I see you

There is one movie that I do not mind watching again in theatres is ‘Avatar’, of course with 3D effect.

The tall, blue Na’vi people appear so beautiful and holy to my eyes though they are computer animated gimmicks. The way Neytiri teaches Jake Sully the nuances of archery, the secret of riding on a direhorse, how to own a banshee is outstanding. It is astonishing to see how faithfully Na’vis worship Eywa and how much they respect each life living on their Pandora land.

The body language, character depictions, spiritual truths, grand film making – all contribute for the success of the movie though the storyline is quite old. In the middle of the film, I was wondering how the director is going to resolve the conflict in the character of Jake Sully but the much anticipated ‘end’ made me smile. In fact, the director convinces the audience to take the side of Na’vi clan instead of humans.

As far as I remember, here is one rare film where the lovers do not say ‘I love you’ to each other; instead they say ‘I see you.’

Run….. run to the theatres and watch the power of human & Na’vi minds. James Cameron has weaved an unbelievable magic to the mind and spirit.

* * * * * * *

When we, the English language learning students, were informed to read the story ‘Lamb to the slaughter’ as a part of study, I thought, ‘What could be so amazing with this short story which is termed as classic?’ I realized after reading that the story is indeed amazing.

I have to stress once again that the human minds have unbelievable layers of subtleness and power.

* * * * * * *

My neighbour has left her dying tulasi plant under my care for a month as she is gone on vacation. The plant was already de-rooted from its soil at the time of handing over and tulasi plants are said to be sensitive. The moment I brought the pot to my balcony, I pleaded with the plant (mentally) with love not to die as I would be responsible for its well being till I give it back to its owner. Thankfully, the plant is growing well now.

I am extremely glad to have been given one another opportunity to realise that there is something called ‘grace’ which is beyond mind power.

* * * * * * *

I see clearly that the plant's rebirth is equally grand and miraculous just as James Cameron's successful celluloid Avatar.

Prince Charming and my English

The homework given in the English class on Saturday is simply superb. Though I could not attend that day, I was rejoicing at the very mention of fairytales and the assignment. Here is what the homework is...

The 5 children of the class have to rewrite the story of Cinderella from the stepmother's point of view and the 5 adults from the Prince's point of view. As for our (adults) assignment, the rewriting is split into 5 parts - introduction, announcement of the ball, arrangements, the ball and conclusion. I am given the part of 'conclusion'.

So, here goes my part which I would read out in today's class... You too read my imagination and enjoy. :)))

//
The Prince stood transfixed. He was unable to believe that his princess could slip away from his hands so easily, in exactly the same moment he was about to propose to her in a dramatic way. How long and hard he had planned for the moment! Even in this state of utter dejection, he appeared so charming, true to his name.

He could not sleep the whole night. He remembered the guards muttering feebly at the palace entrance that she appeared like a country girl as she fled. To add fuel to his restlessness, no one in the ball could guess who she was and where she came from. Indeed he was engulfed totally in the flame of love. Not a moment of cinders left for him.

Tossing and turning, he recited within the whole night, ‘O my sweetheart! Beauty I have seen in plenty but your magnetic grace I have not. Rich or poor I don’t care but you would hear my heart beat when you are near… Know that you are the only lady love of my life. I know… I know that this slipper is a smart clue that you have given me to reach your doorstep. I shall not rest till I find you dear. Here I come, here I come…’

The next morning, the tired Prince Charming ordered his guards to be ready to accompany him. He also made an announcement that whoever fitted into the slipper perfectly would become his princess of life. Alas! As days passed, none could fit in perfectly much to his disappointment. However, he was a man of determination & will and hence he was not to lose heart so soon.

At last, his chariot arrived at Cinderalla’s villa. His heart started beating very fast unusually. He felt that he was surrounded by a mysterious feeling as if somebody was whispering into his ears ‘I am here, I am here…’. He climbed down his chariot with glee and entered into the villa with the slipper in hand.

The beautifully dressed up stepsisters ran forward in greediness to own him but the slipper was not kind though. And the Prince Charming was not distracted by any. He asked them again and again if there were any other in the villa as his heart could not go wrong.

There he saw a young graceful girl walking in rags to try out the slipper. Much to the astonishment of all, her left foot fitted into the glass slipper perfectly as her hands produced the missing pair from inside her gown.

As she looked at him with love, he recognised in that poor girl the same beautiful woman who had stolen his heart on the day of ball. He realized then that he had become complete with her.

Holding her elegant hand, he led her to his palace. The Prince Charming and Princess Cindarella lived happily ever after.



Swaying to the lilting music of life
They danced round and round with love
Even when they became very old
He in her hands and she into his
Locked for ever in body & spirit
Never to part even in dreams

Standing from the state of heavenly bliss
They peep into the presently world
Descending from the realm above
To teach us of love and joy eternal
Here they come, here they come
Hand in hand here they come

//

Thanks a lot, Rekha for bringing out the child in me. :)

The Power of Love

The three grew up together but one could not live with the other two for long. The (un)fortunate one was none other than Christian, the Lion. I was stunned to watch the last few minutes of the great documentary aired in Animal Planet a couple of days back.

