2nd April 2011 is an amazing memory for all the Indian cricket fans. Dhoni & Co deserve all the superlatives that will be hurled at them now. Of course, we all have invested emotions in this team in some way or other. Among all this euphoria, I remembered 1 man again who certainly did have a big hand in this. And it was great when Kapil cried and made me too shed a tear, but then he did make a great point. Kapil said that the process began in 2000 under the captaincy of Saurav Ganguly. He brought aggression to the team and the team completely changed under him.
I love watching the game not just for the shots or the deliveries or for the catches... but for the stories the game can tell and the characters that are exhibited. Unlike any other game, this is one of the greatest thing about cricket. It will showcase your heart, passion and intelligence. Fortunately, with the advent of TV, we are able to deciper (atleast I always notice) the body language and gestures of the players. It can be Sachin's fierce determination or Rahul's tensed and intense waiting for the bowler or Saurav's passion when he is batting to prove something or Dhoni's almost teary eyed look of dismay to square leg (when he got out in the Australia Q/f, caught at point).
So let's see if we can weave a story around the tale and times of 2 cricket captains of our nation.
Amidst all the controversy around betting and fixing and then the subsequent refusal of Sachin to take the burden (responsibility) of captaincy, it was handed over to the Prince of Kolkatta. Saurav has had a life of a prince for sure with all his riches. But then, he was hardened enough. Selected and dropped after playing just 1 game in 1992, then having the cheek to tell his father that he will be the captain of the Indian cricket team to becoming the second most reliable batsman of the Team, it was an amazing journey. Perhaps, being born in one of the most passionate regions of the country too must have helped. In his 1st match as a full time captain against South Africa in 2000, he surprised us by giving the 48th or 49th over to Rahul Dravid who then took his first wicket (Herschelle Gibbs). India had in that instance too chased down a huge total of 302 runs. But other than that, there were many changes behind the screen. Before Ganguly, the captain had no say in the Selection matters. But a defiant Ganguly fought the system and changed it. We saw a string of players coming in and also being given enough of chances. Ganguly's stubbborness for getting Harbhajan against the Aussies in the "greatest series of alltime" must be appreciated for his foresightedness. If the selectors had their say, it would be Sarandeep Singh who would have played that series and Harbhajan might have become a truck driver in USA. The injection of youth, sticking with them and giving them enough chances helped us in forming an amazing future crux of the team in the likes of Yuvraj, Mohd. Kaif (wherever he is now), Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan and yes of course, Dhoni himself. Before Ganguly, the Indian team was just an ascension from the big city teams. We would never ever hear of players who used to play for smaller cities. But then it all changed, it had too. With a huge country and keeping the selection panel too some cities would be a glaring error.
Ganguly has always trusted his instincts. He has tried his best to lead from the front. One of my friends says about a Test Match where it was too early to send in a night watchman and too late to send in Sachin. So he walked in and batted the day out. The biggest impact of Ganguly's captaincy was Rahul Dravid glaring back and charging (walking) towards the bowler who had some words for him ( if I remember correctly it was against a SAF bowler). If Dravid did that, it means that this mode of aggression was talked about in the dressing room and team meetings. There must be directives that we are not going to take it lying down. We are great crickteters and our game can do the talking but ensure that the lips do too. Australia were surprised and they still have not got over it. India were a force to reckon with. Sledge at your own peril. What a transformation? It is so difficult to even pen it down. But let me remind all of the greatest turning points of Indian Cricket, the ones which changed it all: 1.) India's win against the Aussies in 2001, the Greatest Test match ever 2.) Natwest Finals 2001 - India chasing the then highest record of 326 And both came under the captaincy of Saurav. India was never a 1 man team after that, Aussies are still getting beaten in cricket as well as the other game of sledging and the process of becoming a dominant cricketing side and the strides towards it were taken in giant strides.
For me and as would be for all the Indian fans, Ganguly waving his shirt in the "divine" Lords dressing room verandah sums up everything he was. The one who wears his heart in his sleeves, the passionate, stubborn and at times so adamant to the edge of arrogance. India had finally found a leader who did not mince words, was not interested in being a diplomat, was battle hardened with all the criticisms he had got and supported his teammates like anything.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
7 Khoon Maaf - Movie Review
Hmm... My brother wrote a very good review of this movie in his blog: http://summaryoflifetimes.blogspot.com/2011/02/7-khoon-maaf.html
So I went to watch this one as well. So here's my review (Possible Spoilers alert).
