Another year has passed... But so much yet to do

आहिस्ता चल ज़िन्दगी - अभी कई क़र्ज़ चुकाना बाकी है
कुछ दर्द मिटाना बाकी है - कुछ फ़र्ज़  निभाना बाकी है

रफ़्तार में तेरे चलने से कुछ रुठ गये  - कुछ छूट गये
रुठों को मनाना बाकी है, रोतों को हंसाना  बाकी है

कुछ रिश्ते बनकर टूट गये, कुछ जुड़ते जुड़ते छूट गये
उन टूटे-छूटे रिश्तों के ज़ख़्मों को मिटाना बाकी है

कुछ हसरतें अभी अधूरी हैं कुछ काम भी और ज़रुरी हैं 
ख़्वाहिशें जो घुट गई दिल में, उनको दफ़नाना बाकी है

तू आगे चल मै आता हूँ, क्या छोड़ तुझे जी पाएँगे ?
इन सांसों पर हक़ है जिनका उनको समझाना बाकी है 

आहिस्ता चल जिंदगी - अभी कई कर्ज़ चुकाना बाकी है
                                                         ~ गुलज़ार  ~ 

Aahista chal zindagi, abhi kayi qarz chukaana baaki hai
Kuchh dard mitaana baaki hai, kuchh farz nibhaana baaki hai

Raftaar mein teray chalnay say kuchh rooth gaye, kuchh chhoot gaye
Roothon ko manaana baaki hai Roton ko hansaana baaki hai

Kuchh rishtay ban kar toot gaye - Kuchh judtay judtay chhoot gaye
Un tootay chhootay rishton kay zakhmon ko mitaana baki hai

Kuchh hasratein abhi adhuri hain, Kuch kaam bhi aur zaruri hain
Khwahishen jo ghut gayin dil mein unko dafnaana baaki hai

Tu aagay chal main aataa hoon, Kya chhod tujhay jee paayengay?
In Saanson par haqq hai jin ka, unko samjhaana baaki hai.

Aahistaa chal Zindagi, abhi kayi qarz chukcana baaki hai 

                                          By:  Gulzar

Another year is coming to an end

Another year is coming to an end.
A year that might have been outstanding for some, devastating for others and just another average year for many.
Years come and go - 
Who knows if we will live to see another year or not.
However, what is important is how we live and act every day.
As they say: Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away.'
So live your life fully. Cherish every moment of your life. 
Love and help your near and dear ones unconditionally.
Forgive and try to forget what wrong others might have done to you.
Do all the good you can and try not to hurt anyone intentionally. 
At the same time, take care of yourself as well.
Do something each day that you love to do. Spread goodness and happiness around. 
And remember - 
No one is responsible for your happiness and attitude but yourself. 
Do not get agitated by what others do or say - Let no one take your peace of mind away. 
Take time out for meditation and Sumiran - to thank God and everyone else. 
And most of all - 
Be grateful for what you have. 
Stay Happy - Stay Blessed - Stay Peaceful. 

मौत का एक दिन मुअय्यन है Maut ka ek din muayyan hai

कोई उम्मीद बर नहीं आती
कोई सूरत नज़र नहीं आती

मौत का एक दिन मुअय्यन है
नींद क्यों रात भर नहीं आती

आगे आती थी हाले-दिल पे हँसी
अब किसी बात पर नहीं आती

है कुछ ऐसी ही बात जो चुप हूँ
वर्ना क्या बात कर नहीं आती

जानता हूँ सवाबे-ता'अतो-ज़हद
पर तबीयत इधर नहीं आती

दाग़-ए-दिल नज़र नहीं आता
बू-ए-चारागर नहीं आती

हम वहाँ हैं जहाँ से हम को भी
कुछ हमारी ख़बर नहीं आती

काबा किस मुँह से जाओगे 'ग़ालिब
शर्म तुमको मगर नहीं आती
                    ' मिर्ज़ा ग़ालिब '

Koi ummeed bar nahin aatee
Koi soorat nazar nahin aatee

Maut ka ek din muayyan hai
Neend kyon raat bhar nahin aatee

Aagay aatee thee haale-dil pay hansee
Ab kisee baat par nahin aatee

Hai kuchh aisee hee baat jo chup hoon
Varnaa kya baat kar nahin aatee

Jaanta hoon sawaabe-ta'ato-zuhad
Par tabeeyat idhar nahin aatee

Daag-e-dil nazar nahin aata

Boo-e-chaaraagar nahin aatee

Ham vahaan hain jahaan say ham ko bhee
Kuchh hamaari khabar nahin aatee

Kaaba kis munh say jaogay 'Ghalib'
Sharm tum ko magar nahin aatee
                                       Mirza Ghalib

