Category Archives: ARTICLE SPIRITUAL

Short story: The farmer and the crane

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cranefarmerfarmer

     Once, a diligent farmer was harassed by the birds when they started attacking his fields. The fields were located close to the nearby forests that happened to be the habitat of many such varieties of birds. The moment the farmer used to sow the seeds and cover it with sand. These pack of birds used to land there and consume the seeds from under the sand. The farmer had gone tired. Trying to keep these birds at bay and was having a harrowing time. Since a lot of these seeds were already eaten away by the birds it was making his farming uneconomical. At last, he had no alternative but to cultivate his land all over again and sow fresh seeds.

    But this time anticipating the same nuisance. He brought along with him a big net and laid the trap of the net over the entire field. Many birds as before came to pick the seeds but got trapped in the net. Along with the birds even one crane got stuck in the net.

    When the farmer started catching the birds in the net the crane implored—‘please have mercy on me. I have not put you to any loss nor have I eaten your seeds. I’m neither a hen, nor a sparrow nor any other seed consuming bird. I’m a crane. I only eat insects that are harmful for crops. Therefore please leave me.’

    Farmer was angry and in his anger he blurted—‘what you say is correct, but today you have been caught along with these birds that have eaten all my seeds. So you are also their friend. And, since you have come with them you too need to face the punishment along with them.’

    The moral of the story is: a person is known by the company he keeps. People who are good but stay with bad people are also subjected to punishment and disgrace. By accompanying the miscreant birds even dutiful crane got trapped and had to pay the price.

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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 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

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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: Knowledge and love

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    Long time ago there lived a great Maharishi (sage) by the name of Shaunak. He had many shishyas (pupils) who used to serve him quite sincerely. And he often used to send them to the nearby villages, cities and to the ordinary citizens there. To, teach them the fundamental objectives of life. This continued smoothly for some time. But after a while some of his shishyas started becoming arrogant. As they thought. After having taught so many people. They had become a scholar.

    One day, a few of them went up to the Maharishi and said, ‘Guruji as told by you. We toured across many villages and cities, to convey your message about the essence and objective of life to the common man. And, this we did continuously and relentlessly. But now we feel. This huge effort on our part has not delivered the expected results. As most of them continue to be the same old simpleton. Because, even after hearing your teachings several times. They don’t want to change. So, we feel, as if we are wasting our time and energy with them.

    Maharishi, for a moment was stunned and saddened at this feedback. Because, he felt, some of his shishyas were sounding arrogant. So he replied in sarcasm, ‘I must say. You all have researched quite a lot on the various aspects of life.’ They replied, ‘yes Guruji you are right. Our reservoir of knowledge is now praised by one and all, and that too in all directions. And we have learnt whatever was required to be learnt.’

    Maharishi said, ‘I’m extremely happy to know. That you all have attained proficiency in knowledge. But before we discuss anything further. I want you all to form two groups. One group will gather knowledge from the people that is not bookish. The other group will gather information about love that is not physical.

    The arrogant shishyas were stunned at Maharishi’s orders. They started wondering. As to how a person can gain knowledge without reading a book, and how can he be in love without physical contact? Nevertheless, as advised. They formed two groups and immediately marched towards different directions and started discussing the matter with various people who came in contact. Where, they also came across people they had met earlier.

    But, wherever they went they were ridiculed. People made fun of them and considered them to be a simpleton, of the first order.  The shishyas thus felt dejected. And since they were away from the realities of life. Even their self respect took a beating. Soon, they returned to the Maharishi and in a complaining tone said,

    ‘Guruji, it appears, this time you had sent us to the village and city of simpletons. Where, each of them. Even the ones who earlier respected us, are today mocking at us. Because, it is impossible to gain knowledge without reading a book and even impossible to love, without physical relationship.’

    Maharishi smiled and said, ‘is it so? So then what happened to the knowledge that I gave you. If real knowledge is only available through books, and love only with physical relationship. Then why did you come to me? And why is it that people after reading books and after acquiring love through physical relationship, are still ignorant about real knowledge and real love.’

    Upon hearing Maharishi’s reply the shishyas were shamed. They were embarrassed at their ignorance. They requested Maharishi to show them the way. Maharishi said, ‘my dear children. Let me make it known to you. That real knowledge will not arise out of books alone. But will arise out of these people. Because, from many them books have emanated. And before educating these people. We will have to understand the reservoir of the knowledge within us. For, if we place ourselves in their position. We will know the reason of their laughter.

