0
Posted on by

NEW YEAR (Per Hindu calendar)

The new year per hindu calendar begins with the month “Chaitra”, also celebrated as First day of Navratri. India Culture has major importance for “Navratri”. Nav- meaning Nine and “Ratri”-meaning nights, so basically its a festival of 9 nights celebrated twice in a year Spring & Autumn, Basically its an important transition weather wise and Of Solar movement.Though, the dates of navratri are calculated based on lunar calendar.

Astronomically speaking, the March equinox occurs when the Sun crosses the celestial equator on its way north along the ecliptic.  In the Northern Hemisphere, the March equinox is known as the vernal, or spring, equinox, and marks the start of the spring season.

The New Year per Indian calendar is celebrated by almost all the religions/regions across the India with different name.In South it is celebrated as “Ugadi”,In Maharashtra and Konkan region as “Gudi Padwa”, In Punjab as “Baisakhi”, in Tamilnadu as “Puthandu”, in Assam as “Bohaag Bihu”, in West Bengal and parts of Tripura as “Pohela Boishakh”. Ugadi word is believed to be orginated from word “YUG + AADI” meaning begining of new era.

1
Posted on by

HOLI : HOW AND WHY ??

As we were getting ready to get in the festive moods of Holi , my 8 year old asked why we light fire on Holi and I realized I have to write about this festival 🙂

holiN

“HOLI” a vibrant and colourful festival of INDIA. Generally celebrated around the month of March – April  is also known as “Faag” or “Phagwaa” .

Let’s go first with HOW holi is celebrated.It’s mainly celebrated for 2 days the first day is celebrated by lighting fire in the evening time. People go around the fire seeking blessings. This is called “Holika dahan“. To my understanding this name was derived from the mythological story of King Hiranyakashyap and his son Prahald who was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu.”Holika” was the name of King’s sister who entered the blazing fire with Prahlad on her lap (with the thought that Prahlad will be killed and since she had a boon to enter fire unscathed she will be saved.) Prahlad was saved by God and Holika was burnt in fire. “dahan” in hindi means burnt(combustion in literal word) ..hence the name “Holika dahan“.

The next day is celebrated in most of the India as “Dhuredi/Dhulandi” or “Rang Panchami“. Apart from making various delicious preparations the way this day is celebrated has transformed a lot, though the basic aspect of “playing with Colors” remains the same. Many other mythological tales related to Holi are about Lord Krishna and Radha, Ogress Pootna and Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva and Kaamdeva.The basic moral of these stories is be truthful,honest and fight from evil.

Culturally people believe that this is the day when every one forgets the hatred, misunderstanding etc and makes a fresh start by applying colors to each other and hugging each other. The aim is to bring every one closer and tie them in the thread of “UNITY” through this festival.

Coming to scientific part as to WHY “Holi” is celebrated there are various reasons to it, this is the time when weather changes from cold winter to onset of spring, people are generally lethargic and because of the weather transition there is growth of bacteria in the environment and in the human body, hence when people do parikrima around fire(meaning circumambulate around fire) because of the heat the bacteria within the body and the ones present in environment die.The fun and Frolic associated with Holi, the brisk movements , loud music etc, play a vital role in rejuvenating the Human body.

During olden times people used organic colours basically turmeric & flowers of Tesu/palaash/dhhak/Kinshuk (Butea monosperma) were used to make colours. Turmeric acts as antiseptic and apart from other good elements its loaded with Vitamin,C,E,K etc. hence is a wonderful immunity booster. Similarly Dried flowers of palaash are crushed and soaked in water all night and used to play for holi, this acts as a very good protection from various skin diseases apart from various other medicinal benefits. There is a whole new stream of science called “chromatics” that explains how different colours play different roles in Human life and impact us in various different ways. So hope you enjoyed your Holi with your loved ones in its True spirit “with love and loads of Colors” !!!

1
Posted on by

Dilemmas of an NRI….

NRI….Non Resident Indians…

Dilemmas of NRI’s (BIRDS MAKING NEST AWAY FROM their NEST) …

This post is not just about Indians living abroad, but about all those people who migrate to new places from their homeland. I wrote NRI because I am one of them. After living for so long away from INDIA and having met so many like me from different parts of WORLD, I know this article holds true for all of us.

