Words Are Sharper Than We Think

Today, let us reflect on something that shapes destinies, builds relationships, destroys friendships, creates peace, and starts wars.

Words.

Most people think their greatest actions are what they do with their hands. The Nyāya philosophers would disagree. They would ask us to first examine what we do with our speech.

In the Nyāya tradition of Maharshi Gautama, every valid statement has consequences. Speech is not merely sound. It becomes knowledge in another person's mind. A single sentence can create understanding, confusion, trust, anger, harmony, or sorrow.

That is why Nyāya devotes great attention not only to truth, but also to error, debate, quarrel, deception, and misuse of language. Categories such as vāda, jalpa, vitaṇḍā and chala were analysed in great detail because words have the power to elevate or corrupt human life.

The Upanishads arrive at the same truth from a spiritual direction.

The Taittirīya Upanishad declares:

"Satyam vada, Dharmam chara."

Speak the truth. Live righteously.

But life teaches us something even deeper.

Speaking the truth is easy.

Speaking the truth without arrogance, anger, or cruelty is difficult.

A harsh truth spoken without wisdom can wound.

A gentle truth spoken with compassion can transform.

The Mahābhārata gives a timeless principle:

Speak what is true.

Speak what is pleasant.

Do not speak an unpleasant truth merely to hurt.

And do not speak a pleasant falsehood.

Every day we measure our wealth, our achievements, our influence, and our success.

Rarely do we measure our words.

How many hearts did we lighten today?

How many did we burden?

How many people lost their peace because of something we said?

How many relationships became stronger because of a few thoughtful words?

The Nyāya way is not blind reaction.

It is examination.

Pause.

Observe.

Reason.

Then conclude.

Perhaps the greatest application of Nyāya is not in philosophy classrooms but in daily conversation.

Before speaking, pause for a moment.

Is it true?

Is it necessary?

Is it beneficial?

Will it bring clarity or confusion?

Will it heal or wound?

At the end of the day, before going to sleep, ask yourself only one question:

"How many people did my words hurt today?"

Do not ask it with guilt.

Ask it with honesty.

Because the person who reflects every night speaks more carefully the next morning.

And the person who speaks more carefully the next morning becomes a better human being.

The world does not suffer from a shortage of intelligence.

It suffers from a shortage of thoughtful speech.

Words are far sharper than we imagine.

Once released, they never return.

Perhaps that is why the sages taught us to guard our tongue before we attempt to conquer the world.

A moment of silence before speaking may save years of regret afterwards.

This is the spirit of the very first Nyāya Sūtra of Maharshi Gautama:

"Through the right understanding of knowledge, doubt, reasoning, discussion, fallacies, and errors, one attains the highest good."

Nyāya Sūtra 1.1.1 does not merely teach us how to argue.

It teaches us how to think.

And when thought becomes careful, speech becomes careful.

When speech becomes careful, relationships become stronger.

When relationships become stronger, society becomes healthier.

Perhaps wisdom begins with a very simple practice.

Tonight, before you sleep, count not your achievements, but the hearts you may have hurt with your words.

Tomorrow, wake up and speak a little better.

That alone is progress.

That alone is Dharma.

That alone is Nyāya.

CBSE: The Dream, The Burden, The Future

Morning Scenes We All Know

It is half past eight. The yellow bus stops with a loud horn. Children step down with bags that look almost as big as themselves. Parents call out reminders. Teachers wait at the gate with registers in hand.

This is not one school. This is almost every CBSE school in India.

CBSE is not just a syllabus. It is a daily routine. It is the pride of many families. It is also the quiet sigh of many children. It is the road most Indian children walk, though the road is not always easy.

 

The Promise of CBSE

CBSE has always spoken of big dreams. It says it wants to give a vibrant and holistic education. It says it will shape children who are confident and competent. It says its schools will give stress free learning, where exams are guides and not threats.

These are fine promises. Who would not want such a school for their child?

 

The Push for Change

In recent years CBSE has tried to move closer to this dream. It has spoken of Competency Based Education. The idea is that learning should not stop at memory. It should be about doing.

A math lesson should not end with formulae. It should also teach how to plan a budget at home. A science lesson should not remain in the notebook. It should be seen in the kitchen when steam rises or in the market when a bulb is bought.

CBSE also started SAFAL, which means Structured Assessment for Analysing Learning. This checks how much a child has understood in classes three, five, and eight. It is not for promotion but to guide schools and parents.

Above all stands NEP 2020, the new national policy. It speaks of using the mother tongue till class five. It brings vocational training into schools. It calls for lighter bags and more flexible board exams.

 

The Reality of Bags and Marks

But walk into any street outside a school and you will see the truth. Children still carry heavy bags. Parents still worry about notebooks and guides. Coaching centres remain full.

Board exams in class ten and twelve continue to be times of stress. Homes turn silent. Evenings are spent in long study hours. Children sleep late and rise early.

CBSE says it wants stress free education. Yet in practice the burden is still heavy.

 

The Strengths of CBSE

To be fair, CBSE has strengths that are real.

• It is found everywhere, from big cities to small towns.
• It helps children of parents who are transferred often, such as soldiers or railway staff.
• Its syllabus is close to national entrance exams, giving a strong base for IIT and medical tests.
• Model schools like Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas show good discipline and inclusiveness.
• New subjects like coding and entrepreneurship are slowly finding space.

