DON'T EXPECT ONLY ACCEPT

Wise Words! Age-old Advice! Mantra for a peaceful existence!! Gautam Buddha's universal teaching of avoiding misery by not having any expectations is not easy to inculcate and emulate!! Do good and expect nothing in return is rapidly losing its relevance . It's all a matter of having a big fat ego that causes havoc , ruins peace and happiness resulting in complications and utter disharmony ....for all are not that elevated or blessed to accept and digest the mayhem that ensues from a bloated ego which is without doubt a consequence of having innumerable expectations . Expectations range from very basic like people's reactions and responses to simple mundane issues to any and every matter , which makes them judgemental and irascible if not upto their mark. B K Sister Shivani goes on reiterating in every discourse of hers as to how we should show empathy and compassion for such disordered minds and keep sending positive vibes and blessings as it is futile to even think of changing that obstinate mindset .This insinuates that passive acceptance and continuously overlooking , suffering and ignoring is the only way to handle such egos to keep one's mental balance intact .However , clichéd as it may sound , it IS easier said than done....when one has to confront such apathetic attitudes persistently it is difficult to stay calm , balanced and even empathetic. What is even more frustrating is that though one may be blessed with all the necessary comforts in life for which one should be ever grateful to The Lord such unpleasant situations certainly serve to only destroy that sense of fulfilment and well-being in life. It is actually a testing time for those at the receiving end ....it is nerve-wracking for those who are counselled to keep on accepting such unsettling situations with no hope in sight . One can only find some solace in the thought that one's Karma is responsible for such acrimony even amidst all the affluence ...and no one can escape the law of karma . Karma is unforgiving !

DO YOUR BIT !!

It is in times of crisis when we are devastated and traumatised that we are fully able to comprehend The Almighty's efficient planning , for He is always looking upon us lovingly ! ! It is in such dire situations that Humanity is at its best ! To name just a few of such calamitous happenings , are the Freedom Struugle , the terrible Partition , the ensuing mass exodus , the violent fury , the inhuman gruesome atrocities, the slaughter of humans by humans....But amid all the barbarism and savagery there have been instances of humanity, kindness , generosity and supreme sacrifices by some individuals or groups who have come out to relieve people during such stressful circumstances. Charity and sublime charitable deeds are then witnessed !! It is not the particular individual or group of people who do this of their own accord BUT it is Divine Intervention , God , who sends His chosen angels to alleviate the sufferings of humankind. It then becomes Charity in its true spirit ! The recent Corona pandemic has seen a surge in philanthropic and humanitarian acts also . During the lockdown period of the first wave especially, several organisations came to the forefront to help those in need of basic amenities. Food packets were the most widely distributed items . The print media was proof of this , as besides the macabre and grim stories of the devastating effects of Corona , the newspapers were full of coverage of another ongoing hectic activity and that was the overflow of Charitable groups , organisations corporate sectors who were all out to frantically bring relief to the miserable . However, some were exploiting and encashing the crisis making it into an opportunity for their own fame and vested interests. Every day there were several photographs of the proud, beaming faces of the popularity - seeking people who flaunted their charitable deeds ! It was rather bizarre to find such acts being highlighted every day . However, at times in reality the situation was alas not so relieving....as eye witnesses were proof of such deeds that were done just for clicking some photographs for publication and gaining cheap popularity and not to really help the needy .Many a times on such charitable visits esp in slum areas, only a few could receive the alms ...this was done only till the time a few photographs were clicked .Once that was done the so-called caregivers were least bothered about catering to the rest of the crowd and would immediately leave in a huff unmindful of the expectations of the remaining beneficiaries left in the lurch ! Such deliberate acts of conceit and arrogance do not come under the word Charity ! Basking in the glory of one's generosity is stagnation ! कोई दान करे कोई पुण्य करे कोई दान का रोज बखान करे These lines from a popular bhajan insinuate that doing charitable deeds merely for the sake of self aggrandisment and gaining self praise is futile and meaningless .Acts of generosity should be performed with total detachment . Charity is the most noble and sublime act of supreme kindness and empathy .However , the doer should have a pure heart and good intention when he takes up this exalted deed . Actually only a person who does have good intentions is able to spontaneously come up with such acts . He does not give a second thought to it . On the flip side, those who believe in being charitable to gain mileage and publicity through such acts are annihilating and crushing the true purpose of Charity as well as maligning this divine concept . Indeed it requires a large heart flowing with the milk of human kindness , a fervent desire to somehow help those in distress in whatever limited way one can as per their own resources, and with no intention of being rewarded , acclaimed and applauded! It is then that the ego is totally quelled and negated and the feeling of arrogant doership ceases to exist . Coming back to those hard times of the lockdown it is significant to talk about the real charitable acts of people too . There is always a positive side of every situation or else how could humanity survive ! Amid all this grabbing of self image and importance there were quite a few who silently and selflessly served those who they knew were in desperate need of resources. They initially started with those in their vicinity and those whom they felt required immediate help for sustenance . The shoe peddlers the rickshaw pullers , the roadside vendors for whom every day that dawned came with the hope of earning some money for themselves to sustain their families .....such people were stranded with the enforcement of the lockdown , with no hope of earning the meagre daily wages that they were doing earlier. The Almighty was there to take care of such indigent sufferers too for Divine grace was bestowed on them through some merciful people who took up the cudgels to mitigate their sufferings by way of helping them out in whatever way they could . Besides that those were times when large contigents of police force were deployed at different pickets to keep a strict vigil of the lockdown .They were a set of people , the front line warriors who were doing their duty braving inclement weather conditions .. the blistering heat and sultry atmosphere with no relief .With all roadside eateries , even the tea vendors closed these police personnel could not provide anything for themselves despite their long hours of duty. But again how could Providence not understand their ardous work,?? and so He made a few good- intentioned people, His chosen angels , think of them too. As a result some thoughtful people realising their plight started distributing snacks , drinking water etc to them too and this continued for quite some time . One need not think of making large donations to various Funds in such times . Any kind of help to alleviate distress of even a few known and needy are charitable acts. Anyone who wishes to help others genuinely and selflessly without wishing for any kind of return is definitely a messenger of The Almighty ! The difference was that such people were doing what they did and could with an open heart and with the sole intention of attempting to contribute in some way to lessen the misery of others .....JUST not to make themselves popular or for any vested interests, or to just pose for photos to receive acclaim . Such people are truly the Fortunate few , the Blessed, God's chosen Angels whom He sends to give some relief to those in distress!! The clichéd maxim Charity begins at home has gained strength and momentum in recent times with people coming forward to help those around them , who they know are needy and Impoverished! Mother Teresa believed and said "Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest to you ." What is significant is that even if we are able to help just one or two not-so priveleged individuals around us or known to us , and bring SMILES on their worn faces, we will definitely be contributing in making the world a better place to live in ! We have to realise that whatever wealth / material gains we possess is Divine charity ! When such fortunate people who are in a relatively comfortable position and those who are revelling in material abundance and bounty , come out to help the underprivileged .... such acts are truly sublime , elevated and lofty !! Though no return is expected in any form in Charity nevertheless the amount of inner fulfilment and solace and the perennial Divine grace that flows is unfathomable!! Not only that it will further inspire , stimulate and motivate right- minded people to continue with their charitable acts and this will then become an unbroken chain that will ultimately benefit society . So Do your bit !! But remember the mantra : Do good and move on

