The story goes that some time ago, a man punished his 3-year-old
daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight
and he became infuriated when the child tried to decorate a box to put
under the Christmas tree. Nevertheless, the little girl brought the
gift to her father the next morning and said, "This is for you,
Daddy."

The man was embarrassed by his earlier overreaction, but his anger
flared again when he found out the box was empty. He yelled at her,
stating, "Don't you know, when you give someone a present, there is
supposed to be something inside? The little girl looked up at him with
tears in her eyes and cried, "Oh, Daddy, it's not empty at all. I blew
kisses into the box. They're all for you, Daddy."

The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little girl, and he
begged for her forgiveness.

Only a short time later, an accident took the life of the child. It is
also told that her father kept that gold box by his bed for many years
and, whenever he was discouraged, he would take out an imaginary kiss
and remember the love of the child who had put it there.


"The heart of a fool is in his mouth , but the mouth of a wise man is
in his heart."

When we talk about religion, the first question that arises is, "Is there a God? " Me thinks there is. For no specific reason. He's just the best person to blame for all the miracles and all the beauty on this planet. :D

I was reading Niranjan's post on religion and it occured to me that very few people know what the importance of the Sikh religion is.

So, satsriakal ji,greetings, and welcome to my world.

Influenced by the devotional emphasis of bhakti Hinduism and Sufi Islam, Sikhism stresses the unity, truth, and creativity of a personal God and urges union with him through meditation on his title, the Name (Nam), and surrender to his will.

It also advocates active service rather than the ideal of ascetic withdrawal. Loyalty and justice are admired, smoking and intoxicants forbidden. Sikhism also rejects the caste system, priesthood, image worship, and pilgrimage, although it retains the doctrines of transmigration and karma.

The ultimate spiritual authority is the Adi Granth, consisting of hymns by the ten Sikh gurus (Hindi for “teachers”) and Hindu and Muslim devotional poetry in several languages. All Sikhs may read the Adi Granth, which is the focus of devotion at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the Sikh religious center.

Sikhs are expected to join the Khalsa (Punjabi for “pure”), a religious and military order. Initiates are “baptized” by drinking sweetened water stirred with a sword
Members of the Khalsa are instructed to observe the five k’s: They must wear four symbols of the Sikh faith—soldiers’ shorts (kaccha), an iron bangle (kara), a steel sword (kirpan), and a comb (khanga)—and they must not cut their hair (kes).

Nanak, the saintly first guru, wandered over India seeking converts. He was succeeded by nine gurus, the office staying within the family line of the fourth guru, Ram Das. Ram Das was also the founder of the Golden Temple. The fifth, Arjan Dev, compiled the Adi Granth, the holy book, in 1604. As the Sikhs became a distinct religious community, they took up arms against persecution by Hindus and by Muslim rulers of the Mughal Empire. Opposing Mughal tyranny, the tenth guru, Gobind Singh, formed the Khalsa in 1699. During the decline of the Mughals, the Sikhs, led by the warrior Ranjit Singh, created a powerful state in the Punjab about 1800 that eventually threatened British-controlled India. After internal dissension and two wars the Punjab was annexed by the British in 1849.

During a period of Sikh persecution, Gobind Singh asked those who were willing to die for their faith to join him. He named the first five willing to risk their lives the panj pyares, or "faithful ones," and proclaimed them the first members of the Khalsa.

This Khalsa, at that time, was an army of brave men who stood up to the tortures of Arungzeb on the Hindus and Muslims. The whole barh baje concept has an actual history. Arungzeb used to 'collect' hindu and muslim women and have them transported elswhere for his own work and pleasure. "Barah Baje" was the signal used by the members of the Khalsa to warn the others that the train carrying these women was about to leave, and that they were to now move forward and do their duty, in saving them.

History itself tells the tale about these brave men. Each of our gurus were tortured at the hands of the Mughal Empire. From being made to sit in a vessel containing hot water on a burning flame, being be-headed to raising a brick wall around Guru Gobind Singhji's children, when alive.

For Nanak, the principal obstacle to achieving sahaj was the influence of haumai, or self-centeredness. As a result of haumai, the human soul inevitably loses itself in the temporary pleasures of existence (maya).

Nanak held that the most effective remedy for the effects of haumai was spiritual introspection, especially the regular practice of nam simran, or repetition of the divine name. As a result of an all-consuming commitment to truth, and with the assistance and guidance of the Guru, one could become steadily more aware of the cosmic shabad (sound), of which all existence—and hence also the devotee—was simply a form. Meditation on these truths would gradually permit devotees to become aware of the anahad shabad, (unstruck music) within themselves, and by progressively working against the otherwise undisciplined self, enable the devotee to advance further toward the ultimate goal of sahaj.

