Category Archives: short story

STORY: Panch prakar ke Murkh (Five varieties of Jerks)

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

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Long time back in a far away kingdom, there lived a king who was very kind and judicious. His queen too was very intelligent, who from time to time used to advise him in matters related to law and order and day-to-day life.

One day the king was faced with a very complex issue where he wanted his queen’s advice. He was in a great hurry, and therefore without giving any advance intimation to the queen he entered her private chamber where she was closeted with some of her friends, discussing, women’s welfare related issues. And this embarrassed the queen in front of her friends, when she suddenly found the king in her chamber. She immediately conducted him to a corner and politely asked, ‘O my Murkh Lord, please tell me what can I do for you.’

The king never expected such insulting words from his queen. He felt hurt and without saying a word he went back to his castle. Naturally, he was very angry and agitated. He was not able to understand as to why the queen welcomed him with such curt words. After a little while he cooled down. But he desperately wanted to know the reason for this, as he was well versed with the sharp and intelligent mind of his queen.

The king had an intelligent minister in his court. He narrated the entire episode to him and asked for his point of view on the matter. The minister heard the king attentively and then smiled and softly said, ‘your majesty, the queen is but telling the truth, and she was addressing you only, when she said this. By entering the queen’s personal chamber without her permission you have displayed murkhata (stupidity) but you happen to be in the first category of murkhs (jerks) residing in this planet who generally harm the least. Let me also explain to you the various varieties of murkhs.

INNOCENT MURKH- 1st type

‘Your majesty the first category of murkhs are those who go uninvited and without informing to any gathering or a crowd, and after reaching there they just stand quiet in a corner like a pillar and this embarrasses rest of the crowd. But they don’t harm anyone. You happen to be in this category.’

MURKH WHO CREATE HURDLES- 2nd type

Second category of murkhs are those who on being invited by their friends often disrespect and overlook their politeness and hospitality and indulge in discussing such topics where they have poor knowledge and embarrass their hosts. This creates awkward situations. But the host is not able to turn the murkh out because he is a friend.

Such murkhs are more damaging than the previous variety, but not dangerous.

POPULAR MURKH -3rd type

Third category of murkhs are those who always argue and try to showcase their poor knowledge without realising they are becoming a laughing stock. Such murkhs are indifferent to the hollowness of their conversation and they waste everyone’s time including their own. Such murkhs are famous because they neither learn anything nor do they forget anything.

DREADED MURKH -4th type

Dreaded murkhs are intelligent but incorrigible who pride upon themselves and always find fault with others while in a conversation. They ridicule everything and everyone, just to show how intelligent they are. They attract everyone with their intelligence but soon they start opposing and sit in judgement, such murkhs are very dangerous.’

After explaining all the four types of murkhs the Minister further added. ‘That is why your majesty; her majesty the queen amongst all categories of murkh has indicated towards the category you belong to.’

Now the king understood what the queen meant, though his respect for the queen remained intact in his heart, but he still had a doubt in his mind, and so he asked the minister in a mischievous tone, ‘where you and the queen have rated me murkh of the 1st type, may I also know which type of murkh you and the queen are?’

‘Sure’ said the minister with a twinkle in his eyes, ‘I can’t say about the queen but I’m the fifth type of murkh because I’m in your company.

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SHORT STORY: FTII- WHY DID KALCHAKRA HAVE TO PUNISH GAJENDRA SINGH CHAUHAN

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

goi gajendra chauhan kalchakra

Long time back I had read a story about a small sparrow; that goes as follows:

THE STORY OF THE SPARROW


On a beautiful winter day in Siberia, encouraged by the warm rays of the sun in a clear blue sky, a little sparrow left the security of his nest to fly and frolic in the air, but the 40o below zero temperature quickly overcame the imprudent bird who fell on the ground, frozen, and found himself buried in the snow where he would certainly have died in an instant. But by chance a cow trotted by at that moment, and at the very spot where the sparrow was struggling for his last breath, she dropped a large soft cow-dung on top of the bird. The warmth of this dung-bath resuscitated the moribund sparrow. He was so happy, he raised his head out of the cow-shit and started to twitter joyfully, which drew the attention of a wandering homeless cat who delicately pulled the sparrow out of the shit and devoured him.

The moral of this story: Your enemy is not necessarily the one who shits on your head. Your friend, however, is not necessarily the one who pulls you out of the shit. And besides, one should never twitter when one is buried in shit.

The recent controversy in FTII in which actor Gajendra Singh Chauhan got caught up reminded me of the above story, where for no fault of his, Gajendra is in the cross fire. Can we call it the wrath of Kalchakra?

