Three keys for a Peaceful Life

Three keys for a Peaceful Life:

1. CTRL 

2. ALT

3. DEL

Control your thoughts and actions

Look for Alternative solutions

Delete the thoughts, events, and company that creates tension.

Always Listen to your Elders

Always listen to your Elders 

Not because they are always Right

But because they have more experience of being wrong.

Thought of the Day

Give everything in the hands of God

          And 

You will find God's hand in everything

To plant a New Tree

Those who understand farming and gardening, know that we can not plant a new tree under a big, huge tree. 

It can not thrive or even grow under the shade - under the shadow of the large, enormous tree. 

So - what to do? 

Either we should plant the new tree somewhere else - a little farther away.

But if we want the new tree to grow right there - at the same spot - then we have to cut down the old big tree to provide enough light and space for the new one.

This is the only way for the new - smaller tree to grow and thrive - to flourish and blossom.

It's the law of nature.

The same is true with life as well. 

Those who want to continue the legacy of some famous public figure with an immense and gigantic personality, but also want to create a similar place in history for themselves, may not succeed in doing so.

To accomplish that - to secure their place and popularity in society, they have to either do something bigger than their predecessors or somehow try to erase their legacy to replace it with their own.

If we look around carefully and vigilantly, we will find it quite obvious in every social and political field around us - all over the world.

                   ' Rajan Sachdeva '

अब क्या बताएँ कौन था वो Ab kya batayen kaun tha vo

कोशिश के बावजूद ये इल्ज़ाम रह गया
हर काम में हमेशा कोई काम रह गया

छोटी थी उम्र और फ़साना तवील था
आग़ाज़ ही लिखा गया अंजाम रह गया

उठ उठ के मस्जिदों से नमाज़ी चले गए
दहशत-गरों के हाथ में इस्लाम रह गया

उस का क़ुसूर ये था बहुत सोचता था वो
वो कामयाब हो के भी नाकाम रह गया

अब क्या बताएँ कौन था क्या था वो एक शख़्स
गिनती के चार हर्फ़ों का जो नाम रह गया

                        ~ निदा फ़ाज़ली  ~

तवील       =  लम्बा 

हर्फ़         =   शब्द 

Koshish kay baavjood ye ilzaam reh gayaa

Har kaam me hamesha koi kam reh gayaa

Chhoti thi umar aur afassana taveel tha 

Aaghaaz hi likha gayaa anzaam  reh gayaa

Uth uth kay masjidon say namazi chalay gaye 

Dehshat-garon kay haath me islaam  reh gayaa

Us ka qasoor ye tha bahut sochtaa tha vo 

Vo kaamyaab hokay bhi nakaam  reh gayaa

Ab kya batayen kaun tha kya tha vo ek shakhs

Ginati kay chaar harfon ka jo naam  reh gayaa

                        By: Nida Fazli 

Taveel         =  Long

Aaghaaz     = Beginning

Harf            = Letters, Words

Note:

I don't know what Nida Fazli had in mind when he wrote this sher (couplet) about the Masjids, Namazi, and Islam - But I think in today's context, this couplet should be taken as any organized religion or cult in general.

                                              (Rajan)

वो तुम्हें याद करे Vo Tumhen Yaad karay

वो तुम्हें याद करे जिसने भुलाया हो  कभी 

हमने तुमको भुलाया न कभी याद किया 

                               ~ जोश मलीहाबादी ~

Vo tumhen yaad karay jis nay bhulaaya ho kabhi

Ham nay tum ko bhulaaya na kabhi yaad kiya 

                                           By:  " Josh Malihabadi "

 Meaning:

Those, who have forgotten, should try to remember

I neither forgot nor retrieved 

Distance never kills a Relation

Distance never kills a relation.

And Closeness never builds a relation.

It's the love, care, kindness, and respect for someone's feelings that builds faith and maintains relations. 

True love does not mean to control and dominate others in any way. 

It would rather sacrifice to help others - to make their lives richer and happier - without any feeling of envy or jealousy.

The relationships which are based on faith and mutual trust are the only relationships that are strong and can last for a lifetime and beyond.

Therefore, take good care of your relations. 

Do not let your ego or pride come in between to ruin a good and healthy relationship - may it be with family, friends, or colleagues.

