ಪುಸ್ತಕ ವಿಮರ್ಶೆ - ಮೂರ್ಖನ ಮಾತುಗಳು - ಭಾಗ -೧

Today as was thinking about what to write, I found this post under drafts. From the YouTube video date it must be from late October 2022. 

Since everything here I still feel the same, posting today. 

I thought of ಮೂರ್ಖನ ಮಾತುಗಳು again as Kumbha Mela has started. I am sure there was some topics from Kumbha Mela in the book. I thought that I should ask my friend (My book is with a good friend now) to send me pics from those pages!

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ನಾನು ಮತ್ತೆ ಬರೆಯಲು ಶುರು  ಮಾಡುವ ಯೋಚನೆ ಮಾಡಿ , ಬ್ಲಾಗ್  ಗೆ ಮತ್ತೆ ರೀ-ಎಂಟ್ರಿ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದೇನೆ.

ಇದಕ್ಕೆ SubraMoney ಅವರ ಯೌಟ್ಯೂಬ್ ವಿಡಿಯೋ ಕೂಡ ಕಾರಣ. ಅದಕ್ಕೆ ಲಿಂಕ್ ಇಲ್ಲಿದೆ.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ky0lY7YlmVI

ಇವತ್ತು ನಾನು ಬರೆಯಲಿರುವ ವಿಷಯ ಮೂರ್ಖನ ಮಾತುಗಳು ಪುಸ್ತಕದ ಕುರಿತು.

ಇದು ನಾನು ಓದಿದ ಕನ್ನಡದ ಉತ್ತಮ ಪುಸ್ತಕಗಲ್ಲಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದು. ಇದರ ಲೇಖಕರು ಅಹೋರಾತ್ರ ಶ್ರೀ ನಟೇಶ ಪೋಲೆಪಲ್ಲಿಯವರು.

ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕ ಈಗಾಗಲೇ ೮ ಮುದ್ರಣಗಳನ್ನು ಕಂಡಿದೆ. ಸುಮಾರು ೧೫೦ ಅತ್ಯುತ್ತಮ  ಕನ್ನಡ ಪುಸ್ತಕಗಳನ್ನು ಪ್ರಕಟಿಸಿದ ಸಾವಣ್ಣ ಪ್ರಕಾಶನ ಇದನ್ನು ಹೊರತಂದಿದೆ.

ಮುಖಪುಟದಲ್ಲಿ ಶ್ರೀ ಅಹೋರಾತ್ರ ಅವರ ಭಾವಚಿತ್ರ ಮನೋಹರವಾಗಿದೆ  ಮತ್ತು ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಆಕರ್ಷಕವಾಗಿದೆ. ಪುಸ್ತಕದ ಶೀರ್ಷಿಕೆ ದೇವ , ದೇಶ ಮತ್ತು ದೇಹ ಎಂದು ಹೇಳುವುದರಿಂದ ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕ ಡಿಫರೆಂಟ್ ಆಗಿದೆ ಅನ್ನುವುದನ್ನು ನಾವು ಗ್ರಹಿಸಬಹುದಾಗಿದೆ. ಒಳಪುಟಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಇದು "A  Life  ಅಂಡ್ Philosophy ಬುಕ್ by ಅಹೋರಾತ್ರ " ಅಂತ ಕೂಡ ಇರೋದ್ರಿಂದ ಇದು ಭಿನ್ನವಾದ ಪುಸ್ತಕ ಅನ್ನುವುದು ಖಚಿತವಾಗುತ್ತೆ.

ಪುಸ್ತಕಕ್ಕೆ ಮುನ್ನುಡಿ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕರಾದ ಗುರುಪ್ರಸಾದ್ ಅವರದ್ದು ಮತ್ತು ಬೆನ್ನುಡಿ ನಟ, ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕ ಉಪೇಂದ್ರ ಅವರದ್ದಾಗಿದೆ. 

ಎರಡೂ ಬಹಳ ಸ್ವಾರಸ್ಯವಾಗಿ ಮೂಡಿಬಂದಿದೆ.

ಮುನ್ನುಡಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅಹೋರಾತ್ರರ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಗುರುಪ್ರಸಾದರು ಹೀಗೆ ಪ್ರಸ್ತಾಪಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ -

ನಮಗೆ ಗೊತ್ತಿರುವುದು ಜ್ಞಾನ ಅಲ್ಲ, ನಮಗೆ ಗೊತ್ತಿಲ್ಲದೇ ಇರೋದು ಜ್ಞಾನ ಅನ್ನೋ ವಿವೇಚನೆ ವಿನಮ್ರತೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅವರು ತಮ್ಮನ್ನ ತಾವು ಮೂರ್ಖ ಅಂತಾ ಕರ್ಕೋತಾರೆ. ತನ್ನನ್ನ ತಾನು ಜ್ಞಾನೀ ಅಂತ ಡಿಸೈಡ್ ಮಾಡ್ಕೊಂಡಿರೋನು ಮಹಾನ್ ಮೂರ್ಖ...