    Only by knowing people from a close distance. Can we reach a definite conclusion and understand about what they want to communicate. And all this is possible only when we accept them. So, accept people as they are. Just as we accept the universe. As it is. For that is the lone truth. Rest is only a bunch of evasive thoughts.

    In the same manner. True love comes to you only if you are humble towards the Creator of the Universe. One who has given you the body, mind and soul, and has decorated this world with various beautiful dreams. This feeling of humbleness takes you to that divine love. That forms our roots and gives us the refuge of salvation.

    To gain real knowledge and to know about real love. You all had to come to me. As I’m your Guru. And Guru is the representative of the Universe and its creator. Finally, only, the real knowledge and love for God are true.’

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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

*

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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STORY: EVEN CURSE BECOMES A BLESSING: IF YOU DEFEND DHARMA (RIGHTEOUSNESS)

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arjun

arjun1

arjun2

    Pandavas were leading a tough life in forced exile somewhere deep in the forests. And as advised by sage Vyas. Arjun had left in search of isolation for a prolonged tapasya. Where, he was able to please lord Shiva. This was when Shiva presented him with his pashupatastra. Amid all of this Devraj Indra took Arjun in his chariot to Swarg Loka, where, he and other Lokpals of heaven, also presented their divyastra to Arjun for his final victory. With these divyastras, Arjun waged a war on asuras known as ‘Nivaatkavach.’ Whom, even, the Devatas were unable to defeat, and repeat attack by them had frustrated the Devatas. In the war that followed. Arjun finally defeated them. They could not withstand the powerful attack from the renowned Gandeev dhanush of Arjun and they ran towards paatal (hell) to save themselves.

    After defeating these asuras when Arjun returned to Amravati all the Devatas welcomed him in a grand fashion. The assembly of Devraj Indra was decorated and he along with Arjun sat on the throne. The Gandharvas picked up their veenas to sing. The beautiful Apsaras of swarg one by one started dancing to the melodious tunes of the Gandharvas. Devraj at any cost wanted to please Arjun. He was therefore, very intently noticing Arjun just to find out what was attracting him.

    Arjun was now residing in heaven. The one and only one heaven, that was majestically decorated. The apsaras were busy dancing and while dancing they wanted to attract and cajole the favourite guests of Devraj Indra. After each dance representative of Devraj used to introduce another apsara and in this manner the assembly swung into a band of melodies. But Arjun, in whose honour all this was being done was quietly sitting with his head down and eyes staring at the ground. And while the grand show in heaven was in progress. He was only remembering his exiled brothers who were living in extreme austerity by eating fruits and roots and by sleeping on the ground. He was therefore not at all attracted towards Amravati.

    Suddenly, Devraj Indra uttered the name of Urvashi. Arjun looked at Urvashi several times, who was dancing in the assembly. Devraj Indra noticed Arjun, while he was looking at Urvashi. After the celebrations got over. Devraj called Gandharva Raj Chitrasen and said—‘go across to Urvashi and tell her. Tonight she needs to spend with Arjun. He is one of our most loved ones and she should make him happy.

    Urvashi herself was attracted towards Arjun, and therefore when she received the message of Devraj she willingly accepted the same. She then decorated herself as much as she could to look ravishing. In the night after decking up. She reached the residence of Arjun.

    When Arjun saw Urvashi he got up from his bed. With both hands he offered his pranam and said—‘Mata! what brings you here at this time? And what can I do for you?

    Urvashi was astounded in the manner Arjun had addressed her—as mother. She minced no words. When, she clearly said, she was attracted towards him, as if in love and that she had also received a message from Devraj to make him happy. She prayed to Arjun to accept her. But Arjun with a stable mind said—‘please don’t say these unbecoming words again. You are the mother of kurukul (Kauravas). I have heard this from many rishis. Today in the sabha when the pratihari called your name, I felt like seeing you. Considering, you as the mother of my kul. I several times, glimpsed your feet. I feel this is what led to some misunderstanding in Devraj’s mind.

    Urvashi says—‘Parth! This is not earth. This is heaven. We apsaras are neither any ones mother, nor sister nor wife. Anyone coming to heaven as per his punya can benefit from us. So you please accede to my request.’

