Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa used to narrate wonderful stories with a moral or valuable lesson. Here is one such story on the power of influence and habit that keeps out truth.A group of fisherwoman who were on their way home from a distant market was caught in heavy rain. So they took shelter in the home of a flower seller. The florist opened the room where he used to stock his flowers and asked the fisherwomen to take rest there at night and start their journey early morning.
The room was filled with fragrance of various flowers and this made the fisherwomen uncomfortable. None of them were able to sleep.
Then one fisherwoman came up with an idea that they should sprinkle some water on their fish baskets so that it will generate foul smell which will make them sleep.
All the other women agreed to the idea and they sprinkled water on their fish baskets and kept it near their head and slept peacefully. The fragrance of the flowers did not trouble them.
Such indeed is the power of influence and habit. The worldly soul brought up in and accustomed to materialistic thoughts and surrounding cannot breathe long in an atmosphere of purity and renunciation without feeling restlessness and discomfort.
Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa
Showing posts with label From Spiritual Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label From Spiritual Books. Show all posts
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
That's Why He Can Stop Your Elephant
Once upon a time there lived king who had a nice elephant. The attendant of the elephant used to take it to the river every day for a bath. One day as the attendant was bringing the elephant back to the palace, a little boy came walking up to the elephant. He took its trunk in his hands, saying, "Stop! Look at the way you are walking. The elephant stopped. "Walk gently, carefully," he told the elephant. He let go of the trunk, and the elephant started walking again. The next day as the elephant passed the same spot, the boy came running and stopped the elephant to reprimand it again. This happened several days in a row.
The attendant couldn't believe what was happening. He told the king, who sent his minister to check on the boy. In a few days, the minister came to report to the king. "Sir, I observed the boy. He lives with his grandmother. He's just a playful little boy. He seems ordinary, but he has absolutely no fear. That's why he can stop your elephant.
I can't believe it," said the king. "What do you mean?"
Sir, a mind without fear and worry can do anything."
The king wanted the minister to prove his point. The only way to do so was to make the boy worry about something. The minister approached the boy's grandmother. After hearing from her that the boy was allowed to do anything he wanted, the minister asked, "Has he ever asked for anything and been refused?"
Nho. I have given him everything that he wanted. He is just a happy-go-lucky boy."
Is he afraid of anything?"
Nothing at all."
The minister had to prove his theory to the king, so he said, "All right. When he comes home today give him the usual food, but add less than the usual amount of salt. If the boy asks about it, tell him that you don't have enough money to buy salt, so you had to be sparing with what you have left."
The grandmother said, "If the king wants me to do that, I shall do it." That evening when the boy came home, she serve his supper right away. After a few bites, the boy said, "Grandma, what is this? It's not tasty today." The grandmother repeated what the minister had told her, and the boy said, "Okay, Grandmother, I will get you some salt." He ran to the shop and asked the shopkeeper to give him a little salt. The shopkeeper explained that he couldn't give him salt without receiving money in exchange. "Where can I get some money?" the boy asked.
You have to go and work for it."
I don't know how to work."
Then you can't get any salt."
The boy was a little depressed. He went home. "Grandma, I don't know what to do. He wants me to go and work and get money so I can get some salt. I don't know how to work."
All right, sweetheart," said the grandmother, "it doesn't matter. Go to sleep. We'll talk about it tomorrow."
The boy went to bed, but he couldn't sleep all night. In the morning, the elephant came as usual, and as usual, the boy went to stop the elephant, but he couldn't do it. The elephant pushed him aside and walked off. All the young fellow had in mind was, "I couldn't get a little salt for my food."
That one small worry had taken away all his strength.
The attendant couldn't believe what was happening. He told the king, who sent his minister to check on the boy. In a few days, the minister came to report to the king. "Sir, I observed the boy. He lives with his grandmother. He's just a playful little boy. He seems ordinary, but he has absolutely no fear. That's why he can stop your elephant.
I can't believe it," said the king. "What do you mean?"
Sir, a mind without fear and worry can do anything."
The king wanted the minister to prove his point. The only way to do so was to make the boy worry about something. The minister approached the boy's grandmother. After hearing from her that the boy was allowed to do anything he wanted, the minister asked, "Has he ever asked for anything and been refused?"
Nho. I have given him everything that he wanted. He is just a happy-go-lucky boy."
Is he afraid of anything?"
Nothing at all."
The minister had to prove his theory to the king, so he said, "All right. When he comes home today give him the usual food, but add less than the usual amount of salt. If the boy asks about it, tell him that you don't have enough money to buy salt, so you had to be sparing with what you have left."
The grandmother said, "If the king wants me to do that, I shall do it." That evening when the boy came home, she serve his supper right away. After a few bites, the boy said, "Grandma, what is this? It's not tasty today." The grandmother repeated what the minister had told her, and the boy said, "Okay, Grandmother, I will get you some salt." He ran to the shop and asked the shopkeeper to give him a little salt. The shopkeeper explained that he couldn't give him salt without receiving money in exchange. "Where can I get some money?" the boy asked.
You have to go and work for it."
I don't know how to work."
