It is all about passion...

An intense emotion. Something very difficult to describe. But everyone has some of it for atleast something. Something which encompasses everything. And yet leaves enough scope for other emotions. Some people have a passion for music. Many for books. Others for cooking. Most for sports. I want to address it from a more generic platform. In short, what makes a person passionate about something....

Every individual wants to achieve something or the other. Happiness, success, wealth, fame and ofcourse love. Not only is it about these things, but also about the desire for these things. Passion is a beautiful manifestation of desire. What is the difference? Well, its quite subtle. Let me explain with an example. A piece of wood does not burn when exposed to sunlight. But, when the sunrays are concentrated at one spot, then the wood burns. Desire is the aim. Nothing ever came out of a desire. Passion is the concentrated effort to achieve that aim. Nothing ever came out without passion. Passion for work. When is a person passionate about work? When there is something to be achieved. When there is something that excites. When there is some level of creativity. When there is growth. When there is satisfaction. Passion for life. When is a person passionate about life? When yesterday is about learning from one's mistakes. When today presents an opportunity to be cheerful by doing something constructive. When tomorrow offers hope for a better future. Passion for work And life?? When some inner nerve is touched. When there is an inner call. When the soul rushes into a state of ecstasy at the mere sense of a new beginning. When the soul recognizes itself....

Passion cannot be learnt. Passion cannot be borrowed. Passion cannot be replicated. Passion cannot be perfected. But, passion can be felt. It can be associated with. And it can be understood. And therein lies the secret of passion. Go out. And lie down on the grass facing the night sky. Calm and still. A beautiful starry sky. Clear out your thoughts. Now close your eyes for a moment. Absolute silence. What do you see?? Something right. Everything you do in this life is for that what you just saw. Your passion....

Motion does not mean progress...

Rowing the boat does not mean you are going in the right direction. Neither does flowing with the current. Moving because the wind blows almost certainly does not. Ok, so where are we going today? Progress. The result desired from almost every endeavor that man begins. Yes indeed. This little word epitomizes all there is to human endurance and indomitable spirit. Growth follows progress. Instantly? Not quite. It might take time to witness visible growth after progress has begun. Does the growth have ethical and moral foundations? I leave that for each to judge. Very often, we do certain things just to make some headway. "To get things moving" is a well known phrase here. Folks belonging to this school of thought believe that "walking if not running is better than sitting still". So, they advise any action that gets you going. Whether this initial action itself achieves the goal is not the question here. But, it is certainly worth asking if there exists a class of actions that merely facilitates other actions. Doing something so that you reach a stage from where the result oriented action is performed. Sort of the boosters that are used to propel the space shuttle into space. So it might well be assumed for argument's sake that such a class exists. Then the next point to ponder would be this: When do we utilize such an action? The reason for this being that it is quite possible that the wrong initial move might actually guide you into a different trajectory. And then instead of correcting the path, more often than not "patching" is done. But the supporters of such a class of actions might strongly point out that the primary purpose was achieved when you were set on the path. And there ends the role of such actions. Beyond that, what happens is not the concern. In short, the action "to get things moving" must be taken so with only that intention in mind. And not as the final strike. Hmmm....

Coming back to the main theme of the day. There are three different motifs over here. The first: An action with absolutely no goal. The second: An action which associates with every goal. The third: An action which is fully dependent on the environment for a goal. All of the three motifs basically translate into the same text. Motion does not necessarily mean progress. What needs to be done then? A rational and careful introspection of the action should clearly reveal the goal. It might not be the final one. The action should be performed with only one goal in mind (which might be a subset of/stepping stone for the final goal) . Focus is crucial. And finally, environment variables must not convolute the intention of the action. An action might be influenced by the environment, but not dictated by it. Final point. Motion can be in two directions. Forward and backward. Progress is only in one direction. Right direction. Growth is a combination. Two steps forward in the right direction and one step backwards.....

Defining karma....

Karma. And past life. Do you remember who you were in your past life? What you did? Where you lived? Has it ever flashed in your dreams? Some episode from your past life? Something that you could not explain? Do you remember anything from your past life?? Were you a seaman in the late 1800s somewhere in modern day Ireland? Were you a mapmaker or an astronomer somewhere in Hungary in the 7th century? May be a weaver in the 1400s in some province of Russia? Or a surgeon on the island of New Guinea in the 12th century? Well, who knows?? Our past life and the mystery around it always invokes some curiosity and excitement. Who doesnt want to know about oneself in some other age? How we lived? Who were our friends? Who was our lifemate then? How did we die? Some questions that are pretty interesting. And most of the answers are usually bordering on the edge of speculation. But, wouldnt it be amazing to know the answers to all these questions? May be, if we knew, we would go to that part of the world. And rediscover some part of our past life....