This has happened 40 years ago. The grown-up domesticated animal (Christian) from London is introduced into Kenyan jungle slowly and steadily as it becomes difficult for the two youngsters to rear the lion at home. After many failures, the lion adapts itself to the new surrounding and builds its pride.

After one year of leaving Christian with the trainer, the two men travel to Africa to see their darling pet.

Upon hearing their call, the lion which is living with two lioness and an adopted cub, slowly turns, looks at the two buddies, takes slow paces and then suddenly pounces on them with its front legs against their shoulders and showers its love. It was an unforgettable and beautiful sight.

It was all the more beautiful to see those two men who have become old now reminisce those beautiful moments.

I was deeply touched by such power of Love.

That reminded me of the power of unconditional love that I have experienced. In fact, the whole of this year has been one of blessing. When I recollect all those memories, I go down on my knees to only thank God.

Not only that, in this year, I also saw a few strengthening their existing ties with me, a few moving away from me deliberately and a few coming closer voluntarily. Calmly, peacefully and silently, I have learnt to witness the changes within and around.

I always see the world outside as beautiful. And I strive hard to keep my inner world one of purity and striking beauty with Love.

There’s nothing else to ask for, for my life. I feel that there’s nothing else in my life.

Heed not to the Head

The fear of being attacked by migraine is constantly chasing me as I am too much affected by the pain these days. Once hit, I become completely paralysed in the first 2-3 hours in a dark room. I am avoiding all situations that could trigger a headache like sun, sound, sleeplessness, hunger etc but alas, I could not run away from life and people, isn’t it? If I close the front door, it enters through the back door and embraces me. Last month, I had decided to fight it out only with Light. Thankfully I am not tempted to take medicines so far; instead wait patiently for the Light to work on me.

Though the love affair with migraine is going on for years, I still wanted to watch ‘2012’ as I have been receiving and reading mixed reviews about the film. Somehow it is eluding my hands. What I have noticed is that, people either panic which is not needed or brush it aside as a hoax. The world will not end but there is no place for the misfits and unfits any more, which includes you and me if we fall under that category.

Who are misfits and unfits then?

Whoever brings negativities into our system and spreads callous attitude becomes a natural misfit or unfit to live in this world.

Watch out for the grip that the negativities have over you. It may sprout as physical, mental, emotional and psychological disturbances or illnesses. And mind you, the negativities may arise within to damage your understanding or from outside sources to confuse your standing. At such times, I am forcibly emphasising these words to myself - ‘O Negativities! I have NO time to entertain you. And I am not sorry for that.’

When I heard of the brutal murder that had happened recently in one of our friend’s families because of money issues, I was really shocked. Money, women and land have been the greatest enemies in human lives from time immemorial, so they say.

The biography of one of the most powerful women the world had witnessed, Cleopatra, too confirms this belief. Though she had Julius Caesar & Marc Antony in/at her command at one time, the motive behind such liaisons must have been to retain her Pharaoh-hood. Power struggle is like a vicious cycle and the main negative energy being supplied is ‘selfishness’. Naturally all these three had to face terrible deaths.

How long can Mother Earth tolerate biographies of sloth & selfishness? She badly needs a change. Before she shakes us all in one go and takes up the task on her own, let us all give her the much needed change by spreading Light, love and peace, not just today or tomorrow but on a moment-to-moment basis to repair the damages done to her over thousands of years. Let us learn to own the responsibility of the collective damage done to her representing the collective humanity.

A few imaginative pictures hover around me for the past one month to write a poem on Mother Earth. I am trying to move away from such thoughts as I do not wish to trigger any kind of intellectual pleasure. And I do not wish to burden my head more as I have no intention of facing another big bang inside.

However, if I succumb to the pressure any time from now, then it would go into ‘Divine Vibrations’. Be assured that the intent would vibrate only with purity.

Right now, as my head throbs slightly and compels me to close this article soon, I wish to conclude with my only personal wish – to remain in harmony with Light at all levels of consciousness.

A few updates

This August, we bought a bigger TV as the old TV had its fair share of duty with us. The old TV is not disposed yet.

Three days back, my house help hesitatingly asked me, “Madamji, will you give me your old TV?”

I was busy cooking lunch at that time and instantly turned around to see her.

She continued, “Money no problem, Madamji! I will give you.”

I felt so touched. Yet I asked her, “How much do you think you can give?”

“I will give BD 20/-, Madamji!”

I told Balaji about her need, he agreed to give it for free. When I told her that she need not pay anything, she was happy that we consented for the TV but she said again in her broken English, “No, Madamji! Taking free anything, no good….” She repeated two more times with her big trademark smile.

I was awed. I listened.

“My husband will come and take it on 27th and will pay the money, Madamji.”

She appeared great in my eyes. In this world, we are so used to seeing people who grab every opportunity and use their tactics if they can get anything for free – even food.

This young girl has a list of problems to narrate, ranging from personal to money problems. Yet she doesn’t want anything for free.