For Gajendra too like the little sparrow was perched in his warm nest, quite away from the limelight doing small roles in movies and television serials, is when the GOI approached him as the warm rays of Siberia and Gajendra then dared to fly out of his nest, quite unaware of the Siberian winters—in this case being the sting of FTII- students.

The new job like the cow-dung covered Gajendra for a while when the wandering cats of Bollywood, Social Media, TV-channels and some Political Parties and so also the students union of FTII, who thought he did not have the tall stature, and moreover, he had committed the grevious crime of acting as Yudhistir in Mahabharat, thereby promoting Hinduism was definitely not suitable for the post. Because, in current day India even talking about Hinduism is considered non-secular by some.

While the wandering cats have so far not devoured the so called sparrow—Gajendra, but the Kalchakra has definitely crushed his film career. For Gajendra Singh Chauhan will now be known more for his poor stalk in Bollywood than the hard-work he has put in to make a career in Bollywood. And quite unknowingly and unintentionally he has antagonised and estranged many bigwigs of Bollywood and the social media; and has emerged as a full-fledged victim of Kalchakra.

    But what was his fault in all of this; that the electronic media almost stripped him naked as far as his career credentials went, that people who didn’t know about his average career also know about it now.

Kalchakra is not in the business of compensating losses and therefore won’t compensate Gajendra Singh Chauhan, for having torn apart his career and making him a laughing stock. I don’t know about GOI how they will view it. But the reality is,

    In life you often don’t get into problems because of your own doings, but it could also be the doing of others and in this case it was clearly the Kalchakra disguised as GOI.

For in life you really don’t know what will come and hit you, or who is friend and how distant is your enemy. But mind you Kalchakra spares no one, not even the wandering cats.

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SHORT STORY: GOD IS CLOSE ONLY IF YOU TRUST IN HIM

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durvasa muni krishna pandavas

GOD IS CLOSE ONLY IF YOU TRUST IN HIM

    After losing in dhyut-krida (gamble) to Duryodhana, Pandavas, along with Maharani Draupadi were exiled to Kamyaka forest. But even after driving Pandavas out of the kingdom Duryodhana was never in peace. How to destroy them completely was his perennial worry.

    And you could call it a coincidence. As just around that time, Maharishi (saint) Durvasa landed up in Duryodhana’s palace, and stayed with him for some time. During his stay, Duryodhana looked after him quite well. Happy with his hospitality Maharishi granted him a vardan (blessing). Is when treacherous Duryodhana very politely said—‘Maharishi! Pandavas, are my elder brothers. If you are happy with me. I desire the way you gave me an opportunity to serve you, which has given me a great sense of fulfilment. I wish you kindly give a similar opportunity to my elder brothers also, at least for a day. I wish you visit them with all your shishayas (pupils) to enjoy their hospitality and arrive there when Maharani Draupadi has eaten, so that my brothers don’t have to remain hungry for long.’

    But the real story was something different. When, Pandavas went on exile into the forest. At that time many Brahmins who loved them and were their followers, too accompanied them. They somehow never came back. But feeding so many people in the forest was not easy. So Dharmaraj Yudhistir performed a long and deep tapasya (meditation) to please Lord Surya. When Lord Surya was happy he gave Yudhistir a vessel and said—‘When you cook roots and vegetables in this vessel the quantity of food will become endless. With the result you will be able to feed hundreds of people till such time Draupadi has not eaten. But after Draupadi has eaten nothing will be left in the vessel for the day.’

    Duryodhan knew about this secret. And because of this secret only he had requested Maharishi Durvasa to visit Pandavas after Draupadi had finished eating. Durvasa muni (sage) acceded to what Duryodhan had requested for and visited Pandavas. Duryodhana was extremely happy thinking Pandavas will not be able to provide food to Maharishi Durvasa after Draupadi has eaten and then the shot-tempered Maharishi Durvasa will curse and destroy Pandavas. This was a deed of his evil intentions.

    Since Maharishi Durvasa had given a word to Duryodhana. He along with his thousands of shishyas (pupils) one day in the afternoon arrived at the Pandavas, in Kamyaka forest. Dharmaraj Yudhistir and his brothers got up to receive them and did a prostrate pranam to the Maharishi. And with folded hands requested him to occupy the main asanas (seats)

    Maharishi said—‘Rajan! (King) may God bless you. We all are very hungry, but we have not performed our prayers. So you please arrange for our food. In the meanwhile we will return from the nearby lake after our daily rituals and prayers.’

