Category Archives: spiritual

SHORT STORY: THE LONG HISTORY OF MANKIND

Copyright@shravancharitymission

veda 1 veda veda3

    Long time ago in a far away kingdom there lived a king who wanted to know about the complete history of mankind. Starting, right from the birth of the first man till the present day man. He therefore, decided to summon all the Vidvans (scholars) to his kingdom to understand from them. How much time it will take to provide him with this valuable and unique knowledge. Vidvans, discussed the matter amongst themselves. After which, the senior most out of them, got up and humbly said, ‘Your majesty. This otherwise will take a very long time. But we shall try and complete the exercise for you in about 20 years. And it will cost around 27,000 gold coins.

    Although, the cost of the assignment was exorbitant and the time frame was much more, than what the king had expected. He was still eager to know about the history of mankind. Therefore, he agreed to their proposal, and thereafter, handed over the gold coins to them and decided to wait for the findings.

    When the king had given the go ahead for the exercise. He was 50 years old. Since then, some twenty years had passed and he was now 70. Upon completion of the promised period all the Vidvans, reached the palace of the king with some 2000 books in 20 elephants. But by now the king had grown old. His eyesight and hearing had receded. Even his general health was not as good as before. So, he couldn’t have sat and attempted to read these voluminous books. Because, to read them, one would have required at least a time frame of ten years.

    So, the King softly said. ‘With this health condition of mine. Ten years is a long period. So kindly reduce the number of books for me. So that I can read them in lesser time.’

    Vidvans, again got into a huddle. To discuss the issue and came out in consensus, ‘Your Majesty. We will surely fulfill your wishes by reducing the number of books. But it will take five years and 5000 gold coins.’ The king had no choice being midway, than to accord his approval.  And after 5 years. The team of Vidvans, as agreed. Entered the King’s palace with some 200 books.

    But in the last 5 years. The king had fallen sick and had become extremely weak. So very weak, that he couldn’t even move. Even his eyesight and hearing capability had reduced substantially. And in no way. He could have gone through those books.

    The king therefore smiled and politely said, ‘I am obliged. That you all worked so hard for me. But now, I am physically not capable of reading these huge books. And in case, someone tries to read it to me. Then also, it will take a lot of time. So kindly reduce the number of books further.’ Vidvans had no choice but to agree to the King’s request. So, they told him. Your Majesty, this time it will take. At least a year and some 1000 gold coins to complete the exercise. To which the king readily agreed.

    After a year. All the Vidvans, as agreed reached the king’s palace with three voluminous books. But by now the king’s health had further deteriorated. Where, the doctors had given up hopes. Pundits and priests in the kingdom had now started their prayers. To save him.

    One Vidvan went close to the king and said, ‘Your majesty we have finally summarized the entire history of mankind, into, just 3 voluminous books. For you to read and benefit.’ King replied in dejection, ‘Now it is too late. As I am on my death bed. My wealth, time and efforts, all went for a waste in pursuit of this knowledge. Before, I even start reading the history of mankind that you all have brought for me, my death will take me far away.

    Nahi Rajan’ (No Your Majesty) replied the Vidvan, who was standing close to him, ‘you’ll surely learn about the history of mankind. And, in fact. Should I tell you about it in your ears now?’ King was in deep pain, but he made an effort to say, ‘Well if you can narrate it, in my ears. Please do it fast.’

    Vidvan respectfully bowed at the king and whispered in his ears, ‘a man is born. He eats all his life and at the end he dies. In short. This is the ultimate reality of mankind.’

    ‘That’s all, only this much,’ said the king and he expired, thereafter.

    This is one such a story that narrates, how the majority of mankind, have spent their time in this world. They are born, they eat and in spare time they do some work and one day because of tension and disease they expire.

    Can we not do better than this?

*

Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

*

                                                    https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

*

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

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)

*****

 

 

SHORT STORY: DIVINE ALIGNMENT

Copyright with shravancharitymission


c1c

    Today, once again, early in the morning I was woken up by a phone call from Sukhwinder Singh. He is a Granthi in a Gurudwara in Faridabad. But he also happens to be my friend, in the abstract spirits of comrade-in-arms. It appears he has a satellite connect with God and is able to figure out. When, over a period of time my entire self goes into a depression, thinking about my younger son, whom I lost some six years back. And just then he calls up.

