Are You Successful?

Everybody wants to be successful in life. The first question that comes to my mind is: how do you define success? Is it becoming wealthy, famous, creating friends in high places, building a great business, or just being happy and carefree?

Whatever be your definition of success, one thing seems true. Success is something that each individual is yearning for. It’s based on your deep desire to achieve something. It arises from your inner-most feelings that you’re not where you want to be.

One can find many books that talk about how to achieve success. There are umpteen numbers of seminars and training programs on how to make money and be successful. All they do is to capitalize on the feelings of inadequacies that most people have. None of them will ever guarantee success as you are looking for. If they do, don’t believe them. Very rarely will any of them really show you how to get where you want to go.

The word ‘success’ is like a mirage - it continues to distance itself. The pursuit of success makes one fall in a never-ending trap. You work hard on something and when you get it, you are not satisfied but strive harder for the next something. Ultimately, in most cases, satisfaction never comes. You see businessmen who are billionaires – do they ever stop working for more money? Ask the so-called successful and richest people if they are happy and contented with their earnings? Most likely, the answer will be in the negative. Events over the last two years in the financial markets bear testimony to human dissatisfaction and greed. This applies to almost any field of activity – not just money.

When I was a kid, I wanted to be like my dad – have a nice job, a cozy home with decent income. After having achieved it, I felt I was better off as a kid – carefree with no responsibilities.

Does it mean that I don’t care about success? Not really – I do care about success but I would like it to be defined in simple ways that I can understand. To me, it seems that just acquiring riches or fame through any means does not mean being successful. It is not even futuristic. It means doing something that you love, in that you not only make yourself happy and contented but others too. It may be teaching that you love and want to share your knowledge with others to build them. It may be volunteering for a socially worthy cause that not only satisfies you but benefits the society. It may be the small errands that you run for others, and get in return a beautiful smile of gratitude. You could even write on topics you are familiar with – something that makes you use your talent effectively, satisfies you and may be some others too.

So, don’t worry too much about being successful in the way most people tend to define it. Redefine success as it may seem appropriate for you – a success that you can achieve on your own terms, without expensive books or paying for any external programs. Just be yourself, continue doing what you love most and pursue success that provides inner contentment and helping others in need. This may be the shortest route to being immediately successful. Is it not the sum and substance of what our ancient scriptures tell us to do?

The Joy of Story Telling

Ever since I became a grandfather, I had to learn the art of story telling to keep my grand children engaged - especially while feeding them or putting them to sleep. I started recalling simple stories from the Panchatantra, Aesop's fables and Mythology. My two grandsons liked them so much that they started enacting some of them with gusto. Often I was also included as an actor in the short skits but always as the villain in the piece. For example, everytime the Gajendra Moksham story was enacted, I had to play the role of the alligator that bites Gajendra -the devout elephant and eventually gets chopped by Vishnu's High-speed Chakrayuda. In doing so, I had to crawl on the floor and effectively feign the pain of getting slit by the revolving chakra while my grandsons applauded the act. No matter what the story was, I had to be the bad guy!

For every story I tell, I had to unfold each character with the suffix of a 'good guy' or bad guy.' For them, the whole world consisted of only two sets of people - the good and the bad ones. How simple!

In the process of telling stories, I had to face some inconvenient questions. When I narrated the Ramayana story, my elder grandson (then about 5) asked me why the cops did not catch Ravana for all his misdeeds and put him in jail. That would have been the end of Ramayana without a battle. With great discomfort, I had to wriggle out by saying there were no cops during those ancient days.

To the child all things are possible - lions and donkeys may talk, a stone may turn into a princess, a monkey may perform the most unimaginable feats like jumping hundreds of miles over the ocean and lifting a huge mountain. The more heroic the acts by anybody, greater is the delight of listening to them. There is no limit to their imagination. Don't you see how glued to the TV sets the kids are while watching Harry Potter or Wal Disney cartoons?

Fortunately, there is a variety of mythological characters in great epic stories like Ramayana and the Mahabharata that can set any child's imagination racing. Believe me, I have to read and update my knowledge of some of the stories before I can narrate them.

The kids love humorous anecdotes. Stories of the witty Tenali Raman and Birbal are very exciting, dramatic and can make the child laugh at the smartness of these court jesters. My grand daughter (6) simple loves to hear jokes and riddles. Everyday, come feed-time, she demands that I tell a story or several jokes before she starts eating. Her vocabulary is expanding so fast that I can't keep pace with her learning.

