Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
death
Moving piece by Uma Krishnaswami on wanting to be the Karta in her father's death ceremony.
At 7:20 pm on January 26, I lost my father, or perhaps he found his way. He slipped away while my mother and I held his hand, stroked his forehead, and talked to him, all the way to the end. I'm blessed that he held on until I got to his bedside. I'm blessed that he was a part of my life. He leaves a hole in my heart that nothing will ever quite fill.
I think Appa would approve, in his own quiet way, of my decision and my mother's--that I, his only child, should perform the last ceremonial rituals for him that a son would have carried out, if he'd had one. It was not an easy choice. I realize that for many, including some in our extended family, it was a shocking choice. I didn't aim to shock, only to do what seemed obviously, to me anyway, my job and mine alone.
I will not describe the ceremony itself. That emotional space is not for public viewing. But I will say that halfway through, under a clouding sky with raindrops coming down like needles, I experienced a stunning clarity, perhaps from some intersection of fasting and focus. I realized that because of the generosity of priests who were willing to bend the orthodox rules, friends and family who helped with time and resources and footwork--so much footwork for one very long day--and above all because of womenwho led the way, I could touch a small piece of a tradition thousands of years old that perhaps was once open to women but for much of its history has not remained so. I believe that can change. I believe it must.
Because all rivers flow to the sea and in the end there is only the stardust of which we are all made.
As you like it
To be reminded can be a motivating slap in the face
for amnesiacs during a too-long flight in a young bubble.
--Anonymous
As You Like It —Excerpt
JAQUES: All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages. At first, the infant,
Mewling and puking in the nurse's arms.
Then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel
And shining morning face, creeping like a snail
Unwillingly to school. And then the lover,
Sighing like a furnace, with a woeful ballad
Made to his mistress' eyebrow. Then a soldier,
Full of strange oaths and bearded like the pard,
Jealous in honor, sudden and quick in quarrel,
Seeking the bubble reputation
Even in the cannon's mouth. And then the justice,
In fair round belly with good capon lined,
With eyes severe and beard of formal cut,
Full of wise saws and modern instances;
And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts
Into the lean and slippered pantaloon,
With spectacles on nose and pouch on side;
His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide
For his shrunk shank, and his big manly voice,
Turning again toward childish treble, pipes
And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all,
That ends this strange eventful history,
Is second childishness and mere oblivion,
Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.
William Shakespeare
from As You Like It
from 3qd
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
A letter to her son
"About 9 months ago, after you went to big school, we realised that your personality was suffering. You’d slowly gone into a shell, stopped speaking or begun to speak only gibberish, had given up holding a pencil, had spells of violence and then of absolute silence. There were plenty of other problems that I shall not blog about, that we needed to take up with the administration, but the main thing was to get you out of there.
So we moved you back to your old nursery school from the terrible, terrible school we’d put you in. About 20 days later, I was called to meet your teachers. It gave me the heebie jeebies – what could be wrong? The teachers gently broke it to me that you might have a learning disability. And communication problems too. And they said the scary words – Special Ed teacher."
Read the complete letter at madmomma.blogspot.com
it brought tears to my eyes..
So we moved you back to your old nursery school from the terrible, terrible school we’d put you in. About 20 days later, I was called to meet your teachers. It gave me the heebie jeebies – what could be wrong? The teachers gently broke it to me that you might have a learning disability. And communication problems too. And they said the scary words – Special Ed teacher."
Read the complete letter at madmomma.blogspot.com
it brought tears to my eyes..
Monday, January 25, 2010
words of wisdom from Lama Surya dAS
"Once you have the View, although the delusory perceptions of samsara may arise in your mind,
you will be like the sky; when a rainbow appears in front of it, it's not particularly flattered,
and when the clouds appear, it's not particularly disappointed either.
There is a deep sense of contentment.
You chuckle from inside as you see the façade of samsara and nirvana;
the View will keep you constantly amused,
with a little inner smile bubbling away all the time.
- Dilgo Kyentse Rinpoche"
you will be like the sky; when a rainbow appears in front of it, it's not particularly flattered,
and when the clouds appear, it's not particularly disappointed either.