मुअय्यन Muayyan                             =       Fixed, Appointed
सवाब Swaab                                      =     Divine Rewards
ता'अत-ओ-ज़हद  Ta'ato-zuhad    = Devotion, Submission, उपासना, पूजा, इबादत, बंदगी

सवाबे-ता'अतो-ज़हद   Swaabe-Ta'ato-zuhad  =   Divine Rewards for Obedience, abstinence, piety

Whenever you feel sad

Whenever you feel sad and lonely - 
whenever you think that no one cares about you -
Just remember there are billions of cells in your body 
and all they care about is you.

Value of having good people around

The value of having good people around us is not only what we get from them, but the better person we will become because of them. 
The company we keep is crucial in shaping our understanding of life and the world. 
Therefore, keeping a good company is vital, especially at a young age, when the mind is quite impressionable and vulnerable. 

However, finding good people and friends might be a challenge, because many times, people are not as they appear to be. We may like some people who are fun to be with - but they may not necessarily be good for us. The important thing is - in difficult times, would they guide us properly, and help us unconditionally in whatever capacity they can? 
When we are vulnerable, it's easy to follow a shady path when guided and pointed toward the wrong direction. 
That is the power of association. Therefore, we must learn to value the support of good people around us. 

More than finding good people in life, harder is to keep association and relationship with them for long. 
Sometimes we lose good people over some small silly things - because of our self-centeredness and ego. 
Before breaking a pleasing relationship, we should ask ourselves - 
- is it worth losing it? 

अभी कुछ लोग बाक़ी हैं Abhi kuchh log baaqi hain

सलीक़े से हवाओं में जो ख़ुशबू घोल देते हैं
अभी कुछ लोग बाक़ी हैं जो मीठा बोल लेते हैं

Saleekay say hawaaon mein jo khushbu ghol detay hain 
Abhi kuchh log baaqi hain - jo meethaa bol letay hain 
                                         (Writer Unknown) 

Gira Anayan, Nayan binu baani गिरा अनयन, नयन बिनु बानी

In the Baal Kaand of Ram Charit Maanas, while talking about the beauty of Lord Rama, 
Goswami Tulasi Das gave an incredible analogy:
             Syaam Gaur kim kahon bakhaani
             Gira Anayan - Nayan binu baani 
                   स्याम गौर किमि कहौं बखानी 
                   गिरा अनयन - नयन बिनु बानी 

He says:  How can I explain such a great beauty (of the Lord)?
Because the tongue does not have the eyes to see, and the eyes cannot speak. 
                              ~~   ~~   ~~
In recent years, a famous songwriter Anand Bakshi wrote the same in the Urdu language:

Tujhko dekha hai meri nazron nay
Teri taareeef ho magar kaisay
ki banay ye nazar zubaan kaisay
ki banay ye zubaan nazar kaisay
Na zubaan ko dikhayi detaa hai
Na nigaahon say baat hoti hai

           तुझको देखा है मेरी नज़रों ने 
           तेरी तारीफ़ हो मगर कैसे
          कि बने यह नज़र ज़ुबां कैसे 
          कि बने यह ज़ुबां नज़र कैसे
          न ज़ुबां को दिखाई देता है
          न निगाहों से बात होती है

Forgiving and Forgetting is not Easy

At one time or the other, we all run into certain situations when we feel hurt by the actions or behaviors of others - may it be friends, relatives, loved ones, or even strangers. 
Often, when we feel hurt, we become angry and feel like taking revenge. And then, depending upon our Sanskaars - our upbringing and the ideology - we hear an inner voice saying - let it go - Forgive them and Forget. 
But it's not that easy, and we start pondering upon the question of whether to forgive or not. 
Before we make the final decision, we should first try to understand what forgiveness means and who will benefit from it. 
Forgiveness isn't something we do only for those who hurt us; it is something we do for ourselves as well.
When we feel hurt, we continually keep on thinking about it.
We don't know if the other person even remembers it or not, but we keep on feeling angry and hurt. 
Therefore, eventually, it is us - who will get more benefit from forgiving.

             Can we forget the incidence altogether?

