Spirituality and Me

When I decided to write something this time around, a lot of things crossed my mind, after a bit of pondering I decided to pen down on something which I feel is an integral part of our being, “Spirituality”. I am by no means a Spiritual Guru or a Learned Scholar in this field however someone who feels strongly about it, in terms of its need in our daily lives. There can be a number of connotations of Spirituality. For some it can be “Praying”, for others it can be “Meditating” and so on. In my humble opinion Spirituality can be attributed to something which gives “Peace of Mind” to an individual, it can be Praying, Meditating, reading, singing, playing an instrument and anything that gives you Peace of Mind which can lead to positive vibes.

Talking about my experiences, I would like to share one of my ways of achieving spiritual ecstasy. Our next door neighbour has a year old boy child named Ayush, he is like a baby angel for us, and not a single day of ours goes without seeing him. All of us take time out to play with him, this very involvement of spending time, laughing and having fun with the tiny tot is nothing less than Spirituality for me. As it gives serenity of mind which is of fathomless and inconceivable magnitude.

Many have a feeling that people are more spiritually inclined in the later part of their lives, but I reckon one should be more spiritual when he or she is young. The reason being, when you are young, there is rush of adrenaline in the body, you are aggressive, fierce and ready to take on new challenges, there are a lot of distractions too that one faces and this age of competition doesn’t help either. There is that fire in your belly to excel and constant pressure and stress to outperform your peers and colleagues. Even if you attain what you want, there is that perpetual vie to uphold it and reach even further heights in your professional pursuits. Not to mention your personal ambitions. All these may lead to agony, distress and even depression though not necessarily so.

Being spiritual can help people to prevent these woes and tackle the stress. It gives you that moment of calmness which is very necessary when everyone is in such a hurry. It helps you to attain ‘Aplomb’ which is a requirement when things are so demanding. These are some of the things that substantiate the fact that Spirituality is something that is not only divine but very much pragmatic and has practical implications.

People talk about ‘Spiritual Awakening’ - A shift in consciousness, an apperception of reality which had been previously unrealized. The culmination of such realizations is in the recognition of oneness with all of existence.

For me Spiritual Awakening is when I am one with ‘The Almighty’ for that I need not go in to a frenzy, I can achieve that by simply praying the Lord for some time with my mind and soul. Everyone should be spiritually disposed irrespective of their age or for that matter religion, and not to prove to anyone but for their own soul.  

Through Spirituality we can be one with ‘The Divine Source’ which we all call ‘God’ .This very angelic source makes us imbibe the confidence to choose the right path and the strength, valour to fight out the negative energies that are within and around us.

At the end I would like to offer my sincere prayers to “Maa Durga” to bless us all and help us in getting rid of all our pains, sorrows, hardships and pessimisms and show us the light towards Spiritual Bliss.

Na tum kuch bolti hon,na mujhe bolne deti hon.
Na tum kuch bolti hon,na mujhe bolne deti hon.
Dil toh le hi liya hain,Abhi Jaan bhi lelo"

Tumhara Ehsaas

Baadalo main Chippe hue chand ko dekha karta hoon, Baadalo main Chippe hue Chand ko dekha karta hoon.
Tumhare Ehsaas ko Seene main nahi,Ankhon main basaye rakhta  karta  hoon.

Pyaar naa Aghaaz hain,naa Anjaam.Naa raasta hain,naa Mukaam.Pyaar toh bas ek ehsaas hain,Bas Ek Ehsaas.

Our Europe Tour- "A Seraphic Experience"

After the preparations, the day arrived when we had to board the flight to London, via Abu-Dhabi. And yes after the halt at the Abu-Dhabi International airport, we landed at Heathrow London, to commence our much anticipated Europe Tour. The Climate in London as expected was simply wondrous; a slight drizzle accompanied by a lovely innocuous breeze making the city as romantic as ever. That day after dinner we had gone to hotel and rested for the night. The next day after the breakfast we were all set to kick-start the sightseeing which was going to last for quite a few days on the trot. We visited the Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, London Tower Bridge, Royal Albert Hall, The Big Ben, Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circus, the different Castles so on and so forth. With all these and many more London seriously gives you a regal feel.

The Atmosphere at Madame Tussauds was just party like, people were clicking pictures with the wax statues of their favourite world known figures from different spheres of professions but without any haste and enjoying to the fullest. Madame Tussauds is named after late Mary Tussauds the lady who had mastered the art of Wax statue making and in fact, her wax statue was also present. Madame Tussauds is not only about the wax statues of world famous personalities, but there are many other things to be enthralled by. It has a 4D show,  the 'Spirit of London' where they take you for a ride on a train which are in the shape of the famous Black Taxis in London showing you the history of London, how it was founded by the Romans, how it got burnt and how it was rebuilt. It has also got something called the “London Dungeon”, where there are humans dressed as Ghosts,witches and devils and in a stark dark room, they try to scare you by their actions with their hands almost on the verge of touching you. We totally relished the spooky and the thrilling encounter. “London Eye”  built by British Airways is also called the ‘MillenniumWheel’, it has capsules which carry people in it and over the Thames River,it gives you a Giant Wheel kind of a view of the entire city, which is to say the least, awe-inspiring. We also covered the fringes of London and some other parts of UK.