    He doesn’t understand English and I can’t talk fluent Punjabi and so we make the most of it in Hindi. His occasional calls pep me up but I am not sure if it’s the other way round too. And, unlike most Sardars he is short and stout and often wears a saffron patka. We came together in life because we both share the curse of losing our sons in a space of a week.

    It was sometime in mid-February when I had admitted my younger son, when he was towards his last in a hospital in Faridabad for palliative care, where I found Sukhwinder’s son also admitted for liver disorder. He was in serious state, around twenty years of age; and the next day he expired. Our rooms were adjacent and so I had enough opportunities to picture and frame him in my mind. And, upon the sad and untimely death of his son, that afternoon, I walked across to his room and paid my deep sense of condolence. Thereafter, in a ballooning bundle of grief, he along with his wailing wife, family and the body of his son left the hospital.

    I was feeling sad for him. But I too wasn’t far behind. As my tragedy too, befell upon me within the next four days. I was thereafter on leave for a couple of weeks. And when I resumed office. Every morning I used to drive past a Gurudwara where one day I spotted Sukhwinder. I stopped my car and went up to him. Just to ask how he was, and quite frankly also to discern, better or worse than me. He was looking the other way when I put my hand on his shoulder. He turned around and without wasting time, I reminded him of the hospital and politely enquired about him, post his son’s death. He could recollect me in seconds and asked about my son. I gave him the tragic news. He sounded hurt. I decided to leave after a brief chat, but he ordered for a cup of tea. And our friendship thus began.

    Since that day till the time that Gurudwara was on my way to office, once in a while we used to meet over a cup of tea and he used to narrate quite a few invigorating episodes from ‘Granth Sahab’ and ‘Gita’ that helped me tide away, and soften my tragedy.

    It is now more than six years we continue as friends and we make it a point to talk to each other at least once a month just to share happiness and sorrow, and probably one day when we stop receiving calls from each other one of us will know the other has kicked the bucket.

    Our world is full of affinity, when it comes to being from the same religion, sect, ethnicity, language and food. But after I lost my son I realised there is also an affinity that takes birth out of unusual tragedies in life. I and Sukhwinder had similar tragedies leading to a very unusual experience in life not known and felt by many, and that brought us together.

By Kamlesh Tripathi

*****

SHORT STORY: TEXTILE MERCHANT … know your strengths

Copyright@shravancharitymission

 

short1 shortstory

TEXTILE MERCHANT … know your strengths

    Once upon a time. There lived a merchant who used to deal in textiles. He used to reside close to a port where ships from foreign countries used to dock with loads of merchandise. And from whom, he used to buy goods to sell in the local market through his shop.

    He had five workers who use to work under his manager. And the manager in turn used to report to him. So in all he had six employees. Each time, when a ship moored in the port. The merchant used to send his manager to get the details of the merchandise available, and basis his acumen and the information collected by him. The Merchant used to buy the merchandise, and the same used to get conveniently sold in his shop located in the market.

    One day, the employees working under the manager came up to the merchant and started requesting for a higher salary on the plea, that they work harder than the manager. Who only sat there and gave instructions while they did the entire labour. The merchant gave them a patient hearing and promised to look into the matter.

    One day when the merchant received a communication from the dock that a ship had arrived loaded with textile. He, instead of sending his manager sent one of the employees working under him to find out about the merchandise that had arrived in the port.

   The employee happily left, thinking the merchant this time had given him a chance to prove himself, instead of the manager. And after sometime he returned from the port when the merchant asked,

    ‘From which country has the merchandise arrived?’

    ‘I don’t know about the country master, but it is big ship with lots of merchandise.’

    ‘What kind of fabric do they have?’

    ‘I don’t know about that master, but there are big bundles, appearing to be thaans’  (bolts of fabric).

    ‘But are the thaans designed for children, ladies or gents?’

    ‘Master I didn’t ask about that. You want me to check again?’

    ‘Then tell me the price range of each thaan? Basis which I will be able to make out whether it is for ladies, gents or children?’

    ‘Sorry master I missed that too.’