Letting it go and forgetting the incidence is never easy.
However, by forgiving, we will be accepting the reality of what happened and finding a way to live in a state of resolution with it. 
By forgiving, we will be putting our mind at peace - free of anger and anxiety - even if we do not tell the other person.
It may be hard to do. If we are not able to forgive immediately, then we can try to achieve it in a gradual process - if we have the willingness to forgive. 
However, the sooner we forgive, the sooner we will feel relieved and at peace with our-self. 
We will still remember what happened, but we will no longer be bound by it.

ज़लज़लों के ख़ौफ़ से क्या घर बनाना छोड़ दें

हादसों की ज़द पे हैं तो मुस्कुराना छोड़ दें ?
ज़लज़लों के ख़ौफ़ से क्या घर बनाना छोड़ दें ?

तुम ने मेरे घर न आने की क़सम खाई तो है
आँसुओं से भी कहो आँखों में आना छोड़ दें

ओ प्यार के दुश्मन - कभी प्यार से कह के तो देख
एक तेरा दर ही क्या, हम तो ज़माना छोड़ दें

घोंसले वीरान हैं - अब वो परिंदे ही कहाँ
इक बसेरे के लिए जो आब-ओ-दाना छोड़ दें

                                               (लेखक - अज्ञात)



Haadson kee zad pay hain to muskuraana chhod dain?
Zalzalon kay khauf say kya ghar banaana chhod dain?

Tum nay meray ghar na aanay ki kasam khaai to hai
Aansuon say bhi kaho aankhon mein aana chhod dain

O' Pyaar kay dushman, kabhi pyaar say keh kay to dekh
Ek teraa dar hi kyaa, hum to zamaana chhod dain

Ghonslay veeraan hain, ab vo parinday hee kahaan
Ik baseray kay liye ji aabo-daana chhod dain                                                            (Writer Unknown) 

Haadson kee zad pay  =  At the verge of incidence 
Zalzalay                         =   Earthquake 
Aabo-daana                  =  Water & food 

Six Lessons - Six Teachers

         Satyam maata pitaa gnaanam
         Dharmo bhraata dayaa sakhaa  |         
         Shaanti Patni kshamaa putra        
         Shadaytey mama baandhava  ||

Truth from mother 
Gyana or knowledge from Father
Dharma from the siblings; brothers and sisters 
Compassion from friends 
Tolerance from wife
Patience and forgiveness from children
These six of my family members and close relatives taught me the above six lessons in my life. 
                                                   ~~   ~~     ~~   ~~

The meaning is that we learn the essential lessons of life from the six close family members or friends.

1. The Truth - about the father and other basics, is told by the Mother.
2. Father provides the knowledge of survival and the world around- how to make a living and take care of the family, etc.
3. From brothers or siblings, one learns the law of equality - by seeing the equal distribution of food, toys, and other commodities in the home. 
4. In the company of friends, one learns compassion and kindness - how to share and help each other.
5. The wife teaches the virtue of patience. With his wife, a man learns how to accept - to be patient and tolerant - which brings peace at home.
6. From the children, one learns the virtue of Forgiveness - by ignoring and forgiving their mistakes and wrongdoings. 

Besides the above, we can keep on learning many other lessons in life from the Gurus or Teachers - from fellow students and workers, and everyone else we meet.
The situations and circumstances can also be great teachers - if we are willing to learn from them as well. 
All we need to do is to keep our minds open. 
                                             'Rajan Sachdeva'

सत्य लिखो निष्पक्ष लिखो

आज सुबह एक मित्र ने किसी कवि की सोशल मीडिआ के नाम लिखी एक हिंदी कविता भेजी।  
कविता अच्छी लगी इसलिए सोचा कि इसे यहाँ पोस्ट करके सब के साथ शेअर किया जाए। 
हो सकता है कि दो-चार  लोग इस कविता की एक दो पंक्तियों से सहमत न हों लेकिन यह भी सत्य है कि हर व्यक्ति हर इक घटना को अपनी भावनाओं से देखता और समझता है और अपने विचारों के अनुसार ही उसे पेश करता है। यही बात सोशल मीडिया पर भी लागू होती है। 
ज़ाहिर है कि इस कविता को भी लोग अपने अपने ढंग से पढ़ेंगे और समझेंगे लेकिन मेरे ख्याल में इस कविता के अंत में दिए गए परामर्श से तो सभी सहमत होंगे कि सोशल मीडिआ को अपने निजी स्वार्थ से ऊपर उठ कर एवं निष्पक्ष हो कर देश और पत्रकारिता की सेवा करनी चाहिए।                        -- -- -- -- -- --- --- -- ----  --- ----- 