 

Who Should Take the CBSE Path?

• Families who move often and want one common syllabus.
• Students who are aiming at Indian competitive exams.
• Parents who want affordable schooling that is widely available.
• Children who like clear rules and steady schedules.

 

Who May Not Be Happy in CBSE?

• Creative children who bloom in freedom and open projects.
• Parents who want more play and less rote.
• Families who can afford global boards like IB or Cambridge.
• Students who feel anxious under exam pressure.

 

The Road Ahead

For CBSE to live up to its dream, it must reduce the weight of both the bag and the mind. Projects should take the place of endless guides. Curiosity should take the place of rote. Marks should become milestones and not mountains. Teachers should guide and not just command.

We have seen hope already.

• A Kendriya Vidyalaya teacher explains evaporation using a kitchen story.
• A Navodaya child learns unity by living with friends from every state.
• A Delhi Public School class learns coding through games and teamwork.

These are not rare. They are seeds of the future.

 

Closing Thought

CBSE is the backbone of Indian schooling. A backbone is meant to give strength and balance, not to bend underweight.

Today CBSE stands between promise and practice. It speaks of joy, but many children still feel pressure. Yet change is possible and already visible.

The choice before us is simple. Do we keep walking on the old road of rote, or do we shape it into a new path of joy, creativity, and courage?

In the end, education is not only about notebooks and exams. It is about a child’s laughter when learning makes sense, and a parent’s smile when they see growth beyond marks.

 

The International Baccalaureate

 

Education has always moved like a river, carrying traditions and ideas. In India the Gurukula system made learning a way of life. Students stayed with their teacher, practised discipline, learnt values, and absorbed knowledge in daily living. In Rome, Italy, Maria Montessori opened her first Casa dei Bambini in 1907. She allowed children to explore freely. Her classrooms invited them to touch, move, and discover. Both Gurukula and Montessori remind us that true education is not about collecting facts. It is about shaping a complete human being.

By the middle of the twentieth century, the world was unsettled. Families travelled across borders. Children who moved from one country to another often-lost years of study. Each nation had its own syllabus and examinations. In Geneva a group of teachers asked a daring question. Could there be one shared passport for learning. This question planted the seed of the International Baccalaureate. The organisation was registered in Geneva in 1968. Two years later twelve schools in ten countries conducted the first IB Diploma examinations.

The Story

• Began with the needs of children who moved between countries
• Registered in Geneva in 1968
• First Diploma exams in 1970 with twelve schools
• Drawn from the ideas of John Dewey, Jean Piaget, A S Neill, and Kurt Hahn

The Philosophy

The IB treats the learner as an explorer. Students are guided to ask questions, make connections, and think deeply. The aim is to form thoughtful and responsible individuals who can live with respect for difference and with openness to the wider world.

What it is today?

The IB has grown into a complete pathway for students from early childhood to the end of school years. There are four programmes, each with its own rhythm. Together they form a journey from the first questions of a child to the reflections of a young adult.

 

Programme	Age group	Teaching & learning methods	Key features
Primary Years Programme (PYP)	3 – 12 years	Inquiry based, concept driven, transdisciplinary learning	Big themes like Who we are or, How the world works guide lessons. Focus on curiosity, agency, and action. Skills such as thinking, research, and communication are built naturally.
Middle Years Programme (MYP)	11 – 16 years	Inquiry continues, interdisciplinary approach, global contexts	Students learn through real world themes such as community, sustainability, identity. Strong emphasis on personal project in final year. Assessment is continuous with feedback.
Diploma Programme (DP)	16 – 19 years	Depth in subjects + reflection, project based, independent research	Students take six subjects plus three core elements: Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service. Inquiry is balanced with rigour. Both formative and summative assessment are used.
Career related Programme (CP)	16 – 19 years	Blend of academic and vocational learning, applied projects, internships	Students take IB subjects along with career studies. Core focuses on personal and professional skills, ethical reflection, and real-world application.

 

The Digital Question

The IB was born in a time when classrooms were opening up and teachers were seeking new methods. Today children live in a digital world where information appears without pause. The question is no longer how to access knowledge but how to filter and use it wisely. The IB addresses this by giving importance to reflection, good judgment, and the ability to ask questions (genuinely!). Technology provides speed. The IB reminds learners to balance that speed with depth and pause.

My Reflection

From the Gurukula courtyards, to Montessori’s first classroom in Rome, to the international halls of Geneva, education has always moved with the rhythm of its time. The International Baccalaureate is the voice of our present age. It encourages young people to question, to search for meaning, and to engage with the world around them.

In my view the IB is a strong and thoughtful model. It prepares students for a life that is fast and uncertain, yet it also reminds them to think deeply and act with balance. At the same time, it has its limits. The cost makes it unreachable for many families. Its international emphasis can sometimes leave little space for local roots. Not every school has the resources or trained teachers to carry its vision fully.

Even with these challenges, the IB has created a system that gives children confidence, builds resilience, and opens their minds to many perspectives. It is not a replacement for older traditions but another stream in the river of education. What may come next could be another vision of learning born in India, one that draws from our civilisational heritage while speaking to the needs of a global future.