This movie is a supposed to be a dark psychological thriller and it might look like that for most part of the movie. But it is actually a spiritual movie and it always was, once you think about it after watching. It slowly grows on you.
Let me complete some of the technical stuff before I go to the heart of the movie. The movie has tried to create it's dark nature by having dull and dim lights more often than not. Also, the main story starts off as a narrative from a viewpoint of the boy but then they take some licenses to enhance the story by showing soem scenes which the boy could have never known. But when it came to the character of Susanna, we do not know anything more that what the boy knows. There is no room for us to introspect or judge her personally. We see her just as the boy does. That is something the movie maker never lost sight of and can be considered as a good achievement. The performances are good and very restrained. Although, I personally sensed a lot of effort on Priyanka's performance. I mean she is not a natural actor but she is a "made" actor.
Now lets focus on the heart of the movie. Susanna, the protagonist, is looking for her "father". In this case, her "father" happens to be a Jewish carpenter (AKA Jesus). She builds up her anticipation and whenever she meets "Jesus", she is somehow or the other disappointed. She was looking for the ruler of the other world among the others who were of this world. It was just matter of time when her illusions were shattered and she could never take it or let it go. These events form the most part of the movie. But then as it is said by someone, somewhere... Just one act of surrender is enough to wipe out all the past karmas. There is always hope for everyone in this world. It might not always look like that, but there is only one path. It might not be apparent, but Susanna had a lot of love in her and that was the only path for her. Thus, the metaphor of Sufi was portrayed here correctly and we can clearly associate with it. Really, once you completely surrender... what is there to be punished, and hence, a very apt title - 7 Khoon Maaf (7 Murders Forgiven).
So I went to watch this one as well. So here's my review (Possible Spoilers alert).
This movie is a supposed to be a dark psychological thriller and it might look like that for most part of the movie. But it is actually a spiritual movie and it always was, once you think about it after watching. It slowly grows on you.
Let me complete some of the technical stuff before I go to the heart of the movie. The movie has tried to create it's dark nature by having dull and dim lights more often than not. Also, the main story starts off as a narrative from a viewpoint of the boy but then they take some licenses to enhance the story by showing soem scenes which the boy could have never known. But when it came to the character of Susanna, we do not know anything more that what the boy knows. There is no room for us to introspect or judge her personally. We see her just as the boy does. That is something the movie maker never lost sight of and can be considered as a good achievement. The performances are good and very restrained. Although, I personally sensed a lot of effort on Priyanka's performance. I mean she is not a natural actor but she is a "made" actor.
Now lets focus on the heart of the movie. Susanna, the protagonist, is looking for her "father". In this case, her "father" happens to be a Jewish carpenter (AKA Jesus). She builds up her anticipation and whenever she meets "Jesus", she is somehow or the other disappointed. She was looking for the ruler of the other world among the others who were of this world. It was just matter of time when her illusions were shattered and she could never take it or let it go. These events form the most part of the movie. But then as it is said by someone, somewhere... Just one act of surrender is enough to wipe out all the past karmas. There is always hope for everyone in this world. It might not always look like that, but there is only one path. It might not be apparent, but Susanna had a lot of love in her and that was the only path for her. Thus, the metaphor of Sufi was portrayed here correctly and we can clearly associate with it. Really, once you completely surrender... what is there to be punished, and hence, a very apt title - 7 Khoon Maaf (7 Murders Forgiven).
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Life Is a Joke
"Life is a joke... The whole existence is a joke". This is a quote from Osho in some of his books. I have read it a lot of times. Haha... over the past few months, it has really struck me.
Nowadays when I read newspaper, I have a little smile or a smirk in my face. Yeah, really! I mean to read it and see what we humans are doing and how really lost we are. It might be about some government corruption or some tragic case or sports news. Ha, how much importance we give to ourselves. Yeah, it is a survival instinct but the way we have blown it up is really horrendous.
Does the sun care if I live or I die or if I am drowning or if I am burning? It will keep emitting light as long as the gas is burnt up. To be honest, I sometimes feel that if Sun had a concsiousness (like ours), it would laugh at us. It would say "Look at them, running around... Earths most intelligent species. They create divisions based on some boundaries (which I cant see and dont care), raping their own home and support some values (whatever that is is).. haa, Intelligent".
