Sunday, November 15, 2009

20 attributes for success in every venture of life

Had heard a lot about Chanakya niti, but never read it.

Then few days ago, Swami Ramdev was explaining 20 attributes for success in every venture of life. This is brilliant, so sharing with you all.

The entire Nitishastra of Chanakya in English is available at www.hinduism.co.za site


6/15. Learn one thing from a lion; one from a crane; four a cock; five from a crow; six from a dog; and three from an ass.

6/16. The one excellent thing that can be learned from a lion is that whatever a man intends doing should be done by him with a whole-hearted and strenuous effort.

6/17. The wise man should restrain his senses like the crane and accomplish his purpose with due knowledge of his place, time and ability.

6/18. To wake at the proper time; to take a bold stand and fight; to make a fair division (of property) among relations; and to earn one's own bread by personal exertion are the four excellent things to be learned from a cock.

6/19. Union in privacy (with one's wife); boldness; storing away useful items; watchfulness; and not easily trusting others; these five things are to be learned from a crow.

6/20. Contentment with little or nothing to eat although one may have a great appetite; to awaken instantly although one may be in a deep slumber; unflinching devotion to the master; and bravery; these six qualities should be learned from the dog.

6/21. Although an ass is tired, he continues to carry his burden; he is unmindful of cold and heat; and he is always contented; these three things should be learned from the ass.

6/22. He who shall practice these twenty virtues shall become invincible in all his undertakings.

Saturday, November 07, 2009

Be The Worst

"It's better to hang out with people better than you. Pick out associates whose behavior is better than yours, and you'll drift in that direction."
-- Warren Buffett

This reminds of chapter 'Be The Worst' in The Passionate Programmer...

Before starting my career in information technology, I was a professional jazz and blues saxophonist. As a musician, I had the good fortune of learning this lesson early on and sticking to it. Being the worst guy in the band means always playing with people who are better than you.

Now, why would you always choose to be the worst person in a band? “Isn’t it unnerving?” you ask. Yes, it’s extremely unnerving at first. As a young musician, I would find myself in situations where I was so obviously the worst guy in the band that I was sure I would stick out like a sore thumb. I’d show up to a gig and not even want to unpack my saxophone for fear I’d be forcefully ejected from the bandstand. I’d find myself standing next to people I looked up to, expected to perform at their level—sometimes as the lead instrument!

Without fail (thankfully!), something magical would happen in these situations: I would fit in. I wouldn’t stand out among the other musicians
as a star. On the other hand, I wouldn’t be obviously outclassed, either. This would happen for two reasons. The first reason is that I really wasn’t as bad as I thought. We’ll come back to this one later.

The more interesting reason that I would fit in with these superior musicians—my heroes, in some cases—is thatmy playing would transform itself to be more like theirs.

-- Chad Fowler in The Passionate Programmer

Friday, November 06, 2009

Loss of Lumbar Lordosis

For many years, I had this problem that I could not sit for long without back support.

Since this almost always coincided with sitting cross legged, I thought that it was because I don't have habit of sitting cross-legged for long.

When I started doing Yog, I ended up sitting cross-legged long for about 1-2 hours. Overtime I also added Yog aasana into the routine, especially the back exercises. However, to my surprise there was not much improvement, thougt I had much releif. Still my case seemed that of an extreme.

So I visited orthpaedic doctor recently, and he got Lumbar Spine x-ray done. It was found that I had problem of 'Loss of Lumbar Lordosis'. The doctor, after discussion, concluded that this could mostly be because of the nature of work, of sitting for hours on chair, and not in the perfect ergonomic back support posture, and not taking proper breaks. He also told that it may set in earlier or later depending persons body constitution.

Loss of Lumbar lordosis is the state when the lower end curve of the spine (the lordosis), starts loosing its curve. This lower end curve is also called 'sway' and this problem is also called 'Sway back' and also 'Flat back'. The back is actually curved and forms a kind of spring to bear allow kinds of jerks we get all life long, and also protects the nerves running down.