No matter whats our skin color, hair color or what language we speak, Our HEARTS beat the same way, they display the same EMOTIONS, cause at the end of the day we are all HUMANS.

NRI – The NON RESIDENT INDIANS . For some a dream come true status and for some a matter of destiny. I guess for those whom its a dream come true (I mean a choice made consciously) the dilemma may not be there or just a few. However for all others it starts as soon as they land in a land far away from homeland.

I still remember the day when my plane took off from Mumbai airport. As it sped on the run away & gradually took off late in the darkness of night… I could see the buildings lit with lights…, cars ,queens necklace…all getting smaller & smaller… I could feel my heart wrenching, a lump in my throat and tears rushing in to my eyes ready to roll down my cheeks…. I felt a BIG part of me is left behind and right that moment the thought came ..not sure for how long or if I ever will be back to call it HOME again.

Well I don’t know if all go through the same emotions but I know majority of us start thinking about homeland as soon as we land on a Foreign land( without knowing that we will start calling this land as our HOMEAND few years down the lane). Firstly we all struggle with establishing ourselves ,career wise, culture wise to the new land. Once achieved this the BIG question arises….should we go back ,should we stay back…what’s the best time to go back, How old should be the kids for easy transition..all these questions run as Bollywood movies black & white flashback in our mind. For a long time this continues to be the topic amongst the family get together’s or casual meets over a cup of tea.

Is there a certain concrete answer to it ??? I am afraid no… there is no firm YES or NO to it. As we all are unique and different individuals in our own way so are our situations. Our Family situations and needs will be different, our career goals are different , our financial securities are different and so are our PRIORITIES. I can tell you one thing no situation is a win win situation, they all have their own pros & cons. I have met some friends who stayed for few years & then just left (Some planned for couple of years & left, some who just left like that) , some who went back & came back , some who did this back & forth couple of times (and I am not exaggerating) , have met seniors who have told , we regret we could not go at the right time , if you even think about it then go at the right time. RIGHT TIME …what is a right time…or should I say is there a RIGHT time ??? Answer to it is there is no time such as RIGHT TIME… you make your decisions as RIGHT DECISIONS and then you call that time as RIGHT TIME.

My point is keep your priorities clear and enjoy your present . Life has its UPS and DOWNS. Please do not compare..else you will always be tensed and you will never make up your mind , you will always be in DILEMMA.I Wish LIFE was as simple as 2 + 2 = 4 . Alas, its not, but isn’t that the beauty of it.

I read a post about a person who hadn’t been to her parents for last 10 years (I am sure there must have been some valid reasons for it) she missed them desperately she wanted to go badly…she did go FINALLY ..one day …after receiving a CALL (that we all dread for) . I just wish she could have taken that one decision… when she could have enjoyed the twinkle in those waiting eyes, that warm HUG she was desperately desiring for , “come my sweetie” that lovely voice she was longing to hear for… We all go through such thoughts …WHEN , HOW …there is no perfect answer to it.Sometimes putting too much BRAIN is not worth ..LISTEN to your HEART. Sometimes it gives you right guidance too.

I hear the discussions EDUCATION is better here or there. As parents we all want best for our kids, our parents did for us too right ?? We Studied in our HOMELAND’s but are making successful career here equally competent with kids who studies here right. We have seen people who studied here and are making marks in other countries. Discussions about the families , facilities, earnings…the point is there no END to these discussions. There is no fixed formula for it , there is no firm yes or no. The point is be HAPPY where ever you are, make that call ..listen to your HEART, we all get ONE LIFE. Do not spend it in regretting instead LIVE IT enjoying with what you have and what you do. We all are our own MASTERS. As long as you are happy from within, you will enjoy wherever you live and it will be your HOME SWEET HOME.

