एक पहेल... ज़रा विचार करें... जागो भारत जागो भारतीयो ... मिलके कुछ छोटू को बचाएं।।

एक पहेल... ज़रा विचार करें...
जागो भारत जागो भारतीयो ... मिलके कुछ छोटू को बचाएं।।

The Boiled Frog...

 

The Boiled Frog...

They say that if you put a frog into a pot of boiling water, it will leap out right away to escape the danger.

But, if you put a frog in a kettle that is filled with water that is cool and pleasant, and then you gradually heat the kettle until it starts boiling, the frog will not become aware of the threat until it is too late. The frog's survival instincts are geared towards detecting sudden changes.

This is a story that is used to illustrate how people might get themselves into terrible trouble.

This parable is often used to illustrate how humans have to be careful to watch slowly changing trends in the environment, not just the sudden changes. Its a warning to keep us paying attention not just to obvious threats but to more slowly developing ones.

An example:
Let's say that every year, the local well had an inch less of water in it. A person might realize there's a problem if there's suddenly NO water, but a slowly dropping level might not be an obvious crisis until it's too late!
Can you think of other examples?

No Regrets

At the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris, the sport of canoe racing was added to the list of international competitions. The favorite team in the four-man canoe race was the United States team. One member of that team was a young man by the name of Bill Havens.
As the time for the Olympics neared, it became clear that Bill's wife would give birth to their first child about the time that the U.S. team would be competing in the Paris games. In 1924 there were no jet airliners from Paris to the United States, only slow ocean going ships. And so Bill found himself in a dilemma. Should he go to Paris and risk not being at his wife's side when their baby was born? Or should he withdraw from the team and remain with his family?
Bill's wife insisted that he go to Paris. After all, competing in the Olympics was the culmination of a life long dream. But Bill felt conflicted and, after much soul searching, decided to withdraw from the competition and remain home, where he could support his wife when the child arrived. He considered being at her side his highest priority, even higher than going to Paris to fulfill his dream.
As it turned out, the United States four-man canoe team won the gold medal in Paris. And Bill's wife was late in giving birth to their child. She was so late, in fact, that Bill could have competed in the event and returned home in time to be with her when she gave birth.
People said, "What a shame." But Bill said he had no regrets. For the rest of his life, he believed he had made the better decision.
Bill Havens knew what was most important to him. Not everybody figures that out. And he acted on what he believed was best. Not everybody has the strength of character to say no to something he or she truly wants in order to say yes to something that truly matters. But for Bill, it was the only way to peace; the only way to no regrets.
There is an interesting sequel to the story of Bill Havens...
The child eventually born to Bill and his wife was a boy, whom they named Frank. Twenty-eight years later, in 1952, Bill received a cablegram from Frank. It was sent from Helsinki, Finland, where the 1952 Olympics were being held. The cablegram read: "Dad, I won. I'm bringing home the gold medal you lost while waiting for me to be born."
Frank Havens had just won the gold medal for the United States in the canoe-racing event, a medal his father had dreamed of winning but never did. Like I said, no regrets.
Thomas Kinkade eloquently said, "When we learn to say a deep, passionate yes to the things that really matter, then peace begins to settle onto our lives like golden sunlight sifting to a forest floor."

The Art of Giving...

"Rivers do not drink their own water, nor do tree eat their own fruit, nor do rain clouds eat the grains reared by them. The wealth of the noble is used solely for the benefit of others!

Even after accepting that giving is good and that one must learn to give, several questions need to be answered.

The first question is:

When should one give?

We all know the famous incident from Mahabharat.

Yudhisthir asks a beggar seeking alms to come the next day. On this, Bhim rejoices that Yudhisthir his brother, has conquered death! For he is sure that he will be around the next day to give. Yudhisthir gets the message.

One does not know really whether one will be there tomorrow to give!

The time to give, therefore, is now.

The next question is:

'How much to give?'

One recalls the famous incident from history.

Rana Pratap was reeling after defeat from the Moghals. He had lost his army, he had lost his wealth, and most important, he had lost hope, his will to fight. At that time, in his darkest hour, his erstwhile minister, Bhamasha, came seeking him and placed his entire fortune at the disposal of Rana Pratap. With this, Rana Pratap raised an army and lived to fight another day.

The answer to this question how much to give is:

"Give as much as one can!

The next question is:

'What to give?'

It is not only money that can be given away. It could be a flower or even a smile.

It is not how much one gives but how one gives that really matters. When you give a smile to a stranger that may be the only good thing received by him in days and weeks!

