Struggle and Letters of Father to his Son

Arrival of Sanidhya's birthday is a new year for me when I open my eyes to feel and see ...

2009-05-11T23:17:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Sanidhya,

The year gone by as the previous year, time moved at its own pace and took me with it. Each moment had a distinct thought of yours, so I closed my eyes and floated as time took me to its memory lanes, passing by …
every year,
every month,
every day,
every morning,
every evening,
every moment … moments with you,
moments with your smile,
moments with images of your tiny hands, small-tiny abrupt laughter-giggles.

Each year on this day, your birthday, I open my eyes to release some prints of my journey without you, some of my writings which give glimpse of celebration of the feeling of pain without you with me, these sacred green leafs photosynthesized with my omni thoughts, wrapped in the most cherished memories of you with me. So today let a father and also a fakir enjoy and relinquish the celebration of …
your heart beats in your mother’s womb,
the sweat on my forehead on every pregnancy checkup of you and your mother,
tears of joy when I held you in St. Vincent ,
shiver in my hands when I gave your head a bath just after your birth,
joy of my soul when I held you against my chest and you slept,
feel of your mouth when I finger fed you,
smell of the air and dirt when I cleaned the house so that you can come to the house,
excitement and sweet whispers in air on my way back from apartment to take you and your mother’s discharge from St. Vincent ,
lifelessness of my spine, shaken soul, my helplessness how life can change within few hours,
taste of my tears when I saw you in a bed of wires and machines,
numbness of my body and sound of ticks in my brain during my discussions with doctors,
stoneness of eyes on watching every day and night the readings on the machines,
loneness and feeling of being scared,
vibration of my lips with prayers,
transformation of cold sobbing becoming warm as the color of your body turned to pink,
heaviness of my eyelids,
wonderful sleepless nights with your infanthood, see you growing,
tense moments with various regular visits to specialists,
sound of your tit-bit snores,
your first turn around from front to back and vice versa,
excitement to hear pa-pa-ma-ma-da-da-.... from you,
impressions of your first crawl on light brown velvety carpet,
your first holding on feet of blue chair,
your first steps,
warm sweat of my body in snow with you warped in my clothes,
relief to see you dry and warm after that,
glitter of your first teeth,
your stumbling run to catch the ducks,
idling with you and me feeding fish in the pond with bread crumbs,
warmth of the wetness of the bed as you grew,
playing cricket and football with you,
running with you on my shoulders,
endless walks with my hands holding you and you sipping juice in your usual way,
both of us crying shameless in front of your school,
changing cartoons together on TV,
watching animations together,
endless stories till you sleep,
picking and eating raw corn flakes together one by one ,
watching dadaji teach you,

….. and then …..

lets also celebrate the.. .. ..

feeling of coldness, suddenness of events, harshness of life, sound of the people in uniform, both of us confused, and then .... dryness in my throat …. numbness in my body …. strange images with strange arguments …. harshness of wind of lies, deceit, insults … and then my life stopped …. your face, your confusion, your fingers touching mine and then …. only touch remains …. and everything stopped for me …. everything is backwards and inwards towards your moments with me …. nothing else matters …. hope and prayers have moved mountains and so it may …. it shall … happen …and I know … and I hope! I will pray for that you are and will always be safe and healthy and happy and for my hope to never dwindle to meet you and to see you! May my faith that you will always be safe, protected, healthy and happy, grow with each year, each month, each day, every passing moment of separation.

Truth is, that my love for you has been same if not more, my desire to see you increases day by day, my pain to meet you and to be with you is consistently increasing. I hope your creative brilliance and ability to see objects in our environment and imagine and create different applications is not eroded in monotonous and so called disciplinary attributes of education. An education which is reflected in our society which is clearly no better than it was yesterday. An education which prepares machines to create bartering papers at any cost sometimes without compassion, sometimes without honesty and sometimes with cruelty. I don’t know exactly where you are and how you are, but I pray that you can still laugh as heartily as before, you can still listen to the sound of water coming out of the tap, you are still are able to splash water out of the tub, you can still run freely and carelessly, you can still make houses out of mud and sand, you can still see and smell rainbow, you still imagine gas lighter as different appliances, you still watch moon and stars and create new stories daily, you still color and draw on the walls. Beta Shanu don’t worry if you can’t write cleanly because you can create new images and objects in your mind and remember them, writing is just one of the mechanisms to remember and communicate ideas. Why we are not together confuses me and if you have same confusion then you are not alone beta, sometimes I also don’t have answers and I’m scared too, but it doesn’t mean that I’m not hopeful to see you one day and I pray and hope it will be sooner than latter. Each moment without you has been captured in my soul and as I try to depict it in my prayers, hopes and pain; my love for you hopefully will protect you from impurities and will keep you healthy and happy, I hope and I pray.

May god enable you to harness your creativity to create original work with unique thoughts. May god enable you to become a truthful, honest, compassionate human. May you always be happy and cocooned with rainbow of joy, laughter, energy, creativity, green grass with drops of dew, blue clear sky, saffron colored flowers, tiny tadpoles in clean water, bright multicolored butterflies, fruit trees, sweet chirping of birds.

On your birthday I remember the birthday of Sri Rama, I ‘m crying in peace don’t know why but you have been so similar to him, my Krishnu, the name which is mine and mine only for you. I’m remembering you not for you but for me, this is a strange feeling which is sadness in peace, your remembrance in my consciousness calms me but thirst to see you creates tremendous pain.

On this beautiful day when my year starts and end, here are some of the beautiful garlands of words to celebrate it. May be Rabindranath Tagore knew about me and you when he wrote these gems, so this is for you and me my polar star …
“
I have made You the polar star of my existence;
never again can I lose my way in the voyage of life.
Wherever I go, You are always there to shower your benefience all around me.
Your face is ever present before my mind's eyes.
If I lose sight of You even for a moment, I almost lose my mind.
Whenever my heart is about to go astray, just a glance of You makes it feel ashamed of itself.
“

The painful memories of past since the last touch of your fingers slowly descending from my palms, your dark big eyes looking at mine as confused as mine, as scared as mine, the silence between your eyes and mine, hence some words depict this apathy, that silence, that moment of last touch of a father’s palm with son’s gentle fingers, that last stare , that moment of injustice and sadness, that forced empty nest…
“
Music is silenced, the dark descending slowly
Has stripped unending skies of all companions.
Weariness grips your limbs and within the locked horizons
Dumbly ring the bells of hugely gathering fears.
Still, O bird, O sightless bird,
Not yet, not yet the time to furl your wings.

It's not melodious woodlands but the leaps and falls
Of an ocean's drowsy booming,
Not a grove bedecked with flowers but a tumult flecked with foam.
Where is the shore that stored your buds and leaves?
Where the nest and the branch's hold?
Still, O bird, my sightless bird,
Not yet, not yet the time to furl your wings.

Stretching in front of you the night's immensity
Hides the western hill where sleeps the distant sun;
Still with bated breath the world is counting time and swimming
Across the shoreless dark a crescent moon
Has thinly just appeared upon the dim horizon.
--But O my bird, O sightless bird,
Not yet, not yet the time to furl your wings.

From upper skies the stars with pointing fingers
Intently watch your course and death's impatience
Lashes at you from the deeps in swirling waves ;
And sad entreaties line the farthest shore
With hands outstretched and crooning ' Come, O come ! '
Still, O bird, O sightless bird,
Not yet, not yet the time to furl your wings.

All that is past: your fears and loves and hopes ;
All that is lost: your words and lamentation ;
No longer yours a home nor a bed composed of flowers.
For wings are all you have, and the sky's broadening countryard,
And the dawn steeped in darkness, lacking all direction.
Dear bird, my sightless bird,
Not yet, not yet the time to furl your wings!
“

… and then my wait and my prayers and my letters and my writings and inherent convergence of pain and breath and thus these following pearls to depict the wait …
“
The song I came to sing
remains unsung to this day.
I have spent my days in stringing
and in unstringing my instrument.

The time has not come true,
the words have not been rightly set;
only there is the agony
of wishing in my heart.....

I have not seen his face,
nor have I listened to his voice;
only I have heard his gentle footsteps
from the road before my house.....

But the lamp has not been lit
and I cannot ask him into my house;
I live in the hope of meeting with him;
but this meeting is not yet.
“

… and then this day comes, your birthday, thus my new year, my hope to hope for a happy new year, the year to materialize my prayers to get one dignified look at you … so lets celebrate this with some great fusion of words and precious sentences, to depict the manifestation of the first rays of the first sunrise of this year, to feels the rays of hope and its warmth , enjoy the following words, because my hope is alive and I still have faith and sun still glows as always as ever…
“
The Sun of the First Day
The sun of the first day
Put the question
To the new manifestation of life-
Who are you?
There was no answer.
Years passed by.

The last sun of the last day
Uttered the question
on the shore of the western sea
In the hush of evening-
Who are you?
No answer came again.
“

… thus bathing in the rays of this precious day, I wish you and celebrate your arrival and longevity … Following song of celebration is reflection of my bliss on your birthday and for me it brings a new fresh layering on the existing hope. May this always hold true for you, always! May this prayer always cuddle and keep you blissful.
“
This song of mine will wind its music around you,
my child, like the fond arms of love.

The song of mine will touch your forehead
like a kiss of blessing.

When you are alone it will sit by your side and
whisper in your ear, when you are in the crowd
it will fence you about with aloofness.

My song will be like a pair of wings to your dreams,
it will transport your heart to the verge of the unknown.

It will be like the faithful star overhead
when dark night is over your road.

My song will sit in the pupils of your eyes,
and will carry your sight into the heart of things.

And even when my voice is silenced in death,
my song will speak in your living heart.
“

The best way to end this letter (not its journey) is with hope and faith , hence I’m holding on to what I have, which is remembrances of you and me together, hence I will ring the bells and I will keep ringing and my prayers will continue and thus my faith will be intact . … thus the following words depicting it…

“
The birds they sang
at the break of day
Start again
I heard them say
Don't dwell on what
has passed away
or what is yet to be.
Ah the wars they will
be fought again
The holy dove
She will be caught again
bought and sold
and bought again
the dove is never free.

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in.

We asked for signs
the signs were sent:
the birth betrayed
the marriage spent
Yeah the widowhood
of every government --
signs for all to see.

I can't run no more
with that lawless crowd
while the killers in high places
say their prayers out loud.
But they've summoned, they've summoned up
a thundercloud
and they're going to hear from me.

Ring the bells that still can ring ...

You can add up the parts
but you won't have the sum
You can strike up the march,
there is no drum
Every heart, every heart
to love will come
but like a refugee.

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in.

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in.
That's how the light gets in.
That's how the light gets in.

“

So my dearest Sanidhya, your father with crack in his soul prays to Goddess Gayatri, may goddess Gayatri be always with you and make you blissful, healthy and wise. And I recite to the Almighty Supreme God, the Creator of entire cosmos, the essence of our life existence, who removes all our pains and sufferings and grants happiness beseeching, His divine grace to imbibe within us, His Divinity and Brilliance which may purify us and guide our righteous wisdom on the right path. May all you pains now and in future be mine, may my share of happiness be bestowed on you, may fear never touch you and nature provides you wisdom and knowledge.

Om bhurbhuvah svah tatsaviturvarenyan bhargo devasya dhimahi dhiyo yo nah prachodayat!

You are always in the consciousness of your Dadadji and Dadiji and mine. We pray to the Lord and Cherisher of the Worlds Who created us and you, and it is He who guides us; Who gives us food and drink, And when We are ill, it is He who cures us; Who gives us cause to live --- to be always be with and envelope and protect you with his warmth. Om !

Your papa
Ravi

Sanidhya's birthday on 21st April 2008

2008-04-21T03:52:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Sanidhya,

Today on your birthday, I will try not say anything about past, present or future or myself. Today is beautiful day and a very important and happy day, hence I will narrate my wishes and prayers for you. As prayers don’t change but are repeated with much more greater passion and humility and love, please allow me repeat and chant the same lines of wish and prayers which were gifted to you on your previous birthday.

“

My Immense wealth I give to you my son on your Birthday,

My wealth lies more in the failures of my life than my successes.

My wealth lies in people I have known and lost.

My wealth lies in the pain and the heartache of living.

My wealth lies in the memories of those moments of love that were given to me. And given by me. But my wealth also lies in letting those joyous moments and people go.

My wealth lies in all those unfulfilled dreams. In all those longings that aroused my passions.

My wealth lies in all the passions I have ever felt and expressed. And those not expressed.

My wealth lies in every moment of guilt that I carry for actions done or imagined. That burden too is my wealth.

My wealth lies in every breath that I have ever breathed. Each imbued with doubts and questions and hopes and dreams. And fears.

All this wealth I bequeath to you. For you to squander to the winds.

“

Today’s day was, is and will always remain the most happiest and important day of my life. Hence let me present you some of the sweetest works of creativity which I came across. Creativity is an attribute which I learnt from you, it was hidden in the dust of social practicality, but your birth created enormous amount of love within me and your growth produced sensations and electricity of stimulus within my soul. Your little hands, soft snoring, sweet giggles and tiny footsteps taught me fragrance of life. With the current enforced limitation bestowed on me which I will not mention today in this letter, here are some creative drops which may captivate and encapsulate my and your journey till we were holding each others hands …

On your birthday I present you the memories of the rainbow we saw together, when I explained the colours to you and you narrated them back to me. When tiny drops of rain fell on my forehead and trickled down on your hairs. When we ran together and slipped together. When you sat on the wet swing and I pushed the swing so that you can float with swing and we chatted and laughed. When it was so easy to make small house of mud and sand with few healthy green leaves on the top. When we stood on the balcony where we adored the moon and counted the stars till my story finished or you were sleeping on my shoulder… so here are the few creative lines which depict my gift my dearest Sanidhya,

“
The Rainbow comes and goes,
And lovely is the Rose,
The Moon doth with delight
Look round her when the heavens are bare,
Waters on a starry night
Are beautiful and fair;
The sunshine is a glorious birth;
But yet I know, where'er I go,
That there hath past away a glory from the earth……
“

My dearest Sanidhya, I wish and pay that the gift of creativity and thinking in you increases everyday and every moment.

I also gift the sweet sound of running behind the birds when we use to play with birds on the green grass till they fly or jump into blue water. Thus continuing the previous poem here are next few pearls,

“
Now, while the birds thus sing a joyous song,
And while the young lambs bound
As to the tabor's sound,
To me alone there came a thought of grief:
A timely utterance gave that thought relief,
And I again am strong:
The cataracts blow their trumpets from the steep;
No more shall grief of mine the season wrong;
I hear the Echoes through the mountain throng,
The Winds come to me from the fields of sleep,
And all the earth is gay;
Land and sea
Give themselves up to jollity,
And with the heart of May
Doth every Beast keep holiday-
Thou Child of Joy,
Shout round me, let me hear thy shouts,
thou happy Shepherd-boy! ….
“

With these lines come a gift and a wish. The gift is may birds and especially sparrows always be with you, may they wake you up early in the morning and play with you when you are lonely. And I wish that may a day come when we go together on mountain to see young lambs playing in green fields, jumping and running between paddy fields and terraces of fruit trees. May we whistle together on the entrance of the tiny caves and enjoy the echoes of our voices. May we play and roll on the lush valleys with other kids and hares of the mountains. Thus continuing the magic of words, here I continue the convergence of gift and wishes for you.

“
My deasest Sanidhya,
May you have happiness and its causes,
May you always be free of sufferings and its causes,
May you never be separated from bliss,
May you always be free of bias, attachment and anger,
May nobody be able to hurt you,
May you always have strength and wisdom to help those who need,
May you always be happy, and in good health,
May you prosper and never be sad,
May you wipe out the sorrows of people and liberate them,
May you never shun the right task,
May you always have faith, and win!
“

I hope my prayers and wishes reach you and cocoon you with a raksha kavach soft from inside and invincible from outside.

On this very special occasion, my dearest son, may I gift you sweetness, hence –

“
May the wind blow sweetness,- wherever you are Sanidhya!
the rivers flow sweetness, - wherever you are Sanidhya!
the herbs grow sweetness, - wherever you are Sanidhya!
for you!

Sweet be the night, - wherever you are Sanidhya!
sweet the dawn, - wherever you are Sanidhya!
sweet be earth's fragrance, - wherever you are Sanidhya!
sweet be your Heaven!

May the tree afford you sweetness,
the sun shine sweetness,
cows yield sweetness --
milk in plenty! Wherever you are my Dearest Sanidhya!
“
May my gifts reach you and wishes come true. Hence I pray to Gods and Goddesses.

I prostrate myself before the Lord Shiva, who is adorned with various ornaments, who shines like the crystal jewel, who is seated peacefully in the lotus pose, with moon-crested crown, with three eyes, wearing trident, thunderbolt, sword and axe on the right side, who holds the serpent, noose, bell, damaru and spear on the left side, to protect you, my dearest Sanidhya.

I adore Lord Vishnu who is the embodiment of peace, who lies on the Shesha serpent, whose navel is the source of the Lotus, whose complexion is swarthy like the clouds, whose body shines with heavenly beauty, who is the beloved of Goddess Lakshmi, whose eyes are like Lotus, whom I meditate and pray to remove any fear of the world-process within you and always protect you.

I worship Lord Brahma, creator of creativity, to bestow, preserve and increase your creativity to infinite levels.

I worship the lotus feet of Ganesha, the son of Uma and Shiva, the destroyer of all sorrows, who is served by the host of gods and elementals, and who takes the essence of the kapittha-jarnbu fruit. May Lord Ganesha always keep you in good health and smile may never leave your face. May you always be happy and healthy.

I pray to Goddess Saraswati for your welfare and well-being. May Goddess Saraswati, who is fair like the jasmine-colored moon, and whose pure white garland is like frosty dew drops;
who is adorned in radiant white attire, on whose beautiful arm rests the veena, and whose throne is a white lotus; who is surrounded and respected by the Gods, protect you, my dearest Sanidhya. May Goddess, my dearest Sanidhya provide you creativity, excellent health, and love and peace."

May the vibrations of my chants and meditation reach you, protect you, and provide you bliss where ever your are my dearest Sanidhya.

May all swarops of goddesses Shakti , bestow energy to your body and soul and you blossom into a great and complete human being, hence I chant the protection mantra to invoke goddesses to accept my prayers. May goddesses provide you love, grace, cosmic energy, and beauty and you always live a wholesome and complete life. May chants of “om hrim krim hum shrim!” touch and envelope you.

As always I believe and wish, may mine and your Dadaji’s and Dadiji’s prayers for you reach you, protect you and fulfill your body and soul with bliss. My God who is my Lord will be with you as your savior, protector and director. He will help you to accomplish what you are destined and will bring prosperity to you and bliss to your soul.

May this day take your destiny to heavenly heights and you blossom like a lotus filled up with beauty, values and strength. Happy Birthday my Dearest Sanidhya, may the Goddess Gayatri be always with you.

om bhūr om bhuvah om svah om mah om janah om tapah om sat yam
om tat savitur varenyam
bhargo devasya dhīmahi
dhiyo yo nah prachodayāt

om!

Your Papa

Ravi

On the advent of New Year 2008

2008-01-08T01:42:00.000-08:00

My Dearest Shanu,

On the advent of new year, my dearest Sanidhya, lets start this letter with lines from a very common and simple Buddhist prayer –

“
May you have happiness and the causes of happiness.
May you be liberated from suffering and the causes of suffering.
May you never be separated from the happiness that is free from sorrow.
May you rest in equanimity, free from attachment and aversion.
“--- Traditional Tibetan Buddhist prayer

Well’ last year also went away, it was not a greatest of year from my point of view as a father’s plea to see his beloved son and his son’s mute rights to have childhood with a space for fatherhood were eroded by darkness of selfishness, ego, arrogance and obtuse behaviors. Humanity was at its lowest point, and for a moment lies prevailed over truth. But as they say ultimately sun shines and truth prevails and we will with God’s grace together see the same rainbow as we saw the last time we were together. Only this time it will be much brighter and sky will be much clearer. During this year both of us went thru our ordeals which still continues for me, it has shaken me; depressed me; pained me; truth is that it has affected me from every aspect mentally , emotionally, physically ; But it has not broken me. It has not diverted me from fundamental human values of love, respect, self-respect and most important truth and righteousness. My dearest Shanu, my day starts in pain, with a search for your tiny hands on my chest and my day ends with pain as my arm feels empty without your head caressed on it. During the evening my shoulders feel hollow as you are not there to ride them. My supper feels tasteless as you are not there in front of me to taste the first bite. My prayers are tearful as I pray for you but you are not there for aarti and tilak. I see you but you are not there, I feel you but I can’t touch you; I love you but I can’t shower it on you; Truth is that pain has become an integral part of my life, now only time and lord know in future whether and when it takes me to my logical and righteous path. But today I’m still breathing and thus I’m writing to you and will continue to do so. On this joyous occasion and the advent of new year recite and enjoy the “Lord's Prayer”, also known as the “Our Father” and is probably the best-known prayer in Christianity.

“
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
[For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.]
“

Thus lets hope that this year, we will be able to touch each other fingers and see that rainbow together; play a game of soccer together; run marathon with you on my shoulders; tell stories to each other; draw and paint together; laugh in peace where there is no fear of disturbance or impurity. On this note, below is the prayer of peace by one the great saints, Saint Francis:

“
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury. Pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love,
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
“

So my dearest Sanidhya, let fear not touch you, let sorrow not affect you, may you make your own destiny, may the impure manipulation never take away the human values, may you grow up into a strong, healthy and happy man who has discipline of Shiva, bravery and values of Vishnu and brain of Brahma. May godess Gayathri, be your director and provide you happiness and righteousness. Here is a great poem by our national poet, Tagore Da!

“
Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high;
Where knowledge is free;
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls;
Where words come out from the depth of truth;
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection;
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit;
Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action;
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.
“-- Rabindranath Tagore

As always I believe and wish, may mine and your Dadaji’s and Dadiji’s prayers for you reach you, protect you and fulfill your body and soul with bliss. My God who is my Lord will be with you as your savior, protector and director. He will help you to accomplish what you are destined and will bring prosperity to you and bliss to your soul. May this new year take your destiny to heavenly heights and you blossom like a lotus filled up with beauty, values and strength. To welcome this new year for you what a better way but to remember Goddess Gayatri and recite the Gayatri mantra :

“
Om bhoor bhuva swahah tat savi tur varenyam bhargo dey vasya dhi mahhi dheeyo yoh na pracho dayaht
“

Om!

Your Father,
Ravi

Christmas

2007-12-25T21:07:00.000-08:00

My Dearest Sanidhya,

Another Christmas has come and gone, time briefly stopped for me but it was again an illusion. I again saw you in my dreams in various places from the dancing snowfalls we relished together in Oregon when you were tightly wrapped in warmth of wool and my heart to ravishing freshness of fog in India when you were clouded on my shoulders chewing mishree brought by Dadaji. We were happy and laughing together in our own world and in our tales and in our laughter, unaware of future and its miseries and its own complexities which neither I understood nor you will understand.
Before we understand my dearest Sanidhya, why we celebrate Christmas “remember X for X’mas tree” below is a tiny poem for you:

“

May you walk among the stars of morning,
Eden waiting silent for the dawn,
Ready to unravel without warning,
Restless with the energy and tiny feet on green grass without thorn,
Years of longing pale into beauty;
Christmas is a never-realized dream.
However much devoted to your duty,
Remember that the flow is not the stream.
In my heart you wear a crown of glory
So radiant that time must turn away.
The vision rises from the untold story
More lovely than what sees the light of day.
As you can never know just who you are,
So let my love become your eastern star.