There is a deep sense of contentment.
You chuckle from inside as you see the façade of samsara and nirvana;
the View will keep you constantly amused,
with a little inner smile bubbling away all the time.
- Dilgo Kyentse Rinpoche"
Friday, January 22, 2010
thought for today
SAS Newsletter: "From the point of view of spiritual realisation, time has no concrete reality; all depends on the sincerity and intensity of the aspiration, on the steadiness of the effort. Some can do in a few weeks and even days what takes years for others. Moreover, as the mind and the vital, the chief factors of progress, are not submitted to the same rules of decay as the material body, the age factor loses all its importance when we speak of spiritual and intellectual growth; there is no time limit nor age limit for the mental progress which can go on steadily for hundreds of years.
Secondly, failure is not the sign of incapacity - far from that.
Repeated failures come always to those who have something exceptional to do; it is only those who are satisfied with a commonplace and ordinary realisation who succeed easily in what they attempt to do. The natures of a special value have always to face many ordeals.
And thirdly, when I say to take refuge in the Divine's Love, I do not mean that it is all-sufficient in itself. Not so; personal effort and favourable circumstances are also necessary for the promptness of the advance. But those who can take refuge in the Divine's Love find there a support, a protection and a joy that give them strength to face all the ordeals and surmount all the difficulties.
- The Mother [p-44-45, White Roses, Sixth Edition, 1999]"
Secondly, failure is not the sign of incapacity - far from that.
Repeated failures come always to those who have something exceptional to do; it is only those who are satisfied with a commonplace and ordinary realisation who succeed easily in what they attempt to do. The natures of a special value have always to face many ordeals.
And thirdly, when I say to take refuge in the Divine's Love, I do not mean that it is all-sufficient in itself. Not so; personal effort and favourable circumstances are also necessary for the promptness of the advance. But those who can take refuge in the Divine's Love find there a support, a protection and a joy that give them strength to face all the ordeals and surmount all the difficulties.
- The Mother [p-44-45, White Roses, Sixth Edition, 1999]"
I CAN Do It! -
I CAN Do It! - Inspirational Teacher Story, Teacher Inspiration: "I CAN Do It!
You are very special, and I want you to know,
I loved being your teacher; and it's hard to see you go.
Though our time together this year, has come quickly to an end,
I will remember you forever, my dear second grade friend.
As you continue your journey, you will learn and grow,
Please carry these words I give to you, wherever you may go:
Always do your best, no matter how hard it seems.
And if you do, I promise, you will reach your dreams.
Remember to tell yourself, 'I CAN do it', because I know you can;
Think of all you've learned since school first began.
Reading, Writing and Math; I know weren't always fun,
But I am so proud of you for all that you have done.
You will continue learning as you move from grade to grade,
Keep in mind and think about the progress you have made.
If you feel like giving up - - keep trying, you'll make it through.
I know this, for not too long ago, I was a student just like you.
I had special teacher who taught me something, too;
And throughout this year I've tried to teach it to you:
Always believe in yourself and know that it is true;
You will see, you can do anything you set your mind to.
So, as time goes by, you may forget certain things about the second grade
Like the stories we read and the games that we played
But there’s one thing I hope you remember your whole life through,
It’s to know that you CAN do it, and Ms. Mullen believes in you."
You are very special, and I want you to know,
I loved being your teacher; and it's hard to see you go.
Though our time together this year, has come quickly to an end,
I will remember you forever, my dear second grade friend.
As you continue your journey, you will learn and grow,
Please carry these words I give to you, wherever you may go:
Always do your best, no matter how hard it seems.
And if you do, I promise, you will reach your dreams.
Remember to tell yourself, 'I CAN do it', because I know you can;
Think of all you've learned since school first began.
Reading, Writing and Math; I know weren't always fun,
But I am so proud of you for all that you have done.
You will continue learning as you move from grade to grade,
Keep in mind and think about the progress you have made.
If you feel like giving up - - keep trying, you'll make it through.
I know this, for not too long ago, I was a student just like you.