 

References

• International Baccalaureate Organization. The History of the IB. 2017 URL: https://www.ibo.org/
• Montessori, Maria. The Montessori Method. 1912, URL: https://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/montessori/method/method.html 
• Altekar, A S. Education in Ancient India. 1944 URL: https://archive.org/details/educationinancie032398mbp 

 

Education as Well Being: The Spirit of the Gurukula

Gurukula: The Forest Schools of Ancient India

Long ago, in the quiet forests of India, education did not take place in large buildings or crowded classrooms. It happened in small hermitages where children lived with their teacher, sharing his roof, his food, and his way of life. These were the Gurukulas, the forest schools, where learning was not just about study but about shaping character.

A New Beginning

When a child entered a Gurukula, it was seen as a new birth. The boy or girl left the comfort of home and came with firewood in hand as a symbol of readiness to serve. From that moment, the teacher became a second parent. The student belonged to the teacher’s family and was guided not only in knowledge but also in discipline and values.

Life in the Hermitage

Life in the Gurukula began before sunrise. Students bathed in the river, offered prayers, and chanted hymns. Then came the chores — sweeping the huts, bringing water, caring for animals, and tending the sacred fire. These daily tasks were as important as study, for they built patience and humility. Lessons were given under trees or by the fire, where the teacher recited and the students repeated until the words were held in memory. After that came reflection and questions. The forest schools were alive with dialogue, where students dared to ask about the mysteries of life and teachers answered with stories, examples, and sometimes with silence.

Stories of Devotion

Many stories from these schools show how much students valued their teachers. One such tale is about Satyakama, who was sent to care for a small herd of cows until they grew to a thousand. He stayed in the wilderness for years, faithfully guiding them. In his solitude he learned lessons from the very creatures around him, and by the time he returned, his teacher saw the glow of wisdom on his face.

Another story tells of Aruni, whose teacher’s field was threatened by a burst in the water channel. Aruni tried to repair it but could not stop the flow. So he lay down in the gap with his own body, holding back the water through the night. When the teacher found him at dawn, he was deeply moved. He lifted Aruni with care and blessed him with insight that later made him a great sage.

There is also the tale of Upamanyu, who gave away all the food he collected to his teacher and tried to survive quietly. He grew weaker and was blinded by poisonous leaves. When divine beings offered him a cure, he refused to taste it before offering it first to his teacher. Such devotion touched even the gods, and his sight was restored.

The Teacher and the Student

The relationship between teacher and pupil was sacred. The teacher was more than an instructor; he was a guide of the spirit. The student’s duty was not only to remember the lessons but to live by them. Knowledge was treated as a trust. Pride could take it away, humility could deepen it. One story tells of a proud student who lost the verses he had learned, only to receive new wisdom through his perseverance and faith. Such tales remind us that learning was not about possession but about inner growth.

A Gift of Gratitude

At the end of their time, students offered a gift of gratitude to the teacher. Sometimes it was simple. At other times it was remarkable. Krishna, as a student, was asked by his teacher to bring back his lost son. He crossed seas, fought a demon, and even entered the realm of death to restore the boy to life. Such was the honour given to the teacher’s word.

Why the Gurukula System Matters

Education in the Gurukula was life itself. Learning was never separated from living. Every task of the day, whether caring for the fire, tending the cows, or fetching water, was counted as education. Character was the foundation. Discipline, humility, patience, and respect grew naturally through routine and service.

The bond between teacher and student was sacred. It was not only a matter of lessons and examinations but of living together and observing how the teacher prayed, spoke, or worked. Dialogue and questioning were encouraged. Students were invited to seek answers to the deepest mysteries, and teachers guided them with patience. Gratitude completed the circle. At the end of study, the student offered thanks, ensuring that knowledge remained free from trade and filled with reverence.

Reflections for Today

It is tempting to imagine that the Gurukula could be recreated exactly as it was in the ancient forest. But times have changed. Children now grow up in towns and cities. Schools serve hundreds rather than a handful. Knowledge has expanded far beyond the verses of scripture and the skills of the household. Carrying firewood to a teacher’s hut is no longer possible, nor is it practical for every child to live away from home.

Yet the spirit of the Gurukula can still be applied in gentle and meaningful ways. Instead of tending a sacred fire at dawn, schools might begin with a few minutes of quiet reflection. The act of collecting food for the teacher can be reimagined as community service, such as planting trees, sharing meals with the poor, or keeping public spaces clean. These carry the same lessons of humility and responsibility.

The close bond between teacher and student is difficult in crowded classrooms, but it can be revived through mentoring groups. A teacher guiding a small circle of ten or twelve pupils can build the same trust and care. Discipline need not mean harsh routines but can be taught through regular habits, shared tasks, and activities that build cooperation.

There are also lessons of equality. In the past, the Gurukula was not always open to all. Today, education must be inclusive, welcoming every child regardless of background. The best way forward is to carry the essence of the Gurukula - the personal guidance, the daily discipline, the questioning mind, and the gratitude at the end - and merge it quietly with the strengths of modern schools.

Imagine a classroom where lessons are balanced with moments of reflection, where students learn not only from books but also from caring for a garden, helping in the community, and practising gratitude. That would be a Gurukula in spirit, alive not in the forests but in our towns and schools.

