Tag Archives: lord krishna

Reader’s Rewind: I dreamt of Utopia … by Kamlesh Tripathi

February 2, 2026article, short article on politics, Uncategorizedajatshatru, bimbisara, dystopia, fantasy, fiction, greek, Greek mythology, happy man without a shirt, happy prince, hesiod's theogony, kamlesh tripathi, kansa mama, lord krishna, mahatma gandhi, mathuram, mythology, Oscar Wilde, round table conference, shakespeare, shravan charity mission, titans, uranus, utopia, winston churchill, writing, Zeusshravancharitymission

READER’S REWIND: I DREAMT OF UTOPIA

The world has become colourful. But the ‘Happy Prince’ is no longer alive to see it. So is the swallow, who carried out his last orders, but died in the frost, at his feet, before he could escape to Egypt. The lead metal statue of the ‘Happy Prince’ cracks in agony, but his leaden heart still beats for his kingdom and his subjects. But are there any such rulers left, anymore? Well, they are practically extinct or very rare. Perhaps you might remember the name of the author who wrote the story ‘The Happy Prince.’ I’m forgetting his name. Oh! I remember now. It was Oscar Wilde. But “What’s in a name? Wrote Shakespeare. “That which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet.” Maybe Oscar Wilde would like to rewrite the story ‘Happy Prince’ in the context of the present day while residing in heaven. But does a happy man without a shirt exist anymore, as told in the Italian tale ‘The Happy Man’s Shirt’? A quintessential example in recent times was India’s Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, whose simple attire—a loincloth and shawl (without shirt) during the 1930s, particularly around the 1931 Round Table Conference- was given the abrasive title of ‘half-naked fakir’ by the British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, to mock him. I’m more than sure there isn’t a happy man without a shirt anymore because the man now wears not only shirts but also colourful shirts, yet he remains unhappy.

Utopia is now seized of polarising colours, such as red, blue, green and saffron, and certain adamant tenets and philosophies that rule the roost, along with the so-called isms, the right wing and the left wing, in the central pillar of democracy. Have we gone back in time? Are we proving the Greek epic poem Hesiod’s Theogony correct, which propagated the initial theory that dense darkness covered everything until the earth was born out of chaos? With Earth came the mountains, the sea, the sky and Uranus. Uranus and Earth came together and gave birth to the Titans. Later, the Titans and Gods, both from the same lineage and class, fought for supremacy, in which the Greek God Zeus won, just like Lord Krishna.

But halt there. Take time off to think because the world leaders of today suffer from the same fear as Uranus, Cronus or the Kansa Mama of Mathura, who killed their would-be adversaries. Even Nigas tried to swallow Lord Vishnu in a television series, but that was in a different context. Ajatashatru killed his father Bimbisara to ascend the throne of the Magadha Empire, and in return, his son too killed him for the same throne. The Robinhoods are extinct now. The two biggest democracies are always in the news, but at times for the wrong reasons. The world is full of Brutus in present times, which may put the original Brutus to shame and the Bard into a wonder, ‘to be or not to be’.

One can say goodness has eclipsed and is rarely seen and experienced. Much has evolved, but more is yet to come. So wait and watch. Be on the lookout for that happy man without a shirt, and the happy prince, with a lead heart that beats for the public even now. Fortunately, I dreamt, Utopia shall remain Utopia and not become a Dystopia.

Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

Author, Poet, & Columnist

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. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause of cancer? 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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READER’S REWIND: I DREAMT OF UTOPIA

January 31, 2026article, short article, short story, Uncategorizedajatshatru, bimbisara, brutus, dystopia, earth, egypt, fantasy, fiction, frost, Greek mythology, hesiod's theogony, i dreamt of utopia, kamlesh tripathi, kansa mama, loincloth, lord krishna, lord vishnu, magadha empire, mahatma gandhi, mythology, Oscar Wilde, robinhoods, shakespeare, shravan charity mission, swallow, the happy man's shirt, the happy prince, titans, uranus, utopia, winston churchill, writing, Zeusshravancharitymission

READER’S REWIND: I DREAMT OF UTOPIA

Kamlesh Tripathi

Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

Author, Poet, & Columnist

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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WHAT IS LIFE WITHOUT MIRTH AND LAUGHTER?

