The Missing Goat

I got this interesting forward from one of my friends. While the accuracy, place and time of the incident cannot be verified, the story has some interesting points to ponder, think about and valid take home points.

Mr and Mrs Goat with Family

It all started one lazy Sunday afternoon in a small town near Toronto in Canada.  Two school-going friends had a crazy idea.  They rounded up three goats from the neighbourhood and painted the number 1, 2 and 4 on their sides.  That night they let the goats loose inside their school building. The next morning, when the authorities entered the school, they could smell something was wrong.  They soon saw goat droppings on the stairs and near the entrance and realized that some goats had entered the building.  A search was immediately launched and very soon, the three goats were found.  But the authorities were worried, where was goat No. 3?  They spent the rest of the day looking for goat No.3. There was panic and frustration. The school declared a holiday for the students.  The teachers, helpers and the canteen boy were all busy looking for the goat No. 3, which, of course, was never found.   Simply because it did not exist.

We are all like those folks in the school – we may have our own goats, but are obviously looking for the elusive, missing, non-existent goat No.3.  So instead of making the most of what we have and focusing on our strengths, we worry about the missing piece – our shortcomings. Our mind is so programmed to see the things to completion, a continuity and a carry forwardness. If this is denied then the program gets messed up. An absence of something is always larger than presence of something.

Do the best you can with what you have and be grateful for what you get. Success and happiness will come your way. (Depending on your Karma, you get both Happiness and distress over the course of time.)

There is a nice verse from Srimad Bhagavatham,

sukham aindriyakam daityā
deha-yogena dehinām
sarvatra labhyate daivād
yathā dukham ayatnata

Translation: Prahlāda Mahārāja continued: My dear friends born of demoniac families, the happiness perceived with reference to the sense objects by contact with the body can be obtained in any form of life, according to one’s past fruitive activities. Such happiness is automatically obtained without endeavor, just as we obtain distress. (Srimad Bhagavatham Canto 7. Chapter 6.Verse 3)

By the way, Stop worrying about goat No.3.

Parachuting and Types of Learners

Parachuting with a Coach

What is the use of holding leaves when your hands are already burnt. This is an old telugu saying which means, some of the mistakes we commit in life are irrevocable or can’t be turned around and you have to live with them. For example, someone decided to jump off the plane, I mean Parachuting. So it’s a thrill that some people want to experience it. So there are steps and training provided so make sure that the parachute opens in time and one lands safely. Here, one makes a choice to jump and expects all these things to happen as per normal and have exciting time. So one makes a conscious choice to jump, jumps off and follows the steps for safe landing. Very rarely, the parachute doesn’t open and people had injuries, died etc.. very rarely. Anyway, once you jump and you are in the air being pulled by the earth’s gravitational force, you have to do what you need to do.You can’t say that, look all this looks risky, I am not going ahead with this and want to go back to the plane. Sorry, it’s too late. So in life also, we get these things and that’s how we all learn our lessons in different ways.Srila Prabhupad gave this classification of people based on their learning.Got this from Wiki "Despite the perception of danger, fatalities are rare. About 21 skydivers are confirmed killed each year in the US, roughly one death for every 150,000 jumps (about 0.0007%).In the US and in most of the western world skydivers are required to carry two parachutes. The reserve parachute must be periodically inspected and re-packed..."

Reminds me of a joke from a movie I saw long time ago. A comedians car breaks down in the middle of nowhere and that guy asks for a lift.When, the protagonist of the movie stops to give him lift. This guy locks his car, takes the Wires off from the Battery, puts a padlock to the bonnet, goes back again, opens the Bonnet and smashes the engine with a huge stone and then sits in the car.The Hero asks him, what is that you are carrying ? He says, its an umbrella.Then, what about the one in the Bag. He replies it's a raincoat, incase I loose the umbrella.Well, a bit extreme comedy.

It is said that there are four types of people,

1. The First Class one - is the one who hears from others like someone elder to him, from the Saintly persons, Holy scriptures and learns and understands what is right or wrong.

2. Second Class - is the one who doesn't learn by just hearing but, they like to see others and then follow.

3. The third Class one - is someone who doesn't understand by hearing or seeing but, wants to personally experience and then learns his lessons.

4. The Fourth Class - Of Course are the ones who does not learn either by hearing, seeing or even by personal experience.

I know, it hard and not practical to be always the 1st Class but, let's at least try for the 2nd or 3rd class or a mixture of all and hopefully never the 4th Class.