Life is a joke. It is something that I remember everyday in the morning now. How I wish I could announce it to the word? Really, in the office I see little young interns who are already cribbing about their teammates or are so serious about their "project". Hahah, how do I say that this needless significance is really ruining their "fun" at such an early age. How do I tell them to laugh it out and not take it too seriously? Then there are others experienced hires. They ask me why I am not yet an Associate or some title. I find it funny nowadays and do not even care. I laugh it out as a response, but that only gets them more serious for some reason.
Life is joke and so am I. Really! Nowadays, when I am driving and I get irritated at anyone, i remind myself of that. Then, I laugh. Hahaha... that is all there is. I do not want to fall in the trap (in which I have been for more than 28 years of this life) where I give too much importance to oneself. Whenever I get too serious about enlightenment and all that stuff, I remind myself that it is still all a joke. Just a cosmic sense of humor.
So people, all I want to state here is just laugh all your worries away and see how small or negligible they all are.
Hahahahha...
Nowadays when I read newspaper, I have a little smile or a smirk in my face. Yeah, really! I mean to read it and see what we humans are doing and how really lost we are. It might be about some government corruption or some tragic case or sports news. Ha, how much importance we give to ourselves. Yeah, it is a survival instinct but the way we have blown it up is really horrendous.
Does the sun care if I live or I die or if I am drowning or if I am burning? It will keep emitting light as long as the gas is burnt up. To be honest, I sometimes feel that if Sun had a concsiousness (like ours), it would laugh at us. It would say "Look at them, running around... Earths most intelligent species. They create divisions based on some boundaries (which I cant see and dont care), raping their own home and support some values (whatever that is is).. haa, Intelligent".
Life is a joke. It is something that I remember everyday in the morning now. How I wish I could announce it to the word? Really, in the office I see little young interns who are already cribbing about their teammates or are so serious about their "project". Hahah, how do I say that this needless significance is really ruining their "fun" at such an early age. How do I tell them to laugh it out and not take it too seriously? Then there are others experienced hires. They ask me why I am not yet an Associate or some title. I find it funny nowadays and do not even care. I laugh it out as a response, but that only gets them more serious for some reason.
Life is joke and so am I. Really! Nowadays, when I am driving and I get irritated at anyone, i remind myself of that. Then, I laugh. Hahaha... that is all there is. I do not want to fall in the trap (in which I have been for more than 28 years of this life) where I give too much importance to oneself. Whenever I get too serious about enlightenment and all that stuff, I remind myself that it is still all a joke. Just a cosmic sense of humor.
So people, all I want to state here is just laugh all your worries away and see how small or negligible they all are.
Hahahahha...
Friday, February 4, 2011
Walking in Contemplation, Driving in Sufism and Zen
I learnt the most important lesson in my life during the last week of December 2010. In Thiruvannamalai, the Swamiji spoke about the path of Contemplation. Ever since, I have been trying my best to contemplate on all my actions and all the thoughts that creep up. As soon as a lower nature thought comes into my mind (lower nature is anger, irritation, hatred, jealousy, lust, etc.), I keep asking myself the following questions “From where did this emotion come from? Why do I feel this emotion? Will it help me in realizing the truth?”. This has certainly helped me in somewhat controlling my mind and diverting it from this unnecessary feeling of upset and uncomfortability which follows it. At times, I used to experience guilt as well. While contemplating on my own emotions, I feel much more positive and peaceful as compared to before. It is an arduous task though. I still loose my equilibrium with simple gestures of others like when my mother speaks about some certain things or when a pedestrian or another driver makes a sudden turn. At times, I catch myself looking at an individual of the opposite gender and my mind is running things up and I am like “aha, this is not what I want. I only want to get as close to the Truth and this will not help me”. My samskaras (no equivalent English word) of previous lives which is reflected as “vaasnas” (impression) on my mind is not so easy to erase and it will takes years of practice to get this monkey of a mind to behave properly in tune with the higher nature. There are at times when I am about to crack a harmless joke or about to gossip but then I remind me of the real purpose of life. Even if I do give in to the whims of my mind, I keep asking my mind and remind myself about mine and everyone’s true nature... Pure Consciousness.