December 30, 2025article, spiritual, Uncategorizedalabaster, antonio, Bhagawat Gita, gratiano, john milton, kamlesh tripathi, L Allegro, laughter, lila, liver, lord krishna, mahabharata, merchant of venice, mirth, mortification, Oscar Wilde, peevish, Penserso, portia, shakespears, shravan charity mission, spiritual, visages, wrinklesshravancharitymission

WHAT IS LIFE WITHOUT MIRTH AND LAUGHTER?

Kamlesh Tripathi

In Shakespeare’s play, ‘The Merchant of Venice’, Gratiano, a close friend of Antonio, while addressing him, says,

Let me play the fool; /With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come;/ And let my liver rather heat with wine/Than my heart cool with mortifying groans./Why should a man whose blood is warm within/Sit like his grandsire cut in alabaster,/Sleep when he wakes, and creep into the jaundice/By being peevish? I tell thee what, Antonio — I love thee, and ’tis my love that speaks — There are a sort of men whose visages/ Do cream and mantle like the standing pond.

In this address, Gratiano argues that a life without mirth is like living death. He prefers to “play the fool” and age naturally through laughter rather than grow emotionally cold through constant seriousness. Using the bodily imagery of liver, heart, and blood, Shakespeare contrasts warmth, passion, and circulation with ‘mortification,’ which literally means killing the spirit. Gratiano mocks men who, despite having ‘warm blood,’ sit rigid and joyless like alabaster tomb statues, alive in body but dead in feeling. Such people ‘sleep when they wake’ and even make themselves ill through peevishness, as suggested by the image of jaundice. Spoken out of affection for Antonio, the speech criticises cultivated melancholy and false gravity, asserting that true wisdom lies in emotional vitality, openness, and engagement with life rather than in frozen solemnity.

Although he speaks generally about a “sort of men” who cultivate solemnity. He directly names Antonio in the middle of the passage—“I tell you what, Antonio — I love thee, and ’tis my love that speaks”. This makes it clear that the speech is an affectionate rebuke of Antonio’s habitual melancholy at the beginning of The Merchant of Venice (Act I, Scene i). Gratiano urges Antonio to abandon his excessive seriousness and embrace warmth, mirth, and emotional vitality.

Excessive gravity dries up life, while laughter, warmth, and engagement are signs of true wisdom. Gratiano’s defence of mirth belongs to a long humanistic tradition. Numerous authors and texts have conveyed the concept of a fulfilling life. “Life is too important to be taken seriously”, says Oscar Wilde. L’Allegro (“The Cheerful Man”) and Il Penseroso (“The Pensive/Melancholy Man”) are companion poems by John Milton that explore two contrasting, yet complementary, ways of life: one embracing mirth, nature, and social joy, and the other favouring solitary contemplation, deep study, and serious thought, with both leading to profound insights and true happiness. They present a balanced view of a perfect life, showing the value in both active pleasure and deep reflection, often described as ‘twin poems.’

Gratiano’s defence of mirth and emotional warmth reflects a worldview strikingly close to that found in Hindu mythology, where life is understood not as grim endurance but as lila, the cosmic-divine play. Figures like Lord Krishna, who laughs, dances, and plays the flute even while guiding the world’s moral order, embody the belief that wisdom need not wear a solemn face. Similarly, Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, is a depiction of God Shiva, the great ascetic, suggesting that restraint and ecstasy must coexist. Both Shakespeare and Hindu mythology thus challenge the notion that gravity alone equals depth. They affirm that true understanding flows from warmth, movement, andengagement with life, where joy becomes not frivolity but a profound expression of spiritual and human vitality.

The Bhagavad Gita celebrates the Inner Cheerfulness, ‘Natushyati, na kanksati’ which means – The sthitaprajna (One with steady wisdom) neither grieves nor desires. He remains cheerful in himself. It rejects anxiety and gloom, valuing inner brightness and balance, much like Gratiano’s refusal to sit in sorrow. “Life itself is the greatest of gifts says Mahabharata – The epic repeatedly says that life, with all its struggles, is worth cherishing, and one should engage in it energetically.

Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

Author, Poet, & Columnist

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Legends surrounding the Parijaat Tree by Kamlesh Tripathi

September 22, 2025article, UncategorizedArjuna, asuras, baibab tree, barabanki, gods, gunga dusshera, harivansh puran, indra, indralok, kamlesh tripathi, kintoor, kumbh mela, lord krishna, mythology, narad, parijaat tree, princess parijataka, rukmini, samudra manthan, satyabhama, shravan charity mission, sub saharanshravancharitymission

Just as it is believed that Gods and Asuras (demons) claimed ‘Amrit’ by churning the ocean, in the great mythological event of Samundra Manthan, which happens to be the genesis of the world-famous ‘Kumbh Mela’, now considered the biggest spiritual congregation on earth. It is also believed that either Lord Krishna or Arjuna brought the Parijaat Tree from heaven.