आज कलम का कागज से मै दंगा करने वाला हूँ
मीडिया की सच्चाई को मै नंगा करने वाला हूँ

मीडिया - जिसको लोकतंत्र का चौंथा खंभा होना था 
खबरों की पावनता में - जिसको गंगा होना था

आज वही दिखता है हमको वैश्या के किरदारों में
बिकने को तैयार खड़ा है गली चौक बाजारों में

दाल में काला होता है तुम काली दाल दिखाते हो
सुरा सुंदरी उपहारों की खुब मलाई खाते हो 

गले मिले सलमान से आमिर ये खबरों का स्तर है
और दिखाते इंद्राणी का कितने फुट का बिस्तर है 

म्यॉमार में सेना के साहस का खंडन करते हो
और हमेशा दाउद का तुम महिमा मंडन करते हो

हिन्दू कोई मर जाए तो घर का मसला कहते हो
मुसलमान की मौत को मानवता पे हमला कहते हो

लोकतंत्र की संप्रभुता पर तुमने कैसा मारा चाँटा है
सबसे ज्यादा तुमने हिन्दु,  मुसलमान को बाँटा है

साठ साल की लूट पे भारी एक सूट दिखलाते हो
ओवैसी को भारत का तुम रॉबिनहुड बतलाते हो

दिल्ली मे जब पापी वहशी चीरहरण मे लगे रहे
तुम ऐश्वर्या की बेटी के नामकरण मे लगे रहे 

‘दिल से’ ये दुनिया समझ रही है खेल ये बेहद गंदा है
मीडिया हाउस और नही कुछ ब्लैकमेलिंग का धंधा है

गूँगे की आवाज बनो - अंधे की लाठी हो जाओ
सत्य लिखो - निष्पक्ष लिखो और फिर से जिंदा हो जाओ

                       (कवि  - गौरव चौहान)
                            स्तोत्र - इंटरनेट 

कविता भेजने वाले ने इसे लिखने का श्रेय किसी फ़िल्मी एक्टर के पिता को दिया है लेकिन इंटरनेट पर ढूंढ़ने से इसके लेखक का नाम गौरव चौहान मिला है।  

ना जाने कौनसी बात आख़िरी होगी

ना जाने कौनसी बात आख़िरी  होगी 
ना जाने कौनसी रात आख़िरी  होगी 

किस को ख़बर है कि ज़िंदगी में 
कौन सी बरसात आख़िरी होगी 

मिलते रहो दोस्तो - न जाने कब 
कौनसी मुलाक़ात आख़िरी होगी 

ख़बर दंगों की सुन के सोचता हूँ
शायद ये वारदात आख़िरी होगी 

इंसानियत के दुश्मनों, दरिंदों की
इंसानियत पे घात आख़िरी होगी 

दिल को खुशफ़हमी है कि शायद 
सच्चाई की ये मात आख़िरी होगी 

कल नौ-बहार ले के आएगी सुबह 
ये ख़ौफ़नाक रात आख़िरी होगी

लेकिन हम सम्भल न पाए तो शायद 
ज़मीं पे ये हयात आख़िरी होगी

मिलता है जो ले ले ख़ुशी से ऐ दोस्त 
शायद ये सौगात आख़िरी  होगी 

सब फ़ना हो जाएगा 'राजन 'यहां 
बस एक रब की ज़ात आख़िरी होगी 
                       ' राजन सचदेव '

Na jaanay kaun see baat aakhiri hogi

Na jaanay kaun see baat aakhiri  hogi     
Na jaanay kaun see raat aakhiri  hogi  

Kis ko khabar hai ki zindagi mein 
kaun see barsaat aakhiri  hogi  

Miltay raho dosto - na jaanay kab 
kaun see Mulaqaat aakhiri  hogi  

Khabar dangon ki sun kay sochta hoon
Shaayad ye vaardaat aakhiri  hogi  

Insaaniyat kay Dushmanon, darindon ki
Insaaniyat pay ghaat aakhiri  hogi  

Dil ko khush-fehmi hai ki shaayad 
Sachaayi ki ye maat aakhiri  hogi  

Kal nau-bahaar lay kay aayegi subah 
Ye khaufnaak raat aakhiri  hogi  

Lekin ham sambhal na paaye to shayad  
Zameen pay ye hayaat aakhiri  hogi  

Miltaa hai jo lay lay khushi say ae dost 
Shaayad ye saugaat aakhiri  hogi  

Sab fanaa ho jayega 'Rajan' yahaan 
Bas ek Rab kee zaat aakhiri  hogi  
                     'Rajan Sachdeva'

Vaardaat                Incident               
Khush-fehmi          Good thought, well-wishing 
Ghaat                      Attack
Maat                        Defeat
Nau-bahaar           New Spring 
Hayaat                    Life, Existence 
    

We forget to appreciate what we have

Usually, we keep on chasing after what we don't have. 
We keep on thinking about it continually - but forget to appreciate and enjoy what we already have. 