ಮುಂದುವರಿದು.. ಮೂರ್ಖನ ಮಾತುಗಳು ಪುಸ್ತಕದ ಹೆಸರೇ ಆತ್ಮೀಯವಾಗಿದೆ..ಬುದ್ದಿ ಜೀವಿಗಳ ಮಾತು ಕೇಳಿ ಕೇಳಿ ಸುಸ್ತಾದ ಜನರೇಶನ್ ನಾವು..ಸೊ ಬನ್ನಿ..ಈ "ಮೂರ್ಖ" ನ ಮಾತುಗಳ್ಳನ್ನು ಒಮ್ಮೆ ಕೇಳಿಬಿಡೋಣ.. ಅಂತ ಬಹಳ ಸುಂದರವಾಗಿ, ಆತ್ಮೀಯವಾಗಿ ಬರೆದಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

ಈ ಹೊತ್ತೊಗೆಯಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಲೇಖನಗಳ ಬಗ್ಗೆ  ಸಂಕ್ಷಿಪ್ತವಾಗಿ , ತಾವು ಕಲಿತ ಮೆಚ್ಚಿದ ವಿಷಯಗಳನ್ನು ಪಟ್ಟಿ ಮಾಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ: ಅವುಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಕೆಲವು ಹೀಗಿವೆ:

೧. ಈ ಜಗತ್ತಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಹೇಗೂ ಎಂಟ್ರಿ ಆಗಿದ್ದೇವೆ..ಎಕ್ಸಿಟ್ ಬಗೆಗಿನ ಆತನ ಐಡಿಯಾಗಳು.

೨. ಸಾಲ ಕೊಡುವ ಯಾವ ಕಚೇರಿಗೂ ಸ್ವಂತ ಕಛೇರಿಯಿಲ್ಲ,, ಎಲ್ಲವೂ ಬಾಡಿಗೆ ಕಚೇರಿಗಳೇ..

೩.  ದುಡ್ಡಿಗಾಗಿ ದುಡಿಯುವುದು ನರಕ. ದುಡ್ಡಿನಿಂದ ದುಡಿಸುವುದು ನಾಕ.

ಇನ್ನು ಬೆನ್ನುಡಿಗೆ ಬಂದರೆ, ಉಪೇಂದ್ರ ಅವರು ತಮ್ಮ ಮತ್ತು ಲೇಖಕರ ಪರಿಚಯದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಹೇಳಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

ಮೋದಿಯವರು ಹೇಳಿರುವಂತೆ "

कुछ बनने के नहीं, कुछ करने के सपने देखो 

" ಅಂತ ಹೇಳಿರುವುದನ್ನು ಪ್ರತ್ಯಕ್ಷವಾಗಿ ಅಹೋರಾತ್ರರಲ್ಲಿ ಕಂಡಿದ್ದಾರೆಂದು ಅಭಿಮಾನದಿಂದ ಹೇಳಿಕೊಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

ಇನ್ನು ಪುಸ್ತ್ರಕದ  ವಿಚಾರಕ್ಕೆ ಬರೋಣ:

ಮೊದಲ ಲೇಖನವೇ ನಿರ್ಗಮನದ ಕುರಿತು. ಅರೆ , ಇದೇನು ಮೊದಲೇ ನಿರ್ಗಮನ ಅಥವಾ EXIT ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಮಾತಾಡುತಿದ್ದಾರೆ ಅಂತ ಮೇಲ್ನೋಟಕ್ಕೆ ಅನ್ನಿಸಿದರೂ, ಒಮ್ಮೆ ಓದಿದಮೇಲೆ ನಮಗೆ ಇದರ ಅರಿವು ಉಂಟಾಗುತ್ತದೆ.

