Saturday, February 06, 2016

jeena seekh liya



ए  ज़िन्दगी हमने अब तुमे जान लिया
तुम्हारे अनकहे शब्दो को सुन लिया
जान लिया जो समा तुम बनती हो
वोह मुझे एक सीख देने की लिए है
हमने भी हर शन की खूबसूरती देखना सीख लिया


Saturday, November 15, 2014

Best Pals

However old we may grow, the way friendships are made remain the same
When we were in school, all I wanted was for our best friend to be with me for ever
Sit next to me, eat together, keep chatting till we really had to stop
as the subjects of conversations never end

The feeling of pride when people notice your friendship and think of you as one
The want to share any joy with that special person and the belief that in case of trouble, one conversation with the friend will put the whole world to its right place
Seriously nothing is more priceless than friendship

Someone for whom in-spite of your flaws, you are priceless
Someone who can withstand your idiosyncrasies and ignore it
Someone who can really give you a dose, when you really need it

Someone who makes the world extra special for you :)

Monday, May 26, 2014

My Trip to US with Mom

I was very apprehensive of getting Mother to US, thinking how she will find it, will she get bored, what will happen if she falls sick etc. etc. 

A close friend of mine, Archana, who was staying with me then, helped me make up my mind and made me plan getting mother to US. Since my work load was going to be less, felt this was the best time.

On another friend's advice, took apartment in a residential complex surrounded by lot of greenery. I saw Houston through fresh set of eyes this time, it never seemed so green before. 

The commute to office was with my dear friend Srimant, it was nice talking on different things in mornings and evenings, mornings we would talk sober stuff listen to devotional songs, in the evening it was either talking about dilemmas in life or listening to filmy music.

Last time when i came, i realized i could not commute much on my own as the public transport was bad. Interestingly this time, i found lot more avenues to do that, making me realize when you think of someones happiness over yours, you sure can move mountains(saying literally only :)).

It was nice visiting the local attractions in Houston and visiting San Antonio. In the trip to San Antonio, we stayed in a hotel which has a small Bistro. We did not like much of the outside food, the Bistro in-charge was a sweet guy, who cater to our requests of things not in menu(milk, toasted bread etc). In the sight seeing day trip, we met lot of other people, who had come to San Antonio to escape the winter, among them were 2 sisters in there late seventies, who came from two different places to just spent time together, was amazed by their spirit to see places even at that age.

On co-commuter, bought coffee for mother and gave it to me, saying its for your mother and say Namaste from my side. This gesture made me realize my misconception that people in other countries are not that warm.  At the hotel, we met an african cab driver, who had stayed in Rajashtan for some time, she spoke bit of Hindi with us and promised us to come back on time to take us to the Mega Bus stop. It felt nice seeing the warmth she bestowed on us, she was thrilled when mother gave her a Bindi packet.

At work, it was nice meeting the clients again Tim and Katie in specific, it was nice working with them again and also see the processes being finalized for development. It was great learning experience seeing agile in action. Near the last month, i was asked to phase out, it was tough not being that active, but felt that's what is the best thing i can do for the project. 

Once the assignment was over, spent time at my cousin's place in L.A. Had a great time with everyone, it felt great part of a big family and being taken care off. Though had been to Disneyland earlier, one can never have enough of it i guess.

We made a short trip to Phoenix to see the Canyon, we went there with a group of 5 women, the guide cum driver was 78 years old, one could never guess his age from his fitness. Sedona was breath taking, was amazed to be there...on our way to Grand Canyon, it started snowing...though we could not see much of Canyon...was happy that mom could experience the snow, it was one of her wishes to see.

The last leg of the journey was in Bay area, it was nice meeting my cousin kids and my grand children. One day we decided to board the hop on hop off bus, it was a journey reaching the union square from the caltrain station. I lost the way and we had to walk a bit before we could finally find a cab. You can really feel lost in US. Thanks to smart phones, i could download a taxi cab app and call a cab. We were too tired to venture out, hence mainly sat on the bus and saw.
My cousin's son took a day off for us and took us to Muir Woods, it was amazing being with nature, nothing more filling and refreshing than that. We all three sat peacefully on the bench, hearing the whispers of nature.

We finally came back to Houston, stayed with my good friends Lalitha and Deepak, would say missed their company even when i was with my relatives.

Thanks to Jagadish and Anitha's sons' birthday, could meet everyone before getting on the flight.