Just because we don't have a few things that we want, we usually forget all the others that we have. 
We keep on complaining about what we don't have, or what our friends or loved ones didn't do - or don't do for us. We become bitter and keep on complaining all the time and blaming others for our dissatisfaction. We tend to forget all the other things that they have done and continue to do for us. 
We keep on grieving for what they don't do - but never appreciate what they do.
Love and Respect are earned, not demanded.
Constant complaints to friends and loved ones about what they don't do might push them farther away, and they might even stop doing what they are already doing for us. 
What if we don't get the one thing which we want - and the other things that we have, are also lost? 

Earlier, our parents and grandparents used to teach us some lessons by telling us stories. 
One such story was:
A man was distributing Laddoos as Prasaad outside a temple. People would extend their hand in front of him, and he would place one Laddoo on it. One boy, thinking that the man is looking at the hands only - and not at the faces - took one Laddoo and quickly turned his arm behind his back, and extended the other hand forward. 
The man said, hey - you have already taken one Laddoo and refused to give him another one. 
Suddenly, a dog came behind the boy and clutched the Laddoo, which he was hiding behind his back. 
Trying to get more, he even lost what he had received. 

Let's not try to hide or forget, and be ungrateful for what we have. 
                              'Rajan Sachdeva'

वो तिफ़्ल क्या गिरेगा Vo Tifl kyaa girega

शह-ज़ोर अपने ज़ोर में गिरता है मिस्ल-ए-बर्क़ 
वो तिफ़्ल क्या गिरेगा जो घुटनों के बल चले 
                                       (मिर्ज़ा अज़ीम बेग 'अज़ीम ' )

Shah-zor apnay zor me girtaa hai misl-e-barq
Vo tifl kyaa girega jo ghutanon kay bal chalay
                                             (Mirza Azeem Baig Azeem)


शह-ज़ोर          Shah-zor                =  Powerful, Mighty
मिस्ल-ए-बर्क़   Misl-e-barq            =  Like lightning
तिफ़्ल                 Tifl                         =  Child / an infant


Meaning: 
A strong and powerful person, who has made his place quite high - falls one day because of his own ego, power, and rudeness - and he falls in a flash like lightning from the sky. 
On the other hand, how can an infant child fall - who is crawling on his knees on the ground?

In other words, a person with a big ego has more chances of falling and getting hurt - while a humble person, who keeps his feet on the ground has no fear of falling. 

शक्तिशाली व्यक्ति, एक दिन अपने अहंकार, शक्ति और अशिष्टता के कारण एक बर्क़ अथवा दामिनी - यानी आकाश से गिरती हुई बिजली की तरह एक झटके में ही गिर जाता है। 
दूसरी ओर, एक बच्चा - जो अपने घुटनों के बल ज़मीन पर रेंग रहा हो - कैसे गिर सकता है ?

अर्थात विनम्र एवं धरती से जुड़े हुए सत्पुरुषों के मन में गिरने का डर नहीं होता। 

Loneliness vs Aloneness or Solitude

Loneliness is a negative state of mind.
Aloneness or solitude is positive. 
In dictionaries, loneliness and aloneness are synonymous. 
However, in life, they are not. 
Loneliness is a state of mind when you are missing the other
Aloneness is the state of mind when you are delighted in yourself.  
Loneliness is miserable - aloneness is blissful. 
Loneliness is always missing something - craving for something - desiring for something or someone. 
Aloneness is a deep fulfillment, not going out, tremendously content, happy, celebrating. 
In loneliness, you are off-center.
In aloneness, you are centered and rooted.
Aloneness is beautiful. It has an elegance around it, a grace, a climate of tremendous satisfaction.
Loneliness is beggarly. 
All around it, there is begging and nothing else - it has no grace around it.
Loneliness is a dependence.
Aloneness is sheer independence - One feels as if he is the whole world, whole existence.
                                                                  'Osho'
                                                                  

बुनियाद के पत्थर Buniyaad kay Patthar

दिखाई कम ही दिया करते हैं बुनियाद के पत्थर
ज़मीं में दब गये थे जो इमारत उन्हीं पे क़ायम है

Dikhaayi kam hee diyaa kartay hain buniyaad kay patthar
Zameen mein dab gaye thay jo, imaarat unhin pay qaayam hai 

Expect more from yourself than others

Expecting absolutely nothing from anyone is extremely difficult, if not impossible. 