"You can give anything but you must give with all your heart!"

One also needs answer to this question 

Whom to give?

Many times we avoid giving by finding fault with the person who is seeking. However, being judgmental and rejecting a person on the presumption that he may not be the most deserving, is not justified.

“Give without being judgmental!"

Next we have to answer:

'How to give?'

Coming to the manner of giving, one has to ensure that the receiver does not feel humiliated, nor the giver feels proud by giving.

In giving, follow the advice 'Let not your left hand know what your right hand gives? Charity without publicity and fanfare is the highest form of charity.'

'Give quietly!'

While giving, let not the recipient feel small or humiliated. After all, what we give never really belonged to us. We come to this world with nothing and will go with nothing. The thing gifted was only with us for a temporary period. Why then take pride in giving away something which really did not belong to us?

Give with grace and with a feeling of gratitude.

"What should one feel after giving?"

We all know the story of Eklavya. When Dronacharya asked him for his right thumb as "Guru Dakshina, he unhesitatingly cut off the thumb and gave it to Dronacharya.

There is a little known sequel to this story.

Eklavya was asked whether he ever regretted the act of giving away his thumb. He replied, and the reply has to be believed to be true, as it was asked to him when he was dying.

His reply was "Yes! I regretted this only once in my life. It was when Pandavas were coming in to kill Dronacharya who was broken hearted on the false news of death of his son, Ashwathama, and had stopped fighting. It was then that I regretted the loss of my thumb. If the thumb was there, no one could have dared hurt my Guru?

The message to us is clear.

Give and never regret giving!

And the last question is:
‘How much should we provide for our heirs?'

Ask yourself 'are we taking away from them the gift of work? - A source of happiness?

The answer is given by Warren Buffett:

"Leave your kids enough to do anything, but not enough to do nothing!"

I would conclude by saying:

Let us learn the Art of Giving,

and quoting the Saint Kabir:

"When the wealth in the house increases, when water fills a boat, throw them out (for good causes) with both hands!"

This is the wise thing to do!

Unconditional Love

Unconditional Love

Be someone who listens... and you will be heard
Be someone who cares... and you will be loved
Be someone who gives... and you will be blessed
Be someone who comforts... and you shall know peace
Be someone who genuinely seeks to understand... and you will be wise
Be someone who is kind... be someone who is considerate… and you will be admired
Be someone who values truth… and you will be respected
Be someone who takes action... and you will move life forward
Be someone who lifts others higher... and your life will be rich
Be someone who is filled with gratitude… and there will be no end for which you’ll be thankful
Be someone who lives with joy… and with purpose
Be someone who shines brightly
Be… in every moment… that special someone… you were truly meant to be !!!!

Contributed by: Shoba Jacob Balachander

Beyond our Expectations

Beyond our Expectations 

Once a boy went to a shop with his mother. The shop keeper looked at the small cute child and showed him a bottle with sweets and said 'Dear Child..u can take the sweets...

But the child didn't take. The shop keeper was surprised.. such a small child he is and why is he not taking the sweets from the bottle. Again he said take the sweets....

Now the mother also heard that and said.. take the sweets dear.. Yet he didnt take... The shopkeeper seeing the child not taking the sweets... he himself took the sweets and gave to the child. The child was happy to get two hands full of sweets.
 
While returning  home the Mother asked the child... Why didnt you take the sweets, when  the shop keeper told you to take?..
Can you guess the response: Child replies... Mom! my hands are very small and if I take the sweets I can only take few.. but now you see when uncle gave with his big hands.... how many more sweets I got!
 
Moral: When we take we may get little but when God gives... HE gives us more beyond our expectations. .. more than what we can hold..!!!

Compassion by Zig Ziglar

One incident can change us forever. In the last century a rich boy and a poor boy lived in the same neighborhood. The rich boy wore nice clothes, lived in a nice house and had plenty of good, nutritious food to eat. The poor boy lived in a cheap house, wore ragged clothes and did not have much of anything to eat.


One day the boys got into a scuffle. In the struggle the rich boy won. The poor boy got up, dusted himself off and told the rich kid that if he had the proper food to eat like the rich boy did, he would have won. Then the poor boy turned and walked away. The rich kid just stood there. He was numbed by what the poor boy had said. His heart was broken because he knew that it was true.

The rich boy never forgot that experience. From that day on he revolted against any favored treatment because he was rich. He made it a point to wear cheap clothing; he intentionally endured the hardships faced by the poor. His family was often embarrassed by the way he dressed, but despite family pressure, that young boy never again took advantage of his wealth.