He told that this problem has no medicinal remedy and solution is only Yog, and for temporary relief Diathermy and some massge/vibrations to of spine vertebrates.

So I want to share, that for people like us, its of utmost importance that we:
  1. Sit in upright posture, with proper lower back support
  2. Take break from chair for at least 1 min every 30 to 45 mins
  3. Daily do the very essential essential minimum back aasana/postures - Bhujanga aasana, Shashaka aasana (these two were told by the Doctor's therapist, but there are many more simple ones like - simple Dhanur aasana, simple Setubandh aasana, simple Ushtra aasana*)
  4. Ensure that you get adequate calcium, and also other essential vitamins and nutrients

* the word simple indicates that there is a simple and full form of the posture. The simple ones are simple for everyone. Full forms can be done by ones who do it with care, and prior experience of the simple ones, and their body has started stretching.

Take care of your back.

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Sunday, October 25, 2009

Affirmations for Belief Change

Lately have been struggling to change myself, to bring some changes in my life, to improve, to set free of certain baggage, limitations. Was trying to figure how to create scaffold to ensure that I do change this time, and not just ride the change wave for few days and then forget.

Then just few days ago was thinking about Beliefs, and then Values and Virtues - it struck that my thoughts are working in cycles. This is actually common sense, but when one is in rushing water (life in this case), its difficult to have a clear sense. Anyway I realized it, and it felt like that instead of just reminding myself and trying to change my thoughts, I really should be working on my incorrect Beliefs, inculcate better Values, and implement more Virtues in by life.

Strangely, since then have come across lots of stuff that help me get started. So sharing all encountered till now, in the same order...
  1. First I encountered Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) - a form of psychotherapy created by Albert Ellis in the 1950's.
  2. Then encountered this post by Steve Pavlina - Remove a Limiting Belief in About 20 Minutes
  3. Tried one of Morty Lefkoe's Recreate Your Life free belief change  Encountered Affirmation CD site, and watched the video 'It Comes From Me'
  4. Then also watched Affirmation 2006. It has Savage Garden's Affirmation song in background (lyrics here)

All the above set of events have been quite interesting. I went from state of cluelessness, and somewhat confusion - to sense of clarity along with quite some inspiration. Thanks to all those who have shared this stuff on net.

Hope this helps others.

del.icio.us/vikramsjn


Posted: 22 Oct 2009 12:00 AM PDT

Friday, October 16, 2009

Happy Deepawali

Wishing all of you a very happy and prosperous DIWALI !!

Remember that this is a festival of light, not of sound and pollution!!

No where in Valmiki Ramayana or Tulsidas Ramayana there is mention of cracker usage (or anything such) to celebrate or rejoice.

This day should remind and inspire us to become like Shri Ram and Shri Krishna – and not to pollute and waste

Sure one may not reduce cracker usage outright, then at least reduce as much as possible.

Best wishes again.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

On being vegetarian

Just read this tweet of Steve Pavlina
@MetroPed Absolutely. Eating no animals means killing fewer plants. So does eating fruit since picking fruit doesn't kill the plant.

This is very interesting, and so very true.

This reminded me of a recent reply I gave to a friend on mail regarding my view on being a vegetarian.
Here it is:

My incomplete reasoning on being vegetarian….
I am not arguing you to be vegetarian, but sharing just for information sake and for the sake of discussion


the way i see it (or as i have come to believe or understand)
animals and plants both have souls, animals are more developed forms
and killing them certainly would release stuff  in their body when in extreme pain
besides kiliing someone for taste is so very mean an low
plants on other hand do not always get killed by taking off fruit from them... the originating plant basically lives
btw in ayurveda they do mention animal meat for certain ailments.... but do not recomment it
and even when they recommend it they say that that animal should be free animal a happy and healthy animal only
then there is also the concept that animal food is tamsic and rajsic
I also consider non-veg or even spicy veg food to be addictions

Earlier I did not eat non-veg food just because I fealt filthy and dirty…. But then I used to eat stuff like cakes etc which may have some animal relation (eg egg used in cake)
But now realizing that consuming such foods leads to indirectly doing harm to animals…. I now have given that up strictly
An excuse is that increased no. of animals could then become a problem (a possible argument) but then there could other ways to keeping them in control