The Gurukula cannot return in its old form, but its light can still guide us. What was once taught by the fire in the forest can now be taught in homes, classrooms, and communities. The essence is unchanged: to live what we learn, to respect those who teach, and to allow education to shape both the mind and the heart.

Montessori: Was It Supposed To Be This Hard?

Montessori was spoken of as light. A way of learning that was not forced but flowing. Children were to learn as naturally as they breathe. Maria Montessori, a doctor in Italy more than a hundred years ago, first saw this possibility when she worked with children who were dismissed by others as slow and incapable. Instead of pushing books into their hands, she gave them things to touch, things to move, things to feel. Beads that could be counted, letters carved on sandpaper, wooden towers that could be built one over the other. Slowly the children began to change. They started to concentrate, they began to speak, they showed abilities nobody had expected.

From that moment the Montessori method travelled across the world. Parents trusted it because it appeared to respect the child more than the system. The teacher was not the commander but the quiet guide. The child was not forced to memorise but was encouraged to discover. The classroom itself was not meant to be a race but a garden where each child grew in his or her own time.

That was the dream. The pink tower was not only wood, it was patience. The golden beads were not only numbers, they were understanding. The sandpaper letters were not only symbols, they were sound brought alive. Montessori was not about how quickly a child could finish an activity, it was about how deeply the child could enjoy it.

But what do we see today. The same beads are used to show how far a child can count. The same towers are seen as ladders of comparison. The same letters are turned into early report cards. Montessori was meant to give ease, but in practice it often becomes another test.

Parents are caught between hope and doubt. They chose Montessori believing it would give their child peace, yet they find themselves again measuring milestones. A child quietly stacks the pink cubes but the parent wonders whether he is ahead of his peers. The very system that promised freedom now looks strangely like another form of pressure.

The beauty of Montessori lies in its simplicity. But ambition has stolen that simplicity.

Freedom has been replaced by comparison

Joy has been replaced by pressure

Wonder has been replaced by targets

The question is not whether Montessori works. The question is whether we have allowed it to remain what it was meant to be. Can we step back and let children live at their own pace. Can we trust that a child’s curiosity is enough.

Montessori was never supposed to be hard. Oh, Infact Childhood itself was never supposed to be hard. Right? 

Wondered, Feared! What lies ahead of you? Do not… Here’s a solution.

Life's journey is not straight. We all definitely know it. It is a winding road, full of unexpected twists and turns, (like you can recall the last time you cried!). Sometimes, it feels like we're stumbling blindly into the unknown, unsure of what lies ahead.

Hey? But…

If you check on me, I have faced it more too. Just like you.

However, amidst uncertainties, there's ONE THING ✊ that has always provided me with a sense of grounding and peace:

That’s PRAYER. For me prayer is not wishing for anything, but it’s chanting his name and believing he’s always in me. ✊

For me, my faith lies in Shiva ✊. His presence in my life has been cheerful and appreciative during the happier times, and so is it a source of strength and comfort even during the toughest times.

I've come to believe that no matter what challenges we face or how uncertain the future may seem, prayer has a way of making things just a little bit easier. It's like a beacon of light cutting through the darkness, guiding us forward with each heartfelt plea.

Whether I'm seeking guidance? offering gratitude? or simply finding solace in his divine presence? Prayer has become my lifeline.

But prayer isn't exclusive to any one faith. It's a universal language that transcends religious boundaries. Whether you find comfort in Allah, Jesus, or any other deity, the power of prayer remains the same—a powerful force that connects us to something greater than ourselves.

What I've come to realize is that prayer isn't about changing the world around us; it's about changing our perspective. It's about finding peace and acceptance in the midst of chaos, and finding strength to face whatever comes our way.

What’s important in every point?

Staying peaceful. Yes?

If we are mindful of that, worrying liquidifies itself, and peace surrounds. Prayer or chanting sets the tone.

So as we navigate the uncertainties of life, let's not forget the power of prayer. Let's take comfort in the knowledge that we're not alone—that there's something greater watching over us, guiding us, and offering us a sense of peace in the midst of life's storms, but that force is inside me. We just have to speak to that force, be it what, but offering prayer. It responds. That works.

May we all find solace in prayer, and may it carry us through whatever challenges lie ahead.

🙏

For Our Happiness is Our Truth: Exploring the Essence of Prosperity in Ancient Vedic Prayers

Introduction

In the ancient Vedic tradition, the pursuit of truth was intrinsically linked to the attainment of happiness. Through profound prayers and invocations, the Vedic sages sought divine blessings to ensure their well-being and prosperity.

शं न॑: स॒त्यस्य॒ पत॑यो भवन्तु॒ शं नो॒ अर्व॑न्त॒: शमु॑ सन्तु॒ गाव॑: । शं न॑ ऋ॒भव॑: सु॒कृत॑: सु॒हस्ता॒: शं नो॑ भवन्तु पि॒तरो॒ हवे॑षु ॥

शं नः सत्यस्य पतयो भवन्तु शं नो अर्वन्तः शमु सन्तु गावः । शं न ऋभवः सुकृतः सुहस्ताः शं नो भवन्तु पितरो हवेषु ॥

This profound prayer invokes the blessings of the master of truth, symbolizing the importance of aligning ourselves with honesty and authenticity to find true happiness. The mention of horses and cattle signifies our connection with the natural world, acknowledging that abundance and harmony with nature contribute to our well-being. The virtuous Ṛbhus , with their skill and benevolence, are called upon to bring felicity into our lives, emphasizing the value of virtuous actions. Lastly, the prayer recognizes the role of our ancestors in promoting our happiness, particularly during seasons of worship, highlighting the significance of ancestral blessings and the continuity of happiness across generations. This essay will explore the deeper meanings embedded within this prayer, elucidating how the pursuit of truth and the blessings of various aspects of existence contribute to our ultimate happiness.