History omits the name of the poor boy, but the rich boy who developed such a compassion for the poor made them his life’s work. His name is recorded in history. He dedicated his life to service and became a world-class physician, serving in Africa. His name was Albert Schweitzer.

I’m not suggesting that we all be as selfless as Albert Schweitzer, but I do believe that we need to be more in tune with the thinking and feelings of others. Very few people have had as much impact on the world as Albert Schweitzer. Even fewer people have gotten as much satisfaction out of life as he did. Think about it and I’ll SEE YOU AT THE TOP!

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

In the book, Covey lays out 7 proven principles for success.

Number 1 – Be Proactive. 
That’s almost self explanatory. It means you are taking the initiative. You are not living reactively, but are taking a proactive stance in your life.

Number 2 – Begin with the End in Mind. 
The End is really your goal or your goals. Effectiveness is not just a matter of reaching a goal but rather of achieving the right goal. Imagine yourself sitting in the back of the room at your funeral, and what people could honestly say about you based on the way you are now. Do you like what you hear? Is that how you want to be remembered? If not, change it.

Number 3 – Do first things first. 
This means to focus on your most important priorities, your top priorities. This doesn’t always mean urgent. The phone is ringing, and picking it up might seem urgent, but the caller is not always important. It could be a telemarketer. Focus on your top priorities.

Number 4 – Think Win Win 
In personal, business or other relationships, exercise “interpersonal leadership” to make both parties winners. Two wins make everyone better off; two losses hurt everyone. A win/lose relationship creates a victor and leaves someone injured. Think Win Win.

Number 5 - “Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood” 
Communication is a two-way street. To develop win/win relationships, find out what the other parties want, and what winning means to them. Try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes.

Number 6 - “Synergize” 
Cooperation multiplies the power of one. In fact, “creative cooperation” may yield a force greater than the sum of the parts.
The buzzword to describe this kind of relationship is “synergy”, which means bringing together a whole that is greater than the sum of the parts.

Number 7 - “Sharpen the Saw” 
There’s an old story about a man sawing a log. The work is going slowly and the man is exhausted. The more he saws, the less he cuts. A passerby watches for a while and suggests that the man take a break to sharpen the saw. But the man says he can’t stop to sharpen the saw because he is too busy sawing! A dull saw makes the work tiresome, tedious and unproductive.
Highly effective people take the time they need to sharpen their tools, which are, in fact, their bodies, souls, mind and hearts. It’s time for “self-renewal.”

Circle of Life...

"My grandfather took me to the fish pond on the farm when I was about seven, and he told me to throw a stone into the water. He told me to watch the circles created by the stone. Then he asked me to think of myself as that stone person.

"You may create lots of splashes in your life but the waves that come from those splashes will disturb the peace of all your fellow creatures," he said.
"Remember that you are responsible for what you put in your circle and that circle will also touch many other circles. You will need to live in a way that allows the good that comes from your circle to send the peace of that goodness to others. The splash that comes from anger or jealousy will send those feelings to other circles. You are responsible for both."
That was the first time I realized each person creates the inner peace or discord that flows out into the world. We cannot create world peace if we are riddled with inner conflict, hatred, doubt, or anger. We radiate the feelings and thoughts that we hold inside, whether we speak them or not. Whatever is splashing around inside of us is spilling out into the world, creating beauty or discord with all other circles of life.

Lesson in Heart

Lesson in Heart

A lesson in “heart” is my little 10 year old daughter, Sarah, who was born with a muscle missing in her foot and wears a brace all the time.

 She came home on beautiful spring day to tell me she had competed in “field day” – that’s where they have lots of races and other competitive events.

Because of her leg support, my mind raced as I tried to think of encouragement for my Sarah, things I could say to her about not letting this get her down – but before I could get a word out, she said,

“Daddy, I won two of the races!”

I couldn’t believe it! And then Sarah said,

“I had an advantage.”

Ah. I knew it. I thought she must have been given a head start…some kind of physical advantage. But again, before I could say anything, she said,

“Daddy, I didn’t get a head start…

My advantage was I had to try harder!”

Paying 3 times for the same thing

by PAULO COELHO on  JANUARY 5, 2012

Illustration by Ken Crane

There is a legend about a thief who broke into a farm and stole two hundred onions. But before he could make his escape, he was caught by the farmer and led before the judge.

The magistrate past sentence: the payment of ten gold pieces.