“

Now lets understand why we celebrate Christmas.

Christmas is celebrated all over the world on the 25 December. Christmas is a Christian holy day that marks the birth of Jesus, the son of God.

Jesus was born to a woman called Mary who was engaged to Joseph, a carpenter. Mary was visited by an angel who brought the message that she would give birth to God's son. Three wise men followed a star that led them to Jesus' birthplace and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Shepherds were led to Bethlehem (place of birth of Jesus) by an angel. Joseph and Mary travelled to Bethlehem shortly before Jesus' birth. Joseph had been ordered to take part in a census in his home town of Bethlehem. All Jewish people had to be counted so the Roman Emperor could determine how much money to collect from them in tax. Those who had moved away from their family homes, like Joseph, had to return to have their names entered in the Roman records. Joseph and Mary set off on the long, arduous 90-mile journey from Nazareth along the valley of the River Jordan, past Jerusalem to Bethlehem. Mary traveled on a donkey to conserve her energy for the birth. But when they arrived in Bethlehem the local inn was already full with people returning for the census. The innkeeper let them stay in the rock cave below his house which was used as a stable for his animals. It was here, next to the noise and filth of the animals, that Mary gave birth to her son and laid him in a manger. And this is why the world celebrates the Christmas. Christmas remains a time to forget about the long dark days and celebrate with friends and family. But maybe the last statement is not true for you and me but it will be realized in true sense one day and below is another poem which symbolizes this hope.

“

Myths are hopes refracted through our pain:
Each ray of justice bends into a bow
Resplendent, pure, symmetrical and sane,
Resolving into grace the world we know.
Yes, God walked among us out of love;
Christ suffered horribly that we might live;
His holy spirit watches, as a dove
Remains aloft, to witness and forgive.
In love the earth returns a special fire:
Sapphires linger in disheveled grass;
The snow burns eagerly; the blood runs higher;
Mountains melt into astonished brass.
All who love revere this sacred art,
Stunned and weeping at joy's battered heart.

“

So in-spite of our constraints enjoy Christmas time as Christmas is a time for love and fun. So laugh, run, jump, paint, draw, create, play and play and play so that not only you but the joy out of heart and your gala laughter purifies the air surrounding you and brings happiness to everyone. Here is another poem to rejoice the Christmas time:

“

Christmas is a time for love and fun,
A time to reshape souls and roots and skies,
A time to give your heart to everyone

Freely, like a rich and lavish sun,
Like a burning star to those whose lonely sighs
Show need of such a time for love and fun.

For children first, whose pain is never done,
Whose bright white fire of anguish never dies,
It's time to give your heart to every one,

That not one angel fall, to hatred won
For lack of ears to listen to her cries,
Or arms to carry him towards love and fun,

Or friends to care what happens on the run
To adult life, where joy or sadness lies.
It's time to give your heart to everyone,

For God loves all, and turns His back on none,
Good or twisted, ignorant or wise.
Christmas is a time for love and fun,
A time to give your heart to everyone.
“

May Christmas time bring all the bliss of the universe to your kind soul. As always I believe and wish, may mine and your Dadaji’s and Dadiji’s prayers for you reach you, protect you and fulfill your body and soul with bliss. My God who is my Lord will be with you as your savior, protector and director. He will help you to accomplish what you are destined and will bring prosperity to you and bliss to your soul.

Merry Christmas,

Om!

Your Father,

Ravi

Letter on Children's Day (Nov 14)

2007-11-14T20:42:00.000-08:00

My Dearest Sanidhya,

Today, 14th November on the occasion of Children's Day, my letter to you is to celebrate your "childhood", under constrained circumstances as reflected in my previous letters to you. Even though we are separated and even not allowed to communicate on phone, still here is my small tribute to you and all children in the world. Children should be loved by one and all. Their angelic eyes should win hearts and innocent smiles should pave a path of truthfulness and purity inside the soul of grownups.

My dear beta, the history goes something like this, India's first prime minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, was born on November 14. After his death, his birthday has been celebrated as Children's Day in India. Children's Day is not just a day to let the future generation have its say. It is a day to remember a leader who, in his quiet but determined way, laid the foundation to convert a nascent nation into a world power. But why Children's Day? Apart from being known for his skills as a statesman, Panditji was also immensely fond of children. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was known as Chacha Nehru by all children as innocent and as flowery like you my dearest beta. The story also goes that Chacha Nehru started to wear a rose on his jacket after a child pinned one on it.

Below is a poem for you my Beta on this very beautiful day.

“

You are like fresh globules of tantalizing rain; which spell bindingly descend in euphoric frenzy from fathomless carpets of glorious sky,

You are like innocuous tufts of cotton soaring ebulliently in handsome atmosphere; philandering in stupendous melody under carpets of gloriously blissful sunshine,

You are like the pristine rays of Omnipotent Sun; profoundly illuminating one and all; with their vibrantly intriguing imagery; alike,

You are like the fairies of irrefutable truth dancing in the celestial heavens; with their immaculately divine consciences boundless kilometers away; from the despicable gutter of lies,

You are like ecstatically redolent roses brazenly swaying in the afternoon winds; unfurling into majestic artistry and overwhelmingly tangy boisterousness; as each second speedily zipped by,

You are like fulminating springs of rhapsodically untamed jubilation which erupt from the inner most core of earth; incessantly blooming into a paradise of new found energy; an insatiable euphoria to propel forward in life,

You are like united colors of the vivaciously radiant rainbow; embracing each other in compassionate cradles of humanity; entirely oblivious to the satanic vagaries of caste; creed; religion and spurious color,

You are like the resplendently milky beams of the innocent Moon; perennially twinkling in the unparalleled exuberance of discovery; indefatigably exploring all bountiful happiness so fantastically laden upon this colossal planet,

You are like voluptuously nimble blades of dew drop coated grass; profusely ringing in the wholesome merriment of symbiotic existence; whistling past the meadows of inexplicably ghastly sorrow; with Omnipotent beauty in their tiny souls,

You are like scintillatingly majestic eagles soaring royally through the silken clouds; uninhibitedly kissing all goodness that confronted them in their way; on every step that they poignantly tread,

You are like angels of relentlessly philanthropic benevolence; donating even the most priceless of their possession; to their comrades in agonizing pain,

You are like the sparkle of seductively ethereal dawn; deluging every disastrously bereaved household; with the ingratiatingly timeless essence of joyously beautiful existence,

You are like steps leading to the sacrosanct Creator; unassailably fortifying your persona to face the deadliest of evil; as you clambered each foot forward,

You are like rambunctiously revered and bushy squirrels up in the foliated trees; eternally unfolding into insurmountable enthusiasm; leaping fleet- footedly to metamorphose beleaguered earth once again into an Omniscient paradise,

You are like unfathomable treasure hoves of captivating honey; oozing the ultimate sweetness of godly creation; with the incredulous ardor in their heavenly voice,

You are like charms of everlasting luck; magically transforming your despairingly deplorable survival; into a life replete with profusely endearing graciousness,

You are like invincibly boundless mountains of faith; instilling Herculean courage in all those miserably dwindling; by just the unprecedented fervor of brilliant optimism; lingering enchantingly in the whites of their eyes,

You are like petals of Omnipresent prosperity; ubiquitously diffusing the spirit of happiness and immortal humanity; to every penuriously ailing entity on the trajectory of this endlessly glittering planet,

You are like the supremely divine aura of Godhead; granting every benign desire in your heart to be perpetually true; the instant you held their beaming palms to frolic with them in the gardens of; unconquerable togetherness….

“

My dear Sanidhya, my words are dwarfs to landscape my drops of visualization about you. They can only be beads to decorate the love which I have for you. I certainly hope and pray, that one day we will be able to see each other and I will be able to narrate poems and stories to you. Even though all my communications and efforts in this regard have been reciprocated with deceit and obtuseness by the people who have taken you away from me, but my love for you washes all the insults and my hope to meet you motivates me to keep trying. But today is not the day to write about it, as its day for you and it should bring all the bliss of the universe to your kind soul.

Thus may mine and your Dadaji’s and Dadiji’s prayers for you reach you, protect you and fulfill your body and soul with bliss. My God who is my Lord will be with you as your savior, protector and director. He will help you to accomplish what you are destined and will bring prosperity to you and bliss to your soul.

Om!

Your Father,
Ravi

Letter to Sanidhya, Memory of Darkest Day

2007-10-18T02:38:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta,

Yesterday symbolizes the darkest day for me, when both of us were separated. The dark memory of captivity for both of us, and then touch of your fingertips with mine as we were forced apart, still haunts me. I never ever wanted you to be in such a place, but it happened and it was extremely insensitive and painful and it was very unfortunate experience forced on us. But it happened and sometimes we have to live with it.

I was once told in my geography class that every tide small or big ultimately dies down. I don’t know when this tide of separation will calm down. But as written in all my letters my breath is symbolic of ‘my hope to see you’ and is perfumed with your memories. Here is a small poem which symbolizes my state of hope and survival and truth and life:

{
When all about me is black with gloom,
And all I feel is pending doom.
When my bones are racked with grim despair
When every breath is a gasp for air.
I keep on going, though I need to grope,
For around the bend is a ray of hope.

A ray of hope is perhaps all that's left,
As my will to live has been bereft.
I've lost it all, it's just no use!
I can end it all, I need no excuse.
But my inner-self tells me not to throw away that piece of rope,
My selfless love for you gives me a chance of hope.

I live and pray for an another day,
Brushing aside what my thoughts may say.
I make everyday a new start,
By ignoring the brain, I just follow the heart.
Taking baby steps in order to cope,
And minute by minute I'll build on my hope.

Though the road is steep and hard to climb.
The hurts of the past hurt but feelings are not dead,
the fears of the future are all in my head.
I will live in the present and refuse to mope.
I know life will sparkle for I’m living in hope.
For I’m living in hope…
}
Some of the baby steps that I have taken have been crushed and their marks were wiped as it happened again when your Dadaji again tried to meet you. But as before it didn’t happened and I can feel the strains of pain on his forehead. Though he was promised a ray of hope that he will be allowed to hear your voice. But alas! This wait and false promise also became another bead in the necklace of disappointed-hopes; dead and sad, but still very precious because as it symbolized once a vibrant pearl of a hope which provided a breath of life, to few living beings who remember you and pray for you everyday and every moment.

I hope and pray that my letters will take me to you or one day they may take you to truth and to your roots.

Did you received and enjoyed the sweets which Dadaji brought for you? Did you receive the toys also? It would have been such a joyous occasion if Dadaji would have been allowed to see you and play with you? I just fail to understand the rationale of not allowing a Grandfather who travels all the way, to meet his Grandchild. But any way your Dadaji as always is far above all the egos, human distorted behaviors and fears. It is this honesty and kindness which makes me very proud of him, and that’s why everyone calls him Dadaji wherever he goes and which ever kind soul he touches.

My and your Dadaji’s and Dadiji’s prayers for you will reach you, protect you and fulfill your body and soul with bliss. God who is my Lord will be with you as your savior, protector and director. He will help you to accomplish what you are destined and will bring prosperity to you and bliss to your soul.

Om !

Your Father,
Ravi

Letter to my Sanidhya on his mother's birthday

2007-09-24T00:50:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Sanidhya,
I don’t know whether my letters have reached you or not, but today at about 12:00 AM in the night thought of flowing with the thoughts, feelings in my heart and senses articulated by my brain. Today on the birthday of your mother, if she is near you, wish her as a dear son should always do. I will also pray for her to wish that she will be blessed with love and compassion in her heart. I also wish that she will get courage to embrace truth and humane values. May God bless her and show her the path to truth, humbleness and happiness. I will continue to write stories, poems and lessons for you, but don’t know at present whether the material channels will bring them to you as they have not worked in-spite of my best efforts. But anyway sometimes heart tells you and you follow it for the sheer purity and honesty associated with its direction as it makes you feel touches of bliss.
My dearest Sanidhya! Never thought that when I named you as Sanidhya that I will crave for your sanidhya, my Sanidhya. But the moments with you will envelope me and I will cuddle myself in womb of your memories with me. My hand folded against my chest and my knees squeezed against my forehead so that your memories are vacuumed within me thus making it a nest of womb within a womb. But then I’m in air and it definitely touches you as I feel your heart beat so then why it’s so contradictory? But that’s love, I think. Your embrace is what I desire, my dearest son but with dignity and my head held high so that you can be proud of me and remember me with same love as I love you and my father and mother. Hope and Prayer are the oxygen of life as it lets me live. My dearest beta, I may not physically see you but my hope allows me to touch you and prayers envision me to see you. My love for you will continue to provide me strength to overcome the insults and dejections; thus hope to meet you with my dignity and virtues intact. My dearest beta, in each of us we have several personalities dissolved and waiting from the sub-consciousness to consciousness. I have seen all shades of energies sublimed into your little body but powerful soul. I know and hope you will be able to enjoy all the shades and rainbows of consciousness and natures to enjoy the nature and beyond it. Honor and Dignity are the two very important aspects which are the path lighters towards truth and then ultimately towards meditation. All the above virtues can be established via true love and non-violence. I’m sure you will uphold your honor as I have learnt to and will teach the world one day the path to truth and peace. Sometimes I smile that how can anyone take the vibrations of your tiny heartbeats in my body when you use to lie on my stomach. How can anyone take the first touch of the tiny droplets of milk from my finger to your lips. How can someone take the first smell of your body’s first wash. How can anyone take the touch of my tears on your forehead in neo-natal. How can anyone take the joy of my stories to you. How can anyone take the tightness of your embrace. How can anyone take the echo of laughter cocooned in the ecosystem from me? How can anyone take the sound and smell of your burp from me? My dear son I may not be able to see you or you may not be able to see me but believe me we will be able to feel each other always and everywhere. Time has stopped for me and will not move against all the rational and explanations. Your breathing reads like needles of the clock for me and motivates me to create an omnipresent cocoon of love. The perspective is same who is inside it, whether you or me, but both of us hear each others heartbeat, and that’s what matter and also important. Again, on this special occasion may God bless your mother. If she is near you try to embrace her, your embrace may bring love to her heart and happiness to her soul. May the pure and selfless love transmit in her, sparks of wisdom and sheer ego-less love for everyone including herself in true sense. May she be happy and spread happiness. My and your Dadaji’s and Dadiji’s prayers for you will reach you, protect you and fulfill your body and soul with bliss. My God who is my Lord will be with you as your savior, protector and director. He will help you to accomplish what you are destined and will bring prosperity to you and bliss to your soul.
Om !
Your Father,
Ravi

Letter - 82 (Stories of Mahabharata - 1)

2007-06-17T06:33:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,
My dearest Beta, today after narration of Ramayana stories for you, I will start the storytelling about the an epic called “Mahabharata”. It will enrich both of us about the virtues and various shades of human kind and nature. Unneccessary to say that my desire is that the story telling should happen as it use to be with you lying on my hand and I narrating it to you, but alas I’m not allowed to even meet you so I hope somehow my messages are reaching you, even though my hopes are nil as till now there has been no acknowledgement. Any way my faith and love will take my warmth and messages via my prayers and God’s wish. Gods will cocoon and protect you, my Beta.
Beta as I described in the last chapter in Ramayana that Rama ruled India for a very long period and after that Bharata ruled. After Bharata, his descendants flourished as mighty Kurus. Their kingdom extended in north India, the capital city of which was Hastinapur. The successive great kings ruled from here; great not only in material prosperity but also in their strength of character. Their whole life and activity was centered around upholding the rule of Dharma – righteousness. To these noble rulers, life was meaningless if not lived according to the Dharma. For this, they even went as far as sacrificing their own lives.
Today we will start the narration of the epic with the story of Dushyanta and Shakuntala.
Once, nobody knows when, sage Vishwamitra was engaged in great austerities and penance that would give him almost absolute power over kingdom of Earth and Heaven. He had successfully completed requisite sacrificial rituals and now was engaged in meditation and Yogic practices.

The king of Heaven, God Indra, was shaken to know this effort of Vishmamitra that could pose danger to his throne! Therefore, Indra decided to put obstacles in his austerities and thereby break his sadhana - spiritual discipline. Indra thought of using weapon of lust to this end.
Accordingly, the most beautiful and ever youthful Apsara, Menaka, was sent from heaven to distract and seduce Vishwamitra, who was gaining alarming levels of yogic power through his concentrated meditation. (Apsara in Hindu mythology, heavenly nymph of great beauty, is often represented as a dancer at the court of the Hindu god Indra in his heavenly kingdom.) She descended down to earth from heaven and tried to tempt Vishmamitra by various charming dances and songs. After some efforts Vishmamitra fell to the lure of her beauty and youthful attraction.
They were married and the tapas of Vishmamitra was broken. A beautiful daughter was born to them whom they named Shakuntala.

Her assignment completed, Menaka left back to the kingdom of heaven, and Vishmamitra, his tapas broken, left for forest retreat after handing over the new born baby to the sage Kanva, head of a forest ashrama. Under his fatherly love and care Shakuntala grew up as a simple but most beautiful lady. Her voice was sweet and her manners sober and graceful.

Once, the great king of the region, King Dushyanta, happened to come near the ashrama of Shakuntala by way of hunting. He caught sight of Shakuntala and lost his heart to her beauty and grace. The king proposed to Shakuntala and they were married secretly. Dushyanta stayed overnight and left for his capital city promising Shakuntala that he would soon send for her. He gave his precious ring to his wife cautioning her not to lose it.
As the destiny had it, in his busy schedule of affairs of the kingdom, the king Dushyanta forgot all about his love – Shakuntala.

Here, in the ashrama, Shakuntala was worried as news of her husband did not reach her, nor did he send anyone to take her to his palace. The worry almost turned into panic because of the fact that she was pregnant, and soon her condition was sure to reveal this truth. And indeed, sage Kanva and ladies of the ashrama noticed the change in Shakuntala. On inquiry, the truth became known to all. Sage Kanva had brought up Shakuntala as her daughter and hence he decided to send her to her husband, king Dushyanta, where she should be accepted as his queen.
The day was fixed for Shakuntala to leave. She was dressed in most beautiful silk attire and left for the kingdom of her husband in a ferry boat. The cool and balmy breeze put her to sleep and the royal ring slipped out of her finger. Soon it was swallowed by a fish. Shakuntala was not even aware of this fact.

She reached the court of Dushyanta, and a message was sent to the king of the arrival of 'a woman who claimed to be his wife'. Dushyanta had lost his memory about Shakuntala and all about their stay together. He refused to accept Shakuntala as his wife. The pitiful Shakuntala tried to remind her husband about the night they had stayed together in the forest ashrama of Kanva, etc.; but of no avail. The king had forgotten that part of his life. As a last resort, the pleading Shakuntala told him about the ring and tried to show the same, but in stead there was tragic dismay on her face when she did not find the ring on her finger!

Dejected and disappointed, Shakuntala left for the forest all alone and decided to give birth to the child. Gradually her self confidence returned, her fear vanished, and in due course of time she gave birth to a most beautiful and well developed son. She named him Bharata.

Bharata grew without any human company other than her mother. All around in the jungle he encountered wild animals, plants and trees. He developed into a fearless, healthy, and active child. Lions and tigers were his friends, and he used to ride them as we ride horses! The mother taught him, as a prince should be taught, skills in archery, and use of other weapons; as also acquainted him with Scriptures: Veda, and Upanishad. Bharata soon grew up as handsome, intelligent and fearless youth - a prince in exile!

There in the kingdom of Dushyanta, one fisherman caught the fish that had swallowed the royal ring that had slipped from the finger of Shakuntala. When he cut open the fish, he found the ring. He rushed to the royal court, and narrated the story to the king. On seeing his ring, the king remembered everything about Shakuntala and his love for her. He was sorry to send her pregnant wife away with such rudeness. He sent his men all around the kingdom in search of Shakuntala.

And one day the good news reached him when his minister told him about Shakuntala and her handsome son safe in the heart of the forest. The king went to fetch his wife and son, begged their pardon and with due honor and festivity brought them to the palace. Later, Bharata became the king of ancient India. His rule extended over vast area, almost all over India. Righteousness and justice prevailed everywhere. There was no want, no misery, nor any disease in his kingdom. Since then India is also known as Bharatavarsha - the Land of Bharata.
“
Enjoy the story and sleep well my Beta. Dearest Beta, May God be with you and the ashirwad and blessings of your grand parents and my meditations and prayers provide you nested bliss for your soul and protection to your body. Papa, Dadaji, Dadiji and Chachu we all wish that you should be happy and healthy.
Have bliss, and may beta Sanidhya always laugh and enjoy the Lord’s love.
May Lord Shiva protect you and Lord Vishnu feed you and Lord Brahma educates you.
Om!
Your Papa,
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - Letter 81

2007-06-17T06:32:00.002-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,
Continuing my journey of fall and my prayers for your bliss and growth, as I described in my last letter and poem; Today I mention a few motivational themes and observations which provides me freshness of love in-spite of cruelty and obtuseness of the physical beings surrounding you. I know God is there and with you, and thus here are few lines which makes me feel why I believe so:
“
Sometimes I wonder why
the sky is blue,
How the sun
comes every
morning shining through …
The answer gradually comes
to my mind
It certainly was easy, not
hard to find.
He wants to show, how
deep his love is,
And for all to enjoy these
moments of bliss.
“
So how do we say our morning prayer and symbolize our inner feelings with above lines, this is how I do so my beta:
“
to create
every moment
an act of absolute astonishment
to live
in astonishment
and in wonder
and to cry
with tears of joy
and warmth
every moment
in awe
and in love
and in forgiveness
and in your embrace
“
Thus hereby I pray and therefore my prayers reach you and cocoon you from the impurities and protect you.
My next set of stories will be ready very soon till then enjoy and have fun.
Dearest Beta, May God be with you and the ashirwad and blessings of your grand parents and my meditations and prayers provide you nested bliss for your soul and protection to your body. Papa, Dadaji, Dadiji and Chachu we all wish that you should be happy and healthy.
Have bliss, and may beta Sanidhya always laugh and enjoy the Lord’s love.
May Lord Shiva protect you and Lord Vishnu feed you and Lord Brahma educates you.
Om!
Your Papa,
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - Letter 80

2007-06-17T06:32:00.001-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

Dearest Son, hope and pray that you are playing, sleeping and eating well. Below is a story for you, it will tell you tons of things and teach something which you can feel. Enjoy-

“

In my previous life I was a story teller.
Dragging myself from village to village,
where people would throw me some coins
to weave fantasy around their mundane lives

At my will
I would make them cry
and laugh.
Children rolled over and clapped with joy
as my characters
faced the most absurd plots I could weave

Except him,
who would neither laugh
nor shed a tear,
as he stood there
staring at me.
Challenging

Would u like to hear a story ? I asked him.
“not unless it is the story of all stories” he said

And wherever I went he would be there
watching and listening,
challenging
‘can u tell me the story of all stories ?’

How could there be one story that defined all stories ?
and if there were
what value would I have ?
if there be just one story to tell ?

‘You are of no value to me’ he said
‘unless you can tell me the story of all stories’
And he walked away
challenging,
never looking back
amused.

Silly man,
How could I make a living
If I told the same story
again and again ?

But I died.
Never being able to tell another story
Have you ever died of thirst
in the presence of a glass of water
that you cannot see ?