    ‘And what about the total value of the merchandise?’

    ‘No idea master.’ Replied the employee, somewhat embarrassed and staring at the floor.

    Merchant looked at the employee pensively and said, ‘Few days back you and your fellow colleagues had come asking for an increase in salary. Because you felt you work harder than the manager. This time I gave you an assignment of the manager. Thinking you will be able to at least equal what he does, if not out-perform him. Had I sent the manager he would have got all the details without my asking and perhaps he could have answered ten more queries of mine. Basis which I could have made my purchase decision.

    Now to get all the relevant information in one go. I will again have to send someone. So, whom should I send this time?’ asked the merchant.

    The employee looked up and politely replied, ‘the manager master.’

    Moral of the story: Before we expect a higher salary or consider ourselves appropriate for a higher position. We must analyse how talented, skilled and knowledgeable we are about the assignment we are aspiring for. In this case while the jobs of employees had more of physical work the manger’s job was to gather niche information about the merchandise. But that alone helped in making purchase decisions, leading to sales, generation of revenue and profits.

By Kamlesh Tripathi

*

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

*

Share it if you like it

*

Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers that includes both children and adults and it has a huge variety in terms of content. We also accept donations for our mission. 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 8 prestigious libraries of the US that includes Harvard College Library; Harvard University Library; Library of Congress; University of Washington, Seattle; University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Yale University, New Haven; University of Chicago; University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill University Libraries. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in libraries and archives of Canada, Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai and Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida, India)

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; Available for reading in Indian National Bibliography, March 2016, in the literature section, in Central Reference Library, Ministry of Culture, India, Belvedere, Kolkata-700022)

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 the undying characteristics of Lucknow. The book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival of 2014. It is included for reading in Askews and Holts Library Services, Lancashire, U.K.)

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)

RHYTHM … in poems

(Published in January 2019. The book contains 50 poems. The poems describe our day to day life. The book is available in Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)

MIRAGE

(Published in February 2020. The book is a collection of eight short stories available in Amazon, Flipkart and Notion Press)

Short stories and Articles published in Bhavan’s Journal: Reality and Perception, 15.10.19; Sending the Wrong Message, 31.5.20; Eagle versus Scholars June, 15 & 20 2020; Indica, 15.8.20; The Story of King Chitraketu, August 31 2020; Breaking Through the Chakravyuh, September 30 2020. The Questioning Spouse, October 31, 2020; Happy Days, November 15, 2020; The Karma Cycle of Paddy and Wheat, December 15,2020; Power Vs Influence, January 31, 2021;

(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)

*****

 

 

 

*****

POETRY: LIFE BECOMES EASY WHEN CHALLENGE BECOMES A PASSION

Copyright@shravancharitymission

 

passionchallengespassion 2

A poem from the book: ‘Refractions from the Prism of God.’

LIFE BECOMES EASY WHEN CHALLENGE BECOMES A PASSION

Life is a challenge without passion,

Life is tough till ambition becomes a passion,

Everything is distant till goals become a passion,

And life remains tough till the will-to-achieve becomes a passion.

*

For in the heaps of life challenges are galore,

And I am just me but aspirations are truckloads,

Time is zipping where challenges are pulling,

And in all of this only passions are balancing.

*

Life is all about perseverance to perfection,

For mediocrity is lamentation,

But perseverance is boring,

Without the spice of passion.

*

For in the anvil of a lifetime,

Horizons are wide,

Subsist, exist or excel,

And all is in your aspirational spell.

*

For average is average,

Success is success,

Achievement is achievement,

But excellence is excellence.

*

But there is no excellence without passion,

And no challenge with passion,

For life is only a matter of habit,

Where in every sphere of life,

Passions overtake challenges.

****

By Kamlesh Tripathi

*

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

*

Share it 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)

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)

*****

 

SHORT STORY: KNOW YOUR GURU

Copyright@shravancharitymission

 

GURUKUL 2 GURUKUL 3 GURUKUL 1

    Once upon a time there lived a Mahatma called Angiras in a forest. In his aashram he had many pupils. And all them had a great respect for him. Especially, about his knowledge and wisdom.