0
Posted on by

जीवन सरल है ….The life is Simple

Life is simpleजीवन सरल है
अगर मौन कथा है औ मन ही में सीमित व्यथा है ,
जीवन सरल है
गर मंदिर-मस्जिद के फेरों से दूर ,मन के घेरे में शिवाला है,
जीवन सरल है
तेरे मेरे इसके उसके जालों से परे गर यह  मन मस्त मतवाला है,
जीवन सरल है
गर झूठ-प्रपंच से परे यह मन सच की राह पे चलने वाला है,
थोड़ी सी हैं साँसे फिर भी जाले कई बुने  हैं हमने
साफ़ रहे जो यह मन तो जीवन सचमुच सरल है…
फंसे जो इन मकड़ जालों में तो फिर जीवन विकट गरल है
वर्ना हंस के जीते जाओ तो जीवन यह बहुत सरल है….

प्रीति मिश्र तिवारी
The life is Simple
if silence is your story and you keep your sorrows to yourself
The life is simple
if you are away from the differences of religions and realize GOD is within you
Life is simple
if you are away from worldly matters of this is his this is mine, if you are content with what you have
Life is simple
if your heart follows the truth and is away from the lies and deceptions
Life is short lived and still we have webs of wrongdoing around us…
if your conscience is clear then life is really simple…
if you get entangled in the cobwebs of hatred and lies then life is very difficult
else..follow the right path smilingly and you will realize this  life is very simple…

0
Posted on by

Badi/Vadi/Bari/Vade/Saange/Mangodi

Badi Or Vadi or Bari or mangodi or vade or saange , these dried dumplings are named and pronounced in different ways in different parts of India.

I saw a lot of enquiries and curiosity about this food item , hence thought to include the details about it in my BLOG. As you know  my blog is not an exclusive blog on cooking but its more about understanding our roots in the form of culture,teachings and also amalgamation of various thoughts that I ponder on..

Since Badi is one item that has been made and used since generations I thought to include it in my blog. NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION..this saying holds true for the origination of Badi/Vadi/Bari. Unlike today’s time not all the grains/pulses and vegetables were available all throughout the year in the olden times. Hence, people invented different ways to store these items so as they can savour these all throughout  out the year.

My Grandma (Nani) was the one who introduced us to this delicacy as she makes these at home  very nice White gourd/winter melon badi.

My MIL is the one who knows making different varieties that I have shared here and that too really tasty ones.

Those who are experienced in making badis  say that badi making is an  art not everyone can make it perfect. (Note : I’ve never made them , I enjoy and savor  what my MIL makes) and by perfect it means beautiful golden colored badis and very soft when cooked. No doubt, my MIL makes perfect badi 🙂

Here are a few Varieties of them

IMG_1776

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gobhi (Cauliflower/Cabbage ) badi

Ingredients:

1/2 Kg Cauliflower grated,

250 gram Cabbage grated.

1 Kg split Urad dal

Ginger , garlic, cilantro/coriander (hara dhania),heeng , if you like flavors  of methi leaves  then add a little bit of them too, skinned & pureed tomatoes (1-2), Garam masala. Salt per taste.

Method : Soak & wash the dal (lentil) nicely so the covers are washed out.Grind the dal add all the above ingredients mix it really well and the mix is ready to be dried in sun for couple of days.

IMG_1785

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chana Dal badi (Gram Flour badi)

Ingredients

1/2 kg chana dal ,Jeera powder,Red chilli powder, Ginger -garlic paste,cilantro/coriander (hara dhania)

Method : Soak & wash the dal (lentil) nicely .Grind the dal add all the above ingredients mix it really well and the mix is ready to be dried in sun for couple of days.

 

IMG_1783

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mooli (Raddish) badi

Ingredients:

1/2 kg Grated Mooli(raddish) press and remove water

1 Kg split Urad dal

Ginger , garlic, cilantro/coriander (hara dhania),heeng , if you like flavors  of methi leaves  then add a little bit of them too.

Method : Soak & wash the dal (lentil) nicely so the covers are washed out.Grind the dal add all the above ingredients mix it really well and the mix is ready to be dried in sun for couple of days.

 

IMG_1786

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rakhia (white gourd/winter melon) badi

some times also known as White pumpkin .

Ingredients:

3 kg Grated or grinded Rakhia (white pumpkin) Mooli(raddish) press and remove water

1 Kg split Urad dal

Ginger , garlic, cilantro/coriander (hara dhania),heeng , if you like flavors  of methi leaves  then add a little bit of them too.

