A Learner's Musings

3D - Don 2 (12A)

2012-01-05T06:11:00.000+05:30

Just back after watching Don 2...3D version. 

Saw a 3D movie for the first time in my life so far. Indeed it was nice experience. Came out of the movie hall, and all of a sudden cars outside appeared to be 3D as well :) 

Anyways... Dimensional aspect reminded me of Rob Bell's statement about spiritual world which is outside 2D. I feel he was right when he said that Jesus and other prophets were trying to show a world outside limited dimensions of science and religion (believe he meant rituals without knowledge). Many people are busy fighting for their own dimensions....some fighting for religion, some fighting for science...without keeping a margin for one more dimension. Aah..much like a cylinder, which appears to be circle if you see on its base, and appears to be a rectangle if you see on its height. Cylinder is both, and yet is something extremely different at that same point of time. Wish we all could see this spiritual 3D view! 

Anyways (again!)... as soon as I wore 3D glasses, I wanted to thank. It might have taken some 30+ years for me to see a 3D movie but for the spiritual 3D world I am thankful ... It has always been there as far as I recall.  

I am indeed thankful!

Birthdays..Facebook..Time..

2011-12-18T07:15:00.000+05:30

Not so often would you come across such a question on your birthday 'Is there any particular wish or statement by someone which has resonated in your mind since morning?'

Made me think.

One from last year perhaps. A statement from Nidhi Ji.

(Nidhi Ji - If you read this someday, Please believe I can 'imagine' the proud smile on your face.)

While wishing me last year she made sure that she adds a special touch to it - '....Bhaiya I wish on your birthday because I remembered it not because I saw it on Facebook.' She has not been a fan of Facebook - this I have known but had never thought about how we often tend to connect to our friends only on their special days that too because we see a reminder. However, I personally don't fully disapprove of the Facebook reminders, perhaps on one day people make someone feel special - even if it is for one day and that too because of reminders. Though it would have been better if we remembered people and their days without any external help.

Yesterday was filled with connections - wishes from family and friends, even from the Facebook world. Not much different I would say - same as it must be for everyone. I was at work yesterday therefore was not able to spend quality time with the wishers. A learning that I would like to take forward from yesterday is to take off from work on birthdays - there's a world that would connect to you on this day and you must receive it 'fully'. At so many points during the day, I felt I wasn't doing justice to the friends who took out time from their schedules to connect with me. Anyhow, there is something to learn and take forward - that's more important.

For many years I have thought how nice it would be to have everyday as a birthday - one receives so much love and warmth from friends which on normal days one doesn't hear. I don't think that warmth, love is absent on other days and suddenly rises on your birthday but think everyone is busy on their chores, and seldom they pause to express it. Birthdays are just such opportunities when people come to express via their wishes. However yesterday I was thinking the opposite - how about birthdays being days with not super jet speed? At least you don't feel guilty of not being able to give time to people as you would do normally. Its strange - normally people don't get time to pause and on this day you don't get time to reciprocate. Anyhow, not so serious topic to think about :)

Crux is to be thankful - even if people wish because of Facebook, take out time to receive gracefully, and when it comes for you to wish - try that you make people are a part of your life so that you don't have to depend on external reminders. And most importantly - treat everyone, everyday as it is their birthday :)

Mrs. Devsi

2011-12-13T03:57:00.000+05:30

I don't remember what standard I was studying in when this incident took place. All I remember is it was Mrs. Devsi's class and she was checking notebooks. She came as an substitute for some other teacher who was absent that day. Normally on such occasions substitute teacher wont bother teaching their own subjects. They were just present to make sure class didn't make much noise.

So was Mrs. Devsi present there - and she preferred to utilize that time by checking notebooks. Just to introduce Mrs. Devsi - She was (and is) teacher in strictest sense - she was gentle at heart but strict enough to make sure pupil learnt for what they were in school - she taught us grammar. I wouldn't be wrong if I say almost whole school was scared of her .... actually her "pinches". A single mistake you make, she would put her hand in your half sleeves shirt and "pinch" you until you realize your mistake. She would also use canes at times, but not that often.

Looks like I am going on to tangent, so I'll end the introductions. This was Mrs. Devsi. And I will go back to the story....

So Mrs. Devsi was present in our class as a substitute teacher and she preferred to utilize that time by checking notebooks. All children were busy too - doing something or the other - some chatting, some playing 'tick tack toe', some 'bollywood', some 'sweet 16'. Class was little noisy - you could hear all children, also Mrs. Devsi who once in a while asked for a spare pencil for doing corrections in some notebooks. Everyone seemed to be enjoying this 'free class'. I can't remember what I was doing but I too was busy - perhaps busy in paying ear to what others were gossiping around. It so happened that I again heard that Mrs. Devsi was asking for pencil. I looked in my pencil box and took one spare pencil to her. To my astonishment, Mrs Devsi got up from her seat in anger. To catch everyone's attention she banged the duster on table once or twice and shouted - 'There's only one student in my class, and that is Sunil. I have been asking for pencil from some time but only he has heard & responded." I then realized no one else in the class had got up to give her a pencil. I was taken aback by her reaction - never expected such a statement from her. But Mrs. Devsi said this in front of whole class - I too felt nice, not only she.

More than 15 years have passed since this incident happened but I haven't refreshed it more than 15 times since then. However, now feel like reminding myself of it again and again - but more in spiritual context. I seriously wonder if Mrs. Devsi can feel nice when I heard her once, will Guru not feel great if I listen to what He is asking? On similar lines, deep within there is desire to make Guru happy by following what He is teaching.

But there is difference too! At that time, perhaps it was immaturity, I myself felt nice when Mrs. Devsi said I was the only student in class. In spiritual arena, I realize there can be no competition between students. All you can expect is, by grace, that "There's one student, Sunil, in my class". There is no room for 'Only' word in spirituality - and perhaps that's not important too. What's important is following what you hear...

God bless Mrs. Devsi - where ever she is still teaching!

25/10

2011-10-26T04:38:00.000+05:30

Its been an year today since Dad left his physical form. Throughout the year, I think I have used "Dad" word more regularly than ever, and of course missed & remembered him more often. Thanks to Babaji, there is a deep rooted understanding that Dad is so close by therefore feel less guilty of what I did do or did not do.

365 days of this year, I believe ears have heard words death, dad, relations, soul, salvation etc with much more attention. Definitely there have been times when the comfort of the physical form was missed more than the non-physical presence around. But the assurance that non-physical form is so close by to support has stayed along. Since birth have heard that God Knowledge is important for salvation of the soul. However in this past year, have felt that God Knowledge is not only important for self delivery but also important for members of family. It has been such a strength to know that Dad completed his bodily journey only to go back to the source. I cannot thank often for this blessing of God Knowledge on the family including self though there is still so much to be imbibed.

Thank you Babaji for holding the family & me through various forms. Wish the love that you have given me, in strong and silent ways, may I be able to reciprocate.

Dad, miss you as well!

Another stepping stone

2011-05-03T04:30:00.008+05:30

Would she be Okay in England? One of the things that brought me anxiety while preparing for Mom's arrival in UK was her unfamiliarity with 'English' language. From rest of the angles I think I had somehow assured myself but her ability to communicate with only 'English speaking' crowd was something I was struggling with. However a sudden click reminded me that even though she doesn't know English but at least her son does. I can be her translator. In case we get to spend time with some 'English only' people, I will do translation. While my mind was busy rushing these thoughts, it also gave me few more mixed thoughts of gratitude & pride - Isn't it great? Thanks Babaji that I went to Convent School and had all education in English. Looks like Babaji already started preparing for her visit - years before 2011 by sending me to an English medium school. Good that I know English, else it would have been tough. Both of us in England, without English :) Not now! With her translator son, She'll be Okay. Didn't realize when these thoughts also brought back hidden pride of being better equipped with English Language.

But thankfully the pride soon changed back to gratitude. It didn't take long to reload one of the memories from childhood when I was complaining to Mom about her level of education and she gave back a life long lesson. Mom, do you know how embarrassing it gets in school to say that my parents haven't even done their class Xth? My expert Mom, without any waste of second threw ball back at me, "I agree that we aren't that educated but are making sure you don't repeat same thing. At least be thankful for this." In matter of seconds, it seemed that googly was at origin and all complaints vanished.

I think it was this very statement which took back pride that had started to creep in and returned thoughts of gratitude. Gratitude towards Guru and also parents who despite their level of education made it possible for us to have best of education. Not just worldly but also spiritual education. In the same set of incident also, on one angle it might appear that I have translated and helped her to communicate in an alien country but on a better angle it is she who has helped her. My being able to help her was only possible because she has equipped me with English language.

Thanks Babaji, this time the trap of false pride wasn't deep enough and You saved again. When I look back to reflect on incidents of life so far, I am reminded of many such mistakes. Mistakes that have reminded me of my shortsightedness but thankfully such mistakes have also become stepping stones to improvise and carve a better Sunil.

Experiences still purifying!

2011-04-11T06:16:00.005+05:30

If I admit, I would have to say it all started with 'Purifying Experiences'. This wonderful collection of experiences of Prof Puri comes in mind often. Like others, I too had gone back to thank Puri Sahib after reading this book. A truly 'Simple' book - simple language & simple day to day experiences, but there was also something 'Special' about it. Spiritually it inspired, at the same time motivated - to see what power words could have to transform an individual. I had witnessed it on me and so was inspired to pass on. Aaawh - pass on! Young over confident years - without realizing that I have neither comparable set of experiences nor any literary skills, I still wanted to write and share. Well not to blame fully the over confidence, I did pick up this hobby of writing which I started to enjoy and hopefully still do.

Well I didn't start to write about my hobby, but about Prof Puri. Many including me have been inspired by his spiritual talks - many know. However for me, he also became an inspiration to write. I perhaps did pick up, some sort of hobby from his book but still haven't picked up the approach & wisdom what he lived and inspired. One such attributes of his profile was humility. One of the emails I exchanged with Puri Sahib re-iterated his humble self when I asked permission to use his writings -

My dear Respected Sunil Ji,

Dhan Nirankar Ji. Anything that enhances the cause of the Mission does not need any permission. You may feel free to use the material anyway you like or deem fit. Thanks to Birmingham Saints too to keep this humble self in their memory.
My only anxiety is who would care for these worthless rubbish scattered thoughts. I am not at all a writer.

With deep regards,

Das Puri

I can't recall what I had sent him back on this email but surely want to say that this email often comes as a sweet yet strong reminder that I stand no where. It was definitely shocking to see how one who had inspired people to write, was so carefree & selfless of his 'own' writing skills. People like me who often write page or two fall into trap of identifying themselves as writers, but yet who have written on hearts of thousands proclaim, "I am not at all a writer."

Puri Sahib, Sach mein kamaal ho gaya!

Power of ONE.

2011-04-11T05:30:00.006+05:30

Yesterday was talking to few saints who have shaped me during my stay in Bangalore and are doing the same even now, in one or the other form. I was again on memory lane to remind myself of learnings that I have picked while on Bangalore Platform. One such memory apartment that I opened door of was of last few days in a familiar town. As time for my exit neared, the fear of not then familiar gripped - New town, new people, new work atmosphere, new friends, "new" sangat, new efforts to form another comfort zone. While there was a desire for change, but welcoming the change was becoming bit tough.

On one shiny night, occupied with same thoughts I was standing outside trying to connect myself with the creator. Kept gazing at sky with appreciation - the beauty of tinkling stars, wonderful moon, how creator has brought creation into existence, despite lands spread on planet earth how moon shines across places, while earth is so big same sky surrounds everywhere, in UK too this sky would look same, often moon will look such beautiful....hang on! same sky, same moon, same sun...same creation despite different nations, wont creator be same too? lands may be different, cultures may be different, people outwardly might look different, but we all share same earth, so is creator - so why are you worrying? Just a matter of analysis, and I was motivated enough without any fear to look forward to change, change became pleasant, not familiar seemed familiar, new was comforting as old - all because of One creator!

A simple revelation that happened at time when it was needed most. Although had heard about Oneness of creator from so young age, but at that time was able to relate it to more closely. Often one does get to hear One God, One Allah, One Energy etc etc but realizing it is a different experience. If you have realized it, it works wonders even in such minute day to day walks. Rightly do they say - Power of ONE.

Wash basin in Men's loo.

2011-03-01T03:43:00.007+05:30

The note on the wash basin reminded me of the vending machine incident that Rahul Ji once shared. Let me take his shoes for narration purposes, because my experience with wash basin was not too different from his' with the vending machine.