Then you can't get any salt."
The boy was a little depressed. He went home. "Grandma, I don't know what to do. He wants me to go and work and get money so I can get some salt. I don't know how to work."
All right, sweetheart," said the grandmother, "it doesn't matter. Go to sleep. We'll talk about it tomorrow."
The boy went to bed, but he couldn't sleep all night. In the morning, the elephant came as usual, and as usual, the boy went to stop the elephant, but he couldn't do it. The elephant pushed him aside and walked off. All the young fellow had in mind was, "I couldn't get a little salt for my food."
That one small worry had taken away all his strength.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
a nice story.........
One day I decided to quit... I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality... I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.
"God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"
His answer surprised me... "Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?" "Yes", I replied.
"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.
In the second year, the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. He said.
"In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would not quit." He said.
"Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant...But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive.
I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."
He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots?"
"I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you. "Don't compare yourself to others." He said.
"The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful. Your time will come", God said to me. You will rise high"
“How high should I rise?" I asked.
"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.
"As high as it can?" I questioned.
"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."
I left the forest and bring back this story.
I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.
"God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"
His answer surprised me... "Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?" "Yes", I replied.
"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.
In the second year, the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. He said.
"In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would not quit." He said.
"Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant...But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive.
I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."
He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots?"
"I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you. "Don't compare yourself to others." He said.
"The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful. Your time will come", God said to me. You will rise high"
“How high should I rise?" I asked.
"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.
"As high as it can?" I questioned.
"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."
I left the forest and bring back this story.
I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
“One Of These Days”...
“One Of These Days”....
I got this beautiful message in my inbox..Wish to share with you all:)
Today we have higher buildings and wider highways, but shorter temperaments and narrower points of view.
We spend more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses, but smaller families. We have more compromises, but less time. We have more knowledge, but less judgment. We have more medicines, but less health.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk much, we love only a little, and we hate too much.
We reached the moon and came back, but we find it troublesome to cross our own street and meet our neighbors. We have conquered the outer space, but not our inner space.
We have higher income, but less morals… These are times with more liberty, but less joy… With much more food, but less nutrition…
These are days in which two salaries come home, but divorces increase. These are times of finer houses, but more broken homes.
That’s why I propose that as of today -- You do not keep anything for a special occasion, because every day that you live is a special occasion. Search for knowledge, read more, sit on your front porch and admire the view without paying attention to the needs. Pass more time with your family, eat your favorite food, visit the place you love. Life is a chain of moments of enjoyment; it isn’t only survival.
Use your crystal goblets. Do not save your best perfume… use it every time you feel you want it. Take out from your vocabulary phrases like, “one of these days” and “someday”. Let’s write that letter we thought of writing “one of these days…”
Let’s tell our families and friends how much we love them. Never pass up a chance at adding laughter and joy to your life. Every day, hour, and minute are special… Because you never know if it will be your last…
“one of these days” can be very far away, and you may not be there to see it…
UnKnown...
I got this beautiful message in my inbox..Wish to share with you all:)
Today we have higher buildings and wider highways, but shorter temperaments and narrower points of view.
We spend more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses, but smaller families. We have more compromises, but less time. We have more knowledge, but less judgment. We have more medicines, but less health.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk much, we love only a little, and we hate too much.
We reached the moon and came back, but we find it troublesome to cross our own street and meet our neighbors. We have conquered the outer space, but not our inner space.
We have higher income, but less morals… These are times with more liberty, but less joy… With much more food, but less nutrition…
These are days in which two salaries come home, but divorces increase. These are times of finer houses, but more broken homes.
That’s why I propose that as of today -- You do not keep anything for a special occasion, because every day that you live is a special occasion. Search for knowledge, read more, sit on your front porch and admire the view without paying attention to the needs. Pass more time with your family, eat your favorite food, visit the place you love. Life is a chain of moments of enjoyment; it isn’t only survival.
Use your crystal goblets. Do not save your best perfume… use it every time you feel you want it. Take out from your vocabulary phrases like, “one of these days” and “someday”. Let’s write that letter we thought of writing “one of these days…”
Let’s tell our families and friends how much we love them. Never pass up a chance at adding laughter and joy to your life. Every day, hour, and minute are special… Because you never know if it will be your last…
“one of these days” can be very far away, and you may not be there to see it…
UnKnown...
