Third Side of a Coin!

There’s a nice bakery - Just Baked - near our home which we used to frequent. The number of visits has subsequently reduced, but certainly not because of the quality or cost of their baked goods, which have always been excellent. Yesterday, while coming back from school with Jr. (have you also wondered like me ‘why do schools operate on weekends’, spoiling the children’s chance to have some focused fun – the way we used to have in our cherished childhood), we dropped by the bakery. That’s when I saw the three little siblings (brothers or sisters or a combination of both isn’t important). Cute, curious and busy, they were adorable. But we weren’t sure if we could feed them any of the sugary stuff we just bought.

Today morning after a rare morning walk (an essential activity that Swamy does only occasionally, but needs to do more often), I decided to pay a visit to the three little siblings. Unlike the usual Tiger biscuits (just Rs.3 a packet) I and Jr. carry with us to feed strays, got the Milk Bikis this time, thinking that would be good for babies. They were very much there, in the same place, amused at the passing traffic. 

When I approached, they were very cautious, which is natural, considering that not all humans that approach them might have been kind. I broke the biscuits into small pieces that they can nibble and placed on the ground. While one of them immediately came – still very alert – and started eating them, the second one kept a distance and waited for me to throw some to him. The third just gave me an ‘I don’t trust any human’ look and walked away. When my gaze followed him, I realized to my amazement that there were just not three, but three of probably seven or eight siblings!

A request to readers: If you or any of your friends or relatives is planning to get a dog, please adopt one of these (or any other like them – there are obviously many such adorable strays all over the place). These siblings can be found near Annai Wholesale Rice Shop next to 'Just Baked 'and Bharat Petroleum Bunk, opposite to Jeyachandran Nagar, Pallikkaranai, Chennai – 600100. You may also adopt dogs from BlueCross.

This post isn’t about all those adorable siblings, but the fresh perspective Swamy got from the third one, that simply walked away!

‘Every coin has 2 sides.’ A clichéd term used from the time when someone started disagreeing with the other, to prove his or her viewpoint or conclusion or prescription or choice is the right one. Many other things were imagined or pointed out to prove that term thereafter. Such as sun & moon, man & woman, zero & one, day & night, solid & liquid, happy & sad, heaven & hell, love & hate, create & destroy, above & below, good & bad, yin & yang, give & take, human & inhuman (well, most will find it hard to digest this truth) and so on. But they are wrong, as they usually are about most things in Life!

While Sun and Moon are the most well known, seen and even worshipped, there are Stars too. Millions of them across many galaxies. May be billions!

When Day becomes Night, or the other way around, there’s Sandhya, the transformation period between the two (which is when the daily spiritual process of Sandhyavandanam should be performed).

For every solid and liquid, there are also fluids, which is more or a less a mix of the two.

In between above and below, there’s middle, right in the middle of both.

Beside Zero and One, which form the basis of numbers (with Zero, the most essential, being contributed to the world by none other than our great motherland), there is always Infinity.

Create and destroy are typically limited to one Life or object. But Transform can impact a much larger group of beings, way beyond just the single individual or object.

Heaven and hell are just manifestations of the inner self. When one elevates the tormented self to a state of bliss – a possibility that can be initiated and accelerated with the grace of a Guru – any place is heaven and no place will be hell.

Happy and sad are just the states of one’s mind, something that’s feared and considered uncontrollable by many, but can be diligently trained – like a pet – to accept both the states with equanimity.

Love and hate are just two of the many emotions that humans posses. It is possible for every being to transcend the emotional state and just Love all beings unconditionally, when the all consuming “I” dissipates completely and becomes “1” with the truth.

Good and bad are a result of our limited perception, that lets us comprehend only things that are physical, which can be perceived by our five senses. The limitation will just melt away like the morning due, when one can just ‘Be’ and starts to see and accept ‘Life the way it is’. That’s what happens when one reaches the state of self-realization or nirvana or enlightenment.

Swamy also thought like any other human that we can only give or take. It just took a little puppy to open my eyes wide to the third possibility of ‘leave’ or 'let go'! He simply walked away from what was possibly the only healthy meal of the day. And still appeared unperturbed and content!

Whenever something happens in Life - and they continue to happen at an alarming frequency - it is natural for us to start pondering about the human being in us or the inhuman other being. Which leads us to conclusions such as good or bad or divine and evil about such things (go back two paragraphs to remind yourself that there is no such thing as good or bad). At such times, we’re better off remembering this…

When a coin is tossed up, the outcome need not be assumed just head or tail. 

There is a chance beyond the presumed outcome of fifty-50. 