Gobind Singh (1666–1708), Indian religious leader, the tenth and last guru (teacher) of Sikhism, and founder of the Sikh brotherhood known as the Khalsa. On Gobind Singh’s death, the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, replaced the line of human gurus as the teacher and guide of the Sikhs.

So, in layman's language, here is one religion that came into existence so as to remove all differences amongst people. And to this day, I can proudly say, that we've succeeded. So, much so, that each gurudwara,temple, provides free restrooms for poor travellers. The concept of langar, serving food, is still un- corrupted and followed. By un-corrupted, I mean, the whole point of feeding the poor, is still lived up to. There is no discrimination along the lines of who is and who isn't allowed in the gurudwara's. In fact the only rules that we have to follow are the 5 k's. That's it. Sikhs learn from the writings of their Holy book, that was written by learned men, who provided the much needed faith we needed in the existence of God.

Oh! There's beauty in every religion and how they look at God. Jesus resurrected from the cross, Rama killed Ravana... I respect it. I hate the part where the discrimination starts. The part where the untouchables, that's what they really are even today, not enter temples ( or whereever) makes me angry. And that's why all I can really say is... 'proud to be a sikh!!

Today I noticed a foreigner sitting in the passenger seat of a car, wearing a seat belt; I've seen it before, but today, I felt pathetic. It's thought provoking, really, the world of double standards, that we live in! Foreigners who come to India follow rules viz., wearing seat belts, not littering roads and using them as public urinals, not cutting through the lanes while driving, and actually following the Red means Stop, Amber means Rest and Green means Go!! They follow them in their own country, and they come to India and follow them too...Pathetic, that is what we are.

When we go abroad, we very very meticulously follow rules. No driving above the speed limit, no spitting 'pan' on the roadside, following signal signs to name just a few. Also, we not only manage to control our bladders until we find a toilet, but we also control the urge to throw things on the road and actually strain ourselves to look for dustbins!!!!

....Is it me or is it just following the When in Rome, be a Roman policy?

What's worse is that we follow these double standards in other spheres of our lives too. As long as you are dumping garbage in front of someone else's house, its OK. The minute some one does the same to you, how long does it take for you to call up the municipality??

As long as I'm the one watering my plants even after it's rained that evening, its OK, what urges me to call and complain is when my neighbor decided to wash his balcony which is dirty.

Anyone who drives faster than me, is rash, and anyone who drives slower doesn't know how to drive.

Why does the question of "why should I?" arise every time there is a NEED and requirement for people to raise their voice and be heard. You see, as long as I can sit here and complain about how wrong things are with the working of the judicial system and police, I'm happy. Everyone is happy. Something is been questioned, after all. The problem arises when I have to take steps to eradicate the problem. Why should I,eh? Until one of my kin has been taking into custody by mistake, beaten up by rogues.. Why should I actually make an effort?

Since most of our actions are motivated by self-interest...Think of it this way,if you actually take steps to solve the problem, there won't be a situation where you'll have to cry about injustice in the world to the people around you when you find yourself in a pit..

You can question my creditability for having the guts to point out such things. On my behalf, I can say that I made my share of the effort. It's not 100% and I'm still trying. But, I wear my seat belt, correct my dad when he parks wrong no matter how convenient, and don't spit and throw stuff on the roads... And I would bet anything, and win, to convince you that once YOU start making an effort, people will follow.. 'cuz you see what people are looking for is an example. 'Cuz when you make a effort to change, you stand out, and people notice it. And they are forced to follow it, 'cuz even they know deep down, that that is the right way to go.

Don't do it for me or for someone else. Do it for yourself. You see Gandhiji always said, " You have to be the change you want to see in the world."

Recent weeks have brought a lot of death.. and the required 'lightening' required to shake ourselves out of the pretence that everything is alright.

1. London bombings taking a huge toll of deaths.

2. A little before that was the Tsunami taking numerous people to the ocean floor.

3. ONGC platform goes into flames.

4. Mumbai floods.

5. Guragaon, Delhi: People are fighting.

6. Karnataka floods.

.....What more do we need to convince us that shifting blame isn't the way to solve a problem? And that WE DO have a problem. In fact we're on the threshold of a full blown disaster... it's like sitting on top of a volcano, waiting for it to burst. And instead of trying to get ourselves down from the top, we're squating and enjoying the tea-party.

