Purity, Positivity, and Acceptance

Where there is purity, there is happiness.  
Where there is positivity, there is peace. 

Impure thoughts cause jealousy, negativity, and hatred.
Having negative or ill-thoughts about others all the time creates a disturbance in our mind on the subconscious level– and we lose our own happiness and peace of mind.  
It is hard to accept people as they are. Everyone has his or her own way of doing certain things. 
We want everyone to think and act the way we do, and it creates differences. 
Understanding this fact can keep us free from negativity and anger - This is the real meaning of acceptance.

Purity, Positivity, and Acceptance are the essential components of Happiness and Peace.    
                    
                                     ' Rajan Sachdeva '

रोज़ कमाने जाता हूँ Roz kamaanay Jaata hoon

न ही सुख - न चैन ख़रीद पाता हूँ
फिर भी मगर रोज़ कमाने जाता हूँ


Na hee Sukh - Na chain khareed paata hoon
Phir bhi magar roz kamaanay Jaata hoon 

Shehanshah Baba Avtar Singh ji

Today, September 17 is the day when Baba Avtar Singh Ji, lovingly called Shehanshah ji by all his disciples and devotees, left this mortal world and merged back into Nirankar (Almighty, Formless God) the origin of all existence and the ultimate abode of all. 
I was in Kaithal, Haryana when - on September 17, 1969, I heard the news of his passing. With tears in my eyes, I immediately left school (my first job as a teacher), and along with two other saints, went straight to Nirankari Colony, Delhi. 
He was very close to my heart. Tears began to flow from my eyes when I saw his motionless body. 
Giani Joginder Singh ji was standing next to me. Seeing my tearful eyes, he said: Rajan ji! You should know better - this was just a body - Shehanshah ji has not left us. Just remember what he used to say - that Guru is not the body - it is what is in that body. The forms come and go - so we should only focus upon Almighty Nirankar.

However, I can never forget his divine and radiant face - the way he taught with a direct and to the point approach towards Almighty Nirankar. 
He has always been alive in my heart and mind - and always will be.
                                                     ' Rajan Sachdeva '

Sometimes in the dark of the night, I visit my conscience

Sometimes in the dark of the night,
I visit my conscience  
To see if it is still breathing,
For its dying a slow death
Every day.

When I pay for a meal in a fancy place
An amount which is perhaps the monthly income 
Of the guard who holds the door open.
And quickly I shrug away that thought,
It dies a little.

When I buy vegetables from the vendor, 
And his son "chhotu" smilingly weighs the potatoes,
Chhotu, a small child, who should be studying at school.
I look the other way
It dies a little.

When I am decked up in a designer dress,
A dress that cost a bomb 
And I see a woman at the crossing,
In tatters, trying unsuccessfully to save her dignity. 
And I immediately roll up my window.
It dies a little. 

When I buy expensive gifts for my children, 
On return, I see half-clad children, 
With empty stomach and hungry eyes, 
Selling toys at the red light.
I try to save my conscience by buying some, yet
It dies a little. 

When my sick maid sends her daughter to work, 
Making her bunk school 
I know I should tell her to go back. 
But I look at the loaded sink and dirty dishes, 
And I tell myself that is just for a couple of days 
It dies a little. 

When I hear about a rape
or the murder of a child,
I feel sad, yet a little thankful that it's not my child
I can not look at myself in the mirror,
It dies a little. 

When people fight over caste creed and religion
I feel hurt and helpless
I tell myself that my country is going to the dogs,
I blame the corrupt politicians, 
Absolving myself of all responsibilities 
It dies a little. 

When my city is choked
Breathing is dangerous in the smog-ridden metropolis,
I take my car to work daily,
Not taking the metro, not trying carpool. 
One car won't make a difference, I think 
It dies a little. 

So when in the dark of the night,
I visit my conscience 
And find it still breathing 
I am surprised. 
For, with my own hands 
Daily, bit by bit, I kill it, I bury it.