Now, moving on to today's point of discussion. Do things happen in a cycle? Our karma decides our next birth?? Do we end up with the same environment in every birth? Do we have the same family in every birth? Do we have the same friends in every birth? And now I am wondering if it is possible to guess who we all were in our past life by looking into our current lives? If you were a politician in your last birth, will you be in a similar profession in this one? Ok. May be you still bear the traits of a remarkable politician in this life even if you are say a dentist. If you were a farmer in your last life, then maybe you still have the industriousness of one in this life. Or is it that every person begins from a clean slate in every birth? And what about our soulmate? Is our soulmate going to be with us in every life? This one is the most interesting question for today's topic. If it is true that the soul transcends our mortal body, then the soulmate does too. Which in effect translates into this stunning conclusion: "You already know your soulmate. You have already known him or her across your other lives. And this life is nothing but a beautiful reunion." Hmmm.....

In the end there is nothing but our karma. And it is the only link between our different lives. Our thoughts, our speech, our actions and our conduct are all elements of our karma. They influence our past, our present and our future. Will living a good present life earn us the merit of a better next life? Dont know. But it will certainly make our present life much more worthwhile. Now, atlast I write about the law of karma. In its simplest form, the truth about karma is this: "Our deeds define our life." And the most beautiful aspect of it is this: "Every karma needs to be done without any expectation of good or bad."

Definition of 'karma': Purity in thoughts. Clarity in speech. Selflessness in actions. And righteousness in conduct.....

Somethings you know will never happen and yet you...

Here it is. We want so many things from life. Different people. Different things. Many want love. More want wealth. Others want success. Some want fame. And there are those who want it all. Add inner peace anmd happiness to this melting pot as well. And what you have is a plethora of wishes. Nothing wrong. For each his own desire. Seems fair. But then, what I am talking about today? Those things that you so very much want in your life. And yet you perfectly know that they wont happen to you. Just as an aside, I do believe in miracles. Yes. Some of my friends wonder about this. "Coming from a science background and this?" And I say, yes. In fact, science reinforces the possibility of miracles for me. Moving on, about these things that we know will not happen to us, yet we...

Almost everyone has heard the stories of Cinderella and the Frog Prince. And every gal and guy sincerely hopes for a fairy tale situation in their lives. Aah..dont tell me you didnt do so too? I openly admit. I did and I do so even to this day. Because, even if I know the probability of me finding my princess, having all the luxuries in the world and living a life of complete happiness is almost zero, it gives me enough hope and encouragement in life. Brings some cheer into the life of a monotonous, "only in and out of office" geek. Some lawnmowers have more fun filled lives. Seriously. Many of us visualize ourselves doing some of the most romantic, heroic and even funny things. But do we really do them? Nopes. Everyone wants to go on a candlelight dinner with their favorite moviestar. Everyone wants to be close to their idolized sports star. Everyone wants to been in the limelight. A positive headline bearing your name. Yah. Open the newspaper in the morning to see your name. And the story featured mentioning how you overcame real tough circumstances to rescue someone in distress. Very true, Deep down most of us are underdogs. And not a day goes by when we feel life has not been fair to us. And these very so-called imaginary things breathe some joy and cheer in our lives.

At this point, I think of an old acquaintance. This person believed in such "imaginary" things. It was plainly obvious from some of the things said. But, on the outside, she would hesitate to admit this. I dont know. I have no qualms about saying this out loud and clear. But, different people, different things. Each has own. I let it be. So, this put a question to me??? Do people feel awkward in accepting openly that they believe such "impossible and imaginary things" ?? Is it an effect of living in a cynical world? Is it a direct result of the world being viewed through the kaleidoscope of "adult understanding and maturity"? So much so that childlike innocence is a past relic and something that is now frowned upon? Is it wrong to think that there exists a parallel universe? Is it ridiculous to expect leprechauns in your verandah? Is it self insulting to wonder where the elves live? Are fairies a myth created to amuse some?? Nopes..