    Among them, there were some who had learnt faster than the others and followed the route as suggested by the Guru. These pupils were generally respected by others for their learning prowess. But there were some who were jealous of them. They forgot that because of their own shortcomings they were unable to understand and comprehend the Guru in a wholesome manner. And soon, they started suspecting that the Guru was using some mysterious ways to coach his favourite students, for some special talent.

    One day when the Guru was alone. They went up to him and asked, ‘Gurudev, it appears you are teaching something special to your favourite students. Why don’t you give the same knowledge to us, also?

    Guru, did not like the query of his pupils. But he peacefully replied. ‘I consider everyone to be the same, and I have imparted the same education and knowledge to everyone. But if some out of you have progressed faster than others it is because of your own efforts. After all, who has stopped you from being proficient?’

    Students could not understand what the Guru was trying to say. This made the Guru rethink. After a little while he spoke again, ‘I am ready to give special attention to all the students who want it. But I have one condition. You will have to clear a small test for me. You will have to go to the nearby village. To find a good person for me.’ Finding the test to be simple and easy all the complaining students were very happy. They quickly elected a representative out of them who enthusiastically set out on the mission.

    But unfortunately. Wherever he went and whomsoever he met. Were all involved in some form of sin. After searching a lot. He returned to the ashram empty handed and in a remorse tone he said, ‘Gurudev, I’m sorry. I could not find even one person who had not committed a crime.’

    Guru, in a morose tone said. ‘Is it so! Let me see. Okay let me send someone, out of those students. About whom you all were complaining.’ Guru then called for a pupil out of them, and ordered him to go to the nearby village to get him a bad person. The obedient pupil said, ‘As the Guru desires. Let me try.’ And, with that he left.

    But the complaining students felt as if Gurudev had again committed injustice. Because, the pupil will get plenty of bad people. As the village is full of them.

    Guru requested them to keep their cool. After sometime. The deputed pupil returned empty handed and said with folded hands, ‘Please pardon me Guruji. I scanned the nearby village but I did not find a single bad person.’ On hearing this. Rest of the of the pupils started laughing. He further said, ‘every person has done at least one good deed. And I did not find a single person who had not done one good deed. So, kindly excuse me.’ After saying so. He took his Guru’s permission and left.

    Guru then told his complaining pupils, ‘My dear students. This is that borderline that differentiates between good and bad, right and wrong and positive and negative.

    Your mind blossoms when in everything you see goodness. World is a mixture of happiness and sorrow. It depends on your mindset and what you want to take from the world. People who are positive grow faster than those who are negative.

    For a Guru, all his pupils are dear. And if any pupil considers himself distanced from the Guru then it is that student’s stupidity. The more you feel close to me the more you will develop and it will be seen in your actions.’

This story tells how we should face life and its challenges. Complete surrender to your Guru  will only lift you from your sorrows. The story is from Upanishad.

*

Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

*

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

*

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

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)

*****

 

 

 

POETRY: YOUR CONSCIENCE WAS MY SIGN ON

 Copyright@shravancharitymission

 

CONSCIENCE CONSCIENCE1

 

 

 

YOUR CONSCIENCE WAS MY SIGN ON

In pursuit of you I prayed and prayed,

With you behind I strayed and strayed,

Knowing well you’ll protect me from all disgrace,

As the world looks up at you when in dire straights.

*

In all my wrongs you were a party,

As I churched and templed to keep you happy,

I divorced my disobedient conscience to be with you,

And in all my endeavours I only saw you.

*

You got me name fame wealth and riches,

You made me an icon to exemplify the masses,

I was going great guns,

Until one day it all stopped happening,

And God its tiring thereon.

*

Son you got me all wrong,

I was never in for your wrongs, and I’m deaf to songs,

And no more can see my own churches and temples,

Perhaps, God has now left them and gone,

And mere makeover and materialism is on,

*

And child when you were born,

I was around,

And I come to each child that is born,

To leave my sign on.

*

But God I didn’t find you when I was born,

So I kept looking for you in the temples, churches and my bygones,

And later … I discovered you in my prosperity and my riches,

Till one day it was all gone.

*

Dear son your conscience was my sign on,

Until one day you asked my ‘sign-on’ to carry on,

And since then you were on your own,

For I was long gone.