And into this life
He came again.
He took my hand
and showed me the ocean
and asked me to see,
and to observe

For the story of all stories was there,
a story that had no end
and no beginning.
Each rising swell
a new Plot that arose from the ocean
and then merged back
instantly
endlessly
unpredictably
inexorably,

millions arising
and immediately going back to the source

The Source
The Story of all Stories

“

Dearest Shanu, have fun and be happy always. Dearest Beta, May God be with you and the ashirwad and blessings of your grand parents and my meditations and prayers provide you nested bliss for your soul and protection to your body. Papa, Dadaji, Dadiji and Chachu we all wish that you should be happy and healthy.

Have bliss, and may beta Sanidhya always laugh and enjoy the Lord’s love, Ha! Ha! Ha!

May Lord Shiva protect you and Lord Vishnu feed you and Lord Brahma educates you.

Om!

Your Papa,

Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - Letter 79

2007-06-17T06:31:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,
My Shanu before I start a new series of short stories or lessons for you, I’m trying to present some moments, some gasps some breaths of mine. My life changed after you were born, looked like that creativity and energy has blossomed. The precious of the precious moments were seeing your tiny palms grow and change colors from red to pink. Your sound, your gentle snores, your mid-night search for my hand, your need for milk in the night, your crawls, smell of the carpet with your saliva, marks of your feet on the freshly vacuumed carpet, feel of you on my shoulders, moments spending outside your school imagining what you are doing inside, your first grip of the pencil, your first drawing, your …………………. My dearest son as you grow and I fall, here are some feelings. These may leave a mark of emotions and remembrance of my love for you in present and in future. Enjoy -
“
I float through life
harnessesed, into the
parachute of the self,
it's comfortable,
though often winds buffet me
and throw me off course,
and sometimes
the storms engulf me
threatening to rip apart my parachute
yet, I survive,
the fabric of my parachute is strong,
and there are controls
to navigate my self,
strings to pull
when I desire to go this way
or that,
fast or slow,
and then He asked me to look up
but I saw no reason to,
and yet , He pushed me
"look closely at the fabric of your parachute,
I looked up,
and saw no parachute
it was not there
and never was
i was in a free fall
and always was
I cried for help
'save me' I screamed
'save your from what?' He said
from crashing !
'crashing into what ?' He said
'there is nothing to crash into
just an endless falling'
“
and my journey continues and so is the fall my son …………….., as I have written in my previous poems, all my moments, ambitions, and dreams I I bequeath to you, My beta , My Shanu.
My beta, have fun and be happy always. Dearest Beta, May God be with you and the ashirwad and blessings of your grand parents and my meditations and prayers provide you nested bliss for your soul and protection to your body. Papa, Dadaji, Dadiji and Chachu we all wish that you should be happy and healthy.
Have bliss, and may beta Sanidhya always laugh and enjoy the Lord’s love.
May Lord Shiva protect you and Lord Vishnu feed you and Lord Brahma educates you.
Om!
Your Papa,
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - Letter 78

2007-06-17T06:30:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,
Do you remember my poem which I send to on your birthday there are few more lines added to it, Just happen to cloud me and my pen immersed in your affection inked out few more lines. Here are the lines, inherit them beta as following are the moments which I have lived and desired to live with you.
“Seems like it was yesterday, when i learnt to walk,
holding your hand on these very streets.

Seems like it was yesterday, when you came running
when i fell and brought me back to my feet

Seems like yesterday, that you roamed on the terrace
at nights, trying to put me to sleep

It seems like yesterday, that you held my hand and
taught me to sing

Seems like yesterday, that you were always with me,
for everything.

It was just yesterday, when you taught me
right and warned me about wrong

yes it was just yesterday, when you played with me and taught
me to be strong

It was just yesterday, when you brought me my barbies and my
game,

Yes it was just yesterday when you taught me to
spell my name

Even after all these years it is all the same
It seems just like yesterday ..................
“
I often sit in the temple across the street. Not to pray, but just to bathe myself in the vibrations of all those that do, all those lucky ones that so easily believe in the divine power of faith ...
I usually have a space in a back corner on the floor of the temple, a little hidden from sight, where I can be the observer rather than the observed. A lot of young people frequent the temple asking for divine interventions in their life. Imagine their surprise when they turn around and see a decent guy in a corner. They may read too much into divine intervention !
Today someone had taken my place. A nice looking young man, his mouth whispering a silent prayer, eyes closed. He had a cloth laid across his lap as if he planned to be in meditation for a long time. I just quietly crouched on the floor next to him. A little irritated at having my secluded corner usurped.
His whispering stopped. I turned and he was staring at me. I suddenly noticed his nice looks and extremely wide broad shoulders.
But he sounded more humble and had no self consciousness. He asked me about myself. He spoke intelligently about various subjects in general.
What did he do ? He was an assistant accountant in a small firm in by day and was studying computers by night. He had come from a small village and was sending home money monthly to support his parents, who were now too old to work in the fields. Saving money to do that meant certain sacrifices.
like walking to the temple every morning from his shared shelter in a slum 2 miles away. To save bus fare. And then to work.
He suddenly smiled, put a hand out to touch my feet, and said goodbye. As he removed his cloth from his lap and moved away from me, I realized why this young man had such strong shoulders,
He had no legs. They were just small shrivelled useless bone and skin tucked permanently under is upper body. He moved by pushing himself along his haunches.
Two miles everyday to say a prayer.
There were vibrations in my body. My dearest son it’s very difficult for me explain the sensation but the experience has enriched me more. Dearest Shanu be a traveler and travel to long destination both in physical and meta-physical world as it will enrich you and empower your creativity to newer heights and improve your spiritual sense and thus a path provider.
Dearest Shanu, have fun and be happy always. Dearest Beta, May God be with you and the ashirwad and blessings of your grand parents and my meditations and prayers provide you nested bliss for your soul and protection to your body. Papa, Dadaji, Dadiji and Chachu we all wish that you should be happy and healthy.
Have bliss, and may beta Sanidhya always laugh and enjoy the Lord’s love, Ha! Ha! Ha!
May Lord Shiva protect you and Lord Vishnu feed you and Lord Brahma educates you.
Om!
Your Papa,
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - Letter 77

2007-06-17T06:26:00.000-07:00

Letter - 76 (Stories of Ramayana -24)

2007-06-17T06:25:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,
Dearest Son, hope and pray that you are playing, sleeping and eating well.
Story of Rama should end here today as a happy ending. The glory of Rama and Indian ethos and culture is still sung in many houses as well on stages. Many plays are written and enacted now and then, in the past and present times also. But with the advent of today’s times (materialistic, consumerist, utilitarian culture), where values like love and sacrifice are scornfully looked down upon as outdated emotionalism, many Indians (including the people surrounding you) too do not find anything worth while in this story of Rama. But one day and one moment everyone realizes.
But you enjoy the story and hope the values which are embedded in the Ramayana will never leave you. Enjoy the story beta and relish this great literature of divines and sacred path provider.

{
Continued from the previous letter….
As Rama, Laxmana, and Sita preapared to return to Ayodhya, there was joyous shouts of Victory to Rama, Veer Hanuman ki Jai - Victory to Hanuman. Gods from the Heaven poured flowers and garlands to celebrate and show their pleasure. A Divine Air Plane - Pushpaka - was sent for Rama and his company so as to take them quickly to Ayodhya. Hanuman and Vibhishana also accompanied them to Ayodhya.
Here in Ayodhya, Bharata was waiting for the arrival of Rama, Laxmana, and Sita. He knew the day when Rama should return. He had counted every day of those fourteen years that Rama had to suffer in forest as a result of his mother's folly. He had ruled as the representative Rama, living like a monk -sanyasin. Rama's wooden shoes adored the throne during his absence.

[This love and sacrifice of Laxmana and Bharata for their elder brother Rama is still cherished as an ultimate example of love between brothers.]

Bharata encouraged people of Ayodhya to celebrate the return of Rama with pomp and show. Actually there was no need to pass any order. The whole Ayodhya was eager to welcome her heroes. The whole city was decorated with flowers and garlands. Every house adored beautiful look of cleanliness and was lighted with candles and bulbs. Perfumes and scent filled the air. Every street was cleaned and watered, and decorated with hand-painted colorful designs.

(We Indians today also celebrate this victorious return of Rama on the auspicious day of Diwali. There is declared as a holiday; and schools, colleges, offices, and factories are closed. There is gaiety all around. Sweets are prepared in every house and distributed amongst friends and relatives.)

The pleasant noise of airplane -Pushpaka- reached the crowd below. There was mad rush to see Rama first. Bharata and Rama hugged each other, tears flowing down their eyes. Rama inquired about the well being of Kaikeyi first, then about his mother Kausalya and Sumitra. Kaikeyi had repented her harsh decision to send Rama to forest. In this act, she and the other two queens had become widows. The sobering effect of all these realities showed in Kaikeyi's changed behaviour of simplicity and humility. After salutations, Rama talked to them about his experiences of forest life. The story of Sita's kidnapping and Ravana's death were narrated. Hanuman and Vibhishana were introduced.

Soon, Rama was given his due honour as King of Ayodhya. Formal sacrificial ceremony was performed with gaiety and pomp. Rama ruled wisely. Food and shelter, water and fodder, everything was aplenty. Art and literature, craft and business prospered. Justice and peace prevailed every where. In fact justice was never denied or delayed because there was no crime!!! Everyone including animals and trees were happy and contented.
}
Dearest Shanu, have fun and be happy always. Dearest Beta, May God be with you and the ashirwad and blessings of your grand parents and my meditations and prayers provide you nested bliss for your soul and protection to your body. Papa, Dadaji, Dadiji and Chachu we all wish that you should be happy and healthy.
Have bliss, and may beta Sanidhya always laugh and enjoy the Lord’s love, Ha! Ha! Ha!
May Lord Shiva protect you and Lord Vishnu feed you and Lord Brahma educates you.
Om!
Your Papa,
Ravi

Letter - 75 (Stories of Ramayana -23)

2007-06-17T06:24:00.002-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,
Dearest Son, hope and pray that you are playing, sleeping and eating well. Today’s story of Ramayana depicts the felicitation of devotion and loyalty and what a loyalty and devotion which is for Lord itself. In today’s story Lord will christened Hanumana as Veer (powerful) Hanuman. Whosoever will take his name, seeks his help, prays for assistance, whosoever remembers him in distress or difficulty or calamity, that person will become free from the trouble. Therefore you will also be known as Sankat-Vimochak, waiver of disaster and distress.
{
Continued from the previous letter….
Turning to Vibhishana, Rama said, "Dear friend, you have set forth an example of loyalty to truth in face of immense adversity. Against all odds you stood behind me. As an acknowledgment of you steadfastness and devotion I would like you to take the throne of Lanka. Rule with honesty, justice, simplicity and fear of God. May you and your people prosper ever hereafter."

But Vibhishana protested. He said, "O lord, a devotee has no value for the riches, wealth, wine and woman. Let me serve your holy feet; do not burden me with this duty of a king." Rama pacified the upsurge of these noble thoughts and said to Vibhishana, "No, you are the fit person to rule your people. They have already suffered a lot. Moreover, let me show to the world through you, that my devotee can be rewarded both with love and material comfort. You will have best of both the worlds."
Then turning to Sugreeva, Rama praised his friendship and cooperation. Sugreeva was also given warm send off and was told to rule Kishkindha for the welfare of monkey clan.

Hanuman was standing with his eyes focused at the holy feet of Rama. He was modesty, humility, and devotion personified. Rama turned to him and lovingly said,

"O my greatest devotee, what should I offer you! Your devotion for me cannot be described in words nor can it be compared with any other. Your superhuman efforts in locating Sita and your great feat to bring the whole mountain to save life of Laxmana will be remembered for ages to come. Your intelligence, strength, and devotion will inspire many to worship you as their Ideal God. I bless you and offer a boon that you shall have a permanent seat wherever my story is recited, heard, told, read or written. You will be known as Veer (powerful) Hanuman. O son of wind, whosoever takes your name, seeks your help, prays for assistance, whosoever remembers you in distress or difficulty or calamity, that person with your blessings will become free from the trouble. Therefore you will also be known as Sankat-Vimochak, waiver of disaster and distress."

Humbly Hanuman bowed down to Rama's feet and took the dust to his head.

(Yes, many Indians and me believe that when I am writing this to you and when you are reading, Hanuman is always present in the room.)
}
Dearest Shanu, have fun and be happy always. Dearest Beta, May God be with you and the ashirwad and blessings of your grand parents and my meditations and prayers provide you nested bliss for your soul and protection to your body. Papa, Dadaji, Dadiji and Chachu we all wish that you should be happy and healthy.
Have bliss, and may beta Sanidhya always laugh and enjoy the Lord’s love, Ha! Ha! Ha!
May Lord Shiva protect you and Lord Vishnu feed you and Lord Brahma educates you.
Om!
Your Papa,
Ravi

Letter - 74 (Stories of Ramayana -22)

2007-06-17T06:24:00.001-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,
Dearest Son, hope and pray that you are playing, sleeping and eating well. Some day’s separation with you becomes unbearable and the pain flows thru tears, the prayer is that the tears vaporize and raindrops of bliss always shower on head. May your body and soul be protected with the vibrations of my mediation and provide an enveloping of peace and tranquility. May my heartbeat touch yours and the resonance of it enlighten the dormant spirit of humanity and righteousness in the people surrounding you. Your captivity and the negative powers of the people surrounding you may not allow me as physical being to touch you, but my spirit is free and will always be in the water, fire, air, earth and space which touches you. Hence my son I’m in you and any matter outside you. This is a truth and will always be eternal whether I’m on this earth, on in deep blue sky. My poems and stories will be read by many children and thus the impulse of their narration will reach you and will make you laugh, and provide direction. The destiny of my words is for you and is blessed by Mata Gayatri thus be happy and enjoy the stories. Here is the next part of Ramayana and the final battle of Devine and Evil, but in the end there is no evil it’s an illusion and illusion it is. Enjoy the story and depiction of battle or should I say drama or Leela of Lord.
{
Continued from the previous letter….
Ravana was also ready in his huge chariot. The two armies arrayed themselves in special fronts. Rama and Ravana approached one another and halted at a distance. Conches and trumpets were blown, and the sound generated terror in the hearts of the opponents. Rama and Ravana saluted each other and the last fight began.

Ravana had ten heads which he had obtained as boon for his special worship of God. It also indicated extra intelligence, superhuman strength, and extra pride. It was also suggestive of long life, every head was compatible with life. Rama and Ravana hurled missiles at each other. Both were able to counter opponents attacks. When one head of Ravana rolled down, it was replaced by new one! If one arm of Ravana was cut, it was replaced by another! It was impossible to kill this powerful Rakshasa (demon).
Then Rama destroyed Ravana's chariot. But, instead of falling on ground Ravana flew high in the sky and started attacking Rama and his men with arrows and maces, and dropped magical fire and stones. Moreover, he took multiple forms to terrorize Rama's army. Some forms were having only head, while others were composed of trunks only! This "Mayawi Yuddha" -- Illusory War-- posed additional pressure on Rama to select the original Ravana and hit him. The energy was drained out from the tiring army men. Arrows and missiles made no impact on Ravana in the least. Many of the monkeys and bears from Rama's army were disheartened. They were tired and many tried to escape the rain of arrows and fire being poured by Ravana. Rama protected all his men by counter attacks and by providing special cover against Ravana's attacks.

Laxmana, Hanuman, Angad, Sugreeva, and Jambuwanta all tried their own missiles on mighty Ravana but in vain. When the arrow of Rama failed how could any other succeed!

The day turned into night, and both the armies retreated to their respective camps. The injured were treated with potions and ointments. Rama and Laxmana with their associates discussed the way and means to put an end to Ravana. But no definite answer could be had as Ravana was adept in this kind of war games. Moreover, he had the capacity to regenerate any lost part of the body. Death of Ravana was difficult to imagine!

However, Vibhishana remembered something about his brother -Ravana - that had a great bearing on the outcome of war. He recalled how he once had faintly overheard the weakness in the body of Ravana -- and that weak spot was his umbilicus (middle abdominal region), not head, nor heart, nor neck! If Rama could hit the arrowhead in that localized spot, the life-sustaining nectar would spill and Ravana was sure to die.

Thus, armed with the special knowledge, next day, Rama put an end to Ravana's life with the arrow in his naval. The mightiest king on the earth fell. This brought to an end clanging of weapons and associated bitterness and ill feelings. The injured Ravana was counting his last breaths. Mandodari came rushing to her injured husband with eyes full of tears and heart filled with unexplainable pathos. Rama went to her consoled the lady with soft words of sympathy. He also gave her advice about the impermanence of life and reality of death as the only truth after birth. He proclaim to her and all the people around that Ravana will be remembered for eternity for his good as well as bad deeds.

Then turning to Laxmana Rama said, "O dear brother, look the mighty Ravana is lying on his death bed. His knowledge of Vedas and Scripture is beyond doubt. But equally true is the fact that you will not find more knowledgeable authority on politics, statesmanship, and sociology on the earth today. Please go and get the knowledge from him."

Thus Laxmana, sitting at the feet of Ravana, learnt many useful things on diplomacy, politics, tax structure, social reforms, war preparedness and many more from him. When Ravana breathed his last, Rama himself conducted the last rites befitting the grandeur of Brahmin Rakshasa King. Thus one important aspect of the Divine Play - LEELA - enacted by the Lord came to an end.

Ravana and Hanuman, Laxmana and Sita, Sugreeva and Jambuwanta, (and all others) were but the actors playing their allotted or designated role. Nobody is all evil, nobody is all good! The human form by necessity brings weaknesses to the human character. Some appear sinner, some saint!
}
Dearest Shanu, have fun and be happy always. Dearest Beta, May God be with you and the ashirwad and blessings of your grand parents and my meditations and prayers provide you nested bliss for your soul and protection to your body. Papa, Dadaji, Dadiji and Chachu we all wish that you should be happy and healthy.
Have bliss, and may beta Sanidhya always laugh and enjoy the Lord’s love, Ha! Ha! Ha!
May Lord Shiva protect you and Lord Vishnu feed you and Lord Brahma educates you.
Om!
Your Papa,
Ravi

Letter - 73 (Stories of Ramayana -21)

2007-06-17T06:23:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,
Hope you are smiling and playing. Did you enjoy previous story sent in my yesterday’s e-mail. As we are moving slowly towards the epic struggle between Lord Rama and Ravana, hope you will be solidifying existing virtues and qualities embedded in you like braveness, endurance, positive thinking, truth and fearlessness. Don’t lose you virtues and qualities as they will help you to cross the various tides and tsunamis of life. Be a leader and always smile. Enjoy today’s story beta and make merry -
{
Continued from the previous letter….
Rama had sent Laxmana to face Indrajeet to make the Brahmastra ineffective. Laxmana alone was capable of sustaining its impact; any other person was sure to die. As that missile could be used only once, Indrajeet became helpless. Now Rama decided to come in picture.

Next day, Indrajeet came to fight with Rama. The clash of weapons, noisy fights, and destruction all around made the battle ground the last desirable place to stay in. But show must go on! The illusory forms that Indrajeet took, made him a difficult target to hit. At times he would appear on the right, at others to the left, and at times he would fight even as floating in the sky. But Rama put an end to all his Mayawi warfare and killed him with one special arrow.
The victory cry in Rama's camp contrasted sharply with the hush in Ravana's court. The news of fall of their beloved son caused immense pain in the heart of father Ravana and mother Mandodari. Both of them rushed to battle field, took the body of Indrajeet in their lap, and cried like any other parents. Their grief and suffering brought tears to the eyes their opponents as well.

The last rite of Indrajeet were performed with full honour. Representative of Rama also attended the funeral and offered prayers to the departed soul.

With remorse Mandodari said to Ravana, "O Lord, look what your adamant nature has done. It has taken away our most powerful son in the prime of his youth. I pray to you, O Lord, to free Sita and hand over her to Rama where she rightfully belongs. There is still time to avert further destruction and peril. I do not want to lose you, O my dear husband!"

The pathetic appeal, although reasonable and rational, fell on the deaf ears. Ravana was full of grief at the loss of his son, but his pride did not allow him to see reason. He replied,

"O, queen, do not try to put me in the line of cowards. Do you think I should accept defeat when my son and brother have made such great sacrifices? You speak like the traitor brother Vibhishana who has joined the enemy's camp. Have you lost faith in my power and skill! Listen, come what may, I am determined to continue this fight to its end. Tomorrow you shall see one of the mightiest Kings victorious: either I or Rama!"

Now Ravana decided to put an end to the war. He went to the temple of his chosen deity -Lord Shiva, and prayed and meditated for whole night. There was grace and serenity on the face of Ravana. Next day he was to fight with the Master of Universe Himself. He knew his death was near as The Lord had come in the form of Rama to liberate him from the worldly bonds.

Anger, hatred, jealousy, and pride were gradually leaving him, and instead calmness and strength pervaded his whole being. He became conscious of his tremendous powers. All magical or illusory skills, knowledge of special missiles, all grace of an warrior entered his mind, body, and psyche.

The text of Vedas and Scriptures became visible to him. His Mantra flashed in front of his eyes. Lord Shiva appeared in his vision and blessed him. Ravana was to die as he wished, was to be liberated by the Lord Himself.

The sunrise made everyone aware of the reality of the day. The battle between Rama and Ravana was about to be enacted; the battle that would be remembered for centuries to come! The gods in the heaven supplied a beautiful chariot to Rama. They also sent special garlands and robes for Rama and special bow and arrows were offered.

In the morning Rama worshipped his chosen Ideal: Lord Shiva! and embarked on his final mission in his chariot to the battle-field.
}
Till my next letter and part of Ramayana, have fun and be happy always. Dearest Sanidhya, May God be with you and the ashirwad and blessings of your grand parents and my meditations and prayers provide you nested bliss for your soul and protection to your body. Papa, Dadaji, Dadiji and Chachu we all wish that you should be happy and healthy.
Have bliss, and may beta Sanidhya always laugh and enjoy the Lord’s love, Ha! Ha! Ha!
May Lord Shiva protect you and Lord Vishnu feed you and Lord Brahma educates you.
Om!
Your Papa,
Ravi

Letter - 72 (Stories of Ramayana -20)

2007-06-17T06:22:00.000-07:00

Letter - 71 (Stories of Ramayana -19)

2007-06-17T06:21:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,
Hope you are smiling and playing. Did you enjoyed previous story sent in my yesterday’s e-mail. In today’s story of Ramayana, there are very many lessons, but the major ones are that small set backs always happen but we should always move forward if the path is righteous and leads towards truth. Also sometimes in the lust of power we try to do one wrong after another and actually end up doomed as will happen to Ravana in the end. Enjoy today’s story beta and make merry -
{
Continued from the previous letter….
The news of fall of mighty Kumbhakarna reached Ravana's court. With dismay and concern, Ravana quickly summoned his son Indrajeet and asked him to prepare for the deciding fight against Rama and Laxmana next day. Indrajeet was expert in all kinds of war games. In fact, second to Ravana, his son Indrajeet was the most powerful Rakshasa. He even easily surpassed his uncle -Kumbhakarna in many aspects. By special austerities and Tapas, he had once pleased God Brahma and had acquired special missile, as a boon, called Brahmastra. It could be used once only, but it was sure to render the opponent dead. Only rarely did it fail!

