Sculptor Story

Excellence
A German once visited a temple under construction where he saw a sculptor making an idol of God. Suddenly he noticed a similar idol lying nearby. Surprised, he asked the sculptor, "Do you need 2 statues of the same idol?" "No," said the sculptor without looking up, "We need only 1, but the 1st one got damaged at the last stage." The German examined the idol & found no apparent damage. "Where is the damage?" he asked. "There is a scratch on the nose of the idol" said the sculptor, still busy with his work. "Where are you going to install the idol?" The sculptor replied that it would be installed on a pillar 20 ft high. "If the idol is that far, who's going to know about the scratch. the German asked. The sculptor stopped his work, looked up at the German, smiled & said, "I will know it"

The desire to excel is exclusive of the fact whether someone else appreciates it or not. "Excellence" is a drive from inside, not outside. Excellence is not for someone else to notice but for your own satisfaction and efficiency.

God has gifted all of us with some special power or the other, we just need to find out the key and use it for the betterment. One need to have a big heart and love for everyone to do that. Life is full of fun - one has to learn the secret how to enjoy life.

Tu kuch chahta hai, Main kuch chata hu, Hota wohi hai, Jo mai chata hu, To wo kar jo mai chahta hu, Phir wo hoga jo tu chahta hai

Guruji and SIMI
This happened in Kerela…
Sri Sri gave an audience to the SIMI (Student Islamic Movement of India) leaders. Four leaders from SIMI came to meet Sri Sri at the residence of one of the organizers. Following their entry, an air of tension enveloped the hall where hundreds were waiting to meet with Sri Sri. Naseeb, one of the devotees, guided them to the room where Sri Sri was sitting with a few of us. They (the SIMI leaders), were dashing youths in their mid 20’s. One of them was carrying the holy Koran. They were little stern and stiff. Their eyes were fixed and seemed to reflect an inner fire. They looked prepared to repulse anything that Sri Sri would tell them and most unlikely to listen to reason.
Sri Sri was His usual smiling self.
The stage was set. It had all the signs of a classic confrontation. On one side were the brash youth – intemperate, impatient, driven by ideology and out to prove their superiority. On the other was a youthful, realized sage, unperturbed, offering sane explanations that echoed an uncommon depth and breadth of understanding. Those of us in the room, were eager to see how Sri Sri would deal with these firebrands. Sri Sri embraced them and offered them chairs to sit. There was not an iota of difference in His attitude. Any casual onlooker could be forgiven for thinking that Sri Sri considered these gentlemen as amongst His most ardent devotees. Perhaps the only difference that we could see was that they were seated on chairs while the rest of us were on the floor! For us, it was yet another opportunity to witness the unconditional love that Sri Sri exemplifies.
The leader of the group spoke first. He asked
SIMI: You had wanted to meet with us.
SRI SRI: Yes. I wanted to understand why your organization was opposed to the Anandotsavam.
SIMI: We thought that holding an Anandotsavam (celebration) on December 6th was a deliberate move to insult our religious sentiments. Do you know about our religion?. Do you believe in the Koran at all?
SRI SRI: Yes of course.
SIMI: (Not expecting this answer, pointing to the Koran, they shot the next question) We believe that Koran is the only knowledge. What about you?
SRI SRI: This is one amongst the various knowledge revealed to man from time to time.
SIMI: But God has said this is the only knowledge. The way of the Koran is the only way. There is no other way.
SRI SRI: This message can be found in scriptures of all religions. In the Vedas it is said “Naanyah Panthaah Ayanaaya Vidyate” meaning “There is no other way but the way of Truth!” The same is said in the Bible, Jesus says, “To go to my father, you have to go through me. I am the only way”.
SIMI: But our scripture says worshipping any form or idol is evil, it is blasphemy.
SRI SRI: What is Good and Evil after all? It is relative. Relative existence is not the complete picture For example: Milk is good, but too much milk can kill you. Poison is harmful, but a drop of poison can save your life. Most lifesaving medicines have poison written on them! These are neither absolutely good nor bad they are just there. Truth transcends duality, and God is the Absolute and only Truth. So, where is the place for evil?
SIMI: Yet you Hindus worship many Gods, whereas our ideal is there is only one God and His message is what is required to go to heaven.
SRI SRI: There is only one god in many forms…
SIMI: (Restless and unwilling to listen to any explanation, they interrupted Sri Sri.) But the Koran says you should only worship Allah who is formless whereas the Hindus worship idols which are only stones.
SRI SRI: At this, Sri Sri suddenly asked them: Do you honour the Koran?