My reason for not taking non-veg food has never been religious
I have had pork chicken etc, but just because of curiosity
But I do value what our forefathers have said after much evaluation and study
And I don’t want to spend time doing the same evalutiona myself
Btw… doing kapal bhaati does bring some kind of change (I am not advocating for ramdev or pranayam), because I feel some changes in myself
Like I have started noticing more what are addictions… even eating sweets just for taste is also an addiction (in my opinion… now)


and here is one link from Steve Pavlina site
http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2006/09/why-vegan/
this person experiments a lot , and does extreme experiments
he has read hundreds of self improvement and health books
from non-veg he moved to being vegetarian, then vegan, then now for past 1 year he is only on raw foods
and he says that his abilities have increased drastically by change in diet

I did a search of why vegetarian and of the various reasons these are the major ones
Religious beliefs is just one of them

1. The love of animals and not wanting to kill them to sustain our life
2. Environmental concerns
3. Disagreement with factory farming and killing
4. Religious beliefs
5. Concerns about antibiotics and steroid use in animal farming
6. Health concerns


btw I am also trying to give up leather completely

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Effects of Cellphone tower 'electrosmog'

We knew that mobile phone radiations must be dangerous, but phone companies were arguing otherwise - rather wanted us to believe otherwise.

Now here is recent study which says that not just man, but entire environment is in danger - because electrosmog caused by cellphone towers leads to destruction of entire beehive in just 10 days.

In Kerala it may wipe off all honey bees in 10 years.

More links:

Friday, July 17, 2009

Lecture: Financial Slavery in Independent India

As per information from Aastha channel
There will be lecture of Rajiv Dixit (now economist & historian, but aeronautical engineer as per news article I have read) on Aastha channel

This Sunday ie 19th from 10am to 1pm
Title for lecture is ‘Aajaad Bharat Mein Aarthik Gulaami’

Rajiv Dixit used to speak in a program Rashtra Chetana on Aastha, the program was run from 2007 to 2008, and was produced by Patanjali Yogpeeth Trust
He is working full time for Bharat Swabhiman organization
Previously he was leading Azaadi Bachao Andolan, an all India organisation striving for achieving Real Swaraj.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Do your part to save mother Earth

Two recently read articles about climate and adulteration…
  1. Climate Change (by one of the best blogger on the net)
  2. Veggies on steroids are softly killing you

Swami Ramdev has been saying one law will change the Bharat (India) in a day…
That strict/severe punishment be given to these five: Corrupt leaders, Terrorists, Rapists, Adulterators, and Pollutors.
Then he went on to say that what is of utmost importance is: Sahi ka samarthana, aur galat ka virodh (support what is right/correct, oppose what is wrong/unwright/incorrect).
Do read the two articles linked above, and become vegatarian to do your part save the world.
(Ahimsa is vital part of Ashtanga Yog)

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Political parties responding to Ramdev's Swiss bank money issue

 Swami Ramdev was speaking about this issue for a long time now. The media reported him on this issue only after Obama got the Swiss banks to task, to reveal names and details of American money in their banks.

Google search reveals that he has been speaking about this probably sine 2005. However he has increased his pitch since Feb 26 this year - after Barak Obama's efforts to get details of American citizens money in Swiss banks.

Since that time, he has been repeating this issue very strongly. He has been saying...

“What are the policies of our national political parties when it comes to black money deposited in Swiss banks?”
“If this money has to be brought back to India, then these parties should announce that they will bring this money back to India whatever it takes,”
“This is one sureshot way through which one will know who is honest and who is not.”
“According to one estimate, money ranging from Rs.50-75 lakh crore (Rs.50-75 trillion/$1-1.5 trillion) is parked in Swiss bank accounts. So I dare them (political parties) to reply to this question. If they can’t reply that means the ranks of these parties are all dishonest, corrupt and they themselves have money deposited in Swiss bank accounts.”
“To bring about a change in its economy following the global meltdown and to bring in liquidity, the US has handed over a list of people with alleged financial irregularities to the internal revenue department. A federal commission there is seeking details of the accounts these people have in Swiss banks.”