Monday, January 4, 2010
The Emperor
An emperor in the Far East was growing old and knew it was time to choose his successor. Instead of choosing one of his assistants or his children, he decided something different. He called young people in the kingdom together one day. He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next emperor. I have decided to choose one of you."The kids were shocked! But the emperor continued. "I am going to give each one of you a seed today. One very special seed. I want you to plant the seed, water it and come back here after one year from today with what you have grown from this one seed. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next emperor!"One boy named Ling was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly told his mother the story. She helped him get a pot and planting soil, and he planted the seed and watered it carefully. Every day he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other youths began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow.Ling kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 5 weeks went by. Still nothing. By now, others were talking about their plants but Ling didn't have a plant, and he felt like a failure. Six months went by, still nothing in Ling's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed.Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Ling didn't say anything to his friends, however. He just kept waiting for his seed to grow.A year finally went by and all the youths of the kingdom brought their plants to the emperor for inspection. Ling told his mother that he wasn't going to take an empty pot. But honest about what happened, Ling felt sick to his stomach, but he knew his mother was right. He took his empty pot to the palace. When Ling arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other youths. They were beautiful in all shapes and sizes. Ling put his empty pot on the floor and many of the other kinds laughed at him. A few felt sorry for him and just said, "Hey nice try."When the emperor arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted the young people. Ling just tried to hide in the back. "What great plants, trees and flowers you have grown," said the emperor. "Today, one of you will be appointed the next emperor!" All of a sudden, the emperor spotted Ling at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered his guards to bring him to the front. Ling was terrified. "The emperor knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me killed!"When Ling got to the front, the Emperor asked his name. "My name is Ling," he replied. All the kids were laughing and making fun of him. The emperor asked everyone to quiet down. He looked at Ling, and then announced to the crowd, "Behold your new emperor! His name is Ling!" Ling couldn't believe it. Ling couldn't even grow his seed. How could he be the new emperor?Then the emperor said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone here a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds, which would not grow. All of you, except Ling, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Ling was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new emperor!"
If you plant honesty, you will reap trust.If you plant goodness, you will reap friends.
If you plant humility, you will reap greatness.
If you plant perseverance, you will reap victory.
If you plant consideration, you will reap harmony.
If you plant hard work, you will reap success.
If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation.
If you plant openness, you will reap intimacy.
If you plant patience, you will reap improvements.
If you plant faith, you will reap miracles.
But
If you plant dishonesty, you will reap distrust.
If you plant selfishness, you will reap loneliness.
If you plant pride, you will reap destruction.
If you plant envy, you will reap trouble.
If you plant laziness, you will reap stagnation.
If you plant bitterness, you will reap isolation.
If you plant greed, you will reap loss.
If you plant gossip, you will reap enemies.
If you plant worries, you will reap wrinkles.
If you plant sin, you will reap guilt.So be careful what you plant now,
It will determine what you will reap tomorrow, The seeds you now scatter, Will make life worse or better, your life or the ones who will come after. Yes, someday, you will enjoy the fruits, or you will pay for the choices you plant today.
If you plant honesty, you will reap trust.If you plant goodness, you will reap friends.
If you plant humility, you will reap greatness.
If you plant perseverance, you will reap victory.
If you plant consideration, you will reap harmony.
If you plant hard work, you will reap success.
If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation.
If you plant openness, you will reap intimacy.
If you plant patience, you will reap improvements.
If you plant faith, you will reap miracles.
But
If you plant dishonesty, you will reap distrust.
If you plant selfishness, you will reap loneliness.
If you plant pride, you will reap destruction.
If you plant envy, you will reap trouble.
If you plant laziness, you will reap stagnation.
If you plant bitterness, you will reap isolation.
If you plant greed, you will reap loss.
If you plant gossip, you will reap enemies.
If you plant worries, you will reap wrinkles.
If you plant sin, you will reap guilt.So be careful what you plant now,
It will determine what you will reap tomorrow, The seeds you now scatter, Will make life worse or better, your life or the ones who will come after. Yes, someday, you will enjoy the fruits, or you will pay for the choices you plant today.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Cloud and Water
You ride on a horse,
while I ride on a donkey.
Looks like you are better off than me!
Turning around, I see a man pushing his cart.
Some are better off than me,
But there are others less fortunate thanmyself!
A poem from the collection “Cloud and Water” by the Chinese Buddhist writer Hsing Yun.
The blurb explains the title of the book:
What do we mean by cloud and water? Clouds float by water flows on. In movement there is no grasping, in Ch’an there is no settling. The cloud and water life is a life of living in the moment, always fresh and ready to experience.
while I ride on a donkey.
Looks like you are better off than me!
Turning around, I see a man pushing his cart.
Some are better off than me,
But there are others less fortunate thanmyself!
A poem from the collection “Cloud and Water” by the Chinese Buddhist writer Hsing Yun.
The blurb explains the title of the book:
What do we mean by cloud and water? Clouds float by water flows on. In movement there is no grasping, in Ch’an there is no settling. The cloud and water life is a life of living in the moment, always fresh and ready to experience.
Trees That Wood
Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, "Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty."Then the second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me."
After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter" ... and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.
At the second tree a woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.
When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special from my tree so I'll take this one", and he cut it down.
When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for. The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark. The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.
Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time. Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and he stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.
Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.
The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts. Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined. We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Experience it, understand it…
Once a king called upon all of his wise men and asked them,
"Is there a mantra or suggestion which works in every situation, in every circumstance,
in every place and in every time.
Something which can help me when none of you is available to advise me.
Tell me is there any mantra?"
All wise men got puzzled by King's question.
One answer for all question? Something that works everywhere, in every situation, in every joy, every sorrow, every defeat and every victory?
They thought and thought.