I went to use this vending machine at my work. I inserted 20p coin and waited for my drink to arrive. However, there was no response. Inserted another coin to check whether the outcome was any different. But no, it was same. It took 40p to understand that the vending machine wasn't functioning properly. Left this vending machine aside, and then selected normal drinking water from neighboring machine. While I was sipping my drink, I saw a colleague inserting coin in the faulty vending machine. Not to my surprise, there was again no response from the machine. However, this gentleman was surprised. And bit angry too, which was obvious from how he banged the vending machine with his foot. He left from the scene, but I continued to enjoy the water in the cup.
Within few minutes, there was another colleague who came down to the faulty vending machine and repeated what we both had already done to have our drinks. Again, there was no drink in return and this gentleman left without making fuss. Soon, he was back with a sticky note in his hands which he placed on the vending machine. The note said, "Not working".

Now back into my shoes, this washbasin in Men's loo is faulty from days. Everyday, you turn ON the tap and water clogs in the basin. I have been noticing it for past few days, and have started to avoid using. I suppose many would have done the same. But today, it was different. There was toilet paper kept near tap, with a hand written note, "Out of Order". I couldn't control my smile which took me back to the vending machine which I personally haven't used but have heard about. And more so to the lesson which Rahul Ji shared, that world is surrounded by so many people, some crib about the way things are, some mere observe, and some actually make an effort to contribute positively by doing whatever is in their hands. Situation was same, but all reacted differently. That's what differentiates us.

Ah...!!

2 ON 10 - Air travel

2011-01-24T01:51:00.015+05:30

My reply is still pending. I'm talking of the discussions that Manik and I were having few months rather years ago. I asked Manik to give me a list of 10 things which he would want to do before he dies. It takes some time to answer that, and so took Manik. But finally he handed me 10 things on his to-do list. Quite obvious, he asked me to do same. However, I didnt reply and till date my reply is pending.
Today was the last day for Mumbai Samagam. Last year same time we children along with parents were present there to seek blessings. It wasnt only the samagam I was excited about but also the journey. Eversince I remember, I had thought about travelling in airplanes and as time passed, I had opportunities to make airtravels 2-3 times a day. During one of such journeys clicked a thought, 'why not arrange air travel for parents? all of us have had opportunities to travel in plane but what about parents?'. Once in a while I did share this thought with them. As expected, parents were not so keen about spending unnecessarily especially when an alternative was available. Somehow last year, convinced Dad and Mom that they accompany us for Mumbai Samagam and that too in airplane. The journey and stay was quite pleasant. Thanks Babaji.
Today while watching Mumbai Samagam, thoughts connected back to our visit last year, the airtravel where parents too flew with me. It was like a dream come true to make a journey with them on plane. Thanks Babaji.
Coming back to the point where I started, this air travel with parents was my 2 ON 10, one of the things I would have wanted to do before I die. Thanks Babaji for making it possible and timely, no one amongst us would have thought that it was the only opportunity to do that travel with Dad. Few months later, Dad went back to Nirankar. Today when I think of this 2 ON 10, I am satisfied that this was achieved as desired. Now 9 remain.
Unlike Manik, I dont have the list handy. As the time passes I am unfolding what could be on this list. 1 is already known, 1 is achieved, 8 still to unfold. Perhaps that was the reason why reply is still pending.

Handle with care!

2011-01-22T03:52:00.004+05:30

Finished watching some documentary about how children were being trained at some religious organisational centre to grow up as a religious political figure or something like this - Its all confusing for me! Really felt sorry for the children. These young minds are so delicate, why couldn't people understand there's love which is more important than any religious ritualistic practice, if you want to train children, train them to be better humans - one who can love, tolerate, forgive, etc etc.
Its sad feeling to see how we as human race do so much harm to our future generations, its not only wrong understanding of religion, somewhere physical abuse, somewhere mental abuse, somewhere sexual abuse...we just leave children to struggle and live their future lives in situations which no one would understand, neither would they themselves understand.
People think of death as a pain, they dont understand how much pain they have caused by leaving such impressions on these young minds.

God bless! Bless us to be compassionate human race, be responsible human beings, bless these children who struggle in their minds somewhere, somewhere hidden in their rooms, who need your presence! Like our soul sees the unseen supersoul, wish our minds could also read the unwritten tags on these young minds, "Handle with care". God bless!

we never know how long

2011-01-11T00:28:00.004+05:30

Couple of years, perhaps around 12 years, ago Babaji were touring Yamuna Nagar. Stay was at Amrit Auntie's Kothi. Jee and Mom were perhaps at Kothi for some sewa, so I was taking liberty to watch television late in the evening. Other family members were fast asleep. It wasn't silence around, but still I could hear the ringing of the phone very clear in middle of the night. I answered that call. After exchanging greetings, the caller asked if he could speak to Babaji. As the caller spoke more, I could identify that Vivek Shauq ji was on other side. I very politely tried to answer that this number was kept at home, and Babaji would be available at xyz alternative number. Vivek Shauq ji thanked and after exchanging the greetings cut the call.

It took me a minute to grasp that I had just spoken to one of the actors. Before I could fully come out of thoughts of the short interaction, the phone rang again. I answered that new call but to my surprise it was same caller again. Another exchange of greetings, and Vivek ji apologized. I couldn't get what he was trying to convey, but soon he continued his apology, "apologies for waking you up in middle of your sleep". I smiled and explained him that I was anyways awake. We exchanged greetings and since then we both never spoke one to one.

Just wanted to share with you Vivek Ji, that your simple act of kindness has been with me in mind for years now and hopefully will keep reminding me that it takes just a simple act to be kind and we never know for how long that act of kindness will remain!

Days before day!

2010-11-22T05:42:00.007+05:30

While scrolling across pages of nirankari magzine, came across these lines in Huzur's discources.."Some people ask why we repeatedly talk of death; we should talk of life. We talk of death because we are really concerned about life."

Perhaps have become more close to this word in past few days. I recall one of the discources which I heard in days of Bangalore where again stress was being laid on the importance of saintliness and knowing God Almighty. Huzur said, "as soon as you ask anyone to take out time for such things, man will resist with a reason that I am so busy that I dont have time even for dying. As if when death is due, it will ask that are you free now? should I visit? When one has to die, he will have to leave all chores in between."

Today when I was meeting saints, many a times dad's death was being discussed. Indeed it is sad to loose someone who has been a part of life so far but somewhere down the line I think we all know it, no one will remain forever. And being born in family where I was exposed to Huzur's teachings in early years, I think I like many others were being prepared for this day from day one. And knowing this has helped us shape our days before this day!

Puriji once said, - One thing I know I was born good, lived better and with Satguru's blessings will die best! Indeed those who have lived and died with you have seen the best of the worlds! Desire is that I too die with you holding me in your hands. Keep me with you, and let every moment be spent with you throughout the life, at last moment and thereafter!

Thanks Babaji! Thank you for shaping our lives.

He introduced Dad!

2010-11-19T02:41:00.003+05:30

One of the saints who had come to offer his condolences on Dad's passing away started talking of his experiences with Dad. He mentioned, that one day he requested Dad to accompany him for a satsang program in some distant village. To his surprise Dad refused. Saint tried hard to convince Dad to accompany, also tried to know the reason for Dad's reluctance in accompanying but Dad :), Dad gave some strange reasons. After too much pressure from this saint, Dad agreed to accompany however asked the saint to pray that in Sangat one particular mahapursh doesn't come.
This was second surprise to saint, why would anyone pray that some particular mahapursh should not come to sangat. Anyhow, both of them went to sangat. Surprisingly, the mahapursh that Dad did not want to meet didn't come for Sangat. On way back, the saint who accompanied Dad, again asked why Dad was initially reluctant? why praying for mahapursh's absence? Finally Dad opened his mouth that the mahapursh he didnt want to meet was his old acquaintance who had once borrowed some amount of money from Dad. Due to poor financial state, this mahapursh never had managed to repay the sum even in 20ish years. So Dad was intentionally trying to avoid crossing this mahapursh, because he didnt want mahapursh to carry an impression, that in cover of sangat Dad was there to ask for his money. Dad's reluctance and prayers were to ensure that the mahapursh doesnt spoil the bliss in sangat due to some weird and false assumption.

Listening the incident obviously there was a sense of pride; to be born out of such person. However, eyes had tears when the saint continued to speak "Paise jinhone wapis dene hote hai unko lendaaro se chhipte bada dekha hai, aise pehli baar dekhe jinhone paise lene the aur woh paise dene walo se chhip rahe the".

Thankyou Babaji for 'this' Dad!

'Leg Uttey' syndrome

2010-10-18T04:35:00.005+05:30

Lately I have been trying to recover from the 'Leg Uttey' syndrome. Have often noticed myself, and I believe even before noticing myself, I have been having this 'Leg Uttey' syndrome. As I was talking to one friend two years ago, "Have you noticed?, We have this Leg Uttey condition."
Surprised to this combination of words, he asked what does this mean? " Just notice when we sit together to talk something, say for example when we sit to talk about some topic, as soon as one finishes giving some example or quotation, the other person is eager to tell his example justifying the same theme of discussions." "Rarely does one notice that he hasn't listened fully to what other is saying. One example ends, and other starts, and followed by other, but there rare comes a point where one speaks and others just listen. Even when some one has spoken, often I am eager to add toppings to earlier speaker's point. There is no full stop to many such conversations. Doesnt this look like, we all struglling to say as if my leg should come "uttey"? ".

He smiled listening all this. Years have passed, and I dont know if this friend remembers these lines but definately I do, because I still need to improvise on this. Again, listening.. Art of Listening!!

Any field, but..

2010-09-02T04:35:00.003+05:30

Last night I was running short of ideas for writing something for Shukar Series. So asked my brother, "Bro, if you had one thing to thank Satguru for, what would it be?". I wasn't surprised when he replied back with his usual humour " That Chottu is my brother". Knowing myself well, I knew he was trying to ignore the question by putting some weird answer. Well this is part 1 of the story.

Part 2 dates back to 1997 when I attended college. One of my favorites just because of one sentence has been Mrs Krishna Kaul. Then middle aged English lecturer once mentioned, "Go in whatever field you like Arts, Science, Music, it wont matter but make sure you excel. Excel so that you cannot be replaced." Years have passed by since then but mind still has an impression of this lecture actually one sentence of hers.

Last night as soon as Part 1 transpired, memories of Part 2 followed. Leaving the professional front aside for some moments, was relating this sentence to what Sheelu said. How wonderful would it be if I could excel in my relations? Brother, mother, father, sister, wife, friend, children proclaim that we couldn't have any better relationship than that with you. If you are brother to one, live relationship such that the brother cannot wish for any better brother. If you are a husband, excel in relationship that wife states that the life is beautiful just with you. If you are a wife, live such that the husband is forced to state that no one other than you. List would go on...whilst it has been easy to put the thoughts, not sure how easy would it be to implement and excel.

Hoping for a meaningful life, filled with excellence.

3 ON 10 - ART OF BALANCING SPEECH

2010-08-10T03:54:00.010+05:30

As drafted on 08/10/10...

Moments ago, I was thinking how wonderful it is to be silent in relationships. To hear and not to react, just be a listener...quite opposite to what I learnt few years ago..

At that time for some reasons, I had opted 'just listen'. Quite new to such relationship and a new person on my side; it wasn't something that I was used to.
Around 2 or more than 2 years ago, we had just got committed. I wasn't used to to this relationship structure (lol !)...I think even till date I know nothing...anyways, I was quite new to this side of the world. I believe it happens during initial period of relationships, that you get to impress one another by being something you aren't but slowly and slowly you have to come back to being yourself and then it is accepted in mixed sense at times. I believe I was going through same period, so I had thought that in order to keep peace, I would try keeping quiet; its just another 50-60 years, somehow I will manage by silence. So I started just to play a part of listener in the conversations. One day, one more day, one more and so on it went for couple of days...slowly and slowly, I started getting frustrated by playing a listener.

I think it was divine intervention when I was called for this client orientation session. The session was kept by my company for motivating employees to speak when they are in meetings with clients. I could not understand much out of the session, as was more bothered by internal combat of some sort. But somewhere came the divine spark, when the presenter talked of benefits of speaking up. I do not know why and how, when I returned back I took it as a point to discuss with her the concerns I had in mind. Quite amazingly, those were so easily handled and I wondered what magic these two words had in the relation - "Speak Up". Ever since, anyone who has asked for a friendly advice in matters pertaining to relationships, this is what I have suggested "Speak Up". Speak Up because other end may not have a clue of what you are trying to say or ask...so Speak Up!! Quite surprisingly, this Mantra has worked...

