Tag Archives: spiritual

Short story: The Rabbit and the frog

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    At some time in the past there were three rabbits, who in the peak of summers assembled near the dry bushes of a nearby strawberry plant in a park. Since, there was nothing available to eat in the fields because of the intense heat they were very hungry. And also quite troubled by the pet dogs that used to escort the walkers both in the mornings and in the evenings. Further, all the bushes in the field had dried up and were without any leaves. So, they couldn’t even hide behind them to keep away from predators, and upon being chased by stray dogs, they used to get a camouflage with great difficulty. With all these day to day problems they had become quite weary of their lives.

    One day one rabbit in frustration said—‘God has done great injustice to our species. He has made us extremely small and weak. As he has neither given us pointed horns like the deer nor sharp paws like the cat. We have no weapon to defend ourselves from our enemies. The only thing we can do is to run away from everyone. From all corners the creator of this world has only created disasters for us.

    The second rabbit in desperation said—‘I am extremely scared of this pitiable and tentative life of mine. So, I have decided to drown myself in the pond.’

    The third one giving up on life said—‘Even I want to die as I cannot take this sorrow anymore. So, I’m just going to jump into that pond and drown myself.’

    ‘So, let’s all go with you. Since, we all have lived together, we shall also die together.’ Voiced the first rabbit. And they all left for the pond.

    Meanwhile, some frogs that were lying and lazing around the pond. When they saw these rabbits approaching, panicked and quickly started jumping into the pond.  And upon seeing them doing so the first rabbit suddenly stopped and said, ‘brothers! There is no need to give up on our lives, come let’s go back. Because in this world created by God there are even smaller and weaker beings than us, who live and survive, so why should we get demoralized with life and try to kill ourselves?’

    Heeding the advice of the first rabbit they all decided to do away with the thought of committing suicide and returned.

Moral of the story: Whenever, you feel you are surrounded by serious problems that scare you to death, lookout for people in this world who are sadder and poorer than you, who are sick and prone to difficulties. That will make you realize how better off you are and will remove the fright of life in you.

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Translated by Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Share it if you like it

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. 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. Book launched on 10th February, 2018 in Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available in Amazon.com and Flipkart

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

*****

 

SHORT STORY: THE LION AND THE SHEPHERD

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    Once, a lion in the forest was wounded by a sharp and poisonous thorn. Soon it become sore. The lion tried to pull it out with its teeth, but was unable to do so. He was now in deep pain and could not even walk properly. So, in hope of some help. He started limping slowly, when he reached a shepherd near the jungle. When the shepherd saw the hefty lion approaching him he got scared. He thought. If he tries to escape now. The lion in a couple of leaps will pounce on him and tear him to shreds. And even in the vicinity there weren’t any trees that he could have suddenly climbed to save himself. So having no other option he just stayed put there.

    But the lion neither roared nor growled. He just came and sat in front of the shepherd and raised his foreleg. The shepherd saw the wound and could immediately understand that the lion was in deep pain and wanted help. He immediately pulled out the thorn from the lion’s foreleg. The lion was relieved of the pain and soon he took an about turn and went back to the jungle.

    After some days there was a theft in the King’s Palace. Some people out of enmity informed the king that the shepherd was the thief and he alone had burgled the king’s palace. Shepherd was caught. But in his house the stolen stuff was not found. The king thought that the shepherd had hid it somewhere. And therefore he issued orders the shepherd be thrown alive in front of a lion.

    But by stroke of luck the same lion was brought to kill the shepherd, whose thorn, the shepherd had pulled out. When the shepherd was thrown in front of the lion, the lion recognized him. He immediately came close to the shepherd and sat beside him and started wagging his tail like a dog.

    The king was surprised at this gesture of the lion. Upon, enquiring, he came to know about the helpful nature of the shepherd. And also how he had helped the lion. When he was in deep agony, because of which the lion was grateful towards the shepherd. The king then decided to set free the shepherd, realizing he may not be the culprit.