ಭಗವದ್ಗೀತೆಯ प्रवृत्तिं च निवृत्तिं च जना न विदुरासुराः ಇದನ್ನು ವಿಸ್ತರಿಸುತ್ತಾ, ಅಜ್ಞಾನಿಗಳು ಈ ಜಗತ್ತು ನನ್ನ ಹಿಡಿತದಲ್ಲಿ ಇದೆ ಎಂದು ತಿಳಿದವರು, ಎಲ್ಲಾ ವಿಷಯಗಳಲ್ಲಿಯೂ ನಿರ್ಗಮನ ಗಮನಿಸದೆ ಆಗಮಿಸುತ್ತಾರೆ (ಅಂದರೆ ಇಳಿಯುವುದರ ಪರಿವೆಯೇ ಇಲ್ಲದೆ ಹತ್ತುತ್ತಾರಲ್ಲ)

ಒಮ್ಮೆ ಆಗಮನ ಆದಮೇಲೆ ನಿರ್ಗಮನ ಆಗಲೇ ಬೇಕು..ಅಂದರೆ ಎಂಟ್ರಿ ಇದ್ದ ಕಡೆ ಎಕ್ಸಿಟ್ ಏರಲೇಬೇಕು ಎಂದು ಬಹಳ ಪ್ರಭಲವಾದ ವಿಷಯವೊಂದನ್ನು ಎಳೆ ಎಳೆ ಯಾಗಿ ಬಿಚ್ಚಿಡುತ್ತಾರೆ.

ಇಂತಹ ಸ್ಟ್ರಾಂಗ್ ಸಬ್ಜೆಕ್ಟ್ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಹೇಳಲು ಭಗವದ್ಗೀತೆ , ಲಾಲ್ ಬಹದ್ದೂರ್ ಶಾಸ್ತ್ರಿ, 

ಸರ್ ಮ್.ವಿಶ್ವೇಶ್ವರಯ್ಯ ಅವರ ಜೀವನದ ಘಟನೆ ಹೀಗೆ ಹಲವರ ಜೀವನದ ಘಟನೆಗಳನ್ನ ತಿಳಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

ಇನ್ನೊಂದು ಲೇಖನದಲ್ಲಿ ನೇತ್ರ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ತಿಳಿಸುತ್ತಾ, 

ಅಹೋರಾತ್ರರ  ಕೆಲವೊಂದು ವಯಕ್ತಿತ ಅನುಭವದ ದಾಖಲೆಗಳಿವೆ

ಇದರಲ್ಲಿ ಬದುಕಿನ ಪಾಠವಿದೆ , ಆಧ್ಯಾತ್ಮದ ತಿರುಳಿದೆ , ಪುರಾಣದ ಉದಾರಣೆಗಳಿವೆ ,  ತನ್ನನ್ನಾ ತಾನು ಮೂರ್ಖ ಅಂತ ಕರೆದುಕೊಂಡಿರೊ ಅಹೋರಾತ್ರರ  ಕೆಲವೊಂದು ವಯಕ್ತಿತ ಅನುಭವದ ದಾಖಲೆಗಳಿವೆ ಆದ್ರೆ ಎಲ್ಲಿಯು ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕವನ್ನಾ ಓದೊವಾಗ  ಬೇಸರವಂತು ಆಗೋದಿಲ್ಲ .ಪುಸ್ತಕ ಓದಿ ಆದ ಎಷ್ಟೊ ದಿನಗಳು ಕೂಡಾ ಅಲ್ಲಿನ ಲೇಖನವನ್ನಾ ಆಗಾಗ್ಗೆ ನೆನಪಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು  ಒಂದು ಮುಗುಳ್ನಗ್ತಿದ್ದೆ  

Matters of old age

Today the lunch table discussions led to talks about why the aging parents act so indifferent. One of my friend was so upset after she is back from vacation to her native country. She went their after several years for a brief vacation and her mother made her feel very bad by being unpredictable and at times by being naggy. 

team at the table felt it could be a cry for attention like the kids do. Or it could be feeling of being insignificant etc etc.

I have observed this in my surroundings and find itvery intriguing. How can we be sane and peaceful as we grow older. I have seen that parents who grow and evolve along with their children have a high chance of being in sync with them which will reduce conflicts and increase mutual understanding and happiness.. For such families the shift in the thought process does not seem sudden or different.

The Maha Kumbh

Today Maha Kumbh started. It's world's biggest religious gathering that happens on this planet. 

This year about 400 million people are expected to reach Prayagraj between 13january to 28 th Feb. That's about 10 times the population Sweden.

I have been deep diving on this from a couple of times and I was surprised to find that during Kumbh, the area where the fair happens is converted to a district this UP gets an additional district during this time. The whole time is run like any other districts in India which a DC and DSP etc. 

While the Kumbh Mela is a big wonder the way it's run and executed is another such wonder.