Parijaat is considered a sacred Baobab tree. Modern science traces its origin to Sub-Saharan Africa. The tree may have been planted in India by someone who travelled between India and Africa. By the order of the local district magistrate, any form of damage to the tree is strictly prohibited. The tree stands in the village of Kintoor, in the district of Barabanki, in Uttar Pradesh. In botanical terms, Parijaat is known as Adansonia Digitata. The Government website places it in a special category because it does not bear either fruits or seeds, and neither can its branch-cuttings be planted to reproduce a second Parijaat tree. It is also known as “the tree from paradise”. Its age is difficult to determine. Botanists describe it as a unisex tree. It is unique and has not been found anywhere else. The leaves at the lower part of the tree have five tips like the fingers of a hand, while those at the upper part have seven tips.

Parijaat bears beautiful flowers with snow-white petals, five in number, with a red stalk. After drying up, the flowers take on a golden hue. They bloom only at night and shed before sunrise. They also possess medicinal value. The tree blossoms occasionally, with very few flowers, but after ‘Ganga Dussehra’, a Hindu festival that commemorates the day the holy Goddess Ganga descended from heaven to Earth to purify the souls of King Bhagiratha’s ancestors. Its fragrance spreads far and wide. The tree’s age is estimated between 1000 and 5000 years, with a trunk perimeter of around 50 feet, and a height of around 45 feet.

Village Kintoor is named after Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas. It is about 38 km east of the district headquarters, Barbanki. Several ancient temples and ruins are also found in the area. Near the temple established by Kunti in the village of Kintoor stands the Parijaat Tree, which, according to a legend, grew out of Kunti’s ashes.

Many other legends about this tree find popular acceptance. One being, Arjuna, brought it from heaven, and Kunti offered its flowers to Lord Shiva.

There is also a sad myth according to which Princess Parijataka was in love with the Sun God, but her love was never reciprocated. Heartbroken, she committed suicide and from her ashes rose the Parijaat Tree. Unable to bear the sight of her love during the day, she blooms only at night and sheds her flowers as tears, before sunrise.

Another story is that Lord Krishna brought this tree for his queen, Satyabhama or Rukmini. According to Harivansh Puraan, the Parijaat Tree is a Kalpavriksha or wish-fulfilling divine tree, otherwise found only in heaven. Newlyweds visit the tree for blessings, and every Tuesday, a fair is held where local people worship the tree.

Some myths suggest that the tree sheds its tears at the touch of the first rays of the sun. Its flowers spread their fragrance in the entire area during the day. According to another myth, the Parijaat tree was planted in Indralok, which was one of the gifts received from the Samudra Manthan. It was thus a celestial plant, not available on earth. To sow seeds of discord, sage Narada brought some flowers from Indralok and gave them to Lord Krishna. He then waited to see to which of his wives Krishna would present them. Finally, Krishna gave the flowers to Rukmini. On seeing this, Narada went to Satyabhama, Krishna’s other wife and told her about it.

On hearing this, Satyabhama felt very jealous. Narada then gave her a solution. He suggested that she should insist on Krishna getting the plant itself from Indralok and plant it at her home, instead of a few flowers. Satyabhama decided to do that, and when Krishna came to her quarters, she expressed her anger and disappointment over the entire incident and insisted that he retrieve the whole plant from Indralok.

In the meantime, Narada went and warned Indra that some earthlings were out to steal the celestial plant from his Indralok. Meanwhile, when Krishna and Satyabhama were about to leave Indralok, after obtaining the celestial Parijaat tree, they were accosted by Indra. Soon, a battle broke out between them in which Indra lost.

But Indra would not let it go so easily. He cursed that the plant would never bear fruit again, though it might bear flowers, and since then, the Parijaat tree does not bear any fruit.

Having brought the tree to Dwarka, Rukmini also took a fancy to the tree because of its flowers. Krishna planted the tree in such a manner that, though the tree was planted in Satyabhama’s house, when it bore flowers, they would fall in Rukmini’s home. Satyabhama had asked for the tree, and she got it. Rukmini wanted the flowers, and she too got it.