After UK , we were off to France. Apart from the countryside of Europe which is exquisite, this particular patch of our tour had an another exciting angle. The journey on the “Le Shuttle”, it’s basically a train where the vehicles can go in, even the coach buses. So, our coach went inside, and we could just get down and look on either side. It goes 30 feet beneath the English Channel for some time; and hence we can say we were in the bed of the English Channel for a while. It travels at about 180-200 Kms per Hour. It’s an exemplary use of technology providing a different experience all together to the people on board .We reached France and then we entered the Fashion Capital of the world, Paris.

The same day itself after a splendid cruise over the ‘Siene river’ covering almost the entire city where there are automatic earphone guides in different languages briefing us on what we see and pass by while on the ship, we went to the main attraction of Paris, “The Eiffel Tower. The view from the Eiffel is simply remarkable. It’s an excellent vantage point to view the city from all directions, it even houses a restaurant. Then we called off the day and headed to the Hotel. The next morning we were off to 'Disneyland Paris'. What a rapturous and exhilarating experience it was. This can't be expressed in words. The Adventure rides, the cute Mickey and Minnie, the fetching Castles, as a matter of fact the whole arena was fun filled, enjoyable and stirring to a great extent. We all regaled thoroughly .My favourite adventure rides among all would be the “Pirates of the Caribean”, named after the popular Hollywood movie franchise, and  fighting with the  Aliens on a Space ship. After having a blast there, we were back to Paris city, for the City tour. We saw the famous fashion lanes of Paris. The stupendous “Louvre Museum“ having the ultimate creation of Leonardo Da Vinci, the “Mona Lisa“, “The Opera House“ designed by Charles Garnier, the majestic “Les Invalids“ where in one of its tomb Napolean Bonaparte is buried .That day we again went to the “Eiffel” for another view of this absorbing structure built by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel .After covering many more historical monuments and other marvels, we reached the Hotel. Me and my Sis rested while Mom and Dad went to savour the exotic and the graceful “Lido Show”. It’s a one of a kind world renowned cabaret show.

The next day, passing by the ‘Champaign Region’ we reached Germany. We arrived at Heidelberg Altstadt, a place with historical significance particularly in regards to the World War II and is situated on the river Neckar. The beautiful lanes, the magnificent structures like the Churches, the Heidelberg University and the Citadels to name a few were strikingly impressive and have a beguiling appeal. I would like to specially mention the view on the bank of the River Neckar which was indeed picturesque, and kindles an idyllic feeling.

We also went to Titisee Black Forest, the place in Germany from where the scrumptious and the lip-smacking “Black Forest Cake” originates. Basically, the area is surrounded by dark green Pine trees ostensibly black, and when there is snowfall, there is a layer of snow over the trees and that’s how the place was called the Black Forest and the Black forest cake came in to being which we know has layers of whipped cream which is white in colour with the chocolate which resembles black.

 It is also the place where the well-known ‘Cuckoo Clock’ was founded; we bought a Cuckoo Clock from the shop owned by ‘Drubba Family’, the pioneers of Cuckoo Clock. It was also interesting to witness a demonstration of its mechanism in the shop itself. We also tried the authentic black forest cake along with other local food. The place had a lovely lake too. I must say along with the place which was obviously alluring, the food and drinks were also luscious.

Now coming to the heavenly Switzerland, I personally had a lot of expectations from this particular country, and I wasn’t disappointed at all. Even if I say, its landscape was blissful it would only be an understatement. The experience in Switzerland was completely enchanting.

We started with the Rhine Falls in Switzerland, where we also took a toy train ride covering the entire area and also the peripheries. Train ride was exciting and the spectacle at the Falls was beatific and delightful.

Though, all the hotels we stayed in were fabulous with spectacular views. But, this one was special, it was a Heritage hotel in Engelberg with a view of the Alps and of course nothing could beat this.

Next day we headed off to Jungfraujoch- the Top of Europe, 11,371 ft. We had to make the route in two trains. The climate was pleasurably cold and not inclement. The journey was prepossessing with snow on both sides with the scenic beauty being entrancing and spellbinding. Finally when we reached the Top of Europe, it was paradisiacal. Snowfield to play, different Ice Structures in something like an Ice Palace. A restaurant called ‘Bollywood’ where we had our Lunch. An AV (Audio Visual) was also going on about the site itself. One will wonder at the technological advancements made to promote tourism where such concrete structures and great amenities are made available at such a high altitude.  Hats off to them.