After a lengthy discussion, an old man suggested something which appealed to all of them. They went to the king and gave him something written on paper. But the condition was that king was not to see it out of curiosity. Only in extreme danger, when the King finds himself alone and there seems to be no way, only then he'll have to see it.
The King put the papers under his Diamond ring.
After a few days, the neighbors attacked the Kingdom.
It was a collective surprise attack of the King's enemies.
King and his army fought bravely but lost the battle.
King had to fled on his horse. The enemies were following him.
His horse took him far away in the Jungle.
He could hear many troops of horses following him and the noise was coming closer and closer.
Suddenly the King found himself standing at the end of the road - that road was not going anywhere.
Underneath there was a rocky valley thousand feet deep.
If he jumped into it, he would be finished…and he could not return because it was a small road…
The sound of enemy's horses was approaching fast. King became restless. There seemed to be no way.
Then suddenly he saw the Diamond in his ring shining in the sun, and
he remembered the message hidden in the ring.
He opened the diamond and read the message. The message was very small but very great.
The message was - "Even this shall pass away."
The King read it. Again read it. Suddenly something struck him- Yes! it too will pass. Only a few days ago, I was enjoying my kingdom. I was the mightiest of all the Kings. Yet today, the Kingdom and all his pleasure have gone.
I am here trying to escape from enemies.
However when those days of luxuries have gone, this day of danger too will pass. Calm come on his face.
He kept standing there.
The place where he was standing was full of natural beauty. He had never known that such a beautiful place was also a part of his Kingdom. The revelation of the message had a great effect on him. He relaxed and forgot about those following him. After a few minutes he realized that the noise of the horses and the enemy coming was receding. They moved into some other part of the mountains and were not on that path.
The King was very brave. He reorganized his army and fought again. He defeated the enemy and regained his lost empire. When he returned to his empire after victory, he was received with much fan fare at the door. The whole capital was rejoicing in the victory. Everyone was in a festive mood.
Flowers were being thrown on the King from every house, from every corner. People were dancing and singing. For a moment King said to himself," I am one of the bravest and greatest King. It is not easy to defeat me".
With all the reception and celebration he saw an ego emerging in him.
Suddenly the Diamond of his ring flashed in the sunlight and reminded him of the message. He open it and read it again:
"Even this shall pass away."
He became silent. His face went through a total change - from the egoist he moved to a state of utter humbleness.
If this too is going to pass, it is not yours. The defeat was not yours, the victory is not yours. You are just a watcher. Everything passes by we are witness of all this. We are the perceiver.
Life comes and goes.
Happiness comes and goes. Sorrow comes and goes.
Now as you have read this story, just sit silently and evaluate your own life. Think of the moments of joy and victory in your life. Think of the moment of Sorrow and defeat. Are they permanent? They all come and pass away. Life just passes away.
There were friends in the past. They have gone.
There are friends today. They too will go.
There will be new friends tomorrow. They too will go.
There were enemies in the past. They have gone.
There may be enemies in the present. They too will go.
There will be new enemies tomorrow and……they too will go.
There is nothing permanent in this world. Everything changes except the law of change. Think over it from your own perspective. You have seen all the changes. You have survived all setbacks, all defeats and all sorrows.
All have passed away. If there are problems in the present, they too will pass away. Because nothing remains forever.
Joy and sorrow are the two faces of the same coin. They both will pass away.
Who are you in reality? Know your real face. Your face is not your true face. It will change with the time. However, there is something in you, which will not change. It will remain unchanged. What is that unchangeable?
It is nothing but your true self. You are just a witness of change.
Experience it, understand it…
"Is there a mantra or suggestion which works in every situation, in every circumstance,
in every place and in every time.
Something which can help me when none of you is available to advise me.
Tell me is there any mantra?"
All wise men got puzzled by King's question.
One answer for all question? Something that works everywhere, in every situation, in every joy, every sorrow, every defeat and every victory?
They thought and thought.
After a lengthy discussion, an old man suggested something which appealed to all of them. They went to the king and gave him something written on paper. But the condition was that king was not to see it out of curiosity. Only in extreme danger, when the King finds himself alone and there seems to be no way, only then he'll have to see it.
The King put the papers under his Diamond ring.
After a few days, the neighbors attacked the Kingdom.
It was a collective surprise attack of the King's enemies.
King and his army fought bravely but lost the battle.
King had to fled on his horse. The enemies were following him.
His horse took him far away in the Jungle.
He could hear many troops of horses following him and the noise was coming closer and closer.
Suddenly the King found himself standing at the end of the road - that road was not going anywhere.
Underneath there was a rocky valley thousand feet deep.
If he jumped into it, he would be finished…and he could not return because it was a small road…
The sound of enemy's horses was approaching fast. King became restless. There seemed to be no way.
Then suddenly he saw the Diamond in his ring shining in the sun, and
he remembered the message hidden in the ring.
He opened the diamond and read the message. The message was very small but very great.
The message was - "Even this shall pass away."
The King read it. Again read it. Suddenly something struck him- Yes! it too will pass. Only a few days ago, I was enjoying my kingdom. I was the mightiest of all the Kings. Yet today, the Kingdom and all his pleasure have gone.