It is believed that the Parijaat Tree in village Kintoor, in district Barabanki, in Uttar Pradesh, dates back to the Mahabharat era. It is mentioned in the Mahabharat that Sri Krishna uprooted the Parijaat Tree from the kingdom of Indira, the King of the Devas.

Another legend in the Puranas suggests that Arjuna of the Mahabharata brought the Parijaat Tree for his mother Kunti, who offered it to Shiva.

Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

Author, Poet, & Columnist

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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World Music Day: An Intertwining of Rhythm and Soul

June 20, 2025article, column, literary corner, Uncategorizedandre rieu, ARABIC, beethoven, books, chariots of fire, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, fete de la musique, food, friedrich nietzsche, Goddess Saraswati, kamlesh tripathi, Kashmiri, Lal Ded, lord krishna, mausiki, Mira bai, mozart, photos, Rag megh malahar, RUMI, shravan charity mission, sports, tansen, technology, Vangelis, world music dayshravancharitymission

World Music Day is also known as Fête de la Musique. It is celebrated annually on June 21. It originated in France, where citizens were encouraged to play music in their homes and neighbourhoods. The English word ‘music’ originates from the Arabic word ‘Mausiki.’

The world has never been bereft of music. The veena of Goddess Saraswati symbolises the harmony of the universe. It is the melodic balance of speech, sound, and silence. Meera Bai’s bhajans captivate listeners with love and devotion. She sang for Lord Krishna. “Mere to Giridhar Gopal, doosro na koi” (I belong only to Giridhar Gopal, no one else.) In her Vakhs, Lal Ded, the 14th-century Kashmiri mystic poet, speaks of an inner sound or vibration that leads to spiritual awakening. The idea supports the Indian philosophical concept of Nada Brahma—the belief that the universe itself is the divine sound.

“Mujh se pehli si mohabbat meri mehboob na maang, Mausiki mein bhi ab woh halaat nahin rahe.” (Do not ask me for the love I once gave you. Music no longer holds the same sweetness.) In this line, Urdu poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz intertwines lost love with the fading joy in music, linking emotion with melody.

Tansen believed music was the path to the divine. His practice was deeply spiritual, and he often sang in praise of Lord Krishna. According to legends, Tansen could light lamps with Raga Deepak, bring rain with Raga Megh Malhar, and calm wild animals with appropriate ragas. Though these tales may be exaggerated, they reflect the belief that music is a natural force, not merely an art form, but a form of sadhana (spiritual discipline). Tansen said, “Raag aur taal ke bina sangeet adhoora hai. Sangeet vo hai jo man ko shaant kare aur bhagwan se milaye.” (“Music without raga and rhythm is incomplete. True music is that which calms the mind and brings one closer to God.”)

Mystic poet Kabir did not regard music merely as an art but as a sacred practice and a direct path to the divine. His verses (dohas) often express the idea that true music arises from within, when the soul becomes attuned to the divine presence.

Greek composer Vangelis, whose iconic theme ‘Çhariots of Fire’ (fit to be the Olympic hymn) won him an Academy Award in 1981, conveys his underlying craving for music. He believed that music shaped the universe and that he understood the world through music. Vangelis believed in ‘Sadhana’.

André Rieu, the famous Dutch violinist and conductor, emphasises the emotional and universal nature of music: “I make music to touch the souls of people as it’s a language we all can speak.” German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche famously stated, “Without music, life would be a mistake.” Persian Poet Rumi believed passionately in the use of music, poetry, and dance as a path for reaching God. For Rumi, music helped devotees concentrate their whole being on the divine. Rumi encouraged Sama to listen to music and engage in the sacred dance. Rumi’s favourite musical instrument was the reed flute … ‘Listen to the reed and the tale it tells’.

“The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between,” was Mozart’s take, and “Music should strike fire from the heart of man and bring tears from the eyes of woman,” proclaimed Beethoven. “If music be the food of love, play on,” wrote Shakespeare, in Twelfth Night.

And finally, life is best described in the musical song ‘Que Sera Sera. Whatever will be will be,’ written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. Let music be your companion in joy, in sorrow, and in silence. Happy World Music Day.

Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

Author, Poet, & Columnist

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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JANMABHOOMI VS KARMABHOOMI

September 5, 2023Uncategorizedbhagvad gita, buddha, Dalai Lama, Gaya, gokul, janmabhoomi, kamlesh tripathi, karma, karmabhoomi, lord krishna, Lord Rama, mahabharata, mahatma gandhi, shravan charity missionshravancharitymission

There is always a relationship between Janmabhoomi and Karmabhoomi and that relationship should be glorified to achieve you life’s mission.

By Kamlesh Tripathi

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. Our posts are meant for our readers that include 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 to 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; Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida; India. Shoolini University, Yogananda Knowledge Center, Himachal Pradesh and Azim Premzi University, Bangalore).

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 characteristic of Lucknow. The book was launched at the Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2014. It is included for reading in Askews and Holts Library Services, Lancashire, U.K; Herrick District Library, Holland and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, Mecklenburg County in North Carolina, USA; Black Gold Cooperative Library Administration, Arroyo Grande, California; Berkeley Library, University of California).

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 at Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2016)

TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN

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

RHYTHM … in poems

(Published in January 2019. The book contains 50 poems. The poems describe our day-to-day life. A few poems from the book have been published in Shillong Times, Bandra Times and Bhavan’s Journal. The book is available on 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)

AWADH ASSAM AND DALAI LAMA … The Kalachakra

(The story of the man who received His Holiness The Dalai Lama and his retinue in 1959 as a GOI representative when he fled Tibet in 1959. The book was launched on 21^st November 2022 by His Holiness The Dalai Lama at Dharmshala. The title is archived in the library of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) Government of Tibet, Tibet Policy Institute (TPI) and the personal library of His Holiness. The title is also archived in The Ohio Digital Library, USA).

BHAVANS JOURNAL

Short stories, Book reviews and Articles published in Bhavan’s Journal: 1. Reality and Perception, 15.10.19; 2. Sending the Wrong Message, 31.5.20; 3. Eagle versus Scholars June, 15 & 20 2020; 4. Indica, 15.8.20; 5. The Story of King Chitraketu, August 31 2020; 6. Breaking Through the Chakravyuh, September 30 2020. 7. The Questioning Spouse, October 31, 2020; 8. Happy Days, November 15, 2020; 9. The Karma Cycle of Paddy and Wheat, December 15, 2020; 10. Power Vs Influence, January 31, 2021; 11. Three Refugees, March 15, 2021; 12. Rise and Fall of Ajatashatru, March 31, 2021; 13. Reformed Ruler, May 15, 2021; 14. A Lasting Name, May 31, 2021; 15. Are Animals Better Teachers? June 16, 2021; 16. Book Review: The Gram Swaraj, 1.7.21; 17. Right Age for Achievements, 15.7.21; 18. Big Things Have Small Beginnings, 15.8.21; 19. Where is Gangaridai?, 15.9.21; 20. Confront the Donkey Within You 30.9.21; 21. Know Your Strengths 15.10.21; 22. Poverty 15.11.21; 23. Top View 30.11.21; 24. The Bansuriwala 15.1.22; 25. Sale of Alaska 15.2.22; 26. The Dimasa Kingdom 28.2.22; 27. Buried Treasure 15.4.22; 28. The Kingdom of Pragjyotisha 30.4.22; 29. Who is more useful? 15.5.22; 30. The White Swan from Lake Mansarovar 30.6.22; 31. Bhool Bhulayya 15.9.22; 32. Good Karma 30.9.22; 33. Good Name vs Bad Name 15.10.22; 34. Uttarapath—The Grand Trunk Road 1.12.22; 35. When Gods Get Angry 1.1.23; 36. Holinshed’s Chronicles 15.1.23; 37. Theogony 15.2.23; 38. Poem: Mother 14.5.23; 39. THE NAG MANDIR 30.6.23; 40. The Story of Garuda 30.7.23; 41. Janmabhoomi vs Karmabhoomi;

SUNDAY SHILLONG TIMES

ARTICLES & POEMS: 1. POEM: HAPPY NEW YEAR 8.1.23; 2. POEM: SPRING 12.3.23; 3. POEM: RIGHT AND WRONG 20.3.23; 4. THE GUSH OF EMOTION—WRITING, 26.3.23; 5. THE NAG MANDIR, 7.5.23; 6. POEM: MOTHER 7.5.23; 7. POEM: RAIN RAIN 9.7.23; 8. POEM: YOU COME ALONE YOU GO ALONE 6.8.23;

