Kathak aaur Me

 

Vaibhav (jiyomaitry) · Kathak Aaur Me | story untold of dance as sadhana - Vaibhav

यह कथक जो  

गुरु शिष्य परम्परा से चलता आया

ज्ञान मनोरंजन भक्ति को पाना 

जीवन कथा को नृत्य रूप दिखाना   

मंदिर दरबार से रंगमंच तक छाया।  

कथनी करनी को हर रस में सजाना 

घुंघरू संग ताल पर नाचना - नचाना 

पलटे भाग्य रंग अभिनय दिखाना 

बहिर्मुख से अंतरंग को जाना। 

कथक का मेरे जीवन में आना

जैसे प्रेमी का प्रीतम को पाना

साधना का यह मार्ग अनोखा

लय यात्री की आरोह गत-चाल चलना  

इस तन की धारा का होमित होना 

भूतल से परमप्रिय  को पुकारना

जैसे राधा - मीरा का समर्पित होना

कुछ ऐसा मैंने तत्कार के बोलो को जाना 

ता थई थई तत

आ थई थई तत।।  २।। 

परमप्रिय को अपनी बात बताना

जीवन में स्थिरता को पाना

सम आदि का ध्यान लगाना

कथक से मेने खुद को जाना। 

कथक से मेने खुदा  को पान। 

- vaibhav pandya

February 2021

for

બધાની પસંદ હોય!

બધાની પસંદ હોય!
જરૂરી નથી કે તે સમ હોય
વિષમ પસંદ જો તમોને ડંશ દે,
ત્યાં વળી સંપને ખોય?

પુછતા નહી કોણ? અને શાને?
આ હું કોણ ને તેની પસંદ કઈ કઈ
તેનુજ ગાણું છે?
હું ને પસંદ નો સગપણ,
ઘડપણ સુધી સાથે ચાલતું ઍક નાણુ
ભલભલા ને ગબડાવે,
જો ના જાણે, હું કોણ?

આમ પડદાની પાછળ,
પણ ચાલે બધે આગળ.
હું કે હું ની પસંદ?

સાદગી પણ હોય!
દેખાવો પણ હોય!
પણ મળવાનું શું
આ પસંદના ફેરામાં?
જોતો નથી વૈભવ બજારોનો,
પસંદના નામે તો છલકાવે છે.
લાભ-હાની ની ક્યા ક્યા ભરમાવે તે
ઍક નહી અનેક હું ને હું ની પસંદના ઘેરામા
ઢેર ઢેર ઠરતા હું ને જોયા છે.
તરતા હું થોડા રહ્યા,
જે જાણી લે ખરો હું ને હું ની પસંદ શુન્ય.

शिक्षक से आचार्य : परिवर्तन

शिक्षक से आचार्य : परिवर्तन

आज से बारह (१२) साल पहले शिक्षक का पेशा मेरी परिघ् के बाहर था. हलकि उसे सन्मान की नज़र से देखते थे, पर कभी उसे पेशा नही बनाना चाहते थे. हद तो तब हुवी जब हमने शिक्षक प्रशिक्षण के ३ वर्षीय अभ्यासमे जुट गये, ९ साल पहले. वहा भी जब पूछा गया 'अभ्यास मे जुड़ने का कारण बताओ?' और मेरे उत्तर मे उन्होने पाया की मे शिक्षक नही बनना चाहता. तो भैया थोड़े हमसे नाराज़ भी हुवे थे. उस समय अगर कोई मुझे शिक्षक बोल दे तो मुझे चीड़ आती थी. वह शब्द मुझे बेहूदा, घटिया लगता था. मेरे ही समुदाय (मनुष्य) के कुछ लोगो ने उसे शायद ऐसा रूप दे दिया हे. शिक्षक - जो शिक्षा करता हे. वो जो पगार ले कर मस्त हे, घ्यान और ज्ञान  उपार्जन से त्रस्त हे. ऐसी कुछ छबि थी. और मुझे ऐसा चिला-चालू तो बनना नही. करना भी अलग हे, पढ़ना अओर पढ़ाना भी अलग से था. मिराम्बिका के शिक्षक प्रशिक्षण कार्यक्र्म मे जुड़ने का इरादा कुछ वही था, अपने को बदलना, थोड़ा अनुशासन जीवन् मे ले आना और योग के मार्ग पर चलना.
यह चीड़ २०१० से २०१८ तक रही. अभी कोई शिक्षक कह के बुलाता हे तो बस हलके से मुस्कुरा देता हू. क्यूंकी मिराम्बिका माई ने बहुत कुछ बदल दिया हे.
एक बदलाव का ऐसा किस्सा आज 'शिक्षक दिवस' पर टीचर प्लस मगेज़ीन मे छप्पा - यह लिंक से आप भी पढ़े.