Thus armed with all these special powers and missiles, and with firm resolve to destroy Rama and his army, Indrajeet led his army to the battle ground. All Rakshasas were in joyous mood as they were sure of their victory under the leadership of Indrajeet. [The literal meaning of Indrajeet is 'one who has defeated the king of God -Indra!']

Rama and Laxmana took note of this. They knew about the special powers of Indrajeet. Rama decided to send Laxmana to face Indrajeet and advised Hanuman to accompany Laxmana. Laxmana could counter every move of Indrajeet. But failure made Indrajeet irritable and restless. His mind was not focused nor concentrated. Indrajeet, therefore, out of frustration and anger, threw the deadly Brahmastra at Laxmana. The missile was sure to hit its target. No one could have averted its impact, nor could anyone divert its course. No counter missile was discovered against Brahmastra.

Therefore, Laxmana stood silently with folded hands and started mental repetition of the name of Rama. He knew it was only in the capacity of Rama to lessen its force of impact. And indeed the missile hit him with tremendous force. The nearby monkeys were also shaken. Even powerful Hanuman was put off balance! What was the condition of Laxmana! It uprooted his feet from the ground. he lay flat unconscious on the ground, almost dead. His breathing had stopped. His chest was red and swollen due to the impact. Everyone was terrified and thought Laxmana to be dead.

But Hanuman could not believe that Rama's brother could ever die under the protective umbrella of Rama. He rushed to Rama and narrated the incidence. Rama knew what had happened. He urgently sent for the physician. Rama, the physician and Hanuman rushed to the site where Laxmana lay unconscious. The physician after examination said,

"O Rama, the impact of Brahmastra leads everyone to death. I wonder how Laxmana is still faintly alive! But there is a warning. If Laxmana does not receive a particular herbal medicine within 24 hours, he cannot be revived. So, O Rama, please arrange to bring the medicine without delay."

The medicine specified by the physician was a herbal medicine available on a particular mountain in the North India. Who could reach there and bring the medicine within a day! The hope that Laxmana would survive was mingled with sadness of impossibility of finding the medicine. But Hanuman was sure of one thing; he knew that presence of Rama could solve any problem. Hence, he saluted Rama and said, "O lord, I know you are putting your devotees to test. Please bless me that I succeed in my mission to bring that plant for the sure cure of Laxmana."

Rama was pleased with his most faithful and brave devotee. he blessed Hanuman and said, "O Hanuman, I am pleased with your devotion and faith in me. I know today you are the only one who could bring the plant and save my dear brother, Laxmana. I bless you, go and get the plant."

Hanuman acquired huge form and flew northwards high in the sky. Within hours he reached the destined mountain top. But to his dismay, he found innumerable plants adoring the mountain top. And imagine the confusion all those green plants created in the mind of Hanuman! Which plant would be needed for the medicine! Hanuman was not sure. Utter anxiety prevailed in the heart and mind of this noble servant of Rama.

The delay was sure to put Laxmana's life in danger, and incorrect choice of the plant was sure make his efforts useless; and moreover, would make him a laughing stock! This tragi-comic situation is very nicely described in the original text. We also feel one with Hanuman in his peculiar predicament.

And then last minute intuition dawns in the intelligent mind of Hanuman. He decides to lift the whole mountain and take it to Lanka! Taking the name of Rama, "Jai Sri Rama", he lifted the mountain, which had become as light as a flower, Hanuman returned to Lanka in time. The medicine was prepared and put in the mouth of unconscious Laxmana. As if awakened from deep sleep, Laxmana got up yawning and said, "Where am I?"
}
Till my next letter and part of Ramayana, have fun and be happy always. Dearest Sanidhya, May God be with you and the ashirwad and blessings of your grand parents and my meditations and prayers provide you nested bliss for your soul and protection to your body. Papa, Dadaji, Dadiji and Chachu we all wish that you should be happy and healthy.
Have bliss, and may beta Sanidhya always laugh and enjoy the Lord’s love, Ha! Ha! Ha!
May Lord Shiva protect you and Lord Vishnu feed you and Lord Brahma educates you.
Om!
Your Papa,
Ravi

Letter - 70 (Stories of Ramayana -18)

2007-06-17T06:20:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,
How are you Shanu beta? Did you find my poem in previous e-mail interesting? Continuing on the journey of expression and how you are my savior and how my expressions depict my overwhelmed love for you, sometimes misted with love, sometimes depression, sometimes confusion but always honest and pure depiction. Here are few more words which depict how I survive and motivate myself to live, in a prayer and hope to meet you after you were taken away from me. May feelings of a father, touch his son and fill him with love and bliss; like a Devotee seeking his Lord and a father seeking his God, like Son.
“
My God, Everything starts from you
with you ,In you
All that is called good, all that is called bad
Everything significant, Everything insignificant
Everything rests and comes to life through your word
Why the choices when you know what’s right
Why the confusion, why the delineation
I climb on a mount
The mount of my Experience , reasons
and all that there is
Trying to reach you ,trying to understand
The journey was tough,The path was steep
But I need to redeem myself even if it means death
My eyes are swollen,Iam hungry and Lost
The thunders scare me ,making me howl
Help me Iam dying ,Carry me I can't walk
It was at a moment of complete submission
I heard his words resonating within me
Come down
I am right there where you started
Look within and you will find there is no past
I dared to throw the past to become a child
I looked at his eyes and I saw myself
The kingdom of God is within you
My child ,Everything starts from you
with you, In you
All that is called good, all that is called bad
Everything significant, Everything insignificant
Everything rests and comes to life through your word
Now tell me my dear Child
Why the choices when you know what’s right
Why the confusion, why the delineation.
“
Coming to our story telling, here is the today’s part of the Ramayana series. In today’s story you will learn that the diplomacy for peace and diplomats should always be respected. If chance for a peace is not taken seriously or given its due then it ends in destruction and only destruction; as evil and deceit can never prevail over righteousness and truth. Enjoy beta and make merry -
{
Continued from the previous letter….
The bridge was completed and one by one all of them reached near the shore of Lanka. Ravana's spies informed him about the approaching army of Rama, but the proud Ravana did not attach any significance and importance to this. Vibhishana, on the other hand, was quick to grab the opportunity and joined Rama in his noble mission.

Angad was selected to represent Rama to give diplomacy a chance. Hence as a messenger/ambassador of Rama Angad reached the court of Ravana. He explained that Rama had sent him to seek release of Sita. Ravana should heed this last appeal of Rama so that the war could be averted. But no. Ravana did not accept the peace proposal. When he had such a great army, when he was immortal by the boon of the God, when he had all the super powers and instruments of war Ravana maintained that it was futile and immature of Rama to think of victory. Thus he took pity on Angad and his friends that they had come to Lanka to get killed.

Scornfully he also told Angad go back peacefully and forget about Sita. He would not attack the retreating army of Rama. Thus the talks failed. the war was sure to follow.

Angad returned to the camp and briefed Rama and others about the adamant attitude of Ravana not to free Sita. Rama, Laxmana, Hanuman, Sugreeva, and Vibhishana held a closed door meeting to chalk out their final strategy. Accordingly, Angad led one team of his brave soldiers and attacked the Lankan guards. After a brief fight, the guards were defeated and Angad and company entered the border of Lanka. Rama and others followed.

The news was received with mild concern by Ravana who sent more number of troops to attack the advancing men of Rama. Hanuman and his men defeated them too. Vibhishana was quick to guide Rama through the secret inroads. This disturbed Ravana and he decided to take the things more seriously. He therefore sent for Kumbhakarna, his brother with immense powers, to come to the court for urgent meeting with him. Ravana was sure that Kumbhakarna alone was powerful enough to defeat Rama and his army of 'monkeys'.

This Kumbhakarna used to remain awake for six months and sleep for next six months! As he was preparing to go to his long spell of sleep, the message of Ravana was delivered to him. Kumbhakarna was in no mood to fight. He also thought that Ravana was in wrong in inviting this unnecessary war due to his useless insistence to marry Sita. He accordingly advised Ravana to release Sita and put an end to this avoidable conflict.
However, he was a loyal and patriotic Rakshasa. He was proud of his ancestors and glory of the demon rule and prosperity of Lanka. Hence when Ravana appealed in the name of glory of their forefathers, in the name and honour of their clan and dynasty, Kumbhakarna agreed to terminate Rama for ever. Thus full of enthusiasm and well prepared for the ensuing battle, he led his army to the battle ground.

A fierce fight raged between the two armies. Many monkeys were killed so also many Rakshasas. Even Angad and Sugreeva were on the defensive. Hanuman was helpless. Therefore, Rama took charge of the front himself. Kumbhakarna was adept in taking various illusory forms to confuse his enemy. It was difficult to attack his true body! as many Kumbhakarnas used to appear in front. All the missiles and arrows eluded him.

Moreover, Kumbhakarna could create 'rain of fire' engulfing the enemy. This caused confusion and chaos amongst Rama's army. To this, Rama replied by pouring rain of water to put off the fire. Kumbhakarna poured 'rain of stones', and Rama countered by appropiate protective cover. The battle went on for quite some time. At last Rama attacked the demon with his most powerful arrow fortified with deadly divine missile. This hit the mighty Kumbhakarna at his vital centre that led to his downfall.

On the death-bed Kumbhakarna took the name of Rama and thus he was liberated from his base instincts and tendencies.
}
Till my next letter and part of Ramayana, have fun and be happy always. Dearest Sanidhya, May God be with you and the ashirwad and blessings of your grand parents and my meditations and prayers provide you nested bliss for your soul and protection to your body. Papa, Dadaji, Dadiji and Chachu we all wish that you should be happy and healthy.
Have bliss, and may beta Sanidhya always laugh and enjoy the Lord’s love, Ha! Ha! Ha!
May Lord Shiva protect you and Lord Vishnu feed you and Lord Brahma educates you.
Om!
Your Papa,
Ravi

Letter - 69 (Stories of Ramayana -17)

2007-06-17T06:19:00.002-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,
How are you Shanu beta? Every moment you are with me but some moments overwhelms me and here are the Expressions my son, from a father whose love for his son is his destiny, lifeline, dharma, meditation and inspiration, Here are few words for the expressions of ‘the’ moments:
“
To create
every moment
an act of absolute astonishment.
To live
in astonishment
and in wonder.
And to cry
with tears of joy
and warmth.
Every moment
in awe
and in love
and in forgiveness.
Every moment
in pain
and in suffering
reminds the moments
you and I had of happiness and joy.
Every moment
in tears
tells me how valuable was those
happy days of our lives.

You have created me in the warmth of your embrace
the lift of my spirit is held high
from the breath of your reach...
… to my destiny in far off Blue Sky.
“
Coming to our story telling, here is the today’s part of the Ramayana series. In today’s story you will learn that the true motivation and honest leadership plays an important role in team building and in successful execution of any task. Enjoy beta and make merry -
{
Continued from the previous letter….
Hanuman flew by aerial route and reached his friends Angad, Jambuwanta, Sugreeva and others who were eagerly waiting for his return. The news of Sita was received with jubilation. Immediately they all started off to inform Rama and Laxmana about their discovery so that future plans could be drawn to seek her release.

In Southern India at the base camp, Rama, Laxmana, Hanuman, Sugreeva, Jambuwanta, Angad and others met to chalk out their plan of action to seek release of Sita, now that the whereabouts of Sita were known. It was sure that Ravana was adamant and would not release Sita without force. It was imperative wage the war against mighty army of Ravana to achieve their goal.

But Rama and Laxmana had no army of their own, hence Hanuman appealed to all monkey leaders to rally behind Rama in this noble war of righteousness. A huge army of monkeys and bears was thus formed and Angad was chosen its leader. Rama and Laxmana had divine and supernatural powers. They could have easily defeated Ravana and his army, but the lord Rama wanted to unite various clans into one unified people. The division of society into lower and higher caste and superior and inferior races was a taboo that Rama wanted to erase from the face of Bharata -ancient India. Therefore, he sought help of monkeys and bears (lower clans) in his mission.
All the well-wishers, full of enthusiasm, participated in the noble cause lead by Rama. The monkey brigade marched on towards Lanka. They once again reached the southern tip of India and faced the mighty sea ahead! It stood as a mighty obstacle in their march ahead. Only Hanuman was able to cross it, but it was not possible for others to do the same. How could the whole army reach the shores of Lankan kingdom.

This almost impossible task forced Rama to over the solution, but none was in sight! Everyone became depressed and despondent. The enthusiasm of having found the whereabouts of Sita was lost in their inability to rescue her.

Hanuman was restless. Constantly thinking of Rama and Sita, his mind was immersed in the depths of contemplation. He was sure that solution to this problem must be available as Rama was with them. But what would be the solution! He did not yet know. Can they all swim across the sea, no. Can they all fly over the sea, no. Engrossed in such deep thoughts and constantly taking the holy name of Rama, he threw a stone in the water in front of him. To his utter disbelief he saw that the stone was floating over the water!!!
He threw another stone and was puzzled that it sank down in the water, it did not float. He could not fathom the secret of this peculiarity: One stone staying afloat and the other sinking! He tried many times but in vain, all the stones subsequently sank down to the bottom of sea. He brought this peculiarity to the notice of his associates. But nobody could explain why one particular stone was floating when it should also have sunk. Angad, Sugreeva, Jambuwanta all tried but no stone remained afloat.

Then Hanuman took the name of Rama and also threw a stone, unintentionally though. And it stayed afloat! The mystery opened up its secret in the intelligent mind of Hanuman. "Oh, I see" shouted Hanuman in ecstasy, "Look brothers, when I throw a stone after taking the name of Rama it floats, and when I throw it without taking his holy name it sinks."

Everyone tried the same thing. And to their joy they all found stones remaining afloat when thrown in the name of Rama. Soon they decided to construct a floating bridge over the sea from Indian coast to the shore of Lanka. Rama also decided to contribute his share of labor. Therefore he threw a stone after taking his own name, but to his amazement the stone he threw did not float. Hanuman was watching this mysterious play of the Lord with great amusement. He came to Rama, bowed down in reverence, and said,

"O Rama, how can the one survive whom you reject? You are throwing this stone away, how can it float! it is surely doomed and would sink down and down. There is no liberation for any person (as well as non-living thing) who is denied your grace. Without your support nobody becomes fit to cross this ocean of worldliness! Taking your name is, However, sufficient to prevent drowning of mortals like us"

A tiny squirrel was watching this divine play from a nearby tree. She also came down, rolled over the sand of sea shore, and then went over the bridge of stones. There she released the particles of sand in the name of Rama. This she continued for days together, oblivious to hunger and thirst. This was the most sincere contribution of a small animal for the noble cause. Thus every Indian takes pride in contributing, in whatever small way he/she can, in the noble spiritual mission.
}
Till my next letter and part of Ramayana, have fun and be happy always. Dearest Sanidhya, May God be with you and the ashirwad and blessings of your grand parents and my meditations and prayers provide you nested bliss for your soul and protection to your body. Papa, Dadaji, Dadiji and Chachu we all wish that you should be happy and healthy.
Have bliss, and may beta Sanidhya always laugh and enjoy the Lord’s love, Ha! Ha! Ha!
May Lord Shiva protect you and Lord Vishnu feed you and Lord Brahma educates you.
Om!
Your Papa,
Ravi

Letter - 68 (Stories of Ramayana -16)

2007-06-17T06:19:00.001-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,
How are you Shanu beta? Did you enjoy the story send to you in my previous letter? Coming to our story telling, here is the today’s part of the Ramayana series. Enjoy, Smile and Laugh, today Hanumanji will burn Lanka, from his tail. Ha! Ha! Ha! It’s funny! Isn’t it! Are you playing with your Gada and the Shaktiman robe? This must be more fun. Enjoy beta and make merry -
{
Continued from the previous letter….
It was decided that Hanuman should return and inform Rama about Sita's captivity so that he would come with his army and seek her release by defeating Ravana. Thus, taking leave of Sita, Hanuman wanted permission of Sita to eat some fruits from the trees around. He was very hungry. Sita permitted Hanuman to satisfy himself. Hanuman uprooted many trees so that he need not jump to pluck the fruits high up. The noise brought many guards to the scene. They tried to arrest this big mischievous monkey which was causing damage to their beautiful garden. But powerful Hanuman overpowered everyone of them and beat them up severely.

Someone ran to the royal chamber of Ravana and described how 'a monkey was causing havoc in Ashokvan'. Ravana was surprised to listen that an ordinary monkey could single handedly beat up his powerful men! He, therefore, sent his son Indrajeet to arrest the monkey and bring him to the royal court.

As ordered, Indrajeet, the powerful and obedient son of Ravana, reached Ashokvan to find the place in the most chaotic state. The trees were uprooted and the demon guards were running here and there to save their lives. Hanuman was as if making fun of them. Full of anger, Indrajeet challenged Hanuman to fight with him instead of his servants, saying,

"O monkey, you have done a great harm and insult to the kingdom of Ravana. I have come to arrest you and if resisted, I would send you to hell by killing you." Thus saying they both were engaged in fierce fight.

Soon Hanuman appeared to tire out and was arrested by Indrajeet and his subordinates. He was tied with ropes and brought to the court of Ravana. The secret of this arrest was that Hanuman deliberately got himself arrested so that he could reach the court of Ravana.

Hanuman wanted to assess the character, strength, and weaknesses of Rama's opponent which would be useful for them to plan their strategy to defeat Ravana. Thus tied and escorted by cruel looking army men, Hanuman was brought in presence of Ravana.

On seeing him Ravana was furious with rage: "O insignificant monkey, who are you? And what business brings you here to get killed! Don't you know that this is the kingdom of Ravana where people like you have no place to live?"

Hanuman replied: "O proud King, how false is your claim! Till I am protected by Rama no one on this earth can injure me in the least, let alone kill me. But I will tell you who I am. Sri Rama has sent me here. He had told me to give this message to save your life by releasing Sita without any delay. It will be beneficial to you and your people. Otherwise the punishment Rama would bestow upon you will be of total annihilation! Be warned and heed this warning."

On hearing these arrogant words, Ravana was hurt to the core. He was furious that this monkey in the name of Rama had audacity to threaten him. Hence he ordered his minister to kill Hanuman on the spot. At this juncture, Vibhishana rose from his seat and politely said to Ravana:

"O mighty brother, have you forgotten the rules of treating the ambassador? What has happened to your intellect and reason that such a simple custom of honouring a messenger is lost on you. I request you to release Hanuman at most with a warning to leave Lanka and never to come back. Next time, if he is caught he may be punished more severely."

"And O mighty King", continued Vibhishana "It does not befit you to keep defenseless Sita under arrest. I support Hanuman's appeal to release her instantly with honour and dignity." At this, Ravana called Vibhishana a traitor and injured him by hitting him with his foot. Thus Vibhishana was gravely insulted by Ravana; and therefore, mentally Vibhishana resolved to join Rama in the war against his own brother.

Ravana meanwhile turned to his ministers and said, "Ok. Do not kill this monkey, but teach him a lesson for creating the nuisance in Lanka. Tie a long cloth to his most lovable tail and put it to fire."

As ordered, the servants brought huge length of cotton cloth and tied it to the tail of Hanuman. Fire was applied to it. Hanuman by his special power increased the length of his tail by many many yards and started jumping here and there! He ran all around Lanka and in this process set most of the houses on fire! Hanuman was not hurt at all. Rama was there to take his care! At last Hanuman jumped in the waters of ocean and decided to return to his friends on the other side of the sea.
}
My dear son, the darkness of centuries is dispersed as soon as a light is brought into a room. The accumulated sins of countless lives vanish by single glance of God. So may that God be with you my dearest Shanu.
Till my next letter and part of Ramayana, have fun and be happy always. Dearest Sanidhya, May God be with you and the ashirwad and blessings of your grand parents and my meditations and prayers provide you nested bliss for your soul and protection to your body. Papa, Dadaji, Dadiji and Chachu we all wish that you should be happy and healthy.
Have bliss, and may beta Sanidhya always laugh and enjoy the Lord’s love, Ha! Ha! Ha!
May Lord Shiva protect you and Lord Vishnu feed you and Lord Brahma educates you.
Om!
Your Papa,
Ravi

Letter - 67 (Stories of Ramayana -15)

2007-06-17T06:18:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,
How are you Shanu beta? What did you learn from the story in my previous letter? My dearest son, meditation is an art of knowing yourself. It allows one to understand and makes him aware of tremendous physical, mental, and spiritual powers bestowed upon him by the grace of the Lord. He becomes conscious about his abilities as each one of us are capable of achieving feats if we are honest, humble and faithful to Lord. Also there are lots of evidences in the history and mythology that even amongst the evil, righteousness survives and ultimately it wins over the darker side. This is true in today’s world.
Coming to our story telling, here is the today’s part of the Ramayana series: Enjoy, Smile and Laugh -
{
Continued from the previous letter….
Vibhishana detailed Hanuman about the whereabouts of Sita. He showed the way to Ashokvan where Sita was kept captive. He also warned Hanuman to remain vigilant and cautious as Sita was guarded by police-women loyal to Ravana. Moreover, whole Ashokvan was surrounded by armed guards who would not hesitate to kill any intruder.

Thus forewarned, Hanuman saluted his newly formed friend and left for the garden for his first meeting with Mother Sita. It was easy for Hanuman to jump and climb the trees, to hide himself in the bushes or the leafy branches. He could, in addition, at his will, become very small and thus escape the attention of the guards. At last Hanuman entered the garden. He could see assembly of women around one Aryan lady whom Hanuman immediately recognized as Sita.
The question vexed Hanuman's mind as to how to present himself before Sita. The problem had two dimensions: (1) Sita was surrounded by many attendants, and (2) Sita might take him to be a demon in form of an impostor monkey! She would refuse to accept him as a friend and devotee of Rama. Hanuman was sure that the second problem would be solved as he had brought the ring from Rama which Sita was sure to recognize as authentic.

Just then Hanuman heard shouts of 'Lankapati Ki Jai Ho - Victory to King Ravana'. Hanuman saw Ravana approaching the garden. Immediately he jumped up the tree under which Sita was seated. He hid himself nicely on one of the branches and decided to observe the proceedings below from there.

Ravana came towards Sita. His wife, Queen Mandodari, and a few other maid servants were accompanying the King. Ravana addressed Sita thus: "O beautiful lady, why do you persistently refuse my proposal of marriage? I will treat you as the first honorable queen of this vast empire. However, if you still think that Rama would come and seek your release, I am afraid, you are sadly mistaken. Nobody ever has dared to attack my kingdom, and if anyone does dare so, he and his army will be destroyed within days."

"Probably you are unaware of my power. Therefore, for the last time, I modestly ask you to become my wife. It would be an honour to you and joy for me." So saying, Ravana gave three day's time for her to finally make her decision. The negative answer would call for Ravana's wrath. The thin and emaciated Sita did not answer. How can she utter a single word when her whole mind and heart was engaged in constant prayer and Japa of Rama!

The scene below aggrieved Hanuman very much. For him Sita was embodiment of purity, simplicity, and tolerance. Impulsively, he wanted to jump and attack Ravana, but better sense prevailed. He knew that it would be counterproductive to act in haste. With heart full of mixed feelings of anger, pity, and helplessness, Hanuman started praying to Rama to give him courage to fulfill his mission of rescuing Sita from the clutches of Ravana.

Just then Mandodari, the queen of Ravana, intervened and told Ravana not to trouble a noble married woman with his hard words and ungainly demands. He told her husband to return Sita to Rama without delay, and with full honor and grace. But Ravana called Mandodari fussy and lacking faith in the prowess of her husband. It was not unusual for a king to have two (or three or more) wives; and secondly Rama had insulted his sister Shurpanakha which required to be avenged.