In December my bro explained to me about Sufi music. The concept is such that they are actually devotional songs and as per their principle/philosophy, they treat God/Self/Truth as the Beloved. Hence, their songs look like Love songs. But when you see the “true” picture, the dimension completely changes. I had heard about Sufism in Osho’s book but that was it. I had not dwelled much on it. Wow, now I have Osho’s music and then Sufi music to enjoy while I drive which only keeps me connected to “God/Truth/Self” much more than before. Then where does Zen come into this while driving. For this you need to understand a very small Koan: “Once on a rainy day, there was a Zen Master and a young monk who were walking through the forest. As per their customs, it was important that they do not interact with females in any sort of way. They came across a river which was flowing very strongly and needed to get across to the other bank. There was a lady as well on the same bank. She approached the master to help her cross the river. The master carried the lady and crossed the river. The young monk was looking at all this and was surprised that the master would touch the lady and lift her up and that too in a rainy day (all wet). After they crossed, the lady thanked the master and left. The young monk kept on thinking about this and after some time asked the master as to how and why did he break the rule and touched the lady. The Master replied “Are you still carrying her?”. “ So whenever I get irritated by the pedestrians or a driver, I get irritated by them and feel the anger. But I do not let it grow any further. Otherwise, the impression on my mind is that much more. Hopefully, would learn to “live in the moment” in this way which is one of the core teachings of Zen as well as Sufi.
In December my bro explained to me about Sufi music. The concept is such that they are actually devotional songs and as per their principle/philosophy, they treat God/Self/Truth as the Beloved. Hence, their songs look like Love songs. But when you see the “true” picture, the dimension completely changes. I had heard about Sufism in Osho’s book but that was it. I had not dwelled much on it. Wow, now I have Osho’s music and then Sufi music to enjoy while I drive which only keeps me connected to “God/Truth/Self” much more than before. Then where does Zen come into this while driving. For this you need to understand a very small Koan: “Once on a rainy day, there was a Zen Master and a young monk who were walking through the forest. As per their customs, it was important that they do not interact with females in any sort of way. They came across a river which was flowing very strongly and needed to get across to the other bank. There was a lady as well on the same bank. She approached the master to help her cross the river. The master carried the lady and crossed the river. The young monk was looking at all this and was surprised that the master would touch the lady and lift her up and that too in a rainy day (all wet). After they crossed, the lady thanked the master and left. The young monk kept on thinking about this and after some time asked the master as to how and why did he break the rule and touched the lady. The Master replied “Are you still carrying her?”. “ So whenever I get irritated by the pedestrians or a driver, I get irritated by them and feel the anger. But I do not let it grow any further. Otherwise, the impression on my mind is that much more. Hopefully, would learn to “live in the moment” in this way which is one of the core teachings of Zen as well as Sufi.
My Koan - I wrote
Once there was a young monk who had travelled all over the country and it’s holy places. He had also lived in forests and caves. Still he had not yet realized the Self. Then once when he was passing thorugh a village, he heard of a Swami who everyone claimed to be Self Realised. This young monk thought of meeting him and asking him how he did it. So he went to meet the monk who was just sitting under a tree. The young monk went, bowed down and with folded hands asked the monk, “I have visited all the places that one can visit, practiced all the methods of concentration and have not yet realized the Self. Please tell me if I have missed anything”. The Swami looked towards him and then burst out in laughter. He almost rolled on the floor. At that moment, the young monk got enlightened.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Not all who wander are lost
The above title is not my creation but something which I read somewhere. It has really struck a chord in me. I don't know but I really love those words.
I have seen many saints in TVMalai, living under the grace of Arunachala. They would be just sitting around, walking around, eating "anna daanam" (food donated to them), sipping some tea. I have not been to Rishikesh or Badrinath or any such places. But I have seen pictures and so can imagine the different sects of Saints in this great spiritual country:
Saints who are complete renunciates but still living in acceptable social norms.