अब यह मेरी मिराम्बिका माई ने बताया की बनना हो तो आचार्य बनो.
आचार्य शब्द का प्रचलित अर्थ तो सब जानते हे, जो अपने आचरण से द्रष्टांत दे. शिखना उसी से होज़ाये.
दूसरा अर्थ नियमो को तोड़ के आज मेरे सामने आया. जो सब कुछ श्रेष्ठता के, सत्य के चरण मे अर्पित कर दे वो आचार्य. क्यूंकी श्री माँ ने कहा 'उसे एक योगी और नायक बनना पड़ेगा, जो अच्छा शिक्षक हे|'  और योगी तो सब कुछ अर्पित कर देता हे श्री के चरणमे.

यह परिवर्तन सरल नही हे, बहुत कठिन हे. मज़े की बात यह हे की बच्चो के लिए प्यार. और  बच्चे ही हमको बदलाव के लिए याद दिलाते रहते हे. यह परिवर्तन कभी पूर्ण होगा की नही? यह बता पाना आसान नही हे. शायद जिंदगी भर यह क्र्म चलता रहे. मेरी माँ ने सब देख रखा हे. और इसीलिए एक सुंदर सी जगह पर, कुछ बच्चो के संग, यह परिवर्तन को जारी रख पा रहा हु.

  

Spiral movement called Life

Today, i.e. 1st August 2019, marks completion of yet another cycle on spiral movement of life. Every completion brings in new meaning even though everything looks same and old. There are words collected from the experiences turned into memories. I am going to play with them, after introducing it in a circular fashion.

Center:

Somewhere one needs to put a point to start on a circle. First point is obvious a center, an observer of all movements. But journey is not happening at static center but on the circumference. so lets select a point on the circle.

Point ZERO, 0 Degree - 1st August 2016

An Interview date for being part of The Polymath School. What I knew from HR agency was they are looking for a principal and main teacher. A project based learning (PBL) school, which also wants to incorporate values from their spiritual organization. Something I was looking for from many years. To start on combo of PBL and Values in mumbai. I saw an opportunity to collaborate and passion to bring PBL in mumbai. I felt that's what needed and I want it. Really?

Interview was more like a normal conversation with school's founder. Where I like simplicity , good vibe and decent connect. It seemed that opportunity is going to come and all will be well.

some point in clock-wise direction but in real backward tracing:

* I had travel from east of Hyderabad to Mumbai, only for this interview.

* Name of the school where I worked at that point of time 'New Creation Free progress school' (name will be used in word play)

* Salary from a school i had just joined (hardly a month) was about to come but I had no money in pocket. borrowed money from a friend to travel and make things work.

Journey in forward direction, moving towards tangent and diametrically opposite point:

* I got selected as a Home Room Teacher, later became part of Core Academic Team Member

* Seen many coming In and Out of people, lots of learning in process of starting a school.

* Played multiple role as per school name 'The Polymath'. and life moved on with interesting questions and problems. finding their answers and solutions on the way.
* Journey to USA - visiting PBL/EL schools, attending workshop on Play. {things started to turn now}

* Meeting again philosophical and yet too real question - 'What you really want to do?' 'If your purpose in life is A, and you want to start really working on it from 2022, why not now?' 'Aren't life is just moving under varied influences of various forces?'

Music, Movement, Life goes on

@point 180 Degree, 31st july and 1st August 2018

* Now, I don't want to build anymore school or be in so called educational institute which are isolated from Life. Last day of Job (towards end only i felt it like I have job, else it was more collaboration and service!) - left with little bitterness, sad, enthusiasm for new opportunity in front, blank, Hard.

* Fear Still rules overall but deep down something is there which operates from love and trust. Surrender to it.

* Most important point, joining One Month Yoga Teacher training Course at The Yoga Institute, Santacruz, Mumbai. [It seems course supported me to get engage in work, grounded and come out of the shocks life is presenting to you. forever grateful !]

Moving towards 360Degree

* Outer Journey helps you to move ahead in your inner journey too. It brings new insights and clarity to work cheerfully in adverse circumstances and dark world. 

* Connecting with Nature, Retreats at Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Nainital, Haridwar, Delhi, Hyderabad, Puducherry, Bengaluru. 

* Completing Yoga Course and becoming Yoga Instructor for few days and sessions.

* Starting and working for School of Universal Life (S.O.U.L.) and then suddenly taking a Pause.
* Except financially, journey is taking an upward spiral and soon it will affect other areas too.

@point 360Degree, 1st August 2019

* One year from leaving a Job and Joining a Yoga Course. 

* Awaiting for integrating Yoga and Education with daily life.

Word Play and World Play continue:

Now, moving for a New Creation - Sustainable, Eco-Friendly, Free Progress community. No more isolated school, away from real life rather Integrally connected community learning space, full of life. Really Learning in school of universal life.

Not merely a name Polymath, but striving to lead another attempt to be a polymath. Working in many field (growing foods to facilitating learning, communication to cooking) but living a life. 