Yesterday too, when wishing countrymen on Bharatiya new year, he once again raised this issue, and called for political parties to respond. He repeated that those parties that will not clear their position on this issue, will be the ones we will assume to have their involvement with that money in Swiss accounts.

Yesterday he also quoted the amount 72 lakh and 80 thousand, to be the exact figure of Indian money in Swiss banks.

Now some parties have started speaking on this issue. Reportedly JD-U Chief Sharad Yadav, and now Advani of BJP seem to have decided to make this election issue, and to mention this in their manifesto.

However, the it will be interesting to notice if they really keep their word after elections. But even they try to falter, Swami Ramdev and his Bharat Swabhiman organization, will hopefully bring them to task.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Jeevan Darshan by Swami Ramdev

Many people on the net have been wanting to know more about teachings of Swami Ramdev – or what he is trying to do (since he is already well known about popularizing Yog, Pranayam and Ayurveda).

About 2-3 months ago, Swami Ramdev published a book – Jeevan Darshan (literally meaning Philosophy / View of Life)
This book written by Ramdev – Jeevan Darshan, is mostly a collection all that he says, and intends to say, and the thoughts he intends to seed in every citizen of India.

However, since the book is too much in demand, the ones published are mostly sent to people who are sponsoring it for free distribution.

It seems not many have come forward to distribute this book free in Lucknow.
In such situation it will take quite some time before we may get it from Patanjali Chikitsalaya. Even there, when the book reaches, the lot finishes very fast. I have information that they sent a lot at least at Risaldar Park Patanjali Chikitsalaya but it finished in no time.

So from this month, the monthly magazine of PYPT – Yog Sandesh, will have contents from Jeevan Darshan (may be the most important chapters).

The first such issue is now available on www.divyayoga.com site.
I would highly recommend everyone to March 2009 issue of Yog Sandesh.

Actually the softcopy version has always been free to download. On there site’s main page , at the bottom left is the link to the softcopy download.


I believe the contents of Jeevan Darshan will be comparable to the books like - As A Man Thinketh, and such others.
However it is actually even more straight-forward, and simple, than these timeless books.

But we only have it in part, in this months Yog Sandesh magazine
Do read it once.

Here is direct download link .

Update:
Have shared this March 2009 issue of Jeevan Dharshan at Scribd, and at Slideshare.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Bharat Swabhiman Trust's letter to all political parties

Just came across this letter, sent by Acharya Balkrishna for Bharat Swabhiman Trust, to all the political parties in India:  [Goanet] Fw: Bharat Swabhiman (Trust)

Reproducing contents here, incase its removed from mail archive server...



[Goanet] Fw: Bharat Swabhiman (Trust)

goasuraj
Sun, 08 Feb 2009 00:06:19 -0800

----- Original Message ----- From: goasuraj

To: bhara...@gmail.com
Sent: Saturday, February 07, 2009 7:12 PM
Subject: Re: Bharat Swabhiman (Trust)


BHARAT SWABHIMAN (TRUST)


Administrative Office: Patangali Yogpeeth, Maharshi Dayanand Gram, Near Bahadrabad, Haridwar - 249402, Uttarakhand, India Tel: 01334-244107, 240008, 246737 - Fax: 01334-244805, 240664 - Email: bhara...@gmail.com

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sl.No.: .........                Dated: 26th January, 2009

Respected Sir/Madam,


On this historic and pious occasion and in foretime of impending general elections of Lok Sabha, we on behalf of millions of nationalists, patriotic, valiant, sensitive and awakened Indians would like to know from your party which is representative & custodian of democracy in India, as to whether it will field nominees who are patriotic, honest, educated and responsible citizens or the corrupt, dishonest criminal, illiterate and irresponsible ones?

