Circle of friends....

A circle of friends. Whole and complete. Encompasses all that is good. I have very few friends. Really, I can count them on my fingers. I consider myself fortunate on that account. That they are my friends. I would any day exchange a thousand acquaintances for this set. I can count on them. We obviously had our share of ups and downs. We had our differences. We had our disconnects. But, all this only goes to show the bond of our friendship. Its endurance. And above all its value.

First there is a certain Mr. Cat. He has been there all along since childhood. The earliest recollection of this stout fella goes back to the first grade. The quintessential sidekick. Chubby and vivacious. A late starter on the road to academic success. But he caught up and how. Though it would be fair to say that the last few years have indeed taken toll on his sense of humor. His laidback attitude and cat like demeanor meant that he was liked by many.
He would do anything for a 'vada pav' (the Indian version of the burger). A man of all seasons.

Then, there is Alyosha. Tall. And an amazing sense of humor. Not a single topic on this whole planet on which this guy cant crack a joke on. And among all my friends comes closest to sharing my thoughts and principles. Not all, but certainly a vast majority. Walks with him in the park were enlightening and the discussions we would have on all issues under the sun would be purposeful. An excellent gourmand of South Indian food. His views on sambar are certainly well known among all of us. Perhaps, worth mentioning is this person's ability to judge the worth of material things. If it is not worth twenty rupees, then it is certainly not. Alyosha's love for life and all good things in it is something that is amazing.

Next I would like to describe Saki. Quite a character. Wild at times and the most wonderful gentleman at others. I have known him since the times when our folks would take us toddlers to this particular garden. Great athlete many years back. I think now pleasures of the tummy have meant that he cant put in those laps as he once would. And his views on sambar are exactly opposite to those of Alyosha. Perhaps the most anecdotal incidence I can recall here concerns these two. A disagreement over how sambar should be served. No fist fights. But, yes the verbal barrage was something. Now, Something that all my other friends will agree on...This guy Saki was the first person who shocked us with abusive language..And the various styles in which one could use them. He really knew how to separate the b and m from the c. However, some event down the line meant that he turned into one of the most soft spoken persons out there.

Now, Dr Monty. Became part of the circle during the last few years of school. But, soon caught up and one could not make out that he wasnt there all along. Completely laid back. And very unassuming. The most shy guy of us all during those days. Wouldnt hurt a fly. But, he is a doc now. And I am sure a very good one at that. I havent seen him much in the last few years. But, I am sure that he is busy making sure some guy is not in pain. All of us would always take some light hearted jabs at this guy. But, he would be very sporty.

And then there is Asterix. Met him in college. So many experiences together. The most down to earth person among us lot. And arguably the most geekiest. Stylish. And a great command over language. He has been there by my side at a time when I was going through the motions and upheavals of the year before. With him at one's side, one could be assured that there is peace even amidst turmoil. A very calming influence on everyone around him. The only grouse would be his nature to procrastinate. But, really hard working once the task is at hand. I have come across very few individuals in my life so far who make up for their not so rich talents with sheer hard work and effort.

Finally, there has to be Armen. Really the kinda guy who would rollup his sleeves and get to work without any incentive or reward. The perfect jackfruit. Rugged and emotionless at the exterior. But, really sweet within. He is the sort of guy that anyone would call on in a team. And he wouldnt shirk off one bit. I have seen him work tirelessly and not get his due. And not one word of complain. The unluckiest guy during my college days I would say.

I cant thank you guys enough. I did not include your real names here. But, you know that I am thinking of you. Simply being part of my life. And enriching it with your flair and panache. My life would certainly have been deprived of many of the joyful experiences if it had not been for each of you. I have learnt many things from you. And your support has been a vital cog in the wheel of my life so far. My heartfelt thanks and well wishes to you. This circle of friends. To you I say only this. The ship sails beautifully at sea. It knows the wind is there for it....

The perfection of art....

I begin. I am no critic of art. I possess no scholarly knowledge of any form of art. I have not made any contribution to anything that might be termed "art". But, I live. And from life I derive all that I need. To understand art. Feel it. Any form of art. Why not? Isnt living life an art itself? So, I set out to seek an answer to a question that has absorbed me over the last few days. What is perfection in art? I seek an answer purely from life's perspective. I realize now that it is reached in five stages...

