Release of Book !!

Pleased to share the release of book:          

In Search Of...: What's always there...Subtly                                        [Kindle Edition]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SW7L1QK

Seeking your good wishes 

Book Description

It's a delight to see a seasoned artist perform. You can enjoy every move, absorb the rhythm and relate to the character. While I deeply value such artists, their genius, dedication and commitment, I know that this line is not ...my Call!

In the gentle footsteps of a child, in innocent gesture of a close one, in fine notes of a song, in tender move of a twig, in sweet stretch of a pet, in few challenging situations and sometimes in silence, I have heard ...my Call!

In words of Rabindranath Tagore “The blossom has not opened; only the wind is sighing by. I have not seen his face, nor have I listened to his voice; only I have heard his gentle footsteps from the road before my house. ”

Long back, I had the privilege of attending the music program of a Ghazal Master. During the performance, he briefly drifted into a sentimental patch, probably trying to share some of his inner pain. The audience was not impressed and made their point clear. What may appear as an ordinary observation at one stage, can serve as a pretty significant insight in another context, may be years later. At times, the imprints left within by several friends, relations and co-travellers, often just in the passing, help you decipher the passage for yourself, put the pieces together and assemble your own...scaffolding!

After fifteen years of a fine travel with our precious pet dog, we had to put him down recently due to rapidly deteriorating health. Picasso once said, of his favourite dog, "Lump, he’s not a dog, he’s not a little man, he’s somebody else". Often they add to your being... well beyond the...scaffolding!

This book is a humble attempt to…assemble and dismantle a scaffolding… listen to and share...my Call... probably ... “I have heard his gentle footsteps!”

... the Song Unsung !

In his famous poem Tagore Sahib says "The song that I came to sing remains unsung to this day.. I have spent my days in stringing and in unstringing my instrument.. The time has not come true, the words have not been rightly set; only there is the agony of wishing in my heart... I have not seen his face, nor have I listened to his voice; only I have heard his gentle footsteps from the road before my house....The livelong day has passed in spreading his seat on the floor; but the lamp has not been lit and I cannot ask him into my house. ...I live in the hope of meeting with him; but this meeting is not yet."

It's inspiring to see how an artist can so beautifully capture, preserve, nurture and then share such a tender thought. In all humbleness, to a degree, I feel that I have been able to sing.."The song that I came to sing.." 

Given our ability to seek, reflect upon and partly comprehend the Absolute, how simple to accept that " ...only I have heard his gentle footsteps from the road before my house"

Among the most fundamental of human faculties is ... "the hope of meeting with him". To that effect, we are all, in our ways, trying to absorb ... the Song Unsung !

... ray of light !

Given that human life goes through cycles of growth and decay, high & lows, attraction & repulsion... it’s fascinating to see how we look for and try to hold on to... ray of light !

It’s natural to look for a glass of cool drink, when one is hot and thirsty. A good nap does wonders for one who is tired and exhausted. It’s probably necessary to experience some dark patches, to help us look for... ray of light !

While there is no dearth of inspiring speakers, flawless presenters, remarkable performers, dedicated professional, selfless workers... one still has to search for ... ray of light !

Given that one can have shadows only when we have light, it takes a lot of practice, patience and reflection to internalize that a shadow also points to... ray of light !   

...the Mantra!

Based on our nature, nurture, circumstances... we gradually figure out our formula to keep afloat... the Mantra!

How much importance we attach to an issue ... to our drive... to our values... point to... the Mantra!

For many years I have been having a glass of warm water with honey and lemon in the morning, as suggested by many for good health. Generally I am more comfortable in outdoors than indoors. Going for a walk stimulates me at many levels. For me it’s all part of... the Mantra!

A piece of music that stirs you, ... a story that inspires you...a dream that drives you... the resilience that sustains you... point to... the Mantra!

Gradually you come to realise that you are not far from ...the Mantra!

.. the proof.!

Quantum physics points out that if we are sure about the location of an atomic particle, we are uncertain about its properties and vice verse. A certain degree of uncertainly is inherent in most descriptions, encounters, events... this provides scope for beautiful growth, intense pain, fine poetry and divine music... well beyond... the proof.