Method : Soak & wash the dal (lentil) nicely so the covers are washed out.Grind the dal add all the above ingredients mix it really well and the mix is ready to be dried in sun.

 

NOTE : proper drying is a must for badis to last long. Make sure they get good full sun for 5-6 days.

The badi’s can be used in various combinations as curries, in kadhi, for making puri’s , in pulav, in regular dal etc.

 

22
Posted on by

FACEBOOK SPECIES

A dear friend of mine suggested me to explore my writing skills in the area of Humor(Humour). Since then, my mind started exploring and weighing various options on what subject to write on.

Human personalities have always fascinated me, there is something about the human behaviour that helps understand nature of a person. Now, when I say that, please don’t assume that I understand human nature inside out, believe me sometime I am a mystery to myself too. Saying that, won’t you agree that with experience you do learn quiet a bit. I can say with my own experiences with people, my intuitions/perceptions don’t go wrong most of the time.

Coming back to finding humor(humour) and writing about it that will raise enough interest amongst my BLOG readers, I decided to narrow down on a topic that most of us can relate to. What better way to start with Facebook , since many of us start our day with looking at our Facebook account rather than looking in to our face in the mirror in the morning ;-). Here are few of the personality traits which make Facebook quiet an interesting socializing stop in the field of media. You may associate yourself with one of them or to quiet a few of them or might associate many from your friends list to these personality traits ..With a grain of salt READ it , ENJOY it and SHARE IT ,if you were smiling even once while reading these personalities :-)). Please update me if I missed any or if you have come across any other kind of species too 🙂

1) LIKERS : These are the people you will rarely find commenting on anything. All you see is them LIKING hundreds of pictures and posts, basically liking each and everything that comes on their news feed (I guess ). Sometimes I wonder, If they even read the stuff written (because I have seen them liking posts where a death has been mentioned or a sad incident is mentioned). Hmmmm.. do we really like that stuff or am I not sensitive enough ???

 2) ACCOUNTANTS: These are an interesting group of people. I admire them for their immense aptitude of tracking and keeping record of likes and comments. They don’t care what you write or what picture you post. If you like their picture they will like yours, no matter its good or bad. If you put comment on their post/picture they will do it to yours. Meaning they keep their accounts perfectly balance.

3) FEELERS: Now this is one interesting group of people..majority of the time their post starts with “feelings” feeling loved (Really ?? if so then why you are on FB updating status), Feeling emotional (use that tissue box next to you why FB) Missing so and so…(ok.. I get it, then why not pickup the phone and talk to the one whom you are missing , why putting the status on FB for whole world). Enjoying family time in a restaurant (so then enjoy it dear with the good food and family ..why busy updating status on FB). Watching so and so Movie (well is the movie so boring that you have to update status).

4) LOVE BIRDS: This is the most interesting specie…Its quiet interesting to read their posts. When you read them and when you look at their pictures , you will feel like may be Shakespeare was inspired by them only, to write Romeo-Juliet. My Love, Our Journey together, My life, etc..that’s just a few words..their PDA might make you wonder about  your own love life. Its ironical that majority of them are ANGRY BIRDS in real life :-). Most of the time the case is people who PDA (Public Display Of affection) on facebook are not at all having PDA’s (Private Display of Affection) in home ground. I hope and wish these angry birds truly turn in to Love birds one day.

5) STALKERS :These are the ones whom one should be extremely careful of. I feel sometimes I need to go back and revisit my friends list just to keep a tab on this specie. They will become friends with most of the people that you know of (common friends you understand but sometimes you wonder how do these people know your other friends ?? cause there is hardly any common connection and then you come to know they became friends to your friends as “YOU” are that common connection. They will like all those posts /pictures what you like. Sometimes they even tend to write exact same wordings too. (well you are an inspiration to them after all 🙂 ) They will pretty much copy your each and every action , you can not have your signature way of doing things coz they are ready with their copying way to do the same. They will follow you not just to the friends, but to the groups you join, whatever you post in it they will do exactly same thing. They will basically make you realize what a creepy feeling of being stalked is.