Now coming to the thoughts I was having moments ago, being a married man I am ought to think that way :), I think the learning was half when I learnt "Speak Up", the second part is "To understand when not to Speak Up" . Wise is one who knows where to put a pause, often I realize that whatever I spoke was in no way a value add or a remark which was required.

There's still so much to learn, especially what was taught to me on the wedding day!! Hopefully this is something I would learn some day!

Another thing on the To-Do list - Art of balancing speech.

I have knowledge b.. ...

2010-08-02T01:31:00.004+05:30

While having breakfast other day, I switched telly on. Scrolling through channels I stopped at some Indian channel which was airing epic Mahabharata. Recently have enjoyed seeing the conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjun in the Gita Gyan episodes, so didn't mind seeing the episode where all Pandavas, Lord Krishna go and meet Taatshree. Amidst the emotional conversation, Krishna asks Bhisham Pitaamah to share some words of wisdom with the pandavas. Amazingly Bhisham Pitaamah says that if you are here Krishna, who else is worthy to speak? Knowledge comes from you etc etc, this was but obvious statement. However, my thoughts come to a stand still when I recall Krishna's reply

I have Knowledge but you have experience.

I dont remember this dialogue from childhood days of my audience to this same epic. How remarkably Krishna accepts to be all-knower but still gives importance to His elders' experiences. There on I am trying to forgive myself for being intolerant of elders' seemingly un-knowledgable but possibly experienced acts. How many times I have been intolerant when I have seen elders doing something which never fitted my understanding of lawful living, but here was an example of how the role model Himself silently gave message of spiritual living. Perhaps the learning could also be talked in generic sense; why only elders, actually one has to be tolerant and respectful to every individual's experiences.

Having said this, nothing much has been achieved. There's still remaining another part: to experiment this tolerance and add to my own experience:-)

CONTENTMENT

2010-07-15T02:42:00.003+05:30

While reading monthly magazine, I came across this word few hours ago. Thoughts took me back to the trip I had had in 2007 to Pune Mumbai. I landed in Pune from Bangalore and after spending a day or so, I and many youngsters made our way to Mumbai to attend Huzur's program. We all were together throughout the day in Pune, in journey and also through out the samagam. However our journey's back home were not together. They had to return back to Pune and I had to continue my onward journey. As samagam got over and everyone started to disperse, I kept coming across more saints from Mumbai. However saints from Pune stood at one side. While I was trying to attend more and more saints, I couldnt remove my eyes from one of the saints with whom I had travelled to Mumbai. It appeared that all of the Pune youngsters were getting late for their return but seeing I was busy, they stood aside not disturbing me. Time passed but nothing changed, I kept meeting more saints. Finally I saw all pune youngsters started to leave without saying a word. I wanted to bid them a bye, but wasnt able to interrupt the discussions I was having with Mumbai saints. Eyes said bye to each other. After some time, when I got a chance I rang one of the saints, asking her, actually complaining her "You didnt wait to say me a bye". A humble and sweet voice replied, "Bhaiya, I too wanted to say bye but saw that you were meeting saints here. We all were together for past two days, I think we all have had chance to spend time with you, now its turn for Mumbai saints to have your company. Even they should get your time".

Not to talk of the respect she showed for a co-follower, her contentment has always touched my heart. Till date if someone asks me of contentment, this is what I share.

Lol..Just checked my Balance!

2010-07-01T01:53:00.003+05:30

On Sunday, I was waiting for cab to arrive so that I could travel to bus station. Instead of wasting time, I thought of withdrawing money from ATM. Sun was shining so strong that I wasn't able to clearly see the display. Somehow, I entered PIN and requested for 30 pounds from options displayed i.e. 10,20,30 etc. The card came out after sometime, I waited for money to be dispensed but nothing happened. I re-entered my card to try again, and this time options were displayed as 20, 40 etc..perhaps the 10 notes were no longer available that's why the ATM did not dispense the notes in first try. Anyhow, the story is not about 20 pounds, but of 30 pounds. I kept thinking about 30 pounds, and how to inform bank about the scandal that had happened....but it was sunday, so was caught up in thoughts trying to figure out the solution.
From no where the cab arrived, I opened the door to sit and before I could sit the driver wished, 'Cheer up! Its not end of the world' Lol..I smiled as if I had got 30 pounds back. Well, it wasnt 30 pounds that I got back but actually the flow of thoughts which had stopped because of 30 pounds. I was once again astonished to see your ways of reminding and nuturing our thoughts - Its not end of the world!
Just to complete the story, I didnt forget 30 pounds so checked the balance just now - statement says withdrawal of 20 pounds on Sunday. Possibly I had miskeyed on ATM display on some warning etc in the first attempt. I will possibly forget the 30 pounds now but I am stuck with the reminder, Its not end of the world :-)

Hello Brother! Brother!

2010-07-01T01:45:00.004+05:30

Years ago, brother and I were walking in Samagam Grounds. Proceedings for the day had just completed and we were on our way to the tents. Inquisitive enough, I asked ‘why do saints get up during dhuni if it is being announced that please remain seated?’ Brother gave me some strange looks as if I had asked something wrong. Without much botheration to understand his gesture, I continued ‘Aren’t they doing wrong?’ I waited to see a Yes or No from his side, but he spoke, ‘aapko pasand nahi to aap mat utho’. When I had expected a Yes or No, I heard a very neutral answer from him that if you don’t like, don’t get up.
No wonder he reminds me often, “Jo kujh tenu changaa lagdea, khaa pi te vastar pa, duniya da updeshak banke, horr na jhagdey pyaa vadhaa “.

Zubaan ka Ras

2010-06-06T04:51:00.003+05:30

I remember there was a book which I read in childhood, it contained small small stories with different moral. One of the stories was, Zubaan ka Ras...where a person who is passing by a new town feels hungry and he knocks a door, door is opened by an old lady. Man asks for food from the lady, and lady starts preparing food for this stranger..while she is preparing batter for the roties, this man starts asking questions, one being " Lady your door is so narrow, if your cow dies, how will you take the cow out of your door?" quite angry with this question lady throws the batter at man's face. Some passer by sees the liquid dripping on man's face, and asks anqiously "what is this?", to which this man says "zubaan ka ras". Moral that was told in the story was that be wise in your speech.
Although this story was heard in childhood years, but I think this is ageless learning as here lies the start of self improvement. If man takes a pause and starts analysing what he is speaking, or asking, he will be astonished to see how comforting or breaking his words are. Path to self improvement is definately long, but one who has conquered his words, he has made a start. Speech is not the final criterian to prove one's level of wisdom but definately is a milestone. If its said, that one who doesnt think wrong will not say wrong...it also seems true that one who wants to think right, should start saying right.

Are you religious?

2010-05-22T02:39:00.004+05:30

Yesterday he was after me - Aapne bhagwaan ko dekha hai? I tried my best to ignore the question but he seemed rigid too - Aapne bhagwaan ko dekha hai? Quite surprisingly, I took few more minutes before we started talking of God Realisation.
I just look back and see those years of Bangalore, where I wanted to fly high and share this with everyone around. Nothing much has changed and yet everything seems changed. A small incident as from yesterday, when some one was asking about God Realisation and I felt like better not to answer.
Recently I read this on one of the banners from Samagam, and also received this as text, "Dharam ki sabse badi shiksha hai sehansheelta". "The greatest teaching of religion is tolerance", everyday there are numerous incidents where I see that the tolerance is no where around. Ofcourse, the answer is 'NO', if asked a question "Are you religious?". If religion teaches tolerance, there has to be tolerance in my life if I am religious. It has always been easy to talk of religion, God realisation, God knowledge but been tough to act religiously.
Perhaps it was the same thought yesterday when I didnt want to talk of God Realisation. Didnt want him to carry an impression of God Realised soul, if I still havent managed to live fully in God's realisation.
Having said that, there's more to ask from you - I do wish to fly again but this time with both the wings - realisation and practical living.

1 ON 10 - A Friendly Ear

2010-05-17T02:16:00.006+05:30

Heard this from Shastri Ji last week - Once Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji was sitting on stage and namaskar was going on. Babaji called Shastri Ji close to himself and spoke "That particular mahapursh standing in queue for namaskar will take good amount of time..". Shastri Ji asked "So, should I take that mahapursh out of line? This way the namaskar line can advance normally." To this Babaji responded - "Shastri Ji, I am saying that mahapursh will take good amount of time, please do not interrupt him while he is speaking his heart.".
BANG!! went the chords in my heart!
Shastri Ji continued sharing that we should be a patient listener. We never know what comfort our listening can give to the speaker. Irrespective of whether there is any logic in talks we should be able to give an ear to the speaker.
another BANG!!
It seemed that I too could understand what he was trying to convey. All these years of transformation perhaps, I have witnessed what magic listening could do. Be it Amrit Auntie, Puri Sahib..I miss these souls who gave ears to my talks without any judgements. Despite their age, both of them could give me a friendly feeling. Don't know why the wire got connected so strongly with both of them that its hard even today to compare anyone else with them. Amrit Auntie...honestly I till date admire how she paid ears to my talks... any kind of talks...Sheetal's exam...My exams, My scores, My colleagues, Incidents in their lives...It seemed that every thing was of interest to her. I understood from her, what wonders listening could do.
It wouldnt be wrong if I call her my role model for listening. But I still havent managed to copy this behaviour into my life, however I wish someday I could. The 10 things to be done before I die - Listening is one thing I definately would like to do! Listening that could give support to those who need it without myself being disturbed !
Babaji, I dont know if this is a must have quality or a quality that I am destined to have, so these raw thoughts are in your hands to mould them in the best possible way! Seeking your blessings for the life ahead that could be comforting to those around me and ofcourse myself :-)
Ta!

New to business

2010-05-08T23:03:00.003+05:30

Just after Sheelu returned from his Israel trip, we all gathered around him in 1998. He started sharing his experiences, and one of the things that he shared was the words of his Cab driver who had said, "I am quite new to the driving business, its been just 50 years I got into this Job". Quite recently these words came back to my mind, how beautiful would it be if I start viewing others around with the same vision.
At times when I see people around not able to do what they have been learning since so many years, or even while seeing my own self, there are times when I get disheartned. Take example of spiritual world, anyone speaking about tolerance for past 50 years and yet not able to tolerate things...Before I judge any other person, may I remember this line that person is quite new to this Spiritual world, its been JUST 50 years. When I myself fail on the scale that I have set for myself, may I rememeber that I too am quite new to this Gyan..JUST 20 or so years...It takes a life time to imbibe these virtues of humility, love, compassion, tolerance and everything...and for me its been JUST 20 years of Gyan.

JLT

2010-04-09T02:17:00.003+05:30

Thank you Babaji!
I got up from bed to write a small observation at airport but before I could complete writing the experience, I realised it might not be worth sharing on a public forum. Although intention wouldnt be to comment on culture but still didnt want to sound as if laughing on the culture where I come from. Above that dont want to comment on anyone's personal likes/dislikes. So left the experience aside :)
But Babaji, thank you for these small small experiences where I am reminded of what difference you have brought into our lives.

How to loose one's Ego?

2010-03-28T06:12:00.010+05:30

Other day I was talking to Lakshmi about the "Most wanted person by virtue of need" award which I had received for work in my previous project. Since I was the only contractor working in that project, I myself informed my Line Manager in parent company about it. Although I don't like doing this but somehow wanted it to be recorded with my parent company, that I had received some award for my work. However, after sending that email I had no replies or congrats from my Line Manager. I was surprised as generally what I have observed is, any email appreciation from client is followed by appreciation emails from all managers in parent company. Nothing happened basically after my sending that email to Line Manager. I kept quiet.

Days followed, and then other team mates received some appreciation from client. Surprisingly, this time same Line Manager sent that email to higher management which resulted in number of emails floating for appreciation. Luckily, I wasnt able to digest that, it was just an email for other team mates but an award for me. An email was heavily acknowledged but an award went unnoticed ? Perhaps I wouldnt have bothered but because it was "I" who had received the award, I was disturbed. I couldnt sit properly for some time, as this was disturbing me. I wasnt sure how I should react, but nevertheless I thought of discussing this with Lakshmi.

As I shared with her my problem, the usual happened. As predictable she is, "Sunil Ji, isko dekha hai aapne. Yeh to creator hai fir bhi kabhi nahin jataata". Lol...that was the simple tonic for the huge problem I was facing. Often I have noticed how easily she relates to the Almighty than I can do. A simple thought but with great depth, that look at the Almighty, despite being creator He never boosts about His deeds, why winning an award is making you disturbed...just because others failed to acknowledge it. It was a matter of seconds, that I was back to normal state..laughing at my ownself.