                            ' Rajan Sachdeva '

A Bubble and a High Wave

Have faith in yourself.
Know that though one may be a little bubble and another may be a mountain high wave 

yet, behind both the bubble and the high wave - 

there is the infinite ocean.
                                ' Swami Vivekanand '

                      

तुम थे जब - तो मैं न था Tum thay jab - to main na tha

तुम थे जब और वक़्त था - तो मैं न था
मैं था जब और वक़्त था - तो तुम न थे

तुम भी हो अब मैं भी हूँ - पर वक़्त नहीं
कल वक़्त रह जाएगा मैं और तू न होंगे

Tum thay jab aur vaqt tha - to main na tha 

Main tha jab aur vaqt tha - to tum na thay 

Tum bhi ho ab main bhi hoon par vaqt nahin

Kal vaqt reh jaayega main aur tu na hongay 

                         ' Rajan Sachdeva '

Mustaqil Kya Hai?

Haal kya hai, maazi aur mustaqbil kya hai?

Kya aasaan hai duniya me aur mushkil kya hai?

Har ek shakhs pareshaan saa nazar aata hai

Ghame-jahaan me aakhir raahte-dil kya hai?

Na huyin khwaahishen poori to itna ranj kyon

Jahaan me sab hai adhoora yahaan muqammal kya hai?

Khushi aur gham ka majmoo'aa hai zindagi magar

Vo jo rehtaa hai ik saar musalsal  kya hai?

Ye na socho ki kyaa khoyengay aur paayengay kya

Sawaal to ye hai 'Rajan'  ki mustaqil kya hai?

                          " Rajan Sachdeva "

          Meanings:

Haal                   =    Present 

Maazi                =    Past 

Mustaqbil         =   Future 

Raahte-dil        =   Consolence, Solace, Comfort 

Muqamaal       =   Complete, whole, Absolute 

Majmooaa       =   Combination, Blend, Mixture 

Ik Saar              =  Uniform, In the same state, Equanimous, unchanged 

Musalsal          =   Continuously, Constantly, Consistently  

           Rehtaa hai ik saar musalsal  kya hai?  =   Aatma, Soul, Consiouxness

Mustaqil         =  Permanent, Unending, Unchanging, Endless, Perpetual 

         -  Mustaqil kya hai =   Almighty Supreme Lord

मुस्तक़िल क्या है ?

हाल क्या है, माज़ी और मुस्तक़बिल क्या है ?

क्या आसान है दुनिया में और मुश्किल क्या है ?

हर एक शख़्स परेशां सा नज़र आता है 

ग़मे जहां में आख़िर राहते -दिल  क्या है ?

न हुईं ख्वाहिशें पूरी तो इतना रंज क्यों ?

जहां में सब तो अधूरा है मुक़म्मल क्या है?

चलते चलो - कहते हैं कि चलना है ज़िंदगी
अगर ये ज़िंदगी सफ़र है तो मंज़िल क्या है?

ख़ुशी औ' ग़म का मजमूआ है ज़िंदगी मगर 

वो जो रहता है इक सार मुसलसल क्या है ? 

 

ये न सोचो कि क्या खोएंगे और पाएंगे क्या 

सवाल तो है  'राजन 'ये कि मुस्तक़िल क्या है ?

                              " राजन सचदेव  "

               शब्दार्थ :

हाल                     = वर्तमान   Present 

माज़ी                    = भूतकाल , जो गुज़र गया  Past 

मुस्तक़बिल          =  भविष्य , आने वाला समय   Future 

राहते दिल           =  सांत्वना , सहारा , Consolence, Solace, Comfort 

मुक़म्मल              = पूर्ण  Complete

मजमूआ              =  मिश्रण,  मिलाजुला, संयोग  Combination, Blend, Mixture 

इक सार              = एक जैसा , समभाव, In the same state, Equanimous, Uniform 

मुसलसल            =  लगातार , हमेशा, निरंतर   Continuously, Constantly, Consistently  

          भावार्थ ; रहता है इक सार मुसलसल क्या है ?  = आत्मा   Aatma 

मुस्तक़िल          = स्थाई , स्थिर, अविरल, अनंत   Permanent, Unending, Unchanging, Endless, Perpetual 

         भावार्थ : निराकार  ईश्वर     Almighty Supreme Lord

What is Respect, and its Criteria

A couple of days ago, I posted a blog under the title of Vasant-Panchami.
In that article, I mentioned that the ancient Indian scriptures illustrate how the power of knowledge can help us in all spheres of life. That knowledge, wisdom, and humility - politeness, humbleness, courtesy, and compassion makes one eligible for merit - and eventually gains respect and honor from everyone.