Few years back we bought a CD. It has provided hours of fine entertainment, endless stream of thoughts and honest admiration for the artists and moments of fine reflections... without any need for ...the proof.

It has been an honest effort to cultivate a range of personal and professional relationships over many decades. Part of you exists in, resonates with, is defined by, is bothered about, is nurturing and nurtured by these associations without ... the proof.

... little smiling one!

It has been my sincere effort to meet & greet friends & relations with a warm smile. This warmth has been more than reciprocated. It adds to someone within... little smiling one.

In deeply reflective moments, you can feel the universe blissfully coming to a standstill... quietly shrinking... to be with ... little smiling one.

While listening to a fine piece of music, laughing wholeheartedly with a comic clip, feeling deeply connected to the universal energy, sharing a playful moment with kids, I can feel the presence of ... little smiling one.

It has been a blessing to enjoy long term association with family & friends. A generous dose of humour helps most of the time. Am gradually realising, one need not worry at all.. just quietly listen to... be gently in the company of ... little smiling one.

. . . blissful ignorance !

We have all seen a baby cry for feed, comfort, company .... Once the needs are reasonably met, the little one is relaxed & often ...off to sleep. The sensory signals are at ease & it is enjoying ... blissful ignorance.

After a reasonable amount of work, at the end of everyday chores, one can easily slip into deep sleep, devoid of any concerns, dreams.. just in a state of ... blissful ignorance.

Having enjoyed several comedy shows and hearty laughs to the point of exhaustion, one can certainly reflect on the whole experience to conclude that one has been in a state of ... blissful ignorance.

Ironically, am finding that our moments of extreme fear, concern, humiliation and anxiety gradually pass and help us dig within for ... blissful ignorance.

.... what’s in front !

A toddler is sitting a few rows in front of me in the train. This cute little kid is pretty relaxed in company of his Dad. I can see rays of Divine reflection in.... what’s in front.

Few weeks back, I was at a social get-together. A few kids were singing a song in front of the gathering. Somehow, I was not with it. With the best of intent, you may not be able to relate to .... what’s in front.

There are several occasions when you can see that a common event is having a different impact on different people. Be it a movie, a cricket match, an election campaign or a burst water main. What’s at the back of your mind, does influence how you relate to .... what’s in front.

The story goes that a renowned professor visited a Zen master to learn about few finer points. The Master welcomed the guest & served him tea. He continued to pour tea, even when the cup was full. Dazzled, the prof remarked, how can you pour tea into cup that’s already full ! The Master added – perhaps you are like that cup – that’s already full!

To a degree, we need the empty cup... to capture, relish, absorb and be part of.... what’s in front.

...price of Freedom!

"Freedom is my birthright" said a noted statesman decades back. Several scholars & scriptures point to the same concept from different angles. One suggestion is for us to be ever vigilant. We all have our share of thrills & drills, rights & duties, dreams & fears. In the midst of it all, at a basic level, we are free as well.


Many years back, I was running high fever & had to stay back from the primary school for three weeks. I clearly remember the whole period, the medication, the restriction on food & movement etc. Gradually am understanding that there is something within that's eternally free. There is no...price of Freedom!


Have enjoyed a song for many years. It beautifully captures the pangs of leaving your native place. Am fully familiar with the immense emotions this song generated for a long period. Now it gently points to the ...price of Freedom!


Having faced fine compliments and serious challenges over the years, one can say that Happiness is a state of mind. Same holds for Peace & Freedom. A certain degree of vigilance is all that's needed as the ...price of Freedom!

... whatever surfaces!

Few years back, an astrologer was discussing her readings about my horoscope with me. It was a lively and intense experience. She did suggest that the Almighty does not subject us to a test, for which we are not prepared! Am sure this suggestion will gradually settle within and help me handle ... whatever surfaces!

Am sometimes reminded of a fine high school teacher. Even close to retirement, he used to say "Am becoming better & better, come what may, it does not matter". Am sure we have seen the picture of a frog, about to be swallowed, still trying to strangle its predator. The slogan reads "Never Ever Give Up".

Having come across hundreds of inspiring tales, narrations, events, one can see these waves reaching the shore, leaving some moisture behind and taking some sand away. In several relationships, dealings & associations, you gradually reach a steady state of mutual acceptance and empathy. Once this steady state is reached, you can handle...... whatever surfaces!