    Dharmraja Yudhistir with folded hands said—‘As you wish Guruvar (Guru). Food will be ready, so kindly return at your earliest after your daily kriya (chores) and prayers. But when Maharishi Durvasa left with his shishyas, Yudhistir and his brothers got tensed.

    They enquired from Draupadi and came to know she had already eaten. Now shot tempered Maharishi Durvasa on not getting food would definitely curse them to ashes. This looked definite. As giving him food on time seemed impossible. So, there was no way out. Upon finding her husbands worried Draupadi asked—‘why are you’ll so worried? Krishna will arrange for everything.’

    Dhrarmaraj Yudhistir said—‘had Sri Krishna been here we wouldn’t have been worried at all. But only recently he has left for Dwarka and I’m sure by now he must not have even reached.’

    Draupadi with a lot of confidence said—‘who knows when he comes and when he goes? And which is that place where he is not present? I’m sure he must be somewhere here only and will appear soon.’

    After saying all this. Draupadi left for her cottage and started praying to Krishna. Soon Pandavas saw, Krishna’s chariot with his four white horses and his insignia Garoor atop coming and stopping near him at great speed. And even before the chariot could come to a complete halt Krishna jumped and rushed towards Draupadi’s cottage.

    And, since he was in great hurry, neither did he wish anyone nor anyone could wish him. He straightway entered Draupadis cottage and in great urgency he said—‘Krishne! I’m extremely hungry, so give me something to eat at once.’

    ‘So at last you have come Krishna, my brother! I knew you will come at my distress call. Druapadi was, as if was rejuvenated. But just then she suddenly got up flabbergasted and said—‘Oh I need to serve food to Maharishi Durvasa.’

    ‘First you give me food. Then talk of giving food to someone else. As I am unable to even stand because of hunger.’ Said Krishna.

    ‘But I have finished eating. The vessel given by Lord Surya has been cleaned and washed for the day and kept. So where is the food? Your penniless sister therefore called for you, only to arrange for food.’

    ‘Don’t just say anything you feel like. I’m extremely hungry. Show me the vessel.’ Replied Krishna. Draupadi quietly handed over the vessel to Krishna. Krishna took the vessel in his hand and started inspecting it by having a close look at it, all over. On the inner side of the vessel he found a piece of vegetable leaf stuck in it. He picked it up and said—‘you were saying nothing is there, but what is this? This can feed the whole universe.’

    Draupadi was quietly watching Krishna when he put that small piece of leaf in his mouth and said—‘may this satiate the world.’ And then he burped and said again, ‘may that satiate the world.’

    And out there in the lake. Maharishi Durvasa and his shishyas had a very strange time as everyone out there started burping and burping. They all suddenly started feeling as if they have eaten and there tummy is full. Surprised they even started looking at each other. Upon observing his own condition and that of his shishyas, Maharishi Durvasa said –‘today I am reminded of the episode of Ambrish. Pandavas are in the forest where they are struggling for their own food and it was not right on our part to come here, and now I am not hungry and won’t be able to eat at all.  Now their food will get wasted and that will irk them. They can easily destroy us in seconds as they have the blessings of Lord Krishna. So there is only one way out and that is to quietly leave this place.

    When Maharishi Durvasa wanted to leave, how could his shishyas stay behind. So, when they left they did not think of stopping anywhere till they had reached Brahmalok (where Lord Brahma resides).

    After having the leaf that was stuck in the vessel. Lord Krishna came out of Draupadi’s cottage smilingly. Then he greeted Dhramraj Yudhistir and his brothers and as he sat he asked Sahdev to remind Maharishi Durvasa about the food.

    Sahdev left but came back soon, because Maharishi Durvasa and his shishyas were not there as they had left for Brahmalok.

    Not knowing when Maharishi Durvasa might suddenly return for food. Dharmaraj Yudhistir started worrying again. Because Maharishi Durvasa was known for asking people to cook for him and then return in the night, midnight, next day or even after some days to eat the food. And after returning he would want the food immediately and if there was even a slight delay he would curse.

    ‘Now, Maharishi Durvasa will not come here. He came here only because of treacherous Duryodhana. So there is no need to worry,’ said Lord Krishna as he began narrating the entire story to Dharmaraj Yudhistir and his brothers.

    Truly God is very close, only if you trust him.

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Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(Archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. Book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)

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SHORT STORY: THE POWER IN ELDERS BLESSINGS-MAHABHARAT

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    In the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Both, forces of Kaurava and Pandava were standing opposite each other in a state of readiness and the battle of Mahabharat was about to commence. The armies, had set their formation and bowstrings, and were awaiting final orders.