A new circle will begin, may be a process of nullification, a balancing act to enjoy being at center. Observing passing waves, facing Ripples of past and current events. Creation of many small and big circle within and outside. bursting million bubbles.

Spiral Continues!

Judgemental Hai Kya? : Mathematics and Life 3

You might be wondering from the title, is there any relation between a movie 'judgemental hai kya?' with mathematics and life.

No! There is no relation between them. I can't say that 100%, there may be something in that movie too. I haven't seen last week release but attended another most interesting story.

Last Saturday evening instead of a movie with old colleague. we had simple plan to meet, eat and chat. But within my heart, I wanted to attend another event happening at same time and at far distance from place of our meeting. Heart was longing to meet best friend. And when heart wishes truly, something really works and move. Due to God Rain, meeting with colleague got cancel and time got open to meet best friend. His name is 'The Little Prince'.

Those of you who haven't met and heard about him, let me tell you little bit. First of all, best friend I am talking about is nothing but books. 'The Little Prince' is one such book, more than a character as it lives within you, me and everyone. A fantastic work by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. A classic for children as well as adult. 

I came across new friend of mine at mirambika library in 2010. Since than little prince and i have been together. Me more as a learner and He as a Great Teacher. 

Back to Saturday evening exploration. The New Acropolis (khar branch) had a pubic event "The Little Prince: Great Teacher."  I missed starting exploration of universe with the little prince. I joined him late, he had already left from his plant B612. By the time i reached he was on third planet.

image source: https://wallpapercave.com/the-little-prince-wallpapers

By now you might be thinking, what is going on? May be judging me or recollecting your moments with The Little Prince.

That's exactly were I would like you to ask you for a Pause. Take a Pause! Look at all the internal voices coming and see whether mind 'Judgemental Hai Kya?' and Now be attentive to internal voices and whats going to come.

While listening story, exploring teaching on this adventure. Our presenter called four volunteers and I volunteer. We had simple role play to be done. School friends meeting after a long time, they have their conversation. While at same time there internal voices are speaking up. After exercises story continues, explanation goes on... and that's when Mathematics enters.

Face Value & Place Value

Ohh! In numbers we get confuse for the same. In our innocence we take everything on face value, never consider place values. number 248 as per mathematics is not, Two, Four and Eight but it's Two Hundred Forty Eight. Illusive zero brings all trouble into such simple life. All the matter of consequences, trust, not taking things as they are, and so on.

Back in elementary school we have learned and now teaching children too. Baby, don't take everything on face value! As children we get so surprise, just like the little prince. Over period of time, copying adult behavior, life circumstances & experiences, defense or coping mechanism of competitive race makes us show something on face (outside), while keeping the place (inside) all confused, unheard.
A small seed grows like 'Baobab' tree and it's dangerous menace. We stop listening to true place value voice, lot of internal noises and all show speech & action. We stop listening, can't take anything on face value. Sometime become so judgmental, everything we want to put at places of words, tones, behaviour, past experiences and evaluate the value.

Unlike in mathematics, where we are trained to see and read number correctly. We know it's silent or invisible zero there. 'Zero' makes whole lot of different. Sadly, in life we hardly fine Great Teacher like 'The Little Prince', who shows there is a zero, Shunya. Shunya of buddhist or, lila of Divine, or Maya of Brahman or you can explain in many ways & yet fall short of reaching to express shunya. 

Two, Four and Eight looks same as Two Hundred Forty Eight - 248.
In reality from their position or quantity they have huge difference. 
same way, whether it's a material life or moving towards spiritual life, one needs to be careful about putting things at right place and showing right face. We can only put things at its true place, when clutter, noise of mind silences. Stillness! Shunya!

The Mother of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, puducherry also told while working on psychic education.
"... Never take physical happenings at their face value. They are always a clumsy attempt to express something else, the true thing which escapes our superficial understanding. ..."

Knowing right places of its origin and placing it at right place. It's like taming animal, which we are so far. except we have brilliant brain and mind. which can turn into friend or foe. Just like fox in story ask the little prince to tame him. he can be his friend, instead of looking outside for people. 

I hope by now you must have understood connection between Face value and Place value of Mathematics and Life. 

Still have something in mind, like to discuss or want to work upon knowing and practicing I invite for a learning adventure: yoga and education ! Happy taming. 

Addressing the question

Why we do not address the question, which really concern us?

Do we really take trouble to zero down to the question? Solving which rest can be put at their rightful place.

Why we tend to ask more questions related to daily life and issue related to work upon, tip of iceberg? And get frighten when we see what's beneath.

Hasn't our schooling instilled a fear of questioning?

Hasn't our family and society, has brought in fear of questioning? 

Is questioning means revolting, disobeying?

What if I just ask internally for my own entertainment?

Ohh! really questioning is good sport, an entertainment for a mind. 

Moment one goes for it one is not using a tool wisely.

But my question is, what stops us to address the question?

Answer is simple.