Newton's third law : Each and every action has an equal and opposite reaction. We all know it. Learn it. See it. But when it comes to such disasters we spend our time blaming governments for not doing enough to provide relief. Why don't we question them as to WHY these things are happening in the first place?

I know it is ill-logical to think that we can control such things, but only to so much extent. We've spent the last few decades spiriting away to new planets and building machinary that will one day render us useless. We've spent years battling about pollution and using oceans, etc. as dumping grounds, and not actually doing anything about it. We go around talking about 'small families' and population control... but each day the number of orphanages increases...'Cuz oceans have been dumped with. Forests have been cut. And the air is/has been polluted. How much did we think Mother nature would tolerate until she gave it back to us??

The past is proof enough for the extent of her wrath. Maybe not in full force, but at every step when we've over stepped the mark there's been a warning.

Oh! And now she is giving it back to us. If we multiply at such an alarming rate, nature will start, and has started to cut down this population at an alarming rate. Dirty waters and no respect for the oceans resulted us with Tsunami's. Earthquakes defy the gravity-defying sky scrapers. Diseases we ourselves create to kill us. There's too much rain in some areas while other's are turning into deserts, as an after-effect of global warming. Tit for tat. A brick for a stone.
P.S. You can refer to Kaushik's post for details on our stupidness.

There are people who are taking steps to again start building harmony with nature. But it's not being done on the large scale that is required.

Me thinks... the only solution, if we mortals don't realise the error in our ways soon, is a complete wipe out.. and then a re-birth. I know it won't be in my life-time. But that doesn't stop me from thinking there may still be a small chance of salvaging the situation.

A person can see the signs in front of his/her face, IF he or she wishes to look. There's a neon sign blinking, that says " Gone overboard. Can take no more. Retreat or pay." And until we surrender our weapons and bough down... we're gonna pay big time..!!!

For all those learned people out there, I'd like to ask you... "What is the charm in drinking, doing drugs, fagging,etc?"

Me, as dumb as I am, think it's an absolute waste of life and money. No amount of reasons, justifications or "peer pressure" can be an excuse enough for a person to go down this particular road.

Nosirr. This is one place where I know what to think and what not to. You can tell me it gives you a high and makes you feel like your flying... well i'll tell you... If you wanna fly, stick a parachute bag on your back and jump from a chopper and flap your hands... THAT is called flying. The only high this drug-booze-thing helps you reach is the highest high a person can reach... You know that place above the clouds, where harps play music, you see birds twittering around your head.. and you find yourself with a set of wings and in a white gown....!!! You take your family along too... not to mention all the dear people who happen to be on the road while your drive... it's a free for all thing,eh?

You can tell me it's the "cool" thing...Mister, this will only end you up in a morgue so chilled up that no amount of heat can de-freeze you, yeah??

It's an escape to some people from the realities of this big bad world. You're what they call a poltroon then. If you have problems then deal with them damnit. You've got clothes on you, money in your pocket, a family, enough to fill your stomach and a roof over your head... what more can a person ask for?? What do you crib about when there are people without limbs, eyesight, money and in a million other more horrible situations that you are... fighting and facing what's in front of them... But, you? Nah...You stick your tail in between your legs and take the easy way out... Coward.

The first thing I noticed when I came to Chennai was that every road leads to a temple. And every road had at least two shops that sold liquor... What's more amusing is that each of these shops have names of God's and Goddesses on them. Does that imply it's the bestest thing to do when your in trouble?? It implies TROUBLE. People first drink and kill and then go to these temples, catch their ears and ask for forgiveness..!!

This whole living in boozeland thing only ends up creating hell for you and your family. It's OK to enjoy a good maritini or champagne or whatever at a party or something... Why turn it into an obsession or a hobby?

Waiter, one fresh orange juice please!

We all wear shoes. Even if we think the black shiny formal shoes are stuffy and meant for the "big guys".. We have to wear them one day or the other, unless it's Ok to be Ok with wearing chappals , where ever it is that we are going. You can't end up at a formal function wearing Bata bathroom slippers unless of course you're making ( or trying to make ) a fashion statement...!

Point is that though the main purpose of wearing them is mainly for comfort and to provide a barrier from our feet touching the ground.... They serve a larger purpose too....They help to judge a person's character. One of the first things another person notices about you, is what you wear on your feet.

It doesn't always help make a correct assessment, like in the case of Ruskin Bond's stories... But most of the times it helps make a fair decision. For example, if you turn up wearing some sort of fluorescent, rubber chappals, its obvious to another person that you're a beach bum. Or just one helluva guy. They stand as a symbol of how serious, sensible, not serious and not sensible, tidy, untidy or how smart you are.