    And, it was only a matter of moments before the shunk (conch-shell) would have been blown to announce the battle. When, suddenly Dharmaraj Yudhistir disrobed his armour and kept it in his chariot and along with that he also placed his weapons respectfully. Thereafter, he started walking towards the Kaurava army, and there, more specifically towards Bhishma Pitamah.

    Seeing, their eldest brother trying to cross over, and that too without his weapon and armour. Arjun, Bhimsen, Nakul and Sahdev too, got off their chariot. They came close to Yudhistir and started walking behind him. Not able to resist, even, Lord Kirishna started following the Pandavas. Where, Bhimsen and Arjun got very worried and decided to ask,—‘Maharaj Yudhistir! What is this, you’re doing just before the battle?’

    Yudhistir, didn’t reply. Meanwhile, Lord Krishna signaled all, to remain quiet and said,—‘Dharmaraj Yudhistir always behaves righteously and even now he is doing the same.

    After seeing them cross over, there was chaos in the Kaurava’s camp. People there started saying, ‘Yudhistir has chickend out, seeing our forces and wants to come under the aegis of Bhishma Pitamah.’ Some people even doubted that this could be a ploy to win over Yudhistir by Bhishma Pitamah. The soldiers thus started praising the Kaurava’s. Because, with this strategy the battle would have been over even before starting.

    Meanwhile, Yudhistir straightaway approached Bhishma Pitamah and offered his Pranam (Hindu way of offering respects with folded hands) and pleaded—‘Pitamah we are forced to wage this battle against you. So, please give us permission to do so along with your blessings.’

    Bhishma replied—‘Bharat Shrestra! Had you not come here in this manner, to take my permission for the battle I would have definitely cursed you to a defeat. But now I’m happy with you. So I wish you victory. You can now even ask for a vardan (blessing). Remember, man is a slave of his vows, but a vow is no one’s slave. Kaurava’s have put me under their thumb only because I have taken a vow to save and secure the throne of Hastinapur.

    Yudhisir asked—‘Pitamah you are invincible, so how can we win the battle and how can we defeat you?’

    Pitamah, requested them to come some other time and ask this question. From there Yudhistir went to their Guru Dronacharya and did pranam and asked for his permission to fight the battle. Acharya Dronacharya said similar things and gave his blessings; but when Yudhistir asked Dronacharya the way to his defeat. Acharya made it absolutely clear—‘as long as I have my shastra (weapons) in my hands no one can defeat me. But I have a weakness. During the battle if someone reliable, as you all, gives me the news of a mishap I will keep my bow and arrow aside, and get into meditation. You all can kill me then.’

    Yudhistir said pranam to Dronacharya and then moved towards Kripacharya, and after pranam he asked for his permission to start the battle. Kripacharya also like Bhishma Pitamah and Dronacharya, said similar things and blessed the Pandavas. But Yudhistir couldn’t have asked his Kulguru (Chief priest of the dynasty) Kripacharya how he could be killed in the battle. And before he could actually ask this tough question he fainted. Kripacharya understood what Yudhistir wanted to ask. He said—‘Rajan (King)! I cannot be killed by you all, nor can I be killed by anyone else. But I can give you my word that every morning I will pray to God for your success and in the battle I will not come in the way of your victory.

    Yudhistir then went to his maternal uncle Shalya and said pranam. Shalya also repeated what Bhishma Pitamah had said and gave the Pandavas his blessings. But along with that he also gave them a word that all along the battle he will keep attacking Karan with his sarcasm.

    After paying his respects to all his Gurujans, and after obtaining their permission Yudhistir along with his brothers crossed over to his side. This humbleness of Yudhistir created a soft corner in the hearts of Bhisham, Dronacharya and others without which winning the battle of Mahabharat would have been extremely difficult for the Pandavas.

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Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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                                                               https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Share if you like it

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)

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SHORT STORY: KING CHITRAKETU

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chitraketu

THE STORY OF KING CHITRAKETU

    Once upon a time there lived a very eminent king by the name of Chitraketu. He had many wives but no children. One day, Maharishi Angiraj landed up in his Raj-Bhawan. With his spiritual powers he deciphered, Chitraketu was very unhappy and even desperate for a child. So, he decided to perform a yagya to help his queen conceive. After the yagya was over he handed over the leftovers to the eldest queen Kritdhuti as blessings and decided to leave. While leaving, Maharishi Angiraj said—‘Hey Rajan! You will soon be blessed with a son but he will be the reason for both your happiness and sorrow.’