         Author: Unknown

Note: Lately this poem has been credited to Late Ram Jethmalani 

रास्ते नहीं हैं दिल लगाने के लिए

रास्ते नहीं हैं दिल लगाने के लिए 
रास्ते हैं मंज़िलों को पाने के लिए 

वो तो देती है सभी को यकसाँ रौशनी
जलती नहीं शमा सिर्फ़ परवाने के लिए 

काग़ज़ की कश्ती बना के हमने एक रोज़
छोड़ दी दरिया में आज़माने के लिए 

अफ़सोस, रोने -धोने में ही कट गई सारी 
ज़िंदगी थी हंसने और हंसाने के लिए 

ज़बरन ले आते हैं लब पे फीकी सी मुस्कान 
दर्दे -दिल को औरों से छुपाने के लिए 

न जाने कितना वक़्त अभी और लगेगा 
मन के उलझे धागों को सुलझाने के लिए 

बातें - जो ख़ुद भी समझ न पाए आज तक 
कहते रहे वो औरों को समझाने के लिए 

बातें सच्चाई की - दया और धर्म की 
रह गई हैं सुनने और सुनाने के लिए 

सोचो ज़रा परिंदो कि पतझड़ अगर न हो   
तिनके कहाँ मिलेंगे आशियाने के लिए 

सुकूते -रुह, शम्मे -दानाई, हुसने -मौसीक़ी 
कुछ तो करो महफिलें सजाने के लिए 

कितने सामान हमने जमा कर लिए 'राजन '
इक दिले-बेसबर को बहलाने के लिए 
                               ' राजन सचदेव '

यकसाँ                    Same, Similar, Equal
ज़बरन                    Forcefully
सुकूते-रुह              Silencing of Mind, Quietness, Peace
शम्मे-दानाई           Candle of wisdom, intelligence, enlightenment
हुसने-मौसीक़ी        Beauty of Music

Raastay nahin hain dil lagaanay kay liye

Raastay nahin hain dil lagaanay kay liye 
Raastay hain manzilon ko paanay kay liye 

Vo to detee hai sabhee ko yaksaan raushnee
Jaltee nahin shamaa siraf parvaanay kay liye 

Kaagaz kee kashti banaa kay hum nay ek roz
Chhod dee dariyaa mein aazmaanay kay liye 

Afsos, ronay-dhonay mein hee cut gayi saari 
Zindgee thee hansnay aur hansaanay kay liye 

Zabaran lay aatay hain lub pay pheeki see muskaan 
Dard-e-dil ko auron say chhupaanay kay liye 

Na jaanay kitnaa vaqt abhee aur lagega 
Man kay uljhay dhaagon ko suljhaanay kay liye 

Baaten - jo khud bhee samajh na paaye aaj tak 
Kehtay rahay vo auron ko samjhaanay kay liye 

Baaten sachaai kee - dayaa aur dharm kee 
Reh gayi hain sunanay aur sunaanay kay liye 

Socho zaraa parindo ki patjhad agar na ho 
Tinkay kahaan milengay aashiyaanay kay liye 

Sukoot-e-rooh, shamm-e-daanayi, husn-e-mauseeqi 
Kuchh to karo  mehfilen sajaanay kay liye 

Kitnay saamaan hum nay jamaa kar liye 'Rajan'
Ik dil-e-besabar ko behlaanay kay liye 
                                  ' Rajan Sachdeva ' 

Yaksaan                                   Same, Similar, Equal
Zabaran                                   Forcefully
Sukoot-e-Rooh                          Silencing of Mind, Quietness, Peace
Shamm-e-Daanayi                Candle of wisdom, intelligence, enlightenment
Husn-e-Mauseeqi                  Beauty of Music

How do we accept the Truth?

To accept the truth as truth is called acceptance.
To accept the truth, we must utilize our innate intelligence of analytical thinking - the ability to use logic, reason, and intuition.
However, we lose our critical thinking skills when we become biased toward our own beliefs and ideologies. 
Thinking objectively, rather than subjectively, is an essential step for learning the truth. 
A great hindrance to learning occurs when we have our conclusions already formed in our minds. If we think that what we believe is true, then we will refuse to look at any evidence to the contrary.
Therefore, carefully examine the evidence with an open but rational mind, because the acceptance of truth comes from one's own experience - not from the experiences of others. Reading and listening to others' experiences may help us to steer our minds in the right direction, but eventually, it has to become our own experience. 
Once it becomes our own experience, no effort will be needed to accept it. 
                                                     'Rajan Sachdeva'

Walking with two other men

"If I am walking with two other men -
                 -- each of them will serve as my teachers. 
I will pick out the good points of the one and try to imitate them 
                -- and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself. 

हर इक यार नूं -- Har ik yaar nu

 हर इक यार नूं अपने राज़ ना दस्या कर यारा 
                    क्योंकि यारां दे वी  होर कई यार हुंदे  ने

Har ik yaar nu apnay raaz na daseya kar yaara 
           Kyonki  yaaraan day vee hor kayi yaar hunday nay 

Happy Teacher's Day

Today, Teacher's day is being celebrated all over India in the memory of Dr. S. Radhalrishnan.

Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan  (September 5, 1888- April 17, 1975) - India's first Vice-president and then the President of India from 1962 to 1967, was a great philosopher and teacher. His contributions to the field of education and Indian philosophies are exemplary. He was one of the greatest scholars of Indian and Western philosophies in recent times and wrote several volumes on Indian philosophies, and Vedanta - including commentaries on Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and Brahm Sutras. 