Many appear educated in the society. In reality, only a rare few are educated. She is one.

* * * * * * *

“I am going out for lunch with kids. Are you coming with me?”

The familiar voice on my mobile surprised me. And it was a genuine invitation. Yes, it was a call from my dear friend from Abu Dhabi who gave surprise visit to us this Diwali after hearing of my illness. In fact, I was lazily roaming inside the kitchen at that time. I was elated, for it is the thought of concern that matters the most.

I am really fortunate to have such a great friend.

* * * * * * *

We three were having dinner together yesterday night. Balaji was telling me that our CBE house would become costlier to maintain as the committee has decided to strengthen the security of the Gardens but at a heavy cost.

In the midst of conversation, I told Balaji, “See…. I wanted to tell you something.’

“What?”

“I am not comfortable with the decision of putting electrical fencing.”

He was blinking…. “Where?”

“Around the compound.”

“Why?”

“Whatever it is, electricity of even minimum voltage would give shock to people.”

“Which people?”

“Whoever crosses the compound?”

“You mean thief?”

“Yes.”

Both father and son burst into laughter that I am too concerned about the thieves.

I am concerned about all those hundreds of residents and tenants no doubt. But my feeling was also genuine.

Pray no thief tresspass the compound.

* * * * * * *

Number Two Hundred

Today evening Balaji took me to Sri Krishna Temple at Manama by surprise. He dropped me at the entrance and asked me to go & see as he could not find a parking lot. In fact, I rarely visit temples these days. I am not deliberately avoiding but just that I have no urge to go.

I was really taken aback upon seeing the huge Govardhan giri occupying majority of the open area against the big Krishna mural. The temple being managed and run by Gujarati community is well known for grand, colourful and vibrant decorations especially on special occasions. I inferred from the banner hung over there that there was some rath yatra yesterday.

My admiration and respect to all those behind this beautiful expression of devotion and sweet feat of creativity.

Jai Shree Krishna!

* * * * *

Talking of devotion, I would stand in awe in temples sometimes looking at others' explicit devotion than making effort of my own. I still wonder why I have never been inclined or inspired to learn or chant slokas/mantras. Could it be my birth defect? :)

Yet, I pray. Don't ask me what and how as my jabber cannot be heard by anyone except God. :)

* * * * *

I cannot believe that I have completed 200 posts - each one written with genuine emotions felt at the time of writing. The crowning glory is the one written 3.5 years back which is very, very dear to my heart.

I dedicate my scribbles to that one man who stole my heart in one swish and continue to do so even now. I wish to be connected / acquainted with him in every birth of mine. I fear not for my innumerable births but I fear that I should not lose sight of him in any of my births. If you know me, you would instantly know whom I am talking about. Otherwise, go here to know who he is....

http://padmaja-whispers.blogspot.com/2009/01/fond-feeling.html

I remember scribbling these few words on July 4, 2006 sitting in my sister's house in Chennai.

* * * * *

Number Two Hundred is just a small number for random ramblings. Loads of mental junk need to be offloaded here. So, stay tuned... :)

Nothing matters

The hustle bustle of the day’s work was over. I was thoroughly exhausted.

As I was about to settle down for my night reading for inspiration, I was captivated by the blue & white combination that I saw from the bedroom window. Generally, Bahrain’s sky is one of the most disillusioned ones as it is rare to see stars or clouds at any point of the year. Hence it was a sight for me.

I mentally pushed aside the charms of ‘The Power of NOW’, opened the window fully and sat on a chair resting my arms on the sill. Those half an hour…

I watched the white clouds chasing something fast… no faster… I didn’t want to even get up and wear my glasses to correct my short sight as the large motion picture was clearly seen.

I turned my gaze towards the busy Exhibition Avenue, Jasmis, moving cars, people crossing the open ground…

At those rare seemingly satoric moments, there was no pain or joy, no remembrance of failures or successes, no reminders on duties or commitments, no thoughts on relationships, no fears on losing, no intellectual analysis, no expectations from anything or anybody, no worries on my imperfections, no questions on the many whys, no philosophical conclusions, no reasonings…

I became speechless.

I could not sit beyond a point. The humidity in the atmosphere and the buzzing of ACs from the neighbouring houses made me feel very hot. I closed the window and saw through the glass. I watched the chasing clouds against the stagnant blue sky and the fast moving cars on the road again.

I moved out of the window now as my mind and body were reminding me of the unbearable heat.

I switched ON the AC, picked up the book and started reading….

“The world arises when consciousness takes on shapes and forms, thought forms and material forms. Look at the million of life forms on this planet alone. In the sea, on land, in the air – and then each life form is replicated millions of times. To what end? Is someone or something playing a game, a game with form? This is what the ancient seers of India asked themselves. They saw the world as lila, a kind of divine game that God is playing. The individual life forms are obviously not very important in this game.”

I closed my eyes, finished my night prayers and dozed off to sleep in the next couple of minutes.

I felt divine in the morning.

I realise that nothing matters.

Yes. No thing really matters.