At one level, can be summed up in just one letter.

'I"

Movement, you start addressing a question. You know, more questions will come. One leading to another. Eventually, it will ask some very fundamental questions. That requires a whole lot of effort. Those question has power to shake empire of 'I'. One which was build up after so much of effort. So any change is disliked.

I also run away from the question. Answering question is very uncomfortable business. I do not like to feel uncomfortable. So, what to do?

Do not ask questions.

Keep ignoring the questions.

Hide yourself.

Give generic superficial answer but don't do anything.

But whatever happens, do not address the question. as all route leads to destruction of I. emergence of something about which its difficult to speak.

કે ભઈ, રાખજે સમતા

તા તા થૈયા
ઉપ્પર નીચે ચઢતો
સ્વર જોને ક્યાં અડતો
જો ક્યાં રહે છે મમતા
કે ભઈ, રાખજે સમતા

સુર બેસૂર થાય કે મધુર ગાયે
તાલ બેતાલ હોયે કે લયબદ્ધ ગાયે
ગમા અણગમા, મનને સમજાવતા
કે ભઈ, રાખજે સમતા!

સ્થિરતા છે, સ્થગિતતા નથી,
ગતિ રાખજે પ્રકાશ તરફ, ને
પ્રગતિની પ્રણાલી
મમ્મત નહિ, ગમ્મત થોડી સહી
મનને સમજાવતા, 
કે ભઈ, રાખજે સમતા!

જે સામો છે, સ્વને મળ્યું છે
મારું મારુ છોડી, થોડું સામાનું પણ જોજે
જીવન સંગીત પર કરતા તા તા થૈયા
કે ભઈ, રાખજે સમતા

- વૈભવ
૩૦-૦૩-૨૦૧૯

Alligator of mathematics and life

All of us spend almost whole of our life in search of being equal.

Bringing equality.

Financially, Socially, Knowledge, Power and what not? 

isn't it!

In our attempt to bring that equality we keep on adding new things in our life and try to subtract undesired, unlike things.

We wish that our efforts, happiness and all good multiply in many fold.

While we keep on dividing ourselves between work, personal, private, family, friends, society, religion, nation, caste, creed, position... 

Just for getting that sense of equality. Being Equal to our cherish ideals. An Image which we uphold, greater than is always applauded and lesser than that goes in trash.

Isn't this an alligator, which we fear the most. One, which we started learning in our kindergarten or initial learning of Mathematics.

Comparing Numbers and comparing our life constantly.

But we not get settle with whatever equation of life gives.

Why we always want to be equal and not stopping there.

we want to be greater than that so our madness, race continues.

When we are not equal, we still have a chance to be safe from this alligator of comparison.

When we are equal, alligator might have swallowed in or we are safe outside.

Mathematics have never ask to make everything equal and keep on comparing.

Life has never ask too, to make everything equal and keep on comparing.

I wonder, what are those shark tooth of alligator represents for life.

In behaviour wise, alligator seems more lazy, full of tamas.

lazy for what?

I just wonder!

Puducherry Diary - Part X

After a gap of three years I went to puducherry. There were short of excitement as well as anxiety. About how things will shape up. From travelling, staying, meeting and learning. Concern , apprehensions, planning and so much of control we look. Yet.

There is always something unknown. Which we can call X of our life. In equation of life, we want to make our life equal to something. Equal to someone. 

We are given some constant like physical body, time, space and mind. Few variables which seems under our control and few which are not. All variables as well as constant seems under some influence. 

From what we know, our attempt is always to make things suitable, equal to other side of equation. Other side of our equation we want to set as per our expectation. Our projection and predictions of future. Our wish and demands from the universe for a better future.

Yet our ways to solve those linear or quadratice equation of life. Hinges on that one unknown factor X. 

Many approach work for putting a limit, differentiating each and every thing.

While few work for integrating and bringing X in.

If we would have known X.

What is this X in terms of Life?

On first two days of puducherry and one day in transition. I was setting up various equation to get the desirable outcome. 

R.H.S. = Desirable outcome = meeting friends, visiting place, doing things etc.

L.H.S. = time, space, contact details, schedule and planning

Did it ever happened everything you have set up on left hand side meets exactly like that on right hand side.

I know, answer will be NO.

Despite knowing this fact, many time we plan, worry and mind & emotions creates web for us. We tend to get caught and missed up in that web of creation.

Something similar, was happening with me too. But She was there to take hold and bring in change. All planning and scheduling thoughts were running on when I enter samadhi. It went on till I settled down at one place. And soon with Her grace, all of them also got settled and clear.

From that moment on... Many things worked out so well. Unexpected, unplanned meeting, visiting and doing... Life became more joyful and wonderful flow.

Just because the X, which generally remains unknown were known. One set whole of life based on the DIVINE PRESENCE. Which guided, and sets every equation right. 

Many time not equal to also appeared as X has set few more wonderous responses.

