Thursday, December 27, 2007

Satguru hi Ameer hai...

Just saw Taare Zameen Par. Somewhere how it relates to real life, and the setup as unveiled so far. Amir comes to rescue a specially blessed. Satguru, Babaji seems to be the special one who understands all of us though similar souls but still have been packed with different needs at the same time. Where people stand expecting all to be on similar grounds. He understands..all of us are different. He knows we wud die if not fed but some eat with water, for some oil has to be fatless to the extent possible.
But He's satguru, probably if people like me too wud have been broadminded, we wud understand elastics react differently to similar stresses. Bakshna Babaji.
Let me understand how special every one is to have been touched by you in your special way. Guess complete spirituality wud revolve around this learning, love ... wat ever we talk. It comes to one point soul and soul .... and soul... and the super soul.
One particular line also caught attention, It went something like baaki sabmein to usko sirf pass hona hai, uski asli manzil to kuch aur hai.

Monday, December 17, 2007

16 Dec 2007

Finally the day is to end and I just thought of re-collecting my learnings from the day ...

He listens - Was thinking to ask Rajkumar ji to help me reach Shrikant ji on Bday. I cudnt even ask this favor and Rajeev ji & Arti ji were made a medium to fulfil my this unspoken desire.

Bglore Rocks - Saints cut birthday cake in Bglore sangat today. Remember Babaji said the utmost desire is that saints love each other as they do to me. Never ever have seen that some one is blessed so much that his/her birthday cake is cut even is he/she isnt in town. That too when no blood relations live in that city. Mystery of His family I must say. Not saying I am important but yes I am blessed.

I still am unlearned - During the days emotions had a zig zag path to follow. Switching from one extreme to another. Rest under 'Parda'. Apologies Babaji, still havent learnt the art of thankfulness, Sweet words, Patience and so many others.

I am idiot - Where ever I am, I fail to see the bliss hidden. Only when I step into next moment I realise the last moment was better. Present is our own....Own ??

Love's still missing - Havent ever understood how the graph moves for Love. Whether it is giving or taking. Allah hi sikha sakta hai mere jaise ko....

There's no place like your room - All day's tiredness vanished like anything as soon as I put on the lights in my room. I saw the untidy room with clothes, bottles lying here and there... but its my own. No place is as sweet as your room. Seemed like am back in the grip of Nirankar. As soothing as this.

Kya Shikaayat Karein Zamaane Se - Hum to khud hain abhi deewane se...Sab kuch to waise ka waise rakha hua hai miyaa...aur chale ho... :-)

Friday, December 14, 2007

Hmm...Itna effort maara likhne ke liye but...

I boarded the train from Swindon for Birmingham which is around 2.5 - 3 hours run including the change time. I was quite thirsty at Swindon Station but wasn’t happy to spend some pounds on water, water which is offered free in Indian stations. I missed India.
Reached Birmingham, was waiting for some friend to arrive when I saw people using vending machines to grab pet of coke. I too had a thirst for 3 hrs then, so somehow I managed and with courage took 1.3 pounds out of my wallet. I put coins in the machine and waited for a sprite bottle to come out. However, there was some problem with the machine; Sprite bottle got struck in middle. I bashed the machine but could not make path for the bottle to come down.
It seemed that God wanted to teach me that don’t miss to enjoy the creations. Anyways, I looked for someone to help but no one was around. Somehow I convinced myself that Sunil, it was for you to spend money but probably the cake wasn’t for you today. You had to pay for some else’s benefit. I moved with a heavy heart trying to digest the learning. After some time came back to same vending machine where a fellow was looking for sprite’s owner. He had managed to take out the bottle somehow. I talked to the person and grabbed my own sprite bottle. Learning came at that moment, don’t worry Sunil what is in your name shall come to you at any cost.
Well these small teachings still have to be imbibed. I often come across virtues that so many saints shared and lived also. However when I analyze I find myself standing nowhere. I do think at times, will reading all those virtues do me a good? It’s good to quote from great books, but am I actually living up to those words. The bliss that is shared in those great books was lived and then scribbled there. And I tend to mention those virtues and get satisfied with my spiritual growth…Scope still is there to grow and feel what is mentioned in those texts.
Sharing from this small incident only, when I will get what’s in store for me, then why does someone else’s growth hurt me? If I want to grow let me make more efforts and excel, why I want to overshadow someone and then say I won. Spiritual life and practical life are one and the same. If feelings inside don’t change, what good would the outer clothes do? A colleague too is thy neighbor whom one needs to love if one thinks of being spiritual. One very beautiful quote I read was,
Pyar inse nafratein unse, yu to sajda adaa nahi hota.
To become a spiritual being, I need to love one and all. Be it in office, be it in house, a soul is a soul and it needs to live with the same virtues. Spiritual living is too simple, and comes in daily living. But then... I need to be open to actually hear who’s trying to call me.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