    Moral of the story: Even the mighty predator lion did not forget the help that he had received from a shepherd. Human beings who forget the kindness that is showered on them by others are worse than animals.

*

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

(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)

*****

 

 

 

 

 

SHORT STORY: RELYING ON OTHERS IS TRICKY

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    Once, a farmer had a cow and a horse. They used to graze in the nearby jungle together. In the neighbourhood of the farmer there lived a Dhobi (washerman). He had a donkey and a goat. The Dhobi too left his animals in the same jungle for grazing. Gradually, all four started grazing together and soon became friends. They started coming to the jungle together and in the evenings they all used to go back together.

    In the same jungle there lived a clever hare. Upon seeing the inseparable friendship of these four he started thinking—‘if only I could befriend all four, my life will become easy. If you have tall and mighty friends such as these, no dog will ever have the courage to trouble you.’

    Hare decided to get close to all the four. He started playing with them every day by jumping and doing various kinds of acrobats. He also started grazing with them. Slowly, he became friends with all the four, and was very happy now. And he thought the scare of dogs is over for life.

    But sadly one day a dog came into the jungle and started chasing the hare. The hare confidently ran towards the cow and yelled—‘Sister Cow! This dog is very wicked. He has come to kill me. So, you please kill him with your horns.’

            The cow replied—‘Brother Rabbit! You’ve come to me very late. It’s time for me to return home. My kid is hungry and must be crying for me. I’m in a great hurry to go home, so you go to the horse for help.’

    The rabbit ran towards the horse and said—‘brother horse! I’m your friend. We graze here together each day. Today, this devious dog is after me. Kindly help me sit on your back and take me away from this danger.’

    Horse replied—‘Dear Hare! What you’re saying is correct, but I don’t know how to sit. I even sleep while standing. So how will climb on to my back? And these days I’m also injured. I can neither run fast nor can trot properly.’

    Dejected by the horse the hare approached the donkey and requested—‘Friend Donkey! Please attack this mischievous dog with a kick as that will save my life.’

    Donkey replied—‘As a routine, I return daily with the cow and the horse. Those two are leaving. And if I am unable to leave with them, and happen to stay back, my master—the dhobi will come and whack me badly with his cane and turn me to pulp. So, I just can’t stay back anymore.’

    In the end the hare approached the goat. But the moment the goat saw him he said—‘Buddy Rabbit! For heaven’s sake don’t come to this side. Otherwise, behind you that dog will also come running. And I’m very scared of that dog.’

    Finally, dejected from all sides the hare ran from there. After running some distance he went and hid himself behind the bushes. The dog searched a lot but couldn’t find him. And, when the dog retreated, the rabbit came out of the bushes, tired. He looked on all sides and heaved a sigh of relief, and then said—‘It’s tricky to rely on others. One should help oneself.’

*****

 

DIGNITARIES NEED TO EXHIBIT GOOD BEHAVIOUR

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A TIP FROM BHAGWAD GITA

    We often hear of politicians and senior government officers misbehaving with the common man. Debates arising out of such incidents are often broadcasted in prime channels and at the prime time slots; not alone for TRP ratings but also to sensitize these misguided dignitaries about their bad behavior. The media also refers it as VVIP racism, where a Neta bashes up the common man or where a government official abuses and ill treats the aam aadmi. And at times our VIPs are also seen misbehaving in an inebriated state.

    To all such people who believe, success in life comes only by showing brute misdemeanours to people below them, there is a tip from the Bhagwad Gita:

Yadacharitra shrestastha devevtro janah

Sa yetpramanam kurute lokast danuvartate.

    The verse tells us:

The demeanours of all eminent people in the society are followed quite closely by the common man. Whatever he projects through his daily behavior as his deeds is followed by his followers, rather even the world at large.