It is a great joy for me to curl up with my grandchildren listening in awe to every word that I speak. You must watch the amazement, excitement and curiosity filled eyes on every story or joke that I tell. It is real fun! It is also the most enriching experience that builds the intimacy between me and the younger generation.

A Nice Letter!

Letter writing is an art. It is a way of effectively expressing your thoughts on a piece of paper. I have stored some very nice letters in my archives. Here is a letter that was reportedly written by Abraham Lincoln to his son's teacher. I like it immensely and hope you like it too.

Abraham Lincoln's letter to his son's teacher

"He will have to learn, I know, that all men are not just, all men are not true.
But teach him also that for every scoundrel there is a hero;
that for every selfish Politician, there is a dedicated leader...
Teach him for every enemy there is a friend,

Steer him away from envy, if you can, teach him the secret of quiet laughter.
Let him learn early that the bullies are the easiest to lick...

Teach him, if you can, the wonder of books...
But also give him quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky,
bees in the sun, and the flowers on a green hillside.

In the school teach him it is far honorable to fail than to cheat...
Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone tells him they are wrong...

Teach him to be gentle with gentle people, and tough with the tough.
Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone is getting on the band wagon...

Teach him to listen to all men... but teach him also to filter all he hears on a screen of truth, and take only the good that comes through.

Teach him if you can, how to laugh when he is sad...Teach him there is no shame in tears, Teach him to scoff at cynics and to beware of too much sweetness...

Teach him to sell his brawn and brain to the highest bidders
but never to put a price-tag on his heart and soul.

Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob and to stand and fight if he thinks he's right.
Treat him gently, but do not cuddle him, because only the test of fire makes fine steel.

Let him have the courage to be impatient... let him have the patience to be brave.
Teach him always to have sublime faith in himself, because then he will have sublime faith in mankind.

This is a big order, but see what you can do... He is such a fine fellow, my son!"

THE MIGHT OF MANTRA

Many of us have heard the word 'Mantra.' Do you know what it means? In Sanskrit, mantra is described as "मनना त्रायते इथी मन्त्रः" (“Mananaat Trayate Iti Mantrah”). It means mantra is that which protects you by being turned over again and again repeatedly in the mind. Is this really true? Experience of numerous people says it is indeed true. I have personally experienced it too.

What is the mystery behind this seemingly simple process to achieve protection? It is not a big mystery as some people might think. Mantras, the Sanskrit syllables, are essentially 'thought forms' that exert their influence by means of spiritual vibrations.Many great leaders have demonstrated that it is possible to calm the mind through concentration.

The Secret of Sacred Mantras

Every mantra causes a sound vibration beyond the cognition of the mind. What is sound? According to modern science, sound is caused by vibration. It is believed that chanting mantras again and again produces such vibrations in the naadis that would bring about the well being of a person. Naadis are channels for the flow of consciousness. The literal meaning of naadi is 'flow'.

Consider human beings and other creatures. What is it that determines their health and feelings? The breath that passes through our naadis, blood vessels, during respiration produces vibrations and on them depends the general state of our health. Those who keep their breathing under control through the practice of yoga are healthy to an amazing degree. They perform unusual feats by keeping the vibrations of the naadis under control during breathing.

Breath is vital not only to the body but also to the mind. The mind which is the source of thoughts and the vital (pranik) energy that is the source of breath are the same. Healthy or unhealthy thoughts are attributed to different vibrations of the naadis. You may test this for yourself. See for yourself how you breathe when you are at peace before the sanctum of a deity and how you breathe when your mind is quickened by desire or anger. The happiness you experience when you take part in something divine, like music, a bhajan or a temple festival, must be different from the pleasure that sensual gratification gives you: the vibrations of the naadis concerned will also be correspondingly different.

Mantra is that which saves you from unpleasant repetitive activities. For example, a repetitive thought is a worry. Mantras help to free you from worries.

Often we wonder why we should chant some sounds without understanding their meanings. Can something that we do not understand, help us? Yes, it can. How? Simple because when the mind is unable to understand the meaning, it simply dissolves and moves into a meditative space.