I am here trying to escape from enemies.
However when those days of luxuries have gone, this day of danger too will pass. Calm come on his face.
He kept standing there.
The place where he was standing was full of natural beauty. He had never known that such a beautiful place was also a part of his Kingdom. The revelation of the message had a great effect on him. He relaxed and forgot about those following him. After a few minutes he realized that the noise of the horses and the enemy coming was receding. They moved into some other part of the mountains and were not on that path.
The King was very brave. He reorganized his army and fought again. He defeated the enemy and regained his lost empire. When he returned to his empire after victory, he was received with much fan fare at the door. The whole capital was rejoicing in the victory. Everyone was in a festive mood.
Flowers were being thrown on the King from every house, from every corner. People were dancing and singing. For a moment King said to himself," I am one of the bravest and greatest King. It is not easy to defeat me".
With all the reception and celebration he saw an ego emerging in him.
Suddenly the Diamond of his ring flashed in the sunlight and reminded him of the message. He open it and read it again:
"Even this shall pass away."
He became silent. His face went through a total change - from the egoist he moved to a state of utter humbleness.
If this too is going to pass, it is not yours. The defeat was not yours, the victory is not yours. You are just a watcher. Everything passes by we are witness of all this. We are the perceiver.
Life comes and goes.
Happiness comes and goes. Sorrow comes and goes.
Now as you have read this story, just sit silently and evaluate your own life. Think of the moments of joy and victory in your life. Think of the moment of Sorrow and defeat. Are they permanent? They all come and pass away. Life just passes away.
There were friends in the past. They have gone.
There are friends today. They too will go.
There will be new friends tomorrow. They too will go.
There were enemies in the past. They have gone.
There may be enemies in the present. They too will go.
There will be new enemies tomorrow and……they too will go.
There is nothing permanent in this world. Everything changes except the law of change. Think over it from your own perspective. You have seen all the changes. You have survived all setbacks, all defeats and all sorrows.
All have passed away. If there are problems in the present, they too will pass away. Because nothing remains forever.
Joy and sorrow are the two faces of the same coin. They both will pass away.
Who are you in reality? Know your real face. Your face is not your true face. It will change with the time. However, there is something in you, which will not change. It will remain unchanged. What is that unchangeable?
It is nothing but your true self. You are just a witness of change.
Experience it, understand it…
Monday, April 27, 2009
Weakness to Strength
One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do.
Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey. He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.
A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt.. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. .. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
Free your heart from hatred - Forgive
Free your mind from worries - Most never happen
Live simply and appreciate what you have
Give more
Expect less
Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey. He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.
A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt.. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. .. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
Free your heart from hatred - Forgive
Free your mind from worries - Most never happen
Live simply and appreciate what you have
Give more
Expect less
Friday, January 2, 2009
Rules of a Lovely Life
Some Important Rules to follow to have a Lovely Life.1.Pursue only achievable Goal.
2.Keep a Genuine Smile.
3.Share with others.
4.Help thy Neighbours.
5.Maintain your youthful spirit.
6.Get along with the Rich,the Poor.the beautiful and the ugly.
7.Keep cool under Pressure.
8.Lighten the Atmosphere of Humour.
9.Forgive thye annoyance of others.
10.co-operate and Reap creator Rewards.
11.Have few Pals.
12.Treasure every Moment with your ones.
13.Have High confidence in yourself.
14.Respect the Disadvantaged
15.Indulge your occasionally
16.Give Thanks to the Almighty.
17.Take calculated risks.
18.Understand Money is'nt Everything.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
You Are Unique...
Enjoy that uniqueness. You do not have to pretend in order to seem more like someone else. You weren't meant to be like someone else. You do not have to lie to conceal the parts of you that are not like what you see in anyone else.
You were meant to be different. Nowhere ever in all of history will the same things be going on in anyone's mind, soul and spirit as are going on in yours right now.
If you did not exist, there would be a hole in creation, a gap in history, something missing from the plan for humankind. Treasure your uniqueness. It is a gift given only to you. Enjoy it and share it!
No one can reach out to others in the same way that you can. No one can speak your words. No one can convey your meanings. No one can comfort with your kind of comfort. No one can bring your kind of understanding to another person.
No one can be cheerful and lighthearted and joyous in your way. No one can smile your smile. No one else can bring the whole unique impact of you to another human being.
Share your uniqueness. Let it be free to flow out among your family and friends and people you meet in the rush and clutter of living wherever you are. That gift of yourself was given you to enjoy and share. Give yourself away!
See it! Receive it! Let it tickle you! Let it form you and nudge you and inspire you!
You were meant to be different. Nowhere ever in all of history will the same things be going on in anyone's mind, soul and spirit as are going on in yours right now.
If you did not exist, there would be a hole in creation, a gap in history, something missing from the plan for humankind. Treasure your uniqueness. It is a gift given only to you. Enjoy it and share it!
No one can reach out to others in the same way that you can. No one can speak your words. No one can convey your meanings. No one can comfort with your kind of comfort. No one can bring your kind of understanding to another person.
No one can be cheerful and lighthearted and joyous in your way. No one can smile your smile. No one else can bring the whole unique impact of you to another human being.