So, going back to the original point. Somethings you know will never happen and yet you believe in them. Why? Simple reason. Because they inspire us. Give us hope. And bring some cheer into our lives. Having already visualized and felt those things, we have witnessed a miracle. Isnt it? Our heart and our mind knows something that reason convinces us is not possible. Somethings in life are far greater than reason. Far beyond the realms of reality. And if they are imaginary, then so be it. What is fact? What is fiction? Who decides? You only do it. So go on believing in everything you want. Anything. All that makes you happy is true. And believable indeed. Ask yourself this question: If I assume that it will never happen, then by believing in its possibility, do I lose anything??? And you will know the answer yourself.....

A traveller with empty pockets...

Pretty simple, huh? Who is this guy with empty pockets? Someone we know? The guy we met at the bookstore yesterday or the guy next door? Nopes. He can be anyone. Anyone who is not concerned about the consequences. "Who dares wins" sort of guy. Such people do exist. And you might walk into one such person in your office. Seriously. Has the guts to say what is right. Has the chutzpah to upset the egos of many folks. Has the intellect to begin a rousing discussion. And the panache to end it in an abrupt manner. Most importantly, doesnt flinch one bit when asked to join the "fire fighting" at work....

Does every workplace need such people? You bet. Why? Because they get the job done? Yeah. And ?? Because they are not scared at all of the consequences of their actions. How often do people behave in a manner not natural to them? How often do people not speak up against what is wrong? How often do people not act to correct a process which they know is inherently flawed? And they dont speak or act simply because "how might someone else feel?" or "oh, i dont want to hurt someone" or maybe "my boss might not like it". Even better, "this might not fly with the executive". Give me a break. This fear is a mirage. An innovative organization never frets over frank and forthright opinion. Even the worst of "updates" are taken in a positive manner. In the right spirit. Only that workplace which houses "I love my job and how things are today" kind of people discourages honest and free expression of thoughts. A place full of people who are never ready to take steps to introduce corrective changes to the so called "process"....

Furthermore, what kind of role do such travellers enjoy? A position from where they can "shake up" things. Not necessarily being a leader of the troupe or the show manager. But sort of a playmaker on a soccer field. Some job where there is creativity and enough freedom to exercise it. And bring about real progress. Set up the play so that the strikers score the goal. Finally, what is the most common attribute of all such people? You can put your best foot forward to put them down. Bureaucracy. Boredom. Blockages. And lots of frustration too. They will never back off. They will pull on...And eventually win. A traveller with empty pockets can whistle in a robber's face....And whats more..will live to tell another interesting tale many years later.

That which is free...

So, what is the world's most liked word? Free. Yes indeed. The word "free". It has different shades to it. The most trivial one is the most popular one. Go to any part of the world. Speak any language. And wear any outfit. People understand this word with the same range of emotion. Free to do whatever you want. Free to be as you want. Free time. Free goodies. Free lunch. Uncle Scrooge swears by it. The good. The bad. The ugly. All like it. I do. And I know that you do too. Now, just something to reflect upon...Do we really cherish and treasure that which is free??

So why does this word win the Miss Congeniality award? Let us first think on the more material aspects. Free food, free goodies etc. Very easy to explain to myself. And understand as well. The first reason that comes to the mind is this. Everyone is a child at heart. No matter how old you are. And someone brings you a gift, your eyes gleam with joy. So, anything that is free, it is like a gift from someone to you. And you are happy. Second reason. Since times unknown, man has known this thing called barter. So, something free goes against the norm. And everyone likes being a rebel. Dont know why this happens. But true. Third reason. "Hey, if I am just getting to keep it, then why not?" attitude. Need say anymore?? Moving onto the more serious and interesting aspects of the word "free". There is an innate human desire to act in a certain way. Live as one feels. Say those things. Believe in different ideals. We give these simple things more sophisticated terms. Sort of a glossy finish. Freedom of speech. Freedom of religion. Freedom of action. Freedom of choice. As in you choose what is right for you. In short, freedom to be and live as you feel. Ofcourse, with an underlying assumption that your freedom does not in any way cloud that of anyone else. Why do we like this word for these things? Only one reason. And it is so strong that it does not need any other. And it is this. It affirms our ability to lead a life full of happiness and self content....

In life, the most wonderful things are the ones which are "free". In a special way. The birds. The butterflies. The golden sunrays. The soothing breeze. The pleasant shade of the magnolia tree on a hot Sunday afternoon. Even "more beautiful" are these. A thought that is free of parochialism. A will that is free of deceit. A decision that is free of ignorance. A situation that is free of dilemma. A resolve that is free of procrastination. A beginning that is free of impatience. An end that is free of pride. A speech that is free of malice. An action that is free of expectations. A responsibility that is free of worldly compulsions. A judgement that is free of prejudice. A sense of hope that is free of limits. A relationship that is free of restrictions. A world that is free of hatred. A way of life that is free of intolerance. A memory that is free of pain. A mind that is free of fear. And a heart which loves freely....

All that emptiness and me....

Look up at the night sky. Millions of stars looking down on you. Amidst the darkness. Emptiness. And you are standing alone here. Space and time. Lots of energy out there. And you are left with one question? What lies out there? Are we alone?? Space. Something that has captivated man since times unknown. What mysteries lie in this phenomenon called universe? Who created the universe? And why? How big is it? How was it formed? How old is it? There are answers. There are theories. But, do we really know? A moment...

All that emptiness and me. You wonder at times. If we were alone indeed, would it not be a whole lot of empty space? Or is there something that we have failed to understand? The syllable 'Om'. The beginning. And the end. The same sound I hear in that conch I found on the sea shore. The same sound I hear when I lie still on the ground. Somehow, the whole universe seems connected. For all its vastness and empty space, there are also beautiful galaxies, supernovas and other planetary systems. Empty space is not so very empty. And yet, to man, it is. Intergalactic oneness. You know deep down. That in some far away infathomable galaxy and in some mysterious time warp, there is some soul who is calling out to you. Holding out her hand to you. And you reach out to the sky as well. In the hope that you touch her. Somehow, some waves reach to you. And you understand what she is saying. Yes. Every subatomic particle that is part of you perfectly recognizes the charge that is coming forth from the sky. From that soul. No distance is too large for this charge to permeate. Telepathy. Naah. Intergalactic oneness...

Our life is much like the universe. Same questions? Yes. Same answers? Dont know. There is emptiness and there is wholeness. What do we see? We see both. There is energy. Both light and dark. Perhaps, this cosmos holds out something for us to realize. To know. To understand. That we are not alone. Though there is emptiness, it is not everything. Even one tiny speck of light is enough to dispel our emptiness. Now I know. That beautiful light in space would never have captured our imagination had it not been for the emptiness around it...

Mopping the floor to turn off the faucet....

Well. Everyday we face some problem or the other. At home. At workplace. During commute. You name it. So what do we do with most of these problems. Either we try to find a solution. Or sit on it and let it fix itself. I choose to discuss the first option. When solutions are the order of the day. Wait. I am more interested in the approach. Ok. Ok. The solution is important. But, the road taken in pursuit of the solution seems far more interesting...

So, whats with this theme...mopping the floor blah blah. Something I have done. And something which some of you do too. Identifying the problem can be easy. But finding the cause is difficult. Need to list all possibilities. Put them in some order. And then that old process of elimination of irrelevant stuff. Pause. Many a times we dont do all this. Actually very frequently. We simply try to find a "fix" to the issue at hand. And honestly, this fix is some sort of a bandage on the wound. And is not really going to heal the wound. Only stop the bleeding for the moment. Huh.. Sometimes this is a personal habit. Every person takes this route one time or the other. On the other hand, this is a characteristic of the system itself. Your environment. Your action place. You have a high priority bug (sorry for "the term"... operational hazard). And you dont have time to sort this issue out. But, you are under enormous pressure to "fix it". You then do this. Mopping the floor to turn off the faucet....

Some might argue thus. This is how it is. Some quack right now will buy time to find an expert solution. But, how often do we go and do the right thing after the need is over. Naaah...We just leave it. If it aint broke now, why fix it right? This is not correct. You do not have to be Einstein to figure this. No complex equations. No complex philosophies involved. Time and space are relative. Yeah. And so are solutions. But it would never hurt to put that extra effort to find the right solution. A lasting one too. Ok..Ok. Atleast one that might last for some substantial block of time. A short term fix will always bring back the problem later on. And one has to spend more time and effort to go over it again. Worth it? Nopes.

Ending with some things to ponder over for the next few days. Moment please. Fine. If a solution fixes the problem only "right now", is it a solution? If a solution fixes the problem at hand, but creates another, then is it a solution? And finally, what is a "wrong solution"? If it is wrong, how can it be a solution??? Mopping the floor to turn off the faucet. There you go...