Let us not forget that the Aam aadmi (common man) always needs a leader to continuously inspire him and the purpose is best served when the leader exhibits decent civil behaviour and righteous orientation.  If a mass leader himself smokes or drinks, how can he stop the junta (common man) from smoking or drinking? And if he behaves in a rowdy manner how can he expect his followers to be civil and if he creates scams how can he expect his constituents to be honest? Chaitanya Mahaprabhu preaches that a teacher (in this case any leader) must observe right moral behavior, and only such teachers with upright and good behavior should be considered as ideal teachers.

Therefore teachers before imparting education to commoners should apply religious and moral texts on themselves. And no teacher should ever deviate from the time tested and proven religious texts and should not pass his own self made laws to the commoners. Proven religious texts like Manu-Smrti should be followed by common people as a benchmark of teachings. Therefore the sermons of the netas should be based on the rules of the religious shastras and there shouldn’t be a difference kathni and karni (what you say and what you do). But unfortunately this is not the case with most eminent people.

People who want both spiritual and worldly progress in life should imbibe and practice teachings of high moral values and rules practiced by great teachers. Srimad bhagwad Gita too confirms the point that human beings should follow the spiritual footsteps of knowledge for spiritual and materialistic progress; and this is the only way.

Whether it is the king or his administrator, whether a father or a teacher—they all are considered as natural leaders. They have a great duty and responsibility towards people who lean on them and therefore they should be well versed with spiritual samhita and other religious texts so that they can convey a proper message to the society at all times.

In school days we had a paper on moral science but it was never taken seriously as the marks were never added to the finally tally deciding our ranking. But the time has come when these marks need to be added in the education of life. Maybe, an abridged form of all religious texts should be taught in school and a refresher course should be part of State Assemblies and Parliaments curriculum, including government offices.

We have tried many ways to refine the behavior of politicians and government officials but failed. So, where is the harm in trying out religious texts? For, if nothing else, it will at least remove the misconceptions about religions.

*****

 

 

 

 

SHORT STORY: SWAN AND THE CROW: FALSE PRIDE

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    Once upon a time a rich merchant lived in a city located near the sea coast. He had two sons who had domesticated a crow as their pet. They regularly used to feed him with the leftovers in their plates. With the result, the crow had partied now for quite sometime on the tasty and nourishing food that he got from his masters and with that he had even grown fat. And, because of the royal treatment that he got from his masters he had also become arrogant. Where, he had started considering himself, a class above the other birds, in the surroundings and used to often insult them.

    One day near the sea coast some swans landed. Perhaps, they were coming from a long distance and wanted some rest. The sons of the merchant who happened to be there by chance, couldn’t help but praise those beautiful birds. The arrogant crow could not bear this and got jealous. So in anger and to show off, he went up to the swans and finally to the one who appeared to be their head and said—‘I want to have a flying competition with you.’ 

   The swans tried to explain—‘brother! We are long distance fliers. Our home is in Mansarovar which is quite far off. So by competing with us what will you achieve? And can you even compete with we swans?’

    To which the crow in an arrogant tone said—‘I know many ways of flying. I can fly at various speeds. And each speed, I can maintain for hundred yojans (miles). So, tell me if you have  the guts to take me on? And at what speed you all want to fly?’

    The head swan said—‘Dear crow! I know you are very talented. But I know of only one speed that is my speed and I’ll fly in that only.’

    Upon hearing the meek answer of the Swan. The arrogance in crow only increased. He said—‘Fine, you fly the way you want.’

    By then some birds had also arrived there to witness the competition. Soon, both swan and the crow flew towards the sea. Where, the arrogant crow soon started performing acrobatics in full strength. He flew ahead of the swan but swan preferred to cruise at his optimum speed. And upon seeing the swan trailing, the crows that had gathered there started cheering.

    After a little while the crow started tiring. He started looking here and there for islands with trees where he could go and rest. But he was unable to find anything around except for the deep blue sea. In the meantime the swan surged ahead of the crow. By now the speed of the crow had dropped. He was extremely tired and was about to fall in the sea. That had various types of mammals and fish that could have eaten him up.