Share your uniqueness. Let it be free to flow out among your family and friends and people you meet in the rush and clutter of living wherever you are. That gift of yourself was given you to enjoy and share. Give yourself away!
See it! Receive it! Let it tickle you! Let it form you and nudge you and inspire you!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Life......
"Be happy while you're living, for you're a long time dead." - Scottish Proverb
Everyone says, "How the time flies." The days go by and they are years, and the years finally become our whole life. Each daily portion can be wasted, or it can be a pleasure, before it is gone forever. If a bedtime review of the day concludes that we were too stressed, too busy, didn't accomplish anything, didn't have any fun, then it has been another lost piece of precious life.
Perhaps we are putting off our enjoyment until we have more time, or money, or some other improved condition. The trouble with that is that it might never happen, or it may be too long in coming. It's so important to accept this time, this very minute, as something of tremendous value that will very soon be gone forever. There are many ways to ensure that we make the best of our time here on earth.
In our daily routine let's include time to enjoy others and thus ourselves. Look and wonder at the trees, fields and mountains, smell the flowers, hear the birds, and watch the clouds in the sky.
"This world, after all our science and sciences, is still a miracle; wonderful, magical and more, to whosoever will think of it." - Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881)
Face your problems bravely, confidently, and improve on your situation, no matter what state it be in. Be good to feel good. Be active and improve your mind. Laugh, relax, and sleep well.
Life is mostly froth and bubble;
Two things stand like stone:
Kindness in another's trouble,
Courage in our own. - Adam Gordon (1833-1870)
Everyone says, "How the time flies." The days go by and they are years, and the years finally become our whole life. Each daily portion can be wasted, or it can be a pleasure, before it is gone forever. If a bedtime review of the day concludes that we were too stressed, too busy, didn't accomplish anything, didn't have any fun, then it has been another lost piece of precious life.
Perhaps we are putting off our enjoyment until we have more time, or money, or some other improved condition. The trouble with that is that it might never happen, or it may be too long in coming. It's so important to accept this time, this very minute, as something of tremendous value that will very soon be gone forever. There are many ways to ensure that we make the best of our time here on earth.
In our daily routine let's include time to enjoy others and thus ourselves. Look and wonder at the trees, fields and mountains, smell the flowers, hear the birds, and watch the clouds in the sky.
"This world, after all our science and sciences, is still a miracle; wonderful, magical and more, to whosoever will think of it." - Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881)
Face your problems bravely, confidently, and improve on your situation, no matter what state it be in. Be good to feel good. Be active and improve your mind. Laugh, relax, and sleep well.
Life is mostly froth and bubble;
Two things stand like stone:
Kindness in another's trouble,
Courage in our own. - Adam Gordon (1833-1870)
Friday, December 5, 2008
சமீபத்தில் படித்து சிந்தித்தது
சர்ச்சுக்கு பிரார்த்தனை செய்ய வரும் ஒரு முதியவரிடம் பாதிரியார் கேட்கிறார், "பிரார்த்தனை நேரத்தில், நீங்கள் வாய் திறந்து முணுமுணுத்துக் கூடப் பார்த்ததில்லை, பின் எதற்காக வருகிறீர்கள்?""நான் கடவுளீடம் பேச வரவில்லை. அவர் சொல்வதைக் கவனிக்க வருகிறேன்."ஓ, கடவுள் உங்க காதில் மட்டும் பேசுகிறாராக்கும்? அப்படி என்ன தான் சொல்கிறார்?""அவரும் என்னைப் போல்தான், பேசவருவதில்லை, கவனிக்கத்தான் வருகிறார்!"வாழ்க்கை அப்படித்தான்,வேறு லயத்தில் இயங்கிக் கொண்டு இருக்கிறது. அமைதியாக, உன்னிப்பாகக் கவனித்தால் போதும்.. நீங்கள் விரும்பியதெல்லாம் எங்கே இருக்கிறது என்பது புலப்படும்.கடவுள் சன்னிதியில் சொல்வது மட்டும் தான் பிரார்த்தனை என்பது அல்ல; இந்த உலகமே, இந்தப் பிரபஞ்சமே இறைவனின் ஆலயம். எனவே, நடப்பதை, உணவு உட்கொள்வதை, அடுத்தவரிடம் அன்பு காட்டுவதை என் ஒவ்வொரு செயலையுமே பிரார்த்தனை போல் செய்யுங்கள்!"வாழ்க்கையே பிரார்த்தனை போல் நடத்திச் செலவது தான் என் நோக்கம். அதற்கொரு பயிற்சியாக கோயிலிலும் பிரார்த்தனை செய்கிறேன்" இதை வாழ்க்கையின் ஆழமான அனுபவமாக ஏற்றுப் பாருங்கள். அதன் பலனாக உங்களுக்கு அமுதம் கிடைக்கும்.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
How to be confident
Confidence is the weapon with which the whole world can be conquered. Confidence is necessary to cope with all situations in life. It is the only thing which enables you to express yourself. It is very essential to display your positive qualities and helps others to understand you better. Some people are lucky as they have inborn confidence. Like these people everyone else also possesses confidence. It is hidden somewhere inside one's self. The only need is to polish it so that you glitter like gold with it. Read on to bring out the confidence buried deep inside you.Ten steps for building confidence,
1. Have a positive attitude
2. Have clear objectives
3. Build on your strengths
4. Find your weaknesses
5. Follow your dreams
6. Be honest to yourself
7. Ask for suggestions
8. Interact with people and help them
9. Learn to manage tension and stress
10. Small things to be remembered always
You now have the secrets to be confident and develop your overall personality too. However overconfidence can be harmful. You may never know your smallest effort can be an important milestone in your life. All you need is a little patience and determination to achieve your objective. Trust yourself and go on, get what you want.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Yesterday Today & Tomorrow
There are two days in every week we should not worry about, two days that should be kept free from fear and apprehension.