SIMI: (They seemed a little taken aback at this question from Sri Sri and with a righteous air answered). Yes, it is God’s word!
SRI SRI: Do you honor the Mecca?
SIMI: Yes, of course! That is our sacred place.
SRI SRI: So also, Hindu’s honour God’s creation as God. Just like sound (Koran), the crescent moon, Kaaba and the month of Ramadan are sacred for you, Hindus consider the River Ganges, the Himalayas, Saints as sacred. See, a picture of your daughter is not your daughter, but you still adore the daughter’s picture. When you see the picture aren’t you reminded of your daughter?
(They nodded a yes)
SRI SRI: So also, a symbol is not God but is honoured as God. This sense of honouring and sacredness makes you awake and alive. That is why the ancient Rishis said to feel the entire creation and your whole life as sacred. They considered God as omnipresent, as inseparable from His creation; like the dance and the dancer.
Sri Sri elaborated further – Spirit loves diversity. Is there only one type of vegetable or fruit? God created many type of fruits and vegetables. There is not just one type of tree, not just one type of snake, cloud, mosquito….Even you change your dress for different occasions. So how could this consciousness that manifested this whole creation be monotonous? There is only one God in many forms. Only one God is advocated. When you accept the variety of Divinity, you cease to be a fanatic and fundamentalist. A pregnant silence filled the room as they looked at each other expecting the other to speak. Then as a face saving measure, the SIMI leader replied, “I will need to go and consult my higher scholars.” With a compassionate expression on His face, Sri Sri said: Never mind, (with a wave of His hand) forget about religion. We are all human beings. Let us have a peaceful society. Let us focus on development.
SIMI: No No No! What are you saying? You are talking about this world. What we do here is immaterial. The Koran tells us that what matters is what you get in eternal life and not to worry about material life. By doing service to the society you will simply remain here. You have to obey Allah. Allah is the only God and Mohammed is the last prophet.
SRI SRI: At this Sri Sri stopped them and after a pause asked them: Do you think the Sikh Gurus are not prophets. Isn’t Mirabai a prophet? What about Chaitanya Mahaprabhu?
Once again, there was silence. Their expressions had changed. The rigidity had weakened and in its place was some confusion/uncertainty. Sri Sri seemed totally at ease unmindful of the challenges posed at Him.
SIMI: No! You can go to heaven only if you believe in Allah and the Koran.
SRI SRI: No my dear – there was Buddha, Mahavira, Nanak, Jesus, Shankara… Do you think they are not in heaven? If not, then I would rather be with them!
SIMI: You are such a nice person, but we pity you because you cannot get the truth. You can’t go to Allah. You can’t be rewarded by Allah. God will never show mercy on you.
SRI SRI: Never mind. (with a mischievous smile ) I will be with these people (Shankara, Jesus, etc.)
(Even as we were admiring Sri Sri’s patience and objectivity, we were concerned at the wrong indoctrination that these youths had been subjected to. We also observed a few others who were in the room were getting a little restive, possibly wondering why Sri Sri was spending so much time with these people who were obviously not at all receptive and that too when hundreds were waiting outside just for a glimpse of Sri Sri.)
SIMI: Do you know, that over 1400 years ago, in the middle of the desert, God revealed the secrets of creation. Even when there was no science, God said that the Atom is the smallest particle!
SRI SRI smiled and said: Yes, the same is there in the shaastras too which were known more than 10,000 years ago. In the shaastras it is said that the Earth is over 19 billion years old! Truth is beyond time and space. It is not confined to one time or one place One needs to have a scientific spirituality.
As if to conclude the conversation Sri Sri gave them Ladoo as prasad. By now there were traces of a smile on their faces. When they were about to leave He gave them a hug. They definitely seemed to be less stern than earlier. Could their attitude have changed? We wondered whether this (‘changed attitude’) would persist or would they go back to their old fanatic ways. But one thing was for sure, Sri Sri had made an impression that they would not forget!
Later, while Sri Sri was having His lunch, someone asked Him, “Why is that Islam is producing so many terrorists all over the world? No other religion has given rise to so many terrorists in the world. What is the reason?”
SRI SRI: Look at the commitment and the fire in them. Take the good from them and learn what you should not be doing. Don’t label them as bad people. They have not been imparted the knowledge of Vedanta. (Then as He was adding ghee to the chilli powder) He smiled and said “In this creation, there is a place for everything.”
Excerpted from an article written by Swami Sadhyojata and Harish RamachandranJai Gurudeva! Bawa