6) SPIRITUALS: Now these are the species who have devoted themselves to Almighty on facebook. All you see from them is pictures of God/Goddess or verses from their Holybooks.Thanks to them for saving others from a trip to all these religious places and helping with Gas(Petrol/Diesel) savings and in turn environment friendly.

7) GLOOMIES: These people are living a real tough life. You really feel why God gives them so much trouble and hardship. Every other day they are sad , or feeling low or having problem in their life or have some kind of physical pain, I just wonder how posting on FB will help them overcome their issues. God knows soon, FB might start charging them for it (if the issues are resolved by sharing their issues on FB then FB has to charge for those services right)

8) REFORMERS: This is another interesting specie. Its always nice to get views on different stuff from people cause sometimes it broadens your thinking or changes your perspective to look in to issues in a different light. These are the people who have pretty much opinion on each and every thing, not only opinion, but suggestions too… right from the knick knack of homes to the worldly affairs. Interesting thing is that they are so passionate about their views that you feel sometimes if given a right chance they might be able resolve all the issues that the world is facing :-). God bless these souls.

9) SHARERS: Quite contradictory to the above mentioned as the name suggests these people have nothing of their own to write or post. Its always quotes or pictures of others that they keep on sharing. You wonder sometimes if they have their own voice or opinion. No matter what the case be they keep your Newsfeed flooded :-).

10) LIVE FEEDERS: You may not know these people well, but I can assure you within two weeks of you being friends with them , you will be knowing their exact schedule. All the personal details what they cook, what their routine is, who is their friend, what does their pet likes etc…etc..

11) I ME MYSELF :This is one group I wonder why they are even on Facebook, cause you will hardly find them commenting or liking others stuff. All they do is keep posting their pictures and status updates. If you by mistake forgot to comment or like their posts, they will make sure to point out your mistake and draw enough attention on what you missed.This will be to the extent that you may end up taking out your phone and start liking their picture or post right then and there in front of them. Well you can’t blame them they genuinely want you to be updated about them after all its all ABOUT I, ME, MYSELF.

12) DARK HORSE: Now these are the treasures from mines of Facebook. I consider them findings of Facebook. Its like when you go through their posts and pictures you realize , you hardly knew them before. You get to know their opinions, you get to know their talents , basically you get to know what they are capable of. They emerge as a totally new person to you and I really need to thank FB for introducing me to these true Dark Horses.

13) SILENT WATCHERS: This is an interesting group of people, God knows who they fear for , but you will hardly get any comments from them. I am sure Facebook will charge penalty to them, as they keep increasing the stocks of what’s app and other such social app. The reason I say it is because you post something on Facebook and you get feed back immediately on what’s app or email or other means of personal message. “Love your picture” or “love what you wrote” or “that’s a lovely dress” or “that food looked yummy, can you tell me the recipe” and you wonder “Ok.. why don’t post the response to the right source ?” They might meet you and then tell you all praises about how good your post was or how lovely you looked or how they don’t find right words to express how they felt and hence could not write and you wonder “Hello !!!! those are the exact words that you were lost of to write on the public forum and now you have exact same words to say personally. Well, you know what you don’t have to do it even now. Please exempt yourself from trying so hard to find the right words ..”.

14) GPS : Well when you read their posts you feel like you are following them through GPS or so cause they pretty much check in and check out every place they go to. Grocery store, Doctors office, Mall, Parks,Movies, Restaurants you name it and their status has it .(Thankfully some of them are wise enough not to mention about their rest room ventures)

15) Sherlock Homes : I love these species. I admire them for the time they have and I am envious of their e-devices. I wonder how good devices they have , as they can zoom and see all the details , they can comment/compliment/inquire you about even the slightest detail that may not even have come to your notice or you might even not be aware of. Thanks for taking so much time and effort in looking and noticing each and every detail. After all , all these pictures and posts are meant for that only right :-).

Well I hope you enjoyed the different facebook species (personality types on facebook) and could relate yourself or those on your friends list to some of the above mentioned ones. If it brought smile on your face then don’t forget to share this page (Of course on your Facebook wall :-))

 

6
Posted on by

Makar Sankranti

TillLaddoTNM
A very HAPPY LOHRI, MAKAR SANKRANTI, UTTARAYAN, MAGHI, KHICHADI & PONGAL...  Makar Sankranti, probably the only Indian festival that comes on the same date every year as it is based on the Sun’s position as compared to all the other Indian festivals that are based on Moon’s positioning. A festival of harvest , of Sun’s transition to Makar Rashi(Capricorn Astrological sign), a festival to mark onset of spring. Different reasons, different names in different regions in India and neighbouring countries.