The next day we went to Mount Titlis, 10,623 ft, here we had to go with the help of Three Cable Cars, the 1^st one takes only four people in, till an altitude, the second takes some more till even an higher altitude and the last takes even more people to take you to  the highest and the final point. Here also the journey both up and down was ecstatic, filled with euphoria. Firstly there were green pine trees, and as we went higher we were in the midst of snow. Snow on the trees, snow on the mountains, snow everywhere.

Just when we landed at Titlis,we saw a cut out of SRK and Kajol from ‘DDLJ’, as we all know Yash Chopra has shown Switzerland extensively in his movies and yes his films, particularly ‘DDLJ’ and ‘Silsila’ along with their stars are very popular here,and these films have contributed to the Switzerland Tourism immensely. Like in Jungfraujoch, here also we had a great time in the snow with a lot of elation and gaiety.

We also visited Interlaken were these movies of  Yash Chopra’s were shot, it is a very planned city with striking buildings, Casinos and a lot of greenery around.

We even went to see the “Lion Monument’ or the ‘Dying Lion’, a structure designed  by  Bertel Thorvaldsen  to commemorate the sacrifices made by the ‘Swiss Guards’ in ‘The French Revolution’. It’s in Luzern. It is also a stunning city with marvellous bridges, mesmeric Churches and others. In Luzern itself, we got 2-3 hours for Shopping. Though, Mom did a bit of Shopping in UK, France and Germany with whatever little time she had. But now she had more time, so she was happy. However, I utilized that time to explore the city a bit more.

After coming to the hotel, me and my sis sauntered nearby and enjoyed some more glimpses of the serene Switzerland. I realized this place has a halcyonic affect; you just feel like staying here and pampering yourself in the tranquil and the balmy ambience that it is gifted with.

Next morning we went to Zurich, to catch the return Flight. Zurich to Abu-Dhabi, and after the halt, Abu-Dhabi to Mumbai.

After sharing my experience, I don’t want to be didactic or preachy but just want to say that every country has its good and bad aspects, nevertheless if we genuinely love our country then, we won’t do such acts that may spoil its reputation or blemishes it. There is a saying called “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” and we know that cleanliness is one of the prime facets that separate our Country from the western ones. So, along with eradicating all other evils that are plaguing the country like corruption, poverty and so on we should make a conscious effort to keep our Country Clean and Hygienic in whatsoever manner we can. If we keep our country clean, then only our Country will in true sense be Angelic.

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Main Darta Hun

Main Darta hun, main darta hun us pal ka,jis pal main mere zubaan se tera naam na nikle.

Main Darta hun, main darta hun us raat ka,jis raat main mere zehen main tera chehra na ho.

Main Darta hun, main darta hun,us pyaar se, jo tere bager hi mukammal ho jaye.

End of an Epoch-Now an everlasting Vacuum

The 2^nd test between India and West-Indies scheduled next month will see an end of an eternal era. Well, the statement seems to be of tongue-in-cheek in nature, if something is eternal how can it end? But yes it’s an era which seemed amaranthine. The Cricketing Era which saw the rise and rise of the greatest of all, ‘the God of Cricket’, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. For some of us, the epoch is actually perpetual; the great man was playing when we were just infants, he was in his full glory when were in School, the same continued when we were in college and now when we are Working Professionals. And yes off course Cricket won’t be the same now, certainly the way people would feel for it, I am not saying that the craze would lessen however, everyone will feel an everlasting void.

We speak of Sportsmen having a peak in their careers. But, this man whose career has lasted more than 24 years has got a number of peaks. Just when the critics would put up a flak against him, as always he would let his bat do the talking and deliver another class apart performance. He kept on ameliorating his own performances.

 It will be interesting to know what he will be doing after hanging up his boots, relaxing for sometime, commentary, setting up an academy but the fact is, he himself is an Institution, an Academy of Cricket. As we all know Cricket is his first love, so we can very well guess that whatever he will do, will some way or the other be connected to Cricket.

With all the batting records to his name, it’s always Him and then The Rest. As a matter of fact, he was the one man army batting against the fiercest of bowling attacks all over the cricketing world in the 90s and though his burden got reduced a bit later on, he kept on winning matches for the nation. In the 90s and even after wards people would lose all hope of winning, if he would get out. However, with all the expectations on him and single-handedly fighting for the cause of winning, he has always been a team man.

It’s not only his own contributions that have mattered but also the way he has inspired a generation of cricketers who are currently playing in the team and the ones who would join in the future.

Now, as the crowds will galore at Wankhede for his farewell test, the expectation is at least of a three figure score from him. And what a perfect end it would  be to a career of a man who is an Emperor of Centuries, a Connoisseur in reaching the mark.