BANDRA TIMES, MUMBAI

ARTICLES & POEMS: 1. POEM: SPRING, 1.4.23; POEM: MOTHER, 1.6.23; 1.8.23 POEM: RAIN RAIN;

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

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UTOPIA TO DYSTOPIA

January 15, 2021Uncategorizedamerica, article, bjp, blue, congress, democrat, dystopia, egypt, green, happy prince, india, kamlesh tripathi, left wing, lord krishna, red, republican, right wing, robinhood, saffron, shravan charity mission, usa, utopia, Zeusshravancharitymission

Utopia to Dystopia The world has become colourful. But the ‘Happy Prince’ is no more alive to see it. So is the swallow, who carried out his last orders, but died in the frost, at his feet, before escaping to Egypt. The lead metal statue of the ‘Happy Prince’ cracks in agony but his leaden heart still beats for his kingdom and his junta. But are there any such rulers, anymore? Well they are extinct. Perhaps, the author, you know, about whom, I’m talking, I’m forgetting his name, par naam me kya rakha hai, can rewrite the story again, while flourishing in the heaven. And, is there a ‘happy man’ without a shirt anymore? No!! I’m sure not. For the man now, not only, wears, shirts, but he wears colourful shirts, yet remains unhappy.

The Utopia is now seized of bright colours, such as red—blue, green and the saffron, and some adamant tenets, and philosophies, to rule with, the so called isms, the right wing and the left wing in the central hall of democracy. Have we gone back in time? Are we proving Hesiod’s Theogony as right, that said, initially, the dense darkness, covered everything, until the earth was born out of chaos? With earth came the mountains, the sea and the sky, the Uranus. Uranus and Earth came together and gave birth to the Titans. Later Titans and Gods both from the same lineage fought for supremacy where Zeus won just like Lord Krishna. But halt here. Take time off to think. For world leaders of today suffer from the same fear as Uranus, Cronus and the Kansa Mama of Mathura, who swallowed, there would be adversaries. Even Nigas tried swallowing Lord Vishnu but in a different context. The Robinhoods are extinct now.

The two biggest democracies are in the news often for the wrong reasons. There are too many Brutus’ that may put the original one to shame and the Bard into a wonder. To be or not to be. Much has evolved, but more is yet to come. Wait and watch. Be on the lookout for that happy man without a shirt, and the happy prince, with a lead heart that beats for the public even now.

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

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

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 10^th 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;

(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)

*****

SHORT STORY: THE STORY BEHIND ‘GOVERDHAN PUJA’

November 20, 2020short story, Uncategorized, video short storybanaras, dhanushkoti, goverdhan parvat, hanuman, kamlesh tripathi, krishna, lord krishna, Lord Rama, mathura, Pulastya, rishi, sage, shravan charity mission, sri lanka, varanasi, vrajvasi, vrindavanshravancharitymission

Lord God Krishna lifting the Govardhan Parwat

Goverdhan was a docile but a mighty mountain that co-existed in harmony with his father, Dronachala, centuries ago. One day, the great sage, Pulastya, happened to pass by the mountain. And, he took such an instant liking to Govardhan that he desired to carry him off to Banaras, so that he could perform his meditation peacefully, in the secluded caves of Govardhan.

Respecting the sage, Govardhan agreed to go, but on one condition. That wherever and whenever, Pulastya, would keep him down, after lifting him up, he would not move from that spot. The sage readily agreed to this. He lifted Goverdhan, and began to fly towards Banaras. But, as they flew over Vrindavan, Goverdhan felt, an intense attraction to settle down there. So, with his mystic power, he caused an irresistible urge in Pulastya, to attend to nature’s call. Sage Pulastya, forgetting, the one and only one condition, was compelled to place Govardhan down, in Vrindavan.

After relieving himself, when, Pulastya tried to lift Goverdhan to continue his onward journey to Banaras, but the mountain didn’t budge an inch. Pulastya, tried with all his might but Goverdhan stayed put. This enraged the sage. He cursed Goverdhan, to shrink in size and eventually become a small hillock. Govardhan, accepted the curse with a woeful heart, taking it, as the unshakeable will of the Almighty.

