Monday, January 21, 2013

ONE TODAY

One sun rose on us today, kindled over our shores,
peeking over the Smokies, greeting the faces
of the Great Lakes, spreading a simple truth
across the Great Plains, then charging across the Rockies.
One light, waking up rooftops, under each one, a story
told by our silent gestures moving behind windows.
My face, your face, millions of faces in morning’s mirrors,
each one yawning to life, crescendoing into our day:
pencil-yellow school buses, the rhythm of traffic lights,
fruit stands: apples, limes, and oranges arrayed like rainbows
begging our praise. Silver trucks heavy with oil or paper—
bricks or milk, teeming over highways alongside us,
on our way to clean tables, read ledgers, or save lives—
to teach geometry, or ring-up groceries as my mother did
for twenty years, so I could write this poem.
All of us as vital as the one light we move through,
the same light on blackboards with lessons for the day:
equations to solve, history to question, or atoms imagined,
the "I have a dream" we keep dreaming,
or the impossible vocabulary of sorrow that won’t explain
the empty desks of twenty children marked absent
today, and forever. Many prayers, but one light
breathing color into stained glass windows,
life into the faces of bronze statues, warmth
onto the steps of our museums and park benches
as mothers watch children slide into the day.
One ground. Our ground, rooting us to every stalk
of corn, every head of wheat sown by sweat
and hands, hands gleaning coal or planting windmills
in deserts and hilltops that keep us warm, hands
digging trenches, routing pipes and cables, hands
as worn as my father’s cutting sugarcane
so my brother and I could have books and shoes.
The dust of farms and deserts, cities and plains
mingled by one wind—our breath. Breathe. Hear it
through the day’s gorgeous din of honking cabs,
buses launching down avenues, the symphony
of footsteps, guitars, and screeching subways,
the unexpected song bird on your clothes line.
Hear: squeaky playground swings, trains whistling,
or whispers across café tables, Hear: the doors we open
for each other all day, saying: hello| shalom,
buon giorno |howdy |namaste |or buenos días
in the language my mother taught me—in every language
spoken into one wind carrying our lives
without prejudice, as these words break from my lips.
One sky: since the Appalachians and Sierras claimed
their majesty, and the Mississippi and Colorado worked
their way to the sea. Thank the work of our hands:
weaving steel into bridges, finishing one more report
for the boss on time, stitching another wound
or uniform, the first brush stroke on a portrait,
or the last floor on the Freedom Tower
jutting into a sky that yields to our resilience.
One sky, toward which we sometimes lift our eyes
tired from work: some days guessing at the weather
of our lives, some days giving thanks for a love
that loves you back, sometimes praising a mother
who knew how to give, or forgiving a father
who couldn’t give what you wanted.
We head home: through the gloss of rain or weight
of snow, or the plum blush of dusk, but always—home,
always under one sky, our sky. And always one moon
like a silent drum tapping on every rooftop
and every window, of one country—all of us—
facing the stars
hope—a new constellation
waiting for us to map it,
waiting for us to name it—together

Richard Blanco, a Cuban American born in Madrid and raised and educated in Miami, on Monday became the first Hispanic and first openly gay man to read the inaugural poem.

Gunjan  

Thursday, October 4, 2012

TED talks

I was introduced to TED talks in 2010. Since then i am cribbing why havnt i joined it earlier, as now i have so many amazing videos pending for me.

It is a wonderful platform and a best idea before it has started spreading ideas.

I am feeling lucky,as i have got an opportunity to be part of this prestigious event right in my capital city Delhi.

Tedx Delhi is happening on 6th October at Indian Habitat Center and can wait to be part of it.

Super excited Gunjan

Saturday, May 26, 2012

INTENSE LOVE


I just watched a wonderful movie on dog’s loyalty, a real story..HACHIKO…and I am touched.


I found a similar story which was running around me from past 3 years and I haven’t realized till date.

My sister who was loved and have loved my Grandfather “Bhaiyaji”.He took care of her from the day she was born. She is unlucky not to have mother’s love but is super lucky to have his (Bhaiyaji) love.He was the only person who loved her with all his heart. 


Bhaiyaji was man of his own.From the day I have understood things I have found him a man who lives for others, who cares for others, who is always there when you need him.

His love was different like him. He used to yell to make things correct and you have to (have to) listen to him. Being the elder most amongst his kith and kin, he used to take absolute care of them and their families irrespective of anything (money, respect...).He took responsibility and did everything with all his heart.

