Friday, June 27, 2014

FASTING



Just came back from a lunch. An amazing one though.
And the occasion was ~ an Engagement party.
With two of the most beautiful people I know playing the hosts.


It's not even two days since I came to Delhi and I can hear wedding bells all around. Wow!! {Is February still on :)}


Well, it seems like a long time, may be ages back that I used to keep fasts on Sundays.


Why? I'll explain later.


Fasts on Sundays usually comprises of anything and everything that is "sweet". I know you are already salivating. Hold that thought.


You are not allowed to eat "ann" . So, believe me you can't be having sweets the day long. By the time it's night you already start hating anything and everything which is sweet. Even people: P


I couldn't take it anymore. One Sunday and I puked.Over it was. Forever.


In our Indian tradition people observe fast. Earlier it was the 'women' clad who skipped meals for anything and everything .Be it connected with their husbands , "would-be" husbands ,children,"would be" children or just about something which they thought was important .


Now, both males and females alike keep fasts. The concept of [Navgraha] and the related gamut of Indian gods are such that there are weeks when people go on fasting. This at times, may include no water no food.


Why FAST?


Well, there is an ancient Hindu story behind this. I'll tell the long story short. You fast or skip a meal when you really want to connect with god and do something which is not being done by many people. It means that you come in this world to do your karmas. This includes eating. Eating is considered to be a very pious deed. To feed someone or being fed by someone is very holy. After all, all that we work for is that [do waqt ki rotti]. And not having that means sacrificing yourself to God to make him hear you.


It's a strange world. Strange beliefs. Strange rituals.


Does FASTING helps?


Well if you're looking for a six-pack then there are better ways to achieve that.Jokes apart it all boils down to your [shradha] / faith. If you really believe in yourself and your deeds, things would happen accordingly. Never play a win-win game with God.i.e. If I fast you give me "this". If I come and visit you "you get me that".


You can't hide away from God. So make sure you never do any "Shaartein" with God.


It can have dire consequences.I know this for sure.

Some thoughts....


I know what Arushi always used to say."Karan-it should come from within. I know about 'karva-chauth'.But you can't force me to keep one. If I feel that I should I will. That is love. That is faith. That is what "real fasting" is about".


No one should ever force you to fast. If you want to, make sure you know the "why" part. There is no harm in keeping the fast and praying to god to grant your wish. We are humans after all.


But as I always say - "mangne ka bhi tareeqa hota hai".


~happy fasting.......

Friday, June 20, 2014

Gift of sharing

You like gifts  . I like gifts and would be tough to find someone who hates gifts.  A flip to this will be people , rare people  who giveaway their gifts to someone else . At times someone more needing than them.

Very few people know that I visit Jaipur as frequently as may be the localities going home. Last time when I went along with my key people ( or gang in our daily usage language  ) as we call , it was fun but of a different level .

Ashi , is a dentist by profession and a good one at that. She has studied very well and then moved countries for some specialization as she calls. Dentist at the first place and specialist in that  :P ( in love with teeth's or as she says with smiles :) 

As a person she is in one word - the best . A charm that is contagious, a voice that when used feels more than melodious and an attitude that is on a higher level of being positive.  Having lived life on her own terms and being independent in taking decisions she has come a long way. I can write more about her but would focus on her different side which not many people know.



Cold Delhi winters,  when not so good to do people on the roadside try to sleep away in a not so comfortable ecosystem , she steps out and wraps up blankets upon them . In Jaipur we have a blind school where she , almost every week sends across gifts to the folks at the school irrespective where in the world she is . And if she is there in person , it’s a big celebration which starts . Every year , in Delhi she puts a camp by partnering with leading doctors to give a free dental check up to the needy . And there is more .  She hardly spends on things for herself and usually gifts / buys things for almost everyone she knows or she is close enough.

Yours truly is an example and my personal cupboard is a testimony to the above.

She says , when God gives you things its usually because you are the chosen one and hence its your duty to ensure it reaches to the right people. Blessed I am and even more she is with what she does.

Believe me,it’s hard to find someone do that in today’s day and age and that too on a regular basis . She touches so many lives by way of her profession and even more by doing these small deeds. The best part being that she never tells or shares this with anyone and most often these things happen secretly.



Words are tough to fill –in and who in world cannot adore her for the person she is. You may have the best education, best living and may be the best of everything but if you don’t have the mind set you will never be able to create a difference to anyone let apart yourself. It’s kind of bell which rings in your head when you meet someone like her  .  Some would say she is perfect . I would she is the master of imperfection .Views , as we call .


So , in short, the next time you get something from  / for someone , think . There may be a person who may need that more than anyone else you may have imagined for. It’s not called being futuristic , it’s called being human. 


**

Song of the month w/t any doubts - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejRRtVzPKe4

**

Aloha on the Ganges

2021 has been occupying to start with. It felt as if January had 365 days and not just 31 days. Have met some lost souls, some damaged soul...