But the man alleged that the fine was too high, so the judge offered him two alternatives: to be whipped twenty times, or eat the two hundred onions.

The thief chose to eat the two hundred onions.

When he had eaten twenty-five, his eyes were already filled with tears, and his stomach was burning up like the fires of hell.

Since there were still 175 to go, and he knew he would never bear this punishment, he begged to be thrashed twenty times.

The judge agreed. But when the whip tore into his back for the tenth time, he implored for the punishment to be stopped, for he could not stand the pain.

His wish was granted, but the thief still had to pay the ten pieces of gold.

"If you had accepted the fine, you would have avoided eating the onions and wouldn’t have suffered with whip" said the judge "But you preferred the more difficult path, not understanding that, when you have done wrong, it is better to pay up quickly and forget the matter."

Able Values or Valuables

Able Values or Valuables

Scene: 1986 – a village on the outskirts of Bangalore

Son (8 yrs): Appa, what is this?

Father (a peon in a school): This is a fan

Son: What is the use of it?

Father: To circulate air.

Son: How is air produced by the fan?

Father: Air is drawn ………….

The father who was a peon in a school had decided to make a success out of his son.

He knew the importance of studies and finally took huge loans to make him an engineer.

He further took loans to pacify his son with the trendy jeans and mobile, which his son’s friends had. He went out of his way, sacrificing all his needs so that he also did not miss his mother who had died when the boy was 8 yrs.

Scene: 2006 – an up-market extension in Bangalore

Father (65 yrs): Where are you going?

Son (A software engineer): Don’t you know that every morning I go to the office?

Father: What time will you come back?

Son: How do I know, I am not a fortuneteller!

Father: No, I wanted to know so that I will know when to keep your food ready.

Son: I will eat out with my friends – We have a party.

The son does not like the father who is always in the khaki dress which is not presentable and the unkempt beard, which he sports.

The father respects the khaki dress, which helped him to earn money to educate his son.

He respects his beard and refuses to shave as this helped him to save a lot of time and money, which he could spend for the son.

The father cannot eat with his son as his homecoming depends on so many factors.

What is good? Prefixing or Suffixing ‘Able’ with ‘Value’.

Prefixing able helps one able the values in them whereas, those who suffix it, will be found running after value-ables.

Contributed by: Mr Ajit Kaikini (ajitkaikinis@yahoo.com)

Alexander The Great

Alexander The Great There is very instructive incident involving the life of Alexander, the great Greek king. Alexander, after conquering many kingdoms, was returning home. On the way, he fell ill and it took him to his death bed. With death staring him in his face, Alexander realized how his conquests, his great army, his sharp sword and all his wealth were of no consequence. He now longed to reach home to see his mother's face and bid her his last adieu. But, he had to accept the fact that his sinking health would not permit Him to reach his distant homeland. So, The mighty conqueror lay prostrate and pale, helplessly waiting to breathe his last. He called his generals and said, "I will depart from this world soon, I have three wishes, please carry them out without fail." With tears flowing down .Their cheeks, the generals agreed to abide by their king's last wishes. "My first desire is that," said Alexander, "My physicians alone must carry my coffin." After a pause, he continued, "Secondly, I desire that when my coffin is being carried to the grave, the path leading to the graveyard be strewn with gold, silver and precious stones which I have collected in my treasury. "The king felt exhausted after saying this. He took a minute's rest and continued. "My third and last wish is that both my hands be kept dangling out of my coffin."The people who had gathered there wondered at the king's strange wishes. But no one dare bring the question to their lips. Alexander's favorite general kissed his hand and pressed them to his heart. "O king, we assure you that your wishes will all be fulfilled. But tell us why do you make such strange wishes?" At this Alexander took a deep breath and said: "I would like the world to know of the three lessons I have just learnt. I want my physicians to carry my coffin because people should realize that no doctor can really cure any body. They are powerless and cannot save a person from the clutches of death. So let not people take life for granted. The second wish of strewing gold, silver and other riches on the way to the graveyard is to tell People that not even a fraction of gold will come with me. I spent all my life earning riches but cannot take anything with me. Let people realize that it is a sheer waste of time to chase wealth. And about my third wish of having my hands dangling out of the coffin, I wish people to know that I came empty handed into this world and empty handed I go out of this world." With these words, the king closed his eyes. Soon he let death conquer him and breathed his last. . . . .