Saints who find some guru and live completely surrendered to him
Saints who live in complete secrecy trying to empower chakras and attain other siddhi's (Occult powers)
Saints who are outright rebels (like Aghoris) and so misunderstood that their mere sighting fills the common man's heart with fear
Saints who live in caves alone
Then there are the seekers. The householders, who have this strange enquiry within them but still not "ready" to leave and renunciate. Just a visit to TVMalai fills my heart with respect for those Europeans, Americans, Asians, etc. who have travelled so many miles to find "truth" or understand the concept. Of course, I am aware of Indians too who are genuine seekers out there. Speaking to this seekers, my life is slightly enriched to see that there are individuals who are thirsty for such kind of knowledge. They are ready to roam around India and visit many more such places.
Haa.. Back home, I see old people still wanting to "own" a house in the twilight of their lives. In the Newspaper, you see stories of corruption, murder, rapes, etc.. People moving form one place to another, from one job to another, from one goal to another. As a child all you want is milk, then after some time you need toys, then the desires multiply to more subtle levels like love, success, ambitions. Such is a general man's life. The desire is always there, just the object of desire changes. And what all lengths we go to achieve something after which we will just replace that void with someone else.
So the first time I read that title, I was filled with the thoughts like the one typed above.
Bangalore has a Maitreya Buddha Pyramid Spiritual centre and on it's route, you also see many other such institutions like Yogavana Hills, Art of Living, Gurukula, etc.. I feel I will certainly visit Yogavana Hills. But then thats in the future, so lets see. When I visited the Pyramid structure, I saw families who were visiting the place as if it is a picnic spot. But then, in the same premises, they had constructed Tapasthali. It is slightly 500-800 mts away from the Pyramid. Not everyone goes there as the road is not properly constructed (I hope it does not get contructed ever). The place had a small open hutment and a 6 feet high of Shiva facing the East. There is just the sound of the wind breezing through and nothing else. Let the ones who stop at the Pyramid and take photos, let them do so and the ones who meditate inside, let them be blessed. While the others who can wander all the way to Tapasthali and enjoy the peace and serenity, may they too be blessed.
I have seen many saints in TVMalai, living under the grace of Arunachala. They would be just sitting around, walking around, eating "anna daanam" (food donated to them), sipping some tea. I have not been to Rishikesh or Badrinath or any such places. But I have seen pictures and so can imagine the different sects of Saints in this great spiritual country:
Saints who are complete renunciates but still living in acceptable social norms.
Saints who find some guru and live completely surrendered to him
Saints who live in complete secrecy trying to empower chakras and attain other siddhi's (Occult powers)
Saints who are outright rebels (like Aghoris) and so misunderstood that their mere sighting fills the common man's heart with fear
Saints who live in caves alone
Then there are the seekers. The householders, who have this strange enquiry within them but still not "ready" to leave and renunciate. Just a visit to TVMalai fills my heart with respect for those Europeans, Americans, Asians, etc. who have travelled so many miles to find "truth" or understand the concept. Of course, I am aware of Indians too who are genuine seekers out there. Speaking to this seekers, my life is slightly enriched to see that there are individuals who are thirsty for such kind of knowledge. They are ready to roam around India and visit many more such places.
Haa.. Back home, I see old people still wanting to "own" a house in the twilight of their lives. In the Newspaper, you see stories of corruption, murder, rapes, etc.. People moving form one place to another, from one job to another, from one goal to another. As a child all you want is milk, then after some time you need toys, then the desires multiply to more subtle levels like love, success, ambitions. Such is a general man's life. The desire is always there, just the object of desire changes. And what all lengths we go to achieve something after which we will just replace that void with someone else.
So the first time I read that title, I was filled with the thoughts like the one typed above.
Bangalore has a Maitreya Buddha Pyramid Spiritual centre and on it's route, you also see many other such institutions like Yogavana Hills, Art of Living, Gurukula, etc.. I feel I will certainly visit Yogavana Hills. But then thats in the future, so lets see. When I visited the Pyramid structure, I saw families who were visiting the place as if it is a picnic spot. But then, in the same premises, they had constructed Tapasthali. It is slightly 500-800 mts away from the Pyramid. Not everyone goes there as the road is not properly constructed (I hope it does not get contructed ever). The place had a small open hutment and a 6 feet high of Shiva facing the East. There is just the sound of the wind breezing through and nothing else. Let the ones who stop at the Pyramid and take photos, let them do so and the ones who meditate inside, let them be blessed. While the others who can wander all the way to Tapasthali and enjoy the peace and serenity, may they too be blessed.
Mount Arunachala… All abiding Self for a few, Monumental quest for a few.