    In the middle of a romantic night the most beautiful apsara of the heaven was incessantly requesting Arjun to accept her. But Dharmyug Arjun was adamant, where Kamdev could not even touch him. Arjun, with folded hands continued praying to Urvashi—‘just as Kunti is my mother, just as Madri is my mother, in the same manner I consider you like my mother. Kindly consider me as your son and shower your affection.’

    Urvashi never expected this kind of a treatment even from the rishis who led a life of extreme austerity. So this was least expected of Arjun. In all of this she felt as if her beauty had been insulted. She then in the lust of love cursed Arjun—‘like an impotent man you did not accept my request. Therefore, for a year you’ll live as a hijra, where, you’ll only sing and dance amidst women.’

    After cursing Arjun, Urvashi left. Arjun too had the power to curse her, especially, when she had cursed him wrongly. But even then Arjun was looking down with his hands folded as a mark of respect, conveying his pranam.

    In the morning Devraj came to know what had transpired during the night. He was happy and said—‘Dhananjay! People who follow the righteous path are never surrounded by calamites. And even if calamity strikes it turns into a lucky mascot. The curse of Urvashi will be for only a man year, after which it will turn into a blessing when after exile you enter a year of anonymity where no will recognise you.’

GLOSSARY

Tapasya–intense meditation and austerity

Pashupatastra–Shiva’s destructible weapon

Swarg Loka–Heaven

Lokpals–Caretakers

Divyastra–Weapons of God

Asuras–Demons

Devatas–Gods

Gandeev Dhanush–Arjun’s famous bow

Paatal–Hell

Amravati–Abode of the deathless

Gandharvas–Melodious singers of heaven

Veenas–Stringed instrument

Apsaras–Beauties of heaven

Pranam–Greetings

Mata–Mother

Rishis–Sages

Sabha–Assembly

Pratihari–Chamberlain

Kul–Lineage

Parth–Nam given to Arjun (An archer who never misses his targets)

Punya–Collective virtues

Dharmyug–Righteous

Kamdev–God of love

Hijra–Eunuch

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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

*

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

*

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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THERE IS A GREAT NEED TO COMMUNICATE ABOUT THE CHALLENGES OF A CANCER PATIENT

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

Book K Tripathiji

    Book title: REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD– You could download the e-book from antrik.com or pothi.com for just Rs 100 or $1.50. Collections will be utilised for poor children suffering from cancer.

SYNOPSIS

    What goes on in a cancer patient’s mind is not known even to his near and dear ones, what to talk of anyone else. Maybe, only the invasive part is revealed, and the rest remains within the confines of the patient’s mind.

    It is said about cancer, that only the ones who have seen cancer from close quarters are sensitive about it, and the rest are not. This includes cancer patients, their near and dear ones, Parents of child cancer patients, and also people who have lost their loved ones to cancer.

    A normal and healthy person may not even think about cancer, forget reading about it, because your mind is clouded by a plethora of interesting things around you, where the word ‘cancer’ is somewhat uneasy and eerie. But there is still a need to communicate to the society about the incessant suffering of a cancer patient.

    This book does exactly that. It communicates the mindset and sufferings of a poor, young and a three time cancer survivor Suresh from Chennai in a comforting and engrossing manner that readers would like to read. First time when Suresh got cancer he was six, and then he was okay for a decade and a half. But it struck again when he was twenty one and again when he was twenty four. All three were different types of cancer.

    Suresh wanted to tell his story for the benefit of other cancer patients. Primarily, to make them understand the challenges of a young cancer patient. Where, he has his entire life in front of him in terms of his school, college, professional education, career and aging parents. When, he doesn’t even know how long he is going to survive. And in all of this he builds his determination and alters his mindset to take cancer head on.

    The book has a motivational slant. That cheers you up with peppy poems and morale raising short stories, while it unfolds the grit and determination of the protagonist.

    Number of cancer cases in the world, are on the rise and there is a great need to communicate the sufferings, trauma, and the challenges of a cancer patient to people in general. Also, there is need to communicate how to handle such situations, and more importantly make people realise that cancer is conquerable.

    The author of this book is Kamlesh Tripathi and co-author is Dr Sujata Tripathi who had lost their younger son to brain cancer. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group.

    The book is co-published by Cankids … Kidscan and Shravan Charity Mission. Both are NGOs that work for children suffering from cancer.

    The gutsy founder of ‘Cankids … Kidscan,’ is Ms Poonam Bagai who herself is a colon cancer survivor. But that has not deterred her. From taking up the noble cause of child cancer in India.