The Significance of Truth in Happiness

The opening line of the prayer emphasizes the importance of the “master of truth” in the pursuit of happiness. In Vedic philosophy, truth is not merely a factual representation of reality but also a higher spiritual principle. The pursuit of truth is seen as a transformative journey that brings about inner harmony and contentment. By invoking the master of truth, the prayer seeks their benevolence and guidance, acknowledging their role in aligning individuals with the ultimate source of happiness.

Harmonizing with Nature and Abundance

The subsequent lines of the prayer invoke horses and cattle, symbolizing the abundant blessings of nature and material prosperity. In the Vedic civilization, horses and cattle were essential for transportation, sustenance, and wealth. By invoking these symbols, the prayer recognizes the interdependence between humanity and the natural world. It signifies that a harmonious relationship with nature and the recognition of its abundance contribute to our overall happiness and well-being.

Virtuous Actions and Divine Intervention

The prayer further calls upon the virtuous and dexterous Ṛbhus, celestial beings associated with craftsmanship, creativity, and divine benevolence. The invocation of the Ṛbhus highlights the importance of personal effort, skill, and virtuous actions in the pursuit of happiness. It implies that happiness is not solely dependent on external factors but also on individual dedication and ethical conduct. By seeking the blessings of the Ṛbhus, the prayer acknowledges the role of divine intervention in enhancing felicity and fostering a harmonious and prosperous life.

Ancestral Blessings and the Continuity of Happiness

The final line of the prayer highlights the role of the progenitors in promoting happiness during the seasons of worship. Ancestral worship was a significant aspect of Vedic culture, with the belief that ancestors continue to influence and bless the lives of their descendants. By seeking the blessings of the progenitors, the prayer emphasizes the importance of ancestral connections and the continuity of blessings throughout generations. It underscores the idea that happiness is not merely an individual pursuit but is also shaped by the accumulated wisdom and blessings of those who came before us.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the timeless wisdom embedded within this ancient Vedic prayer holds remarkable relevance in our modern lives, offering guidance to navigate the complexities we encounter. Embracing truth and authenticity allows us to find clarity amidst the confusion and make decisions that align with our deepest values, leading to a genuine and fulfilling sense of happiness.

In our fast-paced and technology-driven world, taking a moment to reconnect with nature and appreciate its abundant beauty serves as a grounding force, restoring balance and bringing us a profound sense of peace amidst the hustle and bustle of life. By cultivating kindness, compassion, and integrity—the very qualities embodied by the virtuous Ṛbhus—we can build stronger and more meaningful relationships, fostering a supportive and harmonious social fabric that nurtures our well-being.

Lastly, recognizing and honouring our ancestral connections provides us with a sense of identity and purpose, guiding us through the challenges of modern life. Drawing inspiration from the wisdom and traditions passed down by our ancestors, we gain strength and gratitude, understanding our place in the vast tapestry of time. By incorporating these teachings into our lives, we embark on a transformative journey towards happiness, navigating the complexities of the modern world with grace and resilience, and finding fulfilment in the simplest yet profound aspects of our existence.

History- a befitting catalyst in bringing harmony!

#Wellnessmatters #history

History is a powerful tool to realize one’s well-being, more than just a subject of dates and places. Prof. Sheik Ali signifies History as the record of unique events in the life of mankind, is the stir and vibration of life. 

Its significant to know who, what, where and when but its pertinent to understand why and how, from the events of History. Unfortunately, the idea of learning history is often misrepresented by many learned people including Hegel (Ali, 1978), who quotes the only lesson we learn from history is that it has no lesson to offer. Another instance of defaming history is of Frederick the Great, a German military campaigner who often indicated an order- ‘Bring me my liar’, whenever he felt like reading history.

We find many statements admitting and rejecting history as a whole or part. But as individuals, we are often surrounded by our history, the past events of our own lives. Some of it bring happiness, some bring glory while some even pushes us into a greater grief. It is we, who should take care of the events we wish to recall. Sometimes, forgetfulness stands a boon. This applies to the subject of history too. 

Let’s understand the society we were, and bring good changes to the unhealthy behavior of humans. If we can manage being better than our ancestors, it will be a value addition to having read history. Else at least shall we learn, instead of passing criticisms and sharing hatred which has unfortunately been the diet of our generation. History is noteworthy to all of us in order to learn and keeping holistically well too, be it ours or our society’s. Before I forget, my teacher had narrated a story of a little bird which carried a drop of water in its mouth to extinguish the forest-fire for hours together. 

Let us be the little bird in the society to convey history for better. If the events represented hatred, let us ignite the knowledge with goodness and spread the kind virtues. If the events brought glory to humanity, let us glorify it. If the events brought happiness to humanity, let us spread it across.  