Since we live in households and societies - not in forests or caves as individuals, we continually have to interact with families, friends,  and co-workers, etc. on regular bases. There are certain expectations from family members, friends, and co-workers that may be necessary for the households, businesses, or organizations to function correctly and smoothly. 
At the same time, expecting too much from others creates problems everywhere - in households or workplaces and organizations. 
Since our lifestyles have changed, the ancient advice from the Bhagavad Geeta and other Scriptures of 'not expecting anything' - should be interpreted as 'not expecting too much' from others. 

In fact, expect more from yourself than others. 
Too many expectations from others can hurt you 
- while expectations from yourself will inspire you and improve your life
                                   'Rajan Sachdeva'

इक ज़रा सी बात से Ek ​Zaraa ​See​ ​B​aat ​Say

कभी  पत्थर की ठोकर से भी आती नहीं ​ख़राश ​
कभी इक ज़रा सी बात से इन्सान बिखर जाता है 

Kabhi Pathar ​ki ​thokar ​say​ ​b​hi ​aati ​n​ahi Khar​a​ash
Kabhi ik ​zara ​see​ ​b​aat ​say​ ​i​nsaan ​bikhar ​ja​ata ​h​ai!

                                                  (Unknown)

Do you believe in the power of Prayer?

A Bar Opened Opposite a Church!!!

The Church Prayed Daily against the bar business.

Days later the bar was struck by lightning & caught fire which destroyed it.

Bar Owner Sued the Church Authorities for the cause of its destruction, as it was an action because of their Prayer.

The Church Denied all Responsibility!!!

So, the judge commented,

"It's Difficult to Decide the Case because here we have a Bar Owner Who Believes in the Power of Prayer & an Entire Church that Doesn't Believe in it. 

Interactions are Opportunities

Interactions are opportunities 

Every interaction is an opportunity to learn 
Only if we are interested in improving 
                   - Rather than proving. 

Where does God live?

The overwhelming majority of people involved superficially in primitive forms of religions would answer this question by saying:
'in the heaven' -pointing up towards the sky. 
Just like they raise their eyes and hands when praying. 
Where does this belief originate from that God lives somewhere up in the sky?
Maybe the reason is that one sees hunger, suffering, and temptations on the earth - and endless expanse, tranquil clouds, bright light and warmth of the Sun, and the mystery of the moon in the sky? 
Perhaps, the primordial people thought that there must be a heaven somewhere in the sky 
- and that is where God lives. 
They also thought of an image of God - a tranquil face with a long white beard, wearing a long white gown - controlling the whole world sitting on a golden throne. 
Most people still believe that. 
However, for thousands of years, the Vedas and Upanishads have proclaimed that Brahm (God) is all-pervading - everywhere in the universe and the universe is within It.
Unquestionably, such a God has to be formless and endless - and how can any image of It be ever created?
Interestingly, this concept is so deeply rooted in the Indian mind that even if you ask this question to a layman or a peasant in a village:
'Where does God live?
His answer would be 'Everywhere. 
Although they still might raise their eyes and hands upwards when praying or talking about God.

                  ' Rajan Sachdeva '

Let's understand some Facts

Let's understand some central truths - the common heritage of the Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and the Sikhs alike.  

Here are some prevalent facts shared by all:

There is only one Almighty, all-pervading eternal Parmaatma - commonly known as God, or the Supreme Consciousness- the origin of all existence. 
The Supreme Universal consciousness - whose glories the Vedas cannot express - before whose majesty the universe with its countless galaxies of billions of suns and stars is as a drop. 

Atman, also immortal - birthless, and eternal is a part of this Supreme Universal Soul that resides within all living creatures - from lowest to the highest - evolved or unevolved forms of life. 

Understanding this fact, and seeing God - the Supreme in everyone and selfless service towards all is our foremost duty.