One need to find and then trust the X, the unknown of our life equation. Which not only solve our problem but also creates write equation of life.

line and curve in stories of life

"There is a meaning in each line and curve."

- Sri Aurobindo, Savitri, P.460

Today, February First marks six month being out of Job. Last six month spent in Exploring world through various lenses and finding a life.

31^st July 2018 was a last day in The Polymath School. Farewell has been a touchy thing. Specially when you have deep rooted connections. To organize simple task of putting cake and begin celebration, no one was coming forward and passing games were on. At the end, one has to stand and order, get oneself doing few part.

There are and will remain many stories around sudden move of mine. Leaving a established job, work, students, friends and many more. Especially when you been to USA tour for school purpose just a month back. Let all versions of stories remain with their respective speakers and listener. What I want to share today are two things – first and foremost questions and few pointers which lead to Resignation and early exit. Secondly, answering another question. What I am up to, now?

Why?

 It's been six months and many people still ask this questions. My answers are various stories, different each time either with all facts or few facts & rest. Sharing this also give me sense of clarity and way to share curent and next move. 

Questions and Pointer

1.      Are you under influence?

2.      What do you want to do?

3.      You say, I will do it in 2020 or from 2022 onwards. Why not now? Go for that Now.

4.      Going back to the root [words are altered here and put in more positive tone.  J ]

5.      Watching Marathi Movie, ‘Bucket-List’ (Madhuri Dixit’s first Marathi movie) [final seal on resignation letter, came after watching it.]

We are always under the influence of various forces of Nature. It is a Nature - human, animal, earth and others which acts in and through us most of time. Very few have a control, rest of us are always under some influence.  

-         What is meant by ‘sincere’?

-         Sincerity means to accept the Divine Influence only and not that of lower forces. – Sri Aurobindo (CWSA-29)

In simple terms I found that we are either influenced by Fear, Love and in between them.

Last six month went behind experimenting and finding what one wants. What are the things which affects and influence this being.

And what I wanted to start or do and live from 2022, when I will reach age of 35. I will be consecrating at the feet of The Master on his 150^th Birth anniversary. I intend to start and try to live from now onwards.

So, what is that... second part of sharing thus begins. Still all is in its very primitive stage. What I am sharing is few basic where about and work.

1.     Pause to the work of ‘School of Universal Life’ (S.O.U.L.) may be for a whole year. It is a pause till emergence of better program and formation of few things.

2.     Being Part of community living. Lovingly called Anahad – beyond limits. Here its location details, for those who are inquisitive to know more about what we are doing and other things please mail on jiyomatiry@gmail.com or call.

3.     Few project work in Mumbai as well support to few individual & organization will go on for a year or two.

But most importantly a base for all above is living a life. Life as one should – connected with Self, with nature and living from within. Goal is a transition from Teacher-Facilitator to Aacharya.

At the end of six months, here I am.

Filled with stories of past, its various versions heard and unheard.  With full of possibility in present and future to draw lines and curve, by connecting dots, weaving yet another stories. Looking back each line and curve holds a deeper meaning, moving somewhere. Now what is require is to see next connecting dot and next connecting dot and others are in direction of progress or not?

Eti Shubham

[Ref: http://sasp.collaboration.org/individual.html ]

One learning of 2018 : Dialogue

Ending the year with one of the most important element of learning. A practice as well as learning which happen through out the year. At many front of life still not able to apply or be effective.

Dialogue according to me is a open sincere communication with...

1. Oneself at all level and parts of being. Physical, Emotional, Mental, spiritual.
2. Other beings
3.Ones surrounding - Nature

Why?

One of the best tool to unleash and discover ones true self.

I learnt a process on dialogue during retreat held up at Krishnamurti study centre, bangalore @ Valley School. and still await to read, do, discuss on dialogue under the light of few materials collected. Sharing one part here.

"A dialogue is very important. It is a form of communication in which question and answer continue till a question is left without an answer. Thus the question is suspended between the two persons involved in this answer and question. It is like a bud with untouched blossoms . . . If the question is left totally untouched by thought, it then has its own answer because the questioner and answerer, as persons, have disappeared. This is a form of dialogue in which investigation reaches a certain point of intensity and depth, which then has a quality that thought can never reach." 

-Jiddu Krishnamurti

On other side, found it very difficult to practice at professional world which is full of Caprice. While at relationship front, struggle is on. Most of the time infact always we are more interested on answer , that to of our own preference. It's a practice in dialogue where we can slowly let go our perceptions, views, beliefs and preferences. Our attachments binding us to rome in same periphery during communication. Not allowing is to take a flight nor to dive deep in multiple questions and answer.

Dialogue with oneself has become so crucial that it reveals our inner and outer crust. Allowing us to Be.

When one is ready to change, other side is also willing than language is not a barrier. Silent dialogue becomes more effective and powerful.
If willingness is not there. Dialogues turns into discussions, debate and quarrel. While one person inner peace can bring sense of dialogue in any conversation.

