलने फिरने से कोई फ़र्क़ नहीं पड़ेगा - सिर्फ मिश्री आपके मुँह में रहनी चाहिए। 
इसी प्रकार सुमिरन है। जिस तरह मिश्री का काम मिठास देना है, उसके लिए किसी ख़ास पोजीशन में होने की ज़रूरत नहीं है
इसी तरह हम चाहे जिस स्थिति मे भी हों - चलते-फिरते, उठते-बैठते, खाते-पीते, अर्थात हर पोजीशन एवं हर स्थिति में ही सुमिरन हमें शांति प्रदान करेगा। और जितना ज़्यादा सुमिरन करेंगे, उतनी ही ज़्यादा शांति महसूस होगी। 
इसलिए हमारी कोशिश होनी चाहिये कि हम जिस स्थिति मे भी हों - सुमिरन करते रहें। 
                               ' राजन सचदेव '

What is the proper position to do Sumiran?

Once someone asked Bhapa Ram Chand ji:
What is the proper position to do Sumiran?
Should we do Sumiran sitting down cross-legged or can it be done in any position - like walking or lying down?
He said -
If you put some Mishri (sugar cube) in your mouth, whether you sit down or lie down - sugar candy will keep your mouth sweet. There will be no difference if you are sitting down, lying down or walking. Your mouth will be sweet regardless of the position you are in - only the sugar candy should remain in your mouth.

Same is with the Sumiran. Just like the function of the sugar is to provide sweetness, the Sumiran provides peace and tranquillity. Just like there is no need to be in a particular position to get the sweetness from sugar - in the same way, Sumiran will provide peace in whatever position we are - sitting or lying down - eating - drinking or on the go. 

In every position or condition, it will make us calm and peaceful. 

The more Sumiran we do, the greater the peace will be.

Therefore, it should be our endeavor that whatever situation we are in - continue doing the Sumiran.
                               'Rajan Sachdeva'

Why Did She Leave?

A young boy and a girl were sitting next to each other on a flight. They started talking and found many common interests. They talked, and laughed and enjoyed each other’s company a lot during the long flight. 
When they reached the destination and got off the plane - before saying goodbye - the boy said:
“You know...I really like you. Would you like to be my girlfriend?”
The girl said, “Do you own a Maruti*?”
The boy said No
“Do you have a flat?"
“No”
“Do you have a job?” 
“No”
“Then no”. The girl said. “I don’t want to be your friend” 
And she left without even saying Goodbye.
The boy was shocked. 
He thought ……
‘I have three Mercedes and two BMWs in my garage. Why would I want to have a Maruti*?
I have a huge bungalow in a posh area of the city. Why would I want to live in a small flat?
I have a multi-million dollars’ worth business and over 200 employees working for me. Why would I need a job? 
And started to wonder……. Why did she leave me?

Moral:
• Do not jump to conclusions in a haste.
• Do not make decisions without knowing the whole situation.
• Never judge anyone from your own standards.
• They might be much higher and bigger than your perception. 
                                 " Rajan Sachdeva "       

*Maruti …..The brand name of an Indian car

Essential Instructions in the Dharma

Bai Juyi (772-846 CE) was a famous poet and government official during the Tang Dynasty in China. 
On one occasion, he sought essential instructions in the Dharma from a monk.
The monk quoted the summary of the doctrine that the Buddha Shakyamuni offered:
                          "Avoid evil. Do good. Purify your mind”. 
Bai Juyi was not impressed.  
"Even a three-year-old knows these words". He said.
"What I want to know is the most profound and fundamental statement of the Buddha".
The monk replied," Yes! A three-year-old knows these words,
     But even the elders of eighty still have not put them into practice."

                                                            ~ From The Web ~

A Meaningful Life

Self-Improvement

                                          Self-Improvement
The first step would be self-evaluation.
We all have a selective view of ourselves. A carefully drafted beautiful image of " Our-self "
Just like when we look into a mirror, we stand in a most flattering pose, showing pleasing expressions. 

When we want our pictures taken, we adjust our pose; fix up the dress and hair, put up a big smile on the face.
We want to look our best.
In the same way, we have created an image of ourselves that emphasizes the most admirable qualities and minimizes or omits the defects and shortcomings. We see our image as we wish to see - Not the reality.
So when we begin to focus on self-evaluation, instead of a carefully edited image of ourselves, we should focus on the uncensored truth even though certain aspects of our real image may not be very good and hard to accept.
Acceptance is the first step towards improvement. First, we must acknowledge and accept our shortcomings, defects, and weaknesses.
Desire and determination to change are the next big steps. 