I had special teacher who taught me something, too;
And throughout this year I've tried to teach it to you:
Always believe in yourself and know that it is true;
You will see, you can do anything you set your mind to.
So, as time goes by, you may forget certain things about the second grade
Like the stories we read and the games that we played
But there’s one thing I hope you remember your whole life through,
It’s to know that you CAN do it, and Ms. Mullen believes in you."
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
thought for today
"Teach your children to feel they are the future citizens of the world.
-- Sri Swami Sivananda"
-- Sri Swami Sivananda"
Saturday, January 16, 2010
The Hindu : Literary Review / Interview : Negotiating change with memory
The Hindu : Literary Review / Interview : Negotiating change with memory: "True, there are differences... but we also have the land... the whole geographical continuity is there you know, the forests, the mountains, it's all the Eastern Himalayas belt. Ok, Assam doesn't have the big snow mountains but it's the foothills. The big rivers link us; all our rivers drain into Assam and with the landscape comes a common shared culture and a relationship to the land...
Elsewhere you refer to Pensam as the in-between land...Is it an attempt to record a disappearing tradition in the face of modernity?
In a way, yes. Ours is an oral tradition you know, I was trying to meet people and collect and record these oral narratives. You know, the small histories which were getting lost and when you talk to people even small things can trigger these memories off. I had no idea how the book would turn out because it was very difficult to project these stories in English. To negotiate that (difficulty of cultural translation) I conceived of Pensam as a kind of secret garden where there are no rules and where one can do whatever one wants...
I was a little nervous about how the novel would be received back home. But I must say the people were very responsive. When they heard the book had been released in Delhi, in my hometown, which is Pasighat, they were shouting, “we want the book, we are the people of Pensam”. They were happy that the Adi word had received wider recognition....
What exactly is your own relationship to these"
Elsewhere you refer to Pensam as the in-between land...Is it an attempt to record a disappearing tradition in the face of modernity?
In a way, yes. Ours is an oral tradition you know, I was trying to meet people and collect and record these oral narratives. You know, the small histories which were getting lost and when you talk to people even small things can trigger these memories off. I had no idea how the book would turn out because it was very difficult to project these stories in English. To negotiate that (difficulty of cultural translation) I conceived of Pensam as a kind of secret garden where there are no rules and where one can do whatever one wants...
I was a little nervous about how the novel would be received back home. But I must say the people were very responsive. When they heard the book had been released in Delhi, in my hometown, which is Pasighat, they were shouting, “we want the book, we are the people of Pensam”. They were happy that the Adi word had received wider recognition....
What exactly is your own relationship to these"
the pursuit of happiness continued
The Hindu : Magazine : An enigma called happiness: "Ok, happiness comes from within. You tap the source of happiness and use it to still the demons within. Happiness is an emotion. It does not spring from entertaining your whims. Lasting enjoyment comes from living life with zest, pursuing your career, love, friendship and hobbies with good values. Happiness is a choice. You can choose to brood and be angry or find the brighter side and be happy with what you have. To reach that place, we need more than enough faith, more than enough relationships, more than enough physical, emotional and mental resources. You are at peace with yourself and the world when mind (intent), body (action) and spirit (conscience) vibrate in unison."
Friday, January 15, 2010
Whats your personal philosophy?
3quarksdaily: "Science:
Many years ago, my family discovered a small journal that my grandfather had written in 1915, 2 years before he left for World War I. It contained a short essay titled simply, 'My Guide.' Here's a paragraph from it: To respect those I love, my country, and above all myself. To be as honest and as fair with my fellow man as I know how, and to expect them to be honest and fair with me in return. To keep my future clear of debt by saving as well as by earning, and to guard my health of body and peace of mind as my most precious stock in trade. To use my strengths and skills to the best of my abilities, and to share the rewards of my success with my community. I was impressed that my grandfather, who would go on to become a successful businessman and patriarch of a large family, had thought about his life's philosophy at age 22. But I didn't think much more about my grandfather's words until years later when I met another person who would prove to be very influential in my life."