    Maharani Kritdhuti was soon pregnant and at the opportune moment, the king was blessed with a son. With this Maharaj Chitraketu’s happiness knew no bounds. The whole kingdom was under celebrations, as after remaining issue less for such a long time, Maharaj Chitraketu was finally blessed with a child. Therefore, his love for the new born prince was boundless and was oozing all over his persona. Further, just to be in the company of his newly born child the king started spending more time at the residence of his eldest queen Kritdhuti. He once again started loving her immensely for having given birth to the baby boy. This resulted in the neglect of his other wives by the king himself, who now started feeling demoralised and even jealous of the eldest queen Kritdhuti. Soon, the situation aggravated to such a level that the younger queens lost their noble senses. The main reason for that was the king’s neglect because of the newly born child.

    This led to a drastic consequence when all the neglected wives of the king consented to quietly poison the child and soon he died. Upon realising, the mammoth tragedy that had struck both the king and his Maharani Kritdhuti, Maharaj Chitraketu fell unconscious, next to the body of their child like an uprooted tree. The entire kingdom was now in a pall of gloom.

    When, amid the cloud of sorrow and wail, two distinguished personalities arrived in the Raj Bhawan. Maharishi Angiraj this time was accompanied by Devrishi Narad. Upon coming to know of the tragedy, Maharishi Angiraj said to the king—‘Rajan (king) you are a great devotee of Brahmins and God. So, I was happy with you, and because of that I had come to you earlier, thinking, I would teach you the prowess to attain God’s darshan. But since it was written on your face that you desperately wanted a child, I instead, gave you a child as a blessing. Now that you have suffered the tragedy of losing your son, and there isn’t a tragedy, bigger than this, you would have known by now, that this world is a place, filled with sadness.’

    King Chitraketu was still in mourning. He therefore could not understand the essence of Maharishi’s address. But he was spellbound at the sight of them. Devrishi Narad who was accompanying Angiraj could understand that, Chitraketu’s intense love for his child will not go like this. So using his divya-shakti (divine-power) he attracted the soul of the child and as it came he said—‘See my son! They are your parents and they are mourning for you. So please get into your body, to make them happy and start enjoying the royal life, as the son of the king.’ And, after this, everyone out there, clearly heard what the soul of the child had to say—

    ‘Devrishi they are my parents of which life? A soul does not have any parents, brothers or friends. Many a times I was their father and many times they were mine. Many a times they were my friends and even enemies. All these relations are because of your mortal body and as you leave your mortal remains behind, you also leave behind your relations. And then, everyone is all by himself and has to suffer, as per his karmas.’

    The soul, after saying all this vanished from the scene. King Chtiraketu’s deep affection for his son after hearing the conversation started waning. After cremating him, with a fresh and sombre mind he appeared in front of Devrishi and Maharishi. Devrishi Narad, then gave instructions to commence the prayers and the puja of Lord Shesh Narayan, and with that, King Chitraketu got his darshan and soon he started on a long pursuit of spiritual knowledge and became a big scholar and was ranked as a Vidyadhar.

    The story is from our mythology and gives a very bold message. That beyond your mortal life it is only your karmas that go with you and you are all alone after death. So, always insist on doing good deeds.

***

 

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Translated by Kamlesh Tripathi

Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to contribute for the cause the bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

         Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

         IFSC code: BKID0006805

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SHORT STORY: HUMAN ATROCITIES- Message from Imperial pigeon

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                                                                           Khidki (Window)

–Read India Initiative—

    Human beings are the biggest killers on earth. They have the discredit of liquidating many species for their own whims and fancies. They alone had the devious mind to invent fire-lance much before firearms. But the question remains who is a bigger destroyer of fauna; the inventor of firearms or the user. The debate will ever be on.

    But in the milieu of the killing world. This is what the Burmese tribal have to say about the green imperial pigeon that I read in a novel. Although a fiction but the very thought puts human species in shame as it is so very touchy.
    ” “Look out!” said Flory, “here’s an imperial pigeon, Let’s have him!”

    A large heavy bird, with flight much slower than the others, was flapping overheard. Elizabeth did not care to fire after her previous failure. She watched Flory thrust a cartridge into the breech and raise his gun, and the white plume of smoke leapt up from the muzzle. The bird planed heavily down, his wing broken. Flo and Ko S’la came running excitedly up, Flo with the big imperial pigeon in her mouth, and Ko S’la grinning and producing two green pigeons from his Kachin bag.

    Flory took one of the little green corpses to show to Elizabeth. “Look at it. Aren’t they lovely things? The most beautiful in bird Asia.”

    Elizabeth touched its smooth feathers with her finger-tip. It filled her with bitter envy, because she had not shot it. And yet it was curious, but she felt almost an adoration for Flory now that she had seen how he could shoot.