    When the swan realized the crow was left behind. He turned around and came up to him and asked—‘brother what is the matter with you? You look extremely tired and you’re unable to fly anymore. Soon you would be touching the waves of the sea. So which is this speed of yours?’

    Upon hearing the sarcasm of the swan. The crow in a humble tone said—‘Dear Swan! we crows, only know how to caw-caw. So how at all, will we know, how to fly long distance. I have paid the penalty for my arrogance and stupidity. Kindly, therefore, save my life.’

   The swam took pity in the half-dead, semi-conscious and drenched crow. He lifted him by his legs. Loaded him on his back and flew over the sea and dropped him at the same spot from where they had started flying.

    The short story only conveys the downside of being arrogant and where being humble is the biggest virtue one can possess. 

*

Posted 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

(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)

*****

 

 

 

 

SHORT STORY: LESSON FROM A CRANE

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    Once upon a time, a pair of cranes lived in a farmer’s field located near a village, along with their newly hatched babies. And it so happened, before the babies could even grow up and fly. The field of the farmer was ready for harvest. This got the pair worried, fearing, their nests would now be destroyed. In panic they thought of leaving the place and moving to a safer area, before the farmer could cut the crop. But unfortunately the babies were unable to fly. Worried, the mother crane told the babies—‘in our absence if any one comes to the field, learn to remember what all he says.’

    One evening when the pair returned home with food for the babies, they said—‘mother-mother today the farmer had come. He inspected the fields by walking around it. At one or two places he also halted and kept staring at the crop. He was telling himself that the crop is now fit for harvest. So, today, I’ll request the villagers to cut it.’

    The father crane upon hearing this told the babies—‘don’t you worry. The crop will not be cut so soon. It will be long before it is harvested.’

    After sometime, one day, when the pair returned in the evening the babies were nervous. They started saying—‘we should now leave this field immediately. Today, the farmer had come again. He was murmuring to himself that the villagers are very selfish. They are not making any arrangements for harvesting my crop. So, tomorrow I’ll send my brothers and have the crop harvested.’

    But the father crane was still not worried. He told his babies—‘the crop will not be harvested soon. In a couple of days you will also start flying. So there is no cause for any panic.’

    By now a few more days had passed. The babies had started flying and were now fearless. One day in the evening they told their parents—‘this farmer is only scaring us. He again came today and started saying. My brothers don’t listen to me and all of them only know how to make excuses. The grains of my crop are beginning to dry up and have also started falling. So, tomorrow morning I will come myself to cut the crop.’

Upon hearing this the father crane panicked and said—‘come on! Hurry up! It hasn’t got dark as yet. Let’s fly off to another place which is safer. Tomorrow, the crop will definitely be cut.’

    The kids asked—‘why will the crop be cut this time. What makes you say that?’

    The crane replied—‘till now the farmer was depending on the villagers and his brothers. Therefore, the hope of crop being cut was minimal. Because, people who leave their tasks for someone else to perform. Their tasks never get done. But for those, who get ready to do it themselves, their jobs, no one can stop from getting it done. If the farmer has decided to cut his crop tomorrow, sure enough he will do it.’

The pair along with their kids left for another place forthwith.

*

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

(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)

*****

 

 

REMEMBRANCE

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

REMEMBRANCE

gloom

 

Dear Shravan

This is how we remember you on your 23rd birthday

 

Always alive, as if you never went,

On the roll as if never spent,

Days have passed and years have gone by,

But to me it appears,

As if those bygone moments have just commenced.

*

And there from the heaven,

So much to watch,

But nothing to repent,

For soul is intact what if body is spent.

*

But in this game of body and soul,

For me there is so much to repent,

Having lost you to heaven,

And no one knows the extent.

*

There is indeed a difference,

Between the whiz of your soul and the touch of the body,

The touch is no more,

But the whiz is still felt.

*

My days still commence, with your pleasant memories,

That takes me beyond body and soul,

And thanks for your ‘whiz’ that comes each day, my son,

For that keeps me alive; rest I live.