    Sharvan Charity Mission is an NGO that was started by the author and the co-author in the name of their late son Shravan that also works for child cancer.

    The book is available online in:

The Variety Book Depot

A.V.G. Bhawan, M3 Connaught Circus

P.O. Box 505

New Delhi-110001

Tele Nos: (011) 23417175/2567

Or download an e-book from Pothi.com or Antrik.com (autobiographies)

Or you could write directly to the NGO for your copy- shravancharitymission@gmail.com

SHORT STORY: KING CHITRAKETU

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chitraketu 2
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.

***

 

Share if you like it

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: WHEN YOU PROTECT DHARMA, DHARMA PROTECTS YOU

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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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CASUAL CAUSERIE: NO ONE KNOWS-WHO HELPS WHOM

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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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SHORT STORY: IN LOVE WITH YOUR GURU

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gurukul gurupurnima 2 gurupurnima

    In ancient times there lived a Mahatma by the name of Maharishi Kanad. He had the absolute distinction of exponentially increasing the treasure base of Indian knowledge by scripting the Vaishesik Sutras. That determined the rights and the wrongs in a human life. In terms of discovering the absolute good, required for the betterment of man. He had many shishayas (pupils) that included both men and women, and they all owed, their esteem allegiance, to the Mahatma.

    Among his shishayas there was a beautiful woman also. Who used to look after the Mahatma with all sincerity. But slowly. She started feeling as if she was falling in love with the man. But was unable to express her feelings in front him. Moreover, she was even scared that the Mahatma might suddenly shun her. If she expressed her feelings and that will also give an opportunity to other shishayas to make fun of her.

    But, still, one day when she was alone with the Mahatma. She gathered guts and said, ‘My dear Swami. I have started loving you from the bottom of my heart. I want to sacrifice everything of mine, just for my love, which is you. So, can you not accept me in life?’

    The Guru was shocked at what the lady had just told him. Because of which, he went quiet. And the unexpected utterance of the lady, had even spread like a ‘jungle fire’ in the hermitage. Now, all the shishayas were eagerly waiting to know, what would be Mahatma’s reply.

    Guru smiled and said, ‘I’m happy that you love me. But you should also know. That I love the entire world, and in that even you are included. And Devi (respected lady), you also should know, that all my shishayas love me. So, then what is so special about your love?’

    The lady was now in dilemma, because she couldn’t really figure out. How to convey what she actually wanted to. For she had all the hesitation in communicating her deep love to the Mahatama. Moreover, she was also cautious about the fact that so many unseen eyes and ears must be waiting for the much awaited answer from him. Mahatma waited for sometime and then said to her, ‘When you say you love me, and you want to sacrifice everything for me. It also means, you want to control me. Which goes to show that you are not conversant with the real meaning of Guru. But since you are a devoted shishaya. I don’t want you to be unhappy, so you can have my love. Tomorrow, when, I am alone in the cottage. You come to me.’

    Upon, hearing these lovely words of acceptance. The lady was on top of the world. She came out of the cottage. Where, the rest of the female shishayas, were now jealous of her. As they too wanted to share her luck.

    Next day after decking up when she felt no one is in Mahatama’s cottage. She entered. But, rest of the shishayas were keeping a constant track of her. When they saw her entering the cottage. They quietly assembled to ascertain what was going on.

    The lady could see that the Mahatma was in samadhi and all around him, there was a halo of light. In that he appeared like the bright Sun that excited her. She suddenly ran towards him in full enthusiasm trying to embrace him. But alas: What was that? She then saw, she was only embracing herself. When, suddenly, she felt the Mahatma was all over the sky. Where, she, just couldn’t hold the sky nor could she embrace the sky. Even after trying from all the ends she could only experience, as if she was trying to catch hold of the endless sky. But all was in vain. And after a little while. She was tired and stood there wonder struck. She then heard a loud laughter in the cottage.

    And that is when the Mahatma said, ‘my dear shishaya. You forgot the basic essence of life. Guru is not a personal property of anyone. In fact he belongs to everyone. He is divine, who is everywhere, but not visible. He is the route to your destiny. But not your destiny or your kismet. Guru, makes you farsighted. So share me with everyone. And don’t try to control me. Feel my wisdom and knowledge within you.