    “Just look at its breast-feathers; like a jewel. It’s a murder to shoot them. The Burmese say that when you kill one of these birds they vomit, meaning to say, ‘Look, here is all I possess, and I’ve taken nothing of yours. Why do you kill me?’ I’ve never seen one do it, I must admit.”

   “Are they good to eat?”

    “Very. Even so, I always feel it’s a shame to kill them.”

     This is a page out of the famous book ‘Burmese Days’ by British author George Orwell. Sadly, a man can never give up his savage instinct of harming others, and thus draw strength from there.

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Share it if you like it

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases especially cancer. Should you wish to donate for the cause. The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

*

Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity. That happens to be its undying characteristic. The book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival of 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN

(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his ways through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February, 2018 in Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available in Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha

(ALL THE ABOVE TITLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN AMAZON, FLIPKART AND OTHER ONLINE STORES OR YOU COULD EVEN WRITE TO US FOR A COPY)

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SHORT STORY: HOPE OF BEING DESIRELESS

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Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

narsimha prahalad 2 prahlad

When Hiranyakashipu himself got up to kill his son Prahlad, who was a great bhakta (devotee) of Lord Vishnu, and with intense anger he pointed to a nearby pillar and asked his son, in sarcasm if, ‘his Lord Vishnu was in it.’ The son replied ‘yes.’ King Hiranyakashipu then got up from his throne in a fury and hit the pillar with his mace. And to his surprise the pillar cracked with a thundering sound, and Lord Vishnu appeared there, in the form of ‘Narsingh’ avatar (incarnation). Where one half of his body was of a lion and the other half of a man. He had matted hair on his head, large moustaches on the face and sharp and long teeth in the mouth. His paws had terrible nails on them.

Narsingh caught hold Hiranyakashipu and with his nails he tore open his stomach. And on seeing the terrible sight where Hiranyakashipu was killed mercilessly by Narsingh, his asura followers fled from the scene.

And, then Narsingh made a garland of Hiranyakashipu’s intestines and wore it around his neck, and in extreme anger started flicking his tongue in and out of his mouth and then he mightily growled like a monstrous lion with intense rage, where his eyes were, as if filled with red hot cinders, is when he sat on the throne of daityaraj Hirayanakashipu. But still his anger did not subside.

And just then accompanying Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma all the devatas arrived. Everyone, prayed for Narsingh to calm down, but there was little effect. Lord Brahma felt a little weary about Narsingh’s continued anger which he thought could lead to cataclysm. He therefore sent Goddess Lakshmi; but she returned almost immediately, quite frightened after seeing the humungous and frightening form of Narsingh. And she commented, ‘I have never seen such a stupendous and scary incarnation of my respected before. And I can’t dare to go close to him, in his this embodiment.

Eventually, Lord Brahma told Prahlad—‘son you only go close to Narsingh to cool him down.’

Prahlad being a child had no scare. He reverentially went close to Narsingh and prostrated in front of him. Narsingh smiled at Prahlad and he himself picked him up and put him on his lap and started licking his forehead with his tongue. He said, ‘son! Pardon me for coming so late because of which you had to suffer such a lot.’

Prahlad got down from his lap and with folded hands he respectfully prayed to Narsingh. Narsingh said to him—‘Prahlad I am extremely happy with you. Ask for any vardan (blessing) that you want.’

Prahlad replied—‘God! What is this that you’re saying? A bhakta who serves his master for the sake of something in return, is actually not a bhakta. You are the supreme lord and I’m your most obedient bhakta. And, if you at all want to give me something give me a vardan that I’m never obsessed by any desire.’

But God is omnipresent and in the knowhow of everything. And so he reiterated, ‘ask for a vardan!’

Prahlad pondered for a moment, with a doubt in his mind—‘when God is repeatedly asking me for a vardan that could mean I surely have some hidden desire in me about which I’m unable to make out.’ And at last he prayed to Narsingh—‘Lord my father when he was alive, all his life was critical of you and I being your servant—he tortured me all his life. I desire he may be pardoned of all these sins.’

Narsingh started laughing—‘Prahlad a person who has a God fearing and devoted son like you is pardoned of all sins, anyway. And in dynasties that have devotees like you; in such families twenty one generations can attain moksha, just on the strength of your devotion.’

Even a person who tortured me all his life and was my father should not face a catastrophe, was the desire of son Prahlad. And, hats off to such a desire, as no desire of a real bhakta can ever remain unfulfilled.