I try to explain my kids what every festival signifies and why we do it. Some times the family traditions help or the elders of the family help or sometimes internet helps me in this quest of mine. I don’t want them to accept the things “JUST BECAUSE WE DO IT”, instead I want them to UNDERSTAND why we do it or what we learn out of it.

Lots of material can be found on the internet about its significance as Harvest festival , transition of Sun etc. but how do I explain all of it to my little ones who are not mature enough to understand all of it. Ok, let me take a step back and accept.. I still don’t get the complete picture of it. So how do I explain my kids who are raised in the “WEST” side of the world with something that is done on the “EAST” side of the world of which even I don’t have complete understanding. A mother’s/parent’s dilemma right.. I keep insisting my kids to tap the power and opportunity to learn. Learn from books, from TV, from movie basically from any and everything you do try to learns what you can. One should practice what one preaches right . So I started writing down what I know of this festival and how I can open the learning channel for them.Well I know its the festival of Harvest so I plan to tell them

1) Its the festival to show GRATITUDE to mother nature for her bounty .Appreciate what you have got and be thankful for it.

As it marks the change of season ..

2) CHANGE is part of life, its a way to live and give way to new things in life while appreciating old things. (Isn’t that what I am doing right now for my kids..making them learn old festivals in new perspective). You need to assimilate new things with the old in order to grow.

since we eat sweets made of til(sesame) and gud(Jaggery)

3)Til or sesame seeds are pretty SMALL, so small things have there own significance.Happiness lies in the little things of life. A little hug, splash of water, tiny flower, a little help, a little lullaby, a game of candy land or snake & ladder..that’s where the HAPPINESS is .Try to find and give happiness through small little things.

Jaggery ..

4) Be SWEET(nice) to others, just like when the Ladoos of til & Gud are made and eaten its the sweetness of gud that lingers on our tastesbud..not the til, similarly its the sweetness (kindness) of a person that remains immortal.

Kite flying is also a major activity during Uttrayan

5) Learn from kite… be LIGHT don’t weigh yourself down with pride of what you got or what you are capable of, coz then you will not soar high for sure. To soar High let go off the weight of PRIDE.

6) Face the CHALLENGES that come your way. Do not give up to the obstacles that cross your path. A kite always flies higher AGAINST the wind. Every challenge similarly thrown at you will help you improve , grow better , learn something more. Accept it with open hands and mind.

20
Posted on by

Lessons To learn from SunderKand

SunderkandShri Hanuman, is one of the pivotal character in Shri Ramcharit Manas. It’s said that reciting Sunderkand every Saturday is fruitful in many different way.Not Only you can learn Lessons from Sunderkand but it gives you peace too.

We used to recite it but never learnt the hidden meanings behind it. But, this time when we decide to start our New year Weekend with Sunderkand path , I wanted to explain it to my kids (and my friend’s those who were attending) the lessons they can learn from it. This is when, the thought came in my mind, to why not share it on my BLOG too so as it can help all parents like me who might be interested in teaching their kids (and in the process also willing to learn themselves too) a few lessons of life.

Sunderkand is the fifth chapter of the Seven Chapters of Shri Ramcharit Manas. It talks about Realization of power within Shri Hanuman ji, about execution of very difficult tasks & his journey to Lanka as a messenger of Shri Ram.

LESSONS FROM DIFFERENT INCIDENCE :

1)Jamwant making Hanuman ji realize his powers which he had forgotten.

  Lesson :

  • We all have some hidden qualities within us, the need is to Just identify it.Each and every individual has some unique quality all we need is to identify it and tap it.
  • One should have friends (just like Jamwant) and value them as they help one to grow by identifying their hidden potential and  boosting them.

2) Mainak mountain offers help to Shri Hanuman ji to take rest while his journey to Lanka. Hanuman ji declines the help politely.