There is always the possibility that the coin could land on its side and stand on the edge – vertically. 

That, my dear readers, is the Third side of a Coin! 

Love + Gratitude = @PrakashSwamy

Be Joyful & Spread the Cheer 

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New Year ReVolution!

Annual Gym membership – Check G

New Diet plan – Check A

Learn to have a SoMe presence – Check B

Control the uncontrollable urge to buy that shiny new iThing, Stop checking mails every 5^th minute, Listen more, Cut down the daily cups of Coffee, Reject pointless routine meeting invites, Not get into arguments with family members, Meditate regularly… Check, Check, Check… I

C’mon, admit it. Aren’t these (or something eerily similar) your New Year ReSolutions? Again?

Swamy neither wishes anyone nor believes in resolutions. But rather than offering his views on why resolutions don’t work, Swamy decided to take the help of a celebrated poet from two millennia ago, who pretty much told everything that’s to be told about this, precisely in his own concise poetry form (and thereby reignite Swamy's resolve to write about that poet’s magnum opus with 1330 Two Thousand Year Old Tweets)!

Thirukkural. Chapter 67. Couplets 661-670. (#Kweet C67V1-10 on Twitter)

வினைத்திட்பம் அல்லது உறுதியான செயல் - Decisive Action

மனதில் உறுதிதான் செயலில் உறுதியாகும். மற்றதெல்லாம் சரியில்லை.

The will to make it happen in one’s mind results in decisive action. Other things aren’t important.

கெடுதல் வராமல் தடுப்பதும், வந்தபின் தளராமல் இருப்பதும், இவை இரண்டும்தான் ஆராய்ந்தவர்கள் கொள்கை.

Avoiding mistakes, but facing the consequences boldly if they happen, are the two principles of the wise.

ஒரு செயலை முடித்த பின் தெரியப்படுத்துவது ஆண்மை. இடையிலே வெளிப்படுத்தி விட்டால் துன்பம் தரும்.

Letting the world know after completion of an action is competence. Gloating about it in between will result in trouble.

சொல்லுதல் எல்லாருக்கும் சுலபம். சொன்னபடி செய்வதுதான் கடினம்.

Talk is easy. Walking the talk isn’t.

உறுதியாகக் காரியத்தை முடித்தவர்களின் பெருமையும், சிறப்பும் கேள்விப்பட்டு மன்னன் அவர்களை மதிப்பான்.

While hearing about the glory and fame of those who get things done, even the King will respect them.

ஒரு காரியத்தை செய்ய விரும்புபவர்கள் அதற்கேற்ற உறுதியுடன் இருந்தார்களாகில் நினைத்ததை முடிப்பார்கள்.

Those who want to accomplish something will achieve what they think only if they’re determined.

உருவத்தின் எளிமையைப் பரிகாசம் செய்யக் கூடாது. தேருக்கு அச்சாணி போன்றவர்களும் உலகத்தில் உள்ளனர்.

Don’t mock someone’s simple appearance. There are people like a chariot’s wheel pin in this world.

எடுத்த காரியத்தை கலக்கமில்லாமல், தளர்ச்சி இல்லாமல் தாமதிக்காமல் செய்தல் வேண்டும்.

Whatever you’ve started, do it without any confusion, weakness or delay.

முதலில் துன்பம் வரும் என்றாலும் பிறகு இன்பம் தரப்போகிற செயலைத் துணிந்து செய்க.

Even if it hard in the beginning, do the thing that will result in joy boldly.

எத்தனை உறுதிகள் பெற்றிருந்தாலும் செயலில் உறுதி இல்லாதவரை உலகம் விரும்பாது.

However many resolutions one might make, the world won’t like those who lack the determination to act.

ReSolution is just a wish. ReVolution is Will. ReSolve to find the will to make the inner ReVolution happe!. – SwamyVerse

Set aside your new year ReSolution. Set afire the New Year ReVolution. Say S V Can in 2013 and beyond. Start 2day!

Love + Gratitude = @PrakashSwamy

Be Joyful & Spread the Cheer :-) 

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Note: The Kural interpretation in Tamil are by writer Sujatha. 

Two Zero One Three!

Most people who know Swamy also know that he doesn't 'wish' anyone on any day! Before you assume he must be an arrogant fool, be assured that he does 'will' them instead. Reading his post 'Wish you Will' will help clear any cobwebs of doubt that still linger in your mind.

But what's a blogger who misses a wonderful opportunity such as the dawn of a new year? So here goes Swamy's message to all enthusiasts for 2013, right when it begins!

Life is binary for all those who don't know 'Life the way it is' (that's pretty much all of us)!