In national interest, we will fervently await an early reply from you. If we are unable to get a reply from you, we will be constrained to think that your party demonstrates disrespect to high ideals and values of democracy by fielding corrupt, dishonest, criminal, illiterate and irresponsible people as candidates in the coming Lok Sabha election. We equate such deeds as national crime.

Sir/Madam, let us admit here with both candour and politeness that if you party do disrespect ideals and values of democracy by choosing tainted, dishonest, criminal, illiterate, irresponsible and self-seeking people as your party's nominees, we will be forced to socially boycott your party at national level through all nationalist organisations and millions of patriotic, sensitive and awakened Indians under our national obligations.

On the other hand, if your party plumps for patriotic, honest, literate and responsible people as election candidates, we will act for the moral support of all nationalist organizations and inspire millions of the country's voters to exercise their franchise positively.

We only expect that your party will field candidates in consonance with national and constitutional responsibilities and welfare of the country vis-'a-vis refrain from choosing corrupt, dishonest, criminal, illiterate and irresponsible elements. You, by following the same, will be abiding by your 'Rashtra Dharam' (National Duty) and thereby protecting the pride and feelings of millions of Indians, steeped in patriotic fervor.

Please find enclosed herewith a booklet, 'Jeevan Darshan', which encapsulates the Philosophy, Objectives and Principles of Bharat Swabhiman (Trust) for your ready reference.

  Once again, wishing you a very happy Republic Day.


Yours truly, For Bharat Swabhiman (Trust) Sd/- (Acharya Balkrishnan) General Secretary

Enclosed: As above
President/General Secretary
Goa Su-Raj Party
383-A, Pirazona, Moira,
Bardez-Goa
(Pin-403514)




REPLY:
(Letter Head)   Goa Su-Raj Party

Dated: 7 Feb, 2009


Dear Sir/Rev,  Acharya Balkrishnan,


At the outset, let me say that we have been honored to have received your above, painstakingly compiled, communication and we thank you profusely for selecting this rather small Goa's Regional Party for the same. However, what is small need not stay small forever, and we believe that this Party has the potential to be 'India Su-Raj Party', God willing.

Rank corruption and dishonesty has been the hallmark of our National Polity since its Independence 60 long years ago. But at Goa Su-Raj Party, we have come to believe that 'CORRUPTION' and 'DISHONESTY' in politics flows from two sides, (1) Through one's natural tendency to be corrupt and dishonest, to feather one's own nest and that of the next of kin, at the cost of the tax-payer, and, (2) The more sinister tendency to be corrupt and dishonest to enjoy total 'power' through wielding of 'religious fanaticism', especially when 'Religion' is termed as the 'Opium' of the masses.

The former can be easily controlled if the naturally corrupt and dishonest person or persons encounters tough stretches to trek in a more stricter, disciplined, transparent and accountable SYSTEM OF GOVERNANCE, where the system absolutely refuses to be manipulated as according to the whims and fancies of the rulers in power. Example: The INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS PARTY OF INDIA. However, the later whips-up a naturally emotional passion in the more gullible and multitudinal citizenry of India through uts soft spot i.e. their religious sentiments, to attain power. Example: THE BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY, more specifically Shri. Lal Khrisna Advani, who single-handedly engineered the rise of the BJP through the demolition of the centuries old India's monument, the Babri Masjid. This small and insignificant Party has always voiced its bold opinion across the world through the electronic media that Shri. Advani belongs to the Tihar Jail for this massive crime and fraud unleased, engulfing the entire nation, and not on the seat of India's Prime Minister. Incidentally, the recent acceptance of responsibility for the demolition of the Babri Masjid by the then BJP's blue-eyed boy, now turned a pariah, Shri. Kalyan Singh does not change anything and seems to be the crocodile tears shed to open himself and his kin the endless opportunities to take this nation down. The question is 'who is going to pay for the turmoil that this peaceful nation was subjected to through the devious Rath Yatras and the subsequent demolition of the Masjid??

As a rule, this party believes that there are no bad people in this world. Only bad intensions, if one has a way to get away scot-free. Therefore, the urgent need of the hour is to lay down the bold 'system of governance' where a corrupt person/s cannot survive on the road to governance. And personages like yourselves and your esteemed organization can help tremendously, believing that your intentions are laudable.