Quite truely, I still havent learnt how to be humble. Something I desire to learn, because its so soothing. I remember Babaji citing example of Lord Rama, and how humble He was when Parshuram Ji was shouting at Him. Definately, Looking at Rama's life there is so much to be learnt, the simplicity, divinity, kindness,...a whole lot of chapters in syllabus of spirituality. But again the first step as mentioned, "Pratham Bhakti Santan Kar Sanga.." Thankyou Babaji that you have sent Lakshmi in life who has guided and reminded me of your teachings where ever I was going aside.

No surprises why I always answer in same way to this question," how to loose one's ego?".."By seeing someone who is greater than you"...You'll stop worrying about not getting credit, if you understand how this Creator is silent even if His deeds are not acknowledged :)

Mistaken Identity

2010-03-20T15:33:00.004+05:30

Three of us were travelling in the car and somehow D touched one of the hot topic these days. D started informing all of us what had happened to few spiritual guides in India in recent past. How few guides were caught for being involved in one or the other unacceptable activities. I tried paying less ears to the conversation but got into an attentive listening mode when name of the Mission came into their discussions. D felt that one of the guides caught was actually the lead for the SNM. Not realising that I too was one of the followers of SNM, he kept on keeping his concerns about the condition that few spiritual leaders were not acting according to social norms. I thought of interfering in discussion by clarifying that D was mistaking the held guide with some other mission. However I kept quiet. Dont know why but I kept listening to the discussions without reacting much, although understanding that more than D I have had chance to observe SNM philosophy and the leader. I did think that I will go and perhaps separately clarify D's misunderstanding. D would meet so many people in his life hereon, It would be unjust if he continues giving wrong information to the people he meets. And people as they are would pick up wrong information about a mission that is making human out of me.
But as day progressed, I still kept quiet. I dont know if I should have had some anger or concerns for held guides like D had. I somehow feel, its tough to judge the situations these guides would have gone through. Without knowing them as a person, I am no authority to form any opinion, be it good or bad, for the held guides. My thoughts dont hold any grudges for these guides, because I dont know what they have gone through.
And on correcting D, I dont know what should be my reaction. Should I go and inform D that he is carrying wrong information? or should I keep silent because if D is giving wrong information, so am I? D hasnt known the mission, but I have! Despite knowing mission for so long, I have not been successful in portraying the correct ideology of mission. In a way, I too am giving wrong information to people about SNM. Hence, there's not much difference between D and myself. I kept quiet because of this confusion, which let to a conclusion that before correcting D, I should be correcting myself.

LOVE is spelt as T.I.M.E.

2010-03-10T04:13:00.003+05:30

I remember this article where a father reads through his personal diary to find out how he had wasted one complete day from his busy schedule on his lost son's useless and fruitless fishing campaign. To man's surprise, his lost son also had made an entry in his personal diary. However, the son had described same day as the most beautiful day of his life, when his father took him out on a fishing campaign. Towards the end, author made a point "To a child, Love is spelled as T.I.M.E".
It strikes to mind, that same statement holds good for any individual, why speak only of a child? Friends need time from each other, Parents from children, Boy friend from Girl friend, Wife from husband...all of us seem to ask for time in one way or the other. Most of the time, we ourselves dont have time to ask for anyone's time..but the fact is there are silent moments, when one asks for time...and it is this time when the relationships are built stronger. Not only worldly, but the spiritual too.
This is one of the formulae I have seen working for making relationships stronger! Giving T.I.M.E. aka Love genuinly to someone without asking anything in return!

These days with Morrie!

2009-10-19T00:53:00.003+05:30

My old professor, meanwhile, was stunned by the normalcy of the day around him. Shouldn’t the world stop? Don’t they know what has happened to me? But the world did not stop, it took no notice at all, and as Morrie pulled weakly on the car door, he felt as if he were dropping into a hole. Now what? he thought.

Tuesday’s with Morrie …hmm…

While watching Morrie's videos, my ears did hear this line without any extra attention. As soon as Morrie came to know about his illness and approaching death, this was the first reaction he had.

And story at this end

Travelling back to India for wedding…Shouldn’t England come to a halt? Don’t they know what is going to happen to me? But seems everything is same around…Earth rotating at same speed... Sun rays approaching at same speed… The world hasn’t stopped.

It appears that in last few days, I have been too demanding for people around. I need to remind myself often that its “I” who is getting married or shifting places, not everyone… while I gear up for a change in my life, the life around will not stop. It has to run with same speed!

But then why did the lyricist write – lagta hai saare sansar ki shaadi hai :-) ?

Questions and Jokes apart, I have been wondering about His setup. In one sense world doesn’t change with changes in your life, but at the same time, world and you are undergoing same experience – kya Jhakkas setup hai !!

इक नुक्ता यार पढाया ऐ !!

2009-10-05T03:00:00.008+05:30

Two days ago I was sitting in the project update meeting and all of a sudden something happened. My thoughts shook me - where am I sitting? White skin, blonde hair, different tongue, strange dresses ... where am I? My eyes went around in all directions - I am surrounded by people who are so different. Who are these? Natasha, Matt, Mike, Bob ... each face seems so different from mine. Skin texture, Hair style, Dialogue delivery...nothing is common between the people I see here and myself. Oh my God !!
I wasnt seeing those faces for the first time. For past 600-700 days, I have been seeing the same faces again and again but never ever realised these are so different from mine. Oh my God ...

It took a moment to return back to my senses - thank you Babaji. For all these days I have lived with these people, and never ever felt out of place. Natasha, Matt...all of these have been members of my family. I still can't digest when Natasha tied Rakhi to me. Natasha, my reporting manager from client side, has been sharing love of a sister. Friday only we were sitting together where she mentioned - Sunil, you never have been a contractor for us. We have worked with you as a permanent member of staff.

Babaji - thank you ! You and your strange ways are beyond my intellect and thoughts. People fight for colors of the skin, but with your eyes there is no different color only color that matters is red. People fight for every second difference, but with your understanding there is no difference big enough to create a wall between human and another human. I don't know what have you done to my life and thoughts but still thanks. The love that you share is often taken for granted but still its your grace that you continue pouring same love on me. Thank you Babaji !

Rightly do they say, Ek nukta yaar padhaaya ae, Ek nukte wich gal mukdi ae....

Anna Lake - Meet at 9:10 AM

2009-10-01T06:04:00.001+05:30

I had this last minute meeting request from Anna L today morning. Anna L is on senior management side and is often talked when there are discussions being held on key stake holders of the project. Almost a year on this project but I never came across her in person. Not until today – but today I did.

As soon as I entered the meeting room, I could see both familiar and not yet familiar faces – Matt, Sam, Natasha, Brian, lady with whom I have shared smiles and jokes, gentleman with white beard, another lady with curly hair, elderly gentleman and others. As meeting started I was introduced to Anna L, and here she was – a person whose name I had been hearing for past one year was in front of me. Thank you Matt for introducing me to her! We shook hands and smiled – You are Anna! Sunil this is you! No one could understand what was going on. This lady I have known for past two years now- we have exchanged smiles, culture talks, sweets, PJs. Never did I dream that she would be Anna – I have met her so many times before this meeting happened but never realized who she was. After today’s meeting too, we met again but honestly this time meeting her was more pleasure – pleasure beyond words!

Aaha ! Bulleh Shah –

“Bulleya Rabb Da Ki Paunna, Aedheron Puttanna Tae Oudarr Launna.”
“O Bulleh Shah, what’s the big deal to Attain God, simple as plucking from here and planting there.”

I quoted Bulleh Shah’s lines to Naveen other day. Naveen was asking do souls who don’t believe in God achieve salvation. As usual I began – “This depends on the giver of salvation, I am no one to comment. It’s the decision that lies in hands of the giver but if you ask me I don’t think that the non-believers are any different.” Our discussions went further thereon, “Whether we realize this is God or not, God is God and He is what He is. People might use one name or the other, accept or reject religion, may believe in God, or don’t believe in God, call Him consciousness, call Him unknown, call Him energy, call Him supreme, or do whatever – nothing is changing. He meets and governs me every moment irrespective of whether I acknowledge His presence. It’s the same journey we all make – you may see me different from yourself but who knows you would experience today what I’d do tomorrow. As I understand, paths are not parallel- they are very much serial. Things are so simple, complexities are just because we haven’t known the Entity we are worshipping or hearing about. Knowledge of God is the answer to all delusions and its not that tough at all. If attaining God was so tough why would saints like Bulleh Shah speak like this? Probably one hasnt come across this simple solution or is not ready to pick it up, probably because its human nature not to accept Simple things.”

Not sure if Naveen understood what I meant but now I have something to speak with him tomorrow taking Anna’s example. Being non-believer doesn’t mean one hasn’t dealt with Anna….oops I mean God. To me a non-believer interacts with God equal number of times as does a believer - it’s just that one might not have realised who and where God is. Once someone like Matt becomes the way, Anna would no longer remain just a name and then soul will definitely sing – “ Bulleya Rabb Da Ki Paunna, Aedheron Puttanna Tae Oudarr Launna”.

Guru Vs Guru

2009-09-29T04:04:00.002+05:30

As time nears my wedding date, I have started giving more ears to what the experienced have to say. Not long ago, we were sitting in Hayes at Soniya Di’s place where she was mentioning about the pride a wife takes in her husband. “Bhaiya, irrespective of the caliber that her husband carries, a woman considers her man to be the crown of her head. Things change after marriage, earlier you can make fun of your friends but as soon as they get married, you’ll notice the difference. You crack the same joke as before, husband might not feel offended but wife won’t be able to tolerate that because her husband is her pride”.

I did notice this behavior thereafter. So beautifully this pride rests in women that I couldn’t resist relating this to my spiritual journey. I feel this is also true to every human. Irrespective of the level of correctness of my belief system, I am so attached to my beliefs. Like a wife who takes pride in her husband, I too take pride in my beliefs. The only friends wife has made are the one’s who have accepted wife with her husband. This behavior I think everyone understands, but don’t know why this doesn’t get replicated in spiritual journeys? A lady might take pride in her own husband but at the same time is cautious about understanding the pride woman opposite her is taking. Don’t know why people fail to implement this spiritually?

X who believes God is everywhere can’t tolerate Y who is trying to see God in his Guru. I cannot accept or offer respect to someone’s Guru but doesn’t mean my God is absent in his Guru. Don’t know why this gets missed, If I admire my mentor similarly does he admire his mentor. I believe this simple thought can prevent Guru Vs Guru fights going around.

Come In

2009-09-18T22:53:00.000+05:30

I watching Madagascar other day and there came this scene which I
could relate to my life. There stood a Giraffe proposing Hippo, "Its
neither doctor's prescriptions nor any medicine that has kept me
alive. I am alive just by seeing you." Mr. Giraffe seemed to describe
my story too, not love story but my soul's story.
I don't know how you have decided for others but for me I can sum up
it's just you. It's just your presence that has kept me alive. Neither
any caliber nor any understanding of the texts I had but thy grace
still surrounded and surrounds me. It is your grace that life
experiences what seems to be enclosed in those unread texts.
Often when I hear these lines, thoughts connect to you again-

Tujh bin jeena, bhi kya jeena
Teri chaukhat mera Madina
Kahin aur na Sajda gawaara

Enlightened ones wrote somewhere for you, "Mainu yaar manaudo fursat
nahi, dasso rab nu manaawa kis welley" Not different from the
expressions that came in "Gur Gobind, dono khadhe, kaake laagu paaye.
Balhaari Gur aapne jis Gobind diyo bataaye". Such is thy grace.

I don't deny when people speak that teacher appears when student
becomes ready but for my life I would say that when teacher had to
appear, he got student ready. I don't know when I made sincere knock
at your door but what I recall from this birth, I have seen you
standing at open door and asking me to come in.

"I do not choose the best, rather the best chooses me. Had it been
upto me, I surely would have missed thee."

Cześć Kochanie

2009-09-11T03:28:00.004+05:30

Today morning, I opened Facebook to send birthday wishes to Aga. Then a thought flashed of doing this in Polish instead of English. I looked for translation and then sent it to her - wszystkiego najlepszego z okazji urodzin ! I was a bit skeptical if it conveyed the exact message but somehow sent it across.