*

By Kamlesh Tripathi

*

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

*

Share it 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)

TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN

A story of an Indian Salesman who is lowly qualified but fights his way up. The book is now available in Amazon.com

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

*****

 

SHORT STORY: THE POWER IN GOD’S NAME

Copyright@shravancharitymission

guru gurukul student

 

Once upon a time there happened to be a novice pupil of a learned Guru. He was a simple soul and as tutored by his Guru he always chanted the name of God as his mantra. But one day a rare question came to his mind. When he went up to him and said, ‘Gurudev, why do I need to chant the name of God every now and then? As, by doing so I am neither helping him nor myself.’

    Guru smiled at his simplicity. He wanted him to learn something, out of his own experience. So he said to him. ‘If you want to feel the power in God’s name. Go close to that white bird perched on that tree near your house and ask him this question.’

    The pupil, in order to comply with his Guru’s orders. Went close to the bird and asked him the question. But was shocked to see that the bird died on the spot. The moment it heard God’s name. Scared and shocked the pupil ran to his Guru and narrated the entire episode to him. Guru heard what the pupil had to say and expressed his sorrow. Uttered some soothing words and then said, ‘Don’t worry about it my son. Now you go to all those animals that stay in the stables, near your house. There you have a cow that has just given birth to a calf. You go an ask this question in the calf’s ears.’

    But unlike last time. This time, the pupil was not very keen on going there, because of his previous experience. But still just to obey his Guru he reluctantly went up to the calf and asked the same question. But he was shell-shocked as the calf too, upon hearing the name of God. Died on the spot.

    Devastated, the pupil ran to his Guru again, and loudly said, ‘Gurudev! Recitation of God’s name, has made me a murderer of two. What should I do now? Guru looked at him for a moment and then expressed his grief, again. He then followed it up, with some more kind words and consoled him, by saying, ‘I regret both the times you were disappointed. But I would request one last time. You, please go to the nearby kingdom, and to the King’s palace there. And ask the same question to his newly born baby Rajkumar.

    Once again, the novice pupil was dejected. But just to keep up with his Guru’s orders. He reluctantly headed towards the kingdom. He was extremely scared and gingerly, he went up to the king. Where, he mentioned his Guru’s name and desired to see the new born baby Rajkumar. Since the King knew the Guru and respected him he allowed him to see the Rajkumar. The novice, without losing any time went up to the baby and asked the same question. But upon hearing God’s name a mishap occurred and the baby died. The king got extremely upset. He ordered his infantry to do away with the novice by putting him to death. Nervous, the pupil started talking to himself. ‘O my God, I didn’t know your name was so harmful for others. I was better off without it.’

    But while he was murmuring all this. A piercing-celestial ray of light came out of the baby’s body and formed into a divine shape. It gestured pranam at the novice pupil and said. ‘I am grateful to you and your Guru. I was serving a curse that I will have three births on earth, and that I will suffer profusely. But your Guru to protect me sent you for my help. When I was a bird you got me mukti (salvation). When I was a calf. Then also you liberated me, and when I was born in human form then too, you got me mukti, by just uttering the name of God. There is immense power in God’s name which you can’t see. After saying all this the divine form vanished. The king released the pupil and gave him lots of presents. The pupil went running to his Guru. He was spellbound. Guru smiled and admiringly said, ‘now you know the real power in God’s name. Name of God can do such miracles that we can’t even think of. But the job is extremely precise and highly devotional.

    The story is from Upanishad.

*

Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

*

                                                        https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

*

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

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)

*****

 

 

SHORT STORY- THE GREEDY FARMER

Copyright@shravancharitymission

 

fff

    Long time ago there lived a lazy farmer in the countryside who wanted to become rich without any efforts. One day he learnt of a Mahatma (noble and learned person) who lived in the jungles and about whom it was famous that by visiting and praying to him one could fulfill his desires. So, he decided to visit him.

    The Mahatma after peacefully listening to the farmer agreed to fulfill his wishes. He assured, ‘I will give you a mantra that will make you rich.’ And soon he passed it on to the farmer.