Hanuman listened to all these arguments but kept quiet. When Ravana left with his troupe, Hanuman decided to present himself before Sita. He silently dropped the ring bearing the name and seal of Rama in the lap of Sita. Surprised, Sita looked up to find a mighty monkey staring at her! But her surprise turned into emotion of joy when she found the ring to be genuine: of her Master Rama.

She therefore, beckoned Hanuman to come down. With folded hands, Hanuman presented himself before Mother Sita, tears pouring down his eyes. His voice was choked with emotion. He described how Rama was also suffering the pangs of separation. He assured Sita that soon Rama would come, conquer Ravana and take her back.

It would be logical here to think that Hanuman should lift Sita and fly across the ocean to reach his friends, and thence to Rama, and the story would have a pleasant end! But, no. Three factors are to be considered here.

1) That Hanuman was celibate from birth and had vowed to remain so throughout his life. Therefore, it was impossible for him to touch a woman without the permission and in absence of her husband;

2) That Sita also had vowed to remain loyal - faithful - to one man as her husband, and sitting over the shoulder of another person without permission and in absence of her husband would break her vow.

3) And to end the story at this juncture would be meaningless as the mission of Rama to end evil and wickedness and reestablish the rule of righteousness - the purpose of Divine Incarnation - would be incomplete.

It required putting an end to Ravana and his associates, and rewarding Vibhishana for taking side of Truth.
}
How did you liked the story. Hope you are getting and having lots juices and milk with roohafsza. Are you having ice-creams? Are you having Amul milk and chocolates? Till my next letter and part of Ramayana, have fun and be happy always. Dearest Sanidhya, May God be with you and the ashirwad and blessings of your grand parents and my meditations and prayers provide you nested bliss for your soul and protection to your body. Papa, Dadaji, Dadiji and Chachu we all wish that you should be happy and healthy.
Have bliss, and may beta Sanidhya always laugh and enjoy the Lord’s love, Ha! Ha! Ha!
May Lord Shiva protect you and Lord Vishnu feed you and Lord Brahma educates you.
Om!
Your Papa,
Ravi

Letter - 66 (Stories of Ramayana -14)

2007-06-17T06:17:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,
How are you Shanu beta? Are you coping with summers? I don’t really know where you are as neither me or Dadaji or Dadiji or Chachu are allowed to see or talk to you. So I hope that you’re still with the recipient / receiver of the letter. Beta, I have always tried to cocoon you with comforts and slowly wanted to expose you to real hardships very well knowing the history and complexities of your health, But looks like your destiny and people surrounding you now have their own selfish motives. But don’t worry one day it all evens out as the equilibrium has to be attained always and ever. Your destiny is your hands and is governed by Lord within the framework and lifecycle of matter.
Do you know today is Labor day. All other holidays are in a more or less degree connected with conflicts and battles of man's prowess over man, of strife and discord for greed and power, of glories achieved by one nation over another. Labor Day, Beta is devoted to no man, living or dead, to no sect, race, or nation. Labor Day, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of all the countries. Labor Day inspires values of honesty, hard work, equal justice for all, dedication, compassion, concern for others and sacrifice.
Coming to our story telling, here is the today’s part of the Ramayana series: Enjoy, Smile and Laugh -
{
Continued from the previous letter…. (after Lord Hanuman started mediating)…
During this meditation, Hanuman became aware of tremendous physical, mental, and spiritual powers bestowed upon him by the grace of the Lord. He became conscious about his ability to fly, become as big as the mountain, or as small as an atom. If he willed he could become invisible or carry out such unusual physical feats which were not possible for an ordinary mortal.

Waking from his deep state of introspection or meditation, the humble, but brave and powerful Hanuman mentally saluted Rama with firm resolve to conquer Lanka and seek release of Sita from her mental and physical sufferings.

"Jai Sri Rama" became the inspiring slogan for everyone to fill themselves with freshness and courage. The dullness and despondency, the anxiety, apprehension, and depression gave way to hope of victory. Hanuman said, "Dear brothers, Sri Rama has infused special powers in my life. I am sure I shall be able to cross this ocean in one jump."

Everyone was delighted and shouted "Jai Sri Rama". Hanuman made himself big and tall and flew off to the distant Lanka across the ocean. He landed at the closed doors of the capital city that were guarded by the terrifying and vicious demons. He killed them one by one and entered Lankan kingdom. He made himself small and roamed in the city for further information on the whereabouts of Mother Sita. He searched for the way to Ashokvan where Sita was held hostage.

Everywhere Hanuman saw people deeply engrossed in sense enjoyment. Physical pleasure was all that people cared for - a tamasik indulgence, hedonistic preoccupation! Temples and places of worship were deserted or filled with blood of sacrificed animals whose meat was enjoyed by noisy demons.

Hanuman Meets Vibhishana

Hanuman could not tolerate this all. He was purity personified, being sattvika by nature. He could not find any food of his taste. He started searching for someone who would be of pious, simple, and religious by nature. Then as he was passing by a palace building, Hanuman heard a faint repetitive name of Rama - Rama, Rama, Rama!

Who could be one in this Lanka taking the holy name of Rama! Hanuman wondered. With caution and care, he opened the gate of that palace - like building to find a demon couple worshipping the Lord and singing praise in the name of Rama. Hanuman saluted them in the name of Rama. It was surprising, but true, that this great devotee of Rama was none other than the younger brother of Ravana called as Vibhishana! Hanuman was accorded a very warm welcome by Vibhishana and his wife.

The talk went on to the ungainly and self-destructive height of "pride and ambitions" Ravana harbored. He did not approve of his brother Ravana lifting Sita from Panchavati. It was sure to lead to the downfall of the person as well as the people of his kingdom. Vibhishana had tried to persuade Ravana to see reason and set Sita free. It was improper and selfish to act this way. A mighty king should not have thus kidnapped a noble queen, already married to someone else.

Moreover, despite threats, Sita was firm not to marry Ravana. And if at all Ravana forced any such move, Sita could and would immolate herself in self created FIRE OF PURITY. This fire of purity would never allow Ravana even to come near Sita or touch her. Thus all attempts of Ravana to convince Sita for marriage were futile. In addition to the opposition from Vibhishana, Mandodari, wife of Ravana was dead against Ravana's intention of taking Sita as his best wife. But all this had made Ravana angry; and as is well known anger makes the person blind to see reason and rationality.

Vibhishana told Hanuman every detail about Sita. He told that Sita at that time was kept under the care of lady servants at gardens of Ashokvan. Ravana had disallowed Vibhishana to enter that garden where Sita was kept in custody.

It was left for Hanuman to try his own way without any help from within Lanka. But he was pleased to find a wonderful 'brother devotee' Vibhishana, as his friend and informer who would prove very useful for Rama to enter and conquer Lanka, and free Sita.
}
How did you liked the story. Till my next letter and part of Ramayana, have fun and be happy always. Dearest Sanidhya, May God be with you and the ashirwad and blessings of your grand parents and my meditations and prayers provide you nested bliss for your soul and protection to your body. Papa, Dadaji, Dadiji and Chachu we all wish that you should be happy and healthy.
Have bliss, and may beta Sanidhya always laugh and enjoy the Lord’s love, Ha! Ha! Ha!
May Lord Shiva protect you and Lord Vishnu feed you and Lord Brahma educates you.
Happy Labor Day and may the values for which this day is celebrated be imbibed in your personality.
Om!
Your Papa,
Ravi

Letter - 65 (Stories of Ramayana -13)

2007-06-17T06:16:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,
How are you Shanu beta? Today’s story teaches us the recognition of our own potential and true friends are those who if we are demoralized or disillusioned always help us to trace the right and correct path. Though many people in your journey of life will try to mould and manipulate you and your innocence for their own personal agendas but lord will always be with you to provide you inner clarity so that you can choose your path and modulate the noises and impurities. Your grandfather especially is one of the very few men who has the courage and purity of though to selflessly love you and others and has conquered his ego. This in-fact is proven by lots of recent incidents where he was humiliated by the beings surrounding you but still relentlessly tried to meet you and always prays for you. He is truly one the greatest being and I’m blessed that I’m his son.
Enjoy the today’s part of the Ramayana series:
{
Continued from the previous letter….
The urgency of finding Sita was visible in the movements of these devotees of Rama. It was decided that both Rama and Laxmana should take rest and wait for them to bring the news of the whereabouts of Sita. Thus Hanuman, Angad, Jambuwanta, and others reached the southern tip of India. The vast Indian Ocean was seen spread out as limitless expanse. No one knew what to do next. Hanuman was not prepared to return back to Rama without definite news of Mother Sita. He would rather put an end to life than go empty handed to his Master.

Thus, confused and with anxiety laden heart, almost dejected, these mighty Rama Bhaktas sat down on the rock near the sprawling ocean shore. Behind them, in a cave not far off, a huge vulture, almost famished with hunger, was pleased to see these people as his prey! Sampati was his name. His sense of hearing, vision, and smell were phenomenally acute. His power was such that he could eat a person in one bite! Thus, to satisfy his age-old hunger, he decided to attack one of them.
But, just then he heard Hanuman talking about Jatayu: How he had tried to protect Sita from the hands of Ravana. The sudden surprise of Sampati was attributed to Jatayu being his brother! To know more about Jatayu and his fate Sampati went near the group and inquired, "O noble ones, who are you? From whence do you come to this remote and lonely place? And may I know the details of your reference to my brother Jatayu?"

Thus spoken to, Hanuman narrated the valiant sacrifice Jatayu made in the attempt to rescue Sita. He further told Sampati about Rama, Laxmana, and Sita, and how Ravana had kidnapped Sita. They had come to that remote place in search of Sita. Sampati thought over the matter. When he realized that Sri Rama - the Lord Himself - had liberated the soul his brother, he also decided to help Rama in his mission to eliminate evil from this earth.

He could see for miles ahead across the sea. His penetrating vision could visualize every tiny detail on an island there. And, yes, on the island of Lanka, was seated a lady under the tree in a beautiful garden - Ashokvan. He realized that it was the kingdom of the mighty Ravana. He could also see that Sita was under arrest and many watchful eyes were on her, mostly of demon lady servants of Ravana. He narrated the scene to others. Angad, Hanuman, Jambuwanta and others were full of joy.

But their joy was short lived. Hanuman said that it was useless to go Rama without positive proof about Sita. Someone must go there to actually talk to Sita, confirm and return after which they should inform Rama. For this purpose said Hanuman, he had already brought the royal and private ring of Rama familiar to Sita on the basis of which someone could give Sita guarantee of early help and safe return back to Rama.

However, the question as to who could/would go to that far off land sprang up as a problem for which the answer was not forthcoming with ease. Sampati said that he could not go as he had become old and the power in his wings had left him. Angad said, if I was asked to go on land I would go any distance; but water! No, it was not possible for him to swim or jump so high and long.

Then Hanuman, the great Yogi, sits in meditation, repeating the holy name of his Chosen Ideal - Rama.
}
How did you liked the story. Till my next letter and part of Ramayana, have fun and be happy always. Dearest Sanidhya, May God be with you and the ashirwad and blessings of your grand parents and my meditations and prayers provide you nested bliss for your soul and protection to your body. Papa, Dadaji, Dadiji and Chachu we all wish that you should be happy and healthy.
Have bliss, and may beta Sanidhya always laugh and enjoy the Lord’s love, Ha! Ha! Ha!
May Lord Shiva protect you and Lord Vishnu feed you and Lord Brahma educates you.
Om!
Your Papa,
Ravi

Letter - 64 (Stories of Ramayana -12)

2007-06-17T06:15:00.002-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,
How are you Shanu beta? In yesterday’s e-mail the story of Rama meeting Hanumana teaches us virtues and best practices of inner peace and social architecture. Some of them are -
• One who enjoys the Association of Sages is Bhakta. And who is a sage? In whose presence one gets peace and happiness of mind and soul is a sage.
• Second Bhakti is to listen to the stories and glory of God with all humility and love.
• To worship the holy feet of one's Guru (Teacher) and to serve him as per one's ability is third bhakti.
• To have firm faith in the teachings of scriptures and Mantra, Japa, etc. is another form of worship.
• To control the sense organs, and to be able to stabilize the mind in the constant remembrance of the Lord is one form of Bhakti.
• To attempt to visualize the same God in everything and in all situations is the next form of Bhakti.
• To remain contented, non covetous and satisfied in whatever condition the lord has placed one in is the eighth type of devotion, and
• To lead a simple guileless life, not to injure or harm anyone, to have firm faith in the existence of God, and to be equal in pain and pleasure is the last form of Bhakti.
• One who attempts to acquire anyone of these virtues is a Bhakta - devotee of the Lord.
I hope that the receiver of these letters and who is narrating it to you imbibes, learns and explains these values to you in a child like story telling as I use to do. As I have mentioned in my several letters to the receiver, I hope and pray that he is narrating my letters to you, whether he is imbibing and learning well! Doesn’t looks like from his actions as they still don’t allow me and your grandparents to meet, on the contrary they are using our love for you for petty gains and score settling. May god uplift them and percolate some values and social sense and sensitivity into their heart and soul.
But don’t worry my vibrations will take these stories to you. One day God will definitely unite us, and it will be as pleasurable as it was when Rama and Hanuman met.
Another lesson from yesterday’s story is love of Lord Rama is infinite thus love has capability that it can love Shabri, Hanumana and Laxmana and ….., there is no need for jealousy. Jealousy is inner weakness and always harms the person who carries in his/her heart, and it also creates un-necessary social problems.
Continuing our journey of Ramayana, Dearest Shanu today’s story narrates that even if you are in the proximity of a bhakta Lord helps you as he helped Sugreeva just because he was in the proximity of supreme bhakta Hanuman.
Enjoy the today’s part of the series:
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Continued from the previous letter….
Soon Rama and Laxmana were invited to visit the camp where with the help of Sugreeva and other friends they were sure to find out some way to locate as to where Sita could have been taken away.

Sugreeva had run away from his kingdom in the fear of his elder brother Vali. Vali was very powerful and cruel king of Kishkindha. He had once defeated the mighty Ravana also. As it happened, once a demon Mayawi challenged Vali's supremacy. Vali accepted the challenge and fight broke out between the two. They entered one cave and continued their fight inside. Vali specifically told Sugreeva to remain stationed at the mouth of the cave and wait for him for fifteen days. "I will kill this demon and return", Vali told Sugreeva.

But even after more than fifteen days, nobody returned. one day blood was seen flowing from the cave and Sugreeva thought that Vali must have been killed, and it was likely that the demon would kill him too. So Sugreeva ran away to his kingdom and waited for Vali. But Vali did not return even after a few weeks. Therefore he declared himself to be the new king in place of Vali.

A few months passed thus. The injured Vali recovered from his wounds and regained his strength to return to his kingdom. He was trembling with rage when he found that his unfaithful brother has acceded to his throne. He suspected foul play and thrashed Sugreeva almost to death. Somehow Sugreeva escaped and ran for his life to take shelter on the heights of Risyamuk mountains.

Further Rama was told that Vali had also forcefully taken his (Sugreeva's) wife as the new queen. Sugreeva and Hanuman pleaded that Vali was unjust and cruel king and his rule was causing immense hardship and suffering to the people of Kishkindha. Hence, Rama must put an end to his life and make Sugreeva the king again.

Rama agreed as he had seen that although Sugreeva was a coward fellow he was not wicked. He had not occupied the throne intentionally or through scheme. He really believed that Vali was killed in fight. Therefore, Rama accepted him as his friend and promised to eliminate Vali. Accordingly, The party left for the capital city and Sugreeva, under the instructions of Rama, challenged his brother to come out and fight it out for the final decision as to who should rule Kishkindha. During the fight Rama put an end to the life of mighty Vali with a powerful arrow. Sugreeva thus was reinstated as the king. He promised Rama to help him in finding out the whereabouts of Sita. Accordingly plans were drawn and four groups were formed to reach out East, West, North and South territories.

Son of late Vali - Angad - had joined his uncle and Rama in this mission. He became a great devotee of Rama. Jambuwanta, a bear, also came to help them. Thus Rama, Laxmana, Hanuman, Sugreeva, Angad, and Jambuwanta headed south where chances of finding Sita were highest.
}
How did you liked the story. Till my next letter and part of Ramayana, have fun and be happy always. Dearest Sanidhya, May God be with you and the ashirwad and blessings of your grand parents and my meditations and prayers provide you nested bliss for your soul and protection to your body. Papa, Dadaji, Dadiji and Chachu we all wish that you should be happy and healthy.
Have bliss, and may beta Sanidhya always laugh and enjoy the Lord’s love, Ha! Ha! Ha!
May Lord Shiva protect you and Lord Vishnu feed you and Lord Brahma educates you.
Om!
Your Papa,
Ravi

Letter - 63 (Stories of Ramayana -11)

2007-06-17T06:15:00.001-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,
How are you Shanu beta? Continuing our journey of Ramayana, Dearest Shanu today’s story narrates the value and bliss of bhakti. Today’s letter explains the most dramatic and blissful chapter of Ramayana where Rama meets Hanuman. Beta, Bhakti is love at its supreme form, it is not limited to shape and size. It’s a sheer visualization of the bhakt for his God or the Form. Still when bhakt meet the ‘Form’ the joy and bliss which emanates out of the union or re-union is a celestial experience. Enjoy the today’s part of the series where fusion of love bhakt and the God will create a blissful experience of bhakti:
{
Continued from the previous letter….
Rama and Laxmana left the ashrama of Shabari and reached the Pampa Lake further South. It was a pleasant site; the water of the lake was sweet and clear. All animals were seen drinking from the same spot. Rivalry and cruelty was foreign to the spot. Surrounding trees were blooming with fruits and flowers.

Here the two brothers rested for a couple of days. The evergreen sage Narada visited Rama to seek advice on the nuances and subtleties of Bhakti -Yoga of Devotion or Worship. The expressions of Bhakti in a spiritual aspirant were discussed. Rama told Narada about the nine types of Bhakti:
• One who enjoys the Association of Sages is Bhakta. And who is a sage? In whose presence one gets peace and happiness of mind and soul is a sage.
• Second Bhakti is to listen to the stories and glory of God with all humility and love.
• To worship the holy feet of one's Guru (Teacher) and to serve him as per one's ability is third bhakti.
• To have firm faith in the teachings of scriptures and Mantra, Japa, etc. is another form of worship.
• To control the sense organs, and to be able to stabilize the mind in the constant remembrance of the Lord is one form of Bhakti.
• To attempt to visualize the same God in everything and in all situations is the next form of Bhakti.
• To remain contented, non covetous and satisfied in whatever condition the lord has placed one in is the eighth type of devotion, and
• To lead a simple guileless life, not to injure or harm anyone, to have firm faith in the existence of God, and to be equal in pain and pleasure is the last form of Bhakti.
• One who attempts to acquire anyone of these virtues is a Bhakta - devotee of the Lord.
Soon Rama and Laxmana reached the foothills of Rishyamuk mountains. Here the king Sugreeva of monkey clan was staying with his ministers and friends. One of them was mighty Hanuman, the noblest devotee of Rama. This intelligent monkey was well versed in all the scriptures and was pure by thought, words, and deeds. He had vowed to remain celibate all throughout his life, and therefore he looked at every woman as mother. His devotion to Rama was eternal, and he thought himself to be the most obedient servant of Rama! This sadhana with servant attitude is called as Dasya-bhava. Hanuman is worshipped all over in India as the deity of purity, power, and eliminator of all evils.

On seeing the two foreigners coming to the mountain, Sugreeva asked Hanuman to see with what intentions these two had come to Kishkindha. Accordingly, Hanuman came down as a Brahmin priest, and inquired, "O noble ones, who are you and what brings you here? It seems you are warriors but you have taken to life of sanyasins. Why is it so? O delicate ones of royal origin, your feet are having blisters due to this rough terrain. Please tell me about yourselves."

Thus spoken to with modesty and humility, Rama answered, "O Noble Monkey, we are the princes from Ayodhya. My name is Rama and he is my brother Laxmana. As it happens, some demon has kidnapped my wife Sita and we are moving in search of her. And by the way who are you, who speaks to us with such devotion and love?"

No sooner did Rama speak thus than Hanuman realized that he was face to face with his Ishta - Lord Rama. The amnesia of this birth suddenly vanished and Hanuman could see the glorious form of his Master full of effulgence and grace.

With tears in his eyes, he prostrated at the lotus feet of Rama and said, "O Lord, you have taken such a long time to come to your devotee that this Hanuman has almost become ignorant fool not to recognize you. What a foolish question to ask - who are you!"

Rama lifted his devotee and put him to his breast, patting him on his back. The tears flowed freely from the eyes of Rama and Hanuman. Laxmana who was astonished to see the second devotee (first one was Shabari) whom Rama loved more than him (Laxmana). But jealousy! No. Laxmana was an intelligent devotee of Rama, capable to understand that Sri Rama had all types of Devotees who come to earth to contribute their might, and help Rama in his mission. Therefore, he also hugged Hanuman with same love and reverence.
}
How did you liked the story. Till my next letter and part of Ramayana, have fun and be happy always. Dearest Sanidhya, May God be with you and the ashirwad and blessings of your grand parents and my meditations and prayers provide you nested bliss for your soul and protection to your body. Papa, Dadaji, Dadiji and Chachu we all wish that you should be happy and healthy.
Have bliss, and may beta Sanidhya always laugh and enjoy the Lord’s circus, Ha! Ha! Ha!
May Lord Shiva protect you and Lord Vishnu feed you and Lord Brahma educates you.
Om!
Your Papa,
Ravi

Letter - 62 (Stories of Ramayana -10)

2007-06-17T06:14:00.001-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,
How are you Shanu beta? Continuing our journey of Ramayana, Dearest Shanu today’s story narrates the how god does’nt differentiate between rich and poor. It also symbolizes the virtues of humbleness. Lord Rama was so humble to enjoy the tasted berries by Shabri. This is one of the most touching and virtuous story which teaches us the enjoyment and qualities of humbleness. Enjoy the today’s part of the series:
{
Continued from the previous letter….
On their way southwards Rama and Laxmana passed through many difficult terrain. The forests were sparsely populated. Occasionally one encountered an ashrama of a sage with a small village around it. One such ashrama belonged to rishi Matang whose heart grieved for the lowly and downtrodden.

In his ashrama, one tribal devotee of Rama, named Shabri, used to stay. She used to keep the place clean and tidy, and along with that she also performed her japa - repeating the holy name of GOD, did her ritualistic worship by offering flowers etc., and sang many songs in the glory of the Lord. Her chosen ideal was Rama for whose meeting she was waiting for long time.

Years passed by; Rishi Matang became old. When he was on his death-bed, he called Shabari near him and said, "Look, O devotee of Rama, your tapasya - austerities - and spiritual longing for Rama would not go in vain. Sri Rama is sure to visit this ashrama, this I can say on the basis of my spiritual power. Therefore, after my departure, I plead you to wait for Rama's arrival. Hence take charge of this ashrama and live in peace and as a devotee of Rama. Your efforts would be rewarded in due course of time." So saying the rishi passed away.

Simple hearted, poor, and belonging to lower caste, Shabari did not know much about running the ashrama. Soon everyone left her. The birds, the flowers, the shrubs and occasional domesticated animal became her friends. But she had full faith in the words of her Guru Matang. When he had said Sri Rama would come to that ashrama, she could not disbelieve those words.