The year was 2006, when my bro had first taken me to Mt. Arunachala. The first time my eyes set on it, I did not feel much. To be honest, I did not care much. Actually, that was when I first met Ananthakrishnan (a saint and an astrologer)who predicted the love of my life would die soon if we got married. I was very disturbed and also hurt. I even thought of breaking up with my girl when I reach Bangalore. Sitting in the rickshaw, I was still feeling a lot of lump in my throat. But there were moments, when thoughts like “If that is the case, so be it” used to arise.
Then in Dec 2008, at my bro’s insistence, I again went to Thiruvannaamalai. I wasn’t completely happy about it. Then that was the day when we did not get any room in the Seshadri Ashram, or Shiva Saniddhi Ashram. We went and booked a room in Hotel Arunachala. Huh, I still wonder why that was so? Then that day we did the “Girivallam” (Circambulation of the hill which was a 14km walk, with the hill on your right side always). That is when a little chord did strike. There was a small stretch at that time where the road was not properly constructed and on the way there were only saints. The hindu saints in their Saffron costume and a small cloth bag with all their belongings. Yes, renunciates. Although, not all were of the holy or true spirit of the seeker. There were those who would beg for money. Inbetween, you can spot some who are indifferent and not begging. Ahh, I really felt great looking at them. Trying to imagine their stories and the path which brought them here, I also saw how “light” and “simple” their lives were. For some reason, there was certain tranquility in the air. I was not impressed with Virupaksha cave and the Skandashram then.
During this time, my career aspect of the life was really bad. There was lot of politics and favoritism being played. I had lost a lot of my mental peace. My brother used to make frequent trips to TVMalai. He often used to call me but I would never go. I had made up my mind that I might visit it, but only when I am more at peace with myself.
Then in the end of 2009, my brother got relocated to Pune. I had made peace with my life in a whole. I clearly understood where “work” should stand in my life. I have done many things with “Vairagya” but this was the first time I was extending it for some event which happens 5 days in a week. I had promised my love and her twin that we will certainly go to TVMalai once. In 2010, we did go there. Things had changed. The little stretch of road, where I had felt tranquility, was quite different. The road and Footpath were well built. The saints were there although much less than before. During that walk, I was very much moved with my love and her twin. They have had such a different lifestyle before, which included pubbing, clubbing, parties and all that. Now to see them here, walking with me for 14 kms evoked great love for them as well as great respect for this hill. Somehow, the threads of our destinies were tied to this place.
Then again in 2010 year-end, we went back to the hill. We did not do the Girivallam. We just visited the Skandashram and Virupaksha cave. There was something different about this trip. I had not told anyone before, but I had thought that Mt. Arunachala is not my “shoe”. It did not fit me. Before boarding on to this trip, I had silently asked “Please give me some sign this time, please let me know if you are indeed the shoe that will fit me”. And then…
Events related to this trip:
We had planned for this trip for some time. So when in USA, I stumbled upon BookAdda.com from which I ordered “A Search in Secret India” by Paul Brunton. I found it so hard to keep it down once I started reading it.
We met Devraj and in one of his conversations, he mentioned how he had come here for many years before he had a divine experience in Virupaksha Cave. Then how we was speaking about the energy he feels in India which is not present in Canada. I told him about the Chinese cab driver in NY who was also an aspiring Buddhist monk and how he used to feel “at home” when flying over India, China and Tibet.
We also spoke to Swamiji. He was a very wise man with one of the most beautiful eyes I had ever seen. Eyes, like the ones which I have only read about or eyes as seen in ancient sculptures of Buddha and other historic figures. He answered many questions that we asked. That is when he spoke about Contemplation. Whenever a feeling of hate, irritation or anything like that comes up, don’t react to it. Just contemplate “why is this arising, where is this coming from”. Even if you do mistake, contemplate on it. He said that he does not do any meditation but only contemplate and surrender to Bhagawan Ramana Maharshi with all love and devotion. I was introduced to the path of contemplation “through him”.