... need to escape!

There are several packages to help us plan our holiday, retreats, outings, DJ sessions.. Given the routines of daily life, there can be a... need to escape!

It's a pleasure to see a tiny toddler have peaceful nap, totally oblivious of the surroundings. So long as it's basic needs are met, it is at peace with itself, with no ... need to escape!

Few years back, I was sitting next to a window, waiting for the flight to take off. Two good size ladies came & sat in the next two seats. Suddenly I felt suffocated and wanted to rush out.Lukily it worked out fine. Given my own need for open space & claustrophobic feel in closed spaces, am almost scared for miners, working underground in risky conditions, just in case there is ... need to escape!

With practice, we get to a stage, where we are comfortable in our skin. Am given to understand that at times, even adverse conditions can prompt us to dig for strength & creative energy within, while trying to manage the ... need to escape!

... art of enjoyment!

For some 3 decades, I do enjoy a cup of coffee. It's an acquired taste from uni days. Over the years, you figure out, what's a good coffee for you. I do try to reflect, where is enjoyment - is it in anticipation, or in the slow sip, or in the after-taste ! Hopefully it will help me decipher the ... art of enjoyment!

Music has found a seat within for decades. So many songs help you relate to your own roots, understand human relations, reflect on finer points and appreciate the creative artists
Had the fortune of attending the performance of a Gazaal master recently, having enjoyed his music for over 25 years.
It's pretty simple to understand that we all have our own liking for a particular type of music. It varies from person to person and with time
As Gulzar Sahib says - music fills our life. It helps me understand the ... art of enjoyment!

It seems Aristotle was asked how long should the legs be! As we understand, his reply was "long enough to reach the ground!" A certain degree of "grounded" feeling or self acceptance is part of the ... art of enjoyment!

...Melting Moments !

There are several moments, mostly unplanned and unpredictable that seem to suddenly melt your inner being. The flood of emotions at these times, shakes you to the core ! This is to share some of these rich moments.

- about 7 years back, I was visiting a close family elder, who was not keeping well. His condition disturbed me. I had seen him for years in fine spirits - always in warm friendly frame. At this point, all I could do was hold his hand and sob!
- Few years back, I had picked up a favourite CD to listen to on the way to work. The moment the song started, I was flooded !
- A simple warm gesture from a pet can sometimes stir many chords within !
- A tiny toddler resting in your lap can easily give you a feeling of bliss! A toddler crying can shake my inner being !
- Some 25 years back, one fellow hostler declared that he was going to tickle a pillar & Raj is going to crack laughing. He did precisely that & I was nearly rolling on floor laughing ...

The list can go on ... These tender moments, represent to me the firm ground, on which we stand to grow!

... just call Me !!

A famous couplet goes like “Unke dekhe se jo aa jati hai chere pe raunak, Wo samjhate hain beemar ka haal achha hai” [ “Just a glimpse of the beloved makes the face glow and they think I am (despite being ill) all fine”]

Over a period of time, we do get used to the available means of communication. Having survived on the notes from friends & relations for long time, it has been my good fortune to be able to relate to associates over phone as well !

Like most facets of relationships, phone connectivity takes time, effort and will. Having made sincere effort to keep in touch, share warmly and honestly, am very satisfied with this dimension. It's a fulfilling experience to sense a pleasant frame, may be even a smile, at the other end.

Hopefully, with patient practice, I can get to a point, whereby, if need be.... I can ... just call Me !!

....rationale of my existence!

Its fascinating to see how human relationships evolve and have the potential to transform one's inner Being. The poet has beautifully captured this in these fine lines in Urdu.
Rafta rafta woh meri hasti ka saamaan ho gayey [ Gradually, it became the power/reason of my existence]
Pehlay jaan, phir jaan-e-jaan, phir jaan-e-jaana ho gayey [First my life, then the love of my life, then it became the beloved of my life]
Din-b-din badti gehin us husn ki raaniyaan [Day by day, their beauty / influence increased]
Pehlay Gul, phir gul-badan, phir gul-badamaan ho gayey ! [First a rose, then the body of a rose, then it became the greatest rose]
Aap to nazdeek say nazdeek-tar aatay gahey [You became closer and closer to me]
Pehlay dil, phir dilruba, phir dil kay mehmaan ho gayey [First the heart, then the sweetheart, then you became the guest of the heart]
Pyar jab Hadd se badha saare Taqaloof mith gayey[When love grew to its limit, all formalities got destroyed]
Aaap se phir tum huay phir tu ka Khunwaan hogayey [From a formal ‘you’ to an informal ‘you’, then ‘you’ disappeared]