Few hours ago I returned from dinner and saw her thanks note! Surprising indeed ! She wrote - aapakaa bahut bahut dhanyavaad :)

After reading her reply I am sure that my wish did convey her the right message - message that you as a person are more valuable to me than my own language !

She's Jhalli .. Guru's Jhalli !!

2009-09-01T05:44:00.005+05:30

Days ago, I caught hold of this sister at B'mgham bhawan. I just had come out of the Namaskar line after seeking Babaji's blessings. 'Did you do Namaskar?' I checked with her.
To this she humbly replied - 'Bhaiya, I did not do Namaskar, I have had enough chances.'

I was thinking perhaps she had done it on Monday so didn't want to it again on UK trip. But later she clarified that she had done namaskar in Austria, and even after getting 4-5 chances in UK to do namaskar she had let go those opportunities. Sounded a bit strange to me - I would have understood her refusal on 2nd, 3rd or 4th opportunity but couldnt digest her refusal for all the opportunities even the very first. The mystery seemed to deepen when she said - 'Bhaiya, by doing namaskar here I didnt want to spoil the memories of the blessings I have had in Austria'.

Not sure if I could show any signs of confusion before she started unwinding her thoughts - 'Bhaiya, when I was standing in Queue in Austria, dont know why but all of sudden my thoughts changed. Earlier I stood there, thinking of some tasks, assignments but dont know when my thoughts just changed to gratitude for Babaji. The change that my life has had after His teachings. The only thought in my mind was to thank Babaji, and it seemed that Babaji too approved those thoughts because the memories I have at present are still afresh. But here in UK, I have had these many chances to do namaskar again, but every time my mind is full with some other thoughts, not experiencing gratitude for Him. And I feel this would be a wasted opportunity, if I bow down to Him thinking something else. Doing Namaskar like this would make no difference than me standing still watching Him. I dont want to spoil those memories where my mind was in complete surrenderance, to which He too reciprocated.'

Then we changed the topic of discussion, but inside I knew my thoughts were held. Her talks were not complete non-sense to me for they reflected something which I too have experienced. I dont know how she achieved this state, or is it required to copy this style of namaskar....but more than that I do need to copy this art of doing things and enjoying them at the same time. I guess this is a human tendency to do things at times even though when one is not fully present ...but art is to learn how to BE THERE.

BAU ;-)

2009-08-26T03:29:00.000+05:30

He called me around 10. I wasnt expecting him to phone me at that hour especially when he would have been at college and I at work. Before anything else I asked him - Are you okay?

It was a bit unusual to receive his call, so I wanted to confirm if things were okay with him. He said smilingly - Ya Ya bhaiya, I just read your thought on Divine Souls group so felt like talking to you.

It was BAU...we both talking and expressing our mixed emotions. I guess phone call went for half an hour or so before we ended the call.

It always has been a pleasure to hear his voice and inspirational thoughts. I went back to the days when he too was in Bangalore and we shared a joyous time together. Then he went to Delhi for his studies and I received his call that day. That day I had contributed for 'Thought of the day' series on Divine Souls group, possibly he would have read my name and called me up. It was a pleasure again to hear him.

Day went as it does normally. While on way back I was again remembering the thoughts that he shared on the phone call that day. Also was appreciating how he connected to my name on the thought...why wont he? The thought itself was so good that anyone would have picked up his phone and called some one important in his life. The thought went something like - If you had only half an hour left in your life and one phone call to make, whom would you call? And why are you waiting? This thought is one of my favorites, and perhaps that's why I shared it with all those on the group. Reminds me not to take time for granted, each moment is precious...and should be used very judicially. Good that he called. And all of a sudden my thoughts went around - Oh ! he called me after reading that thought...but I myself did not phone anyone. Before wasting another second, I called some one whom I felt I should be hearing once again.

When I look at myself, such incidents keep happening now and then. I keep talking loud when I see you around..but at times I do fall short of what ever I myself have spoken. Maalik, bless that I follow your guidelines. Rightly did I hear that devotion is a path of selfishness. It has taken a while to understand the meaning, that before anyone else my soul needs to be cleansed. If talks give reminders to others very well but talks would be worthwhile only if I am able to follow. I remember George Ji sharing other day - Irony is that we talk about God, we don't talk to God ! May the connection between You and me keeps getting strengthened, rest is BAU ;-)

Pack of 10 eggs

2009-08-14T02:21:00.004+05:30

As soon as I entered house, I thought of returning the recently bought pack of 10 eggs. While buying only, I was skeptical about this pack. I wasn't sure if I'll be able to consume 10 eggs before the expiry date. But then somehow bought this pack, as there weren't many options to choose from.

As I entered the house, I started reading the details mentioned on the pack. "Expiry date is a bit far away, If I eat 2 daily I should be able to meet the target." - my mind was making calculations. And all of a sudden I read something that I took a U-turn in order to return to the shop. "I can't" - my mind saying to me.

I always have been choosy of what I can eat and what not. "Although I can eat eggs but not of ducks, or lions, ......wait a minute...lions dont lay eggs. Chief, do lions lay eggs?"

I have seen Chief smiling when we talk about stuff but not laughing like he did when I asked this question. "Yes, they do in Britain" was his reply with a smile.

And I understood he was pulling my leg :-)

Though I tried my best to link it to spirituality but nothing much I could do. Although the very first thought that came after this incident was - How easy it is to forget what one has been learning all throughout his life !! Maalik baksho !!

Smile Smile mein...

2009-08-07T05:21:00.003+05:30

Days ago

‘Prediction was for Sunshine, but its raining heavily. Weather department isn’t working It seems’ – He smiled.
I smiled – ‘What could they do? I prayed for rain today’
‘Ha Ha….I prayed for Sunshine, how come your prayers got heard?’-He smiled.
I smiled – ‘Connection. If you know whom you are addressing prayers to, prayers get answered. If there is no addressee for a letter, who would reply back then?’

Today

‘These days you aren’t praying properly!!’-He smiled.
He smiled. I asked –‘why? what happened?’
‘It didn’t rain heavily today’- He smiled.
I smiled.

Often when Graham and I sit together, we end up discussing weather. The weather outside is so refreshing these days that even eyes appreciate. Graham knows how rains bring smile on my face, and I know how much he looks forward for a sunny day. Today too we were sitting and talking about weather when he reminded me of the remarks that I had given days ago.

Graham – Sun-hill how different are we culturally!! You folks like rains and we admire sunny weather. It’s nice to meet people with different psychologies.

Sunil – Grey-um, I would say how similar we are!! Both of us don’t like what we have seen in abundance.
Both of us smiled.

Oh God !

2009-08-03T05:45:00.001+05:30

Caz, as she likes to be addressed as, is a friend from work. Often Caz and I together have walked on way back to home from work. Our talks revolved around TV shows, Indian and English cultures, colleagues etc and not forgetting the most important topic – God. Out of all these topics, God is the one where she has patiently listened without any comments. On one such walk, Caz mentioned – ‘Sunil, I don’t believe in God.’
Respecting her sentiments, I decided that I won’t discuss this anymore. Probably that was the reason why she kept quiet while I talked of quotations, parables etc from scriptures or other sources. That was April 2009.

Not many days passed before we both had to work late nights. The project had gone really bad, and the only way to deliver it on time was to put some extra efforts. We both sat late hours, spent weekends, holidays in office trying to make code work. Every time she made some change, and I tested – result was a failure again. ‘Oh God! Let me try something else’, ‘Oh God! Why doesn’t this work now?’, ‘Oh God! ..’, nothing seemed to work – Caz’s face would go pale as mine. Her sadness and helplessness was obvious from her remarks – and to be honest my state wasn’t different either. Just that I tried to show my balance with my silence. Both of us were exhausted and finally thought of taking a short break.

As I grabbed a piece of Pizza, I couldn’t resist adding – ‘Caz you know?’
Caz – ‘What?’
I – ‘The other day you mentioned you don’t believe in God, and now you were taking His refuge is every single line. Were you making fool out of me? You…..’

I still recall smile on her face which accompanied one on my face.

From the same experience, I admit that being a believer (at least I call myself one) I never thought of seeking blessings when I felt exhausted. But one who called herself as a non-believer made efforts to include and pick strength from God. Her talks may not have sounded like prayers, but at least she called our Savior. And Savior too fulfilled His promise – Include Him in all your ways and He will make all your paths straight! Soon her prayers were answered and we found a fix for our problem. Miracles like this happen now and then, can’t say that I sat down to write a Miracle, instead an experience where I learnt that even if child rejects the existence of father, father still clings to the child.

I meet people who call themselves atheists, I meet people who call themselves believers, I meet people who call themselves religious, I meet people who call themselves spiritual - trying to distinguish themselves from the others. And I wonder where lies the difference? Does vision from Moon distinguish India or England?

Even I want to learn

2009-07-22T02:01:00.004+05:30

Chottu, just imagine if you get two gifts from your US friends.

Friend 1 sends you a gift worth 1000 dollars. However, to get that dispatched you need to pay postage worth 100 dollars and to send him an acknowledgment receipt you spend another 100 dollars.

Friend 2 sends you a gift worth 50 dollars. Here you dont have to pay anything.

Which gift would you appreciate more?

Sheelu, my brother, asked me this question on my recent trip to India. Before I could calculate the worth of first gift which was net 800 dollars, he answered himself - I think you should appreciate the gift from Friend 2.

For next hour or so, he mentored me on Unconditional actions - your acts are valuable as long as those are unconditional. The moment you start expecting, holding grudges...anything you have done so far looses its importance. You may do less, but do what ever keeps you grudge-less. Friend 1 might have spent 1000 dollars but his act costed you 200 dollars, however Friend 2 spent less but he did not ask anything in return. Cherish Friend 2 in your life, because his acts are unconditional.

The same thing I have been hearing from him for so many years, and even on this trip while he explained me this old message - I felt as if its new to me. Sheelu perhaps wants me to learn that what ever acts I do are unconditional, are something that I enjoy from core of my heart..no matter even if those are limited. Because this is what will keep me and others around me happy !!

Babaji....Thanks your mentoring !!!

Simple yet powerful

2009-07-09T03:34:00.004+05:30

I met this brother in one of the chat sessions.

Till date, it is the first and final conversation we have had. As our talks progressed, it unfolded that he is out of his country for studies; he further disclosed that he has stopped offering Namaz five times a day, as his hectic schedule in college doesn’t allow him to do so. Without talking too much in depth, we did agree on how much easy living becomes when we include Allah in our day to day tasks. As we spoke of Allah every now and then, brother remembered his olden days and perhaps felt that he should start offering his Namaz as regular. He promised to offer Namaz five times a day. As heard often, I just added – “That’s great! Let’s try to remember Allah in every breath. “

Before our chat session could end, this brother asked me of my nationality. I said –‘Indian’. ‘Are you a Muslim?’ was his last question. ‘Yeah’ – was a quick answer.

Since then I haven’t come across this brother. I don’t even remember if I asked his name. But till date that feeling of thankfulness is afresh. Often when I come across souls being particular about any religion, sect, group – I recall your blessings Maalik. Born in a Hindu family, educated in a Christian school, with company of Sikh friends, I was taught to appreciate Allah.

Words fall short to thank you for the bliss that you have brought into my life. May I remember to thank you Maalik!!

And please bless that may we all understand your simple yet powerful and life turning messages!!

Contributions

2009-06-19T03:33:00.003+05:30

Lately it unfolds to me that the biggest contribution you can make in anyone's life is by making him/her feel good about himself/ herself, and similarly worst you can do to some one is by hurting his/her self respect.

And when I think of relationships, I feel this is one of the keys.

I haven't left this habit yet but looking forward to a living where I can contribute positively in lives of those around. And that needs your Magical Touch !!

Always remember – He’s.....

2009-06-08T05:19:00.001+05:30

Once, a saint and his son were on way to seek Babaji’s darshan. As they crossed a market on their way, the father thought of carrying some mangoes for Babaji. He stopped at a mango shop and started checking the mangoes. The fruit seller showed varieties of mangoes, and also started mentioning about the prices. However the saint wasn’t satisfied with the quality being offered, so before moving to the next shop this saint finally asked fruit seller if he had anything better to offer. Fruit seller mentioned that there was another quality too, which was priced almost double the cost of highest priced quality saint had already seen. Saint expressed his wish to see this quality as well. This quality seemed to be the best, so saint with out a second thought bought One Kilo.

Before saint could pay the price, his son checked if they could buy some mangoes for home too. Saint happily agreed to this request. Saint asked fruit seller to pack one more kilo of mangoes but this time the ones with lowest price. Both son and the fruit seller were surprised to hear. Son however managed to ask another question – Father, if you have seen all qualities and found that one with the highest price is the best among all, the one you also are buying for Babaji, shouldn’t we be taking the same best quality for everyone at home? Or are you short of money?