Hence Shabari used to clean the place early in the morning, collect fruits, and would wait looking at the distant road for her Rama to come. Every day this was her routine. Every day she thought "Rama would definitely come today!" In these days of eager wait and expectation of seeing her Rama, she forgot all about her rituals, worship, japa or songs! She forgot about day and night, month and year as well as the seasons. Rains were replaced by the winter, winter turned into summer of scorching heat, but Shabari had lost her interest in everything. For her the sun rose with the definite hope that her Rama would come that day and she would be able to serve him.
These long years of wait turned Shabari into an old woman. Her eye sight became dim and the hearing was affected. She had no remorse. She continued to keep her tiring body busy in her routine of cleaning the ashrama and collecting fruits for Rama.
One day, at last, Sri Rama arrived in the ashrama. Pleasure of Shabari knew no bounds. The long awaited desire was fulfilled. Falling at the feet of Rama she said, "O Rama, I cannot describe your kindness in words. When so many great sadhakas (rishis and munis and yogis), cannot seek your Grace even in many births, you have come to me so soon."

So saying she washed the holy feet of her chosen ideal and offered him berries which she had collected from the forest that morning. And the beauty of the relation between the true Bhakta and the Lord was such that Rama was happy in eating the same fruit that had been tasted by Shabari herself, lest the fruit should be bitter!

Laxmana, with tears rolling down his cheeks, was silently observing the pure love between God and the devotee. Until now he used to think that there was nobody on the earth or heaven who loved Rama as dearly as he did. But today Shabari proved him wrong. When tears dried down in the eyes of Shabari, when her voice was not choking, when she lifted her eyes from the holy feet of Rama then Laxmana bowed down at the feet of Shabari and said, "O mother, your love for Rama will be remembered for ever in this world. I bow down in reverence to the great devotee of Sri Rama."

Then Shabari inquires about the purpose of their such hard journey. Rama recounts the sad tell of kidnapping of Sita, etc. Reflecting upon the facts, Shabari directs them to go further southwards to Pampa lake and to Kishkindha where the monkey king Sugreeva and the great Rama devotee monkey Hanuman would be of great help in their search of Sita.
}
How did you liked the story. Till my next letter and part of Ramayana, have fun and be happy always. Dearest Sanidhya, May God be with you and the ashirwad and blessings of your grand parents and my meditations and prayers provide you nested bliss for your soul and protection to your body. Papa, Dadaji, Dadiji and Chachu we all wish that you should be happy and healthy.
Have bliss, and may beta Sanidhya always laugh and enjoy the Lord’s circus, Ha! Ha! Ha!
May Lord Shiva protect you and Lord Vishnu feed you and Lord Brahma educates you.
Om!
Your Papa,
Ravi

Letter - 61 (Stories of Ramayana -9)

2007-06-17T06:13:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,
How are you Shanu beta? Continuing our journey of Ramayana, Dearest Shanu today’s story narrates the how evil tries to win over the goodness using lies and deciet. For a short moment goodness suffers but in the end truth and righteousness always comes on the top and evil designs and desires are eradicated. This applies to all physical beings and abstraction of feelings both. Today’s story will show you how evil Ravana kidnaps Sita and fatally injures Jatayu. Enjoy the today’s part of the series:
{
Continued from the previous letter….
Laxmana was in a fix. He knew that Rama could never get hurt, and secondly he was specifically asked by his elder brother to remain by the side of Sita. If he leaves Sita he disobeys Rama which might bring some misfortune, and if he does not proceed to help Rama Sita is displeased!

Still, as per the voice of his conscience, he requested Sita to remain calm as no difficulty can come Rama's way. She might have imagined the voice as of her husband's. However, Sita was persistent in her demand that Laxmana must go to Rama's rescue. At last with heavy heart, Laxmana decided to go in search of Rama. But before leaving Sita alone, he drew a line - Laxmana Rekha - that Sita should never cross. (In the event of any one including Sita crossed that Laxmana Rekha the person was sure to get burnt.) Sita promised not to cross the same and after that Laxmana went in search of Rama and the deer.

Here near the hut, Ravana made his appearance as he was sure Rama and Laxmana could/would not come back soon. He also through his Mayawi Power changed himself into a monk - Sanyasin and as the custom went, came to the hut of Sita begging for food. "Bhiksham dehi mai", said Ravana to Sita. (Give me food, O mother.) [In India, today also, it is customary to give alms and food to the begging sanyasin.]

With a tray of some fruits and food Sita came out of the hut at the call of the 'guest' at her door. However, she did not dare to cross the line drawn by Laxmana lest she should get burnt, and hence, she offered the bhiksha from well within the limits of Laxmana Rekha.

Sanyasin Ravana was also equally well aware of the power of that line, crossing of which was sure to see his end! Therefore, pretending to be unhappy at Sita's reservation in serving a 'holy person' from a distance, he shouted, "O noble lady, have you forgotten the lofty and honored tradition of your clan? How can I accept the alms given with reservation and insult! Please come out and give the offerings with propriety and decorum befitting your Aryan tradition."

Thus influenced, no sooner did Sita cross the line than the mighty Ravana took his chance and lifted Sita on his shoulders and fled away. The terrified lady shouted for help, but of no avail. Soon Ravana was flying high in the sky to take aerial route towards his capital city of Lanka. The cry of her help could not reach distant Rama and Laxmana.

But a vulture named Jatayu staying on the nearby tree, and a great devotee of Rama, was quick to respond. He could not keep quiet at the plight of helpless Sita although he knew that he was no match for the mighty Ravana. He was not afraid of him even though it was clear that he would get killed by obstructing the path of Ravana. But he decided to save Sita from the clutches of Ravana at any cost. Taking the name of Rama, he attacked the escaping Ravana within his whole might. His sharp nails and the beak tore flesh from the body of Ravana. Ravana also attacked Jatayu with his sword. The fight went on for quite some time. Jatayu was bleeding from the wounds all over his body. He was exhausted with energy drained out of his wings. At last Ravana cut off his wings and Jatayu fell to the ground.

His mission was not yet complete though. He wanted to meet Rama in his last moments and also tell him about Sita. Therefore, although on his death bed, Jatayu went on repeating the name of Rama - Rama, Rama, Rama.

Laxmana reached the spot where Rama had just killed the demon Marich. Laxmana found Rama unharmed as he expected. He told Rama how Sita forced him to rush for his (Rama's) help on hearing the cry. It did not take long for Rama to put together all the demonic tricks played by Ravana and Marich. He feared that Sita might have landed in great difficulty. Therefore, the brothers rushed to the hut at Panchavati. They were very much apprehensive at the errie silence surrounding the hut.

"O Sita, come out; where are you", they shouted. But how can Sita respond! She was not there. The brothers began their search near and around the hut, in the nearby forest, and went on and on. With tears in his eyes, Rama asked the shrubs and the creepers if they had seen his Sita. He inquired of animals and the trees whether they had any knowledge about Sita.

Then a faint voice of Rama, Rama, Rama was discernible from a short distance. They turn towards the voice and found to their dismay Jatayu lying on the ground reciting the name of Rama. Rama took the wounded bird in his arms and inquired as to who had injured him so ruthlessly. Jatayu told them about Ravana, how he had kidnapped Mother Sita, and had fled to the South. He exhorted Rama to follow the wicked demon and rescue the holy Sita.

At last the pious Jatayu bowed down at the holy feet of Rama and breathed his last in the lap of his chosen ideal. After performing the last rites of Jatayu, Rama and Laxmana started southwards in search of Sita.
}
How did you liked the story. Till my next letter and part of Ramayana, have fun and be happy always. Dearest Sanidhya, May God be with you and the ashirwad and blessings of your grand parents and my meditations and prayers provide you nested bliss for your soul and protection to your body. Papa, Dadaji, Dadiji and Chahu we all wish that you should be happy and healthy.
I hope that one day sense will prevail with your maternal grandparents and mother, and we will be allowed to meet you. May my love, mediation and prayers touch all the beings via you and help them to recover from evil designs and motive and have a positive and healthy outlook to provide love to you, themselves and society at large.
May Lord Shiva protect you and Lord Vishnu feed you and Lord Brahma educates you.
Om!
Your Papa,
Ravi

Letter - 60 (Stories of Ramayana -8)

2007-06-17T06:12:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,
How are you Shanu beta? Continuing our journey of Ramayana, Dearest Shanu today’s story narrates the demerits of lust, pride, anger, covetousness, infatuation, hatred, and jealousy. These tendencies, according to our scriptures, cause downfall of a man and hence such persons are called Demons. They are engrossed in a life style where they are blind to the values of compassion, kindness, and service. They practice unrighteousness, and do not allow the devotees or sadhakas to pursue their spiritual practices to seek God (or Self or Truth, or Atman or Brahman). Religion takes a downhill course. And hence God incarnates to destroy them to establish means and ways of righteousness - Rama as Avatara. Enjoy the today’s part of the series:
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Ravana was the king of Lanka. His prosperity could be judged by the fact that his Lanka – capital city – was built in gold. Everyone had enough of food and shelter. Except for his brother Vibhishana, and to some extent his (Ravana's) wife Mandodari, rest of the people in his kingdom followed Ravana's path of material enjoyment as the goal in life. He had a huge army to defend his kingdom which was rarely threatened and nobody even imagined in dream that it would be. Moreover, the location of his capital was such that outsiders could not venture to reach there, as a sprawling sea separated it from the far off land.

Ravana was the mightiest king on the earth at his time. He was very learned and accomplished person. He was great devotee of Lord Shiva, and had obtained the boon that he would not be killed by anyone other than the Lord Himself! He was well versed in Vedas, and other scriptures. He used to worship Lord Shiva daily. His bravery, courage, and expertise in use of all types of instruments of war like bow and arrow, mace, sword, so on was acknowledged by everyone.

Moreover, he was gifted with special supernatural powers known as Mayawi-Shakti. With its help he could fly in the air, become invisible, could throw rain, fire, or thousands of arrows in a war encounter. He had many other powers granted to him by Brahma God as well. Then, still, why call him wicked or evil? This was because he was selfish! He was interested in using all these powers for himself only, and that too to gratify his senses alone. He did not believe that all spiritual disciplines and worship are meant to seek refuge at the Holy Feet of his Chosen Ideal, but wanted to make use of all such powers to rule over the world as unconquerable King.

Thus he was full of lust, pride, anger, covetousness, infatuation, hatred, and jealousy. These tendencies, according to our scriptures, cause downfall of a man and hence such persons are called Demons. They are engrossed in a life style where they are blind to the values of compassion, kindness, and service. They practice unrighteousness, and do not allow the devotees or sadhakas to pursue their spiritual practices to seek God (or Self or Truth, or Atman or Brahman). Religion takes a downhill course.

And hence God incarnates to destroy them to establish means and ways of righteousness - Rama as Avatara.

As Shurpanakha, his sister, narrated the insulting treatment meted out to her by the two brothers Rama and Laxmana, the anger rose high in the heart and head of Ravana. Fuel was added to fire when Ravana heard that Sita, wife of Rama, laughed at the cutting of the ears and nose of his sister. He decided to avenge this insult. Pacifying her sister, he decided to reach the Dandakaranya to kidnap Sita as a way of revenge! Ravana Plans Abduction of Sita.

Ravana made all the arrangements to start for his mission. Meanwhile, his minister, Marich, offered his help to accomplish his mission. Near the Panchavati, Marich changed himself in the form of a beautiful golden deer! Jumping here and there, it caught sight of Sita. Rama and Laxmana were also present in the hut. Pleadingly, Sita said, "O honorable Rama, look what a wonderful golden deer is roaming around our hut. I am very much desirous of having his skin for my use. Will you not bring it for me?"

Rama tried to dissuade her from such disturbing thought, but Sita did not desist. She insisted to have the skin of golden deer. Ultimately Rama acceded to her request. Calling attention of brother Laxmana, Rama said, "O brother, I am going after the deer to fetch its skin. Be vigilant and protect Sita in case of any difficulty or predicament. I do not know why I have this premonition of calamity befalling us."

Laxmana promised to look after Sita. As soon as the deer - demon Marich - got the hint of Rama coming after him, he fled with the speed unheard of. It went far away. Rama ran after the deer in great speed but could not shoot his arrow as the distance between the two was always great. At last Rama shot his arrow which mortally wounded the deer. On falling to the ground, deer Marich shouted, mimicking the voice of Rama,

"O brother Laxmana, rush to help me, I am wounded." This he repeated thrice in a very loud voice that would reach the ears of Sita and Laxmana. On hearing the cry of her husband, Sita asked Laxmana to rush to help Rama.
}
How did you liked the story. Till my next letter and part of Ramayana, have fun and be happy always. Dearest Sanidhya, May God be with you and the ashirwad and blessings of your grand parents and my meditations and prayers provide you nested bliss for your soul and protection to your body. May Lord Shiva protect you and Lord Vishnu feed you and Lord Brahma educates you.
Om!
Your Papa,
Ravi

Letter - 59 (Stories of Ramayana -7)

2007-06-17T06:09:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,
How are you Shanu beta? How was your birthday? Did my poems reach you? Well, needless to say that the negative energies surrounding you again overshadowed the sacred and joyful occasion. Sometimes I think what kind of monstrous and self-centric behavior of so called intellectuals can overshadow the welfare of an innocent and god like child, my Sanidhya. But any way we have seen that before, several times in past. Haven’t we! I can express it but you have absorbed it, that’s why you have God like presence and far from this artificial and dishonest behaviors, your soul will never be touched by these negative energies. What my worry is, what affect this will have on your body and mind? I don’t understand such an immature and destructive behavior where the growth and welfare of the innocent child is overshadowed by personal vendetta and sadism. I don’t know what sadist pleasure any one will get by not allowing an aged gentleman who happens to be your grandfather and has nurtured you, to wish and love you on your birthday. These kinds of incidents have happened before, but on this occasion the humanity was its lowest level and clearly shows the lack of rationalism and negativity prevailing in your proximity.
Whether me or your grandfather or your grandmother or your well wishers though are not allowed to meet you; or for example in very recent episode, not even allowed to wish you birthday greetings and prayers, but the honest wishes from our souls will always cocoon you and protect you. Also we will continue to request and will try to meet you. Son for the first time in my series of letter to you I’m narrating the struggle of a father to touch his son, knowing very well the receiver may have thrown all my letters to you in waste-basket.
The questions which worry me are that there are so many sick individuals with you who are my own, who are so much enslaved in their own self interests, and have forgotten the basic human values. How will they nurture your talent and provide good values. So what should I do, well how? How do you fight with your own wife and mother of my child for whom I live and pray? So then you search this in the books of wisdom, well not really papa’s architecture books, Ha! Ha! Ha! Beta. The books written by sages, again the meaning of sage is - a scholar who has mastered or thrive to master the art of living i.e. who is a social architect. Thus books I’m discussing here are like Gita. I have still not find the exact answer, but have reached and touched it, but it’s not conclusive.
Any way even though me and your grandparents are not allowed to speak with you, or to see you, or to be with you, We all look towards the nature and pray to God that our souls touch your soul and our wishes envelope you. I hope I could cure all sickness surrounding you today, but the patient also has to make an effort. My love will reach all of them and your mother and I hope they will all get well soon and swim thru the desires of parasitic materialistic demands, and hungers. I hope they will rise above their own individualism, sadist egos and lust and see your benefit as paramount objective. Remember son my father taught me that, Son! one rupee earned with your own sweat and with true dedication and honesty without compromising your ethics and not hurting a soul will provide you satisfaction and peace. Always remember this. Today it’s a proud day for me as your grandfather and your grandmother who went to see you have conquered ego and are thus in inner peace. May this peace reach you and provide vibrations in your soul so that the negative energies surrounding you get converted into atmosphere of truth and thus bliss. The negative energies around you may not allow me or your Dadaji and Dadiji to communicate with you, but they can’t stop us praying for you. Whenever you touch your mother may my love and affection reach her and cure her from this terrible disease which she has been injected in her soul. I wish and I pray for her recovery.
Continuing our journey of Ramayana, Dearest Shanu today’s story narrates the control over our senses. Enjoy the next part from the series:
{
At Chitrakoot, Rama, Laxmana, and Sita passed their time in prayers, repetition of Lord's name - japa, Yoga and meditation. Laxmana used to collect food items for morning and evening meals. Rama and Sita used to collect fresh flowers for preparing beautiful bouquets and garlands. The hut used to be decorated with these flowers, and at times Sita would be pleased to adore a flower or two in her long and beautiful hairdo.

Sita used to cook the food which consisted of roots, vegetables and milk preparations. In the evening supper consisted of fruits and milk alone. Thus they lived a very simple and peaceful life. Everyone was very happy. Thoughts of dissatisfaction, inconvenience, and longing for palace life never entered their mind anytime.

Many sages and Rishis, engaged in various spiritual practices and austerities, came to Rama for his advice in seeking God. Discussion went on the subjects like devotion - Bhakti, Karma -action, knowledge -Jnana, and meditation etc. Study of Holy Scriptures and Books was added pleasure when Rama used to enlighten them about the nuances and subtleties of the philosophical arguments therein.

Peace and tranquility descended on the land. Nature was equally hospitable to them with plenty of clean and fresh springs, healthy crop, fresh vegetables and fruits. It is believed that for more than twelve years the holy trio lived at Chitrakoot. Later they decided to move southward where the demons were creating lots of difficulties for the common folk to live peacefully. These Rakshasas (demons) used to beat up the sincere spiritual aspirants - sadhus and sanyasins - and used to obstruct their religious rituals. The purpose of Rama to incarnate on the earth was to destroy these selfish and wicked demons and free the land of evil tendencies so that righteous rule of truth, simplicity, love, and worship of God were reestablished again on the earth.

The party thus moved to the forest of Dandakaranya in central India. The place is known as Panchavati near present day Nasik. Two huts known as parnakutis were erected for Rama-Sita and Laxmana respectively. On their way to Panchavati Rama met sage Atri and Agasthi and discussed certain aspects of devotion and karma theory.

One day Rama and Laxmana were sitting a distance apart near their forest dwelling. As it happened Shurpankha, sister of Ravana, was passing from there. She was ugly looking widow, but was ambitious and powerful because of protection assured by her brother, the mighty King of Lanka, Ravana. She fell in love with Rama at first sight!
With her maya power she changed herself in a very beautiful maiden and approached Rama with a lady-in-love like gestures. As she came near, Rama inquired, "O lady, who are you, what can I do for you?" Shurpankha replied, "O handsome, I have fallen in love with you. I am also beautiful, therefore, please marry me."

In those days polygamy was not unusual in common people, and hence such requests were natural. But Rama never dreamt of any other woman as his wife other than Sita. He had vowed to monogamy. Moreover he could very easily see through the plan of Shurpankha. It did not take him more than a second to know the real nature of the beautiful woman in front of him. But he also decided to play some joke on her. Therefore Rama said, "O lady, I am sorry I cannot marry you. I am already wedded to one wife Sita. But my younger brother, Laxmana who is sitting there is still unmarried and he may be pleased to marry you. Why don't you approach him!"

Shurpankha agreed and went to Laxmana with similar request to accept her as his bride. Laxmana also was in a jolly mood. He told her to go again to Rama because at present he did not have any plans to marry. Thus three or four times Shurpankha was shuttled between the two brothers. At last her patience gave way and she came to her original form and threatened to kill Rama and Laxmana. At this folly of her, Laxmana was irritated and as a result cut her nose and ears with the arrow. Bleeding and in rage, she fled to her one of the brothers, in nearby forest. The demon, brother of Ravana and equally powerful as Ravana, marched with huge army to put an end to the tormentors of his sister. A great fight broke out and ultimately the demons were defeated.

Seeing the end of his brother, Shurpankha rushed to her second brother Ravana and narrated the whole story. Ravana was puzzled. He could not understand that a single sanyasin like person could defeat his brother and his army. He thought over the matter and came to the conclusion that Rama must be God incarnate and nobody else. But he promised his sister that he would take revenge of her insult.
Next we will see that the being who thinks of revenge forgets that he is mortal and is a puppet in God’s hand and ultimately suffers. We will also see that a lie destroy not only the liar but all the beings who participate in the lie, even though the honest soul also suffer but that suffering is a test and examination and is momentary. How? We will examine in next letters….
}
Beta, I’m very fortunate that I have father who is one of the most divine souls, He who has conquered ego and filled with deep love and strict disciplinary and practitioner of dharma. There has not been a day when you were not in his thoughts and still he will try his level best for your welfare. When such a soul is also not allowed to see you, it shows the obtuseness in the behavior of sick individuals but still he shows the light and direction to me and all others. You were so fortunate that your first walk and words were taught by him and your grandmother. But I’m so fortunate that I have got so much opportunity to learn from him. He is truly a great social architect and noblest soul.
Always remember a speech by the Meskwaki chief Black Thunder to William Clark and the other peace commissioners at Portage des Sioux, and here I narrate the modified version for you and the receiver(s) of my e-mail if he (they) has courage to narrate and intellect and integrity to understand and accept the line as it is:
{
“My folks—Restrain your feelings, and hear calmly what I shall say. I shall tell it to you plainly, I shall not speak with fear and trembling. I feel no fear. I have no cause to fear. I have never injured you, and innocence can feel no fear. I turn to all, and challenge an accusation against me.
My folks—I don’t understand well how things are working. I have been just set at liberty. Am I again to be plunged into bondage? I know not how or where to turn my head. Frowns are on all sides. I have never forgot what my great father told me. No man has ever been able to change me. You may perhaps, my folks, be ignorant of what I tell you, but it is a truth which I call Heaven and Earth to witness—a fact that can be easily proved—that I have been assailed in every possible way that pride, fear, interest or feeling could touch me—that I have been pushed to the last for to keep up the tomahawk against you: But all in vain. I never could be made to feel that you were my enemy. If this be the conduct of an enemy I shall never be your friend. The things I tell you, my folks, because it is a truth, a melancholy truth, that the good things which men do are often buried in the ground and forgot, while their evil deeds are stripped naked and proclaimed to the world. But in the end peace prevails and the truth and goodness wins.“
}
Dearest Sanidhya, May God be with you and the ashirwad and blessings of your grand parents and my meditations and prayers provide you nested bliss for your soul and protection to your body. I also pray for the folks surrounding you and hope they will be cured of their lust and materialistic desires and peace and tranquility will flower in their heart and mind.
May Lord Shiva protect you and Lord Vishnu feed you and Lord Brahma educates you.
Om!
Your Papa,
Ravi

My Immense wealth I give to you my son on your Birthday in my Letter

2007-06-17T06:07:00.000-07:00

Dearest Beta Sanidhya,

My Immense wealth I give to you my son on your Birthday,
My wealth lies more in the faliures of my life than my succeses.
My wealth lies in people I have known and lost.
My wealth lies in the pain and the heartache of living.
My wealth lies in the memories of those moments of love that were given to me. And given by me. But my wealth also lies in letting those joyous moments and people go.
My wealth lies in all those unfullfilled dreams. In all those longings that aroused my passions.
My wealth lies in all the passions I have ever felt and expressed. And those not expressed.
My wealth lies in every moment of guilt that I carry for actions done or imagined. That burden too is my wealth.
My wealth lies in every breath that I have ever breathed. Each imbued with doubts and questions and hopes and dreams. And fears.
All this wealth I bequeath to you. For you to squander to the winds.