To me this represents a fairly evolved stage of Unity - where formalities drop off automatically! Beauty is that this fine degree of empathy can be experienced with anyone - a close relation, companion, child, mentor, pet, even one's vocation / profession can be ...rationale of one's existence !

... drops of Bliss!!

There are several moments with a favourite song playing, when I automatically 'slip' into a different state - often teary, very alert and desire less, complete - am sure we all have enjoyed such ... drops of Bliss!!

Several times, I wake up after a sound nap, feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. How does one describe this experience, apart from stating the effect it had. Am sure we all look forward to such .. drops of Bliss!!

Having walked many miles with friends & relations, I treasure many fine moments. They are complete, fulfilling, evergreen and nourishing within. Am sure we all have enjoyed such...drops of Bliss!!

There are times, when I do eagerly & desperately long for these... drops of Bliss!!

...the illusion !

It’s human nature to make sense of this ever-changing and evolving World around us. This is an attempt to decipher part of this phenomenon with the help of a famous poem, Gazaal

The poet has beautifully captured the illusionary, transitory, impermanent nature of the World we “see”: labelling it as a Magical Toy: it’s of little value when we have it, but becomes invaluable – in case we lose it!!

duniyaa jise kahate hain jaaduu kaa khilonaa hai
mil jaaye to miTTii hai kho jaaye to sonaa hai

For reason whatsoever there is no point cribbing all the time and not be fully with and absorbed in the present “moment”: whether it is the fine weather or even a solitary moment by itself

achchhaa saa koii mausam tanahaa saa koii aalam
har vaqt kaa ronaa to bekaar kaa ronaa hai

Highlighting the unpredictability of the events, the poet adds that the cloud has a mind of its own! Does it know which path to avoid & which roof to shower on!!

barsaat kaa baadal to diivaanaa hai kyaa jaane
kis raah se bachanaa hai kis chhat ko bhigonaa hai

Happiness & unhappiness are both temporary phenomenon: our companions for a short while, what remains is the passage, without any need to rejoice or regret!

gham ho ki khushii donon kuchh der ke saathii hain
phir rastaa hii ras-taa hai haNsanaa hai na ronaa ha

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP5r23rVdew&feature=player_embedded#

…floating in bliss!

The entire human journey seems to be an effort to figure out & make friends with the ONE, who resides within. Few notes in line with a popular Qwalee describing this!
The poet says "Near and far, somebody lives: somebody do lives in my heart." in Urdu paas rahtaa hai duur rahtaa hai ko’ii dil meN zaruur rahtaa hai

Our inspiration can be from any source. Once the inspiration settles within, the drive is automatic! "From the time I have seen their sight, I remain mildly intoxicated. “jab se dekhaa hai unkii aaNkhoN ko halkaa halkaa suruur rahtaa hai

Its a blessing to be in an ecstatic frame, without any fear or greed, most of the time. My understanding remains that this state is achievable with due dedication, practice and Grace from above ! "“Adam” is of such a disposition that at every step he remains intoxicated and ecstatic." ab “Adam” kaa vo haal hai har qadam mast rahtaa hai chuur rahtaa hai
Several scholars, poets, sages have highlighted the impact of graceful look of a Realised Soul. The poet adds This mild intoxication is because of your Sight / Eyes, that taught me drinking.[ The words "intoxication" & "wine" need careful interpretation!] ye jo halkaa halkaa suruur hai, ye terii nazar kaa qusuur hai, ke sharaab piina sikha diyaa
The poetic description of elated state where the whole landscape is filled with Grace, Peace and Joy is experienced by us all, at least momentarily! “saaraa jahaaN mast, jahaaN kaa nizaam mast, din mast, raat mast, saher mast, shaam mast, mast”