I am grateful to this trip, as it showered so much love and affection. Came back to India with lots and lots of Memories. 




Monday, July 08, 2013

Let Life Touch You

Recently went to Chennai, for me apart from visiting the beaches there is no fond memory of any kind of this place.

This time went to a place called Chrompet to meet a cousin of  mine, my cousin had given me a wrong address by mistake, as a result i was searching the place, very soon people started inquiring and they tried to help them with whatever clues i gave, where does she work etc.
It felt nice, the small colony doing there searches for me :) Finally did meet my cousin and checked in to a hotel.
At the Visa Consulate, met a girl who was behind me in the line, it was interesting to see her concern when i got late in one of the procedures. Some concerns are so heart warming.

As i getting ready to travel, winding stuff at home, a friend of mine offered me help of any kind back home once i was gone. His saying that was enough for me. Had another friend come over to my place to weigh my luggage. My new neighbor suggested we have dinner together on my last day, since it was raining, we ordered pizza and had at home with disposable paper as table.

Had a friend all set to receive me in US. Really feel, what am i complaining about :)




Tuesday, January 01, 2013

Happy New Year

Life like  river knows only to flow,On facing obstacles, it knows how to make new routes or overcome the hurdles
In the same way, may we act based on conscious to make new ways
May with each coming year, we grow deeper in wisdom and broader in compassion

Here's to a very happy new year!

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Why?


I like to explore places and experience art
Like to call myself a seeker 
marvelled at what nature reveals to me

Ma, you know my wishes are pure, uncontaminated
but then why u stop me?

i like to walk like a free bird
Why Ma, the world around me tells its not wise to do that?

Why cannot i feel free ma?
Why i am told about does and don't of society

Why is still a girl thought of needing someone to protect her
Be it father, brother, husband or son

I know i can take care of things
Why then this world makes me feel weak sometimes

I dont think we as women have still experienced what is freedom
The world has not considered woman as human yet

Wednesday, December 05, 2012

Gratitude

Listened to "Kholo Kholo" song from Taare Zameen Par movie. The scene where Ishaan realises that his teacher has drawn his painting, his expression says so much. I interpret his emotions as, of all the things, Sir, you thought of drawing me?, ME...Why sir, i am not worthy of it, do i mean so much to you. 

This scene and the scene where Ishaan comes running to hug his teacher, always makes me cry.  Someone who believed in you, when you yourself did not believe in yourself, is the priceless gift bestowed by Almightly.

When i look back and think of this, i think of my Maths tuition teacher who had amazing confidence on me, she used to dream real high for me, her love made me feel top of the world, at a time when i did not  think i was worthy of acheiving anything great. During graduation, my Analysis subject teacher also loved me a lot, her bestowing award which she started in memory of her guide, made me feel really blessed. Remember how i and another girl use to crave for her attention in class :) Who will she look at more while teaching :).

During my career, have found myself on the other side too, and that feeling of seeing someone succeed or just being a witness of the daily good done by the person, makes one really wish with pure heart, Good and nothing else for the person. This feeling is priceless too.


Wednesday, November 28, 2012

रंगमंच


एक ही परिस्थिति को देखने के है कितने नज़रिए
हर नज़र  में है लिपटी मेरी अनुभूतियों और भावो के रंग
कुछ भी न देखता पूर्ण सफ़ेद रंग पृष्ठ भूमि  पर
अपनी ही बुद्धि की  सृष्टि पर अब आती है हँसी
एक दर्शक के रूप में देखती हू  नित नए  नाटक
अपने ही बनाएं  रंगमंच पर







Friday, November 23, 2012

Trek


As you trek through the mountains
you are conscious of where you place your next foot and nothing else
no other thought comes to your mind as you walk the treacherous vine
A wrong footing can make you pay a heavy price
But oh wanderer! don't just focus on just the walk
Do take a break, sit back and cherish the surroundings

After all its the journey that matters not the destination



Tuesday, October 16, 2012

मझधार

कोन सा है पथ  सही, कोन सा ग़लत
नहीं बूझ पाता यह दिल कभी
अपनी ही सोच में नहीं मिलता  तुक कभी
इक अजब कश्मकश  में पाती हु खुद को में


ए सखी , सुनो शान्ति से अपने मन की
वो ही देखाएगा तुमे रास्ता

सचाई और सुकून का 


माना पथ है कठीन, और जाना है अकेले
पर यू ही चलते चलते ही मिलेँगी   नयी  आशाएँ
जो भरेंगी  तुम्हे और देखएँगी एक नया लक्ष्य ज़िन्दगी का

Saturday, October 06, 2012

So is the World


On LOA for the first time, when i took it felt that 1 month of LOA will just feel like extended vacation, just that no pay :) ,was perfectly fine with that.