Someone wrote a comment which says:
'But sometimes we see the opposite. Wise intelligent people do not get the respect they deserve, and there are many who are arrogant and not intelligent but still they get so much respect and admiration.

                                  ---------

I think what I wrote in that blog is generally true - in theory at least.
However, many times we see a disagreement - an inconsistency in theory and practice.

Therefore, even without such qualities and virtues, some people may get some respect for some time - at least from some people. Either because they are rich and providers - and people need something or some kind of help from them - or because of some fear - because of their power and position in society. 

There is an ancient Subhaashitam in Sanskrit which explains the different kinds and scales of respect that people get from others. 

              स्वगृहे पूज्यते मूर्खः - स्वग्रामे पूज्यते धनिकः
              स्वदेशे पूज्यते राजा - विद्वान सर्वत्र पूज्यते 
Svagrahay poojyatay moorkhah - Svagraamay poojyatay Dhanikah
Svadeshay poojyatay Raaja - Vidvaan sarvatra poojyatay

Meaning:
"Even a fool is respected and worshiped in his house.
The rich and wealthy are respected in their own village or city - within their vicinity.
A king is worshiped by his subjects - within the boundaries of the jurisdiction of his dominion.
Whereas a Vidvaan scholar - (a Gyani - a learned, intelligent person with humility) is respected everywhere."

He can earn money and respect wherever he goes.

However, some people - because of their competitive and jealous nature - or for some other personal and self-centered narrow motives, may not give due respect to the wise and Gyanis.

But, even if a Gyani is not recognized and respected openly for some reason, he would still occupy a genuine and respected place in people's hearts and minds. 

It is also said that knowledge is the only kind of wealth that no one can ever steal from you.
Therefore, one should always strive to gain more knowledge and wisdom.
                              'Rajan Sachdeva '

A Big Challenge in Today's Life

Today, One of the Biggest Problems in Life is:
                                    DHOL

You might be wondering why?

This is how ...

D -   Diabetes

H -   Hypertension

O -   Obesity

L -    Lipids imbalance

So, what should we do when there is DHOL playing?

Well...

      The answer is simple- we should start doing:

                               BHANGRA

B -       Behavior change
H -      Happiness
A -      Active lifestyle
N -      Nutrition
G -      Glucose control
R -      Risk reduction
A -      Abstinence from substance abuse

                              (courtesy of Dr. Vinod - J&K)

People who ask questions...

If you don't understand something - don't be afraid to ask questions.

People who ask questions may be seen as fools by others for a few minutes.

But - nevertheless, they would be able to clear their doubts. 

They will be able to understand the subject properly and correctly.

In school and college, we were encouraged to ask questions. 

By the end of the class - or at the end of their lecture, the teachers and professors would say - 'Any question? 

But some students were too shy to ask - even when they were not able to understand the lesson. 

They were afraid that they would be seen as slow, dull, and stupid by the teacher and laughed at by the peers.

However, those who have courage, and strive to ask questions, may comprehend the subject properly and continue to improve and proceed further.

And those who never ask questions may never understand the subject thoroughly and may remain ignorant, imperceptive, and oblivious forever.

                                     'Rajan Sachdeva '

Happy Vasant- Panchami

The arrival of spring is celebrated as the festival of Vasant-Panchami in India.

It is also associated with Sarasvati Devi - the goddess or the symbol of education, knowledge, and intellect.

It is considered auspicious to start the process of education of children or the learning of new things - on this day. Perhaps, because it's the end of winter and the start of the Spring season, it would have been easier - especially for children to walk to their Gurus or schools in the olden days.
Since the ancient Rishis - scholars of India had always emphasized the importance of Gyana - the knowledge and education - they had probably set an auspicious day for it so that people do not forget. 

This can be compared to the start of a school year in the modern age.