Father smiled and explained – Son, I have enough money for us to buy another Kilo of the highest priced mangoes but I don’t want to give myself a feel that I am at par with Satguru. Tomorrow, we can come and buy mangoes with better quality and double this price I wouldn’t mind but at this time, when we are buying mangoes for Babaji and also ourselves, we cannot compare with what we are offering Babaji.

When I was hearing this incident from my elder bro, the very first thing I felt was why this saint differentiated? Did he miss seeing Nirankar’s form in his family members? Perhaps not, his expression there was just to give his son a message. A message that my brother gives me often, do not think even in your dreams that you and Guru stand at same level.
Always remember – He’s higher.

All rounder wish

2009-06-03T04:39:00.004+05:30

Dated : 12 April 2007.

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

Dear Manik,

We wish in the holy feet of Almighty God that He keeps you in His feet throughout your life and showers all His blessings on you.

May you receive all comforts of life more than you deserve and desire. May your body remain healthy, mind at peace and there should be morethan enough money to serve yourself, your family and all the saints.

May God bless you with 'His darshan', the most precious gift anyone canget in one's life from God!!

Many many happy returns of the day,

With love,

All of us.

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

Atleast One

2009-05-30T17:48:00.004+05:30

Days ago, I sat opposite to Dimple bhabhi discussing about Amrit Auntie and her contribution in lives of souls around. Amrit Auntie - all I recall is her friendly support.
Ijazat hai? - I asked Dimple bhabhi.
Dimple bhabhi smilingly said - Abhi nahin. Pehle koi baat sunao.
I was in a hurry to leave for home but she insisted that we talk for some more minutes. Amidst our regular talks, she started speaking - bhaiya meri life ka ek nicchod hai jo aapse share karna chahti hoon. If I think of Mummy, I recall her as a mother more than a mother in law. I really enjoyed my relation with her. In our lives, we are daughters to some one, wife to some one, husband to some one, and similary so many relations we have. Bhaiya, waise to sab hi relations enjoy karne chahiye par kam se kam ek rishta aise ho jo aap thoroughly enjoy karo. Life ke end mein agar peeche dekho to ek relation aisa zarur ho jismein aap aap ho.
Don't know why but I understood what she meant.

Ya ! Kind of

2009-04-08T04:12:00.000+05:30

I wasn’t expecting him to speak, but he did. “Sunil, Can I ask you one question?”
“Of course, Stefan... Shoot!” was my reply.
“Are you a Christian?” Stefan asked. I was sitting with Stefan, the business analyst, to discuss some important project work when he stopped me in between. I smiled. Stefan repeated his question.
“Are you a Christian?” this time question was answered “Ya, kind of”. Now Stefan too smiled.
“What does that mean?” was the next question for me. I knew this is not going to be easy. So I picked up the notes, inverted those and drew the diagram. While Stefan watched what I was doing, I started labeling those concentric circles, and spoke –“Every religion consists of three parts, the outer part being mythology, the central being ritual and the inner most being Spiritual Crux. If you go in depth of every religion, the outer two may be different because of time, region etc but the third inner most part is same for all. Be it Catholic, Protestant etc, all of us are trying to follow teachings of Lord Christ. So where’s the difference? Remove styles of eating, dressing, mode of prayer etc etc what remains? We are praying the same Lord, so aren’t we same? Religion for me is just spiritual crux; rest two will change every moment. So, Yes I am a Christian but in normal day to day terms I was born in a Hindu family.”
I never tried to know whether he understood what I spoke. I was busy, caught up with my own thoughts and thanking Almighty, “Wow!! United Kingdom, Financial Institution, Business Analyst, Project Meeting and Spiritual Crux??” I couldn’t have dreamt of speaking all this in such atmosphere. Mind, body and intellect stand apart when you come in picture.
People walking around the bank, carrying pounds in their pockets, crossing with thoughts of mortgages, tax saving schemes – No one knew what these two different colored gentlemen were discussing. Had they heard, they would have understood that a bridge was under construction.
A bridge which can help two hearts to touch each other despite all differences of color, race, language, culture, diet etc.

Any Regrets?

2009-03-11T05:22:00.004+05:30

"I wish I could have come to this point in my life without hurting so many people..especially the people I have loved."
Years ago, I was holding a copy of the original book 'Conversations with God' but never came across this line. But today I did...
...and If I still can correct myself, I will be a true learner.

Humane Touch

2009-03-05T04:11:00.005+05:30

“Sunil, you know Matt is really happy with the progress. And I have some surprise for you but I won’t tell you now.When I come down to see Matt, I will speak to you“.
Natasha, my Manager here at client site mentioned this to me couple of days ago. Often as it happens in corporate world, whenever a person receives an appreciation from someone, there follows a chain of appreciation emails. Here at my work place, there’s an appreciation certificate that is given to people for their extraordinary accomplishments. I guess Natasha was looking for Matt, her Manager, to accompany her when she would present this appreciation certificate to me.
Natasha turned at my desk couple of hours later. However she came alone – possibly Matt wasn’t around. And she started – “Sunil, It’s been wonderful working with you. Matt and I both are happy with the commitment you have shown for the project. And to appreciate that I have brought this for you ...”
I smiled but I couldn’t carry that smile for long when I heard ‘...Coffee vouchers” from her. She handed over those coffee vouchers to me and I thanked her with a fake smile. I was taken aback as this was something I hadn’t expected. Natasha sensed that something had gone wrong but then she asked me again – “Is everything alright? Aren’t you excited?” Just to make sure that I don’t disappoint her, I added – “Of course I am and thanks for the coffee vouchers, we’ll use them when complete team joins for coffee “Perhaps by this dialogue I was trying to give an impression that I am a team player but deep inside I knew I had missed this moment’s enjoyment by some self centered thoughts.
Natasha went away and left me in thoughts, I should have enjoyed that compliment but it was her who enjoyed that more. She did appreciate the work and in her own special way also acknowledged my efforts. It took a while before I forgave myself; for not valuing her humane touch that she gave by offering me something that I am fond of.
Also a reminder from Babaji reached my eyes yesterday; “the most important things in our lives are not things.” However it seems that it’s a life time’s effort to understand and live this reminder. But nevertheless, I was happy today after talking to Patrick.
Patrick, another colleague at client site, said a similar thing today – “Sunil, you are doing a good job”. And I smiled as I remembered the incident that I had had with Natasha. “Are you serious Patrick?” I asked with a smile. Patrick nodded his head in Yes. And I smiled again and said – “Thank you”.
Reason for my smile wasn’t that someone had appreciated my work but was that through this smile I was rewarding myself for not missing the beauty of present moment and also for acknowledging this humane touch.

उलझदा पता नी क्यूँ हां !!

2009-02-19T05:45:00.005+05:30

मिलया सी मान जी नू, भगती दा सहज जीवन
शक्ति दी दौड़ विच ओह, उलझदे पता नी क्यूँ ने !!

Mishra ji was standing ahead of me in line for Namaskar, and after bowing down head infront of mahapursh on stage, Mishra ji asked
"शास्त्री जी मैंने आपकी किताब, अन्धकार से प्रकाश की और चार बार पढ़ी है पर समझ नहीं पाया"

Shastri ji smiled and even before he could speak, thoughts went in my mind -
"यह क्या कहा मिश्राजी ने, शास्त्री जी ने यही कहना है की एक बार और पढ़ लो"

I have heard a lot about Shastri ji, from Shastri ji & for Shastri ji but nothing more has marked my mind than his few words,
" वो तो बहुत पुरानी है, अब तो और बहुत कुछ लिखा है संतो ने वो पढ़लो"

More than an answer to Mishra ji's query, line was a shock was for my thoughts. A book which would have inspired so many souls for Gyan, would have clarified so many doubts of souls who had taken gyan - Author of the same book was sitting infront and mentioning "Read something new written by other saints". Often I have seen people sharing their own writings, rarely have seen an author praising another author. The scene doesnt end here - the learning is to be picked and lived. But again as said by Maan ji in above lines, the aim was to live a life full of saint hood and simplicity, don't why there are pauses on this journey which arrive due to one's own short comings.

Meet John, The Taylor.

2009-02-12T04:24:00.005+05:30

John , whom I address as 'Darzi' because his surname happens to be Taylor, is an extra-ordinary colleague. Of all the people I work with, he stands apart. Not because he and I are great friends but because I have failed to understand our relationship which has sometimes been with smiles and sometimes with plain expressions.

Anyways, I am not to comment on relationships or anything else but to thank Almighty for reminding me to continue living stampless. Once in a while, the white board near my desk carries the learnings that I have heard in Sangat. John and I had been struggling today to solve PODCS issues and amidst our conversation he asked pointing towards my white board, ' Sunil, from where do you bring these thoughts?' and I was ' I do attend some spiritual meetings and there I hear these teachings '. John seemed little surprised and then he asked me - 'So you are religious'. As soon as I heard him say that I said -' No, I am spiritual'. I couldnt believe my ears when he gave another plain face and said, " What's the difference !!!! "

For the first time in my life, I had heard spirituality and religion were different. This was when I had landed in UK. People are sensitive towards this topic I was told. However for me, religion has always been a uniting factor, and thats what I understand by Spirituality. Waking at this time, eating this, sleeping in this direction etc cannot change my inner self but thats what people around seem to understand from Religion. However, irony with me was that I too picked up this word 'Spiritual'. Not because I started differentiating between these two words but because I didnt want to hurt anyone's feelings. By God's grace I am happy even if some one says I am religion-less person or not a spiritual guy or anything.. And again His grace that His and mine relation is above any definitions or words. Call it spirituality, religion or nothing - He is what He is and I am what He has made me.

Perhaps it was the same concern for the sensitivity of local souls that I had said 'I am spiritual'. But again a hammer striked on mind when John commented , 'whats the difference !!!' Ofcourse, there's no difference. and even if it is, its NMD ( as John says - Not My Department ).

John you really are Darzi, who is stitching two torn pieces of spiritual world and religious world.

Sunday

2009-01-14T04:28:00.004+05:30

I remember watching movie Sunday some months ago. Cannot recall starcast or anything else - just that it was a story of a girl who did not remember her one sunday. And magnified version of her story would be what most of us have lived - A life without sundays or A life only of sundays :-)
Born in a family set up which was already touched by your hands Babaji - from childhood till date, life has had no sundays. I remember, family members turning off TV around 1000-1030 on Sundays - Its time for Sangat. Me and siblings often used to plead - Mom please, Mickey Mouse .. Chandrakanta .. Mahabharat.. But Parents never ever cared to listen. My friends used to discuss about the cartoon shows and movies they saw on Sunday, and for me life had no sundays. Parents dont understand - I am a kid and I dont even understand what vichars are, why sangat at this age? But still I used to go to meet friends in Sangat.
Those were the years, and now life says thank you Babaji and parents. I dont have words to put Babaji - Thank you so much. Each small incident that happens in life where you show your presence and touch, It relates back to those teachings that went into ears of a small child who was unhappy for his sunday less living.
Prayers with folded hands Babaji, please continue blessing with your company. Life would have been meaningless without your presence. I have fallen short of the followings so far, dont know how the future is going to be - but with your presence, life seems to be cherished. A sunday less living :)

Lock

2008-12-16T04:29:00.000+05:30

A lock put at the door often feels that it’s because of the lock on the door that the robber doesn’t dare to do a robbery. However, like me it forgets it’s not the lock but the eye of the neighbor that prevents the robbery. Had there been no eye fixed on the lock, even a child would have dared to pray with the lock. A very small yet so true example to express the state where Sunil stands.
As I sit to self-analyze all these years that I have breathed in this body, I cannot put myself in a better state than this lock, which often comes in the trap of doer ship ignoring the presence of this Almighty Nirankar. Also reminded am of the lines from a hymn,
“Sahiba tere darr te ardaas hai meri, tere charan, tera kadey vi,
pyaar na bhuley, Sewa, Simran, Satsang, Satkaar na bhuley.”
My prayers are in your feet, that may I always remember the love that you have showered on me, may I always remember this Almighty Nirankar, may I always offer respect to the company of saints, may I always remember to render services selflessly and may I also remember where you picked me from.