Let us be the catalysts of spreading history for awareness and stop heatedness and criticisms. Let us be that little bird of extinguishing the heat of hate in the society, by learning from the historical events. It will consequently take us far in the path of humanity. And there lies our wellness! 

History matters and so does our wellness. 

Scale of Values

Each one of us will definitely have a value system for ourselves, framed either on the basis of life’s experiences or thoughtfulness cultivated over a period of time. When I first encountered the term "scale of values" in an article of Shri. Navarathna Ramarao, it so occurred to me that- “such a mesmerizing terminology”. He explains it as- if Govinda has a rupee in his hand, he can buy an instrument from it, or a book, or a chocolate, a dress or can invest on an orphanage and, etcetera. It is from which distribution of that money, he gets maximum satisfaction, he does it. Or what best he finds among the rest he does it. Similarly, our scale of values is accorded.

Now looking at this expression I started observing my scale of values among relationships. Its just wondering. Our scale of values has typically awarded great friends and relatives from time to time and proportionately has taken away the closeness of few over a period of time and has bestowed another set of close ones. Ultimately the life needs companionship in different forms. After all man is a social animal.

But why does this scale of values in life change from time to time.

• 1.    Because we stop feeding relationships?

• 2.     Because we happen to migrate from a social life to economic life as we grow?

• 3.     Because of our experiences with a particular relationship?

• 4.     Because we happen to turn inward?

• 5.     Because we expect more?

• 6.     Because ………………

x

And several other reasons. Whatever be it the reasons, but it just happens invitingly or just without notice. While we are born, we are purest form of souls, as we grow up, we develop a set of values which brings in a lot more changes to our lives. We end up thinking too much about the situation, people etcetera so much so that we sometimes not only spoil relationships but our values and physical health too. Probably I should mention this here, and this remains a good solution which I read in my teacher Vid. Jagadisha sharma’s series –

akAnDa-pAta-jAtAnAm|

ArdrANAm marma-BEdinAm||

Which means- Suddenly an accident occurs, it just shakes the whole life, uncompromising pain surrounds, what is the solution? JUST LEAVE THAT THOUGHT BEHIND. DON’T THINK OF IT AT ALL.

This might sound overwhelming, but it is a fact. It truly works.

The idea of such scale of values itself is fascinating and interestingly it has not been identical. It is sometimes puzzling too to see my ethics sound unethical to another person. However, that’s a healthier moment to opt kindness amongst it or just leave the thought itself behind, so as to not conclude any value out of it. Still, identifying those values and observing it to perceive kind ones will lead to a good life. Practicing this method will certainly prepare us to well-being. Just like the rains; when it pours, the water in its purest form goes through several good elements as well as the toxic ones. It is up to us, for what we breathe in, what scale of values we develop over a period of time.

 

Know"how"!

I wonder how? 

Criticism and leftism changed its attire totally. The "buddhijeevigalu" on my social media list are so secular to wish eid, Christmas and other festivals to all of us. Very appreciative task,no doubt. It's wonderful to be so, an ideal society can be formed when we wish each other on such fantastic festivals.

 Culture creates civilization.

But?

Few don't seem to enjoy and wish same for our festivals too. Right from yugadi to sankranti!!!! 

A Hindu doesn't enjoy his own festival!!!! Not just it but passes critical statements against their own festivals. That sounds wierd.

The goodness of saying let your year be filled with sweet and sour on yugadi! ( Ideologically- only when we face difficulty the happiness will have meaning)

The goodness of saying "eLLu Bella tindu olle mAthadi(have till and jaggery and speak good)".

The joy of visiting 21 homes to see lord Ganesh, binds us so much together. 

The merriness in distributing lemon juice and kosambari on sriramanavami.

Wah!!!

Each festival has its own glory. 

And how can one criticize? 

To our amazement, there was another forward circulated on social media- to construct more hospitals than temples. Wow! How merciless. 

Illness is temporary but hunger.... ??????

Hindu temples are not just temples. We believe tulsi theertha can solve our Physical illness, we believe doing pradakshina to god is a good exercise, we believe feeding people is the greatest possible karma. 

Potentially this was altered by few and miscommunicated to many and several misunderstood it. We did not live in past, so we do not know what was it like in the previous era of societal set-up. There are 100s of books which show negation over hindu dharma but there are 1000s which say positives. Let's live in present, embracing the goodness of Dharma. 

To believe or not is personal choice but to speak ill about temples which serve food to 1000s and lakhs- is it fair enough? 

One can watch it in India's mega kitchen series. How temples serve food! 

Shirdi

Dharmasthala

And many...

So now can it be compared? 

Between hospitals and temples? 

Coming back, dharma is left to people's choice. To idealise it or not is left to individuals' mindset. 

My Hindu dharma taught me to respect humanity ( vasudhaiva Kutumbakam). That is total secularism. It helped me pray - lokah samasthah sukino bhavantu. And I am proud I am born and brought up in such a divine culture. 

No doubt, every dharma has different dimensions, it is upto us whether we take it from the right source or from such gangs of "buddhijeevigalu" who have known it half. When dharma flows in right direction people behave right, but when there's illusions added to it midway negation develops and spreads. 