One is yesterday, with its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains.
Yesterday has passed, forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we performed. Nor can we erase a single word we"ve said - yesterday is gone.
The other day we shouldn"t worry about is tomorrow, with its impossible. Tomorrow is beyond our control. Tomorrow"s sun will rise either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds but it will rise. And until it does, we have no stake in tomorrow, for it is yet unborn.
This leaves only one day - today. Any person can fight the battles of just one day. It is only when we add the burdens of yesterday and tomorrow that we break down.
It is not the experience of today that drives people mad - it is the remorse of bitterness for something that happened yesterday, and the dread of what tomorrow may bring.
One is yesterday, with its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains.
Yesterday has passed, forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we performed. Nor can we erase a single word we"ve said - yesterday is gone.
The other day we shouldn"t worry about is tomorrow, with its impossible. Tomorrow is beyond our control. Tomorrow"s sun will rise either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds but it will rise. And until it does, we have no stake in tomorrow, for it is yet unborn.
This leaves only one day - today. Any person can fight the battles of just one day. It is only when we add the burdens of yesterday and tomorrow that we break down.
It is not the experience of today that drives people mad - it is the remorse of bitterness for something that happened yesterday, and the dread of what tomorrow may bring.
Enjoy Life.....
A Long time ago, there was an Emperor who told his horseman that if he could ride on his horse and cover as much land area as he likes, then the Emperor would give him the area of land he has covered.
Sure enough, the horseman quickly jumped onto his horse and rode as fast as possible to cover as much land area as he could. He kept on riding and riding, whipping the horse to go as fast as possible.
Came to a point when he had covered a substantial area and he was exhausted and was dying.
Then he asked himself, "Why did I pushed myself so hard to cover so much land area?
Now I am dying and I only need a very small area to bury myself."
The above story is similar with the journey of our Life.
We push very hard everyday to make more money, to gain power and recognition.
We neglect our health, time with our family and to appreciate the surrounding beauty and the hobbies we love to do.
One day when we look back, we will realize that we don"t really need that much, but then we cannot turn back time for what we have missed.
Life is not about making money, acquiring power or recognition.
Life is definitely not about work! Work is only necessary to keep us living so as to enjoy the beauty and pleasures of life.
Lessons to Learn from The Story:
Life is a balance of Work and Play, Family and Personal time.
You have to decide how you want to balance your Life.
Define your priorities, realize what you are able to compromise but always let some of your decisions be based on your instincts.
Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of Life, the whole aim of human existence.
So, take it easy, do what you want to do and appreciate nature. Life is fragile, Life is short. Do not take Life for granted.
Live a balance lifestyle and enjoy Life!
Monday, October 20, 2008
How to Maintain Good Spiritual Health
Have a good relationship with yourself. The only person that knows the best way to develop a close self-relationship is you. Some ways that often work are; keeping a journal and writing your feelings, writing poetry or short stories, take personality quizzes, and talking to yourself in a positive way.
Pray and talk to the Lord or whoever you worship. Before you go to bed each night, take a few minutes to send a few effective prayers up to heaven. Attend church on a regular basis if possible, and keep in contact with and be sure you have accepted the Lord Jesus if your call yourself a Christian, and show your love for God by helping the least of his children.
Read a lot. Try to study new topics and try new things, this is not only to exercise your mind but also to improve your intelligence.
Meditate. Meditating is an important way to maintain good spiritual health. Most people prefer to meditate in the morning after they wake up, before bed, and/or after getting home from work or school.
Deep breathing sessions. Have a time of day were you turn off all the TV's, iPods, and computers and just breath deeply. It's a good time to come in contact with your inner thoughts and feelings.
Listen to your inner voice and follow your gut. What is your inner voice telling you? It's usually the right decision. Stick with your gut, don't do something you may regret.
Laugh a lot and sing aloud to your favorite song. These simple things can really improve the way you feel towards yourself and life in general.
Don't take anything for granted. Pretend like you are seeing the world for the first time, explore nature. Try doing things with a blindfold such as: watching a movie, talking to a friend, or playing with a pet. It helps you to realize how well you have it.
Do something for someone else everyday. Whether its paying someone a compliment, giving money to charity, or helping someone carry their books, it will make you feel good with the added bonus of making someone else feel good too!