My sister on the other hand was born with underdeveloped mind. And probably that is the reason, she lacks mother’s love in her life.Bhaiyaji did all he can to educate my mother but couldn't convince her(Mother is never bad, probably some Karma).But then all this while both of them got closer and loved each other immensely.
As the rule of nature he has to leave all of us. There was no shift in my sister’s behavior that day and for next 11 days. But on 12th day when we were done with all his ceremonies, I still clearly remember everyone was offering last flowers on his picture and when everyone left she went closer to picture and said “Bhaiya chale gae” (He left us).(In Hindu tradition it is believed that after someone passes, his soul leaves earth only after 12 days).And that whole day she was sitting alone and was in deep silence.

Next day brought her cheerfulness back. One new thing added to her schedule she started speaking to Bhaiyaji over an imaginary mobile phone, it’s been three years and she still do that. She tells him everyone’s whereabouts and all day events. And take care of people around her in the same way as he used to do.
The girl isn’t loved anymore but loves all. I have seen her only smiling and laughing. She doesn’t expect anything from anyone. She spends most of the time alone in deep love and silence.
I am touched as I see brainless (a dog & an underdeveloped) loving immensely and deeply. Living every moment in someone’s love.

                                                  
I am touched as I see Love is deep and endless. It can bring change.
I am touched as I see people expecting, complaining, demanding, blaming & running, running and running. They have forgotten to love, to live, to be happily mad and to be silent.

Touched Gunjan

Tuesday, December 27, 2011


CONTRATST
Why do I see a lot of contrast around me?
A smile is contrasted with sad faced, a privileged with underfed, a beauty with an ugly, softness with arrogance, extrovert with introvert and contrast goes on. 
Is it bad to be on the lower side?
I found answer out in the world to be “YES”.
There is no consideration for the other side of the coin. You have to raise yourself above the bar to match standards of the world and stay happy.
But do you really need to keep bothering yourself if stars are not favouring you? Do you have to look down upon yourself every time?
I will say “NO”. When you are weak, a good lot of people are there to look down on you and then it’s only you who can still love yourself and believe in your abilities.

 Nothing could be worse than you hating yourself. So dance with the opposites and enjoy whatever may come, because it’s just this life, just this.
Moreover, opposite values are complementary. A smile is smile because of sad face, a privileged is so because of underfed, and a beauty is beauty because of ugly faces around……
Hence, CONTRAST is a way of LIFE.
Gun JAN….



Wednesday, April 20, 2011

STUCK!!


Last when I was stuck I realized its significance

Often I get stuck up with my thoughts, my plans, my executions ,my promises, my boastings, my commitments, my priorities , my dreams…
This feeling of “stuck”, projects in me other feeling to be free. Now, freedom shouldn’t be mistaken with getting “rid off “. When any of those aforementioned will be accomplished, I am sure of happy freedom. Instead if I chase freedom I will get rid of it.
This big difference should be apprehended with great composure. We often confront whirlpools in mind, wherein we prefer to sink than to rise up and take charge of our precarious mind.
But, how long are you planning to fall for it. I am ending it right here, right now. I have found few fundas to handle it, which I am practicing like an ant which falls and climb back again to the wall until it reaches the top.
Whenever we decide something, if it comes with enthusiasm and excitement it fades away soon with excitement as the time pass on. As well said time is a good healer, its not just in terms of your pain but for your plans too. That’s why none of India’s Five year plans are successful.
 So, Funda first, “hold your plan to yourself till the adrenaline rush cross by”. Now if your plan still remains then start working on it with step wise plan and its execution to get boosted up every time.

Funda second,” set priority and give 100 percent priority wise, whatever may come.” Just do your best. Innumerable plans and ideas may strike you at the same time but keep track of your priority strictly.
Funda third,” stop thinking of possibilities, it makes you weak and fragile, and it keeps throwing you off the way”. Just consider a trekker while climbing a mountain thinks of wild species, rocky cutting edges, breathlessness, hunger, and time. Will he be able to reach the height he planned for? Of course not!!
Funda fourth, “keep smile intact, whether you win or lose”. You should move ahead as if nothing has ever touched you. For a willing soul doors are always open, so learn to ignore closed doors. Everyone needs you; this world will need you to fulfill the purpose solemnly given to you.
Success is defined as “Never fading confidence, unshakeable personality and never dying SMILE”
.
INSPIRED BY SRI SRI.. :)
Rising GUNJAN


Monday, January 31, 2011

Happiness is Independant


Hey All,

Today, a man turned up to my office. He was around sixty years old, wearing a white dirty shirt and a black pant. With despair look on his face and great difficulty he stepped up the stairs, as his feet were wounded and his age made it worse.