The photo you see is that of one of my good friend who did this parachuting few years ago.I asked him, if he would do it again.He said never because, though it wonderful and adventurous is, there is an element of risk which is not really required. I thought, I agreed with him. In Bhagavatam, it is said that this human form of life, body is very precious and special because, although it is temporary, with this body one can enquire about the Atma Tattva, the nature of Soul, God, Absolute Truth etc. It’s good to have some fun and adventure but, not worth taking unnecessary risks - is what I think also. More ever it is said in Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavatam that our thoughts, desires and actions decides or creates, the body we are going to get in our next life. So if someone is addicted to flying in the air etc. next life they may get the body of a bird. King Bharata was contemplating on his pet deer and he had to take on the body of a deer in his next life.

Lincoln Square Park and Taking Time for Relaxation and Introspection

Lincoln Square Park, Carlton - Melbourne

This is where I go during the lunch break at work. It’s a small area called Lincoln Square Park, situated off Swanston Street in the City of Melbourne between Queensberry and Grattan Streets, Carlton. The location is close to Melbourne's CBD, University of Melbourne and right in front of my work place. I like this place because of the beautiful and majestic trees in the Park. I simply go there to sit down and do my mantra meditation. Sometimes, I simply sit and hear to the birds sounds, see leaves and fruits of the trees. It’s also interesting to see number of people who come here to relax. They normally come here with a take away, have their lunch. What I noticed is that even while having lunch, people are talking on their Mobile. Infect, before they start eating they call someone and finish their lunch while still  conversing. Otherwise, people are busy watching Facebook or WhatsApp. I know a friend who told me that as soon as he goes home, he starts the TV so that he doesn’t feel lonely. While it is good to be social and chatty, what is happening is people are losing their ability to think, plan or introspect. They are afraid to be alone, to be silent and feel uneasy to face the realities of life. To add to this, today's life is so hectic and busy, people rarely get a chance to think deeply about themselves or the world.

Wikipedia says "Introspection is the examination of one's own conscious thoughts and feelings. In psychology the process of introspection relies exclusively on observation of one's mental state, while in a spiritual context it may refer to the examination of one's soul”. So how many people do this.? Very few. And, the result is constant tussle of emotions like, hankering and lamentation, attachment and renunciation, comparing oneself with others,criticize.What I feel is that, it is important for everyone to take time out in silence, close to nature which means even the simple act of sitting under a tree or watching some birds which can be done in anywhere in a city or countryside.

I would like to call Introspection as looking inside. Focusing your attention to your internal world, talking to your mind, finding out what your real intentions are. Is it really needed or required.? How does it matter, what is inside, as long as you are happy, enjoying life, talking to friends ?.

This reminds me a quote "“When you squeeze an orange, you'll always get orange juice to come out. What comes out is what's inside. The same logic applies to you: when someone squeezes you, puts pressure on you, or says something unflattering or critical, and out of you comes anger, hatred, bitterness, tension, depression, or anxiety, that is what's inside. If love and joy are what you want to give and receive, change your life by changing what's inside.” 

                                                                                                                                     ― Wayne W. Dyer."

“Speech is silver, but Silence is Golden proverbial saying, meaning that discretion can be more valuable than the most eloquent words”.

Again in Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 10. Verse 38 line 3 -  Lord Krishna Says the following “maunam caivasmi guhyanam - Of secret things I am silence.Srila Prabhupada further says in his Purport to the verse "Among the confidential activities of hearing, thinking and meditating, silence is most important because by silence one can make progress very quickly".

Giri Goverdhan Puja and a Mountain of Sweets

Worshiping the  Govardhan Mountain is a tradition started by Lord Krishna himself, 5000 years ago. This festival is celebrated to commemorate the lifting of Govardhan Mountain by Krishna. This is an age old tradition followed in Mathura, Vrindavan and all the Krishna temples across the world  by preparing a replica of the Govardhan mountain with sweets. I visited the local ISKCON temple to take part in the celebrations. The atmosphere was electrifying,jubilant,fun and that of a devotional fervour.All the devotees circumambulated the sacred Govardhana Mountain, offered their obeisances to the Giriraj and other deities in the temple.Of Course, after that there was a sumptuous feast with varieties of items and the sweets from the Govardhan Mountain.Everyone was served with  sweets of their choice.