Well-spoken word - Subhashitam-सुभाषितम्

पृथिव्यां त्रीणि रत्नानि जलमन्नं सुभाषितम् |
मूढैः पाषाणखण्डेषु रत्नसंज्ञा विधीयते ||

On this earth there are 3 gems ; water, food and wise words. But fools think only stone pieces as gems.

There is no doubt about first two which ensures physical health. Wise words ensue mental health and personal growth. I think subhashita is an encrypted way to include all other essential things needed for life like social, financial and mental wellbeing!So Smart!.

Maha's Card

 

Anagha's Video Card

 

Its Maith's Birthday

 

Geeta Everyday - 18.6

ಏತಾನ್ಯಪಿ ತು ಕರ್ಮಾಣಿ ಸಙ್ಗಂ ತ್ಯಕ್ತ್ವಾ ಫಲಾನಿ ಚ |

ಕರ್ತವ್ಯಾನೀತಿ ಮೇ ಪಾರ್ಥ ನಿಶ್ಚಿತಂ ಮತಮುತ್ತಮಮ್ || 18.6||

etaanyapi tu karmaani sangam tyaktvaa phalaani cha |

kartavyaaneeti me paartha nishchintam matamuttamam || 18.6 ||

 

The practice of Yagna , daana should never be abandoned.(18.5)

But, 

even those actions should be performed, giving up attachment and rewards. This, O Paartha, is my definite and foremost conclusion.

Let's think :

Do Yagna, Daana and Tapas  leaving ownership.

Doing nothing can be Addictive - Bhagavad Gita - 2.3

Its been very long since I wrote a blog post or read a book. The creative part of me has been in hibernation for sometime. If I start giving excuses , there can be a big list. of course more work load, chores at home etc. But this did not stop me from watching web series or movies on TV! Silicon Valley being one of them.

My friend has been following up with me to resume with the recordings for our podcasts. I have not been able to find time for that either. 

This made me think that the thread of "not doing things" if started will have cascaded effect and we will get addicted to it mush faster.

In Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna after listening to Arjuna's lamentation for a long time (all of chapter 1) says that -

क्षुद्रं हृदयदौर्बल्यं त्यक्त्वोत्तिष्ठ परन्तप

that is it does not suit you to have such petty weakness, Leave it aside and Get up and Do your Dharma!

Weakness of not doing things(Read it as meaningful things) is so natural. It is a least resistive path!

Only way to come out of it is to Start Doing Things. One of our CEO always said that  - The trick is in Doing! I couldn't agree more!

I realized that I have already written a post on verse 2.3 here! 

"He" can take any form - सम्भवाम्यात्ममायया - Bhagavad Gita - 4.6

I had been to a spiritual Camp a couple of years ago. In the Camp, at one point all the participants were asked to sit facing each other. This was a session about Where is GOD and How does 'He' appear to us?  In a very impactful way, the Teacher said that GOD  might have come to you in the form of the person sitting next to you. It made us realize that GOD can come in any form. Since he is so powerful, he can take any form!

This verse from Chapter 4 reminded me of the activity that was done in the spiritual Course. One of my friends used to say that the Help or message can come from anywhere and in any form. She believes that when she was in conflict, GOD can send his message through a street vendor, a dialogue in a TV series, or something an RJ says on the radio! 

अजोऽपि सन्नव्ययात्मा भूतानामीश्वरोऽपि सन् |

प्रकृतिं स्वामधिष्ठाय सम्भवाम्यात्ममायया || 6||

ಅಜೋSಪಿ ಸನ್ನವ್ಯಯಾತ್ಮಾ ಭೂತಾನಾಮೀಶ್ವರೋSಪಿ ಸನ್ ।

ಪ್ರಕೃತಿಂ ಸ್ವಾಮಧಿಷ್ಠಾಯ ಸಂಭವಾಮ್ಯಾತ್ಮಮಾಯಯಾ ॥೬॥

Meaning: Although I am unborn, the Lord of all living entities, and have an imperishable nature, yet I appear in this world by virtue of Yogmaya, my divine power.

A Profound Question by Arjuna - चञ्चलं हि मन: कृष्ण - 6.34

In Gita there are several times when Arjuna asks questions that even comes to our mind. In many ways, Arjuna extracts a lot of life lessons from Lord Sri Krishna with his very valuable questions. In 6.34 Arjuna again asks a profound question about how to control the mind.

In this verse, Arjuna asks that the mind is so turbulent and stubborn and it is so difficult to control it. It churns the same thoughts, so how to control it which is like holding the wind.

For which Lord Krishna agrees completely and says, definitely Mind is in reality very turbulent and difficult to handle. But you can do it with practice and detachment. It is possible by perseverance and practice.