In any case, making the beginning of education an auspicious occasion - indirectly and undoubtedly puts reverence for knowledge in the minds of the students.

Secondly, the ancients always tried to exhibit their ideas through images and symbols.

The image of Sarasvati Devi is a beautiful symbol - a representation of knowledge. 

It's an image of a calm and serene motherly figure - a symbol of tenderness, kindness, modesty, and humbleness - along with unlimited strength and protectiveness.

As it is said that knowledge makes us humble and provides strength as well - that knowledge is a power that can free and protect us from fear.

She is holding a book in one hand and a Veena in the other - which represent endless learning and admiration and respect for art and music respectively.
In another hand, she has a Japmaala - a rosery - a symbol of repetition and practice - over and over.

She sits on a white lotus flower - a symbol of purity, simplicity, and equanimity - it can bloom even in the dirty waters - detached and unaffected by its surroundings. 

It's a message that a learned Gyani can avoid all negativity and evil around - and continue to progress on the path of righteousness through his wisdom. 

Her vehicle is a white swan - which is also a symbol of purity, and integrity - honesty, goodness, and morality.

There are flowers and a peacock in the background which represent love, appreciation, and respect for nature.

The ancient Indian scriptures also illustrate how the power of knowledge helps us in different spheres of life.

           विद्या ददाति विनयं - विनयाद याति पात्रताम
           पात्रत्वाद धनमाप्नोती - धनाद धर्मस्तत: सुखं
  Vidya dadaati Vinayam - Vinayaad yaati paatrataam
  Paatratvaad dhanmaapnoti - Dhanaad Dharmastatah Sukham

First, it produces humility - which makes you a candidate for further learning. It creates a desire for continual learning more and more.
If a person does not become humble then it means he has not truly learned and his further learning and progress stop.

  Vidya dadaati Vinayam - Vinayaad yaati paatrataam
  Paatratvaad Dhanmaapnoti - Dhanaad Dharmastatah Sukham
First, it produces humility or humbleness.

Humility provides merit and eligibility.
Merit and eligibility make one earn money - wealth.
With wealth, one can do Dharma - charitable works to help others and society in general. Which eventually leads to happiness.

In other words - Through knowledge and humility, one can earn wealth and power to do charity and help others - and eventually, gets honor and respect and happiness.

But, power and strength must be gained and held through appropriate knowledge and wisdom - only then one can receive genuine respect and true reverence from everyone and be happy and peaceful.

                                    ' Rajan Sachdeva '

UNFOLDING THE ROSE

It is only a tiny rosebud

A flower of God's design
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.

The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I
GOD opens this flower so sweetly
When in my hands they fade and die.

If I cannot unfold a rosebud
This flower of God's design
Then how can I think I have wisdom -
To unfold this life of mine?

So I'll trust in Him for His leading
Each moment of every day.
I will look to Him for His guidance
Each step of the pilgrim way.

The pathway that lies before me
Only my Heavenly Father knows
I'll trust Him to unfold the moments
Just as He unfolds the rose.

                  Author- Unknown

                 (Courtesy of Dr. Vijay Bajaj Chicago)

         Postscript:    Found this story behind the above poem  

One day, a young monk was walking with his teacher - an older, more seasoned monk in the garden.

Feeling a little insecure about his life, he asked the older teacher for some advice.

The teacher walked up to a rosebush and handed the young monk a rosebud and asked him to open it without tearing off any petals. 

The young monk looked in disbelief at his teacher. But because of his great respect for the teacher, he proceeded to try to unfold the rose, while keeping every petal intact. It wasn’t long before he realized how impossible this was to do.

Noticing his inability to unfold the rosebud without tearing it, the teacher began to recite the above poem.

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's day to all my friends and family.

Remember -

It's not just for couples 

It's to celebrate love in all forms.

Love is all around us... 

if we are willing to see and accept it.

We are told to be friends with good people

Usually, we are told that we should find good people -
be friends with them - spend your time with them
and ignore the bad ones - leave them and be happy.

Wisdom says -
Find good in everyone and ignore the bad in them.

If you try to find perfect people, then you will always be alone.
Because - No one is perfect.

Difference between Intelligence and Wisdom

Intelligence leads to arguments. 

Wisdom leads to settlements.

