victory of bad/good in your self

Today is dussehra....Lord Ram killed Ravan and became victorious. We need to put this concept into practise in our lives. Both good/bad, wicked/virtous exists inside ourselves. Our ego does not allow us to understand this, since its job is to decide and be judgemental. If we can recognise these traits in us and work to overcome negative tendencies, then victory is ours for ourselves. If we cannot do good to others, the least we can do is not harm them in thoughts, words and deeds. The battle within us can be fought if we intend to. Ram and Ravan are both inside us. We fail to recognise Ravan, but assume that we are Ram. When the truth is that the battle is ongoing withing us. We have to be alert at every moment to kill the Ravan within and let Ram express. HAPPY DUSSEHRA

TRIBUTE TO MY FATHER

Father's day is not far away. Papaji waited eagerly to get my greeting card, and I always sent him one for years. My search was always for a card which expressed my true feelings for him. How could I fit him in a card? This blog gives me a chance to experience him all over again. Papaji was a perfectionist, a very disciplined man, a go-getter. He made it big. "A rags to riches true story" I listened with awe as he narrated his struggles on our morning walks. I learnt so much in that one hour. No one can ever beat Papaji's sharp business sense. His meticulous accounting left me dumbstruck.

My imagination got kindled with Papaji's regular reading of the Ramayan from Dassera to Diwali. All us kids listened with rapt attention as he read with intonation and expression. Till date Hanuman carrying the huge tree to cure Rama still is so clear in my memories. It fascinated me to see him read urdu (from right to left).

How can I ever forget Papaji churning the icecream machine (those days we had a wooden pail with a center churner, which made yummy mango icrecream). All us kids waited patiently as Papaji made mango icecream every summer. Not to forget his meticulously planned summer vacations. Whether it was mussorie, shimla, nainital, darjeeling, bhutan, nepal, kashmir, we saw it all.

Papaji was a worrier. He worried for us kids and our lives. Made sure we got the best of everything.
He was a compassionate, loving, caring, person. So many people benifitted from his benevolence.

The one thing we kids dreaded was his short temper and stayed away when he was in foul moods.
Papaji loved to watch my annual days at school, and I remember his proud look as I received prizes on stage.

Today what I am and have achieved couldn't have been possible without your guidance and support, Papaji. Remember you always. 

tribute to my mom

Mother's day is round the corner, 8th may to be precise. Life goes back in a flashback. My mom, my mentor,  confidante, spritual guide all rolled in one. She is not for this world.Wonder how she survived 83 years of her life, in the midst of all kinds of humans. Her life earlier when she was mobile centered around helping the needy and poor. Pictures of my mom with thermos filled with hot tea for leapers down the road, everyday shows her understanding of life at a beautiful level.

I remember her waiting everyday in the afternoons, for us kids getting back for lunch. Hot tasty meals. She was my tutor helping me with my studies daily and encouraging me for outdoor activities. They say you can take that much from your parents, how much you deserve.I am so glad i deserved it all.

Her day was filled with worthwhile activities, listening to helpers and servants, giving them solace, trying to get them jobs through whatever little resurces she had. Now with poor sight and just about managing her daily routine, she is well cared for by that same divinity who needed her to take care of others.

Mom's sense of humor has become subtle. Its lovely to hear her subtle references to mundane activities.She remembers past experiences with great details, though forgetting what she had for her meals. Her laughter makes my day and I look forward to conversations with her on the phone. Faith in Baba has kept her spirits high always. I can see HIM taking care of his bhakta with so much love and attention.

Mom I owe every bit of my life to you and Papaji. Learnt so much, hopefully have used it in my life.
Thanks for being my mom.

on the dentist's chair

The dentist chair never scared me so much as it has been doing lately. What seemed like a simple procedure has led to an experience beyond words. Peering down my mouth with gloved hand and a mask on his face, he seems like a demon ready to kill his prey. The drilling that goes on makes me weep, and I swear to myself every time I am there, never to see his face again. But it is seeming endless now , and I hope and pray that I am a dentist in my next birth and I can take rvenge on him...haha