A boy and a girl were playing together. The boy had a collection of marbles. The girl had some sweets with her. The boy told the girl that he will give her all his marbles in exchange for her sweets. The girl agreed.

The boy kept the biggest and the most beautiful marble aside and gave the rest to the girl. The girl gave him all her sweets as she had promised.

That night, the girl slept peacefully. But the boy couldn't sleep as he kept wondering if the girl had hidden some sweets from him the way he had hidden his best marble.

Moral of the story: If you don't give your hundred percent in a relationship, you'll always keep doubting if the other person has given his/her hundred percent.. This is applicable for any relationship like love, employer-employee relationship etc.

Give your hundred percent to everything you do and sleep peacefully.

Interesting facts
“Breathing is the first act of life. Within breathing is the secret of life,”

Interesting facts about the Art of Living course:

• AOL has been part of the training for NASA scientists and employees.

• It is part of the training for Miss India contestants.. Teachers in a school in Basel, Switzerland get paid vacation to do AOL course.

• Sudarshan Kriya has been acknowledged by All India Institute of Medical Sciences based on its medical research

8 ways to peace in mind
1. Smile - Only 4 muscles are used to smile. To have a serious face 72muscles are used. Intelligent people work less by keeping a smile.Doesn't matter if it is not natural. Fake it till you make it.

2. Sadhana – Why we should do sadhana every day? Our body has billionsof cells and these cells function in rotation. The cells that are onduty today will get their slot to work only after some days. That iswhy we cannot afford to miss even a day's sadhana. Do at least 20minutes of meditation daily.

3. Sing for a few minutes every day. Just for yourself. During thistime you need not have to bother about your voice (just like duringsatsang) and what others will think of it(we have done enough thinkingfor others lets now take a break from it).

4. Take a walk for yourself. Sort of Nature work. Feeling thesurroundings and feeling our own Self.

5. Have a bigger goal in life – 'I want to know the TRUTH'. 'I want torealize myself' etc., would be worthy goals.

6. Seva –Gurudev says – If you do not do seva, you are a burden on theplanet. No where He speaks harsh like this. To that extent seva isimportant.In one of the AMCs Some one asked Guruji how to attain Equanimity ofmind.Gurudev answered if you feel sad then Meditate; If you are happydo seva

7. Once in a while reflect your life in the context of time and space– Who am I? What i am doing to this world?It makes our worries
insignificant and makes us realize how tiny our problems are.

8. Have faith, shraddha in ourselves, in the Divine or/& in the Master.All these eight ways are equally important and should be followed daily.

Jai Gurudev

A saint asked his disciples, 'Why do we shout in anger? Why do people shout at each other when they are upset?'

Disciples thought for a while, one of them said, 'Because we lose our calm, we shout for that.' 'But, why to shout when the other person is just next to you?' asked the saint. 'Isn't it possible to speak to him or her with a soft voice? Why do you shout at a person when you're angry?' Disciples gave some other answers but none satisfied the saint. Finally he explained, 'When two people are angry at each other, their hearts distance a lot. To cover that distance they must shout to be able to hear each other. The angrier they are, the stronger they will have to shout to hear each other through that great distance.' Then the saint asked, 'What happens when two people fall in love? They don't shout at each other but talk softly, why? Because their
hearts are very close. The distance between them is very small...' The saint continued, 'When they love each other even more, what happens? They do not speak, only whisper and they get even closer to each other in their love. Finally they even need not whisper, they only look at each other and that's all. That is how close two people are when they love each other.'MORAL: When you argue do not let your hearts get distant, do not say words that distance each other more, else there will come a day when the distance is so great that you will not find the path to return.