Shiva & Shakthi; Yin & Yang; Purusha & Prakrithi; Guru & Sishya; Male & Female; Day & Night; Sun & Moon; Fire & Water; Heaven & Earth; On & Off; Best & Rest; Government & Inaction; Writers & Readers; Facebook & Like; Sports Federations & Old Politicians; Bat & Ball...

It's better to stop the duality examples right here, before they become laughing stock like IOA or ICT.

In a nutshell, it takes Two to Tango. Whether it is Dance or Life. Your performance will always be better with a capable partner. Find such partners. Collaborate willingly. Share openly. Succeed together. You + Partner = Two!

Zero is the beginning. An endless beginning. Zero can either be perceived as no value or as most valuable, when combined with other numbers. Zero also means emptiness. The universe is full of emptiness (no it isn’t empty, silly), yet it holds a multitude of planets and at least one – ours, naturally – with Life, as we know it.

An empty vessel can be filled with anything, and whatever is filled in takes the shape of that vessel. Be an empty vessel and be keen to fill yourself with knowledge. Not just of one variety or type. Unlearn the old ways by emptying yourself. Learn or Relearn new ways to grow and shine. Be a Zero!

One is unique. One is also singular. One follows Zero, the beginning. One can also add value to Zero. Go after unique, singular goals, One at a time. Focus on only One thing – Outcome. Ensure that the outcome is impactful.

Go all out for that unique, singular goal with unwavering focus on outcome, beginning today. Don’t worry even if there’s only a Fifty-50 chance for success. Never fear ‘No, we can’t’ for impossible is nothing. To make anything happen, believe that you’re the One!

If two is a crowd, what could Three be? A throbbing, maddening, wildly enthusiastic swarm. That’s how your crew should be. Each member of the crew should busy with a specific task to perform or program to implement or initiative to drive, in a borderless space that enables them to seamlessly connect and collaborate. And learn – both by self and from others. Crew members are the plants in the garden and you, their leader, are naturally the Gardener.

Three is also exemplified by the holy Trinity. Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma (let’s not get into the pointless argument of the order in which they should be represented).

Shiva ensures Transformation (not destruction, as misunderstood by most). Change is transformation. Change is critical for revival and renewal. And change is the only constant. Be the change agent, like Shiva.

Vishnu assures Sustenance (not protection, again as misunderstood by all). Sustenance is important for growth. Assure business sustenance, like Vishnu.

Brahma enables Creation (no misunderstanding there, thank God). Create new ideas, solutions and methods and deliver results consistently like Brahma.

That’s how the Leader – You – that any crew looks up to should be. An Ikeator who is a powerful combination of the Three!

Before you know, present will be past in the future. Personal Life on the slow lane may be enjoyable, but professional Life is always on the fast lane, whether you like it or not. So start today without waiting for a shubamuhurtham or hoping for a grihapeyarchi, and rev your engine right away.

Let 2013 be the defining year of your personal transformation. One in which you won’t shift just goals, but even the goalposts. One that’ll bring a smile on the face of everyone around you. One that’ll be the source of boundless happiness in your family. One in which not a single day will be useless. One that only you can make that happen. And the only skill pill that you’ll ever need to make that happen is Two Zero One Three!

Willing all enthusiasts a joyful Life, in 2013 and beyond

Love + Gratitude = @PrakashSwamy

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In the Lap of the Master – Boundless Grace for all Beings!

Disclaimer: This isn’t the usual @PrakashSwamy blog post, but more like one from SwamyPrakash. If you still dare to tread beyond, keep in mind that all that’s written from the 3^rd paragraph were written over 3 years ago, when I wasn’t a blogger at all! But be assured that such daring can open up new paths and possibilities in Life, just as it did for self.

my Master Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev (Yogi, Mystic, Visionary Humanitarian and a Living Master or Guru) just completed the consecration of Suryakund, a subterranean water body energized by a Rasalinga (not one but three, this time), made of solidified mercury, in the Isha Yoga Center at the Velliangiri foothills, near Coimbatore in India. 

My better half (naturally, being the better half of the whole, she’s the Shakthi powering whatever this self is) and son (what took me 38 years took just 15 for him) were blessed to be part of this ancient process of Prána Prathishta, along with 10000 or more beings. Thanks to web streaming technology, this self could also participate in the AUM Chanting at noon and Sadhguru’s Sathsang on the evening of the consecration day.