Observation. The first stage. This is the most obvious. When art imitates life. The artist strives to achieve perfection by bridging the gulf between myth and reality. The different shades of the glorious uncertainties of life are presented in impressionable strokes of a genius. What color to depict the joys? What words to use to describe the sorrows?

Imagination. The second stage. Acceptable, but needs elaboration. The human mind has powers unknown to even itself. The ability to imagine is perhaps the most wonderful gift that it possesses. Sitting in a dark room, one can witness the warmth and light of the brightest outdoors. Putting that same imaginative theory into practice is art. The genesis of the art is in the mind. And the senses merely act as external agents of manifestation of that seed of brilliance.

Agitation. The third stage. Bizarre and deserves an explanation. The rebellious spirit. The cavalier attitude. The butter is obtained only after the churning of the milk. The ability of the artist to channel his intellectual discontent and emotional strings towards color and charm is creditworthy. It is certainly possible that art may agitate against itself. The leashes are opened. And there is variety and more purpose.

Detachment. The fourth stage. When there is no trace of the artist. Difficult to achieve. But exhilarating. You sit there for hours. Nay days. May be even months. And marvel at this piece. You try to think what the artist might have thought and felt when tracing the same curves. Yet, you have no idea. And you continue to be amazed. The art speaks to every observer and convinces him that he himself is the artist.

Soul. The final stage. The pinnacle of art. The most perfect art there is. Or can be. When the artist breathes life and soul into the art. Labor of love. Only life appreciates life. Only soul touches soul. Perhaps the easiest way to arrive at perfection. And yet, the most forgotten way. Creation. There is meaning and drive. There is purpose and perpetuity. A higher sphere. A mystic connect. The soul stirs the most hidden nerve. Excites the most secret of passions. The artist completes the journey. And the art begins one...

Listen to your soul. That is an art in itself. And a perfect one too...

One day your life will pass in front of you...

One day your life will pass in front of you. And ask you some questions. Have you lived life like a free bird? Do you have any regrets? Are you happy? Satisfied? Has your thirst been quenched? Asks if you have done things. Things like these....

Have you seen the different shades of the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea? Serene. Did you go sailing with your close friends? Have you played a game of cricket in the white sands of the beaches in Barbados? Or maybe even some volleyball. Those lively sugarcane estates lining up the entire vista. Aah..

Did you sit by the rocks gazing at the midnight sun in Norway? You always wished that lovely sunset to never go away. And now here your secret desire is fulfilled for a few months atleast. And you listen to Viking lore. Back in time. Those great ships. And you know that the sun has seen it all. And continues to do so. The horizon beckons you every night as if it were a new day...

You must have surely camped out on a quiet night in the arctic islands of Canada? Seen the aurora borealis? Those natural light displays in the sky. In whose glow you feel the divine rhythm. Try to understand the grand cosmic scheme. The Dance of the Spirits as some call it. You are drawn towards it. Sheer magnetism....

Weren't you charmed by the dazzling color and poetry of the corals of the Great Barrier Reef when you went scuba diving there? Unique. Those turtles glide around you. While those cheerful dolphins play in the waters. You marvel at this. Sense their emotions. The medley. The chorus. And the corals are swaying...

What was your experience like when you went on the Serengeti Safari? What is it like when you witness perhaps the largest and longest overland migration in the world? The place where land runs on forever. How many photographs did you get? The swiftest of gazelles. The striped wonders, the zebras. That exciting chase of the prey by the leopards. And the lovely Serengeti sunset ofcourse. A place on Earth where it is still the morning of life as they say...

Can you describe the magic of the Angel Falls? The mist. The canoe and hammock experience. Those dense jungles. And the amazing flora and fauna. And the sight to behold. The highest falls in the world. Lends meaning and charm to the entire scene. Now you know why John Keats said it. A thing of beauty is a joy forever...

Could you figure out the myriad formations in the Grand Canyon? How was the aerial view? Breathtaking. Even bizarre. Vast expanses of land. And what about that Grandview? Did the rocks speak to you? Their saga. Their pain and suffering when they went their separate ways. The pangs of separation known to those only...