Chewing Camel

2008-12-12T06:29:00.000+05:30

I feel more or less like camel which does not chew its food well before swallowing it but later returns it to the mouth in a ball-like glob, and then chews it. Camel does it for the body; perhaps I have done it for the soul. Of many such instances which I swallowed in Bangalore, here starts the chewing –
One fine evening we all youngsters were standing around one saint who had come down from Chennai to Bangalore for some workshop. He was sharing one instance about his duty in Babaji’s presence. It so happened that open namaskar was going on somewhere, and this saint was standing near Babaji collecting namaskar offerings. One other mahapursh came from nowhere, and after some pushes approached Babaji, did namaskar and went out of the arena. Now this sewadar saint felt little sad about the behaviour of the mahapursh but kept quiet. After namaskar got over, he got a chance to express his discomfort about the incident with Babaji. Babaji replied to him – Are you still thinking about him? The mahapursh as soon as he reached out of the arena, he seeked forgiveness and I forgave him there and then. But why are you thinking?
Often it happens with me too when I think about mistakes done by others, leave others by me also. I cannot imagine about the index Babaji use for forgiveness, but I can think of myself. Listening above instance, it surely comes as a learning that when He comes to forgiving, He can break His own index – no one stops Him. Let me keep my prayers for forgiveness and leave things on Him. Doesn’t mean I do something wrong and still be proud of it. But if I feel I did something wrong – Sincerely put apologies with a prayer seeking blessings for future. When does he forgive me I don’t know but have I forgiven others or myself is the question that remains open. From the shop keeper who overcharged me to the taxi wala who didn’t stop taxi on my nod, from the school teacher who scolded me in class I to the colleague who took an appreciation for my work – I have a huge list of people whom I need to forgive. Often I include myself too in the list and that keeps things tough. While I keep seeking forgiveness from the Satguru, also side by side somewhere I keep punishing myself. Satguru might have forgiven but I take time to forgive. Perhaps rightly said by someone, if I have never forgiven someone who did wrong to me, I cannot learn how to forgive myself.
Predicting when He forgives is something beyond my reach, but His teaching for me is to learn how to forgive. By the time second part is done, first might have happened automatically. Task on me is to pick up the list and strike every name asap.
PS: Camel when chews might have mixed qualities of grasses. What was the original composition of each quality of grass doesn’t matter as long as the grasses in mouth provide it food to survive.

Sipson Lane

2008-11-24T02:05:00.000+05:30

As I do often, I took a taxi from Station for Bhawan. It was raining and I was already late, so didnt prefer to do the bus journey followed by 15 mins walk. The lady at the taxi stop checked with the taxi driver if he knew where Sipson Lane was. Driver without a second thought nodded - Yeah. We started our journey, and half way through he took a right turn. Generally the route for bhawan is to travel more straight and then take right. Well, its possible that driver wants to approach from other side of bhawan, I kept quiet. Not until we reached Heathrow CBT, where I checked with driver that we are far away from Sipson Lane, If you dont know the way lets check with some one. And driver was talking in his own english accent, I didnt understand what his non-asian and non-european tongue spoke. Round and round we went and I started getting furious in thoughts - Already late for sangat and now the driver's gimmicks to overcharge. I just have 29 pounds in my wallet and the journey normally is paid as 5 pounds. Seems like namaskar money would also go to driver but what if he asks more than 29. Who would be mahapursh at the gate? Before that how do people fool each other these days. Its grace of satguru that I'm silent else who can keep silent these days. But I am going to remind the driver that its always better to admit one's shortcomings and better check the route before making a travel else one person like me would end up paying 29 pounds for a journey costing 5 pounds. When I was caught up in these thoughts, the driver was busy making rounds and rounds. Finally he halted in a place, and I said - Can we go back to our starting point? Driver showed me the map and asked where I wanted to go Shipsone Lane or Sipson Lane. And I was lets go back. Driver some how convinced me to see the map and locate my destination. And the began our journey on the starting street and then he took the cab from my normal route. He commented that once I have also dropped my friend on Sipson Lane days ago. Listening his comment, I wanted to add so what happened today? Forgot the route? Why acting smart to charge more? Anyhow we reached bhawan almost 20 mins late, and he started speaking that Sorry I didnt understand the accent perhaps. Well It was none of business to listen to his excuses, so I asked ' how much do I pay ?' and he said '4.50 pounds'.

Steve Sunil - Bhai Bhai

2008-11-11T07:56:00.000+05:30

I met Steve in one of the Interfaith Meetings that are held every month here in Swindon. Steve, almost of my grandfather’s age, carries a modest pose and is such a beautiful soul that I have fallen in love with his personality. Generally I long to meet souls who can feed me spiritually. It’s not that I don’t believe in ‘world in me’ concept; it’s just that I enjoy ‘our world’ philosophy too. Khair, I also enjoy having a sip of Starbucks Caramel Macchiato in company of such great souls. One fine Saturday, Steve and I met for a coffee and we started discussing our work places, home towns, families etc etc. Don’t know when and why Steve asked me “Sunil, Do you believe in rebirths? “ Knowing that perhaps he had a different view point on this, I kept my view after taking few precautions of not hurting any of his sentiments. However, my smartness I would say that towards the end of our conversation, I closed with a thought “Steve, I haven’t read what you have read on this, but I know that something would be behind your philosophy which will take you to my philosophy” Steve didn’t disagree but neither did he appreciate my reply.
However, while I was making my return journey I was disturbed by my inner self. “Sunil, not done. It’s true that you believe in rebirths and Steve holds a different opinion. But were you trying to prove your point to him? Wasn’t this approach of differentiating between his philosophy and your own philosophy? This is not what real religion is all about. It’s about uniting. No matter you would hear different philosophies, different concepts but yet try to find similarities. If your approach is of similarity, even diversity becomes a beauty. Was there a need to quarrel, if you believe in rebirth and Steve doesn’t… perhaps you should have looked at the point that both of you believe in this birth. Of course no one could have ever mentioned the experiences of life after death but at least you have heard of life before death. So concentrate on it and beautify this life, even if you are not worried for the next life! Make sure that more important than rebirths or no rebirth is this birth where you have a responsibility to beautify your own world. “
Though am doing my course on how to pick up all goodness from different philosophies, I yet humbly, at the same time strongly put forward “All is well that ends well but if it isn’t well now, believe me it’s not the end now. “
- A Learner.

Of the Sun and the sons.

2008-11-07T08:32:00.000+05:30

Not long ago on Infosys Spirituality group, floated a question ‘Why does Earth revolve around Sun?’ Generally I find myself as not the right authority to comment on any such questions. No one other than the creator has a perfect answer for it. But still after reading this question, my inner self tried to look for a possibly good reason from creator’s point of view for setting up such an arrangement. Without the involvement of Intellect, heart had to say probably Creator wanted to teach me that even if Earth has Moon revolving around it, the Earth doesn’t stop revolving around the Sun. Quite strange as it could sound but fitted perfectly for a person like me who at many times gets into a trap of all-knowing highly qualified individual. It always has been easy for me to get into ego now and then, and in those moments I rarely have cared to put an ear to wiser people. Leave aside wiser people, I haven’t left the room for God also. I remember once hearing, Aksar kehte hain ki daane daane pe likha hai khaane waale ka naam, kaash kabhi yeh bhi soch aa jaaye ki daane daane pe likha hai dene waale ka naam. Whenever I come across a thought that mind is the most powerful instrument in the human system, don’t know why the mind in me puts a question but what about the One who gave us these minds? And then what about those, who have different abilities with their minds?
Also I have met great souls who talked of the oneness of the viewer and the viewed. I salute those souls for their oneness with this Almighty, but at the same time when I think for myself I always feel that state is yet to arrive... Am I actually one with the guy whom I see in office, if yes why does my family hold more importance to me then? Why isn’t my love same for all then? I am reminded of Lord Rama who left His own property for His brother. While worshipping His existence why doesn’t it ever come to my mind that proving my colleague wrong in the workplace just to have a better appraisal doesn’t show that I am One with this Supreme? If I am actually One, I would reflect the qualities of the supreme, tolerance, mercy, compassion, broad mindedness, love, humility, kindness and many others. A drop of ink if merged in ocean also is called ocean but it takes its time to become a part of ocean in real sense. Until drop loses its own identity, it hasn’t become one with the Ocean. And the issue with me is that this Earth is happy seeing Moon revolve around itself, forgetting that there could also be a Sun around which it needs to revolve too.

Tula marathi yete ka?

2008-10-31T05:36:00.000+05:30

“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

2008-10-24T04:40:00.001+05:30

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?"

2008-10-23T05:53:00.000+05:30

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

2008-10-18T06:28:00.000+05:30

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 :-)

Singh is King

2008-08-31T03:30:00.000+05:30

Just finished watching the movie 'Singh is King'. Out of many scenes that sent a message, this was something I couldnt miss pondering on. Little girl talking about God -
"Unke paas itna time hoga mere liye? To mummy ne kaha ki kyun nahin lekin agar woh bahut busy honge to apne kisi dost ko bhejenge mere paas. Bas yahi confusion hai? Aap bhagwaan ho ya unke dost ?"
Often when I see my life, I have the answer. Koi confusion nahin. Aap bhagwaan hi ho sakte ho, jo bilkul fit hota is King ke saath. This king seems to make humans out of people like me. Making people ponder what are you doing, why doing this, and for whom are you doing this? And amidst all this, He takes various forms and mediums to pass His love to me. Sometimes in the same body, some times through those numerous friends whom He sends to me.
Thanks Singh ! Happy Singh !!

P.S. I Love You

2008-08-25T05:30:00.000+05:30

Swindon ke liye bus this 3:45 PM ki. Bus stand pe time kaise pass karu? Socha chalo Terminal 3 ka ek round maara jaaye. Wahan par bhi but bore ho gaya. – Abhi bhi 1 ghanta rehta tha bus ke aane mein. Terminal 4 ka round maar aau? But late hone ke chances hain. Chalo chhodo !!
Upar jaake Mint shake leta hu, its been months since I had last. Was walking back and this lady – Do you know which train goes to Central London? A lady from Iran perhaps.
Chal diye Sunil bhai.. Baato mein pata chala ki she was new to London and had to go off far away. Chal Sunil, time pass ho jayega ab 1 ghanta. Ofcourse uski help karte karte.
Ticket leke de di. Trains ka route map Samjha diya abhi bhi 30 mins. Socha chalo aadhe raste tak aur drop kar deta hu, She’ll be more comfortable. Underground mein betha ki chalo kuch raste se U-turn le aunga. Khair train chalti rahi, socha itne misaal suni hai to chalo bus miss karke pura hi drop kar aata hu. But ticket to cancel nahin hogi… Hmm… Excuse me… Are you okay if I take my return journey from next stop?
Then she gave me permission and her wishes – I’ll pray for you to Allah. Thanks sis.
Lol..sirf 15 min bus ke liye baaki. But koi ni.. dekhte hain Nirankar kuch to kar hi dega. Khair, train chali aur idhar dhadkan bhi….15..10…5…2 Min baaki. Shayd pahunch jaunga aur yeh kya Terminal 4 ? Terminal 4 pe kyun aa gayi.. Jaldi Jaldi mein dhyan nahin gaya wrong train.Khair 10 min ke wait ke baad chali yeh train… Bus station pahuncha to bus ja chuki thi. Cancel karayi ticket. Agli bus 2 ghante mein thi.. Shit Sunil….
Itni der rukna hi tha to us behan ko pura hi drop kar aate. Chalo koi ni Nirankar ka bhi koi raaz hoga…Let me go and have a Mint shake meanwhile…
Sip pe Sip le raha tha aur soch raha tha ki behan ne bhi ardaas ki hogi Allah se ki Sunil ki manokaamna puri karna..par main to pray kar raha tha ki Bus na Miss ho meri….
But fir laga jaise kisi ne kaha.. P.S. I Love you – Terminal 4 pe jaane ki manokaamna kaun kar raha tha ? Shake kis ko peena tha ?
Dhanya ho Maalik aap…. Aapka processing order hi aaj tak samjh nahin aaya … Aur shayd aaye bhi nahi kabhi.. but yeh zarur aa jaaye ki ‘Puttar Sunil…I Love You’

Jack is no judge of Jill's beauty

2008-07-21T03:28:00.000+05:30

Jack is no judge of Jill's beauty :)

For a status message at gtalk, I found this line to be very interesting. I asked the friend what it meant in real. And smart fellow mentioned, " When ever I praise my girl friend for her beauty, she always mentions this line that Jack is so deeply in love with Jill that he cannot say anything else. So, Jack in no judge of Jill's beauty. " Well the explanation was more interesting than I had assumed it to be.

Well, to me it sounded more as a spiritual note; Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Jack has no rights to judge any one else, even if it is Jill.