But as fate would have it. Much later in Treta Yuga, God Hanuman, lifted ‘Govardhan Parbat’ for bringing it to Dhanushkodi, as part of the magnificent bridge that was being constructed for Lord God Rama to cross over the present day Palk-Strait (India to Sri Lanka). But, suddenly a mysterious voice resounded (Akashwani) in the sky, announcing, that the bridge was already completed. Disappointed, God Hanuman, returned to the spot from where he had lifted Govardhan and placed him back in that same very spot, in Vraja-bhoomi, where the mountain stood earlier.

Goverdhan, felt sad because he missed a golden opportunity to serve the divine mission of lord God Rama. Yet, he waited patiently for many years hoping against hope, to be of some service to Lord God Krishna in Dvapara yuga.

When Krishna grew up, into a young boy, his heart was irresistibly attracted to this magic hill, Goverdhan, whose slopes were full of lush pasture grounds, for crows to graze, and also served as a playground for Krishna and the cowherd boys, and girls to revel in various sport and relax and refresh themselves in the crystal clear waters of Govardhan’s lake, and secluded caves.

Krishna wanted to teach Indra a lesson, since he had become too proud, because of the traditional ‘yajna’ that the Vraja-wasis were offering to him. So, he convinced Nanda baba, to discontinue the ‘Indra-yajna,’ and instead, have a glorious festival, to honour Govardhan. Deeply mortified, the enraged king of heaven decided to drown the inhabitants of Vraja with unseasonal devastating rains, stormy winds and hailstorm for seven long days.

Krishna, however, thwarted Indra’s ruthless plan by effortlessly holding Govardhan on his little finger, like a gigantic umbrella, for the protection of the terrified residents of Vraja Bhoomi.

In stark contrast to Indra’s arrogance and reckless conduct, Govardhan’s gentle and submissive nature attracted the favour of Krishna who elevated the mountain to the status of a sacred deity.

Govardhan Parvat, adds special charm and enchantment to the holy land of Vraja-bhoomi and whom millions of devotees circumambulate throughout the year, even till date.

By Kamlesh Tripathi

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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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

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN

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. It is available in Amazon, Flipkart and Notion Press)

(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)

*****

THE TWO MAJOR HISTORICAL EPICS IN HINDUISM-VALMIKI, TULSIDAS AND VED VYAS

July 22, 2016article, Uncategorizedarth, article, dharm, gita, kam, krishna, lord krishna, mahabharata, moksha, ramayana, short story, spiritual, story, tulsidass, valmiki, ved vyas, yugshravancharitymission

Had it not been for the ultimate epic writers and sages such as Valmiki and Tulsidas who wrote Ramayan, and Ved Vyas who wrote Mahabharat. Hinduism would have remained incomplete and perhaps in the confines of God alone. It is only because of these great all time writers. The history of Hinduism has spread so comprehensively all across the world since inception.

Ramayan and Mahabharat are the two historical sagas referred as Itihas (history) in Hinduism. That serves as the eternal inspiration for humanity and is considered as the putative and exemplary realization of the four … purusharthas (efforts): Dharma (righteous and dutiful) Artha (wealth) Kama (desire and fulfillment) and Moksha (liberation).

Ramayan in the real sense is the ‘abode of Lord Ram’ and is smaller of the two great works. The tireless epic mirrors the highest ideals of Hindu tradition, culture and civilization. The story relates to Treta Yug (one of the four ages of the world) and centers on Ram. The prince of Ayodhya and the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and his wife Sita as the incarnation of Mother Lakshmi. Ramayan sings the glory of Lord Ram and advises humanity on how to lead a fulfilling life and attain the four purusharthas. The epic is profound and timeless in its popularity. It teaches with the analogy of symbolism. As to how an individual can evolve into greatness and perfection.

Sage Valmiki’s Ramayana has been translated into most Indian languages, as well as several foreign languages, including Russian. It consists of 24,000 stanzas in seven cantos, and depicts Rama as the ideal king, son, brother, friend, and husband. In Bharat, Lakshman, and Shatrughan, we see exemplified ideal brothers. In Sita, we have the purest flower of Indian womanhood. Who is devoted to her Lord in thought, word, and deed.

Ramayana is an ideal textbook of morals and values. That inspires nobler dimensions of character and conduct. Other noteworthy and famous versions of Ramayana include Sage Veda Vyasa’s Adhyatma Ramayana, Goswami Tulsidasa’s Shri Ramcharitamanas (Tulsi Ramayana), and Kambar’s Kamba Ramayana.