Yama (5 rules important for peaceful living in society.)

1. Ahimsa – Non Violence . It unites you with the whole creation. Everything is part of yourself, and since you do not harm yourself, how can you harm anything?
2. Satya – Truth. You don’t lie to yourself, do you? If you are wearing beads, you don’t say, “I am not wearing the beads.”
3. Achaurya - No regrets. Not missing what you don’t have at this moment. “I wish I had a voice like that person so I could sing like him, I wish I could run like him, I wish I could be intelligent” comparing yourself with others.
4. Brahmacharaya Not interested in small things, such as bodily shapes and forms. Brahma means “BIG” and acharaya means “Moving in the bigger things”. I am this, I am that, I am a man, I am a woman, I am good, I am bad, these are small identifications. Keep our mind on bigger things and see beyond the physical. Seeing the infinite is Brahmacharaya.
5. Aparigraha – Not taking what people give you. You often take insults willingly than compliments. You know people sometimes not giving insults but simply taking the insults out of their pockets. You just go and grab them and keep them safe with yourself. That is what most people do.

Niyama (5 rules for inner development.)
1. Shaucha – Cleanliness. Showering everyday. Keep yourself clean, wear clean clothes and see don’t have bad breath.
2. Santosha – Contentment. Be happy. If you don’t take a step to be happy, nothing in this world can make you happy. You will complaining about this and that. How do you want to live the rest of your life – the next 30,40,50 years? With a smile or with a grumbling face, the choice is yours.
3. Tapas – Forbearance or penance. Something is uncomfortable, but you still put up with it and happily. Tapas we have to take it, to forebear.
4. Svadhyaya – Self study. Observe your mind and see what your mind says. Observe how you behave and how you react. Whether you are feeling good or bad, just observe will change. Knowing this will bring peace.
5. Ishvarapranidhana – Love of the Divine and surrender to the Divine. Whe you feel that you are totally helpless, you say “Oh God and surrender your situation to the Divine. This connection with the Divine is Ishvarapranidhana

These ten rules make you very strong, whole and complete. To feel clean inside, we have two things “SO HUM” and “SO WHAT”.

“SO WHAT” will definitely work and if it dosen’t then “SO HUM” will certainly work.

Do not be afraid to shine.
The world needs what you have to give.
Open up the areas of your being;
Expose them to yourself - to others.
You are valuable. You are unique.
You have much to give.
Do not be afraid to give it.

As we risk ourselves, we grow.
Each new experience is a risk.
We can try, and maybe fail,
And, as a result, grow or hold back and stagnate.

You have the potential to be anything you want.
You are free to choose.
You are limited only by your fears.
Let your dreams take over.
Fly with the eagles. Soar into life.The world is waiting for you.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar tells us about Shivratri :)