All the religions mentioned above believe in the theory of karma.
We create our destiny by choosing the course of our actions. 
Interestingly though, contrary to popular beliefs, none of their holy scriptures believe in some special place somewhere up in the sky called heaven and hell. Everything is here on the earth - in the physical and mental spheres of life.

Knowing and experiencing the 'Truth - the 'Reality and establishing a direct connection with it is the leading goal of human life. 

Truth can be known from the Guru - the enlightened one - who has already experienced it.

After knowing, a direct and personal relationship must be established with the Supreme to enjoy the bliss. 

Unfortunately, most people do not know the facts about other religions because they do not want to read the holy scriptures other than their own. Not knowing the facts about others, we think that we are better than the others. That creates differences, discrimination, and even hatred and hostility towards others. 
Find out the facts before criticizing others.
                       May Nirankar, the Supreme Lord bless all. 

     'Rajan Sachdeva'

Remembering or to Experience ?

We often hear from people that we should remember God. 
Is just remembering Him enough? 
In fact, just remembering something does not do much.
The experience does. 
Remembering that I have money in my bank won't help -unless I use it.
Remembering there is food in my fridge won't help - unless it goes in my stomach. 
Remembering that I have a job won't help - unless I work. 
Remembering that I have an infant child in the crib does not help - unless I pay attention and take care of the baby.
Similarly, just remembering The Almighty may not be enough - unless we experience Him within our hearts - feel his presence within ourselves and all around us.
                 ' Rajan Sachdeva '  

ज़रा सी रंजिश पर Zaraa see Ranjish par

ज़रा सी रंजिश पर ना छोड़ किसी अपने का दामन
इक उम्र  लगती  है अपनों को - अपना बनाने में

Zaraa see ranjish par na chhod kisi apnay ka daaman
Ik umar lagti hai apno ko apnaa banaanay me

How to understand the ancient Sacred books

The structure of the Sanskrit language in ancient times was very different. Just like the other ancient classical languages such as Greek, Latin, and Roman - Sanskrit has also gone through many changes and developments. 
Though they are all in Sanskrit, the language of the Vedas and Upanishads or the Bhagavad Geeta is quite different. To convey their message, instead of making long sentences, the authors of the Vedas used as little words as possible. 
The reason was quite simple. 
Printing or writing facilities were not available in those days. Writing on the dried leaves or dried tree-barks was a tediously slow process.  So, they used a shorthand language - with fewer words.
Traditionally, the Vedas and teachings of the great sages were recited and memorized by the seekers, students, and the would-be preachers known as the Brahmans. Perhaps, these verses were written in shorthand just as a reference for those who used to memorize the entire doctrine and preach to the masses. 

However, the Phrases written in a shorthand style can be translated and understood in many different ways. Therefore, to unveil the actual meaning of the original verses and to clarify and expand that doctrine further, many Bhaashyas (commentaries)  were written afterward by many great scholars such as Shankracharya, Ramanuja, and Madhvacharya, etc. Without these Bhaashyas or the commentaries, much of the ancient scholarly work and the universal humanitarian and spiritual visions of the ancient sages would have been lost - as they may not have made much sense to the later generations. 
For example, to send messages to family and friends in short, the younger generation these days use the new abbreviated terminology such as BRB - to say I will be right back - FYI (for your information) or IMO (in my opinion), etc. Those who are not familiar with this trend would not be able to understand it unless explained by someone. 
Similarly, to understand the real meanings of Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Geeta, and other ancient books, most of the time, we have to rely either on the commentaries - or some wise, learned, and enlightened people. 

Although, to find a reliable commentary or a trustworthy, wise person could be another challenge too. 
                                 'Rajan Sachdeva '

Be Open to Learning

When someone says something that we don't like, we usually start finding faults with them. 
It could be just because we are not able to understand their point of view. 
We have to remember that everyone has their own perception of things and situations - and it could be different than ours. Each person's perception depends upon their level of education, understanding, and experience. Recognizing their level of knowledge could help us find better ways to deal with them.

We also need to recognize the fact that people in our life are there for a reason, and we can learn from everything that happens through our interactions with them. 