Often I find myself on inner dialogue while I am still on work or conversation with someone else. Many insights have come when I am on inner dialogue while conversation is On at outer level. Somewhere benefiting both of us.

Looking forward for more such meaningful communication with self, Self and you all as part of Self.

eti Shubham

Learning continues in December 2018

Learning something new, going out of comfort zone little bit at a time keeps me young. Learning something new everyday would be a nice challenge for the year to come.

Last week I posted about 12 new learning of 2018 https://godsknow.blogspot.com/2018/12/12-new-learning-of-2018.html

December one was pending over there.

In last one week duration I tried to be as close to The Nature as I can.
Starting from using natural paste for oral hygiene , eating raw fruits and vegetables (break fast only fruit juice @8am; lunch only fruits@11am and dinner only salad, boil vegetables and fruit@5pm), sun basking and lots of bird and sky watching.

Mud brick making and chicken coop was another exciting learning, from collecting and mixing materials to placing them and doing some calculations.

And practices art of story telling along with yogaasan and physical exercises.

Overall consolidation of learning from the year 2018, took place in last few days.

Is life a circular road

Why I should think, talk and look atthe road not taken?
Isn't it I look at, think and talk about road I have taken.

If life is a circle, 
soon a point will come.
In fact at every next moment,
neighboring point waiting
asking with all its force.

And not with two options, Rather three. Would you like to move towards the center, a little next step? Would you like to move away from the center, a little next step? Would you like to keep the balance and 
move on maintaining the distance from the center?

At this very instant, I always wish to get a conviction, courage to tell, take me through and united forever with the center, love.

- Vaibhav Pandya

26/11/2018

--------------------------------------------------

Above words were somewhere roaming and forming from many days. Today, came across following video.

https://www.facebook.com/TEDEducation/playlist/177317723203840/?hc_location=ufi

A trigger to pen down.

Most quoted and searched poem of all time 'The Road Not Taken' by Robert Frost.

Few months back only, I had read few article, presenting one here.

https://nypost.com/2015/08/16/the-famous-robert-frost-poem-weve-read-wrong-forever/

which carries some mark and find voice in above words. As I write them, so many images and learning of philosophy to physics, human psychology to poems comes into mind.

What is Yoga?

What is yoga?
A question so easy to answer. Just repeat from the scripture or what siddha said on it.


Before you read anything further, please note down or at least frame your own answer. What do you know? What do you believe? What you understand from the word Yoga and Yoga in your own world? Are both the meaning word yoga and yoga in your world in complete alignment?

At The Yoga Institute, we were encouraged to define our own meaning, deepen our own understanding. So we were not only taught tradition and other meanings of yoga. Rather to define and make it our own.

I got mine...

Yoga is alignment. At least that's the first milestone on the way and at the end. When there will be perfect individual, perfect society. Not as per our imagination and mental thinking, but when alignment of every parts been achieved. When oneness be felt, what seems scattered, dispersed are unified and brought at its right place. But for a time being, for sake of practice. It's always better to know and talk of near goal. Thus Yoga is Alignment.
Alignment of our thought, speech and act; Alignment of my whole body; Alignment of Head-Heart & Hand; Alignment of individual with society and universe. Alignment at all level...I can relate to it much easily?

Have you find out for yourself, What is Yoga? With what you can relate to easily? Something which you can practice?

Will be sharing more on Alignment soon. At the end sharing one of the very famous words of Sri Aurobindo, from his book 'Synthesis of Yoga'.

Goddess Laxmi, economics, me & practices - Part 2

Continuation....(part 1)

Can we study and put few concepts of economics in our life? How wonderful it will become.
Currently just running a race, accepting things in its very crude way. Just floating, without personalizing or internalizing.

Can Economics be studied through mythology and history?
Can Economics be studied and practice from Great Legends life - from all walks, all stature of life?

Let's go from near to far,

Inspired to core

I was inspired by few people and their life. Except very few, I never met them. Just read about that. Not in books of economics but in textbooks of our language course.

let me share about one person, one idea and my story.

It must be in 9th or 10th standard Gujarati, first language textbook of Maharashtra Board, year 2001. Interview of Ila Bhatt, gandhian, founder of SEWA. 

What attracted me and I wanted to practice was idea of minimalism. How she had tried to live a whole month in very less amount. This idea used to run a lot. Always try to calculate things from this point.
It was after my Master, during almost every job interview. In final rounds, when they want to confirm and discuss about salary. My mind used to work on those minimalist life and how much money requires only considering Present.

Obviously, I used to get selected. May be because of this low demand of money. It has still continue but with lot much change and view.

This practice has continued till now.

One more story

How about checking your psychological (emotional and mental) state during following moments.
1- When you are at receiving end of big amount
2- When you are at receiving end of amount which is lesser than you expected
3- When you have to give something precious and near
4- When you have to give something at very low price.