Many years ago, my family discovered a small journal that my grandfather had written in 1915, 2 years before he left for World War I. It contained a short essay titled simply, 'My Guide.' Here's a paragraph from it: To respect those I love, my country, and above all myself. To be as honest and as fair with my fellow man as I know how, and to expect them to be honest and fair with me in return. To keep my future clear of debt by saving as well as by earning, and to guard my health of body and peace of mind as my most precious stock in trade. To use my strengths and skills to the best of my abilities, and to share the rewards of my success with my community. I was impressed that my grandfather, who would go on to become a successful businessman and patriarch of a large family, had thought about his life's philosophy at age 22. But I didn't think much more about my grandfather's words until years later when I met another person who would prove to be very influential in my life."
Monday, January 11, 2010
thought for today
SAS Newsletter: "Whatever you may want to do in life, one thing is absolutely indispensable and at the basis of everything, the capacity of concentrating the attention. If you are able to gather together the rays of attention and consciousness on one point and can maintain this concentration with a persistent will, nothing can resist it - whatever it may be, from the most material physical development to the highest spiritual one. But this discipline must be followed in a constant and, it may be said, imperturbable way; not that you should always be concentrated on the same thing - that's not what I mean, I mean learning to concentrate.
And materially, for studies, sports, all physical or mental development, it is absolutely indispensable. And the value of an individual is proportionate to the value of his attention.
And from the spiritual point of view it is still more important. There is no spiritual obstacle which can resist a penetrating power of concentration. For instance, the discovery of the psychic being, union with the inner Divine, opening to the higher spheres, all can be obtained by an intense and obstinate power of concentration - but one must learn how to do it. There is nothing in the human or even in the superhuman field, to which the power of concentration is not the key.
You can be the best athlete, you can be the best student, you can be an artistic, literary or scientific genius, you can be the greatest saint with that faculty. And everyone has in himself a tiny little beginning of it - it is given to everybody, but people do not cultivate it.
- The Mother [CWMCE, 9:360-61]"
And materially, for studies, sports, all physical or mental development, it is absolutely indispensable. And the value of an individual is proportionate to the value of his attention.
And from the spiritual point of view it is still more important. There is no spiritual obstacle which can resist a penetrating power of concentration. For instance, the discovery of the psychic being, union with the inner Divine, opening to the higher spheres, all can be obtained by an intense and obstinate power of concentration - but one must learn how to do it. There is nothing in the human or even in the superhuman field, to which the power of concentration is not the key.
You can be the best athlete, you can be the best student, you can be an artistic, literary or scientific genius, you can be the greatest saint with that faculty. And everyone has in himself a tiny little beginning of it - it is given to everybody, but people do not cultivate it.
- The Mother [CWMCE, 9:360-61]"
The Telegraph - Calcutta (Kolkata) | Metro | Dalai the ‘chela’
The Telegraph - Calcutta (Kolkata) Metro Dalai the ‘<I>chela</I>’: "Dalai the ‘chela’
OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
A day after asking people to go and see the sufferings of Tibetans under military occupation at a Bodh Gaya peace conference, the Dalai Lama had hope on his lips on Sunday. He was in Calcutta to confer the Ladies Study Group Charitable Trust award on Disha Foundation’s Neena Singh and addressed the gathering at length.
“Historically, the Communist Party of China has changed with the times. Also, many Chinese intellectuals are backing us through their writings. They may be in the minority but intellectuals lead society. Despite restrictions, Tibetan children are now travelling to enrol in monastic schools here. So there is hope,” he told invitees inside and later Buddhists gathered outside the hotel, who had travelled from as far as Himachal Pradesh and Darjeeling for a glimpse of the monk.
He also heaped praise on Indian values, calling himself “a reliable chela” of India, the guru. “It’s your messages that I carry abroad. But you must think for yourselves to improve your life.”"
OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
A day after asking people to go and see the sufferings of Tibetans under military occupation at a Bodh Gaya peace conference, the Dalai Lama had hope on his lips on Sunday. He was in Calcutta to confer the Ladies Study Group Charitable Trust award on Disha Foundation’s Neena Singh and addressed the gathering at length.
