On a Goa beach, one lazy evening, with the sun in its glorious best, displaying brilliant hues, the sea energetically washing frothy waves ashore, a soft breeze bringing in refreshing salty spray ,life seemed calm, harmonious, almost perfect..when all of a sudden I heard the loud wails of my 6 year old son ( this was many moons ago). Hubby and me rose from our comfortable love seats, rushed to find a Japanese girl, maybe 10 or so, literally mauling him, throwing sand directly onto his face targeting his eyes. (more…)
May 15, 2009
September 15, 2008
A Reminder : Shraadh
Update: 2009 Shraadh begins on 5th September to 18th Sept in India. For USA and Canada Shraadh began yesterday 1.e. 4th Sept.
Shraadh or Pitrapaksh begins today, ending on 29th September, leading on to Navratri.
Lifes most memorable moments are often those spent in the company of a dear one who has imperceptibly left an indelible mark in our journey. When they are snatched away by death”s steely clasp, we are left behind to mourn and grieve, not just for their death but what died within us in their loss.
Whilst tainting every joyous occasion with suffering in remembrance is not advisable, our sages therefore in their wisdom, appointed a certain time of the year to honour them. This period of 16 days which begins today, is known as ‘Shraadh’ or Pitrapaksh” . It is recommended that new ventures, business, or clothing not be bought during the length of Shraadha. Instead, depending on the ‘tithi’ or day of death, according to the hindu calendar, corresponding to that day, among the 16, ceremonies involving charity be performed, in remembrance of the departed souls, as also to pray for their well-being, to whatever realm they may have progressed .
I am not a religiously ritualistic individual like most others. Yet there are certain ceremonies which seem in consonance with even a cynical questioning mind. If one day in a year be devoted to praying for those who have helped shape our lives, given it a form which has enriched us, then it is but a negligible step to repay our indebtedness to them, pray for their salvation, while at once seeking their blessings.
Tears seem just a drop of nothingness, even if arisen from the depths of a bereaved soul. (more…)
July 17, 2008
Life Is Somewhat Like Coffee….
Life is somewhat like Coffee.. you got to acquire a taste for it !
And you have to work mighty hard in brewing up a perfect mug..much like life again. Not my cup of tea coffee.. you may say.. this humungous fuss over a cuppa. So we settle for the quick to make, easy to use, one minute Nescafe. (more…)
July 7, 2008
The Yogi Who Has Not Eaten For 70 Years
Prahlad Jani who prefers to a called ‘Mataji’..notice the red sindoor in his hair parting, tikka, ornaments and red clothes,
Watched awestruck the unfolding of a story on IBN live yesterday that informed about the presence of a Yogi in Gujarat , Prahlad Jani, who claims to have not eaten a morsel of food or drunk a sip of water since the last 70 years.
It came as no surprise though. Mention of such ‘miracle men’ in the ‘Autobiography Of A Yogi” helped. (more…)
September 6, 2007
Mother Teresa : A Saint In Question
Kaveeta Kaul
An inconspicuous presence, frail, bent, clad in the now legendary bordered white saree has shaken up the keepers of morality one more time since her earthly demise a decade ago. Mother Teresa’s letters lately released “Mother Teresa : Come Be My Light” speak of her anguish at feeling alone and Godless in a mind littered with doubt and faith faltering with disillusionment. (more…)
Sachiniti 