Kudos to the learner !! Learner is no judge of the sentence's real meaning :)

2.57 GBP

2008-06-04T03:23:00.000+05:30

My daily routine here in UK includes having breakfast in the restaurant at client location. I prefer not to experiment with the taste buds, hence have a single menu for my daily breakfast. It comprises some bread portions, butter, honey & juice. It amounts to £2.57 as per the rate list. However, call it what so ever I am usually undercharged. Atleast thrice a week I end up paying £2.42 or even lesser. It probably happens because the lady at counter misses charging for one or the other item. I do remind her once that she has missed some item because it should be £2.57 as per my calculation. After that she checks the billed items and the food items I am carrying in the tray. Once she realizes that she had missed one item, she smiles and says “ It’s your lucky day ” or “ Let that be a present from my side “. I also smile and move ahead.
Few days ago, I was again standing at the counter. This time lady at the counter said “£2.90”. “ £2.90 ? It should be £2.57, could you please check again?” was my reply. She said,” Dear its £2.90 “. I again requested her to please check once again. This time she checked and found she had charged for an item that previous customer had bought. She realized her mistake and before preparing a new bill she apologized. This time she said, “£2.42 my love”. I reminded it should be £2.57 but she insisted on that it’s okay even if I paid less. As I was now moving away from the counter, I was thinking “what an idiot I am, every day I am undercharged and I move away happily but one day I was being overcharged and I did not hesitate to complain about it. If I actually add those £0.15 saved daily, it would be itself more than many £2.57.” My concern could have been valid, but I was amazed to see that such feelings still are so alive in me that I am more comfortable if things work in my favor. A little goes other way round, I start talking of my rights etc.
Thoughts also went to Lord Rama’s time, when he was exiled. How whole heartedly he accepted the wish of his mother, no matter how baseless it could have been. Kingdom was his right but some where the responsible son had a bigger role to play.
The other day one friend asked me if there was a difference between an ethical being and a spiritual being. Perhaps at that point I couldn’t put an answer, but now from my own experience can say, being ethical may not always mean spiritual. However underlined text is that a spiritual being will have an ethical element.

What is your Religion?

2008-05-29T07:53:00.000+05:30

I must have been a small child when I first heard this word, Religion. The only line that I had heard & picked up about religion was, Religion unites and never divides. However as I went to educational institutes, I again saw this word Religion in the line “What’s your religion?” Every second form that I have filled since then asks about my religion. To be honest, I always felt perplexed. Not because I never owned a religion, but the fact that I could not differentiate one from the other. I always questioned myself, what makes me more of one religious background and not of any other background?
Well about my actual background - My spiritual had guide introduced me to a formless friend to play with, to study with, to fight with, to laugh with, to cry with and to do everything with. Knowing this formless friend has been the only reason that unites me with other beings on the planet. So the religion that had united me with rest beings was the actual religion I tried to follow. And as far as I am aware all religions speak of unity. So in nut shell I tried to follow all the religions or call it one single religion of Universal Brotherhood. Hence were the confusions while filling those paper forms.
These days I am in UK. I again hear the same question when I sit with client representatives. Amidst other talks this topic often comes and I generally face this question, “So what is your religion? “ Same happened last time when I was sitting with Steve, an expert on one system. I was again confused to answer. The reply he expected was something like Hindu. However I could speak, “I am trying to follow religion of Universal brotherhood.” He wasn’t sure what I meant. Going further, something slipped out of my mouth “I am trying to follow your religion “. He heard and smiled.
I too smiled after his smile. I had found the long awaited simple answer which everyone would understand. I have had people around who were keen on their religion being the only religion. Then there were some other friends who were okay with others even if others had some different religious faith. And here comes the final lot who understands the real meaning of religion and treats other’s religion as its own.

You are Lucky !

2008-05-25T04:32:00.000+05:30

I remember once this sister from US sent me this comment. Probably she had commented this after reading one of the emails on Divine Souls. "Sunil ji, You are Lucky because you are in India".
Well the same moment, I felt that she had written this coz she had been out of India for quite many years, and was missing her family back in India. However, I didnt ask her what made her say this. Today, when I met this small girl's mother in Cambridge. She was mentioning how the society had laid restrictions on her so that she doesnt harm her children in any form. Post this she also praised Sheetal for the upbringing that Disha has. And Sheetal spoke the same thing many a times, Its because we are Indians.
We are Indians, You are lucky you are in India. India, the nation I was born in. With pride for the nation, I always felt its some thing else also which has made Sunil a Sunil. I cannot skip mentioning teachings what mission had laid in me. Thanks Babaji, for giving me birth in India where my childhood didnt have any 999 to dial for a rescue operation incase my parents gave me a slap to teach me how to differentiate between right and wrong.

Listening

2008-05-07T03:49:00.000+05:30

I am very often reminded of the conversation that my roommate and I had some months ago; It went something like this – ‘Sunil ji, its 10M pixel’ ‘Sound Quality should be okay’ ‘Optical zoom 6x, hmm..Not bad’ ‘Will Apple be a good deal?’ ‘It’s quite cheap, Canon is nice company’ ‘How about getting speakers along with this?’ I had asked my roommate to find some deals for buying a good camera. While he was telling me various options available online, I was asking him to search for some iPod deals as well. To be honest, I remember this incident every time I see pictures clicked by friends with their cameras. I wish I had listened to my roommate and finalized some deal that day ! Active Listening !!

Onions

2008-04-03T05:38:00.000+05:30

Just 4 days ago my roommate returned to India. These days it’s just me who has to cook for dinner and eat. With him I had to eat onions daily which I disliked. But he was fond of onions; in all dishes he would put onions. I don’t hate onions it’s just that for these 27-28 years I haven’t been able to appreciate onions. Today when I went downstairs for cooking, I was happy. After 4-5 months I would eat dinner cooked without onions. I had to prepare dinner just for self & now no one who would ask me to cut onions and use those chopped onions for dal/sabzi/rajma etc. I was happy. I couldn’t believe that the first thing I put in Paneer Sabzi was onions. All the taste developed in onion-less years changed in just 4 months. I felt that the dish won’t be as delicious if cooked without onion. My thought is not of onion but of my roommate. Rightly was & is said, company matters a lot. For these 4 months I kept company of someone who liked onion and I started liking onion despite the fact that I disliked them since birth.
I believe that’s what spiritual texts say when those mention, if you want to know about God, ask from the one who knows god. He would help you realize this Almighty which is hidden since these many years or even janams. It doesn’t matter how long one has lived without realization of God, but one touch from such God Realised soul makes you fall in love with God, with 24*7 hours contact. This Almighty has always been here and infront, whom to search then ? Search for the one who can help you realize this one.
Rightly said by the prophet, ‘Kismat’ means “Kis ki mat lete ho”. Company shapes your destiny. A perfume cannot give a smell of poison, so does the opposite. I now am able to appreciate my parents for their teachings, “choose your friends wisely”. All my friends have shaped my life till date, be it good habits or bad ones, I have picked all from the ones who were around me. For all those people who believed that earth was flat, earth was flat, but that didn’t change the shape of earth. Only once they made a company of person who said earth is round, did the reality come into existence.
I never knew what depth does word “love you” carried until I actually came in contact with someone who taught me what love means though I had heard about Love and often denied its existence. From this small life till date I have just understood all technological fundamentals I have learnt have come from the texts,teachers of that subject. However I should also add the practical experiments stood far ahead of what all I read in textual books. Only once I did experiments in practical , I understood what those texts were saying.
Well I remember solving questions in Mathematics. After struggling for hours, someone would share with me a simplified method of doing it. And thank God, I would then shift to the easier method. I think advisable is to do things in simplified manner. The longer method may be able to lead to same answer but chances of getting struck in middle are too many. Like the Nirma ad we saw in childhood days, “jab wahi mehnge daamo waali safaai kamm daamo mein mile, to koi woh kyun le, yeh na le ?”.

4 mins

2008-03-03T05:38:00.000+05:30

I was sitting with saints after sangat got over for today. I did realize in between that time for my bus' departure was getting closer. However thinking that saints are going to drop me in their car to the bus stop I took a loose stand, and kept enjoying the chit chat that was going. Just some time before the departure I got up and got into saint's car. Saint mentioned that he cannot drop me to the bus station for some reasons however he would happy to drop me at a convenient point from where on I can continue traveling to Bus Station.

I had already got late, and had no option other than following what saint had to say. I reached Bus Station but a little late. I had got late by 4 mins. I checked the next bus' timings. The one where I could fit in was 4 hours from then. I really regretted getting late by just 4 mins which made me wait for 4 hours. A sheer wastage of time.

At the same time, I remembered my friends, my dear ones who have heard about the message but for some reasons, may be not fully convinced are ready to risk their futures for some chit chats that keep them busy at present. 4 mins delays caused 4 hours wait time. This is not with the life though. I knew next bus would be there after 4 hours and will have seat vacant for me. But in life, who knows when the breaths stop, and when is the next bus that would take them along...

Babaji, bless that your message gets heard and understood. May people understand that each 4 minutes slot, rather each millisecond counts. Let all understand that these chit chats wont have end, at one moment they all would have to rise and walk for the destination.

When blessings are being seeked for others, I cannot stand apart. May I also understand your message in real spirit. Let me also not forget that my life too comprises of these small small moments which I keep on wasting for some reason or the other.

14th February

2008-02-14T06:29:00.000+05:30

Her eyes I still remember. Two glowing eyes, greenish in color, held inside a body that would be around 6 years of age. She had made a move to hug me but something kept me aloof. I kept my hand on her head as if giving my wishes to her; she accepted the blessings from her elder. And I moved from there after that. Later realizing what I had done.
I had gone to a Family Contact Centre here in Swindon on Saturday. It was advertised that volunteers are needed in Child Centre and those interested may visit the local branch office. During my visit to the centre, I came to know that a Child Contact Centre is a meeting place where children of separated families can enjoy contact with one (or both) parents, and sometimes other family members, in a comfortable and safe environment where there is no viable alternative. Well, I wasn’t much happy to see the kind of job I was being offered. But somehow, I gathered the basic details and then made a plan to make a move. Before I could I move, I recalled I had carried some chocolates in my pocket for children whom I expected to see there. There were no children but only volunteers who were aged 60-65, I offered them few chocolates. Before they could eat those chocolates, this girl appeared from nowhere. She was then followed by her younger brother perhaps and father. I was told that this divorced person was there to meet his children who were living with their mother. I offered one piece of chocolate to Elizabeth, the girl I mentioned earlier. She in thanks made a move to hug me but something kept me aloof. I kept my hand on her head as if giving my wishes to her; she accepted the blessings from her elder. And I moved from there after that. Later realizing I had missed an opportunity to reciprocate a sincere feeling of nothing other than love.
As I was moving away from the Centre, I was being reminded of my act again and again. How could I un-see an act of sincere love, which a small child was eagerly waiting to share?
However the story doesn’t start here. It probably began when I was born. Since then I have been continuing to do similar acts. For reasons known or unknown, I have missed many opportunities. Opportunities to offer my love for the people whom I have come across. Opportunities to reciprocate the love that others have given me. As people around waited for 14th February to express the love for their beloveds, I too was waiting to see if I can think of at least 14 people whom I have loved sincerely from the core of my heart since I was born. I fail to do so. Where every one’s expectations are for love thy neighbor, I am still trying to love the ones who have entered same roof. Seeking your blessings, to be able to sincerely love those around.

Satguru hi Ameer hai...

2007-12-27T05:16:00.000+05:30

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.

16 Dec 2007

2007-12-17T05:26:00.000+05:30

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... :-)

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

2007-12-14T06:51:00.000+05:30

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.

10 Kahaaniya

2007-12-12T04:42:00.000+05:30

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.

Not Bad Sunil !!

2007-12-03T04:49:00.000+05:30

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.

Watch Man !!!

2007-11-28T03:52:00.000+05:30

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 :-)

दिल्ली दूर है?

2007-11-25T04:54:00.000+05:30

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..

I-LAND

2007-11-05T16:02:00.000+05:30

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.

भगवान् ज़्यादा हैं !!

2007-10-17T01:21:00.007+05:30

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

2007-10-17T01:21:00.006+05:30

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

2007-10-17T01:21:00.005+05:30

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

2007-10-17T01:21:00.004+05:30

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

2007-10-17T01:21:00.003+05:30

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 !

2007-10-17T01:21:00.002+05:30

" 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

2007-10-17T01:21:00.001+05:30

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

2007-10-17T01:21:00.000+05:30

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