                                          'Rajan Sachdeva'

सुख और दुःख

सुख का अर्थ:
                    जो है - और मिल रहा है उसका आनन्द लेना 

दुःख का कारण:
                   जो है वो कम है -  या अच्छा नहीं है 
                   इसलिए मुझे और चाहिए 
                  और जो है उस से बेहतर चाहिए 

Happiness and Suffering

Happiness means:
                     To enjoy what we have
                     and what we are receiving.
Suffering means:
                 What we have is not sufficient or not good enough.
                 Therefore, we need more
                 and better than what we have.

Ignorance is not the real Enemy.

Ignorance is not the real enemy. 
Our real enemy is the illusion -
                  That we have all the knowledge.
                  That we have learned all we need to learn 
                  That we know it all.

The Vedas say:
                      One who says I know - knows not.

The purpose of life

The purpose of life is 
                   -  to live a life of purpose.  
So, find your purpose 
                         and ways to achieve it. 
And remember - 
A genuine desire, proper guidance and sincere efforts 
are the three main components required to achieve any goal. 
                    'Rajan Sachdeva '

Sant Roshan Lal ji of Himachal Pradesh

Yesterday, I heard the news about Sant Roshan Lal ji of Himachal Pradesh leaving this mortal body and merging into Nirankar. I had known him personally for a long time and always had great regard for him in my heart. Since his detailed biography has already been shared by many, I would like to share some personal memories with him. 

Though we had briefly met a couple of times during annual Samagams, our real interactions started in 1975 - when, in order to regulate and to make the Prachar efforts more efficient, Baba Gurbachan Singh ji divided northern India into four zones. 
Pujya Rajkavi ji was made in charge of Punjab,
Rev. Mohan Lal ji of Taravadi (Karnal) in charge of Haryana,
Rev. Roshan Lal ji in charge of Himachal Pradesh,
and I was given this Seva for Jammu & Kashmir. 
Since I was the youngest of all (I was 26), I always received a lot of affection and guidance from all these great saints. Because J&K has adjoining borders with Punjab and Himachal, so, I had more opportunities to interact with Rev. Rajkavi ji and Rev. Roshan Lal ji. 
However, a more common factor with Roshan Lal ji was that we both were working in the Himalayan states - with mountainous people. Pahadi people, in general, are quite simple, honest and hardworking but at the same time, very superstitious and ritualistic. By nature, I am always keen to learn from everyone, especially from the elders. Roshan Lal ji was elder and senior to me in every aspect - he was probably 14-15 years older than me and came to Shehanshah ji about 5-6 years before me. So, I was always interested in learning from his experiences - especially how he handled the situation when encountered with very ritualistic and superstitious people. We always had many wonderful stories of our experiences to share with each other. 
However, more than anything else, I admired his simplicity - simple dress, simple food and simplicity in communicating with everyone. 
He was humble and polite and yet firm in his beliefs and convictions. 
For the inter-state Prachar, I requested him to visit J&K a few times, which he graciously accepted and he invited me to nearby towns of Himachal as well. Though I always respected and treated him as an elder, he never behaved as an elder to me, or older and more experienced missionary - neither through speech or action. He was always polite, humble and informal with me. I firmly believe that humility and simplicity are the two great qualities of a saint.  
I remember another interesting incidence that also happened during  Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji's time.
In the nineteen-seventies, there was a higher demand for Vespa scooters. People had to wait for 2-3 years after booking and paying in advance for it. They launched a scheme that one could get a scooter within 6 to 8 months if booked and paid in US dollars. During his visit to  USA and Canada, Baba Gurbachan Singh ji asked a devotee to book a scooter in the name of Rajan Sachdeva and pay in US dollars. After coming back to India, Baba ji told me that a scooter was booked in my name - that it was being given to me for the Prachar. 
About 7-8 months later, I was called to Delhi to receive the delivery of the scooter. Rev. Mangal Sen ji took me to Connaught place - we took the delivery and brought the scooter to the Bhavan. 
Later at night, I was wondering - how would I make this journey. It's a long way to ride on a scooter from Delhi to Jammu - about 500 kilometers. 
Then I thought - why do I need to worry about it? Baba ji will tell me what to do. 
The next day, baba ji called me in his room and said: "I am going to give this scooter to Roshan Lal ji of Himachal."
I said, Satvachan Maharaj.
Then he added: You are getting a jeep instead.
I didn't know what to say - except bowing down my head at his holy feet.
A few months later, during the Delhi annual Samagam, Roshan Lal ji came to me in the residential tents and jokingly said: You know.  "daanay daany te likheda khaanay aalay da naan" -  There is a saying that each grain of food has the name of its consumer written on it. But, look what happened with us. I had absolutely no idea about it- the scooter was booked in your name but was given to me. And you went to Delhi expecting to get a scooter but got a jeep instead. 
We were amused at the mysterious ways the Lord, Satguru works.
Since then, almost everytime we met, he reminded me of this incidence. 
Even last time when I met Roshan Lal ji about 5- 6 years ago at the Samagam, he fondly told his companions about this incidence. And I thought, even after all these years, he is still the same simple, honest and humble saint as he was 40 years ago. The high positions, titles, and the admirations have not affected him. 
Though I remember a few more interesting occurrences, I believe the real tribute to a saint is to remember what he thought and believed - to learn from what he said and how he lived his life. 
He was a Saint indeed- who spent his life serving the mission with utmost devotion. He was also very fortunate to have a loving, cooperative and like-minded family. He had full support and cooperation from his family - from wife and children. 
By the grace of the Lord, he finished his journey following the right path he chose - serving the Mission and the Satguru with full devotion and humility. 
                              गुरमुख जनम सवार  दरगाह चलेया 
                              साची दरगाह जाए अपुना पिड़  मलेया 
                           "Gurmukh janam savaar Dargah chaleyaa
                             Sachee dargah jaye apunaa pid malleya"
May Nirankar bless all.
              'Rajan Sachdeva'