One can easily spot a pauper from a king. Suppose you enter an office and you see the Manager there wearing some cheap footwear that shows off his dirty nails with muck stuck in them.. I don't think I could trust him with my consignment (or whatever).. 'cuz the man can't even take care of himself! You could be dressed in the best suits or dresses and give the show away by wearing highly inappropriate footwear.

It's said, that while eyes are the windows to a person's soul...me says, your feet are the index to YOU.(P.S. windows sounded stupid here!)

There's also the more scientific reasons, you should consider. The thing is the kind of support you provide your feet with affects your back, spine and your neck. A wrong choice of footwear could screw up your neck and spinal cord real bad and end you up with a bad case of spondylitis. In minor cases you could end up with shoe- bites or just aching feet.

So, while you go and polish your shoes, or get someone to do them for you... I'm gonna shooooooo away... Have a good day!

..when the rain starts to fall..I find myself humming this song,by The Rembrandts, more commonly,known as the title song of the serial F.R.I.E.N.D.S., very very often. If not for the good music, but for the sense of relief and comfort it brings. It's funny how a few words are what it takes...

I looked up the dictionary one day, to find out what exactly the word FRIEND stands for. Because each day brought about a new feeling I had towards these 'friends' of mine... I found myself thanking the Lord for having blessed me with them and cursing my luck the very same day for having ended up with such people...The dictionary did nothing to clear my head and offered me a number of meanings...

So, I decided that I had to find out for myself, what the word really meant. Oh! And I did. First I found there were 'friends' who came up to you and sweet talked you when they wanted something done from you. What I also found was that over a period of time and such encounters, even when you became intelligent enough to spot such people, you ended up doing these small favors for them... Out of pity. And that was the time I vowed never to be such a friend, no matter what. I hope I have succeeded.

Then I came across the 'friends' who helped other people out, because, they were gifted with things the others didn't have. It could be anything.. Being a friend to the blind, since you were gifted with eyesight... Or just being there to lend an ear to some old person who was troubled, since you were gifted and had people who listened to you ( even if they only pretended to listen.. Yeah thanx guys! :D) .

And then come the people whose friendship...Is most confusing. And most needed. And most wanted. This was the friend who let you dot his/her i's and cross his t's. This was a friend to whom I could tell my worst fears to and count on to drive them away. I could actually sit with this friend and build castles in the air, and believe that one day they would turn real.

This friendship provided you with shelter when you didn't want to face worldly lies and when you were tired of loving and caring. Here, was somewhere you could hide from pain and gather up the courage to face it. Because even though this friend had warned you of the pain, instead of a " I told you so" you found him ready to stand by you while you fought your wars. THIS was one place where you were sure to be heard...

...And slowly it taught you that it was OK to screw up, and OK to complain all day long... And you learned that it was OK to love, and not be loved back.. that it was OK to feel like crap... where you also learnt that when you thought things couldn't get worse.. They did!!

You also found that this one person had all the patience and faith in you.

I found trust. And I found love. Here was someone who could and always did manage to help me find back my faith in this human race.

This friend, much to my despair at that time, also brought with him/her the sternest voice that made you do things that you were supposed to do no matter what, 'cuz they were good for you. Hmph. I also found loads of fights and arguments, until we decided that whoever won the toss was correct. Not to forget the times when I had to be the 'noble' one and take on the blame for pulling out flowers from the garden, for being the one to dare another friend to kiss Ms. Prissy, and leaving a small amount of lunch on the teacher's chair ( of course it was a mistake! a deliberate one though..! hehe..),to count a few.

The endless consoling over lost boy-friend's and later listening to constant jabbber about the then latest hunk... Smiling and always being there to tell people that whatever happenened, happenened for a reason...was, i'm begining to realise, a small price to pay.

So, though it might look like I couldn't possibly have reached a conclusion as to what the word really means... I DID!!!

It means the world.

It stand for what you are, who you are and what makes you. It has the power to make you and break you. And that this was one thing that lasted forever. Yep, it DID. No circumstance and no amount of time, not even the 7 oceans can cause it to weaken.

And, here's thanking each and everyone of you.. yeah Kaushik EVEN you :D... for being there for me always,and for giving me the most...lemme say..most unforgettable days of my life... More than that I hope I have never let any of you down.. Ever.. So, here' wishing all friends, old and new,with loads of love, a VERY VERY HAPPY FRIENDSHIP's DAY (7th Aug).