Watch or read something uplifting. Watch an uplifting movie or read an inspirational story! Whatever floats your boat.
Tips
Smile and laugh -- be full of God's spirit and His great energy in your life...
Develop self confidence.
Let more warmth and love into your close relationships.
Be nice to people.
Pray and talk to the Lord or whoever you worship. Before you go to bed each night, take a few minutes to send a few effective prayers up to heaven. Attend church on a regular basis if possible, and keep in contact with and be sure you have accepted the Lord Jesus if your call yourself a Christian, and show your love for God by helping the least of his children.
Read a lot. Try to study new topics and try new things, this is not only to exercise your mind but also to improve your intelligence.
Meditate. Meditating is an important way to maintain good spiritual health. Most people prefer to meditate in the morning after they wake up, before bed, and/or after getting home from work or school.
Deep breathing sessions. Have a time of day were you turn off all the TV's, iPods, and computers and just breath deeply. It's a good time to come in contact with your inner thoughts and feelings.
Listen to your inner voice and follow your gut. What is your inner voice telling you? It's usually the right decision. Stick with your gut, don't do something you may regret.
Laugh a lot and sing aloud to your favorite song. These simple things can really improve the way you feel towards yourself and life in general.
Don't take anything for granted. Pretend like you are seeing the world for the first time, explore nature. Try doing things with a blindfold such as: watching a movie, talking to a friend, or playing with a pet. It helps you to realize how well you have it.
Do something for someone else everyday. Whether its paying someone a compliment, giving money to charity, or helping someone carry their books, it will make you feel good with the added bonus of making someone else feel good too!
Watch or read something uplifting. Watch an uplifting movie or read an inspirational story! Whatever floats your boat.
Tips
Smile and laugh -- be full of God's spirit and His great energy in your life...
Develop self confidence.
Let more warmth and love into your close relationships.
Be nice to people.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
I am starting with josh, But …
People start things with high josh and will loose the tempo and get dropped after some time. If some one is not able to maintain his motivation or josh in a project means, the results are not measurable. It is just intangible. Some one wants to drop 10kgs in 3 months, there should be a milestone point and measurable option. “How much I have to achieve per month and where am I standing right now, should I throttle up the process or I am on right pace? …” - all these things need a measuring point. Only when my goals are measurable, I will be able to maintain the josh. Otherwise I cannot.
I am honest, But competitors shows carrot and gets the order
There are enough people and enough market for every product. What ever I offer, there is a market to buy. I just need to find it. I am honest. I do not cheat. People cheat. Let them. I do not bother and I do not need to focus on them. Let me focus on honest business. I will create a new market of honest people. They may be waiting for me.
How to deal with ‘EGO’?
EGO is not a small thing to drop just like that. It has a different play at different aspects.
Relationship: The word Ego itself says ‘EGo means Everything Goes’. I should not bring ego between me and my relationship. It will create a drift in the relationship. But I am not Buddha to drop my ego just like that. Ego comes in between just like that. What should I do? I need to think how much this person has to me. In case of permanent relationship (like – spouse, parents..) the list of ‘ how much they have done to me’ will be longer than ‘ How much I have done to them’. When I see ‘how much they have done to me’, my heart will be filled with gratitude and when gratitude comes, no possibility for ego. And the relationship grows and shoots up.
Spiritual: I should drop ego to align myself into the spirituality.
Personal / Professional: I should not have ego with world. But with me. With myself, I should I have thin ego. It helps me to ask myself, “How can I perform like this, this is not accepted” and pushes me more to get right. Mediocre performance and being happy about it will destroy some one’s life. He need little ego (only with himself) to get hurt, so that he will push himself and start performing.
With my self: I should have little ego, so that I will help me to grow in my profession and pushes me to perform more.
In the relationship:I should not have ego. How do I drop it ? I need to count my blessings and I need to see how much the other person has done to me. This process will fill my heart with gratitude and helps me to remove the ego.
Relationship: The word Ego itself says ‘EGo means Everything Goes’. I should not bring ego between me and my relationship. It will create a drift in the relationship. But I am not Buddha to drop my ego just like that. Ego comes in between just like that. What should I do? I need to think how much this person has to me. In case of permanent relationship (like – spouse, parents..) the list of ‘ how much they have done to me’ will be longer than ‘ How much I have done to them’. When I see ‘how much they have done to me’, my heart will be filled with gratitude and when gratitude comes, no possibility for ego. And the relationship grows and shoots up.
Spiritual: I should drop ego to align myself into the spirituality.
Personal / Professional: I should not have ego with world. But with me. With myself, I should I have thin ego. It helps me to ask myself, “How can I perform like this, this is not accepted” and pushes me more to get right. Mediocre performance and being happy about it will destroy some one’s life. He need little ego (only with himself) to get hurt, so that he will push himself and start performing.
With my self: I should have little ego, so that I will help me to grow in my profession and pushes me to perform more.
In the relationship:I should not have ego. How do I drop it ? I need to count my blessings and I need to see how much the other person has done to me. This process will fill my heart with gratitude and helps me to remove the ego.
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