    Who was now exuberant about the comforting thought, that without any efforts he will now become rich. But as he was about to leave, the Mahatma called him back and said, ‘Arrey, I forgot to tell you something important. The moment you start getting weary of monkeys this mantra will become ineffective, and then you will not get the fruits of it.’

    Upon hearing this, the farmer started laughing and said, ‘Mahatma ji, you just don’t worry, monkeys have never troubled me, neither in the fields nor in my thoughts. And, for a long time I have not even dreamt of a monkey.’ And, after replying to the Mahatma, the farmer quickly rushed to his house and started preparing for a ritualistic recital of the sacred mantra.

    But the moment he uttered the mantra he got terrified, because he thought of ‘monkey.’ Thereon, whenever, he uttered the mantra, he thought of monkey. And soon, every moment, the thought of monkey started troubling him. So much so that monkey even started coming in his dreams. And sadly by now, the thought of monkey had truly disturbed him, both while he was awake and also while he was asleep.

    After some days the farmer was quite terrified and saddened as the thought of monkey had almost plagued his mind. And, when he was unable to bear this he went running to the Mahatma and fell on his feet and started sobbing, ‘Mahatma ji, I am extremely distressed as I have lost my peace of mind. I have no desire of becoming rich and you please take your mantra back and save me from the thought of monkey.’

    This story is from an Indian Upanishad and reveals our mindset which like a monkey is never in our control. This story also conveys, goals are important but equally important is the means to get to your goal.

*

By Kamlesh Tripathi

*

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

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)

*****

 

 

KNOW THY SELF … WHAT ARE YOU?

Copyright@shravancharitymission

i2 innerself i3

You are what you like to think,

You are what you like to remember,

You are what you like to discover,

You are what you like to recover.

*

You are what you like to speak,

You are what you like to read,

You are what you like to write,

You are what you like to hear,

*

You are what you like to dream,

You are what you like to do,

You are what you like to scream,

You are what you like to achieve,

*

You are what you like to preach,

You are what you like to tread,

You are what you like to grace,

You are what you like to brace.

*

You are what you like to appreciate,

You are what you like to criticize,

You are what you like to support,

You are what you like to kill.

*

You are what you like to sing,

You are what you like to worry,

You are what you like to celebrate,

You are what you like to mourn.

*

You are what you like as company,

You are what you like to eat,

You are what you like to drink,

You are what you like to mint.

*

You are what you like to enjoy,

You are what you like to crib,

You are what you like to scoff,

You are what you like to rinse.

*

You are what you like to encounter,

You are what you like to interface.

*

And last but not the least, and as you breathe,

Whether you like it or not,

Some day you will realise,

You are only a sum total of all these.

**

To know yourself, honestly plot two choices against each to know the complex beehive you live in.

*

By Kamlesh Tripathi

*

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

*

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)

*****

 

TOGETHER … BUT NOT MADE FOR EACH OTHER

Copyright@shravancharitymission

 …. Cherish your struggle together

m6

m2

m

TOGETHER … BUT NOT MADE FOR EACH OTHER

 

 

 

In the bygones of life I find …

… We sacrificed so much … to be together,

But soon I realised we were not made for each other.

*

How well we began together,

Only to learn midway,

That we were not made for each other.

*

Every criss-cross of life we treaded together,

Every sorrow and happiness we faced together,

In those steep ups … and slimy slides of life we held together,

But then again I thought we were not made for each other,

*

Each step in life, we took together,

Every deed, and misdeed if any, we enacted together,

Knowing fully well we were not made for each other,

*

We saw each wrinkle lining up in us together,

And, also, each strand greying in us together,

Yet, I always thought we were not made for each other.

*

One day we noticed our walk was slowing,

And another day we saw our shoulders were drooping,

Yet we kept walking together,

But even then I thought we were not made for each other,

*
Not one but every sunrise was together,
Not occasional, but each sunset was together,
And of course we laughed and fought and cried together,
Even when we were not made for each other,
 

*

And then one day,

In my dying moments when we were together,

I saw we were not only together but also made for each other,

But by then it was late,

Because our physical togetherness was over.

*

Life is a drag if you wish to live in dissensions and a melody if you adopt togetherness.

By Kamlesh Tripathi

*

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

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)

*****