Did you feel at peace with yourself when you went up to see the snow clad peaks of the Himalayas? The abode of the mighty rivers. Ages passing by. Yet, they stand. As old as old can be. Even the mightiest wind paying obeisance to them. The whiteness. The beauty. The mysticism. You are simply in awe of His creativity. For a few moments, you stand back and praise the Lord. His glory. The peak of His mercy...

Did you and your sweetheart take part in the ritual grape crushing? Those elegant vineyards of France. Holding each other's hands. Enjoying the harvest. Stepping on those ripe fruits of labor. Tender grapes. Looking into each other's eyes. Then taking a bicycle ride with her. You on the seat and she on the top tube. A ride by the beautiful landscape. Dinner in the vineyards by the moonlight. Vintage romance...

Aha.. You wish you had done them. And you want to. One day your life will pass in front of you.. Make it worthy to look at....

In conversation with the past and the future...

It is a lovely evening. The sky is a melting pot of blue and orange. The birds are on their way back home. The trees are full of blossom. Sitting by the windowsill, I see two old faces approaching. Two friends of mine. One is called Past. The Other is Future. How long has it been since I saw them last? Ask them to join me for a cup of coffee. They gladly accept. I play some light music. And all three of us settle down for some small talk. Or graceful conversation as some would call it.

Past was the first one to speak. Asked me about some of those good old days. I simply smiled. How could I forget? My thoughts raced through time. He spoke about my childhood. My first walk..My first drawing. Days when I would laugh with freedom..I then asked him about our days at school.. And we remembered shared joys and sorrows...Ups and downs. How we would sit on the last bench. Pass comments. Mostly good natured..and lighthearted banter. I told him that I was misunderstood my many. He laughed. Said you didnt do anything to clear it, did you? I did not reply. Past continued. Asked me if I wanted to talk about college days. And I sunk lower into the couch...

Trying to avoid looking at Past, I looked at the ceiling. There was a spider up there. Slowly it was moving. Casting its web. How did it know when to turn? When to tighten the strings? I dont know. Wish it would speak to me about it.

I knew in which direction this talk was headed for? Some friendships gone sour. Rough times. How the game of success and fame captures imagination..How one does all that is needed to move ahead...Sigh. Youth realizes friendship. Real friends. Your outlook towards life is refined. A broader perspective on career. On wealth. And on relationships. And then ofcourse the great journey. I asked Past if the journey had been worthwhile so far. He gave a knowing nod. Every journey changes your life. You see new things. Learn new things. And your lessons of life are learnt again. In a different way. In a more unique way. I asked Past about his wife Memories. Said she was fine. Was at home looking after their only child Experience. Said that the child was a quick learner. And full of wisdom...

Once again my mind was diverted by the spider hanging from its web. By this time, it had woven a very intricate web. Silver threads hung on one side. And it was contemplating I think. Whether or not to continue. If what it had achieved was enough? Or was it better to have more? And what difference would it make?

I looked down again. And saw Future smiling. I asked him how he was feeling? And that he had not spoken so far. How was the coffee? A lame attempt to make conversation. He was playing along. Said he was restless. He asked me about how the week had been. I said fine. I then asked him about his two kids. Challenge and Hope. He was amused that I was asking about them. Said that Challenge was growing bigger by the day. And was getting naughty. But, Future was optimistic that in time, Challenge would ease up a little. Hope he said was cheerful. She was looking forward to meeting everyone.

It was getting dark. They got up to leave. They asked me to take care of our common friend. Her name is Present. I am living with her right now. I said I love her deeply. Not because she is beautiful. Not because she is wise. Simply because she makes me who I am. With her by my side, I know myself.

And the door closed. They both left. I looked back at the ceiling. At the spider. The web was almost complete. It was endearing. The sight of a nice little guy in the middle of his own little world. Little on the outside. From the inside, greater than the widest universe fathomable. I was smiling. It hit me then. The spider had just shown to me what the Hopi believed for too long..All dreams spin out from the same web....

Into each life some rain must fall....

So, I read the "The Rainy Day" by Longfellow today. Aha. Absolutely subtle. For the last couple of hours, I have been trying to put together in my mind an explanation for these very words. Three words..And their connection stirs my reason. Life..Rain and Fall...Each on its own makes sense. Each along with the other two rises above sense. And beckons more thought...

Life is full of experiences for each. Some good. Some bitter. Some worthwhile. Some inexplicable. Each has its own place and strength. One goes missing..and the link is broken. What is more wonderful? Life itself? Or the various events that shape our life? Or the intricate web that is woven by these events? Or their aura which makes us step back and look at them?

Rain..rain..come again..The first rains evoke passion. The second one quenches the parched lands. And the last one promises to come back. Every raindrop has some energy. Mystifying. The rain..? No. I mean the whole process? Or the dark clouds, water laden and swirling...the thunder and the silver lightning? Or their bestowing upon us...all that is to them..? Perhaps their rising back from the soil only to come down again?

Fall...Everyone falls..Everything falls..The rosy apple fell on some guy's head..and made him immortal. Whats more important? Falling...? Or who falls and when? Or what we do after we fall? Or the fact that our back knows how hard the next fall will be? May be the resolve with which we get up?

Aha..I think I have some idea now..Life, Rain and Fall...They all are difficult. But each offers us something special. Life presents unique challenges. One gets an opportunity to succeed. Rain comes down heavily. One gets to walk under an umbrella. Every fall brings with it a bruise. One gets the wisdom and strength to heal. Now, it is perfect. Perfect. Inseparable. Together they complete the meaning. And clear all doubts. Into each life some rain must fall....

And you know those seven sisters...

Long ago...In a distant village lived a family. The miller and his seven daughters. All of them beautiful. Each had her own talent. Not one was interested in their father's art.

The eldest was called Viola. Calmness was her strength. She was the rock of the family. The stabilizing factor. No storm could faze her. She would stitch wonderful clothes. The second was named Indigaa. Smart she was. And very adept at painting. The third sister was Bella. Now, this one was full of understanding. Very hard working. She would cook delicious meals for one and all. Next was Grena. She was the composite of Bella and Yella by nature. Grena had a strong physique. And she would be the one who would do most of the household chores. Number five was Yella ofcourse. Bright and funny. She was full of energy. A wonderful singer was Yella. Orana was the sixth daughter of the miller. She was born in the season of oranges. Always thoughtful and wise. The youngest and the most favorite daughter of the shepherd was Red. Named by her Grandmother. Red was very passionate and dynamic. Fine dancer.

Once it so happened that the Prince of the land happened to pass by the nearby forest. The forest was dense. And soon there was fog all around. And the Prince got lost. He was separated from the rest of his retinue. He wandered across the forest. Soon, he reached the small cottage of the miller and his family. He went and knocked on the door. Red answered the door. After the initial exchanges on who he was and how he had come there, the Prince was welcomed into the house. Over the next few days he would stay at the cottage.

All the sisters were in awe. They were struck by his radiance. He was the Prince of the land. He was a charming young man. Strong and handsome. All of them had fallen for him. And he too was thrilled to see them all. Bella would prepare sumptuous meals for the visitor. Indigaa painted his portrait. Yella would sing like the lark. While Red would dance. Grena made him some wood work. Orana would enchant him with her thoughts. Viola made him some very fine clothes. After a month or so, the Prince bid adieu. He left for his castle. But, he promised the miller that he would be back. And he would ask the hand of one of his daughters. And so he left.

Meanwhile, over the next few days, the Prince could not decide whom to marry. He liked them all. But, he was confused. He could not decide. Days became weeks. And he was sad. He had promised the miller. But, he loved them all. But, it would not be possible. Choose one..And break the hearts of the others. He could bear not. So, he went back to the cottage. And he told the miller. The miller was saddened. And his daughters were heartbroken. And the Prince left with a heavy heart. He went back to his kingdom.

The seven sisters could not imagine their life without him. All loved him. And he loved them. They decided to go to him. And talk to him. They rode in a carriage to go to his palace. On the way, there was a storm. And it rained like never before. There was thunder. And lightning. It seemed as if the clouds were anxious too. And they poured their grief. The carriage hit some fallen rocks. And it fell over. And then there was none left. Sad end. The news reached the Prince. Tears rolled down his eyes when he heard the news. He cried and cried. But, there was nothing that could stop his tears.

It so happened that it rained all that time. And then after seven days it stopped raining. And the sun was shining. For the first time, the people of the land saw a wonder. A brilliant arch dominated the horizon. It connected the sky and the earth. It seemed as if God's bow was out there for display. And it brought hope and joy. The Prince watched in despair. He was overcome with emotions. The seven sisters had come to see him after all. And he could now live with all of them.

And so, even today after all these years..The seven sisters live together. Continue to bring their qualities in our lives. Shades of joy..hope..cheer..calmness and harmony. Now, I understand the seven colors of the rainbow....

Hold the hands of the one you love and.....

Life is full of moments. How do we live them? What do we do in those moments? They never come back. They are gone forever. Only their charm stays. It is very important that we do make the most of every moment in our life. No regrets need remain. All we need to do is decide. And act. Live life wholeheartedly.

For every hour. A moment. And each moment being magical...Hold the hands of the one you love and.......
1) Wake up early at dawn.
2) Taste the first dewdrops on a rose petal.
3) Walk barefoot on grass in the morning.
4) Marvel at the golden rays of the rising sun.
5) Listen to the twitter of the birds on the nearest tree.
6) Spot butterflies together.
7) Prepare a cup of coffee.
8) Read the newspaper.
9) Go out in the rains without an umbrella.
10) Sing your favorite song.
11) Trace the complete arc of a rainbow.
12) Open the door knob at the count of three.
13) Prepare a delicious vegetable stew.
14) Paint a wall in your living room.
15) Read the newest book in your shelf.
16) Sit on a bench in a public park and watch the pigeons.
17) Wander along a secluded beach gazing at the lovely sunset.
18) Play the piano.
19) Sway to the tunes of your favorite artist.
20) Call up someone you havent spoken to in a long time.
21) Enjoy a quiet candlelight dinner.
22) Lie on the couch and look at your old photo albums.
23) Count the stars on a dark night.
24) Close your eyes...dream for a moment...and kiss like there is no tomorrow.

Some wise soul in Africa put it this way...Life is a shadow and a mist; it passes quickly by and is no more. Heres my take: Every shadow has its own meaning and time. The presence of the mist comforts those who wait for it. Indeed life is a shadow and a mist. Its meaning and presence for all to see. So, hold the hands of the one you love and.....

Sins, debt, years, and foes....always more than we know

When does one commit a sin? Why is it sometimes good to remain in debt forever? What does one gain as years go by? And who is a foe? These are questions that I ask myself today. Reason. Today I came across this ancient Persian saying: There are four things every person has more of than they know; sins, debt, years, and foes. Simple. Wouldnt it be better if we could identify each of them as well?? But, ofcourse.

Sins. What is a sin? Simply something that you wouldnt want your loved ones to know. Something that makes you feel bad..And sad...And makes you dull.. And you keep thinking about it all night long. Then you forget. Time goes by. And then you think about it again. Which makes you feel miserable. And all this could have been avoided if you had trusted your loved ones and confided in them back then. Sigh...

Debt. Whats that? Something that you keep with someone else. Or you take from someone. Sometimes knowingly. Sometimes you have just forgotten. And that causes some friction. When to return? How to return? Why did you incur the debt? Could you have avoided it? Even better..Why did you give away what you gave away? And to whom? Sigh...

Years. Now we are talking. They seem to be endless. And they seem to roll by tirelessly. And you worry about what you did in the year that just went by. And you are anxious about the year ahead. And you plan for the years to come after that. Make new resolutions. Dont keep old ones. Sigh...

Foes. Dont want to talk to them. About them. How did you make many? And how do you manage to keep them? How long has it been? And you both are striving for the same thing. Success. Power. And Acclaim. And neither realizes that coexisting is possible. Real. Ask the moon and the stars..Sigh...

Now, I know the answers..One commits a sin when one wants to. When someone loves you deeply, it is best to remain in debt of that person. As the years go by, one realizes one's shortcomings. A foe is someone who could have been a close friend had one taken the initiative. There are four things every person has more of than they know; sins, debt, years, and foes.