On this most lovely occasion here are the two poems for you from a father, in whose heart you were born and lived before you were conceptualized in the physical world, my beta.

The title of the first poem is “Daffodils”:
{
I WANDER'D lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the Milky Way,
They stretch'd in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed -- and gazed -- but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.
“

Daffodils which are so beautiful even though they grew among the mossy stones. Some of them rest their heads upon these stones, as on a pillow for weariness; and the rest toss and reel and dance, and seem as if they verily laugh with the wind, that blew upon them over the lake; they look so gay, ever glancing, ever changing. So are you and me my son, daffodils, the difference is we are on different stones.

The second poem is “ Is God real, papa ?”

{
It's late in the night
I hold your little hand in mine
we lie in bed as u stare at the ceiling
what is God, Papa
is God real ?

of course my love
God is real
God is love
but does God exist, Papa
or is he in my imagination ?
both, my love
God is real

and in your imagination
God is a feeling
an emotion
the most powerful emotion in the world
God is love

I don't understand, Papa
do u love your little white stick
that you cuddle up with every night ?
Yes, Papa
Is the stick real, or
is it a kitchen burner?
It is a kitchen burner, papa
But in your arms at night,
your love for the stick is real ?
Yes, papa
That love,
my love

is God
for God can make
anything real
if there is love

Did God make me
and you and mummy ?
Yes my love,
God is like a vast ocean
and all of us are drops
from that ocean
which makes you God too
And mummy ?
Yes mummy too
and everything you see
and hear
and feel
and imagine
is God
I don't understand, papa
Neither do I, my love

how do I tell u
that God is not an answer
but a Question
and always will be ?
How do I tell u,
that you knew God
before
the world is teaching you
to define everything ?
How do I tell u
that your Papa
does not know anything
but that God is the connection
between the real and imagined ?
How do I tell u
that God is Love
a Love
that holds the entire Universe
in an eternal embrace ?“

All I have for you is me and my love and my creativity and spirituality. Hope you will like and accept your humble birthday gift.

Your Papa
Ravi

Letter - 57 (Stories of Ramayana -5)

2007-06-17T06:06:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,
How are you Shanu beta? Continuing our journey of Ramayana, Dearest Shanu today’s story narrates the ultimate devotion shown by Bharata towards Rama. It also initiates and opens a chapter to true love and devotion of one being towards another without the physical proximity. Bharata took care of Ayodhya by envisioning Rama as a true ruler without the physical presence of Rama. Enjoy the next part of Ram katha as it is narrated below:
{
Continued from my previous letter….
Rama, Laxmana and Sita proceed further and the Holy Trio reached the mountain top at Chitrakoot. Here they decided to stay for sometime and took last salutes from all accompanying friends and Rishis. They now wanted to remain within themselves and lead the hard and simple forest life as directed by mother Kaikeyi. The poor forest people came with fruits and other food. They saluted the trio for their benevolence.

They were ever vigilant lest the leopards and other jungle animals should hurt these royal guests. Rama also loved these neglected tribal people. He understood their plight and hardships to earn their living and food. He was highly impressed with their knowledge of the plants and herbs, and equally for their concern and care to preserve the forest - eco-friendly nature!
Bharata meanwhile was persuaded to take the reigns of Ayodhya in his hands, as it was thought unwise and improper that the throne of Ayodhya should remain vacant without legitimate king. Bharata did not agree to this. He said that only after meeting Rama this whole affair can be sorted out and settled.

Kaikeyi, Kausalya, Sumitra, Gurudev Vashistha, many officers of the royal army and a huge population of Ayodhya accompanied Bharata on his 'pilgrimage' to meet Rama. Bharata also adored simple dress of sanyasin and started on foot as directed by the minister, Guhaka, and sages Bharadwaja and Valmiki. Thus the party reached the base of Chitrakoot mountain.

The tribal eager to protect their respected Rama-Laxmana-Sita obstructed their path thinking them to be the invaders or enemy. But finding Bharata without bow and arrow and seeing tears in every eye, they desisted from attacking them. Some of the tribesmen rushed to the mountain top and explained the scene below. It took no time for Rama to know that his brother Bharata had come to meet him.

Bharata and his associates were escorted in the presence of Rama with due respect and poise. Seeing Rama-Laxmana-Sita in a simple dress without ornaments and royal paraphernalia, Bharata's heart was filled with intense grief. His eyes gave vent to flood of uncontrollable tears. Rama too could not check his emotions, and rushed to hug his beloved brother Bharata. No one spoke for a long time that appeared as eternity. Continuos flow of tears calmed their hearts and mind after a while.

Bowing down at the feet of Rama and taking the holy dust from them, Bharata politely said,

"O brother, why did you not wait for my return? Did you also think that I would be pleased to get the throne of Ayodhya? How did you forget that without you Ayodhya, or for that matter whole of kingdom of universe, is like a mud puddle for me! Did you not know that mother Kaikeyi had committed a grave mistake which I was sure to rectify? Now I invite you to return to Ayodhya and take the reigns in your hand. O brother, our father could not bear the separation from you and has left for heavenly abode. We have all become orphans now; your return is the only saving grace now. Otherwise everything is like food without salt."

Everyone was watching with dismay and respect the meeting of these two brothers. Nowhere on the earth such brotherly love was ever witnessed nor would be seen in future, they thought. Rama lifted the bent down Bharata, took him to his breast again and consolingly said,

"My dear brother, why do you also behave like common folk? Where has your bravery, discrimination, and self confidence vanished! Why do you think this to be hour of crisis? No my dear, this is not any crisis. The destiny should never be mistaken for tragedy. First of all you must never utter a single word against mother Kaikeyi. She is a lady of great honour and judgment. She has not committed any crime, he is not a sinner as you mistakenly believe. She has done a great favour to Ayodhya and mankind which will be revealed to you and others during these fourteen years.

Yes, these fourteen years are offered to me by her to spread my kingdom of peace, equality and social justice. Even though ordinary folks may rebuke her foe her actions, the wise and learned would bow down to her in reverence for the unparalleled opportunity she opened up for me establishes the rule of Dharma! hence do not grieve. Go back to Ayodhya and rule as a noble, wise, and kind king for the welfare of all irrespective of caste and social status. See that injustice is firmly handled with a blend of kindness. Ensure that aspirations of all are fulfilled."

Gradually Bharata could see reason. The rule of heart shifted to rule of intellect. He took a vow in front of Rama and others, saying, "O Rama, I agree with what you said. but remember, I will take care of Ayodhya on your behalf from my ashrama in a nearby village. The throne will be decorated with the wooden sandals of your feet which I beg you to give to me. I refuse to enter Ayodhya till your return after fourteen years. If you fail to show up after fourteen years I will immolate myself on the burning pyre."

When it was found that the resolve of Bharata was final, Rama agreed to his conditions and gave away his wooden shoes to Bharata who carried them on his head to Ayodhya.'
}
Rest of the Ramayana in my next letter, my dearest son.

May Lord give you and me strength where like Bharata, may the rule of heart shift to rule of intellect and your memories and image inspire me to do my daily chores and increase my hope to meet you someday , one day. May God keep you in good health and spirit. May my prayers reach you and serve you with bliss, happiness and wisdom. May all your worries be mine and positive virtues are yours. I pray and I wish my dear son.

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Letter - 56 (Stories of Ramayana -4)

2007-06-17T06:05:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,
How are you Shanu beta? Continuing our journey of Ramayana, Dearest Shanu today’s story narrates the sad but educative tale of after affects of selfishness and self-centeredness. Bharata’s return and death of Maharaja Dasharatha and the related dialogues depict the darkest nature of emotions and human kind. But there is always a silver chapter which teaches humility and simplicity and bhakti from the behavior of Kewat. Enjoy the next part of Ram katha as it is narrated below:
{
Continued from my previous letter….
What was the reaction of Kaikeyi and others when Bharata returned to Ayodhya? What happened to king Dasharatha after Rama left for the forest?

As we know the minister Sumanta accompanied Rama and company for some time. The idea was to persuade Rama to return back to Ayodhya; the argument was that Kaikeyi would repent her hastiness and accept her mistake. She would not mind Rama coming back and stay at Ayodhya, even if Bharata be the king!

But, no. Rama flatly refused to return back. He said to his minister,

"O honorable one, I can understand your concern and love for me, but do not expect me to follow the course of action that has even minimum indication of cleverness, ambiguity, or suspicion. I have given my word to my father and people of Ayodhya to lead forest life of simplicity and renunciation for fourteen years, and I cannot think or act otherwise. It is not a question of comfort or privilege, it a matter of principle, truth, which one must even die to uphold. Don't I know that Sita who is so tender and inexperienced is suffering? But once decided let us do our duty."

Thus Sumanta, without success, had returned to Ayodhya. Meanwhile, news of these dramatic happenings was sent to Bharata who was far away from Ayodhya. He was told that king Dasharatha sought his urgent meeting. He was not told about the banishment of Rama, role of his mother, and critical condition of his father.

But when he entered the boundaries of the kingdom, he was aware that something was amiss. "Why the birds are not at their usual happy chirping? Why these cattle is dried up and thinned out? Why all people are so silent, instead of their usual fun and play; their eyes swollen as if with constant crying? Why the usual sweet music and singing at the palace not audible to his ears?"

He could guess of impending tragedy, but was not sure as to what exactly might have happened. He straight way went to the chamber of his mother and was pained to see his father lying semiconscious on the floor. He was angry as well as confused. With a firm voice he inquired of her mother,
"O mother, what is all this? Can anyone tell me what has happened to my father, who has brought this disgrace to him, and why is Rama not to be seen?" A series of rapid fire question, but no immediate answer! Who would describe this sudden catastrophe where villain was of his mother Kaikeyi only! Ultimately through the intervention of the ministers gradually Bharata came to know all the details of the happenings. He was flabbergasted that her mother would be so mean to take life of her own husband! How can she not feel the pain of separation from her son Rama! Then with language that was sharper than the razor's edge, Bharata takes her mother to the task.

Says he, "O mother, to call you mother is an insult to motherhood. Indian tradition does not allow to kill one's mother and hence I am desisted from doing so, otherwise any one other you would have not remained alive for more than a minute after doing this to my father and brother Rama. Let the world know that from today you cease to remain my mother, I will not speak to you for fourteen years. From today onwards my mother's place is taken by Kausalya and Sumitra."

Bending low down, he then lifted the head of his father in his lap and said, "O father, what should I do to pacify you? On one side there is that noble Rama and here I am so unlucky and useless to become the king at the cost of my father and brother. Why have I lived to see this unfortunate day! please tell me father what is your command for me."

Thus full of remorse Bharata did not know exactly as to what he should do. In a weak voice then, Dasharatha said, "O my son, my end is near, I cannot live where Rama is not. The life force here draws its sustenance from Rama alone. But my request to you is to go and fetch Rama-Laxmana-Sita from wherever they may be. After my departure from this earthly bond, I do not want the people of Ayodhya and all of you to suffer the agony of separation from Rama."

All eyes were wet. Bharata vowed to seek the forest-dwelling of Rama and to bring him back and offer him his legitimate right to throne. On hearing these words the heart of Dasharatha was pacified to some extent, and he breathed his last with repetition of 'He Rama, He Rama, He Rama.

Soon the trio reached the holy Ashrama of the sage Bharadwaja. The sadhu received them with dignity and poise. The sage was already aware of the true nature of Rama and his mission:

"Whenever there is threat to righteousness, whenever vices prevail, whenever the saints and sadhus (spiritual aspirants) are threatened with unrighteousness, Brahman, with the help of His Maya-Shakti (Power) incarnates as Rama (or Krishna, etc.) on the earth."

Why?

"To show the right path to the devotees and to remove the obstacles in their way by subduing the wicked."

After accepting the hospitality of tribal -low caste- people and thereby establishing a new and revolutionary precedence, Rama-Laxmana-Sita proceeded ahead. They reached the bank of mighty and holy river Ganges. The boatman, Kewat, washed the holy feet of the trio and made arrangements for taking them to the other shore. When Rama offers him the fare, the devotee Kewat, eyes full of tears, describes the glory of Lord in a touching song. Says he,

"Sri Rama, the Almighty Redeemer, who ferries millions of souls across this ocean of worldliness seeks himself to be ferried across the river today! Lord seeks help from his Bhakta! I must have done some good work in my past birth to get this opportunity to serve Rama. O Compassionate One, to deem my fare, I will wait for fourteen years on this bank of river till your return."

Seeking tearful leave from the boatman, Rama and company reached the holiest confluence of three rivers in India - Triveni Sangam of the rivers Ganga - Yamuna - Saraswati at Prayag, North India. The confluence of Bhakti - devotion, Jnana - knowledge, and Karma - action.
}
Rest of the Ramayana in my next letter, my dearest son.

May God keep you in good health and spirit. May my prayers reach you and serve you with bliss, happiness and wisdom. May all your worries be mine and positive virtues are yours. I pray and I wish my dear son.

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Letter - 55 (Stories of Ramayana -3)

2007-06-17T03:50:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,
How are you Shanu beta? As each day passes by, spiritually I‘m getting immersed in your thoughts, but my desire to be with you one day also establishes in more and more sustainable format. My dear son continuing on our journey of Ramayana which is source of inspiration for all humanity, today’s story epitomizes the various shades of human nature like son’s obedience towards father, wife’s companionship towards husband, brother’s love and also negative flavors like selfishness etc. In the next part Rama goes to forest. Enjoy the next part of Ram katha and it is narrated below:
{
Continued from my previous letter….
Laxmana who was watching all the proceedings with some emotions, said, "O brother, Sita and you are like mother and father to me. A child cannot remain alive separated from his parents. Let me accompany you both so that I not only can serve you, but also protect you from the predators and the demons of the jungle. Otherwise, who would look after you when you sleep under the open sky or a small make-shift hut? Will not the tender body of Sita-Ma suffer with efforts of labor all alone! O Rama, take me with you otherwise I would suffer like a fish out of water."

All eyes were wet with tears of distress and grief, except those of Kaikeyi and Manthara. The love between the brothers and supreme sacrifice of dutiful Sita made every heart heavy with tons of grief and pathos.
Next day the trio Rama, Laxmana, and Sita gave up the royal silk and the valuables and put on simple clothes fit for the forest life: robes of sanyasin. Sita still looked pretty without her ornaments, but every heart in Ayodhya was filled with despair and remorse. Every eye was wet with the tears of separation and sorrow. The palace was filled with the silence of grief. Around the palace every inch of land was occupied by the people of Ayodhya. Some were sitting in the path, others were lying down as if to prevent their beloved to leave. Nobody was in a mood to allow them to depart. It was difficult to control the crowd, it was equally difficult to control the emotions.

But promise was a promise, not only for the royal family, but for every citizen of Ayodhya. Everyone knew that although Kaikeyi was harsh in her demands, but she could not be faulted on that account alone. She had every right to demand her two promises which the King Dasharatha must keep, come what may. If it created tragic condition of gloom and helplessness the people were willing to suffer stoically, without violence or revenge. Kaikeyi never was threatened, no, nobody ever thought of harming her. But the crowd made the departure of our heroes very slow. Rama advised all to remain calm and collected; to support the would-be king Bharata, and to look after the ailing king Dasharatha and the helpless queens.

The night fell even as Rama-Laxmana-Sita could barely cross the limits of the city. It was painfully slow process to leave the people. At this juncture, minister Sumanta drove his chariot towards Rama and said, "My Lord, the people are asleep. Let me take you across the border quickly without much ado." Rama agreed and thus leaving all tired people behind, Rama-Laxmana-Sita fled far off under the cover of night sky.

Thus Rama-Laxmana-Sita reached the banks of the river Tamasa. The small, simple village was predominantly populated by the outcasts Bhilla, an aboriginal caste. The chief of this clan was Guhaka, a very wise man although illiterate. These simple, hard-working, honest and poor people were neglected as no officer would visit them in distress or want. The revenue minister and officials would be content to collect their dues and report to Ayodhya 'everything is fine there'.

Thus, although a part of Ayodhya kingdom, these people were denied any chance of contact with the royal house or the king. However, despite their poverty and inconvenience, their chief Guhaka was aware of the noble character and pious nature of Rama. he had also the news as to the recent ill-fated happenings in Ayodhya. Therefore, he was waiting for the arrival of Rama-Laxmana-Sita with great expectations and eagerness. He was keen to serve the nobility, and in particular Rama.

On their arrival, Guhaka arranged for their meals consisting of fruits and milk only as he was not sure whether other items would be accepted by the members the royal family. He saluted Rama from a distance, but Rama went a step ahead and embraced the chief as his old friend! This unexpected gesture of solidarity beyond caste consideration on the part of Rama made Guhaka very happy. He could not control his tear s that fell on the chest of Rama. Laxmana and Sita were silent witness to this high drama of love between the two.

The night fell and arrangements were made for Rama and Sita to retire. The bed of straw was hastily prepared as Rama refused to enter the village and accept the hospitality of the chief, saying, 'O dear friend, I have taken the vow of leading a simple life in a forest. I cannot come inside your palace.'

It is important to note that Rama and Sita did not have any physical contact during these fourteen years of forest life.

Laxmana did not sleep for he had come to protect and serve Rama and Sita. He and Guhaka had night long talk on the decency of Rama's character and divine qualities. According to Laxmana, Rama as the God-incarnate and Guhaka as the devotee made a wonderful duo of peace, love, and tranquility. Guhaka was also impressed with the insights that Laxmana offered about the real nature of Rama as Brahma-incarnate. It is the Absolute GOD that has deliberately planned all this sport of forest-treading, banishment, etc. so that more democratic, peaceful, righteous, society without caste and creed, racial or ethnic hatred should emerge.

Moreover, the king Ravana, the mighty Demon King of Lanka was too powerful wicked, and unrighteous who required to be vanquished. Only Rama was capable of defeating Ravana, and hence all this play of forest life.
}
Rest of the Ramayana in my next letter, my dearest son.

May God keep you in good health and spirit. May my prayers reach you and serve you with bliss, happiness and wisdom. May all your worries be mine and positive virtues are yours. I pray and I wish my dear son.

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Letter - 54 (Stories of Ramayana -2)

2007-06-17T03:49:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,
How are you Shanu beta? Lord will save and protect from the heat of summer and may smile never leave your face and you glow as Lord Indra. Continuing on our journey of story telling and next story from Ramayana, I will narrate you next part. Did you enjoyed the previous stories. I hope that the stories are narrated to you and you are enjoying the stories and lessons from them.
Enjoy the next part of Ram katha and it is narrated below:
{
Years passed by. The princes reached adulthood, and as was customary, it was felt that they should marry. The search for appropriate brides led King Dasharatha to the state of Mithila where king Janaka had four beautiful daughters of marriageable age. Amongst these Sita was the perfection of purity, grace, modesty, and beauty. King Janaka had arranged for Sita's marriage with the condition that she would marry that brave and powerful prince who would break the Bow of Shiva. This Bow of Lord Shiva was unbreakable for ordinary mortals! For the selfish person it was not approachable. Amongst the poor in spirit and cowards It created fear and terror.
Rama and Lakshman decided to participate in this marriage - Swayamvara - as is known. With great pomp and show, accompanied by their Guru (Teacher), the foursome left for Mithila on one auspicious day.

(A very beautiful account is given regarding the stay of these princess as the guests of Janaka. How accidental meeting of Rama and Sita leads to blooming of love in their bosoms; how Sita vows in heart of her heart to marry Rama and Rama alone, etc.)

And the day of reckoning dawns! One by one the princes from various states and kingdom try their luck in attempting to lift and break that Bow of Shiva. But was that ever possible! Was that ever destined! Even the most powerful amongst all the kings, all over the world, the great Ravana of Lanka could not even move the bow one inch above the ground! Everyone laughed at this tragic show and defeat of Ravana.

At last it was the turn of Rama. With due humility and respect, Rama saluted the Bow (i.e. Shiva Himself), and prayed to give him strength and courage to attempt and succeed in this almost impossible task. In one attempt Rama lifted and set apart the bow in two! The whole Royal Court was filled with shouts of 'Glory Unto Rama, Victory to Rama', etc. However, this made king Ravana jealous and insulted; he mentally vowed to defeat Rama some day if opportunity arose.

Thus, in most wonderful setting, the auspicious marriage of Rama and Sita took place. Along with Rama, his three brothers also got married to the three sisters of Sita. Four sons of King Dasharatha married four daughters of King Janaka!

Now Sita, as already mentioned, was pious, obedient, intelligent, simple and sober lady; the perfect embodiment of purity in thoughts, words, and deeds. Other than Rama she could not and did not even think of other male. This faithfulness towards one man - husband - is a very special virtue of Indian Womanhood, and Sita is the true representative of this. It is, of course, also imperative that the husband should not think of other woman except his wife. Therefore, it is common in India to look upon and address every woman other than wife as "Mother or Sister".

Coming back to our story, the joyous marriage procession with decorated chariots, bullock carts, horses and elephants reached Ayodhya. The atmosphere was of celebration and merriment, as if the princes had returned after having won a Great War.
To add to the joy of wedding, King Dasharatha announced that Rama, his eldest son, would succeed him to the throne of Ayodhya. Everyone, including the queens, the ministers, and the citizens of Ayodhya were overjoyed with this news. The auspicious day for this noble ceremony was decided accordingly.

But there was a corner in the palace where this news caused a different reaction. Instead of joy and merriment, the chamber of queen Kaikeyi was tense. The maid-servant of queen Kaikeyi - Manthara by name - was trying to convince the queen how great injustice had been done to her and her son - Bharata. Instead of Rama, her son was the right successor to the throne.
Queen Kaikeyi was puzzled. Her love for Rama and Bharata knew no distinction; to her, her own son Bharata and Rama were equal. In fact, she was overjoyed that Rama would be the next king and Bharata would get opportunity to serve his elder brother. She thought Rama to be the proper choice because of his decent character, nobility, intelligence, bravery, and also because Rama was the son of eldest queen.

Reflecting thus, the queen said to her maid, "O Manthara, why raise this unnecessary controversy on this auspicious and opportune time? Are you not aware of my immense and equal love for both Rama and Bharata? Moreover, Bharata also has no objection and is loyal to Rama."

But Manthara was in a different mood. Boldly she replied, "O honorable queen, pardon me for crossing my limits of modesty, but I must say what I feel to be just and correct towards my Lady and her son Bharata. If Rama becomes the king, your son Bharata would never get opportunity to occupy the cherished throne of Ayodhya. As a mother, should you not help him fulfill his ambition? And have you forgotten the past two boons the king - your husband - Dasharatha has conferred upon you!"

Manthara was correct in reminding Kaikeyi about the two boons king Dasharatha had promised to her in the past. The circumstances were as follows:

Once in his youth, king Dasharatha was engaged in a ferocious battle with a powerful enemy. Queen Kaikeyi, who was young, brave, and very bold had insisted to accompany her husband in this battle. Both, the king and the queen, were in the same chariot when a major breakdown occurred as one wheel of their chariot got damaged. As such, life of the king was in great peril and danger. But the bold and brave queen was quick to throw her life for her husband's safety. She managed to control the chariot and supported the wheel with her arm! Her arm was bleeding and there was intense pain, but she endured. Her presence of mind and sacrifice resulted in not only saving the life of her husband but also his winning the battle.