Shiva is not any person sitting in some hill, kailas hill, he is not that. What does Kailas mean? Kailas – 'Las' means what, where there is celebration, happiness. Where there is a festive atmosphere. Where there is frolicsomeness / intoxication. Where there is celebration and only celebration. That is Kailas. Vaikunth is where there is nothing short. Kunth – is shortage. Vaikunth is where there is shortage of nothing. Where there is only celebration that is kailas. So, Shiv ji is seated in such kailas. Aatma only is Shiva.
If you meditate on shivaratri then the power of meditation is 100 times more, it is said like that. At least do it on that day, it's okay if you don't do it on other days, at least do it one day. It's said for the sake of saying. So that which is always(nitya) and which is (shashwat), that is shiva tattva. It's said beautiful in that shloka:
Shivaratri is the day of Lord Shiva. Shiva is the lord of meditation and therefore the lord of awakening. Shiva Tatva means to be awakened. Shivratri is thus an occasion to awaken one's self from all sorts of slumber. Shivaratri is not a night to be slept over. One should try and be up through the night. It signifies being aware of everything you have and being grateful about it. Be grateful for the happiness which leads to growth, and also for sadness which gives a depth to life. This is the right way of observing Shivaratri.
For the pious, the following method of Shiva worship is advisable - sit down in lotus posture, do some Pranayam to stabilize your breath, then indulge in Dhyana, followed by chanting of "Om Namah Shivaya". It is the greatest mantra and the devout should drown himself in its Kirtan. Shivaratri worship leads to fulfillment of a devotee's wishes.
There are certain days and time frames in a year that enhance one's mental and spiritual faculties. In such times, whatever one wishes, materializes. Shivaratri is one such day. All this is very scientific. Going to temples on this day is OK but you should remember that Shiva is everywhere.
The meaning of Kailasa (legendary abode of Shiva in Himalayas) is celebration. So where there is happiness and celebration, Shiva is present. Whether in Sanyasa or Sansara, you can't escape Shiva. Feeling his presence all the time is the essence of Shivaratri. That is the real Sanyasa. No worship is complete without offering something to the deity. Shiva is a very simple lord, he is innocent - Bholanath. One just needs to offer bel-patra to him. But in this simplicity is a deep message. Bel-patra offerings signify the surrender of all three aspects of one's nature -Tamas, Rajas and Sattva. You have to surrender the positives and negatives of your life to Shiva and become carefree! The greatest offering is your self. To offer one's self is the key to happiness in life. After all, why do you get sad? It is mainly because you are not able to achieve something in life. At such times you should surrender everything to the all knowing God. The greatest power is in surrender to the divine. It's like a drop owning the ocean. If a drop remains separate, it will perish. But when it becomes the ocean, it is eternal!
Your true nature is Shiva. And Shiva is peace, infinity, beauty and the non-dual One. Ratri means "to take refuge." Shivaratri is taking refuge in Shiva.
Shivam, Shantam, Advaitam: Shiva means your very Self your innermost core, the purest Self. Shanta is quiet, peaceful, very innocent. Advaita is non-dual, only One. So, Shiva means good, benevolent, Ratri means that which gives rest, takes you into its lap and comfort. Night is always comforting, all activities have stopped, everything is quiet, peaceful, environment becomes quiet, body gets tired, goes to sleep. Shivaratri -- a rest which is so deep. When the mind rests with the Divine, that is the real rest, only in the Divine lap.
Any meditation we do on this day has a manifold effect, for this is the day when spirit touches the earth.
The first sound when creation manifested was Om. The second sound was So Hum. The third sound was Om Namah Shivaya.
By chanting Om Namah Shivaya, it is said that one gets rid of all the sins. Even if one has never chanted the Om Namah Shivaya mantra, it is worth just listening to it and soaking in it. It is called Mantra Snanam (bathing in Mantra). It elevates the consciousness.

Q: Can Karma get exhausted by practices?

Sri Sri: If someone is used to chewing gum, if he goes to Singapore for 6 months, he will feel totally out of place for first few days. This is because Singapore has banned chewing gum and importing it is like importing drugs in that country. So first, he would feel a bit strange and then he would get used to it. This is Chewing Gum Karma and he would get over with it. If a person smokes, and he decides to quit smoking - first few days he feels different - his smoking karma gets exhausted after certain days of practice of not smoking. In same way, karma can get exhausted by practices.

Amazing experiences with Pankaj Bhaiya

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008
Saw this beautiful sharing by madhavi from surinam. Pankaj Gupta is currently touring in the country and people are having amazing experiences. What really touched me was how Pankaj beautifully expressed the value of having Gurudev in our lives.

Suriname is blessed to be hosting one of Guruji’s great GEMS. Pankaj Guptaji arrived here this week and from the moment he arrived he had everyone sparkling with enthusiasm. We are so fortunate to be able to sit and listen to his powerful discourses. I was lucky enough to accompany him to a Radio interview the next day that he arrived here. And, man, you should’ve been there. The confidence with which he spoke, the determination in his eyes, the strength he radiated, made me sooo proud to be on this path, to know that I am one of the fortunate ones. There was one thing he said in the interview, which was so strong, so bold. The moment we entered the radio station he charmed the owner, a sweet old lady. And in the talk before the interview this lady mentioned some health problems.

