... 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 untouchable!

There are several experiences that gradually start looking like pearls, held together by a string that is practically...the untouchable!

There is a food item that I have enjoyed, for decades. The Gool-gappa, or Pani-puri, as it is called, has several layers of history, association, affinity, interaction. There are associated experiences, pleasant & not so pleasant, fulfilling & frustrating. This wide variation helps me reach for ...the untouchable!

Few years back, a young waiter was bringing a tray of drinks at our office party. He happened to trip over and pour all the drinks over the colleague sitting next to me. A little later, this happened again, with the drinks running all over my back. The event affected different people differently, essentially leaving...the untouchable!

There are several developments, which can be classed as successes. On the other hand, there are failures, despite all the good will & effort. In the mix of things, it becomes imperative to make peace with ...the untouchable!

We tend to keep the valuables in a safe place, beyond easy reach. Given that we all appear & then finally dissolve in time & space. This precious balance of time & space is a gentle pointer to ...the untouchable!

...what’s mine!

It’s human nature to come to terms with, understand, comprehend and possibly float easily with the Nature. It’s a delight to see the fine work of different seekers – poets, painters, scholars, artists, reformers... it’s an ongoing effort to understand...what’s mine!

Going for a walk with the pet, can be a pretty fulfilling experience. So can be a relaxed chat with a friend... a fine song that you have enjoyed over the years... a lively evening with a group..gradually I am finding that all these help me figure out ...what’s mine!

Reflecting on an experience... good or not so good... comforting or threatening ... uplifting or humiliating... helps me decipher. As the pendulum swings to & fro...seasons change.. still something stays steady...what’s mine!

A certain degree of detachment, discrimination... effortless observation... a sprinkle of humour...helps me absorb... ...what’s mine!

...the street directory!

Many years back, I had picked up a friend from the airport. As I was still getting familiar with the route, I asked him to hold the street directory, just in case I needed to check the route. As we got home, he jokingly said – perhaps we can store away ...the street directory!  

Initially as one is not clear about the route, one needs the GPS, a guide or... ...the street directory !

It’s fascinating to see how comfortable one can get with the routes- enjoying the views, some music, a little conversation, sprinkle of imagination, without ...the street directory!

Nature provides its own signal to steer us perhaps. A tiny ant probably know where it’s heading without ...the street directory!

Few days back, some of us were having a snack, sitting in clear outdoors – under a little shaded area. A kookaburra came flying in, snatched the chip from one of the pals & just flew off. Perhaps it had it's own...the street directory! 

...the same source!

It’s fascinating to see the way our desires originate, shape up, find fulfilment & then gradually dissolve into...the same source!

I have had the privilege to be associated with several people in varied contexts. Every transaction has its own backdrop, flow, ripples, highs & lows ... finally to be absorbed into ...the same source!

Having experienced a wide range of opposites ... intense loneliness to fine friendship...daunting humiliation to graceful acknowledgement... moments of self doubt to glimpse of bliss... one can sense that it’s coming from and pointing to...the same source!

When Shakespeare said...To be or Not to Be.. perhaps he was pointing to...the same source!

... the Cord !

Even before we step on this earth, all our requirements are met through ... the Cord!! In order to “discover” our self, we have to start the journey and get past... the Cord!! Occasionally, for medical support, we are connected to.. the Cord!! It’s interesting to note that, in whatever frame we are, pleasant or not so pleasant, at a fundamental level, we are always connected to .. the Cord!! It’s said that even our pets can sense the strength from the cord, as you take them for a walk. In fact, it’s interesting to note that, it’s futile searching for ... the Cord!!