Mahatma Gandhi said ,“The mantram becomes one’s staff of life, and it carries through every ordeal.” His mantra was simply ‘Raam, Raam.’

A mantra is like a seed. Every seed has the potential to become a tree. Similarly, these sound vibrations contain all the possibilities of creation. Some mantras are in seed form, called the bija mantras. Others are fully expressed, that is the fruit of the mantra is also expressed, like the Gayatri mantra.

Mantras are a secret. That which is kept a secret alerts the subconscious mind. Mantras work at the level of consciousness. When we want a seed to sprout, it needs to be sown into the soil, hidden, a secret. If it is simply thrown around, birds may eat them up. We can read and learn about mantras and their uses from books and the internet but that will only satisfy the intellect and not translate into experience.

When we chant the mantras, or listen to them, we get purity of mind and word. This prepares us for a sort of meditation. As a result of the sound vibrations, different patterns of the mind rearrange themselves to become tranquil. Agitation is reduced, helping us to turn inward. For instance, when we laugh, our happiness increases. When we cry, the heaviness of sorrow is released. Just as sounds of laughter and crying help, mantras act similarly. Repetition of mantras creates a psychological or mental response that is deep, beyond the realm of words or expression. It can only be experienced. Speech falls short as it cannot go beyond expression into the experiential level.

When the mind is calm and centered, it can turn inward. Only a mind turned inward can experience the vastness and beauty of Divine Consciousness. When our focus is outward on the objects of the senses, our mind is scattered; it races after one craving or other. Physical senses seek to know all about the external universe. Meditation is the tool for inner exploration. 'Antarmukhi Sada Sukhi' goes a Sanskrit saying -one whose mind is turned inward is ever in bliss.

Mantras are tools that allow the mind to dissolve and repose in the Self. Why should we repose in the Self? How is this going to help us in our day-to-day life? When a river is calm, it reflects. When the mind is calm, there is greater clarity of expression. Our sense of observation, perception and expression improves. As a result, we are able to communicate more effectively and clearly.

Most of our problems and misunderstandings arise because of a lack of effective communication. When our mind is free from agitation, the way we interact and communicate is much more pleasant and effective. Our efforts are not hindered by communication gaps. This leads to a positive outlook.

Mantras are as subtle as the air that creates ripples in the water as it gently moves over it. Air is all-pervading and at the same time affects specific regions. The field of mantras is also one such. It is all-pervading; it creates an impact on the one who is practicing the mantra. There is no doubt that mantra has been a powerful tool in moulding the mind as great leaders like Sankaracharya, Buddha, and Mahatma Gandhi demonstrated in their lives.

How to choose a mantra? It is best done through a guru. If you are unable to find a guru, choose any simple mantra like - 'Raama, Raama,' 'Om Namashivayah,''Om Narayana,' or the Gayatri mantra.

The impact of mantra is mighty. Experiment it and see for yourself how mantra works for you. After all, one must rely on one’s own experience to measure the success of any new activity.

Why is Teaching a Noble Profession?

Decades ago, when I was studying in high school, I was really scared of some of my teachers. The fear came to me, not because the teachers themselves were bad but because of the humiliation and punishment that I had to face if I failed to do home work or lacked attention in the class. Some of the rowdy students did not take the punishments too lightly and used to heckle the teachers. I used to feel sorry at the plight of teachers specially the timid ones.

Joining the college when I was 15 years old changed a lot of things. I felt like a grown-up adult and more independent. There was no home work, no punishments, and no rigid rules to follow. I had a sense of relief and was no longer scared of teachers. On the contrary, most teachers were scared of the students (not of me - I was a darling!). In the class room, there used to be terrifying cat calls, a volley of paper missiles at the teacher and all sorts of dangerous student pranks making the job of a teacher most difficult and highly challenging. The big impact it had in me was that I never ever wanted to become a teacher. When I graduated in engineering, I declined job offers for the post of lecturer.

Years later, I was invited to be a visiting faculty at some of the educational and training institutions. Deep in me, there was an inner urge to teach and I accepted those invitations. I did the right thing. The rewards were far too many - the satisfaction of sharing your knowledge with others, the thrill of meeting enthusiastic faces and making new contacts, the chance to earn a few chips honestly, and best of all, the great opportunity to learn from the students! For many years, I served as a visiting faculty and a learning programs coordinator at prominent institutions. Today, as I look back, I have a sense of fulfillment of having contributed something for the growth of the younger generation.