So Pankajji asked her if she had some pain in the body. She mentioned some pain in the arms and the hips, and how difficult it is for her to move around. So with a mischievous smile, Pankaj-ji asked her to close her eyes and he gave her a blessing. As she opened her eyes, you could see the amazement on her face. When asked if the pain was still there, she was completely stunned and told us that the months old pains had VANISHED. She got up with great surprise and kept saying “there is no Pain, there is no pain”. We started with the interview and after a few general questions about Art of Living. This lady herself started sharing her experience of the blessing ON the radio. She asked Pankaj-ji if this healing was his job. And where he got the power from. And he smilingly answered “Guruji’s blessings”. So then she mentioned something about Guruji going to the U.S. And asked that if Guruji has a Satsang he also does healing? And the answer Pankaj-ji gave was one I will always remember.

He said: “No the healing work Guruji has left to people like us. We are so fortunate to have someone like H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on this earth. There have been so many enlightened Masters on this planet who are not here anymore. Their work is carried out by his followers. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is here now. One should just go for His darshan. We (teahers) are there to spread the knowledge and do some healing. Having only his darshan alone is so beneficial for your life. In another 50, 60 years we will be longing for his presence. So we are very grateful to have Him here now!”

It was amazing how the day progressed. The aunty of the radio station persisted on having a TV interview with Pankaj-ji, and before we knew it she was on the phone with the Vice-President of Suriname, telling how she was healed of her Pain and discomfort in such a short time, and that the VP should schedule a meeting with Pankaj-ji.

Seeing all this I realized what kind of treasure we have with us. Although being a blesser, I was a bit shy in actually going out and doing a blessing. But seeing how just one blessing decided the entire flow of the interview and the events after that, made me feel so strong and confident, and sooo grateful that Guruji has equipped us so well to do HIS work.

One afternoon in Bali, Guruji picked on this girl amidst 700 ppl doing the course and asked her to meet Him later. It turned out, that girl was planning to commit suicide right after the course (she was forced to sit through it). Guruji "tried" cajoling her to change her stupid thinking and when nothing worked.....His voice became stern!

HE said "do you know how many times have you been on this planet.....18 times as a donkey...14 times as a dog....do you know how precious is this human birth haaan....and in this birth you get to see ME...do you even realize this is such a BIG blessing....you get to sit in MY satsang and it's only because of MY GRACE!" Nothing moved after that....the air was still and the room went beyond the realm of time and space!

I sat there in one corner with goosebumps all over my body and tears in my eyes! I realized...
We haven't chosen this path.....this path has chosen US!

With all my innocence and love, I bow down to the Master of the Universe and ..........

Isn't this A.W.E.S.O.M.E ???
The sign of true devotion is unstoppable tears. V R Indeed Blessed. ThanX for sharing Nutan

Jai Gurudev Bolo.......

Kabir Soota Kya Kare, Koore Kaaj Niwaar
Jis Panthu Tu Chaalna, Soyee Panth Samwaar

Translation
Arise from slumber O Kabir, divest yourself of the rubbish deeds Be focused and illumine the path on which you were meant to tread
My UnderstandingHere slumber refers to a state of daze and fixation on what is perceived by the senses. Sleep is no different from the normal waking state in that it engages our senses completely. Both are essentially of the same intrinsic nature where Mind is the central player. Kabir recognizes the futility of mental and physical worlds and categorizes everything in these domains as "rubbish". He then urges us to focus ourselves on finding our true spiritual root - putting an end to the cyclical realities that have kept us engaged thus far.

Kabir Soota Kya Kare, Koore Kaaj Niwaar
Jis Panthu Tu Chaalna, Soyee Panth Samwaar

Translation
Arise from slumber O Kabir, divest yourself of the rubbish deeds Be focused and illumine the path on which you were meant to tread
My UnderstandingHere slumber refers to a state of daze and fixation on what is perceived by the senses. Sleep is no different from the normal waking state in that it engages our senses completely. Both are essentially of the same intrinsic nature where Mind is the central player. Kabir recognizes the futility of mental and physical worlds and categorizes everything in these domains as "rubbish". He then urges us to focus ourselves on finding our true spiritual root - putting an end to the cyclical realities that have kept us engaged thus far.