On day 1 of LOA, get a call from my company saying you need to return your laptop as you are taking 31 days off, 1 day more than a month. Post few minutes, when i tried logging into my mail box(cannot mend this habit of mine of  checking mails at least once in a day). Saw that i could not log in, felt maybe i am typing something wrong, tried again. Called up the PSO lady, confirming is it because of LOA, got the answer 'Yes'.
I said how about at least help desk, if say i want to extend my LOA, got to know no access at all.

It felt very weird to be frank, 11 yrs of connect, disconnected with no concern/care. Thought of the numerous instances i had made so many personal sacrifices, always keeping work as the prime, so much that Workaholic became my adjective, which i hated so much.

Took me a while to feel okay again, in someways feeling free, no connection, completely free, i am just me and nothing else.  Connects which were really with me will remain, the rest will tamper down. A reminder how impermanent everything is and also felt how "I" centric i am, getting hurt by such small things. Recollected the following lines Kabir sang:

उड़ जाएगा पंछी अकेला 
जग दर्शन का मेला 
जैसे पात गिरे तरुवर से 
मिलना बहुत दुहेला 
न जाने किधर गिरेगा 
लगया पवन का रेला 

Monday, October 01, 2012

धर्मशाला


 बिन मांगे मिला घर
नासमझी में मान लिये  इसे अपना
भूल गए हम कि,  यह है  कुछ दिन का बसेरा
जब तक है लिखा, उतने दिन ही है रहना

संगृहीत  करते रहे, हम न जाने क्या क्या
फिर भी पाया,  कितनी और है  लालसा

ए मुर्ख! चलना है तुझे अकेले
क्यों न समझा कैसे धोयेगा   इतना सामान
न जाने कितना और है चलना
कितने और बसेरे है बदलने

जिस दिन दिल अनासकत होगा
और चलेगा खाली हाथ
तभी होगी यह यात्रा समाप्त

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Stereotypical Mindsets

Stereotypical Mindsets

Its sad to see how the stereotypical way of looking at things in past are still haunting us. That's why still, we don't tell her daughter's to be ambitious, aim high but rather try but if you don't reach it, don't be disappointed.

How ever educated a girl is, irrespective of where she is in her professional ladder. The expectations at home, from husband or in-laws remain the same. She is always be assessed against the typical measure of taking care of responsibility. Being docile, adjusting, self-sacrificing as the needed traits. Its sad, our education system and social system, does not broaden people's views. Each act of yours, should show that family is your priority and you don't make any calls without consultations. It feels lot of times, people want the girl to erase her identity and become just Mrs so and so.

All adjustments forced on to the girl. Its sad to see, even post having a kid, lot of guys don't change and the upbringing of the kid is more of the wife's responsibility.

Lot of times during courtship, the guys' project a very different side of them, which is to just make the girl say yes. What traits do most guys like, how she looks, does she care for me. Its always the question, what there for me in this.

Do they ever connect at her thought level, what her thinking is and what is her innate nature, what are her dreams? The expectation is always that, she should understand me and change for me.

We as a society has lot of learning to do, to restore faith in lot of these relationships.








Sunday, May 06, 2012

Like raindrops soothen the barren earth
True connections help fill holes in one soul

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

a flower knows how much to open at each stage
it knows it cannot be rushed just acts based on what comes naturally
oh mad gardener why this rush to see it bloom
in an effort to make it bloom sooner, you will make the flower wither away

Saturday, March 10, 2012

क्यों है हर सफ़र का मंजिल होना जरूरी
क्यों है हर एक को  कुछ पाने की आस
क्यों नहीं जीते चन्द लम्हे भर पूर
कल की सौच के क्यों करते हो आज खराब
क्या  पाना ही जीवन है ?
क्यों नहीं बहते झरने  की तरह
जो जानती है खेल मिलने बिचड़ने का
अगर  मिलना है संजोग तो कब कोई मिल गया पता ही नहीं चलेगा

Thursday, December 08, 2011

शुक्रिया


पेड़ की छाव
सूरज की गर्मी
फूलों की मुस्कान
है हर मौसम में एक समान

बांटे  तू ख़ुशी,  बढाए उमंग
मेरे हर  मौसम में

आज समझी क्या है तेरा मूल धर्म
प्यार, प्यार, बस निर्मल प्यार 

ए खुदा, शुक्रिया




 
   


 

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Realisation

It was getting dark, hence everyone started leaving after the evening Satsang. Murali stayed back as he wanted to talk to Sharma Ji bit more and understand the spiritual journey he has gone through.