Intelligence is the power of will. 

Wisdom is power over will.

Intelligence is heat - it burns. 

Wisdom is warmth - it comforts.

Intelligence is holding on. 

Wisdom is letting go.

Intelligence leads you.

Wisdom guides you.

An intelligent thinks he knows.

A wise knows there is more to know.

An intelligent always tries to prove his point.

The wise knows there is no point.

An intelligent freely gives unsolicited advice.

The wise keep his counsel - until asked.

An intelligent understands what is being said.

A wise understands of what is left unsaid.

An intelligent speaks when he has to say something.

A wise speaks when he has something to say.

An intelligent sees everything as relative.

A wise sees everything as related.

An intelligent is always insistent.

The wise are always consistent.

An intelligent tries to control the flow.

The wise go with the flow.

The intelligent is aggressive and pretentious.

The wise are humble and earthly.

The intelligent is lofty and ambitious.

The wise is simple and practical.

The intelligent preaches to others.

The wise reach and touch their hearts.

Intelligence is the pursuit of knowledge - 

it tires the seeker. 

Wisdom is the pursuit of truth - 

it inspires the seeker.

Knowledge is Power

It is said that knowledge is power.

However, in reality - knowledge is not power.
It is only a potential - a possibility.

It becomes power only when it is applied.

So - Not just knowledge - but Applying the knowledge is power.
When appropriate knowledge is applied to the action - 

and appropriate action is applied to the knowledge - 

it results in success and transforms into power - into strength.

Therefore, Gyan and Karma - Knowledge and Action - 

both are equally important to succeed in any field of life - may it be a physical or spiritual field.

                                         'Rajan Sachdeva '

How old am I ?

Many of my well-wishers often ask me - 

How old are you?

I tell them how can I answer this silly question!

When I play with a little child -

I am one year old.

When I watch cartoons -

I'm three.

When I dance to the tune of music -

 I am sweet sixteen.

When I talk to some youth -

I feel as young as them.

When someone asks me to share my life-experiences - 

I feel and talk like an old wise man.

When I try to heal someone's wound, 

It's like I’ve crossed six decades of my life span.

And when I chat with sparrows or rabbits,

Or run after my dog and his ball,

I become their age.

           --   --

What is there in age?

Isn't it a number only?

Like the light of the sun

And the flowing river waters

I am ageless.

I keep changing with time and experience.

Days are marching towards night - No doubt,

Whenever the curtain drops -

Whenever the end extends its hand, 

I shall hold it.

Till then - It’s not my age that matters.

How fully have I lived thus far -

That is the consideration.

Gyan is not a Spare Wheel

Gyan is not a spare wheel

that we should pull out when in trouble.

It is a Steering wheel

that directs the right path throughout our life.

Dhaarmik Aur Gyaani kaun hai?

Dhaarmik vo hai -
Jisay dekhtay hee Dharm yaad aa jaaye

Gyaani vo hai -
Jisay Satya aur Asatya ka Gyaan hai

Mahanpurush vo hai
Jiska jeevan mahaan evam anukarneeya hai

Sant vo hai -
jisay dekhtay hee man sheetal ho jaaye
Aur Prabhu kee yaad aa jaaye

Evam = And
Anukarneeya = Exemplary, Imitable, Model, to be followed

धार्मिक एवं ज्ञानी कौन है ?

धार्मिक वो है -
जिसे देखते ही धर्म याद आ जाए

ज्ञानी वो है  -

जिसे सत्य और असत्य का ज्ञान है 

महांपुरुष वो है - 

जिसका जीवन महान एवं अनुकरणीय है 

संत वो है -
जिसे देखते ही मन शीतल हो जाए 

और प्रभु की याद आ जाए

Kathopanishad - Story of Nachiketa - part 10

 Previously: 

Dharam Raj was unhappy with his consorts because Nachiketa stayed at his doorsteps - unattended for three days.  

He was a guest - who had come to visit Dharam Raj - to offer his services. 

He should have been treated well. He should have been offered some food and a place to stay.

In the previous Shlok, Dharam Raj said: 

"Good deeds of the past may also go to waste if one insults and does not offer proper courtesy to an honorable guest."

What happens next is astonishing - something that we do not see very often. 