Take aways : 

1. It is ok even if you don't follow your dharma, but your fellow countrymen does. Atleast have respect for their sake. 

2. IMPORTANTLY, Know full before criticizing. Read information from sources directly.

🙏

Happy Sri Rama navami! let's stay safe!

Quarantine is that one word which has been trending all through the go. The alarming calls given on various media platforms, is about it. I was once amazed to hear my "friend in maid" saying, "akka naaLe inda baralla. Mane Quarantinu ( sister I will not come from tomorrow, should be home quarantined). The usage of a foreign word as ours, always astonishes me like nothing else. A pun which says:

Kannada + English = Kanglish

However, in no time I realise, the seriousness of the situation is more significant than the amazement. 

While I sat at home feeling doing nothing, a news came in saying the celebrities are stuck home, couldn't able to attend their TV shoots. And the bulletin beneath the visual said- "doctors are striving hard to save Covid-19 patients". Whom are we celebrating? Who should be celebrated? 

Doctors, nurses, news reporters, the civilians....? 

Or 

Who?? 

On the other hand, it goes to the heart of mystery, thinking over and seeing people dying. The media is a juggernaut, building a great time of awareness trying hard to make people sit at home to watch them and bring reality into our eyes, trying to hit hard with an emotional stick. Just to make us sit home. Our leader followed by our representatives are begging hard to stay home. 

What is striking us away, out of house? 

1. Someone doesn't like to sit at home.

2. Someone wants to sit at home, but circumstances are not allowing him to. 

3. Someone should be quarantined, but that person intends to spread infection (these are the dangerous creatures).

4. Someone doesn't want to sit at home because he/she hates Prime minister, and because our Prime minister made the announcement.

5. Someone wants to politicise the ocassion, to attain sadistic pleasure.

6. Someone is not aware of the gravity of the situation.

The list goes on for various reasons. 

Great! We have a list of reasons. But how to resolve this situation?

Once let's close our eyes on this auspicious day of Sriramanavami and remember Lord Rama. 

Lord Rama was one person who strived all his life, just to keep up promises. The best part of his personality is, he was composed inspite of the hardship , not for a day or two but throughout his life( saHtu nityaM praShAntaathma). 

Isolating himself to benefit his kingdom and uplift dharma, and run in the path of it: never perplexed, never deteriorated, but stood a stalwart, he was Rama. Just two people around and none to resolve his mind but himself, caring for the two and all, who came with him to be with him at any point of life: he was Rama. His ethics is to be revered always. He kept himself strong during his journey in the forest, the toughest period of isolation. 

But us? 

It takes enormous time to discuss the presence of his persona and significance of his existence in this land. But one thing we need to heed at this point of quarantine period is- "the tranquility of SriRama". 

Being on the same land that he was born, how can we not follow him? Isn't it the time to think? Instead of complaining and compelling ourselves to turn-away from the isolation call. Let us remember him for his strong mind, let us remember his toughness to face difficulty of isolation, let us remember his perseverance to help society, let us remember him, for he alone is the pinnacle of personality. 

Though we cannot match him, for he was the greatest soul; we can atleast try to follow his footsteps. 

He isolated to establish dHarma, let us isolate to help ourselves and our loved ones. Let's stay home, let's be safe.

 It's time to rebuild our conscious and process right thoughts. Let's get inside. 

raame chittalayaH sadaa bhavatu me bho raama maamuddhara| 🙏

Special thanks to Mr. Ananth Ravi, my uncle for motivating me to remember an ideal soul and write his significance at this point of our lives. 

Just be 5

More on free thoughts! 

How will we know whether a thought is making us or breaking us? 

The reality of thoughts is that it keeps occuring by itself and has no filters. To control our thoughts is to be a great meditator. However, we a layman in the path are not sure of thoughts itself, how can we ever control it? 

Observation. True, we heard it right. Observation is the key to unlock spiritual progress. Few make a good habit of writing personal diaries, which actually helps in the process. To know my thought struggle and its leads. 

Either by writing or knowing my thought flow will help enroute the path towards righteousness. 

Just like the river flow, we can always change the direction towards right. But to know what is right, a pure heart to think is enough. Whatever be the situation, just to think - whether this is humane or inhumane. 

Enough. Rest will be good. 

So the key towards spiritual well-being is-

1. Observe your thoughts. How is your mind thinking. Make a note of thoughts in a diary if necessary. 

2. Make sure those thoughts arise for the benefit of all. Thoughts need not do good to others, but should not harm others. 

3. Let the thoughts revolve around efforts and not results. 

4. Thoughts on efforts will make us stronger, thoughts on results with no efforts will break us. The thought of 'what if' will definitely ruin our day and so will be life, says lord Krishna himself.

5. Let's build ourselves in this way, and life will be blessed. 

Thus, the path of spirituality flourishes. 

Just be 4

#justbe 4

Free thoughts come and go. As Sadguru asks in his lecture- "is there a necessity to overthink?"

How to know the difference between thinking and overthinking then? 

That's an interesting point to make. 

Whenever a person makes notes for a reason, for example a thought process to prepare for what to speak for some XYZ cause; that becomes thinking. That is preparing a thought for making efforts, to do certain karma. 

But many of us think over the results, being judgemental about it. Instead of thinking about our efforts we are more likely to think over- "what might happen if i don't pass or fail?". So there you start the process of overthinking which gives free thoughts with ease. I try hard to overcome this.