Bless you Shravan.

*****

Article: A PEEP INTO UNAFFILIATED RELIGION

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

 

 

    Time has come for epiphany of ‘unaffiliated religion.’ A sizable population of the world today lives without aligning with any religion as you will read in this narration. The question is how? And how do they manage in this simmering world of religious intolerance. We all know religion is good for the essence of life. But what about religious intolerance and where does unaffiliated religion fit in. Well, no one has ready answers to these question, but one can definitely see the changing paradigms.

    Today, intolerance in every religion has increased manifold. There are fringe groups that have formed in almost every religion that shows intolerance towards other religions. But within all of this. There are still some spunky people. Who believe in the charisma of ‘unaffiliated religion.’ The population of ‘unaffiliated religion’ is around 16 % of the world population. The religiously unaffiliated number is 1.1 billion. Accounting for about one-in-six (16%) people worldwide. It includes atheists, agnostics and people who do not identify with any particular religion. However, many of the religiously unaffiliated. Do hold some religious or spiritual beliefs.

    Apart from unaffiliated religion. There is also irreligion. Which is the absence of religion or indifference towards religion or rejection of religion or even hostility towards religion. When termed as the rejection of religious belief. It engulfs explicit atheism, religious dissidence and secular humanism. And when characterized as hostility towards religion. It includes anti-clericalism, anti-religion and anti-theism.

    According to Pew Research Center’s 2012 global study of 230 countries. 16% of the world’s population is not affiliated to any particular religion, while 84% are affiliated. The interesting fact finding in Pew Research Center’s 2012 global study is: Out of the global non-religious population, 76% reside in Asia and the Pacific, while the remainder reside in Europe (12%), North America (5%), Latin America and the Caribbean (4%), Sub-Saharan Africa (2%) and the Middle East and North Africa (less than 1%).

    According to Pew Research Center projections. The population of the non-religious, though temporarily increasing, will ultimately decline significantly by 2050, because of lower reproductive rates and ageing.

    Being non-religious. Is not necessarily equivalent to being an atheist or agnostic. Pew Research Center’s global study from 2012 noted. That many of the non-religious actually have some religious beliefs. For example, they observed that “belief in God or a higher power is shared by 7% of Chinese unaffiliated adults, 30% of French unaffiliated adults and 68% of unaffiliated U.S. adults.”

    If we were to analyse it country and zone wise. The statistics (pertaining to unaffiliated religion) are even more interesting:

  • Out of a total unaffiliated religious population of around 1.1 billion. The ten most populous countries in respective order of population are China 700 million (52% of population), Japan 70 million (57%), USA 50 million (16%), Vietnam 26 million (30%), South Korea 22 million (46%), Germany 20 million (25%), France 18 million (28%), North Korea 17 million (71.3%), Brazil 15 million (7.9%), & U.K. 13 million (21%). This population totals up to 955 million which is 85% of the total population of unaffiliated religion.
  • If we were to take the first ten countries highest by respective order of percentage share of (Unaffiliated religion) population. They would be: Czech Republic 8 million (76%), North Korea 17 million (71%), Estonia (Baltic state) 0.8 million (60%), Japan 70 million (57%), Hongkong 0.4 million (56%), China 700 million (52%), South Korea 22 million (46%), Latvia (Baltic states) 1 million (44%), Netherlands 7 million (42%), Uruguay 1.4 million (41%). They comprise of 834 million which is 74% of their population.
  • There are six countries where the religiously unaffiliated make up a majority of their population: the Czech Republic (76%), North Korea (71%), Estonia (60%), Japan (57%), Hong Kong (56%) and China (52%).
  • The religiously unaffiliated are heavily concentrated in Asia and the Pacific. Where, more than three-quarters (76%) of the world’s unaffiliated population resides. The remainder is in Europe (12%), North America (5%), Latin America and the Caribbean (4%), sub-Saharan Africa (2%) and the Middle East and North Africa (less than 1%).
  • Although a majority of the religiously unaffiliated live in Asia and the Pacific. Only about one-in-five people (21%) in that region are unaffiliated. More than one-in-six people in Europe (18%) and North America (17%) are religiously unaffiliated. The unaffiliated make up smaller shares in the remaining regions. For instance, less than 1% of those who live in the Middle East-North Africa region are unaffiliated.
  • More than six-in-ten (62%) of all religiously unaffiliated people live in one country, China. The largest population of the religiously unaffiliated outside China are in Japan (6% of all unaffiliated), the United States (5%), Vietnam (2%) and Russia (2%).
  • The population of unaffiliated religion in India is only 0.87 million which is 0.07% of the entire population of the country.
  • There is a definite co-relation between the system of governance, ethos of live and religious fundamentalism and unaffiliated religion. For example take communist countries like China & North Korea where you will find the population of this community to be around 717 million which is about 64% of the entire population of unaffiliated religion. This is because of the regimentation of mindset that has forced people to stay non-aligned. If you take Islamic states, you will find the percentage of unaffiliated religion to be low because of religious fundamentalism.