10 Kahaaniya

Was just watching this new bollywood movie. Out of 10, one two caught my attention. One was the balloon story where stress was laid on importance of life. Each moment passes by leaving memories. positive negative what ever shape we give to it.

Aise hi soch raha tha ki kuch dino mein hi janam din aane wala hai. Waise koi major craze nahin, but was thinking it as an opportunity to seek time from people. Anyways, agar khushi wale angle se bhi dekh raha tha to ab soch raha hu ki kya sach mein yeh itne saal use ho paaye. No doubt kuch na kuch to seekha hi hoga .. galat sahi pata nahin. But kya wahi max kar sakta tha main. Kya kuch aur karna possible nahin tha ?

Life mein kitne gile leke chal raha hounga, kitno ko mere se gila hoga, pata nahin.. life ek ek moment karke khisakti hai but shayd dhyaan hi nahin jaata is aur ki ek ek pal kam ho gaya. Life kai baar to aise jeete hain jaise sab mere se hi saansein udhar leke gaye hain, zarurat padi to le lenge...

khair gone ka to kuch ho nahin sakta, par maula..yeh kirpa kar.. aage ke swas tere shukar, tere hisab se guzrein....one gift I look from you.

Monday, December 3, 2007

Not Bad Sunil !!

Day & Night, I look for the light
with dreams in my eyes, for times that would be bright.
Day & Night, I long for your sight
I calm them to silence, but silly emotions still fight.
Day & Night, I think on the riverside
There's water already, then why dont these tears hide.
Day & Night, I wait to hug you tight
forgetting who's around, and what's wrong or right.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Watch Man !!!

yesterday i was going through this subway and saw some iron rods lying in an order so that no one can speed up or drive cycle thru... the very first thought in mind was no one's around so why not jump and move ahead but then some how realised this is not India, let me walk as directed and as I moved few more steps, I could see a police officer sitting and observing the passers.

Its normal here that police has cameras placed all over. streets, malls, every where. mind was wondering, if cameras cud be in subway ( rather sab-way) , which i cud not see till i reached a point near officer, why isnt it possible that to believe god too is watching us and everything I do can be seen and is being noted ? Well until one meets guru or the officer, one cannot see this watch man but yes it doesnt mean no watches ..

well , time time ki baat hai... india nahin :-)

Sunday, November 25, 2007

दिल्ली दूर है?

Its almost a week now, since I landed in UK. Journey so far has been mixed sort. Neither too good nor too bad. I can recall the first day’s feel which seems to be alive, “ Wasn’t worth keeping a dream in mind”. All those onsite talks, and movie scenes that gave me a sigh, I feel I cud have lived better. Anyways, some things are learnt better after seeing. Don’t know why but I think, a travel outside wasn’t for me but may be my dreams made Him draw lines for me. Thanks Babaji. Apologies if my desires weren’t as per your earlier plans.

Each day seems to go without having learnt the basic teaching of thankfulness. Coming here was a dream. And even after landing here, there’s lot more in dreams. No thanks for what got fulfilled. Bakshna.

No matter what little I believe or talk, there’s so much that has been bestowed when it comes to blessings from you. Everything when it comes, there’s something new to look upon. Don’t know why but humans were created to dream. May be for growth. Growth but what kind of ?

Why don’t I dream of learning thankfulness. Of loving all. Of being broadminded. There’s so much to learn, and I seem to ignore and move ahead. May be there’s lack of efforts from my side, but I do believe that this efforts too can come only if you say yes to them. All those parables you talk, don’t arise until you make them happen. You agree or disagree or what ever you convey, you are smart enough to astonish people like me.

Babaji, aap to maalik ho. Mere jaise ko bhi baksh lo. Abhi nahi sikha kisi ko bakshna but aap karwao to karwa hi loge mere jaise se bhi. Itni iccha hoti hai sabse pyaar karne ki, itna aap dete bhi ho but shayd abhi bhi kisi ko dena nahin aaya. Aap pakade rakho, aapka bharosa to hai but pata nahin kabhi kabhi dar lagta hai..

Monday, November 5, 2007

I-LAND

is-land :something resembling an island, esp. in being isolated or having little or no direct communication with others.

Was just wondering today the beauty of word "Island" ; Island refers to isolated land with no direct communication with others, the 's' being silent in this. If we remove 's' from Island and it becomes 'I-land', the way it is pronounced.

Isnt the scene same, when I live in my own land ? Not caring about any one else's emotions. At that very moment, I am 'I' and am away, isolated from rest of the world. Totally cutoff from rest of the lands aka people.

Very rightly is the land pronounced "I(s)land", ie not connected with the rest of the lands.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

भगवान् ज़्यादा हैं !!

हर इक को गुमान है यह अफ़ज़ल है वही सबसे इंसानों की दुनिया में भगवान् ज़्यादा हैं !!
कैसे हो शफा हासिल अब पा के दवा रोशन बीमार तो हम कम हैं लुकमान ज्यादा हैं !!

Two simple lines but seems like complete world revolves around these two lines. Dont know why this thought doesnt come up quite often, what makes me feel myself better than others ? Not clearly visible but the inner self knows there's lot more to do before you take rest and label yourself as "Innocent".
Every day, something or the other happens that reminds me "you need to improve" on this front as well. Be it patience, sincerity, tolerance, forgiveness, thankfulness, motivation etc : things can still be better.

Often I feel I dont listen. Listening too is a part of Gyan.

Be wrong but the other person has a right to speak what ever he wishes. Seriously Babaji, Thanks a ton to you. Your patience, listening abilities... and then forgiveness brings me here, else dont know where I would have been. As a child of yours, I need to develop skills to accept others, no matter where they stand.

kuch kariye,kuch kariye,kuch kariye, buss buss bada bole…ab kuch kariye !!


ज़रा गुनगुना लें चलो

ज़रा गुनगुना लें चलो, ज़रा मुस्कुरा लें चलो, ज़िंदगी से एक लम्हा फुरसत चुरा लें चलो !!

पल दो पल का है छोटा सा तराना, ज़िंदगी का है यही ताना बाना, यही लम्हा यादो में आना जाना, बीती बातों को जाने दो !!


I remember Babaji saying in Mumbai samagam- All that saints have been conveying is very simple but is not easily understood by people, had they understood, world would have been a heaven by this date.

Life seems to be too simple as these lines from the bollywood flick. But dont know why often we fail to understand the beauty that lies in this life. Probably 'Gyan'. People often complain about life and how it has been planned for them. Only saints or few blessed souls have the courage to speak positive about their lives despite the things they see in their lives.

I often wondered how these Bollywood songs contain the beauty that Gyan possesses. Then came the thought... Babaji !! When He can work through Jagat ji, Maan singh ji.. then why not Akhtar ji.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

Two days ago few of us planned to visit one friend who isnt able to meet us these days for health reasons. Me and one more friend were on bike and rest few in the car that was following our bike for directions. This friend who was driving bike was taking extra care to make sure that car was following us. In between he would stop and also look back to see if car was on right track and behind us. He was trying to help the people in car this way. But one thing that I could observe was that we had narrow escapes from hitting some roadturns, and even once a person who came infront of the bike while both of us were looking back to see the car. At that moment I was in thoughts, " Wouldn't it be better if we look forward and help people in car using mobile, this way we would make sure we dont hit anyone or risk anyone's life".

And then to Sheelu, my elder bro. Sheelu once was explaining me the importance of doing first things first. I was telling him how important it is to share the word with the world. Though he agreed to what I was saying but he too stressed on sharing the word through my Karmas. At that point I had missed observing the beauty in "First things First". But day before yesterday when this bike thing happened, I could understand why its always said " First things First " !

Gyan altogether is an act of selflessness. But starts with being a little selfish. Pehle apna kalyaan to kar lo warna wahi baat jo Babaji kehte hain " Loki karde chaan na, aap hanere wich ".

PS : Its my interpretation of the incidents that happened. First things first, doesnt mean second shouldnt happen. Its just that one cannot have foot on step 2 without keeping one foot on step 1. Efforts should be to cautiously do first things first and time for second arrives soon and that too automatically.

MEET KAMNA

Introducing another model, Satguru kept infront of me - Kamna Di.

I met her in Bangalore. A shining diamond which shared her shine with me from time to time. Her house was quite far off from the main city. Many a times it so happened that saints used to plan a visit to her house and then said no for some reasons. I used to observe her happiness whenever some saint would commit her a visit. And then her strength when she smilingly would accept the cancellation of same visit. I always wondered about her emotional balance to accept both visits and cancellations with same smile.

One saturday, we all had planned a visit to her place. But then all of a sudden I got a call from some saint suggesting that we shouldnt skip the weekly sangat to go to Kamna di's place that day. The plan can be post-poned for some other time. Though I thought it would be okay but still wasnt very happy to tell this to Kamna di.
I called her up to check what should I do ? Should I goto Sangat and visit her later or should I alone skip sangat and visit her ? After listening to my question, she very humbly said " Sunil bhaiya, ek baat bolu. Jab kabhi bhi guru aur apne man ke thought mein clash ho na, to hamesha Satguru ki baat ko sun na chahiye".

"Par Di mujhe to dono hi guru ke kaam dikh rahe hain" was my reply. She kept silent and we decided that I would visit her the same day. The reply from my side was simple. For me, visiting her house wasnt just a pleasure but a chance too which would have made a saint happy. I still don't know whether that decision was right or wrong but I carry no guilt for this. Had it been a movie or anything, I would have carried different feeling. Skipping a sangat/sewa chance for something which can be adjusted for some other day is a possible mistake. But for this particular day, I was satisfied. I had similar feelings for this saint as well as the sangat.

Sangat is made of one plus one. Each one needs to be respected as the sum. Its not at all easy to love one & every one, but still feel its the right way. I have failed many a times but again and again He picked me to show that I can improve. Thanks Lord.

IN MY DREAMS

Finally, He took a bus for Kormangla. After many requests He agreed for blessing this way as well.I had been asking Nidhi ji for quite a long to tell Babaji to visit Kormangla too. Yesterday night I dreamed of Babaji. Great achievement !!!

He was sitting with Mataji and discussing some important managerial tasks. It so happened some one called me and I had to compromise and move to the house near by for the work. I looked at Babaji and asked Him in thoughts.. Babaji, ek baar dekh lo. I know you are working on important things, but ek baar. But Babaji didnt. I started with heavy heart for doing the work.

Before I could step out of the house, I saw the meeting getting dispersed and Babaji started talking in His normal tone.. Kaam to chalo ho gaya, saer kari jaaye.. yeh bache kahan chale hain, chalo inke saath hi ho aate hain.

And I was Babaji !!!!!!! You are awesome. Read my thoughts and accepted my unasked requests in a way so pleasing. Love you Babaji. I wanted to hug Him as every one often mentions and is seen.
I approached with wish in heart towards Him and He ... to my astonishment kissed me on cheeks. Yummy.. I too made the same move and hugged Him tight. Thanks Babaji for your love.

I woke up from the sleep within a minute, & pondering.. Subhe ke sapne sach hote hain na ??

I dont know what it was but yes it gave me a thought confirming.. He loves me as well :-)

I LIVED TODAY, NOT JUST BREATHED !

" even I don't know what 'spiritual development' really means. But I do know we're deficient in some way. We are too involved in materialistic things, and they don't satisfy us. The loving relationships we have, the universe around us, we take these for granted. "

I have my copy of ' tuesdays with Morrie ' infront of me, that has the above mentioned lines . The author tries to build the thought that , most of us all walk around as if we're sleepwalking. We really don't experience the world fully, because we're half sleep, doing things we automatically think we have to do. ( thought from the same book. )

Of these 27 years, that I have breathed so far, more than half I would say are in "Missed" state. The term, "Missed " reminds me of the balloon shooting game that we used to play in childhood, where the shooter was supposed to aim at balloons and burst them in "given " limited number of trials. Some of the shots would burst balloons, rest shots would go in " Missed " state. Post those "limited" trials, no one could claim any more trial, lest the wish of the game organizer. This kids shooting game and the lines mentioned above some how relate to a common learning " Enjoy life to the fullest - This life comes on daily basis rather moment basis". But no one knows when this life ends and there's no more day. A life living approach is making sure that by the end of each day - It feels " I lived today, not just breathed ". To know one's going to die, and to be prepared for it any time. That way one can actually be more involved in one's life while living .

Life, given by Almighty is actually a blessing, followed by the knowledge of this giver, then putting this knowledge into practice, beautifying each and every moment that life brings in. I remember pulling myself through days somehow, not knowing that it is just increasing count of "Missed " moments and is doing no good to me. These moments, already gone, I cannot claim from Him, I already have " Missed " them. However I still can seek His grace and vision to live the moments in future that He's going to bestow on me.

Life is actually given to enjoy the beauty that lies around and inside, but some how at times we miss living the moments and then Mondays become 'Blue' .

~ A Learner

LIFE AND ITS PURPOSE

A small boy, a bit sad was moving on a road when some one approched and brought him to the King. And then introduced him to King, " Son this is your father, the King ". And all of a sudden, this sad boy changed his emotions to that of being happy. Now after this, this guy had everything to enjoy from Kingdom of his father. He was owner of all riches. Often he moved on road again but now he helped people without keeping a track of what he was giving bcoz all was from King's treasures. Boy remained happy ever after with enjoyment for self and selfless service for others, with love for father and rest people of King's Kingdom.

Life is as simple as the above example. I too often heard about below mentioned purposes of life.


a) life is to enjoy to the fullest.

b) life is to achieve the supreme God.

c) life is about fulfilling your responsibilities to your society.


But have come to a humble understanding that all purposes are in hand in hand. But utmost being, meeting the King, the God. If son hasnt met his father, he cannot do selfless job for others. He would be exhausted soon with ego slipping very easily. Continued motivation comes only from father's inexhaustible store. And if he moves around the riches alone, he might see them but he doesnt own them in real sense. They arent his treasures.

Spirituality seriously makes living so enjoyable with duties being fulfilled at every step. And basic step of knowing King doesnt involve any hardships, no physical excercises but just one who can tell " Son this is your father, the King".

` A learner

SIMRAN

Mail which motivated me to get onto blogging. Couldn't make anything else as a starter post..

******************************

Hi sir,

How are you doing ? Its been long since I heard from your side. I am in Bangalore these days. Why dont we meet up some day ? I am sure you would have collected many thoughts by this time after our last meeting. We can talk on those if you feel okay.

However to talk of Simran. Actually spirituality revolves around,

1) GYAN : Soul getting knowledge of Supersoul
2) SATSANG : Keeping company of spiritually enlightened saints to strenghten faith on the Almighty
3) SEWA : Self less service to the society this too helps in removing one's ego.
4) SIMRAN : Remembrance of Almighty( Nirankar or Formless)

Simran is remembrance of God. After knowing God, one remembers that He is the doer of everything, He is the one who deserves all prayers & He is the one who can forgive. Simran basically can be said a form of prayer which helps in strengthening faith.

TU HI NIRANKAR
MAIN TERI SHARAN HAAN
MAINU BAKSH LO

Meaning of this prayer -

TU HI NIRANKAR : Represents that God you are the doer, the ONE, who has all potentials.
MAIN TERI SHARAN HAAN : I am in your refuge. I surrender to you My Lord.
MAINU BAKSH LO : Please forgive me. Seeking forgiveness.

Basically stress is on remembrance of this Almighty 24 hours a day while doing our day to day work. How ever when It comes to remembrance, I can remember Almighty even while cursing or complaining Him. But purest form of remembrance is when I thank & praise Him ( as in Line 1 of simran ), Surrender to Him ( as in Line 2 of simran ), Seek forgiveness ( as in Line 3 of simran ). Simran basically is purest form of prayer which includes all aspects of thanking, surrendering and seeking forgiveness.

I hope I am able to share what was asked. Else lets talk this over phone some time.

Regards,
Sunil Sethi