Lesson:

  • Be focused towards your goal.
  • Don’t give up until you reach your goals, however far they seem. Sometimes there might be temptations mid way to give up your goals but do not fall for those.
  • Be polite even when you have to say no.You don’t have to hurt any ones feeling while turning down their offer.

3) Sursa (the sea serpent) comes in the way of Shri Hanuman and wants to have him as food. Shri Hanuman requests her to let him go and he will later on willingly enter her mouth. Sursa does not agrees to it and starts increasing her size and so does Shri Hanuman. Later he takes a very minute size and keeping his promise enters Sursa’s mouth and quickly comes out and escapes.

 Lesson :

  • Only physical power can not help you all the time its the intelligence too that is important.
  • One should know how to use Strength/power effectively.
  • The powers should be used only when needed.
  • Respect your words and be true to them.

4) After reaching Lanka Shri Hanuman stops on a mountain. He looks carefully in to the city that he has never been to and analyses . He decides to enter the city at night and in a very small form.

Lesson :

  •  Always understand or get overview of your problem.
  •  Look for the details and then make a plan.

5) Lankini notices Shri Hanuman even in the tiny form and restricts him from going in the city. He hits her with a fist and then gets in the city.

Lesson :

  • Your actions should be based on what a situation requires for.
  • Do as needed.
  • Never misuse your power.

6) In the city of Lanka, Shri Hanuman notices Tulsi plant(Holy plant) in a palace and a small temple with signs of Bow and arrow of Shri Ram. Thus he reaches Vibhishan’s house who later helps Shri Hanuman.

Lesson :

  • Pay attention to even small details.
  • Think Logically.

7) Vibhishan explains that he loves and follows the Lord, even though he lives between demons. Just like a tongue is soft and supple though its enclosed by hard and strong teeths, so is he Loving and following the Lord though living amongst demons.

Lessons :

  • Its your actions that makes you the person what you are and not your company.
  • Your company can have least effect on you unless you yourself let that happen.
  • No one can misguide you or lead you to wrong path unless you allow them.

8) Shri Hanuman approaches Sita carefully. He sits on a tree, and sings praises of Lord Ram and then drops the ring of Lord Ram in front of Sita.

Lesson :

  • When a person is in problem, don’t just lead to action/conclusion. Think from other person’s point of view. Living so long, amongst demons if Shri Hanuman would have suddenly appeared in front of Sita ji , she might have considered him too as one of them or got scared….so instead he created an environment of comfort by singing praise of Lord Rama and then gaining her confidence by giving Lord’s ring as proof.

9) After meeting Sita ji and conveying message of Lord Ram, Shri Hanuman takes permission from Sita and goes ahead to have food in Ashok Vatika.

Lesson :

  • Even when you are very busy or have some daunting or fun tasks ahead , still take out time for your daily chores like having food timely and all other activities. These are a must for a healthy body and should not be overlooked for other stuff.

10) When Meghnath sends Brahmaastra, Shri Hanuman ji had enough power to avoid it. Despite of boon from Lord Brahma , Shri Hanuman bows down in front of Brahmaastra.

Lesson :

  • Respect the powers/knowledge of others.
  • Be Humble irrespective of knowledge/power/position you have achieved.
  • There is no need to show off your power/knowledge/position by letting down others.

11)When taken to the court of Lanka, as a punishment to Shri Hanuman his tail is to be set on fire.He enjoys the situation by increasing his tail and amuses people around him.

Lesson :

  • Fun is also important in life.
  • Enjoy the moment of life with some Humour and fun.

12) Shri Hanuman before leaving Lanka burns the important places in lanka.

Lesson :

  • Shri Hanuman knew that later Lord Ram will come with his army ,so to help them out he already destroys the important places that he had carefully studied and noted. Plan ahead and take actions accordingly.
  • Do not wait till the last minute to accomplish a task.

13) Shri Hanuman returns back after completing the task assigned By Lord Ram and gives him message of Sita ji. When Lord Ram priases Shri Hanuman for his exemplary work, Shri Hanuman explains that he could accomplish the task assigned as he kept Lord Shri Ram in his mind and it was because of His grace that he was successful in his mission.