Check.. this practice of reflecting, observing and introspection.

Last 4 years, I am reading and trying to put some elements of sacred economics (also known as gift economics).
I have found even though we want to offer it, mind is ready.. there are parts within, thoughts around which captivates. They are not yet fully ready, mind still calculates, heart still wants to cling. One needs to work internally. Need to find the root and solve from that level only.

Unwisely expectations are harmful for human life and world.
and for Divine life, one need to offer all ones expectation. Drop all expectation till the time, one offers all, is contented in whatever comes whether riches, diamond, palace or bowl, water and rice, tent.

There are many stories, which comes to my mind right now.

From mythology - whether its comparison between Goddess Laxmi and Goddess Saraswati or Goddess Laxmi with God Vishnu. Trying to find out who is big, powerful?

To the stories of saint poet - Kabir & His son Kamala, Narsinh Mehta

Stories of Pilgrimage, stories of Chachaji (Sri Surendra Nath Jauharji) and many more.

Stories of countries, innovators, Visionary and many more

Process

As I write this piece, I feel more connected & centered within.
Putting things in practice makes it more clear, base principal more strong.
One gains more understanding of core principal.

I feel a strong need to truly understand forces of money, Mahalaxmi. based upon our nature and aim, set down few principal. On which we can lead our life.

Deep Observation, bringing light to every corner.

Before writing, I had noted down few points and made an outline for the article. As i started writing, many changes, new and much refiner thoughts came in.

Most importantly, just following on few principal of sacred economics, I see a change.
Program which I wanted to offer in 2015 based upon gift economy and its failure.
To current programs, skepticism in 2018 is much lesser. More faith and less attachment.
Specially, when you are working in Education field.

Current Practice

One can not sale ones learning. I rather love to share them freely with all. I surrender to universe and offer all work at her feet.


PART 1

Goddess Laxmi, economics, me & practices - Part 1

Message, Meaning and ____

         A thirst, yearning to earn and fulfill the desire is embodied in human. This thirst makes human move, progress and makes a life. Yearning can be a desire for many things, not only of money or wealth. In general, what one doesn't have one craves for it. One becomes thirsty, hungry to get those things. Generating a passion in human, to work and move for achieving desired result/thing. 

Passion, which brings in fire within is very precious. Without which life seems meaningless. In this fire we offer our life, every movement, outward acts, our thoughts & feelings. Keeping this fire alive, is equally important as to keep it pure. To keep this fire out of greed, envy, jealousy and all such impure parts. At beginning, at the middle and may be till towards end, it generates more fire. It looks and keep passion too much. 

How than it generates more passion? increases the thirst and also gets more result. Ohh! what one is offering is actually a true fire, one eats up oneself. Without knowing. One engulf oneself. and Self remain hidden for a long. A true fire hidden under layers of thick ashes. Our tendency is not just quenching the thirst, a need. Time, comes into the picture. Which makes human think about past quench and thirst which wasn't quench. Future thirst and its imagery runs into the mind and heart. forgetting many times natural place and space of body. This time ask for more, to take little more always. If didn't got to take in whichever way and all friendly negatives enter in. thirst is left on side, another superficial thirst came up. This is not right space to ask what is time? whether its good or bad? We burning in this fire. On one side our need, our natural thirst and hunger and on another side artificial, synthetic needs. Needs turning into immediate demands, desires and wants. a pressure on supply, source.

All offered, prayed to Goddess Mahalaxmi. Many prayed to God Kubera. For a change, as little point human psyche recognizing little more. You get messages and prayers considering other aspects of fire, thirst. Something which was getting quench easily. Are now not quench because thirst of artificial, money has taken up more values. How can thirst of emotions, thoughts and many other forms can be fulfilled. A balance need to be brought.

Above all, I wrote just to explain and make a base for message I shared.

whoever, whatever amount of thirst you have,

whatever type of thirst you have,

let your thirst be quench by MahaLaxmi.

Happy Dhanteras.

{Dhan = capital, money, जीवन-निर्वाह हेतु साधन भूत द्रव्य - a valuable which helps as a tool for living, one can consider emotions, social life, cultural life, spiritual life, all are as equally important tool to live and they all have its own kind of dhan;

Teras = it means thirteenth day of month either in first or second half of the month. With little breakdown, it sounds like word Taras, meaning Thirst.}

Me, Money & Economics

Before my physical age turned into double digit. I was getting averted from my name. Reason, meaning of my name were associated more with money, one of the over valued proposition. And than there was this Vrat (fasting, resolve) of Vaibhav-Laxmi vrat. This over stretching and seeking of money, i use to hate. Even though one of the sister from Brahmakumari's had told me the deeper meaning of the word. Abundance. Still it never went in that well. 

For me various transactions were economics, at that age. I think in its simpler way, to explain its nothing but how things were exchanged and cycles were created to generate, sustain and destroy.  