Note: While going through some old papers, found this document in an old file - signed by Rev. Ram Saran ji - known as Secretary Sahib.

ह्रदय - स्पर्श Hridaya-Sparsh

Received this wonderful poem from a friend:
                                           Scroll down for Roman script

जब  तक चलेंगी जिंदगी की सांसे
कहीं  प्यार  कहीं टकराव मिलेगा 
कहीं  बनेंगे  संबंध  अंतर्मन  से  तो
कहीं आत्मीयता का अभाव मिलेगा 

कहीं  मिलेगी  जिंदगी में प्रशंसा तो
कहीं नाराजगियों का बहाव मिलेगा 
कहीं  मिलेगी सच्चे मन से दुआ तो
कहीं  भावनाओं में दुर्भाव मिलेगा 

कहीं बनेंगे पराए रिश्ते भी अपने 
तो कहीं अपनों से ही खिंचाव मिलेगा 
कहीं  होंगी  खुशामदें  चेहरे  पर तो
कहीं पीठ पे बुराई का घाव मिलेगा

तू  चलाचल  राही अपने कर्मपथ पे
जैसा तेरा भाव - वैसा प्रभाव मिलेगा
रख स्वभाव में शुद्धता का 'स्पर्श' तू
अवश्य  जिंदगी का पड़ाव मिलेगा                
                    " स्पर्श "

Jab tak chalengee Zindgee kee saansen
Kaheen  pyaar  kaheen takraav milega 
Kaheen  banengay sambandh antarman say
To kaheen aatmeeyataa ka abhaav milega 

Kaheen  milegee  Zindagee mein prashansaa
To kaheen naraajagiyon ka bahaav milega 
Kaheen  milegee sachay man say duaa to
Kaheen bhaavnaon mein durbhaav milega 

Kaheen banengay paraaye rishtay bhee apnay 
To kaheen apnon say hee khinchaav milega 
Kaheen  hongee  khushaamden  chehray par 
To kaheen peeth pay buraayi ka ghaav milega

Tu  chalaa chal  raahee apnay karm path pay
Jaisaa teraa bhaav - vaisaa prabhaav milega
Rakh svabhaav mein shuddhataa ka 'sparsh' tu
Avashaya  Zindagee kaa padaav milega                
                               By: " Sparsh "


                       

Bring Them Back

Bring those back who are not coming anymore.
For one reason or the other, some people stop coming to the congregation. 
When they do come, we usually tend to taunt them with phrases like:
"So, you finally decided to show up ... eh?"
“Where were you for so long? Don't you know it's very important to make your presence here?
 “It’s good that you finally came. Now, don't ever miss again.
 It’s your loss if you don’t come, not ours”. 
"If you don't come to the congregation regularly, then you will lose everything - including the Gyana. And you will face all kind of sufferings" etc.

We don't realize that we are insulting them by saying such things. Knowingly or unknowingly; unintentionally, we hurt them more - and make them feel why did they even come today?
If you really want to bring someone back, then just say these three simple things:
We missed you - We love you - We need you.
Say it genuinely - not superficially. 
Sometimes our tone and body language do not match the words we are saying. 
Say it with love -  make them feel that you mean it.
Also, please remember these three things:
Don't pressure - Don't preach - Don’t condemn.
Just let them know that you care. 
If they feel loved and welcomed, they will surely keep coming back.
As Poorn Prakash 'Saaqi' - a great poet used to say:
              "Koi kehtaa nahin in say ki chalay aaiyega 'Saaqi'
               Shamma ho raushan to parwaanay chalay aatay hain"
No one asks them to come here O' Saaqi'
When the candle of love is lighted the seekers start pouring from everywhere.

                 "कोई कहता नहीं इनसे कि चले आइएगा 'साक़ी '
                        शम्मा हो रौशन, तो परवाने चले आते हैं "
                                                          ‘Rajan Sachdeva’