Giri Govardhan @ Iskcon Melbourne

Giri Govardhan @ Iskcon Melbourne

Giri Govardhan @ Iskcon Melbourne

Giri Govardhan @ Iskcon Melbourne

Giri Govardhan @ Iskcon Melbourne

The pastime of baby Krishna lifting the Mountain is quite interesting.The demigod Indra forgets that Lord Krishna is the Supreme God, enacting the pastimes of a cowherd boy in Vrindavan.He thought that, Krishna is an ordinary village boy with some mystical powers.Indra on certain occasion became angry that Lord Krishna persuaded his family and the residents of vrindavan to stop worshiping him and instead worship a Mountain called Govardhan.The whole pastime is beautifully described in Srimad Bhagavatam.Lord Krishna decides to teach Indra a lesson and instigates the festival of Indrostav. Indra king of demigods gets furious and out of pride and false prestige he fails to recognise the Supremacy of Lord Krishna, who  at that time was acting as a 7 year old village boy. He sends all the clouds to inundate the whole of Vrindavan with torrents of rain. Seeing this, Lord Krishna lifts  the mountain of Govardhan like a Mushroom from the ground and keeps it floating on his small finger. All the villagers, the cows,calves including the family of Krishna takes refuge under the mountain for seven days. Krishna assures them of safety and for seven day, all the people remained there without any hunger or thirst.Indra finally, realises his mistake and along with Surabhi the celestial Cow and Airavata, comes to Krishna and begs for forgiveness. He bathes Lord Krishna with the Milk from Surabhi Cow and Airavata – Indra’s elephant carrier, who had the water from holy rivers holding in its trunk.

Some thoughts on Celebrating Diwali

Diwali Lamps

Depavali or Diwali signifies the victory of good over, evil. Our scripture say that, this is the day when Lord Rama with Mother Sita, returned to Ayodhya.

Also, this is the day when Lord Krishna with his wife Satyabhama, killed Narakasura, who was a powerful demon.

It is said that in Satya Yuga - the Age of truth, demons lived in different worlds.

In treta Yuga, they lived in the same world as Human beings but, different kingdoms or countries. Lord Rama and Ravana.

In Dwapara Yuga, they started appearing within the same families. Pandavas and Kauravas.

Lo and behold, In Kali Yuga which is now both demons and demigods (qualities) reside within the same person.

Diwali Fireworks

On this auspicious Diwali day, let us drive out the demons hiding within us, with a lamp of purity and knowledge.

Most people clean their houses and remove the clutter from their homes. Let us remove all the dirtiness like, Hatred, intolerance, injustice from our hearts.

Today Most people pray to Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. Let us not be like Ravana, who wanted to enjoy Sita separately from Lord Rama.

Let us pray to the Supreme Lord to kill all those demons, Ravana, Narakasura,Banasura (a friend of Narakasura)and many more, seen and unseen hiding in our hearts.

Let us all celebrate a wonderful Diwali by cleaning our hearts to get rid of Lust, Anger, Greed and replace them with qualities like, Happiness, joy and love.

asato ma sadgamaya

tamaso ma jyotirgamaya

mrtyorma amrtam gamaya

Lead me from the asat (unreal) to the sat(real)

Lead me from darkness to light

Lead me from death to immortality

(Brhadaranyaka Upanishad).

Halloween day - Trick or Treat ?

Halloween Dressup

Halloween, All Hallows' Eve, or All Saints' Eve, is a celebration observed in a number of countries on 31 of October, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows' Day. Halloween is celebrated as a day to commemorate the ancestors, Saints and Martyrs.These days, Halloween is becoming popular day of celebration not only among kids but also the adults. So, the day usually the houses are decorated with all scary, ghostly things like, Cobwebs, Skeletons, Pumpkin - Jack o Lantern and anything that displays some touch of spirits. So the Halloween parties of kids consists of celebration by dressing up in ghostly cloths, games, food and plenty of lollies. The adult parties are a mix of scary and stylist historic costumes like Prince,Knights and Princesses or just anything that is different. Whatever it is, it looks like the retailers made a good profit, this year by selling all those masks and Costumes, lollies, electric lamps and Pumpkins. I asked few people but, no one seems to know the origins of wearing the costumes originated from. However, I got the information from net that, Halloween thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts. Trying to scare ghosts away by becoming more scarier than them.? Yeah, it looks like we are succeeding in this effort. Well, all for fun and some good time. I came across these photos from my friends Facebook page and she graciously agreed for me to post them on my blog.

Halloween Finger food - Short Bread with Almonds

I had some interesting feedback and comments from friends about this celebration. One of my friend complained that, his son is refusing to come for an evening walk with him because, one of the home's in their street had this really, scary decor of Halloween, a dead body hanging with its throat choked by a rope, in their front veranda, almost on the road. Another colleague told me that, he heard few knocks on the door but, did not open the door because, they are some kids coming to ask for Lollies and treat on the Halloween eve. He explained me the concept of treat or trick which is, when people come asking like that you either trick them by giving them a Gift pack with nothing in it or with a note which says, "You are tricked" and the other option is simply give them a treat, a bag of lollies, chocolates etc. He can’t be bothered to do either and that's why he didn’t open the door.