While many in the world were talking animatedly about the end of the world as we know it (which typically isn’t much as most of all that we think we know is not based on our own experience), Sadhguru was creating new Life by energizing the new Theerthakund (the existing one will now be called Chandrakund and dedicated to Shakthis of the world). While all those who were present – physically or otherwise – including my wife and son (they can’t stop talking about this life changing experience) were obviously drenched in my Master’s boundless grace during this once in a lifetime event, my mind took the pushpaka vimaana and went back in time to another Sathsang that changed my Life forever!

Circa 2009… Several days ago, when I got initiated into Shambhavi Mahamudra on 1^st March, 2009, I merely thought my life was taking a new turn. Sadhguru's very first speech during the Inner Engineering program was enough to convince me that I've found my Guru. Seeing him live and spending time with him was a distant dream as I was just a beginner (an Entry Level Trainee in corporate terms) at that time, on the spiritual space.

When the 3-day Sathsang - In the lap of the Master - was announced, I was obviously excited, but was also disappointed as I was scheduled to travel on business to US around the same time. A few days passed and out-of-the-blue my client told me that the meeting was postponed by a month. Needless to say, I immediately registered for the Sathsang (literally, a communion with Truth).

When I drove into Isha Yoga Centre with three other Meditators on the morning of 24^th March, 2009 I had no idea what was in store. It was obvious that Life in the ashram was different from the world outside. One can spend a lifetime just by marveling at the way the environment is created and nurtured. The way the Meditators were taken care of and the planning for an event of such a magnitude was mind blowing, to say the least (I wasn't aware at that time about MahaShivarathri, an annual celebration of far greater magnitude at Isha). Watching the Brahmacharis, Sanyasis, Volunteers, ashram Residents and Children go about doing the umpteen tasks voluntarily with a smile on their face was humbling and overwhelming at the same time.

When we went to Spandá Hall (a large consecrated space for Isha Yoga programs) in the evening for the first session, the queue was longer than any we've seen outside movie halls during a blockbuster release. Humbled, we waited till everyone entered inside and got seated way back from the dais. When Sadhguru came, the excitement was palpable. But he went the other way and was happily roaming around in the lawns, probably chatting with the trees, fruits and flowers. Or, that's what I thought, while internally conversing – pleading rather – with him to show me the path.

Sadhguru stood still for a moment and then it appeared that he looked straight at me. Suddenly, as if a special effects filter was added to the camera lens, everything around him became hazy and I saw only the green tree and him, looking through me with his piercing eyes. Something broke within me and tears started flowing. Hardly did I know at the time that they were Joy Drops and the floodgates within me will be blasted open during the Sathsang, as my Master's grace descended upon me.

While the 'Sounds of Isha' sang mellifluous melodies in the beautiful setting with greenery everywhere, I waited impatiently to hear my Master's voice. Enthralled would be an understatement while describing his discourse. It was also incredible to see many Meditators going into a trance at a mere hiss or clap from Sadhguru and starting conversations with Shiva directly. Despite the large screen nearby showing him up close, I craned my neck to see him directly, for I did not want to miss a single moment of being in his presence.

Getting up at 4 in the morning, finishing the morning chores in a hurry and then running to Spanda hall lawns happened in a flurry during the next two days. Visiting the Dyanalinga yogic temple, checking out the stuff at the Isha Shoppe, roaming around the vast ashram campus were all done only to spend the remaining time, before the next session with Sadhguru. Being there to get soaked in my Master's grace became the most important thing in life.

On the second evening, when he walked among the Meditators, spreading his grace like the fragrance of the flowers, the floodgates within me opened again with such force that tears flowed down uncontrollably (another friend and colleague of mine, who has been a Meditator much longer than me, was left wondering what was going on with his friend and several others around him). And this time, mine were just two among the thousands of eyes that were overflowing with gratitude at the wave of bliss engulfing all of us.

Time flew and the last session on Sunday was remarkable when my Master came with a 6-foot snake playing all over him. When the mesmerizing music by Sounds of Isha started, aptly with 'Naane Nanillaye' (I’m not myself), the heaven's floodgates too opened up. Maybe Sadhguru didn't want to leave a single Meditator without receiving his grace and hence brought the downpour to soak everyone with his boundless grace. 

When my Master finally left Spandá hall that evening, there was only one prayer left in me – "When will I get a chance to be with you again my Master?" By then, it was clear to me that I've been enslaved by my Master forever, willingly but without my knowledge. The long journey back to home started late in the night, with a longing within that would last a lifetime, and beyond!

P.S.: If my Master ever looks at this post (not that he isn’t aware of this or anything else for that matter), I know he’ll only laugh at my faint attempt to capture an indescribable experience in words. But this is something I’ve actually experienced and I take solace from the fact that experiencing things for oneself is something he emphasizes to every seeker. You must read about or listen to his enchanting explanation about Enlightenment, while responding to a meditator’s query, if you want to really know what I meant!