I wanted to meet someone who was truly enlightened. Maybe that Swamiji was a realized person. Since I am not wise or a realized person, I can never be sure. Also, I did not go to him with the sense of a “shishya” (disciple). In the Ramana Ashram Book Store, my eyes fell on the book “No Mind, I am the Self” by David Godman. It was an autobiography of Sri Lakshmana Narayana and Mathru Shri Sharada Devi. I asked Swamiji about them and he said something like, “Yeah, they stay here somewhere. I have completely left everything on Bhagawan.” I did not meet this individuals inspite of me being there on Dec 25th (the only day when they give public “darshan”). Then in another book shop (where I have never set my foot before), I “chanced upon” another inspiring book called “Living with the Himalayan Masters” by Swami Rama.
Off late, I was reading a book from Swami Bhoomananada Thirtha who lives in Kerala , Thrissur. My brother says that I am “guru shopping”. He says ‘When there is that hill there and the Virupaksha Cave, why do you need anything or anyone else?”. I want to know if I would feel any different or if any unknown lock can be opened in a “satsang” (Meditating or sitting and conversing about spiritual topics) with a realized person. I contacted the Ashram to know if the Swamiji will be available in January. My bro kept on telling me, that “You will go everywhere but in the end will end up at TVmalai”. Maybe, just like Paul Brunton. Coming back to the Ashram, they advised me that Swamiji will not be available on the dates I enquired.
I am only knowledgeable enough about the fact that life always gives us some signs but not wise enough to read them accurately. But if I had to pretend and read the signs here, I would say it looks like all the ways are leading to TVMalai. My one shop for all spiritual needs. Nowadays,I envision the hill many times during the day and it somehow lightens my mood. With the sticker of the hill and Maharshi Ramana’s face in front of the car, I always feel safe behind the wheels.
When I sincerely prayed to give me some signs, some message, the hill heard it. Paul Brunton's book and bookadda.com in US while casualy surfing. Devraj just walked in when we were almost done with our dinner and on our way to meeting Swamiji. I might have walked across “No Mind, I am the Self” book so many times before without seeing it. Also, the shop from where I bought the inspiring book by Swami Rama. I have seen that store almost every trip but never even went in before. And then the meeting with Swamiji and his wonderful answers. The most important lesson of contemplation among them.
Ahh, Mount Arunachala… How will I ever explain anyone about your grace, power and divinity. I have myself been there when I was quite indifferent to it. But not now. Mere thinking of you, fills my heart with some sort of divinity. Everytime there is a holiday coming up, my first thought is “Hmm, maybe I should go to TVMalai”.
Sri Arunachala, Will I ever realize what “you” are or “are not”? I try to embrace you with my tiny arms but then will you sweep and merge me in?
Then in Dec 2008, at my bro’s insistence, I again went to Thiruvannaamalai. I wasn’t completely happy about it. Then that was the day when we did not get any room in the Seshadri Ashram, or Shiva Saniddhi Ashram. We went and booked a room in Hotel Arunachala. Huh, I still wonder why that was so? Then that day we did the “Girivallam” (Circambulation of the hill which was a 14km walk, with the hill on your right side always). That is when a little chord did strike. There was a small stretch at that time where the road was not properly constructed and on the way there were only saints. The hindu saints in their Saffron costume and a small cloth bag with all their belongings. Yes, renunciates. Although, not all were of the holy or true spirit of the seeker. There were those who would beg for money. Inbetween, you can spot some who are indifferent and not begging. Ahh, I really felt great looking at them. Trying to imagine their stories and the path which brought them here, I also saw how “light” and “simple” their lives were. For some reason, there was certain tranquility in the air. I was not impressed with Virupaksha cave and the Skandashram then.
During this time, my career aspect of the life was really bad. There was lot of politics and favoritism being played. I had lost a lot of my mental peace. My brother used to make frequent trips to TVMalai. He often used to call me but I would never go. I had made up my mind that I might visit it, but only when I am more at peace with myself.
Then in the end of 2009, my brother got relocated to Pune. I had made peace with my life in a whole. I clearly understood where “work” should stand in my life. I have done many things with “Vairagya” but this was the first time I was extending it for some event which happens 5 days in a week. I had promised my love and her twin that we will certainly go to TVMalai once. In 2010, we did go there. Things had changed. The little stretch of road, where I had felt tranquility, was quite different. The road and Footpath were well built. The saints were there although much less than before. During that walk, I was very much moved with my love and her twin. They have had such a different lifestyle before, which included pubbing, clubbing, parties and all that. Now to see them here, walking with me for 14 kms evoked great love for them as well as great respect for this hill. Somehow, the threads of our destinies were tied to this place.
Then again in 2010 year-end, we went back to the hill. We did not do the Girivallam. We just visited the Skandashram and Virupaksha cave. There was something different about this trip. I had not told anyone before, but I had thought that Mt. Arunachala is not my “shoe”. It did not fit me. Before boarding on to this trip, I had silently asked “Please give me some sign this time, please let me know if you are indeed the shoe that will fit me”. And then…
Events related to this trip:
We had planned for this trip for some time. So when in USA, I stumbled upon BookAdda.com from which I ordered “A Search in Secret India” by Paul Brunton. I found it so hard to keep it down once I started reading it.
We met Devraj and in one of his conversations, he mentioned how he had come here for many years before he had a divine experience in Virupaksha Cave. Then how we was speaking about the energy he feels in India which is not present in Canada. I told him about the Chinese cab driver in NY who was also an aspiring Buddhist monk and how he used to feel “at home” when flying over India, China and Tibet.
We also spoke to Swamiji. He was a very wise man with one of the most beautiful eyes I had ever seen. Eyes, like the ones which I have only read about or eyes as seen in ancient sculptures of Buddha and other historic figures. He answered many questions that we asked. That is when he spoke about Contemplation. Whenever a feeling of hate, irritation or anything like that comes up, don’t react to it. Just contemplate “why is this arising, where is this coming from”. Even if you do mistake, contemplate on it. He said that he does not do any meditation but only contemplate and surrender to Bhagawan Ramana Maharshi with all love and devotion. I was introduced to the path of contemplation “through him”.
I wanted to meet someone who was truly enlightened. Maybe that Swamiji was a realized person. Since I am not wise or a realized person, I can never be sure. Also, I did not go to him with the sense of a “shishya” (disciple). In the Ramana Ashram Book Store, my eyes fell on the book “No Mind, I am the Self” by David Godman. It was an autobiography of Sri Lakshmana Narayana and Mathru Shri Sharada Devi. I asked Swamiji about them and he said something like, “Yeah, they stay here somewhere. I have completely left everything on Bhagawan.” I did not meet this individuals inspite of me being there on Dec 25th (the only day when they give public “darshan”). Then in another book shop (where I have never set my foot before), I “chanced upon” another inspiring book called “Living with the Himalayan Masters” by Swami Rama.
Off late, I was reading a book from Swami Bhoomananada Thirtha who lives in Kerala , Thrissur. My brother says that I am “guru shopping”. He says ‘When there is that hill there and the Virupaksha Cave, why do you need anything or anyone else?”. I want to know if I would feel any different or if any unknown lock can be opened in a “satsang” (Meditating or sitting and conversing about spiritual topics) with a realized person. I contacted the Ashram to know if the Swamiji will be available in January. My bro kept on telling me, that “You will go everywhere but in the end will end up at TVmalai”. Maybe, just like Paul Brunton. Coming back to the Ashram, they advised me that Swamiji will not be available on the dates I enquired.
I am only knowledgeable enough about the fact that life always gives us some signs but not wise enough to read them accurately. But if I had to pretend and read the signs here, I would say it looks like all the ways are leading to TVMalai. My one shop for all spiritual needs. Nowadays,I envision the hill many times during the day and it somehow lightens my mood. With the sticker of the hill and Maharshi Ramana’s face in front of the car, I always feel safe behind the wheels.
When I sincerely prayed to give me some signs, some message, the hill heard it. Paul Brunton's book and bookadda.com in US while casualy surfing. Devraj just walked in when we were almost done with our dinner and on our way to meeting Swamiji. I might have walked across “No Mind, I am the Self” book so many times before without seeing it. Also, the shop from where I bought the inspiring book by Swami Rama. I have seen that store almost every trip but never even went in before. And then the meeting with Swamiji and his wonderful answers. The most important lesson of contemplation among them.
Ahh, Mount Arunachala… How will I ever explain anyone about your grace, power and divinity. I have myself been there when I was quite indifferent to it. But not now. Mere thinking of you, fills my heart with some sort of divinity. Everytime there is a holiday coming up, my first thought is “Hmm, maybe I should go to TVMalai”.
Sri Arunachala, Will I ever realize what “you” are or “are not”? I try to embrace you with my tiny arms but then will you sweep and merge me in?
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