In 1962, when Radhakrishnan was serving as the president of India, his birthday was proposed to be celebrated as Radhakrishnan Day. However, he declined it by saying: "instead of celebrating it as my birthday, it would be my proud privilege if this day is observed as Teachers’ Day."

Teachers have a direct impact on their students. They love educating students. 
They strive to educate - inspire the students to learn more and to induce positive changes in their lives.
In ancient Indian traditions, the teacher or the Guru was given utmost respect and the highest honor by the society. 

            Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishnu, gururdevo Maheshvaraa
            GururPaarbrahma Parmeshvar, Tasmai Shri Guruvay Namah
                                            (Guru Geeta)

                 Guru Eeshar, Guru Gorakh Brahmaa, Guru Paarvati maai
                                                  (Japuji Sahib)

Millions of people all over the world acknowledge and honor this day by celebrating it many different ways. However, the greatest tribute to them would be to learn, understand, and adapt their teachings in our lives.
And the most important thing for teachers is that they should engage, motivate, and inspire students to learn. 

Let's appreciate the vital role that teachers play in shaping our future.
                           'Rajan Sachdeva'
                                       "Happy Teacher's Day"
                                          

A Little Humor - ससुर का घर The home of Father-in-law

                    असारे खलु संसारे सारं श्वशुरमन्दिरम् ।
                    हरो हिमालये शेते हरि: शेते महोदधौ ॥

इस सारहीन संसार में निवास के लिए श्वसुर का घर (पुरुषों के लिए) उचित एवं उत्तम स्थान है। 
इसी कारण भगवान शंकर हिमालय में रहते हैं -  तथा भगवान विष्णू क्षीरसागर में।

            Assaray khalu Sansaaray saaram shvasur mandiram
            Haro himaalaye shetay - Hari shetay mahodadhau 

 In this immaterial, transient world, the home of Shwashur (Father-in-law) is the best place (for men) to live. That is why Lord Shiva lives in the Himalayas, and Lord Vishnu lives in Ksheer-Sagar (Ocean).

Note: Parvati (Lord Shiva's wife) and Laxmi (Lord Vishnu's wife) are the daughters of Himalaya, and the Ocean respectively. 
                            (From Sanskrit Subhashitam)

Meaning of Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṃ (मिच्छामि दुक्कडम्)

Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṃ (मिच्छामि दुक्कडम्) is an ancient Indian phrase from Prakrit language. 
It literally means "may all the evil that has been done (by me) be fruitless."

It is used widely in the Jain religion on the last day (Samvatsari or Kshamavani) of Paryushana, the most important annual holy event of the Jain calendar.

Michchhami means to be fruitless (forgiven), and Dukkadam (Dushkrut) means bad deeds. 
Therefore the meaning of Michchhami Dukkadam is - my bad deeds (towards you) be fruitless.
The Sanskrit version of the phrase is - 'Mithyā me duṣkṛitām' -meaning - may my wrong actions be in vain. Or simply put - May my misdeeds be undone and forgiven. 

So the concept behind saying or writing to someone Michchhami Dukkadam is that if I have offended you in any way through my speech or action -  if I have ever caused any harm to you, then may those actions be fruitless - be forgiven.  

There is another beautiful Sutra (aphorism) asking for forgiveness with the unity of thought, speech, and action. 

                Khamemi Savvay Jeeva, Savvay Jeeva khamantu may
                Mitti may Savva bhueshu, Vairam majjham na kenaai. 

Meaning: 
I forgive all the Jeevas - all living beings of the universe - 
May all the Jeevas - all living beings forgive me for my faults.
I see all the living beings of the universe as my friends.
I do not have enmity with anyone. 

Regardless of from which religion or culture it comes from, it is a beautiful concept. 
Asking for forgiveness with humility and sincerity - with true feelings is the beginning of the process of shedding our Karmas.  

                                          Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṃ 

                                               'Rajan Sachdeva'

Micchami Dukkadam

                               Today, I sincerely seek forgiveness from all 

MICCHAMI DUKKADAM 

 'Rajan Sachdeva'

Ganesha - a Great Symbolism in the Physical and Spiritual worlds

Lord Ganesha, also known as Ganapati is one of the most well-known Hindu deities. 
He is considered the Lord of beginning and good fortune, and the remover of obstacles.
Translated in English mostly as the Elephant God, Ganesha is seen as a strange phenomenon in the western worlds - by the Non-Hindus or the suspicious nonbelievers. 
However, in reality, these deities, gods are not as they are shown in the images. 
They are extremely representational. The various markings, colors, faces, and features hold deep significance. 
Even the objects surrounding them have great meanings. 
By paying close and earnest attention to the symbolism presented in the seemingly strange images of the gods, we can understand the hidden meaning behind these images. 