Murali asked Sharma ji, how did you get interested in the spiritual path? I had heard from people that once upon a time, you were like a free bird, for whom enjoyment meant something else. I am really curious to know what made you change so much.
Hearing the question, Sharma Ji smiled and said, everything is in His hands.

Murali Ji left after hearing this, as he felt that he cannot force Sharma Ji to reveal. If he wills he will tell on his own in one of the Satsangs.

Sharma Ji did his routine meditation and then helped his son do his homework, when his wife announced dinner is ready, he quickly took bath and then had his dinner with family. As he went to bed, his thoughts went to the question  Murali had asked, and he went on a flashback.

Since college, he had a huge circle of friends, loitering with friends, catching a movie or just chatting on random topics was his favorite pass-time. Luckily, the person he got married too was also fond of food and going outdoors. Friday evening meant going out with his gang. Weekends were for family, which always had movie plus dinner in agenda on one of the weekends.  His fun-filled food rich life was reflected in his body, his face became round from oval and his waist acquired some inches of additional circumference.

One day his wife's mother came, she used to follow some baba and would religiously watch his discourse in evening. As a result, even Sharma Ji and his wife was forced to see the same program. Sharma Ji was listening to the discourse half-heartedly and his thoughts went to the cricket match he was missing out. The baba talked about satvic food and the benefits of it and then went on to talk about the 4 principles, do not kill anyone, don’t say lie, be truthful, be loyal to your wife.

After his mother-in-law had gone, he was happy to go back to old routine and was looking forward to go out with friends on Friday. Friday evening, they went to their usual place and ordered chicken curry and beer. Sharma Ji could easily take 3 glasses without any issue, for some reason, he could not take even a single glass that day. He puked as he tried to do bottom's up. Sharma Ji felt may be it’s because of season change. The following sat, the family went out for dinner and they order KFC chicken burger. As soon as Sharma Ji took the first bite, his body made him vomit. 

Sharma Ji and his family was clueless as to why this happened. The same thing happened following week too, Sharma Ji decided to go to the doctor, as he felt his immune system seems to have gone down and must have acquired some new dreaded disease. The doctor examined Sharma Ji and found no issue of any kind, on persistence of Sharma Ji asked him to get some test done. Sadly they all came normal. Sharma Ji slowly stopped going out for food and because of him, even his family stopped going out. Sharma Ji now began spending time reading books, hearing discourses. 

Slowly everyone could see a change in Sharma Ji, he seemed to be always peaceful and smiling. People started asking him the reason for change. Sharma Ji said that he is finding lot of solace in reading good books and hearing good discourses. Everyone asked him to share what he read with them once in a while, and that how the evening satang’s started.

As Sharma Ji, thought of all this...he realized that his path to spirituality began after hearing the first discourse and it was his body which walked on the path first :) and it made his mind follow the body.















Wednesday, November 09, 2011

प्यारी मेरी दुलारी

हे प्यारी, मेरी दुलारी, तुम क्यों हो सोचती
कि वक़्त बीत गया और अब तुम  न उड़ पावोगी

याद करो तुम अपने वो भोले  निर्मल सपने
जो लहरों  की तरह सीमा विहीन थे
जो तुम्हे कुछ भी है मुमकिन की सीख देते

माना की चाल है अब थोड़ी धीमी
पर मन अब  भी है बच्चे सा निर्मल 
जो  है जानता  सपनो की पतंगे  उडाना 
कटने पे नयी शुरुवात करना   

मत बांधो अपने पैरो में खुद ही बेडिया
तुम चलो  उन्मुक्त हो के

दो अपने सपनो को नए पंख
पूरी कायनात है तुम्हारे संग

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Follow your heart, walk the invisible path
Set paths may give interim benefits
But its the path less travelled that takes you to a new world