A rare phenomenon that is hard to find in history.

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

                                         Part 10

                              Chapter 1 – Shlok 9

Dharam Raj says:

          Trisro Raatri Yad Avatsir grahe may, 

          Anashnan Brahmin Atithir namasyah

         Namahstestu Brahmin, Swasti mayastu, 

         Tasmaat Prati trin VraanVraneeshva

"You have remained outside my house for three days and nights - without any food  

O’ venerable guest - my prostrations to you. 

May good befalls me. 

And now, in return, you choose three boons".

              (Kathopanishad 1 – 9)

Dharam Raj bows his head down and says to Nachiketa:

“O’, Brahmin (Wise). My prostrations to you. 

Please accept my apologies on behalf of my family and consorts for not treating you well - For not providing you food and shelter for the night. May good befall me."

Dharam Raj had realized that his guest is not just an ordinary young boy. 

He recognized the commitment and steadfast determination in young Nachiketa, who waited for him for three days and nights outside the house without any hospitality or food.  

Therefore, Dharam Raj apologizes to him and asks for forgiveness for negligence and the mistake made by his family and servants. 

He knows that even he or his family are not exempt from the rules of nature and society.

That they also have to face the consequences of the mistakes they make. 

So, He bows his head down and says to Nachiketa:

“O’ Brahmin boy (wise person) My prostrations to you. 

May good befalls me - and my family - that nothing bad happens because of this mistake. 

And as a sincere gesture of his apology, he offered him three boons.”

Just imagine - A highly revered and influential Guru - so powerful to be known as the ‘Lord of Death’ - doing prostrations and asking for forgiveness from an unknown young boy who has come to him to learn - to become his disciple. 

And that too for something which was not even his fault. 

Remember - he was not even at home for three days.

It would be hard to find such an example of humility and righteousness in the history of religions where a Guru so powerful as the ‘Lord of Death’ - doing prostrations and asking for forgiveness from an ordinary, unknown visitor wanting to be a disciple.

Usually, leaders of any political or religious organizations tend to think that they are above the law - that they do not need to apologize to anyone. However, to get applause and praise from the audiences, sometimes they may say some hefty words during the public lectures that they are servants of all – but usually, they are quite the opposite in their personal life; in their day to day dealings with others. 

And here, a great and so powerful Guru Dharam Raj is personally bowing down - rather prostrating in front of a disciple and profoundly asking for forgiveness. 

He feels personally responsible for the actions of his family and his people. 

He says, “May good befalls me”- implying that even he is not above the law – that even he may receive some unpleasant rewards for the wrong karmas done by his family and servants.

At the same time, he also sets an example for future leaders and other people in power. 

To teach their followers and subordinates - leaders and teachers must also obey the law themselves - that the righteous karmas and virtuous traditions need to be taught, not verbally but by doing the right actions themselves. 

As Lord Krishna said:

        Yad-yad Aacharti Shrestas, Tad-tadaiv Taro janah

        Sa yat Pramaanam kurute, lokas tad Anuvartatay

“Whatever a great man does, the same is done by others as well.  

 Whatever standard he sets, the world follows”

                                                      (Bhagavad Gita 3: 21)

And this is exactly what Dharam Raj did. 

He was not giving a lecture to an audience. 

He was sincerely and honestly asking for forgiveness from a disciple - with genuine humility.

And in return – to somehow compensate for the discomforts caused by the unfriendly experience - and as an honest gesture of his own regrets, Dharam Raj offered to grant three boons to Nachiketa.                                                     

                                           'Rajan Sachdeva'

        To be Continued

कोई भी पूर्ण नहीं है

कोई भी व्यक्ति पूर्ण नहीं है । 

कोई भी शख़्स ऐसा नहीं है जो हर प्रकार से संपन्न - हर बात - हर कला में निपुण हो। 

जो सब कुछ जानता हो और हर काम को सही ढंग से कर सकता हो।

जीवन में हमेशा चुनौतियां रहेंगी।
कई बार लोग - समाज - मित्र और सम्बन्धी हमें निराश और परेशान करेंगे।

इन तथ्यों को - जीवन की इस सच्चाई को जानना और याद रखना उन्नति एवं प्रगति के मार्ग पर बढ़ने के लिए पहला कदम है।
तभी हम हर चीज को - हर स्थिति और हर इंसान को स्वीकार कर सकेंगे और शांति पूर्वक आगे बढ़ पाएंगे - 

उस मार्ग पर - जो अंततः शांति की ओर ले जाता है।

                                    ' राजन सचदेव '

No one is Perfect

No one can be perfect in everything.