The poet has beautifully described his devotion to & faith in the Chosen One. We are advised that there are no formalities between us & our Chosen One: just pure Friendship, Oneness and Unity. As the poet says neither I know prayers nor ablutions, I prostate whenever you come in front of me. na namaaz aatii hai mujhko na vuzuu aataa hai, sajdaa kar letaa huuN jab saamne tuu aataa hai

The poet has beautifully captured the essence of Union with the Higher Self: The distinction between You & Me vanishes. Your remembrance is my prayer [and] your wish is my wish. This is the miracle of my frenzy that where ever I prostrated a place of worship was made there. jo terii Khushii, vo merii Khushii
ye mere junuuN kaa hai mo’jizaa, jahaaN apne sar ko jhukaa diyaa
vahaaN maine Kaaba banaa diyaa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cj510jk-BH4

Rhythm of Life…

It’s been a pleasure reading, listening, watching and discussing a range of inspiring tales, episodes, poems and biographies over the years. Some interesting ones include:
 ‘There was this hermit .living peacefully in a hut next to a river. Devoted... simple guy … had a cat. The cat daily saw a little plate hanging from the ceiling. Thought it was butter. One day this fellow went for a long wash. Cat was determined to get the plate. Went all out for it. Jumped endlessly to get the plate! The efforts paid off! Cat managed to hit the plate. The plate fell down. Alas there was no butter. It was cotton, for the lamp. In sheer frustration, the cat …died! Some where along the line … I see achievement motivation!
 A sage was visiting a poor household. The lady was trying to clean the table with a cloth – that happened to be dirty. Every time she would wipe the table – the dirt remained. Ultimately the sage remarked “Clean the Cleaner!”
 Ghalib says “Ghalib Khasta key begair – konsay kaam band hain – rooiyah bar bar kyon – keejiya hai hai kyon?”[Without perfection also, nothing has stopped in this world – what’s the point of you crying or feeling sad?]
 Scriptures constantly remind us that it’s the Almighty that’s carrying the entire burden – we just need to cultivate the Faith!

 During his rigorous training, one day a young Swami spread his Guru’s cloth for drying. Later that evening the cloth is found to have a little scratch – while the young swami pleads innocence – he is labelled as a Liar by the Guru – that too in presence of others! Much later the young Swami figured out that the Guru was right – TRUTH can not be described & hence he was a Liar!
 It’s customary for great Masters of Sufi music tradition to make keen students wait for years, before they are initiated into music!
 Am told that students of Ayurveda can take up to 20 years to master the art of reading human pulse!
 Traditional wisdom holds that Guru will appear when the student is ready. In my experience – Guru(s) did appear at the appropriate time – on different occasions, in different forms – certainly with a reassuring message.
 "People want to find a "meaning" in everything and everyone. That's the disease of our age, an age that is anything but practical but believes itself to be more practical than any other age." Pablo Picasso
 The famous saying from movie Samsara: How can you prevent a drop of water from drying – by putting it back in the ocean!
 In the process of developing Faith, trying to comprehend the rhythm of Life, on the way to the Ocean, am often reminded of couplets like “Shaam Udeekan, Fasar Udeekan, Akhain tay sari umar udeekan” [Will eagerly long for You day in & day out - may be for the rest of this life]

“Kee Janna main koon Bullaya” [Do I know who am I. . . ?] says the sage Bullay Shah!!

I am That ..

I Am That – who marvels at the creative genius of poets, singers, sages, artists, actors, scientists… for their beautiful insights, creative energy and ability to structure an abstract idea….

I Am That - who is thrilled to bits, at least for some time, for positive outcomes, after prolonged efforts, prayers and commitment!

I Am That – who some times feels restless, frustrated and listless when things go haywire, commitments are not honoured or directions are uncertain.

I Am That - who enjoys a cup of coffee, a walk in the park, a lively discussion with friends and relations, a funny narration or movie, a good nap!

I Am That - who earnestly tries for, deeply values and longs for an internal bond with guarding angels and well-wishers: also experiences it - sometimes!

I Am That – who “witnesses” moments of pure Existence and Peace, often precipitated by a favourite narration, song, dialogue, reflection or recollection!

I Am That – who “enjoys”, relates to and gets absorbed in a thing of beauty – like a beautiful song !

Gradually, with practice, look forward to realising … I Am That!!!