Lamboo Pandit

Lamboo pandit
In Naamnajaane village lived a scholar named Lambodar. He was popularly known as Lamboo Pandit. He was well-versed in astrology and the scriptures. As such, he was in great demand. At least a dozen people visited him every day, affectionately addressing him as Lamboo Pandit. The older people called him simply Lamboo. Lambodar disliked the way the people shortened his name. In course of his talks with the people, he always referred to himself as Pandit Lambodar. But the villagers were too naïve to take the hint. It was the shorter version of his name that continued to be in circulation. ‘The defect lies in my name. It is rather long. I should choose myself a name, which should be short and at the same time dignified. Let it be Shiva', he thought. From the next day he told the villagers that he had changed his name to Shiva, and they should to address him as Pandit Shiva. But old habits die hard. The villagers continued to call him Lamboo or Lamboo Pandit. Disgusted, the scholar took a drastic decision: he would leave his own village and settle down at a new place where he could introduce himself by his new name. He chose a prosperous village, a few miles away, for his new home. There is a saying: "A king is adored only within the boundary of his kingdom; but a scholar receives adoration wherever he goes". This proved true in the case of Lambodar. He became quite popular in his new surroundings. Needless to say, the people there knew him only as Pandit Shiva. One day, while buying firewood, the scholar's wife asked the shopkeeper, "Are these chips dry enough to make a good fire?" "Ask anybody and you will hear that Shiva's chips make fire just as Lord Shiva's third eye does!" exclaimed the shopkeeper whose name was also Shiva. On hearing this, the scholar fell into a depression. ‘Of what value is the name which is that of a fire woodseller? I shall change my name to Vishnu,' he thought. He informed the villagers of his decision. But the poor people of that locality, who were much devoted to Lord Shiva, had only Shiva on their lips. They found it difficult to address the scholar by any other name. The scholar got annoyed. He went and settled down in a new town, where the people came to know him as Pandit Vishnu. Days passed happily for the scholar. He earned well and was pleased with the popularity of his new name. One afternoon, a mendicant entertained him to a song. The last line of the song had its composer's name, Vishnu. "Who is this Vishnu?" asked the scholar. "Who but myself! I sing my own songs!" replied the mendicant, who had by then extended his hands for alms. At once the scholar developed an awful distaste for his name. From the very next hour he began telling all who visited him to call him Pandit Amar. But the people of that village were devotees of Vishnu. They found it uncomfortable to address him by his new name. So the scholar left that town too and went to live in another town. To his great satisfaction he became known as Pundit Amar. Soon he grew popular because of his knowledge of astrology. He earned well. One day his maid did not turn up for work. Next day, she explained that she had to remain with a neighbour who lost her new-born son. "She had named him Amar—in honour of you. She thought it was an auspicious name. A great pity!" The scholar was shocked. Soon news would spread among those superstitious idiots that his name was unlucky. And God knows what they would do to him! So thinking, he packed up his bags and left the place. He decided to give up his foolish fancies and return to his native village. "Come, come, Lamboo—er—Pandit Shiva!" greeted the villagers who saw him. "Please don't hesitate to call me by my old name—Lamboo!" said the scholar contritely. So what if a name is shortened! It sure is not disrespectful! It took three towns and three years for Lamboo to understand this.

YOU ALWAYS HAVE A CHANCE

YOU ALWAYS HAVE A CHANCE You have the power to do things you never dreamed possible. This power becomes available to you as soon as you change your beliefs. If you did all the things you're capable of doing, you would literally amaze yourself. You know what you are today, but not what you may become tomorrow. Look at things as you want them to be, and then make those things happen. You don't know what you can do until you try. You can do anything you wish to do, have anything you wish to have, be anything you wish to be. NEVER SAY NEVER. Contributed by: Mr. S.V.Subramaniam

FEEDING NEEDS OR WANTS? Ramu’s father decided to send his driver’s son Shamu to the school. A very good thought it was. However, two years later, while Ramu is busy with the birthday parties, week end resort get-togethers, Shamu is found to be with his studies. With no TV and no phone, Shamu has to keep himself busy with his homework. His preparation with his studies, helping his parents in the house, is making Shamu a responsible boy. Ramu however, wants his compass box like his friend, T-shirt like his cousin and wants to go to Malaysia being lured by the TV advertisement. Shamu’s intelligent actions, which may be forced, are working on himself and nurturing his values and skills. It is helping him to be a better individual. His focus is preparing him towards his end a requirement, blending with what is being done at the present... Will help him be happier, caring and sharing too. Is this the reason why people from villages and lower strata of life are more hard working and committed?