This Party believes that in order to force the political parties to field 'clean' candidates, Article '49.O' must be implemented, where the voters have the option to vote for 'NONE OF THE ABOVE'.

This Party is also of the belief that no elected member must enjoy the so called 'OFFICE OF PROFIT' To show the way, this Party has incorporated this feature in its Party Constitution at Art. 38 (freely available to download from the party's website www.goasu-raj.org.) Also, as a glaring example of abuse of this is the resignation of Ms. Sonia Gandhi as the elected MP, recontesting from the very same constituency and getting re-elected, has made no sense where crores of ordinary tax-payer's hard-earned money has been splurged on this unnecessary election, only for her eminence to have saved her 'Office of Profit' and avert disqualification.

The other aspect of the electoral reforms badly needed to cleanse India's polity is " NO SECOND TERM " If this is incorporated, the ever pervasive 'vote- bank- politics' will vanish from the sacred soil of Bharat before anyone can say 'Jack-Robins'. This party has institutionalized the 'No Second Term', where the second term will be allowed only if the constituents so desire. But at no time a 'Third Term' is allowed. This provision will also help bring out young leadership to the fore which always remains frustrated for want of openings.

Your good intentions in circulating the above 'threat' to political parties of the nation is most lauded. We only hope that you will consider that 'CORRUPTION' and 'DISHONESTY' also emanates from acutely fanatical religiosity. India is a declared secular state where every religion has the right to exist and/or propagated with constitutional provisions to arrest misuse thereof. Your vast organization must ensure that RELIGION DOES NOT MIX WITH POLITICS such as what we have experienced at Ayodhya and Godra and now in the recent days at Orissa and Karnataka. After all, citizens of this great nation called India are the integral part of this nation and cannot be, and must not be, discriminated against if this nation has to grow to its ultimate potential to be the SUPER POWER of the world.

Nothing contained in this communication must be taken as offensive and intentionally one-sided. This Party has come into being to prove to the world that 'Politics of Governance' can also steer away from 'Politics of Religion' and remain even-handed.

Thanking you,

Yours truly,

Sd/-

(Floriano LObo)
Gen. Secretary/Spokesperson.


PS: We shall be pleased to go through the Organization's booklet in due course of time.







--------------------------------------------------------------
---Wanted for Goa---
honest ' fighters '
NOT honest ' hypocrites '

Contact:
goasuraj
(The Recruiting Agents)
9890470896

www.goasu-raj.org

Sunday, February 15, 2009

America going Swadeshi

Reading US senate imposes strict conditions on H-1B hiring in TOI, should not this be called the Swadeshi policy of America.

In another news G7 pledges to avoid protectionism, US Congress approved an $787bn economic recovery plan that includes a 'Buy American' clause.

Sure this indicates USA is going the Swadeshi way.

Related:

Bharat Swabhiman Trust - Structure, Plan, Objectives & Norms

In case anyone is interested, and in case anyone is having difficulty locating Bharat Swabhiman Trust details (which was recently started by Swami Ramdev), here is the link to the webpage on Divya Yog site.

At the end of this page, there is link to PDF form to join Bharat Swabhiman Trust, to work with Swami Ramdev, and PYPT to do your bit to eradicate corruption.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Coke and Pepsi are Toilet Cleaners

Swami Ramdev has been telling us for years that Coke and Pepsi are toilet cleaner. Now folks at lifehacker have reported that this has been documented at WikiHow.

One my senior colleague also told me that people in UAE also use Coke and Pepsi to clean car tyres.

Its pathetic, that this dangerous acidic and bone dissolving stuff is made and marketed with such fanfare and millions are spent on its marketing. And the governments throughout the world do not stop it because they are kept satisfied.

Thanks to Swami Ramdev, millions of people in India have almost given up Coke and Pepsi and such other western junk food. There are still many many more millions who still consume this toilet cleaner. Also thanks to lifehacker and wikihow, now many more will leave coke and pepsi