Our mind has become a convenor of such free thoughts which is portrayed as significant in our lives. But which is not true. 

Thinking about results only makes us feeble and we tend to increase unnecessary thoughts which attempts to destabilize our mind. 

Hence making a clear distinction between these two kinds of thoughts is the key. 

So when can we do this? 

Silence.

Yes. Closing eyes and observing mind. What kind of thoughts often arise in our minds. Let your mind free and let all the thought come out one by one. Just give way to each one of it and allow such unwanted free thoughts.

Once one starts letting all thoughts and frees out mind. The vaccum starts replacing the unnecessary thoughts. But the known intellectuals say it requires years of tapas. 

However taking a baby-step in this great process of getting more humane sounds interesting than to remain ignorant and overthink.

So let's try to sit 5 minutes in silence in a day and try observing our thoughts and let's discuss further. Shall we????

Aren't we all spiritual? To achieve spiritual contentment.

#justbe 3

We tried to understand the relationship between truth and silence in our previous blog. That is- whenever we accept ourselves as we are, there arises a true understanding. Like in the example we took, if Mr. X had accepted that eating omlette is no crime, since food is personal choice, then there wouldn't have been a problem. The problem arose, only when he thought his truth may discredit his social ego. That is where the so called lie takes birth. Instead making oneself comfortable with their own being, brings enormous change in one's life. 

So the very mantra is - accept it! Whatever it is. Your truth, your weakness, your positives, whatever it is. 

This acceptance transpires to oneself only when the person starts observing himself. To do that, staying silent is the key. Just when we make sure that we sit silently for only a few minutes a day and observe our free thoughts, we will know who we are! 

With a thorough practice of sitting silent, the free thoughts gradually reduces in number and you start building an aura of silence around you. This aura will fill in positivity wherever you attempt to establish. You tend to flourish slowly. 

Now the question is- how is spiritual contentment related to this? 

Spirituality is not anything else that is apart from you, but it is an instinct to be loyal to do anything which is part of you. 

To do anything(task) which we like in a great solitude means we are putting all our soul to make it happen. This great solitude comes only when we achieve an aura of silence around us, as discussed above. 

So the contentment is natural and is a bliss in this state. 

Achieving spiritual contentment with this continuous practice is paradise itself. 

The present scenario of our busy days pleads for it too. 

Happy blissful days ahead! 

What to expect in the next blog:

Relevance of spirituality in our daily lives! 

(More on free thoughts) 

Just Be - 2

#justbe

I connected spiritual contentment, silence and truth in my previous blog. So let's discuss on how it is related. 

Truth is the first part. With a wonderful conversation with my sister-in-law, she gave a beautiful example. 

"If Mr. X ate omlette for breakfast today. But in the office when Mr. Y asks what you ate today, he says dosa. So that's a lie. Then how can you say it as the face of truth when there's a lie also?" 

It's perfect. Like I said in my previous blog, delivering a truth has many assorted emotions being played in the background. While Mr. X is saying he ate dosa, it is not true, but his feeling of getting isolated in a societal setting plays the major role. That is, 'the assumption' of Mr. X that Mr. Y might dismay his truth, becomes a truth there. 

Psychologically, in our present system of socialising there pops out the concern. Whether Mr. Y accepts that truth (a lie of dosa) or disregards Mr. X's story and tries to reestablish the truth. So ultimately, the establishment of truth is in a continuous process, which has no end. That is what we are supposed to give a thought on. 

While you are silent and concede to yourself and remain for yourself, there arises a great step towards realisation. It is not that you are not caring about the world. But to remain within you so that you try to establish yourself first. Once you do that your mind deciphers the thin line between what to think and what not to about the world. That will ultimately help you towards spiritual contentment. 

There you start realising on- how to see the truth. There you start rebuilding your reality with all consciousness. 

PS: Special thanks to you Shlagha, for helping me in reconstruction of my thought process. 

What to expect in my next blog! 

Aren't we all spiritual? To achieve spiritual contentment.

Just Be - 1

#justbe

Truth has many faces. This is a common story we often hear. So I always thought, if it has face, whose face will that be! 

Truth doesn't have anything called-"its own". The face of truth will be seeker's face. For example if there is a fraudulent in the town, the truth of the fraudulent activity has different faces. Might be investigator, the victim, the fraudster, every one has their own verses of the story. To believe or not believe is secondary but to first have a side is important. The verse of an individual has assorted emotions being played while delivering his thought towards the story. Hence nothing is false. It is just as true as the sky we see. We just get to see it from the earth, and we can even judge: the sky is infinite, the sky is blue, the sky is filled with cotton rolls called clouds. We can utter what ever we want, that will be our verse of the story. However, the sky's version might be different on how, why it looks blue, if at all it is.

It is fact that the truth is never established fully in any case. There will always be a next step in establishing from the established truth. Thus it is a multi-dimensional story. The existence of the universe has many hidden facts. 

Seeking truth in whichever matter be like trying to establish our own mind and refining so that we will be reflected in a better way. Not just to showcase to the community but to grow from within. 

Seek the truth in silence, and it will prosper you in a better way, leading to the energy of spiritual path. 

Such a terminal will be a bliss! Spiritual contentment in silence is bliss!