    Median Age

    Globally, the religiously unaffiliated are older (median age of 34) than the overall global population (median age of 28). Among the five regions for which data are available, sub- Saharan Africa has the youngest population of religiously unaffiliated people (median age of 20), followed by Latin America and the Caribbean (26), North America (31) and Asia and the Pacific (35). Europe has the oldest unaffiliated population, with a median age of 37.

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Short story: THE KING AND THE GARDENER

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

 

Nausherwan the king of Faras was famous for his judicial acumen. He was a big philanthropist too. One day he set out with his ministers to go around the city to ascertain what all was happening. While going around he saw an old gardener in an orchard busy planting walnut saplings. The king entered the orchard and went up to him. He asked—‘are you a servant here or this is your own orchard?’

The gardener replied—‘My Lord I don’t serve anymore. This orchard was planted by my forefathers, so it belongs to me.’

The king said—‘you are planting these walnut saplings. But do you even know it takes twenty years for it to flower and bear fruits. Do you think you’ll live for twenty years to eat the fruits?’

The gardener heard the king dutifully and then politely said–‘My Lord, till now I had so many fruits from trees planted by others. Now it is my duty to plant trees for others. It will be extremely selfish on my part if I plant trees that only bear fruits for me.’

The king was extremely happy with the reply the old gardener had given and as a reward he gave him two asharfees (gold coins).

Moral of the story: One must continuously think of others as others have thought about us.

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Short story: RESULT OF KINDNESS

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    Subuktigin was a poor man before he became a king. Just an ordinary soldier. One day he took his gun and sat on his horse and went out for a shikar (hunt) in the jungle. That day he was quite unlucky. Although, he traveled a long distance. But as ill luck would have it. He did not come across a single animal. He was quite disappointed and was about to return when he spotted a deer with her small baby. Subuktigin was suddenly animated and started following the two.

    Scared, the deer ran and hid herself behind the bushes. But in the process her baby was left behind. Subuktigin caught hold of the baby. Tied the legs, and loaded it, on the horse, and then started searching for the deer. But when he could not find her he returned with the baby.

    When the deer saw, her baby being taken away by the cruel shikari. She couldn’t resist and came out of the bushes and started following Subuktigin. After travelling a distance, when Subuktigin turned around he was surprised to see the mother deer following him. In fact he was shocked at the sight, and felt merciful towards her. So, he decided to untie the legs of the baby and let it go. Mother deer was extremely happy to meet her baby once again and in a flash of a moment she disappeared along with her offspring.

    That day after returning home when Subuktigin slept he got a dream. Where, one angel told him—‘Subuktigin! The way you showed mercy on the poor deer was amazing. This has made God happy and therefore he has included your name in the list of would be kings. One day you too will surely become a king.’

    Subuktigin’s dream came true. He later in life became a king. Showing mercy on a deer earned him this reward. People who show mercy on animals are appreciated by God.

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Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

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