Halloween jack o lantern

Overall, I see the modern day Halloween as another form of Celebration, having fun, doing something differently, get some happiness and joy in the celebration. It is interesting to note that everyone in this world is seeking Happiness. Not even a crazy person wants misery. In his craziness, he does something crazy that he thinks will make him happy. Even people who go into depression, it’s not that they want to be that way. It is not that they don’t want to be happy. It is just that, they are unable to be happy. The holy scripture called Vedanta Sutra 1.1.12(Vedanta means the pinnacle or end of highest knowledge or Sutra simply means Rules) says, 'Ananda Mayo Bhyasat'- by nature the living entities are pleasure seeking. Furthermore, it is said that because we are spiritual beings nothing material can satisfy us. What this means is that, Objects can satisfy the senses of the body. Various emotional gratifications can satisfy the mind. But the heart is yearning, longing, to love and to be loved. So we are trying to find that experience of pleasure in so many ways in this world but, nothing material can actually satisfy the heart.

Personally, I don’t have anything against Halloween parties or all the fun people are having but, the main point the Vedic scriptures point out is that we are trying to find the pleasure in wrong things and wrong places. And, even if they find some happiness, that is for a short period and fleeting and in fact actually can make people frustrated and angry. The final and true place to repose our love or seek the ultimate pleasure is by connecting with that possessor of that unlimited pleasure, the Supreme God. And once someone experiences that supreme love and pleasure from God, they experience the unlimited bliss and happiness which naturally extends to all the living beings who are part and parcel of the supreme lords creation. This is the love, compassion and happiness experienced by so many saints and devotees of the God that we see in different religions of the world.

I Hope you all had a Good Halloween day celebrations..

Austerity of Speech and Socrates Test of Three

Austerity means being in a state of self-control or a state of denial.In sanskrit, it can be translated as Tapas or following a steady practice with the aim of spiritual or higher gains.In Chapter 17 of Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna explains various types of austrities that elevate ones consciousness from the material or worldly platform to that of spiritual.The verse 15 below, especially talks about the austerity of speech.

“anudvega-karam vakyam

 satyam priya-hitam ca yat

 svadhyayabhyasanam caiva

 van-mayam tapa ucyate

Translation: Austerity of speech consists in speaking words that are truthful, pleasing, beneficial, and not agitating to others, and also in regularly reciting Vedic literature(Bg 17.15)”.

I think, this is a very important verse that is useful not only for spiritual but also for day to day basis. It is the general tendency of people to gossip about something or someone, either at work place or

meeting up with friends.Gossip - is the root cause of so many misunderstandings,tensions,friction between people and friends. The whole atmosphere and the relationships are spoilt just by this.Ever wonder why people gossip ?. I think one reason is that people who feel low or bad about themselves get a temporary relief by talking bad about others or trying to expose or show something negative in others.And, there are so many other reasons like, people gossip to get some attention, popularity, envy, to make them feel part of a group etc. It is said that if you find a fault in someone, it is because you have that same fault within you – hundreds of times more than what you are trying to show in another person. Of course, this is not same as constructive criticism by some well wishers, parents or seniors. Thus, control of tongue or urge to speak nonsense is the most important aspect of Austerity of speech.

In ancient Greece,Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom. One day the great philosopher came upon an acquaintance who ran up to him excitedly and said, "Socrates, do you know what I just heard about one of  your students?"

"Wait a moment," Socrates replied. "Before you tell me I'd like you to pass a little test called, the Test of Three."

"Test of Three?"

"That's right," Socrates continued. "Before you talk to me about my student let's take a moment to test what you're going to say. The first test is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?"

No," the man said, "actually I just heard about It."

"All right," said Socrates. "So you don't really know if it's true or not. Now let's try the second test, the test of Goodness. Is what you are about to tell me about my student something good?"

"No, on the contrary..."

"So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about him even though you're not certain it's true?"

The man shrugged, a little embarrassed.

Socrates continued. "You may still pass though, because there is a third test - the filter of Usefulness. Is what you want to tell me about my student going to be useful to me?"

"No, not really."

"Well," concluded Socrates, "if what you want to tell me is neither True nor Good nor even Useful, why tell it to me at all?"

The man was defeated and ashamed. This is the reason Socrates was a great philosopher and held in such high esteem.So next time, you meet someone and they want to say something to you, You know what to ask?.Is it true, useful and something good ?.