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SHORT STORY: WHEN YOU PROTECT DHARMA, DHARMA PROTECTS YOU

ARTICLE SPIRITUAL, causerie, column, short story, snippet, spiritual, spiritual article, story, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

dharma yaksha yaksha1

    The story relates to Mahabharat.

    During vanvas (forced exile into forest). Pandavas, were spending time in the Datya forest. Where, while roaming around, they felt thirsty. Is when Dharmraj Yudhistir climbed a tree. To see if there was any water in the vicinity. At one spot he could see a lot of greenery. That gave an indication as if water was around. He then requested his youngest brother Nakul to get some water from that place. And in obeyance, Nakul left immediately.

    Soon, he found a lake brimming with clear blue water. But the moment he went down to drink some. He heard a loud voice warning him, ‘do not dare to have the water from this lake. For I have established my authority on it and it belongs to me. First reply, to my queries before you even touch it.’

    Nakul, was extremely thirsty. He, therefore, did not pay attention to the warning. That the Yaksha (nature-spirits, usually benevolent) perched on a tree was passing. But the moment he tasted the water. He fell down and soon expired on the spot.

    Back here, in the Pandav’s camp. There was a bit of restlessness now. As Nakul had still not returned. Worried Yudhistir, then sent Sahdev after Nakul. He too heard the warning of Yaksha. But tried to drink the water, ignoring his advice and died on the spot. In the same manner. Yudhistir then sent Arjun and Bhimsen. But they too came one by one and met with the same fate.

    Yudhistir soon realised. That all his four brothers had not returned from the lake. From where they had gone to get water. He therefore, readied himself to go there, suspecting something was wrong in spite of his being tired. Soon, he was there. But upon seeing his valiant brothers lying dead. He went into a deep gloom. After mourning and wailing for sometime on the bodies of his brothers. He felt thirsty. When, he too decided to have water from the lake. Yaksha, who was still there. First tried to stop him from having water in the disguise of a crane. But when Yudhistir asked him, ‘who are you?’ He then dawned the form of a Yaksha and appeared on the tree top.

    When, peaceful and saint like Yudhistir said—‘Revered Yaksha! I do not want to acquire anything that doesn’t belong to me. You have laid down your authority, on the water of this lake. So let it be yours. If you want to ask any questions, please ask. I will try and reply to the best of my ability.

    Thereafter, Yaksha asked many questions. Yudhistir, replied to all of them correctly. Satisfied with the answers. Yaksha said, ‘Rajan! (King) you have correctly answered, to all my questions. Therefore, I grant the life of one of your brothers. So, whom do you want alive, out of the four?’

    Yudhistir replied, ‘kindly grant life to my younger brother Nakul.’

    Yaksha in a surprised tone asked—‘you are wandering in life without a kingdom in these dense forests. Where, you need to wage a fierce battle against your enemies to protect dharma. In such a situation you are not asking for the life of your most powerful brother Bhimsen or Arjun. Who are the best fighters in the world. On the contrary you are asking for the life of Nakul. Why so?’

    Dharmraj Yudhistir said—‘Respected Yaksha! The bliss of ruling a kingdom. Or the torture of vanvas depends on your fate and destiny. But a human being shouldn’t abrogate dharma. One, who protects dharma, is protected by dharma itself. And that is why I won’t deviate from the path of dharma. Kunti and Madri, both are my mothers. I am Kunti’s live son. And, I want the lineage of my second mother Madri also to remain intact. Therefore, I am requesting you to bring back Nakul to life. So that both the mothers have at least one child alive.

    Yaksha said–‘Yudhistir you are very knowledgeable and liberal in matters of interpretation, modesty and dharma. Therefore, I am happy with you and may God give life to all your four dead brothers. I happen to be your father ‘Dharma.’ I had come to see how you were doing and to test your love for dharma.’

    And, in the manner Yudhistir tried to protect dharma. Dharma too protected Dharmaraj Yudhistir. When all his four brothers got up, as if from deep sleep.

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SHORT STORY: ILL EFFECTS OF SINFUL BREAD

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bhishmapitamah draupadi mahabharat

    When the great war of Mahabharat got over. Dharamraj Yudhistir took over as the undisputed Emperor of the vast kingdom.

    And, with the permission of Lord Krishna. He along with his patrani (chief queen) Draupadi and younger brothers, went to the bloody battlefield. To meet and ask after Bhishma Pitamah who was lying on the bed of arrows. Waiting for the sun to move to the position of uttarayan (northward movement of the Sun in the celestial sphere). So that he could wilfully leave his body.

    Whereupon, on Yudhistir’s request. Pitamah began sermonising about the varn-ashram (natural phases of life) and the time tested relationship between the King and his subjects, to Yudhistir. When Pitamah was midway into his sermons, suddenly queen Draupadi laughed at him.