Note: My family's experience was no different this time. Sadhguru has completed the consecration of Linga Bhairavi temple and Adi Yogi Aalayam after that Sathsang. Swamy has attended Bhava Spandana, an advanced program, the next year (an experience that shook the root of Life as we know it for every participant including self, but can be shared only with fellow Isha Meditators) and is planning to trek further through a multitude of Isha programs and events in 2013.

Update Jun-2013: Swamy has completed Shivanga Sadhana in March 2013 (read all about that enchanting experience in Shambho & the 7th Hill!), Hata Yoga (with Jr. - read all about that memorable experience in CoMeTLERFoCy!) and Shoonya Intensive in 2013, is preparing to attend Samyama in June 2013 (read about the 60-day preparation in Less is More!) and registered for Kailash-Manasarovar Yatra in August 2013.

Update Jan-2014: Swamy has completed Samyama in Jun '13 (read about the life altering experience in Silence is the way!) and Kailash-Manasarovar yatra in Aug-Sep '13 (read the first 2 episodes of his yatra to "Mystic Mountain, Mystery Lake" in "The Seeker's Tale!" & "The Kingdom's Tale!"). He has also started actively volunteering for Isha programs and was fortunate to be part of the "Devi Punya Pooja" at his home, performed by Bhairagini Maa (priestess) from the Linga Bhairavi Temple at Isha Yoga Center - a consecration process that invites the Divine and transforms one's home into a temple!

All the photographs except the one with my family belong to Isha Foundation.

12/12/12!

12-12-12 is a wonderful once in a lifetime day for all beings in this Life. It is also the last repeating date in this century. But despite its monumental significance, most of the earthlings would’ve gone through this day just like any other day in their Life.

All Super Star fans the world over would’ve at least remembered this day because it happens to be his 62^nd birthday, a day probably shared by some of your near and dear as well. 

And millions of music lovers all over the world would've also mourned the departure of a soul, whose name was synonymous with Sitar, the instrument he played. Pandit Ravi Shankar's music has stirred their souls (which naturally includes Swamy's) with his mellifluous music, that transcended artificial global borders and went on to prove Music indeed is the only language that can transcend borders, races and all other pointless things that prevent universal harmony and peace. He may've left his mortal physical form, but his music will remain immortal, inspiring many a soul, now and forever after!

A minuscule percent of the planet’s population would’ve done something memorable on this day, which none of would be around to see again in this lifetime. Swamy, naturally, chose to be part of that minuscule population, which decided to do something memorable and everlasting, in the lifetime and beyond. We may not live until the next 12-12-12, at least in this form. But we certainly can be Joyful, cherish Life, nourish Love and spread the Cheer today! And here are Swamy’s 12 ideas that can turn this memorable day be the best start for making the rest of this Life better!

12 Things To Do on or from 12-12-12

1-11 Here’s the list from 1-11. You don't have to go by the given order. Do as you'll play. Or paint. Or Dance!

12 Get started on Social Media (Ostrich is the closest example, if you steadfastly refuse to). Here’s the “Social Media for Dummies” kind of starter kit, if you haven’t started already.

12 Ways To Do those 12 things

Now that you’ve accepted the challenge (what choice is there other than Hobson’s), here are 12 Ways to do those 12 things (there’s a bonus too)!

12 Months To Go to get the 12 things done

Get started today. Here’s a compelling reason for getting started today itself.

12 months is a pretty long time. A lot can happen during that time, like the marvel of a single sperm finding an egg and springing to Life in the form of a newborn child into this world! Or a tiny seed liberating a plant full of blossoming flowers or a massive tree bearing fruits or offering shade! The wise may easily explain the ‘what and how’ of this Life transformation. But try explaining the ‘why only this way’ or ‘why not any other way!’

During every single day of those 12 months, ask yourself these questions and seek answers, within. And if you still don’t believe you can pull this off, take a look at this list of 12 things Swamy changed, did differently or anew, on 12-12-12!

12 Souls To Share

Find 12 souls to share the 12 things you’ve dreamt, learnt, started, influenced, applied and changed. If you can’t find even 12 souls to share what you’ve learnt from this post, it’s time to learn ‘How to win friends and influence people’! And once you complete learning, don’t wait to translate that into action till 11-12-13!

Be Joyful, cherish Life, nourish Love and spread the Cheer today and every single remaining day of your Life! For that, you really don’t need a once in a lifetime day such as 12-12-12!