“Historically, the Communist Party of China has changed with the times. Also, many Chinese intellectuals are backing us through their writings. They may be in the minority but intellectuals lead society. Despite restrictions, Tibetan children are now travelling to enrol in monastic schools here. So there is hope,” he told invitees inside and later Buddhists gathered outside the hotel, who had travelled from as far as Himachal Pradesh and Darjeeling for a glimpse of the monk.
He also heaped praise on Indian values, calling himself “a reliable chela” of India, the guru. “It’s your messages that I carry abroad. But you must think for yourselves to improve your life.”"
Award from the Dalai Lama to Neena Singh
The Telegraph - Calcutta (Kolkata) Metro Dalai the ‘<I>chela</I>’: "Dalai the ‘chela’
OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
A day after asking people to go and see the sufferings of Tibetans under military occupation at a Bodh Gaya peace conference, the Dalai Lama had hope on his lips on Sunday. He was in Calcutta to confer the Ladies Study Group Charitable Trust award on Disha Foundation’s Neena Singh and addressed the gathering at length.
“Historically, the Communist Party of China has changed with the times. Also, many Chinese intellectuals are backing us through their writings. They may be in the minority but intellectuals lead society. Despite restrictions, Tibetan children are now travelling to enrol in monastic schools here. So there is hope,” he told invitees inside and later Buddhists gathered outside the hotel, who had travelled from as far as Himachal Pradesh and Darjeeling for a glimpse of the monk.
He also heaped praise on Indian values, calling himself “a reliable chela” of India, the guru. “It’s your messages that I carry abroad. But you must think for yourselves to improve your life.”"
OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
A day after asking people to go and see the sufferings of Tibetans under military occupation at a Bodh Gaya peace conference, the Dalai Lama had hope on his lips on Sunday. He was in Calcutta to confer the Ladies Study Group Charitable Trust award on Disha Foundation’s Neena Singh and addressed the gathering at length.
“Historically, the Communist Party of China has changed with the times. Also, many Chinese intellectuals are backing us through their writings. They may be in the minority but intellectuals lead society. Despite restrictions, Tibetan children are now travelling to enrol in monastic schools here. So there is hope,” he told invitees inside and later Buddhists gathered outside the hotel, who had travelled from as far as Himachal Pradesh and Darjeeling for a glimpse of the monk.
He also heaped praise on Indian values, calling himself “a reliable chela” of India, the guru. “It’s your messages that I carry abroad. But you must think for yourselves to improve your life.”"
Neena Singh
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070125/asp/careergraph/story_7304018.asp
Wonderful story of all the good work my aunt Neena Singh is doing in Calcutta with education.
Wonderful story of all the good work my aunt Neena Singh is doing in Calcutta with education.
thought for today
"I have found that the greatest degree of inner tranquility
comes from the development of love and compassion.
Cultivating a close, warmhearted feeling for others
automatically puts the mind at ease.
It is the ultimate source of success in life.
- H.H. 14th Dalai Lama"
comes from the development of love and compassion.
Cultivating a close, warmhearted feeling for others
automatically puts the mind at ease.
It is the ultimate source of success in life.
- H.H. 14th Dalai Lama"
Monday, January 04, 2010
thought for today.
SAS Newsletter: "It is by persevering that one conquers difficulties, not by running away from them. One who perseveres is sure to triumph. Victory goes to the most enduring. Always do your best and the Lord will take care of the results.
- The Mother [CWMCE, 14:173]"
- The Mother [CWMCE, 14:173]"
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Pakistan's educational system
http://www.himalmag.com/Still-terminally-ill_nw3965.html
Himal South Asian's Zakia Sarwar discusses the problems in the educational system in that country.
thanks to 3qd for the link
Himal South Asian's Zakia Sarwar discusses the problems in the educational system in that country.
thanks to 3qd for the link
Friday, January 01, 2010
and the pursuit of happiness
Maira Kalman has a wonderful photo, drawing and writing essay about George Washington and Obama. I love her colors and thoughts..
Savor the moments Happy New Year
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Sivananda's Message of the Day for Wednesday, April 14, 2010 Kindness does not consist in gifts, but in gentleness and generosity. -- S...