    Pitamah felt a bit awkward at this, and stopping his sermon he asked,

    ‘My dear daughter, what makes you laugh?’

    Draupadi hesitantly replied—‘It was a mistake Pitamah, I shouldn’t have laughed, so please excuse me.

    Pitamah, was not satisfied with her reply. He softly said, ‘Any well mannered daughter-in-law of such a great family doesn’t suddenly laugh, and that too without a reason in front of elders. I know you are extremely cultured and well mannered so your laughter cannot be without a reason. Don’t hesitate to tell me the real reason for your laughter.’

    With folded hands Draupadi said—‘Pitamah it may sound absurd and ill-mannered. But if you insist I will have no choice but to tell you, because I just cannot disobey your orders. You were just now giving rich sermons on dharma-updesh (Theology) but what came to my mind was. When Dushashan was disrobing me in Kuru-sabha (Kuru’s court) where was your dharma-updesh then? It appears to me, all this dharma-updesh that you learnt was only after the episode. With this thought in mind I couldn’t help but laugh. So, please pardon me.’

    Pitamah was stunned at this. He waited for some time and then very softly said, as he was badly injured.

    ‘Daughter there is no question of your seeking an apology because in some ways you are right. I was well conversant with dhrama-updesh during that time also. But then I was feeding myself with the polluted bread of Duryodhanya and that had polluted my mind too. That’s why in the Kuru-sabha when Dushshan was disrobing you I could not use the dharma-updesh and dharma-gyan judiciously to save you. But with all the innumerable arrows of Arjun that have pierced my body. All my polluted blood, made out of the polluted bread of Duryodhana  has drained out. With that my mind has become pure again and I’m able to think about religion and dharma-gyan in the right manner.

    Moral of the story: The source of your bread goes a long way in the making you.

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(Archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. Book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)

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CASUAL CAUSERIE: NO ONE KNOWS-WHO HELPS WHOM

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Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

affinity destiny helping hand

NO ONE KNOWS—WHO HELPS WHOM

    At an era, when there used to be long queues for domestic flights in India. My boss, who had once come visiting me. Got a sudden call from the HR Head. Asking him, to report back immediately for an urgent and important meeting at Head Office.

    As luck would have it. There was no chance of getting a confirmed flight ticket before three days, as it was all jam packed. Therefore, there was every likelihood. That he would have missed the important meeting. So, we decided to take a chance at the airport. Those days nothing was computerized. Personal relations with airport staff and their whims and fancies mattered a lot. Therefore, he was carrying an open ticket. And in the middle of all the din and rush. The counter clerk had asked us to wait. Just in case of a last moment cancellation or a no show.

    We were waiting patiently. When, I saw the captain of the aircraft hovering near the check-in counter puffing a cigarette. Those days we didn’t have smoking zones like today.

    Suddenly, the counter clerk called for my boss, ‘Mr Datta.’ We quickly walked up to him. When he politely said, ‘Sorry Datta sahab. There is just no seat as the flight is absolutely full. Please take a chance tomorrow morning.’

    I pleaded, citing the urgent meeting. As I could see the tension rising on my boss’s face. Is when the captain of the aircraft. Who was standing close to the counter walked up and said to the counter clerk. ‘Please issue him a boarding pass. Only, if he has cabin baggage. I will take him in the cockpit, since he has an urgent meeting.’

    With that I guess Mr Datta’s day was made. When he happily said to me, ‘bye, and see you soon.’

    After a month. I happened to be in the Head Office, on a visit. When I congratulated him on his well deserved promotion and casually asked about the flight that day. He remembered the captain in a pleasant way and this was what he had to say.

    ‘Arrey, I was extremely lucky. That the captain took me along with him, in the cockpit that day. Otherwise, I would have missed my appraisal meeting with the Marketing Director. But as the flight took off. The captain asked in Bengali,

    “Kaimon achain, Dutto babu. Apni comfortable?”

    And, before he could load on some more Bengali. I promptly replied, ‘sorry captain I am a Punjabi Datta. Not a Bengali Dutto.’

    ‘Oh-oh-oh sorry. But, I thought. I heard the counter clerk calling you as Mr Dutto and not Mr Datta. Anyways, sorry, sorry, very sorry, once again.’

    By then the flight was more than airborne. After that we didn’t have any exchange of conversation in the flight. Though, on landing. I said goodbye to him. To which he didn’t respond warmly. But in his own subtle way he had ensured my promotion.

    In life. You just don’t know who lends you a helping hand where, and who comes to your rescue.

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