    After hearing such divine sermons from the Mahatma. The lady who until some moments back, was dull and gloomy. Immediately, cheered up, and with her fellow shishayas started celebrating the occasion, and praising the Guru. Thereafter, slowly the Mahatama returned to his embodiment. When he too joined the celebrations.

    This story is lifted from a mythological article. It conveys. Our relation with our Guru, which is quite different than our relations with others.

    Today is Guru-punima. Therefore a tribute to every Guru.

Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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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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POETRY: THE MIGHTY ABDULS OF INDIA

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abdul hamid abdul kalam indian flag

THE MIGHTY ABDULS OF INDIA

There is no alarm,

As India has the might of,

Abduls, Hamids and Kalams,

And so, there is no alarm.

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From battlefield to the drawing board,

From LOC to missiles,

They knew it all,

And all knew them,

For they dared all,

But no one dared them.

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In the line of duty,

Hamid laid himself,

And while leading the nation,

Kalam was way ahead.

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Kalam gave India the throb of missiles,

That could stare at the dare of any hostile,

And all drenched in technology and science,

He placed India in the rare club of nine.

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A teacher at heart,

A scientist by mind,

A genius by birth,

A politician not inclined,

A President by merit,

And a noble by credit.

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And epitome of simplicity,

Role model of youth,

Every bit an essence,

To India’s presence.

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You towered India,

To the scales of excellence,

But your job was not over,

When you suddenly left for heaven.

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While India will miss you,

India salutes you,

You rest in peace,

But bless young India to reap,

More Abdul’s and Hamid’s

For Mother land’s peace.

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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)

TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN

Story of an Indian salesman who is lowly qualified but fights his ways through uncertainities to reach the top. A good read for all salesmen. Now available in Amazon.com

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

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SHORT STORY: THE ART OF SURVIVING

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gurukul helping hands scorpio

    Maharishi Mandalya was a scholar of great repute. He had many pupils in his hermitage. One day, two out of them went out to the close by river, to collect some flowers and fruits. And on the way they saw a scorpion crawling near the banks of the river. The first pupil cautioned the second one, ‘beware of the poisonous scorpion, as Guru ji says, we should keep away from bad people and bad things.’

    In the meanwhile the scorpion slipped and fell into the river and started struggling for life. Upon seeing this, the second pupil picked it up with his own hands, and put it back on the banks. But, while doing so the scorpion stung him and soon he was in deep pain as the poison started spreading.

    The first pupil, on seeing the second one in deep pain got very angry and said, ‘You did not follow the teachings of the Guruji and that is why you are in deep agony now.’ The second pupil reacted, ‘No I have followed his teachings, and he can’t be wrong.’ And that started the vehement discussion between the two, about the teachings of the Guru.

    In spite of the severe pain, the second pupil told the first one. ‘Our Guru, has taught us to help anyone in need, and at any cost, and even if they don’t agree with our sentiments. The way scorpion’s nature is to sting, my nature is to save it from drowning.’

    The first pupil said, ‘But our Guru has also taught us to keep away from bad people and to protect ourselves. But you have violated this rule of the Guru, and that is why you are in deep pain.

    Both stuck to their guns and could not reach a conclusion. Finally, they went to the guru and narrated the whole episode. Maharishi with a smiling face heard both of them, and in a peaceful tone said, ‘Up to a point you both are correct but beyond a point you both are incorrect. You all have not understood my teachings properly, as there is no contradiction in what I’ve said.’

    ‘When I taught you to stay away from bad people and things, what I meant was don’t let yourself get polluted by the evil. And every intelligent person should do this only till he doesn’t develop the inherent capacity to completely remove the evil from the society. When I taught you not to give up your helping nature, the objective behind was to teach you service. You should be like a true doctor, who doesn’t decipher between enmity and friendship and only concentrates on reducing and removing pain.

    In this episode the second pupil got mixed up with both the teachings. It was his duty to save the drowning creature. But he could have used a stick for that. There was no need to use your hand. By using a stick he could have saved that scorpion and also protected himself.

    ‘If the evil is powerful and big, what should one do?’ asked a pupil. The guru replied, ‘your first obligation is to save yourself, because to stay alive is the biggest obligation of life. Later on if it’s possible you can kill the evil with your materialistic and spiritual powers.

    This interesting story tells us how we should help others and while helping others we should also keep in mind that we don’t hurt ourselves. And as our gurus have said, help others by keeping yourself safe.

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Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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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

*

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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