Mahabharat on the other hand is an epic. That is more than eight times the size of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey combined. In philosophical content it is unparalleled to any other literary work in the world. This grand book of knowledge contains more than 100,000 stanzas in 18 chapters and is the work of the renowned Sage Veda Vyasa.

The underlying theme of Mahabharata is yato dharma tato jayah, “where there is dharma, there is victory.” Indicating the ultimate triumph of good over evil and the establishment of righteousness.

The story unfolds toward the end of Dvapara Yuga and describes the genealogy and events leading up to, and after, the familial war between the royal cousins.

The story is used as a vehicle. To convey eternal philosophical truths of the highest order. It is said, “that which is in Mahabharata can be seen elsewhere, but that which is not there cannot be seen anywhere else.” This gives an idea of the comprehensiveness of subjects in the epic. Which is full of lofty instructions on all aspects of human life and endeavour—an inspiring saga of India’s past glory, portraying all that is great and noble in humanity.

The guiding spirit throughout the epic is the divine figure of Lord Krishna. Who brings the pure and the righteous to Himself, and destroys the evil and the evildoers. Shrimad Bhagwad Gita or the “Lord’s Song” is part of Mahabharata.

Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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

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)

*****

STORY: KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI

September 4, 2015article, storybansuri, birthday, cow, gita, god, gokul, janmashtami, krishna, lord krishna, madhav, mahabharat, mathura, midnight, murlimanohar, short story, spiritual, story, vasudev, vrindavan, yashodashravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

Lord Kirshna’s birthday on Krishna Janmashtami is indicative of a path breaking new era. Let’s analyse it from a fresh point of view. He was born in the night. Night signifies darkness and darkness is indicative of ignorance and illiteracy. Krishna’s birth brought the light of dazzling knowledge that removed illiteracy of minds.

He was born in a jail, where his parents were tied to chains. This signifies that we too are in our own jails and are locked up in our own vices such as sex, anger, greediness, selfish love, hatred, jealousy, enmity, cheat, eroticism and arrogance. When, he was born all the chains in the prison broke by themselves, and all the prison guards went off to sleep and he was let off the jail. This shows God almighty has tremendous powers and can make anyone sleep or wake up from sleep. If we with true spirits remember him, all our doubts are removed and what we are left with is love, trust and faith.

Today, the people of this world look at each other with a great amount mistrust and jealousy. Man’s intelligence and skills are misused which gives rise to human discords. Wars are fought to keep peace. In this violent and deceitful atmosphere it is even more important to learn trust, gentleness, hope and love from Lord Krishna.

After his birth little-mighty Krishna was shifted to Gokul (Gau-kul) In Sanskrit ‘Gau’ means a cow, which is the emblem of purity, simplicity and nobility. Baby Krishna—avatar of God was kept away from the atmosphere of slavery and cruelty of king Kans. In fact he was kept in the pure and loving surroundings of mother Yashoda’s home which depicts even we could attract Lord Krishna to come and stay at our home provided we too have earnest love for God and his simple ways.

Srikrishna was born on ashtami—which is the eighth day of the calendar month and falls in—shani-grah that signifies algaav (non-attachment) This conveys the message that when Krishna was born he was away and above the mischief and deceit of the world. This also means we should promote dispassion and surrender from the world and should do away with ‘attachment’ but in any case we should not forget our real self.

Today in many families people don’t respect their elders and love their younger ones. There is a great amount of mistrust. Religious fanaticism is all over. And in such an atmosphere birth of Lord Krishna gives us a feeling of positivity.

And his birth brings us the holy message:

“Learn to have faith in yourself the way I have faith in you. Follow the discipline of life, stay within your own simple behaviour and help me in serving others as it is your duty. Don’t worry about anything. Without any conditions surrender yourself to me with all your love. I will look after your welfare both in this birth and beyond.”

This should be our aim of life.

***

Shravan charity mission

Our NGO works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases especially cancer: We cover our blog with short stories, children's stories, articles, book reviews, vignettes, spiritual, episodes, poetry, analysis, news report, general knowledge, quotes for the benefit of our readers.

Tag Archives: lord krishna

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World Music Day: An Intertwining of Rhythm and Soul

JANMABHOOMI VS KARMABHOOMI

UTOPIA TO DYSTOPIA

SHORT STORY: THE STORY BEHIND ‘GOVERDHAN PUJA’

THE TWO MAJOR HISTORICAL EPICS IN HINDUISM-VALMIKI, TULSIDAS AND VED VYAS

STORY: KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI