Tula marathi yete ka?

“Acha twaanu Marathi nahin aundi” and both of us laughed. The other day, after exchanging greetings in Marathi with Hema ji I finally said “ Mala Marathi yete naahi” signaling that I don’t know much of Marathi. I have learnt few basic dialogues from Marathi, Kannada, Telegu and other Indian languages from my Infosys batchmates who came from different parts of India. And the few lines that I have picked up I tend to use these wherever possible. Perhaps this was another occasion when I was trying to prove my Marathi skills to one of the sister saints who was born and brought up in Mumbai and is Marathi by mother tongue. After listening to my dialogue, she smiled and checked in Punjabi ‘So you don’t know Marathi?’ and both of us laughed.
Both of us at that moment appreciated the hands of the potter who is molding our clays in order to bring humans out of us. It is saddening to see at times people around fighting over the languages, however at the same time comes a feeling of gratitude for the spiritual guide who taught a Punjabi guy to admire Marathi and a Marathi gal to accept Punjabi. One of the traits of spiritual living is Acceptance. Accept – The other being as such. I guess there also exists another generous acceptance where you accept the things what other does. Probably that’s what Hema ji too has picked up - She wasn’t just okay with me being a Punjabi and she being a Marathi. She picked up the finest form of acceptance – she picked up what I spoke. This acceptance in her isn’t just confined to her speech, but every aspect of her living. And it’s again something she has learnt while growing up.
Had it not been your grace my Allah, I too would have confined myself in the barriers of languages, dressing styles, eating habits, colors of the skin etc and yet call myself a spiritual being. Also, thanks to the potter who picked me up and is shaping a true human out of this clay. I know I need to be shaped a lot to be able to love other beings as my own self, to respect others, to help others, to be kind to others, to be generous, to be a listener, to be a peacemaker, to be … Task is too much but I do have faith in you O Murshid, and of course with God's grace whenever I die I should be able to reply “yes” to this question from a famous book -

“Have you ever had a teacher ..........Someone who during your formative years has made you look at life differently? ....... Someone who would look at you and see a raw but precious gem? Someone who would love you not only for what you are but for what you could become?”

Counting Blessings

My mother and I were talking over phone sometime in January when I asked her – Mummy what should I carry for you. In Jan’ 08, I was travelling to India for the first time after my arrival here in UK. I was quite excited to carry gifts for my relatives and hence was checking with them if they specifically wanted something from here. I was expecting that my mother would not keep any desire for sure. She would be happier to see me in person and spend some time with me. But she, as great she is, politely said – Ashirwaad, Aap mahapursho ka to ashirwad hi kaafi hai. I was seriously taken aback when she said to me – Blessings, blessings from souls like you are sufficient. She wasn’t doing this for the first time. Ever since I was born, I have been in her company and company of many great souls who have been respecting me irrespective of my intellect or age. It’s always great to receive love from family members but I can’t express the feelings in words when this love comes packed with respect.
I seriously feel that I never deserved this family but perhaps the creator was too graceful when he gave me the company of these great souls who are labeled as my parents, my siblings, my fiancée, my friends, my youngsters, and other saints. In the same context, let me introduce you to Abhedita, another champion who is showing her real self; Abhedita is my 6 year old niece. Day before yesterday I called her up and was asking, ‘Abhedita what do you want from here?’ Great as her parents and grandparents, she too took me aside by saying ‘Ashirwad.’ I could later understand my mother’s thoughts but I’m still wondering how come this 6 year old speak such a word and exactly with the same modesty. Hats off to her parents, my brother and bhabhi, and Abhedita’s grandparents in whose company she is taking her spiritual feed. This flower of spirituality blossoms in many ways when it comes to practical living. Some of these ways are reflected in the above examples, respect for your neighboring souls, humility, sweet words, knowing what to desire etc etc.
I remember reading this in scriptures; ”Pratham Bhakti Santan Kar Sanga” meaning that to imbibe the company of saints is loftiest. Saints have always been a medium so that man finds true direction. And it’s awesome when such saints are your relatives. I offer my thanks to the creator for blessing me with the company of saints.

"Which shaving thought do you use?"

Sanjay, my previous manager would always come to me and suggest 'Sunil, you are at a client location, you should look clean, do shave regularly'. This was the obvious reaction from Sanjay if I ever forgot to shave my beard. But ever since Sanjay moved out of the project and was replaced by Manoj, my current manager, things are better. Though I have never tried to go to office unshaven after remarks from Sanjay, but I do feel assured that Manoj cannot comment on my beard as he too comes to office unshaven every second day. A day before yesterday, I woke up late and as a result was behind my regular schedule. All of a sudden I remembered that I can save time by not shaving as now its era of Manoj, who himself doesn't shave often. Before I cold pat myself for the time saving technique I had discovered, there came the master blaster thought – "Do you shave for Manoj or for keeping yourself clean? "

Well, that day I finally shaved before going to office as I had realized that shaving was for my own cleanliness more than a gesture to please others. I wish if I picked this thought for all my spiritual endeavors, I won't pause at any time and will have a continued motivational level. I recall there was ad on television, some years ago which said "Which shaving cream do you use?" Seems like it would better fit here as "Which shaving thought do you use?"

Kar-Wah-Chauth

Chautha Pran :) Wah Wah ...
People around celebrating Karwachauth today. Around as in India. And probably I was the only one in office who was celebrating this in a way which is customary. Khair... Aaj Manik se bhi baat ho rahi thi and he mentioned ki Vrat se kya hota hai...and I was haan kya hota hai. And his question was why did you keep then?
And Sunil Mahaashya," Manik, Mujhe bhi pata hai ki Nirankar karne waala hai sab kuch..maine to isliye rakha hai ki jab bhi din mein bhukh ya pyaas lagegi tab tab yaad aayega ki nahi khaana kyunki aaj Vrat hai. Vrat kiske liye hai? Woh kaun hai? Is bahaane hi sahi yaad fir ban aayegi" And obviously he had to nodd"Woh to theek hai" :-)
Funniest but true, dont know if things calculate any where but this psychology behind Vrat is awesome.. isnt it :) And believe me it worked. But I do miss the chocolates, cookies, garlic bread, juice that I couldnt have today.. Anyways, but it was nice feeling through out the day and most amazing was when Kaamna di asked " Aaj Vrat rakha hai bhaiya ?" And I was "Di, Rakha hai but is baar Babaji ke liye nahin" And both of us laughed...before she concluded " Sunil Bhaiya, yeh bhi hota hai".
Well, Ardas yahi banti hai ki Dataar jahan milaaya hai laekh wahi apni panaah bakshi rakhna aur ek dusre ko satkaar aur pyaar dete huye pariwar ki todh nibh jaaye.
Cannot close this before putting another wish, Maalik sabko hi jald aise Karwachauth ke mauke de.. ke woh bhi kare Wah Wah Chauth :-)