Lesson :

  • Have Faith in the Almighty.
  • Be humble. “I did” should not be the focus, if you are good at something people will realize eventually .
  • When you do good to others don’t keep remembering and reminding them ..I Did this for you…(as this leads to expectations, which can become cause of sorrow or hurt).
  • Goodness/Qualities of a person can never be hidden , it will eventually be realized. It does not needs marketing.

14)After receiving message from Shri Hanuman, the army of monkey’s starts gathering on the other side of sea. Getting this news Ravan holds a meeting on court and asks for suggestions for actions to be taken by his courtiers. They laugh off the information and keep praising Ravan and satisfying his ego.

Lesson :

  • Always be watchful of advice from people around you. The flattery will not lead you to path of growth. Especially three people : DOCTOR, TEACHER and ADVISOR(SECRETARY), if they do not give you the true information/feedback and only try to please you by flattery, your downfall is sure.
  • Always surround yourself with people who will give you true feedback, flattery might please the ears , but it will certainly not help in your growth.

NOTE : This is not to promote religion or culture but the lessons here can be helpful  to all specially for our kids. You can explain the lessons from a kid’s /corporate/individual perspective for teaching.

0
Posted on by

A Mother’s Plea….

I don’t wish for too much money,
I don’t wish for too much prosperity ,
I wish for inner peace for you and me,
I don’t long for eternal beauty ,
Nor to be healthy night and day ,
For those are the things bound to fade away..
I wish the hatred from hearts to go away
For HE never asked us to pray HIM in different names
Nor HE asked us to erect monuments for his fame
He gave us a life to live with love , harmony and gay …
I wish for kids (mine and yours) to see the love and harmony
To see the inner beauty us HUMANS hold ..
A world to LIVE .. A world to LOVE..
I wish tonight .. As I lit the candle and pray …

Candle

As 2014 is winding up….the memories of 2013 come rushing through…around the same time in 2012 was Sandy brook shooting massacre with little ones loosing their lives in USA. 2008 it was Mumbai(India) terrorist attack  and then again this year in Pakistan little kids lost their lives to the aspirations of some adults…

To tell you the truth, I avoid reading all these news cause then the thoughts linger on my mind for so long….but this news was all around the Internet and various other media modes. The Facebook page was flooded with the news, so I gathered all my strength to read this article (My basic principle is if something gives you negative vibes ,stay away from it) and as I read the gruesome details of how 141 children were made to stand in a line and just shot down…. to say I had goosebumps is not enough…

I could not sleep the whole night. The loss of parents of these deceased kids ached my heart. I could not let my mind & heart imagine what these little fellows might have gone through during that time…what must have been rushing through their minds, why were they chosen for such hideous act.They didn’t even experience the beauty of life… WHY ????

As a mom I want my kids to live in a HAPPY and HEALTHY world (I am sure Mom’s all around the world desire the same). We have enough to worry about, as far as natural resources /calamities are concerned. I want our kids to know that we can exist together “living” with our differences and still “loving” each other. Where is it written or which religion in the world suggests that we can get happiness by hurting others? That, we need to kill each other to prove our points. Any issue that needs killing of other human beings to prove a POINT is not worth it(in my mind).

I want the kids to learn to love each other, to have respect for each other, to exuberate self confidence, yet be humble. To learn to share , to care, to be grateful for what we have. Sharing a little bit of HAPPINESS will eventually bring happiness to them. Sympathy, Empathy, Gratitude are not merely words in dictionary.They still live, are real and exist in real people.

I know things can not change in one night and I know one person alone can not bring the revolution, but I know we all in our own little way can bring these changes and make THIS WORLD a BEAUTIFUL place for us and for our coming generations.

My baby step in this direction has been by making my kids say a little prayer for the things they are thankful for that day , for the food they got that day and be grateful for that one little thing that made them happy on that very day and one thing that they did in the whole day that they think might have brought happiness to the other person. I know these are not some great or highly revolutionizing actions but the regular reinforcements of these little actions will hopefully nurture GREAT humans and a GREAT WORLD…. Amen !!!

Please do share if you do take any such baby steps or have any ideas…cause TOGETHER WE CAN …:-))