No one can know everything - and do everything the right way.

Life will always have challenges.

And many times, people, society, and friends will disappoint us.

Knowing and remembering these facts is the first step in accepting everything - every situation and everyone - which finally leads to peace.

                                 ' Rajan Sachdeva '

Peace शांति

Peace begins -

when the expectations end

जहाँ आशा और अपेक्षा समाप्त होती हैं 

वहीं से शांति का प्रादुर्भाव होता है 

जिसकी जैसी नीयत है Jis ki jaisi Neeyat hai

जिसकी जैसी नीयत है  - वो वैसी कहानी रचता है

कोई परिंदों के लिए बंदूक - तो कोई पानी रखता है

Jis ki jaisi neeyat hai - vo vaisi kahaani rachtaa hai 

Koi parindon kay liye bandook - to koi paani rakhtaa hai 

Actions are the outcome of ideas, beliefs, and passions.

As are the thoughts and desires - so are the actions.

Some buy a gun to hunt the birds -

And some put food and water for them outside their homes.

एक संकल्प ही काफी है Ek Sankalp hi Kaafi hai

मिल जाएंगे बहुत से विकल्प बिखरने के लिए
संकल्प मगर एक ही काफी है संवरने के लिए

Mil jaayengay bahut say vikalp bikharnay kay liye
Sankalp magar ek hi kaafi hai sanvarnay kay liye

There will be many occasions and prospects to get distracted and diverted from the aim.

Only one firm resolution - one sincere pledge, is enough to bring change for the betterment.

Vikalp     =  Options, Choices, Alternatives 

Sankalp   = Determination, Resolution, Pledge 

Kathopanishad - Story of Nachiketa Part 9

Previously:

The first lesson taught by Dharam Raj: 

Treat the guests with respect and courtesy – 

Serve them with humility, love, and respect.

     .........................................................................

In the next verse, Dharam Raj further warned: 

     आशा प्रतीक्षे संगतां सूनृतां च - इष्टापूर्ते पुत्र पशून्च सर्वान्  

     एतद वृङ्क्ते पुरुषस्य अल्पमेधसो -यस्यानशनन् वसति ब्राह्मणो गृहे

     Aashaa Prateekshe Sangataam Su-Nrataam ch 

     Ishtaa-poortay Putra-Pashoon ch Sarvaan

     Aetad Vrnktay Purushasya alpamedhaso 

     Yasyaanashnan Vasti Braahmano Grahay

Hopes, expectations, merits of being in the company of good people (Satsang), sacrifices and good deeds performed for the welfare of children and cattle - all get destroyed for those ignorant people in whose home a guest stays without being offered any food. 

Treating guests with respect is an inherent and essential part of Indian culture. 

           Atithi Devo Bhava - 

Serving the guest is considered an auspicious act. 

So, in this Shlok - Dharam Raj warns that all ‘Punya’ (good karmas) - which people gain by doing Satsang, pooja, etc. may go to waste if a wise and honorable saintly guest is insulted and not treated with proper respect and courtesy in one’s home.

Now - this may seem to be a far-fetched, exaggerated statement. 

How does one lose all the Punya or good deeds just by mistreating an honorable saintly guest? 

How could everything - every good deed go to waste by one mistake only?

There was a hard-working employee of ten years, with a good reputation. 

But one day, he got caught stealing some money from his company and got fired at the spot. 

He lost all his credibility, and his ten years of hard work instantaneously went into the drain.

One wrong move can spoil the whole game. 

One wrong turn can take us away from the destination. 

We can do a hundred favors and nice things for others but, one mistake can make them forget every good thing done in the past and spoil the relationship. 

That is what Dharam Raj is teaching in this Shlok - Do not mistreat or insult your guests.

Just as a few drops of lemon juice can spoil the whole pot of milk. Similarly, one mistake of mistreating or insulting a pious saintly person can ruin all the previous Punya - good karmas of the past.