Many people do not realize how noble is the teaching profession. Let me share with you the following interesting anecdote that came into my e-mail in-box this morning. It is titled "WHAT TEACHERS MAKE?" and I have reproduced it here in italics.

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.

One man, a CEO (proud of being a professional and the money he makes), decided to explain the problem with education. He argued,'What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?' He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: 'Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.'

To stress his point he said to another guest, 'You're a teacher, Mary. Be honest. What do you make?'

Mary, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, 'You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...)

Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ feel like the Medal of Honor. I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.

Sir, do you want to know what I make?' (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)

''I make kids wonder.I make them question. I make them apologize and mean it. I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions. I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn't everything. I make them read, read, read. I make them show all their work in maths. They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity. I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

I make my students stand, to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the National Flag, and sing the National Anthem, because we live in this great country.

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.'

Mary paused one last time and then continued, then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant.....

Mr. CEO, You want to know what I really make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make Mr. CEO?'

His jaw dropped, he went silent.

Discovering Your Desires

Desires are powerful motivators in life - they are the big sources of change and transformation in one's life. Discovering your desires and pursuing them passionately is a sure way to find inner satisfaction - or shall I say "Atma Santushti" in Sanskrit?

What really is a desire?

• It is something you’ve always been interested in.
• It is something you feel not in your brain but in your gut.
• It is something that you immensely enjoy.
• It is something you find meaningful to you in your life.

Desires come in various forms. For some, it is material desires - like lots of money, a luxury car, or a happy home are extremely important. Some others desire positions of power over others - like being a top executive or a politician. Then there are people who want to impress others, crave for praise and recognition from others - like artists, sportsmen. The list of desires is almost endless.

What are my own desires?

Let me begin with what are not my desires. I do not aspire nor hope to be a great man whose name will be remembered in history. I am not craving to buy a multi-million dollar home. My desires are fairly simple.

I do want to feel that I have been a useful addition to our planet - not just a small cog in a huge wheel of a big machine . When the time comes for me to leave this world, I want to go with the feeling that my life has not been in vain, that I have done something useful of which I can be justifiably proud.

I desire happiness not just in me but in fellow-beings too. "Sarve Janah Sukhino Bhavanthu" is my motto. The feeling that I have brought some happiness in the lives of others is sure to keep me happy. I get this satisfying feeling even when I grow a small plant - I get thrilled to see the plant sprouting new leaves, buds and brings forth beautiful flowers! I'm sure the plant is happy too.

Yes - I want many many friends - both young and old. Young for their great enthusiasm to cheer me up and old for their experience and wisdom.

The more I read some of our ancient scriptures - the more I learn. It is delightful and keeps me happy. I desire to read more, write more and perhaps talk more!

My desire to travel around the world is mostly fulfilled; but I do want to visit some places where I have not traveled before - for example China and Hawaii.

Finally, I desire that my home is clean, uncluttered, equipped with all basic facilities, and always blessed with peace and happiness. Is that too much to ask?

With that, my short list of desires is almost complete. How about yours?

Yaksha Prashnam: Path to Wisdom

Have you ever heard of Yaksha Prashnam? It is a series of questions and answers finding place in the Mahabharata as a discussion between a Yaksha, a celestial being and Dharmaputra - the eldest of the Pandavas.

The questions in this discussion may appear to be simple but there is deeper philosophical significance beneath them.The answers that reveal the truths in a subtle manner have a deep undercurrent of practical wisdom. For example, the Yaksha asks Dharmaputra `Which is the right Path?' meaning `When unable to decide between the courses of action available, which path should a man follow.' Dharmaputra's reply is: `The path that great men had traversed in the past is the Path we should follow.' Is it not true that on many occasions, managers face the same dilemma in taking decisions when there are many options. The lesson is to learn from the past deeds of great men who had faced similar situations.

For your interest, here are more questions and answers from the Yaksha Prashnam. You are free to interpret them in ways that are relevant to you.

Q. Which is the greatest endurance?
A. The capacity to be patient and be balanced in situation of both pain and pleasure.

Q. What is swifter than the wind? What is more numerous than grass?
A. The mind is swifter than the wind. Thoughts that arise in the mind are more numerous than grass.