चञ्चलं हि मन: कृष्ण प्रमाथि बलवद्दृढम् |

तस्याहं निग्रहं मन्ये वायोरिव सुदुष्करम् || 6-34||

श्रीभगवानुवाच |

असंशयं महाबाहो मनो दुर्निग्रहं चलम् |

अभ्यासेन तु कौन्तेय वैराग्येण च गृह्यते || 6-35||

यो मां पश्यति सर्वत्र ( Bhagavad Gita - 6.30) - Change The Way You Look At Things and....

Verse 6.30 is just beautiful. 

"yo māṁ paśhyati sarvatra sarvaṁ cha mayi paśhyati" 

Lord Krishna says that when someone looks at all other beings with an awareness of the presence of Cosmic Consciousness in everyone, he is always looking at GOD. 

In turn, GOD who is present in all is also looking at that person. GOD is with such a person always! In this way, both don't forget each other. 

"tasyāhaṁ na praṇaśhyāmi sa cha me na praṇaśhyati"

This means if you see GOD in everyone and GOD in everyone sees you always. I got immense insight and joy reading this verse and listening to our Gita Guru, Shivaswamiji explaining this.

This verse I tried to interpret is below.

Though it was told to us many times, in many ways from childhood, the joy this verse gives is class apart.

ಅನ್ನವನು ಇಕ್ಕುವುದು ನನ್ನಿಯನು ನುಡಿಯುವುದು 

ತನ್ನ೦ತೆ ಪರರ  ಬಗೆದೊಡೆ

ಕೈಲಾಸ  ಬಿನ್ನಾಣವಕ್ಕು ಸರ್ವಜ್ಞ 

Sarvagna vachanas said that if you see yourself in all, then surely you will reach Kailasa.

With the new understanding of 6.30- I interpret the vachana as if you treat everyone same as the GOD in You, then the GOD in others will treat you well- with that the life becomes ao enjoyable like living in Kailasa. 

I recalled that at the Convent school where I studied, there were quotes from Bible  -  "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself".  This again points to a similar concept.

I am a huge fan of Wayne Dyer and influenced by his speeches and books. He has said that  

“Change The Way You Look At Things And The Things You Look At Change".

I see a lot of things are said and a lot is hidden in this quote which relates back to "yo māṁ paśhyati sarvatra sarvaṁ cha mayi paśhyati" 

Do let me know what you feel...

उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं (Bhagavad Gita - 6.5) - I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul

उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत् |

आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मन: || 6-5||

ಉದ್ಧರೇದಾತ್ಮನಾತ್ಮಾನಂ ನಾತ್ಮಾನಮವಸಾದಯೇತ್ ।

ಆತ್ಮೈವ ಹ್ಯಾತ್ಮನೋ ಬಂಧುರಾತ್ಮೈವ ರಿಪುರಾತ್ಮನಃ || 6-5|

In this verse, Lord Krishna is clearly telling us to be the driver of our life and destiny. He tells that one has to work towards the upliftment of oneself and never let it down. since No one else but himself is the greatest Friend and the worst Enemy.

My Gita Guruji reiterated it by saying that " ನಮ್ಮ ಉದ್ದಾರ ನಾವೇ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕು", that is you only are responsible for your upliftment and no one else. 

It is a Command from Lord himself. So we can't blame anyone for our situation. It is our own absolute responsibility.

After I heard this , I was contemplating on this verse and recalled lines from the poem, Invictus by William Ernest Henley  " I am the master of my fate,  I am the captain of my soul". 

My daughter MM read it to me a couple of days back. She has written a beautiful post on this here:

Invictus- William Ernest Henley

Being in Present - गतासूनगतासूंश्च नानुशोचन्ति पण्डिता (Bhagavad Gita - 2.11)

This is one of the powerful verses in Gita.Here Srikrishna is telling us neither to live in the Past nor in the Future but to be in the Present.

It also says, only wise men don't dwell in the Past or worry for future. So whenever we drift away to past or future, the question to ask is Am I a Wise person or not!

As Indians, we bask in the glory of ancient India and all that we had and did 2000 years ago. But as Lord Krishna says here, we need to go on doing our duty and make today's India Great and not just talk about the past!

अशोच्यानन्वशोचस्त्वं प्रज्ञावादांश्च भाषसे |

गतासूनगतासूंश्च नानुशोचन्ति पण्डिता: || 11||

aśhochyān-anvaśhochas-tvaṁ prajñā-vādānśh cha bhāṣhase

gatāsūn-agatāsūnśh-cha nānuśhochanti paṇḍitāḥ|| 11||

ಅಶೋಚ್ಯಾನನ್ವಶೋಚಸ್ತ್ವಂ ಪ್ರಜ್ಞಾವಾದಾಂಶ್ಚ ಭಾಷಸೇ |

ಗತಾಸೂನಗತಾಸೂಂಶ್ಚ ನಾನುಶೋಚಂತಿ ಪಂಡಿತಾಃ ॥೧೧॥

Guiding Lines - Mankutimmana Kagga

I derive inspiration from DVG's Mankutimmana Kagga. One of the Kagga which stands out for me is 

ಇಳೆಯಿಂದ ಮೊಳಕೆಯೊಗವಂದು ತಮಟೆಗಳಿಲ್ಲ ।

ಫಲ ಮಾಗುವಂದು ತುತ್ತೂರಿ ದನಿಯಿಲ್ಲ ॥

ಬೆಳಕೀವ ಸೂರ್ಯಚಂದ್ರರದೊಂದು ಸದ್ದಿಲ್ಲ ।

ಹೊಲಿ ನಿನ್ನ ತುಟಿಗಳನು - ಮಂಕುತಿಮ್ಮ ॥

There are no drum beats when a sprout rises out of the earth. 

No trumpets when fruits ripe. 

The Sun and the Moon shine silently. 

Stitch your lips!

These lines make me introspect in many ways. 

We are always in a hurry to show off  (mistaken for accomplishment!). The most prominent and most important things in the Universe go on without any pomp..,

Sprounting, Ripening of Fruits, and even the Sun and Moon work quietly but eternally!

This is also a reminder about doing work that we are meant to do...Keep doing your work irrespective of whether it is being noticed or not...and without showing it off!

The Strong & Shocking "Sakthi" - The Amazing People in My Life Series

I met Sakthi in one of my Quickrides. He is one of the quick friendships I made during Quickride rides. Read my earlier post here. 

I had taken a ride on Quickride one day when I heard a conversation of co-riders. The person was saying that after he reaches home he will go cycling up until the Airport and be back by midnight! I was shocked to hear this and what shocked me more was he does it all weekdays! I could not believe this and told him it is better to go to a bigger Apartment where there is ample place to cycle than to go on roads like this at night. The answer to this shocked me further -  He said he has got used to it and he goes cycling to nearby places like Nandhi Hills, Ramnagar, Savandurga, etc on weekends! I could not believe what I heard as he got down from the car as we reached near his place.

After a couple of days, when I and MM offered a ride, Sakthi joined us. This gave me some more time and freedom to talk to him. He worked for an Engineering MNC and he loved his work as a Mechanical Engineer. We also got to know that he was from Mumbai. In about one and a half hours long ride on the first day, we got to know that after he went for a long assignment to the UK, on the day he returned to Bangalore he met with a major accident and he was bedridden for more than 2 months with no hope of getting back on his feet again. But he made up his mind and started walking slowly, then cycling, and later swimming so that he triggers his muscles and gets back to normalcy quickly and he had done it in less than 6 months. His Doctor had told him that it is not less than a miracle. This shocked me yet again also could not stop thinking about his Grit! His Courage and determination impressed me naturally. I had heard or read such stories of people but never met one in person before!

Sakthi became regular to join us on our rides and in each ride, he would say one or the other thing which will leave us shocked, surprised or dumbstruck or all at a time!

One of the days the discussion was about our alma mater colleges and he said he is from IIT Powai in a lowly voice. He is an IITan! A B.Tech from IIT Bombay. The modesty he shows when he says about his alma mater is unbelievable! 

With time, I got to know about his family - that his Father is Marathi and his Mother is a Tamilian so he has relatives in both Maharastra as well as in Tamil Nadu. His siblings have done well too with One a Master's in Management and another pursuing Medicine. As I had gotten used to his Shocking revelations- I probed him further, and again I was not disappointed! His brother is from IIM Ahmedabad! 

Sakthi, had taken help of a Physiotherapist, won over himself and get back to his feet. Then he was planning to go on Tour de France 2020. He was preparing for it with zeal! He would cycle long distances while his physiotherapist will follow him in his car! Highly intense and disciplined in his practice! However, the world was hit by virus and so he could not make it..

Sakthi is also a Chess Champion who has won many contests.

On one of these rides, we had a Techie joining us who was let's say was a "Cool Dude". He was talking about his college days and his Biking hobby(he had Royal Enfield) with an accent and attitude. Sakhi chimed in and told him that he also was a biker one time and had Triumph! As the conversation picked up, Cool Dude was shocked one by one as he got to know about Sakthi's accolades one by one! While getting down from the car he said "This ride has just changed my Life" and I agree every ride with Sakthi is life-changing. 

Sakthi as his name says is a "Power" packed personality. His never-give-up attitude is an inspiration. I always told him that his parents have named him very aptly as what is called 'Anvartha Nama' in Sanskrit. 

Sakthi shocks me with the projects he is involved during last two years of lockdown every time we talk! He is also penning down his life as a book which will come out shortly. I wish him powerful energies to achieve his goals.

Finding Ikigai & Swadharme Nidhanam Shreyah- Bhagavad Gita - 3.35

I was always intrigued by this shloka from Bhagavad Gita. How to find "Swadharma" was my unsettled question.

Chapter 3 Karmayoga Verse 35 Sri Krishna says that it is better to do things that define you as a person than do things that define others. 

śhreyān swa-dharmo viguṇaḥ para-dharmāt sv-anuṣhṭhitāt
swa-dharme nidhanaṁ śhreyaḥ para-dharmo bhayāvahaḥ

ಶ್ರೇಯಾನ್ ಸ್ವಧರ್ಮೋ ವಿಗುಣಃ ಪರಧರ್ಮಾತ್ ಸ್ವನುಷ್ಠಿತಾತ್ ।
ಸ್ವಧರ್ಮೇ ನಿಧನಂ ಶ್ರೇಯಃ ಪರಧರ್ಮೋ ಭಯಾವಹಃ ॥೩೫॥

श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुण: परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात् |

स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेय: परधर्मो भयावह: || 35||

I got a beautiful explanation for this in the Gita Class. 

My Guru put it very well as saying it is the Aptitude that defines your Innate Dharma. We should get into a work that suits our Aptitude, which is enjoyable, gives us Happiness and while performing such work we feel Timelessness. We will get in a sense of Flow.

Though it may have some glitches, it is always better to be in your own path as the other's path which how much every  beneficial, proven, and faultless may create Fear in us.

The dharma a person follows gives Meaning and Purpose to Life

I could so well draw parallels with the recently popular concept Ikigai. 

Ikigai is a Japanese concept referring to having a direction or purpose in life, providing a sense of fulfillment and towards which the person may take actions, giving them satisfaction and a sense of meaning.

Ikigai is finding that sweet spot that intersects with 

What you are Good at 

What you Love

What you can be paid for

and

What the World Needs 

Here again, the important thing is you.. (Swadharma)! 

3.35 is one of my all time favourite Shloka..

क्षुद्रं हृदयदौर्बल्यं त्यक्त्वोत्तिष्ठ परन्तप - Bhagavad Gita 2.3

The second Chapter is the starting point of the Life Transformation process for Arjuna. In reality, Arjuna is a representative of all humans. Hence it is a transformation journey for all of us. 

Arjuna laments and defends his decision of not fighting in the Kurukshetra war for multiple reasons and in about 18.5 verses.!

All through this Lord Krishna does not speak a word and listens to him as he is a great listener. After all this - Srikrishna with a firm voice says - Get up to fight Arjuna, don't show weakness!

क्लैब्यं मा स्म गम: पार्थ नैतत्त्वय्युपपद्यते | 

क्षुद्रं हृदयदौर्बल्यं त्यक्त्वोत्तिष्ठ परन्तप || 3||

klaibyaṁ mā sma gamaḥ pārtha naitat tvayyupapadyate

kṣhudraṁ hṛidaya-daurbalyaṁ tyaktvottiṣhṭha parantapa|| 3||

ಕ್ಲೈಬ್ಯಂ ಮಾಸ್ಮಗಮಃ ಪಾರ್ಥ ನೈತತ್ ತ್ವಯ್ಯುಪಪದ್ಯತೇ ।

ಕ್ಷುದ್ರಂ ಹೃದಯದೌರ್ಬಲ್ಯಂ ತ್ಯಕ್ತ್ವೋತ್ತಿಷ್ಠ ಪರಂತಪ ॥೩॥

This sounds similar to what Vivekananda said :

Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached!

Speaking to Ashish Vidyarthi

Yesterday morning at about 7 am I tuned into Club House and just got into a room.

The discussion was about "what is that you are grateful for in yourself" in his Club Nurturing Greatness. I felt I could add my points, raised my hand, and quickly got onto the stage.. in a couple of seconds Ashishji who was moderating the room called me and asked me to share my thoughts. 

I was thrilled and excited to speak in front of one of the best actors of our times and a great human being. I spoke for about 2 minutes and got appreciation from Ashishji!. That really made my day and felt elated! And that's how I started out at ClubHouse!!!

Then I realized I did not even take a screenshot of this..Duh!

Q&A - The Beauty of Bhagavad Gita

Bhagvat Gita can be called a Personality Development Program which gives us guidelines to Lead a Fulfilling Life and to reach Paripoornate(ಪರಿಪೂರ್ಣತೆ).

Gita also stands apart due to the format in which it's given to us:  Q&A - Question & Answer.

During training, presentations, and other sessions, I have experienced that if there is no Q&A, then the involvement from the listeners will reduce drastically. The takeaway will be really less. While if there are a couple of questions from the crowd and if there is a good response from the presenter, many more people from the crowd get involved and engaged.

I have also seen that if the sessions get more interesting based on the questions that are asked. Also, more ofter it is others questions than my own from which I have learned more!

In a similar way, Arjuna while in a session with Sri Krishna asks beautiful, interesting, leading, and probing questions. The answer to these questions forms Lord Krishna's words and the Bhagvat Gita in 575 Shlokas or verses.

Probing Question - Chapter 4, Verse 4 (4.4)

अपरं भवतो जन्म परं जन्म विवस्वत: |

कथमेतद्विजानीयां त्वमादौ प्रोक्तवानिति || 4||

aparaṁ bhavato janma paraṁ janma vivasvataḥ

katham etad vijānīyāṁ tvam ādau proktavān iti|| 4||

ಅಪರಂ ಭವತೋ ಜನ್ಮ ಪರಂ ಜನ್ಮ ವಿವಸ್ವತಃ ।

ಕಥಮೇತದ್ ವಿಜಾನೀಯಾಂ ತ್ವಮಾದೌ ಪ್ರೋಕ್ತವಾನಿತಿ ॥೪॥

In 4.4, Arjuna probes Sri Krisha who says that he had initiated Bhagwan Surya, Sun God with the yogic knowledge during the creation of the Universe. This makes Arjun ask - you are almost of my age, how should I know that you taught Sun?

Question for to understand more- Chapter 3, Verse 36 (3.36)

अथ केन प्रयुक्तोऽयं पापं चरति पूरुष: |

अनिच्छन्नपि वार्ष्णेय बलादिव नियोजित: || 36||

atha kena prayukto ’yaṁ pāpaṁ charati pūruṣhaḥ

anichchhann api vārṣhṇeya balād iva niyojitaḥ|| 36||

ಅಥ ಕೇನ ಪ್ರಯುಕ್ತೋsಯಂ ಪಾಪಂ ಚರತಿ ಪೂರುಷಃ ।

ಅನಿಚ್ಛನ್ನಪಿ ವಾರ್ಷ್ಣೇಯ ಬಲಾದಿವ ನಿಯೋಜಿತಃ ॥೩೬॥

In 3.36 - Arjuna asks Lord Krishna why does a man make mistakes unwillingly when he knows it is not correct and he does anyway as if by force.  

Question for Clarity - Chapter 3, Verse 1 & 2 (3.1 & 3.2)

ಜ್ಯಾಯಸೀ ಚೇತ್ ಕರ್ಮಣಸ್ತೇ ಮತಾ ಬುದ್ಧಿರ್ಜನಾರ್ದನ ।

ತತ್ ಕಿಂ ಕರ್ಮಣಿ ಘೋರೇ ಮಾಂ ನಿಯೋಜಯಸಿ ಕೇಶವ ॥೧॥

ವ್ಯಾಮಿಶ್ರೇಣ್ಯೇವ ವಾಕ್ಯೇನ ಬುದ್ಧಿಂ ಮೋಹಯಸೀವ ಮೇ ।

ತದೇಕಂ ವದ ನಿಶ್ಚಿತ್ಯ ಯೇನ ಶ್ರೇಯೋsಹಮಾಪ್ನುಯಾಮ್ ॥೨॥

jyāyasī chet karmaṇas te matā buddhir janārdana

tat kiṁ karmaṇi ghore māṁ niyojayasi keśhava

vyāmiśhreṇeva vākyena buddhiṁ mohayasīva me

tad ekaṁ vada niśhchitya yena śhreyo ’ham āpnuyām

ज्यायसी चेत्कर्मणस्ते मता बुद्धिर्जनार्दन |

तत्किं कर्मणि घोरे मां नियोजयसि केशव || 1||

व्यामिश्रेणेव वाक्येन बुद्धिं मोहयसीव मे |

तदेकं वद निश्चित्य येन श्रेयोऽहमाप्नुयाम् || 2||

After Sankya Yoga, where Lord emphasizes the importance of Gnana Yoga but asks Arjuna to do his Action(Karma). Arjuna gets confused and says two ways are confusing and just give me one simple answer!