On the other hand, treating guests with love and respect - offering them good food and drinks - engaging in good conversation with them can bring lots of joy to everyone.

Conversing with wise guests may answer many unanswered questions that we might have. 

Talking about doubts and unresolved issues and asking for guidance and assistance may solve many of our problems. When we treat people with respect, they feel comfortable and happily share their knowledge and experiences - and are willing to help in any way.  

Remember - Everyone can provide us some knowledge from their life’s experience. 

Everyone can teach us something – but only if we have the humility and willingness to learn.

A nice similar advice from Sant Tulasi Das:

          तुलसी इस संसार में सबसे मिलियो धाए 

          ना जाने किस भेस में नारायण मिल जाए 

"Tulasi is sansaar may sab se miliyo Dhaaye

 Na jaanay kis Bhais may Naraayan mil jaaye"

"Greet and treat everyone with respect and passion. 

One never knows in what form or under what disguise God may come - to bless and provide help".

Keeping good relationships with everyone - whether we know them or not has its own merits and can be beneficial in both - the spiritual and the material world. 

Healthy discussions with friends and guests are always useful and beneficial. 

However, we can only share wisdom by respecting each other’s thoughts and opinions. 

Not by arguing or ridiculing the beliefs and ideas of others. 

Serving food is certainly a nice gesture, which makes the guests feel they are welcomed and loved. It creates a happy and joyful environment and feelings of affection between the host and guests. 

Nowadays, many corporations have also started ‘lunch-on meetings’ with the clients and employees to discuss business matters over lunch or dinner. They have also realized that good food certainly plays a big role in creating a warm, cozy and friendly environment for good and healthy communications.

But of-course business is different - we are usually very courteous towards the clients and the guests we invite to our place. 

However, Dharam Raj says to extend this gesture and courtesy to all guests - invited or uninvited - known or unknown. 

This custom was a common practice that was quite prevalent in the olden days. 

Unfortunately, it seems to be disappearing in the modern world*.

But then again, exceptions are always there. 

There are many good people who are always ready to welcome - to help everyone and anyone.

And there were many who did not follow such traditions even in the olden days. 

That is why Dharam Raj was unhappy with his family and consorts because they did not treat Nachiketa well- and he had to stay at the doorsteps for three days - unattended. 

Even though Nachiketa was an uninvited guest - an unknown young boy who had come with some hope and expectation - to learn - to ask or to get some help - but nevertheless, he was a guest. 

He should have been treated courteously. He should have been offered some food and a place to stay. 

This was a custom - expected to be followed by all well-cultured, sophisticated households - even by the kings and leaders. Those who did not follow this tradition were considered self-centered egotistic, and uncultured*.  

Therefore Dharam Raj was quite unhappy and gave this warning - that all good deeds done in the past could go to waste by mistreating a humble and worthy guest. 

 

What happens next - in the next verse is truly remarkable - extraordinary and astonishing. Something that we don’t see very often. A rare phenomenon that is hard to find in the history of kings and leaders or Gurus and Gyanis - the enlightened ones.

 

  To be Continued

Note:

*Many traditions and customs change or disappear over time because of the changed circumstances. 

It’s not just the mentality and the lifestyle of the people that has changed these days. There are few other factors too. Most importantly, security and welfare of oneself and protection of one’s family and belongings also need to be considered while entertaining unknown visitors. In today’s urban lifestyle, where so many undesirable incidents are reported every day, following the old customs of welcoming an unfamiliar visitor into homes may not be safe and desirable.   

However, even today, admirably Hindu Temples and Sikh Gurdwaras continue to follow this great tradition and provide Langar (free cooked food) every day-  to everyone - regardless of their ethnicity and religious or cultural backgrounds - not only in India but all over the world.

                                            ‘Rajan Sachdeva’ 

Respect can not be demanded

Respect is earned.
It can not be demanded.
No one can force others to respect them.

But at the same time, no one has a right to disrespect and insult others.
Those who want and expect respect from others - 

should learn to give the same to others too.

Life is all about 'give and take and respect is a mutual course.
We can not insult people and expect genuine respect from them in return.

Feelings of love, respect, and Kindness is like butter - 

it works best when you spread it around!
                                        ' Rajan Sachdeva '