Aesthetics , Art and Sensitivity

The title seems a bit heavy but the content of this blog is rather a simple though a sensitive issue !! PadmaVibhushan , Dadasaheb Phalke awardee , one of India's musical maestros, Asha Bhonsle who has mastered every genre of Bollywood music once said , that every cabaret song that she sings is like a BHAJAN for her !! Her statement has profound connotations !! Every song is a combination of harmonious melody , lyrical expression of thoughtfully coined eloquent lyrics and a representation of the spirit and mood of the one who is articulating it , generally in Films it is the actor. The role of the artist who is actually singing the song is crucial as he or she has to literally get involved in the character , the scene of the film and definitely the mood of the song .The artist without being in the limelight has to emote effectively for the character who is lipsinging the song.....be it a romantic number, a dance number , a cabaret or a devotional song ! Without the befitting emotional and theatrical expressions the singer will not be able to do justice to a song. Thus to judge a singer and his personality or character by the type of songs or genre of songs taken up is unwise! It is absurd and preposterous to consider their image to be tarnished or in any way maligned on the basis of their song selection. Music is a pure form of art and aesthetics which needs keen auditory sensitivity to be enjoyed !! Mundane , worldly complexes and image- consciousness interferes in assessing or appreciating music. An artist , a singer needs high energy levels , a zealous spirit, grit , hard work , dedication , commitment...and certainly has to invest a considerable amount of time to achieve some level of perfection. Once this happens the singer flows with the musical composition and is totally absorbed and fully immersed in the composition ...it is then that the composer gets his full reward for the song comes out from the heart of the artist and it becomes soulful singing ! Getting the right tune and tone , the scale and pitch , the twists and turns ,intonation, voice modulations , the voice throw and control are all integral facets of good singing but all is in vain if it is not a spontaneous outpouring from the heart ! I marvel and admire the talented music composers who wondrously create such soulful hearttouching compositions that touch the very core of one's inner self ...I feel they are the ones who are supremely Blessed. The artists who have to execute and reproduce the compositions have a grave responsibility for their rendition can make or mar a composition . Without going into the depths of the song the singer cannot do full justice for which he/,she has to come out of his shell , shed his / her inhibitions and articulate with all the theatrics required . To appreciate this requires pronounced aesthetic and artistic sensitivity and sensibilities!! Only then can music enchant and enthrall !!