Recognizing this fact will stop us from blaming others and start using each lesson for our own personal growth.
                                                     ' Rajan Sachdeva '

Words are the most powerful tool

Words are the most powerful tool we have as human beings - an instrument of magic. 
But they are like a double-edged sword: They can create the most beautiful environment or destroy everything around us.
The human mind is like the fertile ground, and thoughts are like seeds. They grow once they are planted. 
But thoughts are not visible - it's the words that capture our attention. The power we possess depends on the words we choose and how we use them. Our words can make us free or enslave us.
They are pure magic, and this magic is so powerful that even a few words can change a life or destroy millions. 
The words spoken by Lord Krishna became Bhagavad Geeta - which inspired millions of people for thousands of years to come. The words uttered by Buddha still inspire millions of people around the world.
On the other hand, one of the reasons for the Mahabharata is believed to be the wrong words used by Draupadi to make fun of Duryodhan and his brothers. 
A few years ago, in Germany, by the use of some powerful words, a man manipulated an entire country, which led to a world war that cost millions of lives and great destruction. All of that was a result of the power of his spoken words.
Choose your words wisely - and use them carefully and sensibly. 
                                     ' Rajan Sachdeva '

आँगन में अमीरी का शजर Aangan mein Ameeri ka Shajar

जिनके आँगन में अमीरी का शजर लगता है

उनका हर ऐब ज़माने को हुनर लगता है

Jin kay aangan mein ameeri ka shajar lagtaa hai 
Un ka har aib zamaanay ko hunar lagtaa hai                                       

                       

 शजर      Shajar   =     पेड़,    Tree
 ऐब     Aib           =     wrongdoings 

Kathopanishad - Story of Nachiketa Part 16

Continued from part 15

 लोकादिमग्निं तमुवाच तस्मै या इष्टका यावतीर्वा यथा वा 
स चापि  तप्रत्यवद्दथोक्तं अथः अस्य मृत्युः पुनरेवाह तुष्टः 
                                                                 [1 -15] 

Lokadimagnim tam uvaacha tasmai
Ya ishtaka yavateerva yathaa va 
Sa chapi tat pratyavadad yathoktam 
Athaa-sya mratyuh punarevaah tushtah [1-15]

Yama then explained to Nachiketa the Fire - the source of the worlds. 
And what type of bricks and how many - and how to be placed for the altar.
Then Nachiketa repeated everything back to him (the teacher).
Again, Yama - the lord of death was extremely pleased.
                         --------------------------
As mentioned before, many scholars define the word Agni literally, as a fire. According to them, a unique type of secret fire was introduced here by Yama to Nachiketa. They translate this stanza that Yama gave a unique and mysterious kind of Yagna technique to Nachiketa - along with the type and number of bricks to make the pot or the vessel and how to arrange them.
That makes it like a ritual. 
However, we must remember that the ancient sages and scholars of India quite often used metaphors to explain their views.
Numerous times, in Bhagavad Geeta and other Upanishads, Fire is used for Gyana. 
Geeta says Gyan-Agni (the fire of knowledge) can burn one's actions and sins. 
Moreover, the Upanishads are the exponents and advocates of Gyana. They are knowledge-based - they are not a part of Karam-kand of the Vedas.
Therefore, it makes more sense to say that the teacher must have given Nachiketa some unique Gyana - along with some instructions on how to grasp it.
To contain a fire, we need a container or an oven - and bricks to make it. 
Similarly, to understand and embrace Gyana, we need a receptive mind and stones of discipline and applications to preserve it. 
Without going into detail, this stanza says that the teacher gave him the Gyana and explained to him how to expand it with practice and discipline.  
Then, just as a school teacher would ask the students to repeat what he just said, Yama asked Nachiketa to repeat the Gyana he had just received. 
Nachiketa, the young seeker, repeated it precisely as it was, and Yama was extremely pleased with his new young student. 
It is natural for teachers to be happy to see their students performing well - to see their achievements. 
The problem nowadays is that our current educational or spiritual teaching system has changed from one to one, or from small groups to delivering lectures to large crowds. There is hardly any personal interactions between students and teachers - between Gurus and disciples. It's entirely up to the students and disciples to comprehend and embrace the Gyana or not. Teachers and Gurus do not feel any responsibility towards the students and disciples - to make sure that everyone understands and to help each student personally.
Nachiketa was fortunate to find such a Guru in Yamaraj: 
- Who was extremely humble and apologized from the young boy that he was not attended well for three days and nights. 
- He then tested the student for his sincerity - by offering him three boons and dodging his real query about death and after-life. 
- After giving Gyana, he asked him to repeat it - to make sure that the student has comprehended it. 
He did not just provide the Gyana remotely and left it entirely to the student to follow it or not. 
He felt responsible for his new disciple. 
                        ' Rajan Sachdeva '

[To be continued]