The literal meaning of Ganesha (Gan+Esha) and the Ganpati (Gan+Pati) is the Lord of people and the leader of people respectively. 
Just as the images of most other Hindu deities, Ganesha's symbolism has some deep meanings in both, the physical and the spiritual worlds.

                      Ganpati's Symbolism in the Physical world

Much of the symbolism of the Ganpati in the Physical world represent the qualities of a great leader, relating to the welfare of society and safeguarding people from the physical and subtle obstacles. These qualities can be applied to all political, social or spiritual leaders - to lead their subjects and followers efficiently. 

Elephant, a native animal of India is a symbol of strength and power, and mostly, friendly and protective. Since Ganesh, the ruler or the leader is all about protection and power, therefore he is portrayed with an Elephant head - showing that a good leader should be as strong and confident as an elephant - to lead his followers.

His large head: Symbolises his intelligence and thinking ability - to be able to think out of the box.

The smallmouth and the large ears show that he may talk less and listen more to those who come to him asking for help. 
The small eyes mean that he should overlook the shortcomings and mistakes of the followers and continue to guide and lead them regardless. 
His one tusk represents working for one reason only - the welfare of others.
Large stomach: Shows that he can keep the secrets of others within himself and not condemn anyone in public. --- Shows that he can consume and digest all the good and bad done by others.

Long and flexible trunk - Just like an elephant gathers his food with his long and flexible trunk, a good leader should be able to find large resources with his far-reaching but flexible approach.

Ganesha's four hands, a symbol of multitasking - holding various objects in each hand - 
These objects are particularly important for symbolizing how a good leader can help his followers to progress throughout their lives.
In one hand he holds a rope, which represents the leader's ability to help pull everyone up - from poverty and misery to a better and prosperous life. 
In another hand he holds an ax, to destroy the bad elements - including false concepts and traditions present in the society. 
In his third hand, he holds a bowl full of sweets, a promise to bring true and favorable results for the people - to help them achieve the fruits of their actions.
His fourth hand is shown in the blessing mudra - assuring his follower's safety and protection.
                          Ganesha rides the mouse. 
A mouse is shown held under Ganpati's foot. 
The mouse is a symbol of stealing and collecting which belongs to others. It lives in the house - steals and collects food in its hiding place. Ganesha, Ganpati, the good leader keeps such people under his control and does not let them steal what belongs to others - which is earned by others. 

                         Ganesha as a symbolism of individual spirituality

Ganesha - Gan+Esha means the lord of people or a group.
In the context of spirituality, Mind - the Consciousness can be seen as the lord of the senses - the five Gyanendriyan and the five Karmendriyaan. 
The various organs of the Ganesha and the objects around him convey deep messages to the seekers of the truth.

The large head: Symbolises the intelligence - the Gyana and Vichar-Shakti, the thinking ability of the spiritual person or the seeker of Truth.
The smallmouth and the large ears represent the concepts of Mauna (silence) and Shravanan (Listening). 
They show that the Gyani or a seeker talks less and listens more to the true teachings of the enlightened ones.

His small eyes are a sign of concentration and one-pointed focus. He has the ability to avoid seeing the faults of others and focusing on his own personal goal of achieving liberation.

Ek Dant - One tusk: Represents retaining the good, and positive -and throwing away the bad or negativity around him.

The large stomach: Life is a combination of Sukh and Dukha. The Gyani can peacefully handle and digest all the good and bad in life. 

                    Ganesha's four hands, holding various objects in each hand. 
These objects are also important for symbolizing how a good and strong mind can control the senses to progress on the path of spirituality.
In one hand he holds a rope, which represents the ability to pull himself up from all negativity - towards the ultimate goal of realization and liberation. 
He holds an ax in another hand - to cut all attachments with the impermanent and material world which everyone continually tries to grasp. 
In his third hand, he holds a bowl full of sweets, meaning he only holds and retains the sweet - only the good and positive, which is necessary for spiritual development. 
His fourth hand is often shown in the blessing mudra, which is also the symbol of Abhaya or fearlessness. 
A Gyani is free from the fear of false concepts and notions - and continues his spiritual journey - not because of fear, but with the knowledge of Truth. 

The mouse is a symbol of greed - of stealing and collecting.
Ganesha, the Gyani mind keeps greed - a natural human tendency under his control. He earns his living by honest means - not by cheating. He lives a life of simplicity and purity.

By understanding the symbolism presented in the seemingly strange images of the gods, we can learn the proper ways to progress and achieve enlightenment and Liberation. 

May we all see the Truth and continue our journey by learning and understanding the real meanings of the Scriptures, traditions, and rituals. 
                               'Rajan Sachdeva'