Q. Who is the friend granted by Gods to man?
A. The wife is the friend granted by Gods to man. (I fully agree!)

Q. What is the most valuable of all possessions?
A. Knowledge is the most valuable of all possessions.

Q. Which is the best of all gains?
A. Health is the best of all gains.

Q. Which is the best of all kinds of happiness?
A. Contentment is the best of all kinds of happiness.

Q. What is the best of all things that are praised?
A. The most praiseworthy thing is skill(meaning judgment, reasoning and discrimination).

Q. What is it, controlling which, will lead to no regret?
A. The mind, if controlled, will never lead to regret.

Q. What is that, when renounced, makes one agreeable?
A. Pride, when renounced, makes one agreeable.

There are over one hundred such interesting questions. Dharmaputra answered all of them to the satisfaction of the Yaksha, thus reviving his brothers to life.

Trivial Information

• "Stewardesses" is the longest word typed with only the left hand .

• "Lollipop" is the longest word typed with your right hand.

• No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, or purple.

• "Dreamt" is the only English word that ends in the letters "mt".

• The words 'racecar,' 'kayak' and 'level' are palindromes.

• There are only four words in the English language which end in "dous": tremendous, horrendous, stupendous, and hazardous. (You're doubting this, are you?)

• There are two words in the English language that have all five vowels in order: "abstemious" and "facetious."

• TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters only on one row of the keyboard.

• A "jiffy" is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second.

• If the population of China walked past you, 8 abreast, the line would never end because of the rate of reproduction.

• The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket.

• The winter of 1932 was so cold that Niagara Falls froze completely solid.

HOW TO GROW OLD GRACEFULLY?

“Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.” said Mark Twain. However, to many of us it is a fact that we do mind old age because it matters. I see many people face old age with a strange combination of fear, anxiety, and a sense of insecurity.

Though we have seen old people, none of us has the experience of being old before we really get there.

Aging people often worry about many things such as likely loss of status, loss of hair, reduced income, likely health problems, impaired mobility, and so on. Finally comes a time when suddenly they realize that most of their worries are turning out to be realities; they are no longer young; hair turns grey and/or they become bald; firmness becomes saggy, and we realize that we no longer fit very well in the younger modern society. Before you realize that old age is happening to you, it is time to face it.

The harsh reality of old age cannot be ignored. People who have been in high ranks of power suddenly discover their diminished utility. The whole mindset changes. A sense of fear grips - fear of being dependent and burdensome to others. How to overcome this fear and grow old gracefully? What can we do about it if you cannot avoid it?

Let me provide you 10 easy tips on how to address the issue of old age. These are just my own thoughts. You can modify them as you feel appropriate to you.

1. Accept old age, whatever it may appear to be, without judging it. Do not fret about the past. If you really accept old age with an open mind, it can turn out to be a wonderful and interesting experience.

2. Pursue your interests. Keep your mind and body active to the extent possible. Take a walk, play with a child, listen to some music, sing, laugh at jokes, perform rituals like poojas, read books, write if you can, renew old contacts - do whatever to keep your body and mind engaged.

3. Learn many things over the information superhighway - the internet can serve as a great entertainment and learning process.

4. Take tips from our great religion. Read or listen to scriptures like Bhagavad Gita, Ramayanam or participate in group discussions and bhajans.

5. Cultivate some special interests. For instance, you may like to do some gardening work. It is exciting to watch a plant grow, flower, and bear fruits.

6. Volunteer - perform some social service. Help someone to find a job, teach a student, be a solace to someone in distress - in short, contribute something to society.

7. Strive to reduce your wants and demands, keep them to essentials for your living. Resolve not to buy anything new unless it is essential.

8. Practice austerity while you are still not very old. Learn to cook, prepare your own coffee, minimize wastages of anything that you use. This will be useful to you in the long run.

9. Control your tongue and diet - do not overeat! Avoid drugs - take herbal medicines if need be.

10. Chant divine naamas or slokams as often as you can. Write naamas like 'Rama' on a note book - you may think it is a waste of time. It is better to do this rather than be idle and brood over useless things.

If you are already in the sixties or seventies, you are incredibly lucky. Think and act in a mature way.

After all, how many of us really have the chance to live those “bonus” years with a gracious acceptance of the aging process? Count your blessings and feel good about it.