SHINING IN THE TWILIGHT YEARS

Retirement is not the end of the road , it is the beginning of an open highway ! To not feel the actual age of retirement , rather to be the inner young person one has always been and always should be , allays all the ensuing uncertainties . For some it is the end of several possibilities and the thought of it causes a sense of vacuum and insecurity for not everyone has very favourable circumstances to look forward to post retirement. Nevertheless it should be taken positively for it is only after climbing the mountain that one can finally enjoy the view !! However, for others it grants the freedom and most importantly the time to indulge in and enjoy all the things one wished to. So retirement is when one stops living at work and starts working at living !! It is with this rejuvenated spirit that one should welcome the cessation of one's active remunerative working years and look ahead at all the wonderful possibilities that are still waiting to be experienced! The most valuable benefit of having the luxury of enjoying ample of free time is one of the greatest rewards of retirement! But before that luxury transforms into boredom and ennui it is good to think of getting involved with what one had desired always but could not pursue due to paucity of time . After all one can just not go on with life occupied with the mundane activities...there must be something to look forward to every day that keeps one productively engaged . Therefore this is the best time to take up one's hobbies and rekindle one's passion , be it any activity one has been interested in and wished to pursue .It could be any passion and hobby that could be revitalised, be it writing, reading, music- vocal or instrumental, sketching , painting to name a few . One of my friends started to try her hand at Doodling , a unique art form and excels in it now !! To explore new activities that are of one's interest could be a novel and very fulfilling experience. The byword to this , however is dedication and commitment towards one's passion. Nothing should be taken up half heartedly for that will only lead to a sense of discontentment and disillusionment. Once one identifies one's interest that has to be furthered and endeavours to hone one's skill in that field it can be truly very rewarding!! That all- engaging pursuit can make one's twilight years more happening, rejuvenating and satisfying. And what is more is that it can be very motivating even inspirational for other fellow beings too !! The precedence can initiate a more reassuring and more fulfilling life for others as well who could follow suit and take up some latent yet unexplored interest of theirs to pursue. The second innings will then turn out to be even more gratifying and enriching . Moreover if one is recognised , acknowledged and appreciated by one's near and dear ones , friends ,acquaintances well -wishers is an added bonus !!:After all anyone who is pursuing any art form is an artist ....so every artist whether big or small does need appreciation that leads to greater motivation for the pursuer ! The mind that is well occupied in any such fulfilling activity is certainly relieved of unnecessary stress and involuntary anxiety .The macabre word Retirement then has a more positive and refreshing connotation ! On a lighter note One can't retire from Being Awesome !!

THE MURKY WORLD OF TV SOAPS!

A recent upcoming serial has frequent promotional ads popping up every now and then , which instead of luring viewers is rather shooing them away as there is nothing interesting to look forward to in it apart from the apparent dissolution and despair caused by strained relationships !! The inference any level- headed viewer can draw is that expectations only lead to misery !! If one's reactions ,responses, conversations even actions for that matter are not as per the receiver's presuppositions it can spell doom for any relationship casting a shadow of doubt , insecurity and undoubtedly unhappiness for both parties !! This trend is already rampant in families , and relationships are as a result becoming frail . Besides the pandemic has aggravated the situation for it is leading to too much familiarity breeding contempt ! So instead of fanning such detrimental negative behavioural patterns already existing and creating havoc in society why can't storylines have a healing therapeutic influence leading to positive and objective mindsets ? These writers need to Be The Change and foster social behavioural change that can alleviate several woes and create bonhomie ?? Is this just wishful thinking or can it be achieved ?? Having said that , the entertainment media does have a strong viewership, esp due to the compelling circumstances of the disastrous pandemic that has made people home- bound and entertainment starved which is being well encashed by the Idiot Box. Audiences are watching whatever is made available to them in the name of entertainment.This includes the saas-bahu daily soaps which every TV serial dishes out unmindful of the mental havoc and turmoil they cause . There is so much of back-biting , backlash , manipulative scheming plots and conspiracies being hatched that it becomes too unpleasant and unsettling so much do that instead of getting entertained audiences are left with a sense of discontentment and unpleasantness by the end of it.The melodrama and the fake sentimentality is adding fuel to fire and seems to be training people to be shrewd, cunning and calculative in their relationships and dealings. Some good sense should prevail upon the script writers of these serials to come up with inspirational , motivating positive storylines and content instead of just catering to and strengthening the sadistic leanings of the audiences ! After all when will they realise the grave responsibility they are shouldering of shaping , nurturing and influencing young and old minds alike . With the powerful influence that the media has on the gullible general masses, it is imperative and high time that the media esp the writers directors , makers of movies, videos , short films , Web series, and above all TV serials be acutely aware of their responsibility. They cannot take their viewers to be dumb onlookers who are incapable of assessing or predicting the hazardous twists and turns that mar relationships but which albeit do take a toll on their psyche. Let us try to get out of this rut and initiate some right healthy thinking !!:Enough is Enough !!