Yet, 18 years ago when I got economics as separate minor subject under main subject of social science. I was elated to have such subject. It was one of my favorite subject and I had taken a keen interest. In fact, even while taking admission in science stream I was looking and aiming at college where I can study economics along with physics and mathematics. Stock Market, Business, Budget were few things. Even till graduation year, I used to read and try to understand them.  [Which never happened and never studied the subject as in academically]

But is this the real economics?

 In school we were taught about big systems, theories and institutes. How taxes are generated. How trade happens between one country and other? How does Bank functions? My knowledge is only limited to what I learn in school. 

Rather I feel first and for most when need to be taught economics of our living. Right values and its propositions. Positions of various Dhan in our life. How to deal with them? What kind of attitude one should keep? Now a days, under name of financial literacy and few using economics are talking and bringing in life, individual into picture of economics. But when I studied... (Sorry! no point going back to past and reflecting. Trying to bring some point and building something to fill those gap. That is also good. But that's not the purpose here. Nor i feel it helps more than creating and practicing more real connections.)

Why we need to be taught economics to all? 

economics which helps person to figure out what actually it takes to live a life in harmony, in unity along with a beauty. 

In Sri Aurobindo's words - 

Harmony and beauty of the mind and soul, harmony and beauty of the thoughts and feelings, harmony and beauty in every outward act and movement, harmony and beauty of the life and surroundings, this is the demand of Mahalakshmi.

(Selection from the book, The Mother)

Harmony with oneself, Harmony with people around me, Harmony with animals and Nature. Whole of the earth. I think and feel, this is more vital point to learn. Specially in current time. 

But what we were taught was mere theory of capitalism or socialism or Nehru's model & adoption in India or someone else & some country. They corrupt the mind, it puts one against the other. Our teacher never took that interest, even if some child wants to become economist or chanakya(kautilya - Indian Economist from ancient period). Life was missing. Life is still missing. Life is divided. Can we have a look at micro level of economics along with macro?

A big question. In fact there are few important question one can asked, few were asked.

Our search continues and so does story of life. me, economics and practices.... To Be continued in next part...

Part 2

Practice of the week: Meditative Origami

The week which passed by, I started a new practice.I committed to make one origami model in a day. So far I was able to make six origami model. Beginning was simple and swift. I missed one day, so next day i make it up. Today, it went little deeper and longer. Purpose behind starting this practice got fulfilled to some extent.

I started the practice of making origami model with three intentions. 

• First one is Learning & Sharing, to learn something every day.
• Second intention is to share this learning later on to others. 
• Last and most important to meditate in this new form.

Whole week, I tried to practice it and was somewhere going good. so many different things comes in.

Today, thought came why not search on youtube to make something related to yoga pose. I came across meditating buddha. Just like any other work, finding right video came up as a challenge. Many had not shown steps, few were too fast and few details, camera angle were missing. 

Finally, I came across something which was slow and provided good starting point.

(video link here.)

Challenges didn't stop here. Rest of the week, I practiced with just simple 5 to 7 minutes max video. Origami model were made within 10-15 minutes. You feel elated, once you do it. Yesterday's chair was simple. It didn't turn up well towards end. so after finishing satisfaction was very less. Almost in between I used to take it up and make some crease again, do some fold again and try to make it look perfect. After some attempt I succeeded in it. How wonderful! such small observation of movement teaches. Reflection upon this movement gave newer insight. Some of our habitual natural urge.

Today's challenge was double. 

Before landing up to the video from where I learnt and made. I had two unsuccessful attempt. 

When I began with Claudio, after 5 minute or so, I found its same model as in first attempt. The way they arrived to base structure was different and slow pace of video really helped. 

Here! mind got a chance to wonder. And in this wonder it started wandering at places. To be precise it went out thrice by the time, video reached to 11 minute. At this point, pace of hand and camera angle changed. I couldn't make out what exactly were done. What I have to do? Frustration was building up and control mechanism had started. I tried and left it. I saw video few times back, but couldn't make out. Then i left it on side. Next moment, took it again and just followed something out of head. Wow! it was happening as it should happen. Got some encouragement. One side done. Other side, again had trouble. Challenge is good, it helps to improvise. improvisation took place. Sole focus was on the hand, actually fingers were moving much faster.

Again, I tried to see video and see what next? I found some clue but couldn't find what those hands did exactly? By now mind was little calmer. So, instead of frustration it went to focus and did something.

Finally, not so perfect as shown in video. I was able to make,my first Origami Buddha. Zen Meditation.

I could not have made that perfect, as claudio is making it from last 25years and meditating with it.

It made the day amazing.

origami buddha

front view - origami buddha, zen meditation, learning practice with youtube video.

Now looking forward to next week.

Looking into past- I thank my maa, for asking me to remove unnecessary things last Sunday. What I came across was multiple photocopies and true copies of HSC marksheets and Leaving Certificate. Initially, I gave it for recycling. Soon idea strikes and I kept those paper with me. Practice began.