He was carrying two poly-bags. We approached him to figure out the purpose of his visit. So, he took out few plastic bundles from the poly-bag. Those bundles were full of hand made designer envelopes. Those envelopes were beautiful enough to express the creativity of the person. On further inquiry he said "I am badly in need of a job which could give me something to eat and live."



He continued "I was rich businessmen in Maharashtra with 200 looms and granite business but few years’ back I lost crores of rupees as all granite was damaged and useless. Following the incident, my sons have thrown me out of the home. They kept my wife because she do their household work and take care of their children. I am all alone now with no one to take care. Job is must for me."

A man with lot of creativity and a big family with two sons and their family, who was once a rich man, is now poor and lonely, at such a point of his life when he needs them the most.

What idea does it give you about life??

Children have grown thankless? Life is uncertain? Or Money is important? What is that??

I think its just happiness. A happiness which doesn't depend on anything or anyone. Neither a relationship nor money can bring you happiness, both of them are big time dumpers.So, the question is where is happiness?
Since,we can comprehend things, we were asked to behave properly, study, be in competition establish with a good career. What I feel is it’s just a mere assumption, because we tend to be in our comfort zones and particularities, in fear of pain we end up in creating an unstable wealth.

What is left with that man except brooding over his past? Memories seem to be a big stain on white silk cloth of his past. He will die and dissolve in the same mud of which he was born...What next?? Again he will be born in some other place,as a well known and scientifically proved fact, soul never dies, and repeat the same boring cycle with a washed off memory. Again and again and again...

Do you think that is what life all about? If your answer is "NO”, so congratulations!!,you have already started living. And,
 If your answer is "YES”, you don't need a psychiatrist. But a master or guru who knows what the Life is. He will direct you in a much better way of being happy. He will make you meet yourself. You will realize the talents and powers in yourself. The immense joy and happiness in you.

ITS IN YOUR CLUTCH



SPIRITUALITY is the best way of being happy.It is beyond any religion.Its about human happiness.Problems will come,but you will always be able to handle them.Start praying and surrendering,it makes you stronger.



P.S:-For so called COOL people,sprituality is not being sadhu but it adds endless fun,love and enjoyment in every moment of your life.Try it!! Else you will always be a looser.

Deepening the mystery of creation is science. Deepening the mystery of the Self is spirituality.
The purpose of technology is to comfort human beings.When spiritual values - human values - are ignored and neglected, technology brings fear and destruction instead of comfort.-Sri Sri

SPIRITUAL GUNJAN:)


Wednesday, January 19, 2011

TOWARDS REALIZATION

Hello Freinds!!


Hope you are all in purple of your health!! ha ha:)


I just dived in the lake(very small) of my past and found it brownish,dirtied by the thoughts of ignorance.I then went deep to the level of ego,picked up few shells of thoughts about myself and guess what!! i was proud to be me as mature,understanding blahhh blahhh...although others levels never occurred so beautiful to me.




But,(why this ifs and buts come)!! Anyways but,since i started meditating under my Guru's guidance.That lake grasped some kinetic energy and have started merging into a huge ocean(it still is)..every shell,stones,creature have started acting vice-versa..


My awareness is ascending to an unknown destination.My concentration is shifted to other levels(levels of existence) too.


But, i am finding lot of drawbacks with my intellect and ego ..Considering,the last sentence,i was quite upset as my "Proud to be me" shells were loosing its worth.What's happening??? Why is it happening??.But just one thing kept me fixed on this path is "FAITH"..
RAY OF LIGHT




And that faith showed me a ray of light today...So heres a story from Paulo Cohelo's blog which took me towards realisation.The whole mysterious talk was just to make your way to this short story!![i know some of you must be looking out for me ha ha:):)]

COBWEB





When I was travelling the road to Rome, one of the four sacred roads in my magical tradition, I realized, after almost twenty days spent entirely alone,that I was in a much worse state than when I had started.
In my solitude, I began to have mean, nasty, ignoble feelings.
I sought out my guide to the road and told her about this. I said that when I had set out on that pilgrimage, I had thought I would grow closer to God, but that, after three weeks, I was feeling a great deal worse.
‘You are getting better, don’t worry,’ she said.
‘The fact is that when we turn on our inner light, the first thing we see are the cobwebs and the dust, our weak points.
“They were there already, it’s just that you couldn’t see them in the darkness. Now it will be much easier for you to clean out your soul.’


Relishing GUNJAN:):)