Sri Sri in Asansol (WB)

Param Pujya Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji will be here in Asansol & in the Divine presence of SriSri will be conducted Rudra Puja on the 16th Feb, '09 at Loco Ground.
All are invited to be in Bliss. And if you want to sit for the Sankalpa with SriSri then minimum donation is Rs 1,000/- (and will be given a Rudraksh ).
PDS from 13.02 to 15.02 (Morning 5.30 - 7.30 & Evening 5.30 - 7.30 ). Minimum donation Rs 250/- .
It is a unique opportunity for all that cannot be missed.

Pehle Agan Birha Ki, Pachhe Prem Ki Pyas
Kahe Kabir Tub Janiye, Naam Milan Ki Aaas

Translation
First the pangs of separationNext grows the thirst for LoveSays Kabir then only hope The union to materialize

How does one merit Love? How does one become one with the One? How does one attain that ultimate unity? In this Doha, Kabir shows the way.First, it is the longing of a person to be with one's beloved. It can be one's choicest person or one's Ishta or God. Because, one feels the emotional pangs of separation the intensity or thirst to meet the other increases. Like a flame, it kindles the very being of a person. Only when the desire becomes unshakeable and unbending, Kabir says, the seed of hope germinates to eventually sprout into a true union.
This phenomenon applies to almost every aspect of our life. Even in our vocation, studies, pursuits or daily chores, we find that only when our intent becomes clear, only then our hope and faith grows. Only then the work becomes a source of joy. Only then we realize fulfillment

Chalti Chakki Dekh Kar, Diya Kabira Roye
Dui Paatan Ke Beech Mein,Sabit Bacha Na Koye

TranslationLooking at the grinding stones, Kabir lamentsIn the duel of wheels, nothing stays intact.

This doha picks up a situation from our daily life. Kabir watches the woman grinding wheat on the flour mill. I have used the word woman here as generally it is the woman who does this work even today in the rural Indian society. The wheels are made of stone. One is stationary while the other on top is made to rotate by turning it with the help of a handle attached to it. The grain that is put into it gets crushed and the converted flour comes out. Thus the literal translation given above conveys that.

(Diya Kabira Roye) Kabir cries out, however, is what makes the reader to contemplate on this Doha and realize for oneself the hidden meaning behind this metaphor. Dui Patan here signifies earth (Prithvi) and sky (Akash) and within the ambit of these is all creation and life as also the manifestation of all natural phenomenon of dualities – day and night, life and death, joys and sorrows, thereby making life forever in motion (Chalti Chakki) and an ever changing process. Trapped in this duality, whatever we see is perishable. Nothing that we comprehend is eternal.

Bura Jo Dekhan Main Chala, Bura Naa Milya Koye
Jo Munn Khoja Apnaa, To Mujhse Bura Naa Koye

TranslationI searched for the crooked, met not a single oneWhen searched myself, "I" found the crooked one

This doha deals with our perception behavior and tendencies. It has been invariably noticed that we tend to find fault with someone else for our situations and circumstances. Our "I", the ego, always tries to put blame on others. Non-awareness of our own self is the cause of this attitude. Resultantly, we find ourselves being busy in criticizing and condemning others and conveniently term them as crooked or evil.
So Kabir says that instead of finding fault and maligning others, dive deep into your own-self. Amazingly, an honest introspection will reveal that all fault lies with "me" and "my" own perceptions and attitudes. If there is any evil or crookedness, it is in "me". Correcting this and opting for a loving and compassionate attitude will change one's perceptions and the world will appear wonderful all over again.

Here is something that comes straight from a typical bollywoodblockbuster. A reel life scene experienced in real life!
One day before the chennai Utsav started something so miraculoushappened that reminded me of what Bawa once said," When you spreadknowledge, nature will bend to serve (save) you".
One of the active volunteers (Anil…. He is 6ft 6 inches and weighs 90kgs) was driving his bike on a fly over and a bus dashed him frombehind. He flew from his bike and he collided on the railing. Hetoppled over and fell.... on the other side... 8 ft down on the busyroad below. It was amazing to hear the story from Anil himself as wewere sitting in the Fruit Shop at Greams road. At this point we weretoo excited to know what happened next since it was obvious that amiracle had saved him.
Here is what happened. As he took off from the bridge and was fastdescending down towards mother earth a fast moving open truck carrying"HAY" was passing by. He fell exactly inside it.. His fall wascushioned!! JaiGurudev!