So pleased was the king with Kaikeyi that he said, "O my beloved, today you have not only saved my life but also have set an example of bravery and presence of mind on the battle field. You have shown that women are not inferior in any way in the matter of bravery and sacrifice. I grant you two boons; ask for any two things or desires and I will fulfill the same for you. Whatever you shall ask I will give it to you. I promise."

With due regards for her husband, the queen told that she would seek her boons later in her life if and when she required anything. And King Dasharatha had agreed to this condition.

Thus, Manthara reminded the queen of those almost forgotten promises the king had made to her. She told the queen it was the most opportune time to claim those two promises NOW. And without any delay also suggested what should Kaikeyi demand:
1. Of the first boon, O queen, ask that instead of Rama her son Bharata be given the throne of Ayodhya, and,

2. Of the second, ask for the banishment of Rama to the forest for fourteen years. (Bharata was not present in Ayodhya during all this period.)
The weakness of human nature is very nicely described in the original text. How a small ambition and love for the son takes control of the mind of Kaikeyi that leads to major upheaval later in her own life, and in the lives of her near and dear ones. She would become a widow! as the tragic separation from his most loved son Rama was sure to take life force away from the heart of the king Dasharatha.

Do you remember the first - story of Shravana which I sent you - where the old father of dying Shravana, mortally wounded by the arrow of the king, had put the curse on Dasharatha: "I send a curse to you, O king, that you shall also die experiencing the pain and suffering of separation from your son."
}
Rest of the Ramayana in my next letter, my dearest son.

May be it will be time for you to go to bed. Say your prayers and sleep without fear and with bliss. May God keep you in good health and spirit. May my prayers reach you and serve you with bliss, happiness and wisdom. May all your worries be mine and positive virtues are yours. I pray and I wish my dear son.

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 53 (Vaisakhi)

2007-06-17T03:47:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

How are you Shanu beta? A very happy Vaisakhi to beta. Vaisakhi is one of the most colourful events in the Sikh calendar. It's a time when Punjabi farmers harvest their crops and most importantly, the day on which the city of Anandpur in Punjab saw the creation of the 'Khalsa' - The Pure Ones. In my school days I use to participate in this festival and use to enjoy chabil and langar a lot. Vaisakhi is also a seasonal festival of the Punjab, a festival of joy and happiness and the beginning of the Sikh New Year. It coincides with the harvesting season and symbolises wealth and prosperity to the majority of farmers in the Punjab. With crops reaping, the rural countryside of Punjab becomes rich and farmers are ready to spend their hard earned cash. New land is bought and farmers also have a few days to socialise and relax. Local events take place around the villages of Punjab and it's a time for people to have fun at local melas. Below I’m narrating the story and history behind Vaisakhi.
Here is the story, enjoy
“
The Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb, installed himself as the Emperor of India in 1657. To achieve his aim he had annihilated almost all his family opposition. Immediately after consolidating his power he embarked on a policy of religious persecution and set upon the process of Islamization of India. The Brahmins were his primary target. He levied unethical religious taxes against Hindus, and shut their temples and places of learning. He had been convinced by his clerics that once the Brahmins accepted Islam the others would follow. The Brahmins, particularly the inhabitants of Kashmir, looked for some dynamic leadership to fight this subversion.
The Brahmins of Kashmir approached Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621-1675), the ninth in the line of Sikh Gurus, who was on the throne of the Sikh religion. They asked him for guidance on combatting the atrocities committed by the Mughal Emperor.

At the time of their meeting, Guru Tegh Bahadur's nine year old son, Gobind Rai, was sitting beside him. As Guru Tegh Bahadur went into a deep state of contemplation, his young son asked the reason of his repose. Guru Tegh Bahadur said that the matter was of vital importance; the world is aggrieved by oppression; and no brave man had yet come forward who was willing to sacrifice his life to free the earth from the burden of' Aurangzeb's persecution of Hindus. Young Gobind Rai replied: "For that purpose who is more worthy than thou who art at once generous and brave." So after entrusting the Guruship to Gobind Rai, Guru Tegh Bahadur proceeded towards Delhi, the seat of the Mughal Empire.
Upon reaching Delhi, the Guru and his loyal attendants were immediately imprisoned by Aurangzeb. While in prison, Guru Tegh Bahadur foresaw the beginning of his ecclesiastic journey. To test his son's courage and capability to carry on the Guru's mission, he wrote him saying, "My strength is exhausted, I am in chains and I can make not any efforts. Says Nanak, God alone is now my refuge. He will help me as He did his Saints." In reply young Guru Gobind Rai wrote: "I have regained my Power, my bonds are broken and all options are open unto me. Nanak, everything is in Thine hands. It is only Thou who can assist Thyself."

Guru Teg Bahadur offered his life for the freedom of conscience and conviction of anyone belonging to a faith other than his own. His spirit of sacrifice and courage was kindled into the heart of Gobind Rai.

Hundreds of people gathered around the place where Guru Tegh Bahadur was martyred in Delhi. The executioner abandoned the Guru's body in the open. No one came forward openly to claim the body to perform religious rites. Even ardent disciples withdrew unrecognized. Taking advantage of the stormy weather that followed the execution, two persons covertly took the body of Guru Tegh Bahadur for cremation. This cowardice fomented in Gobind Rai an urge to endow his Sikhs with a distinct identity.

With the criteria of courage and strength to sacrifice, Gobind Rai became the tenth Sikh Guru. He wanted to instill these principles in his downtrodden followers. He wanted to uplift their morale to combat the evil forces of injustice, tyranny, and oppression.

He was 33 years old when he had Divine inspiration to actuate his designs. Every year at the time of Baisakhi (springtime), thousands of devotees would come to Anandpur to pay their obeisance and seek the Guru's blessings. In early 1699, months before Baisakhi Day, Guru Gobind Rai sent special edicts to congregants far and wide that that year the Baisakhi was going to be a unique affair. He asked them not to cut any of their hair -- to come with unshorn hair under their turbans and chunis, and for the men to come with full beards.

On Baisakhi Day, March 30, 1699, hundreds of thousands of people gathered around his divine temporal seat at Anandpur Sahib. The Guru addressed the congregants with a most stirring oration on his divine mission of restoring their faith and preserving the Sikh religion. After his inspirational discourse, he flashed his unsheathed sword and said that every great deed was preceded by equally great sacrifice: He demanded one head for oblation. After some trepidation one person offered himself. The Guru took him inside a tent. A little later he reappeared with his sword dripping with blood, and asked for another head. One by one four more earnest devotees offered their heads. Every time the Guru took a person inside the tent, he came out with a bloodied sword in his hand.

Thinking their Guru to have gone berserk, the congregants started to disperse. Then the Guru emerged with all five men dressed piously in white. He baptized the five in a new and unique ceremony called pahul, what Sikhs today know as the baptism ceremony called Amrit. Then the Guru asked those five baptized Sikhs to baptize him as well. He then proclaimed that the Panj Pyare -- the Five Beloved Ones -- would be the embodiment of the Guru himself: "Where there are Panj Pyare, there am I. When the Five meet, they are the holiest of the holy."

He said whenever and wherever five baptized (Amritdhari) Sikhs come together, the Guru would be present. All those who receive Amrit from five baptized Sikhs will be infused with the spirit of courage and strength to sacrifice. Thus with these principles he established Panth Khalsa, the Order of the Pure Ones.

At the same time the Guru gave his new Khalsa a unique, indisputable, and distinct identity. The Guru gave the gift of bana, the distinctive Sikh clothing and headwear. He also offered five emblems of purity and courage. These symbols, worn by all baptized Sikhs of both sexes, are popularly known today as Five Ks: Kesh, unshorn hair; Kangha, the wooden comb; Karra, the iron (or steel) bracelet; Kirpan, the sword; and Kachera, the underwear. By being identifiable, no Sikh could never hide behind cowardice again.

Political tyranny was not the only circumstance that was lowering peoples' morale. Discriminatory class distinctions promoted by Brahmins and Mullahs were also responsible for the peoples' sense of degradation. The Guru wanted to eliminate the anomalies caused by the caste system. The constitution of the Panj Pyare was the living example of his dream: both the high and low castes were amalgamated into one. Among the original Panj Pyare, there was one Khatri, shopkeeper; one Jat, farmer; one Chhimba, calico printer/tailor; one Ghumar, water-carrier; and one Nai, a barber. The Guru gave the surname of Singh (Lion) to every Sikh and also took the name for himself. From Guru Gobind Rai he became Guru Gobind Singh. He also pronounced that all Sikh women embody royalty, and gave them the surname Kaur (Princess). With the distinct Khalsa identity and consciousness of purity Guru Gobind Singh gave all Sikhs the opporunity to live lives of courage, sacrifice, and equality.

The birth of the Khalsa is celebrated by Sikhs every Baisakhi Day on April 13. Baisakhi 1999 marks the 300th anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh's gift of Panth Khalsa to all Sikhs everywhere.
“
Also accept and understand the poem for you from Papa. Vaisakhi is like you blossoming with life, love and energy, filled up with exuberance of energy with purity of true affection and fear or hesitation. Here is the poem:
“
Stretching, rubbing my eyes,
with a wide yawn, I fill my lungs
with freshness of meadows.
Chitter Chatter of the birds
slowly filling the air
coupled with moo moo's so dear.
A perfect natural note
suddenly breaks to
the gradual pumping of water
blending perfectly with slow
rhythmic sound of the drums,
increasing its pace to the
sweet dancing maidens
accentuating ambience, while
precariously balancing their load.
A momentary pause and then
breaking monotony with their trinkets
kicking dust, completing the beat
in loud Crescendo.
Flowing colorful dupata
blending with the light
complimenting vast expanse
of yellow, flowing, rhythmic fields
fill this cool breezy morning.
The new season has arrived
“
Try to enjoy the arrival of summer and always be happy my dearest beta. May the blessing of Lord protect you from pain and obstructions. May you grow and always be healthy. Don’t forget to say your prayers everyday. You will always be with me and my shadow will be always be with you. Keep smiling and I hope to see your smile one day, hope and pray to Lord that day will come soon.
Your Father,
Ravi

(Stories of Ramayana -1) Letter - 52

2007-06-17T03:44:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

How are you Shanu beta? From today I will tell you a story of Ramayana starting with the childhood of Rama. The stories of the Ramayana will act as a source of enjoyment and teachings for you.
Here is the story. Enjoy and learn my dearest son.
“
King Dasharatha had three wives, namely Kausalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi. The queens were beautiful, royal, graceful, and faithful to the king. Simplicity, selflessness, modesty, and willingness to sacrifice their everything for the king and the kingdom all such virtues, typical of Indian Womanhood, were embodied in them. They never complained about inconvenience, suffering, pain, and deficiencies any time, although such situations were rare in a royal house.
However, despite a long married life, none of the queens was blessed with motherhood. Silently, as is every Indian woman's wont, they longed for their own son or daughter. The king was also aware of the undercurrent of gloom all around the palace and the kingdom. As was customary in those ancient times, the king was advised to perform sacrificial rituals (called Yagna). Accordingly, arrangements were made for the vast resources required for such Yagna. Due invitations were sent to the most learned and expert 'Pandits' and Brahmins who would perform such a Yagna. Many months passed by in these rituals, and at last the Yagna-Devata (The God) was pleased and the rituals and sacrifices bore fruits. Out of the Yagna-Kunda arose one Divine Form who said:

"O king, I am very much pleased with your deep faith and devotion in me. I offer you these four fruits which would fulfill the desires of the royal family. Your queens would bear sons in due course of time after ingesting the fruit."

The king, the queens, and for that matter whole of the kingdom of Ayodhya was agog with pleasure and joy that knew no bounds. Kausalya and Kaikeyi received one fruit each, and remaining two came to the lot of Sumitra.

In due course of time Rama was born to Kausalya, Bharata to Kaikeyi, and Sumitra gave birth to two sons--Laxmana and Shatrughna.

The palace was filled with joy and merriment. The queens were overjoyed with the arrival of these four lovely princes. Rama was born of the eldest queen and hence attracted special attention, as the eldest son always had the first claim to the royal throne.

The four brothers grew under the loving care of their parents and relatives in the royal comforts of the palace. There was no want nor deficiency of any kind. All the four princes were sharp, intelligent, brave, and healthy. They were obedient and respectful towards their parents and teachers; and the love amongst these four brothers knew no precedence.

As they grew up, the old king made arrangements for their best education in humanities, art, science, and expertise in war-games. They acquired all special skills in archery, etc. at the holy feet of their teachers: Vashishtha and Vishwamitra.

Years passed by and the children grew in lovable, bold, and brave adolescence. Their command over bow and arrow was not to be equaled by anyone on the earth. (Sri Rama was the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the savior of the universe, who had come to the earth to eliminate the evil and restore Dharma - righteousness. But this divine play cannot be known to many. Only a few sages were aware that Divinity had taken birth on this earth. Rest (like us) including the king, the queens, the citizens of Ayodhya took Rama and his brothers as ordinary humans.)

Meanwhile the forest dwelling rishis and sages encountered great obstacles and difficulties in performing their rituals of Yagnas. The evil tendencies in the form of demons used to interfere in their practice and rites by way of beating up the rishis and their associates. Moreover, the demons used to pour blood and flesh in the sacrificial fire which made the Yagna 'impure'.

Therefore, a delegation of such rishis and sages led by the great sage Vishwamitra requested king Dasharatha to send Rama and Laxmana to their rescue. They convinced the king that although Rama and Laxmana were young and inexperienced, their bravery was unparalleled and unchallenged. These two brothers alone were capable of fighting the mighty demons and teach them a lesson for ever.

The tender heart of the Mother tried to resist this tough request. No mother wants her beloved son to take to such an arduous task at such a tender age. But the noble and dutiful king acceded to the just request of the rishis.

Thus the first encounter was on cards where fight between the good and bad tendencies was to occur. Of course the truth and good always prevails. And as such the young princes defeated the demons and returned to Ayodhya in due course of time. The fame and glory of Sri Rama and his brothers spread all over Ayodhya as well as to far off places.

The mighty demon king Ravana in far off Lanka also learnt about this upcoming force, a challenge to his supremacy.
“
As always your image stays with me and motivates me towards truth and justice and service. I’m and will always pray for your health and values. May Lord bless you and be with you always. May Goddess Gayatri shower values and virtues on you, May lord Vishnu be with you and provide bliss to you, May Lord Shiva protect you. I pray, my dearest and lovely son.

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 51

2007-06-17T03:43:00.001-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

How are you Shanu beta? Lord will provide you calmness and coolness in the summers so that your body will have divine energy and fragrance Today I will tell you a story of king Dasharatha and a young boy Shravana. This story will tell you lessons and idealism for the love of your parents. It will also explain some mistakes are not intended but still affect the innocent.
Here is the story. Enjoy and learn my dearest son.
“
Long ago, nobody knows when, in the ancient kingdom of Ayodhya, there ruled a powerful but noble and wise king, King Dasharatha. He belonged to the Raghu dynasty where "keeping promises was cherished as more important than life itself". It was all too well known a fact that his forefathers had sacrificed their lives for upholding the path of righteousness and truth - Dharma.

Once during his youth, this king Dasharatha went for hunting. He was expert in archery. He had also acquired a peculiar gift of hitting the arrow even in the dark or blindfolded at the sound of the movement of the target or the prey.

On the fateful day, as it happened, the king could not hunt any animal. He was tired and was bit dejected and irritated at this failure. Just then, from a distant pond there arose the sound, as if some animal were drinking water. The king could not directly see who was there, but he guessed that it must be some animal- his hunting prey! The usually well balanced mind of the king thought for a while to reach the pond and then hunt down the prey. But the king was so much tired that he decided to use his skill of hitting the arrow at the sound and finish his job. He put the arrow on the bow, waited for the next sound to reach his ear, and hit the target in a flash.

And what a tragedy! The arrow did hit the target, but the cry which tore the peace and tranquility of the jungle was not of an animal, but of a young boy! The kind heart of the king melted like the butter over fire.

Disturbed, he rushed to the pond and saw, as feared, a young boy fatally wounded with his arrow in the chest. Tears flowed down the eyes of the king. He took the boy in his lap, put a few drops of water in his mouth to wet his drying lips, and inquired: "O, young one, what brought you to this lonely place? Are you alone or, are there any co-travelers with you? What a grave mistake I have committed! How can I rectify this now?"

On hearing the king spoke thus, the boy pacified the king and said:

"O, King, I am a Brahmin boy. My name is Shravana. My parents are old and blind. I am taking them to pilgrimage all over this noble land of Bharata (India). I carry them on my shoulders in huge baskets attached to the bamboo with the ropes (kawad in our dialect). My parents are waiting at some distance for me. I was here to fetch water for them. I am their only support. Now I am worried that they may not survive after hearing the news of my death. I am also not sure whether you can help them because sooner or later they would come to know that you are responsible for all this. O, noble king, please take me to them as I am afraid my life-force may leave the body any time now."

With these words of great remorse and pathos, the young Shravana died in the lap of the king.

Confused and with heavy heart, tortured by the thought of the ignoble deed for which his impatience and indiscretion were responsible, the king slowly went to the old parents. He put the body of the Shravana in front of them. The sensitive ears of the father immediately guessed that something was amiss.
Said the old man: "Who is there? Surely these heavy steps are not of son."
The king replied, "O, noble Brahmin, you are right. I am king Dasharatha."
"Where is my son, O king. What has happened to him?", inquired the mother.

With great sorrow and heavy heart the king narrated the unfortunate event that led to the sad death of their son. Hearing this tragic news the mother collapsed there only, never to come back to life again. The father, under great agitation and distress, thus cursed the king:

"O King, you have indiscriminately killed a Brahmin boy. Our sorrow cannot be described in words; our son was our only support. You have left us with no choice but to die. You have separated us from our most beloved son. I send a curse to you, O king, that you shall also die experiencing the pain and suffering of separation from your son." Soon the old man also left his body for good.

What could the king do, but shed tears and return back to his palace! Years passed by and the king started forgetting this sad incidence in his life about which he did not mention to anyone including his three wives.
“
As always your image stays with me and motivates me towards truth and justice and service. I’m and will always pray for your health and values. May Lord bless you and be with you always. May Goddess Gayatri shower values and virtues on you, May lord Vishnu be with you and provide bliss to you, May Lord Shiva protect you. I pray, my dearest and lovely son.

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 50

2007-06-17T03:42:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

How are you Shanu beta? Lord will take care of you in this summer, drink lot of water, juice and eat lots of fruits which are citrus. Today I will tell you an interesting story of sky and an old woman. You will definitely enjoy and like this very different folk tale from Irish literature. I would have definitely like to narrate this also with lots of pictures, arts, colors and voices but the way things are today may be Lord will unite us and it will be fun to play this story with you and me.
Here is the story. Enjoy and learn my dearest son.
“
Long ago, the Sky was quite low. If you stood on a stool and stretched your hands up as high as they would go, you could touch the Sky.
At that time, far on the Horizon, where the Sky was always especially low, there was a village. In that village, in a little mud hut thatched with straw, there lived a bent Old Woman.
This bent Old Woman was the oldest woman in that village, possibly the oldest woman in the world. She was so old she no longer remembered any other way of being. She lived all alone in her little mud hut, for she had neither friend nor family left in this world. She had nowhere to go and no one to talk to. So all day long, she would potter round her hut, first cleaning this corner, now dusting that, now scrubbing this bit of floor, now sweeping that. The bent Old Woman thought of nothing else any more, except more and more ways of sweeping and scrubbing her little mud hut.
One hot summer, the land was dry with thirst. There was dust everywhere - on the trees, on the roofs of huts and houses, in people's throats and eyes, even in the air. All over the village people were coughing and sneezing and choking with the dust. Even the poor old Sky was not spared - it was so close to the ground that the slightest bit of wind would set it coughing with the dust that rose from the parched land.
The bent Old Woman's hut too was covered with dust. The old woman swept and swept and swept the little hut with her broom. She swept the inside of her hut, she swept the outside of her hut, she swept the front step and she swept the front yard. But the dust rose all around her in great brown clouds - the more she swept and plied her broom, the more the dust that rose from the earth.
The poor Sky began to choke with all the dust that the bent Old Woman was raising with her broom. The dust got into its throat and tickled its nose and made it sneeze - a great big sneeze that shook the world with its thunder. People covered their heads and ran indoors in fright. But the bent Old Woman barely noticed - she kept on sweeping with her broom.
The Sky sneezed again - the dust was becoming unbearable. It got into its eyes and made them water - so that great heavy drops of rain began falling into the dry dust below. The bent Old Woman barely noticed - till finally a big splodgy raindrop fell right on to the patch she had just swept.
The bent Old Woman glared at the Sky and scrubbed the splodgy raindrop away. But then another raindrop fell, and another, till her swept and scrubbed front step was blotchy with raindrops.
This was more than the bent Old Woman could bear. She stood up as straight as she could with her bent old back and shook her fist at the Sky yelling at it to stop raining on her nice clean front step. She cursed the Sky and threatened it, but the poor old Sky couldn't stop raining - its eyes were still so full of dust with all her sweeping.
At last, the bent Old Woman was so angry, that she picked up her broom, and thwacked the Sky with it.
The Sky gave another great sneeze and jumped out of her way. But the bent Old Woman kept thwacking it with her broom, again and again and again.
Finally the Sky could take it no more - the dust, the Old Woman's cursing, and especially her broom, thwacking it again and again and again. Sneezing and coughing, thundering and raining, the Sky flew up, up and away - out of reach of the Old Woman's broom and swore never to come down again.
So that is why the Sky is so high. Even on the Horizon, where it seems to be touching the earth, it really isn't any more.
“
As always your image stays with me and motivates me towards truth and justice and service. I’m and will always pray for your health and values. May Lord bless you and be with you always. May Goddess Gayatri shower values and virtues on you, May lord Vishnu be with you and provide bliss to you, May Lord Shiva protect you. I pray, my dearest and lovely son.

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 49

2007-06-17T03:41:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

How are you Shanu beta? Today I will tell you about King Ashoka. Ashoka was one of the greatest kings of ancient times. His empire consisted of most of present-day India, and extended as far west as Afghanistan, and included parts of Persia as well. In later life, he became a Buddhist and he is remembered for his just and wise rule. Ashoka inscribed his 'dhamma', his code, on rocks and pillars. These can still be seen in India today. Ashoka inscribed his edicts in Pali, the language spoken by the common people, so that everyone could understand his words. Ashoka ruled from 269 to 232 BC.
Below I’m narrating you a story about Ashoka, that is related in the 'Ashokavadana', a book about the life and reign of Ashoka, written sometime in the 2nd century AD. Here is the story. Enjoy and learn my dearest son.
“
Long ago, in a little village in India, there lived a child called Jaya. One day Gautam Buddha came to his village.
The villagers gathered round the Buddha, welcoming him into their village. They made a comfortable seat for him in the cool shade of a leafy peepul tree. The women washed the dust of travel from his feet, and offered him fruit to eat and cool water to drink.
The child watched fascinated. He could not take his eyes off the face of the Buddha, the quiet calm countenance, the deep dark eyes, the air of contentment. He couldn't understand much of what the Buddha said, but marveled instead at the sound of his voice, soft, serene, and full of conviction. The men and women listened enthralled. The Buddha spoke all day and through the night. The child sat there - among the grown ups, all hunger and thirst forgotten. Some time during the night, he fell asleep, and when he awoke, he saw that the Buddha was getting ready to leave.
'Don't go,' cried the child in his heart, but he knew that that was not what the Buddha would want of him. He was desperate - he didn't want the Buddha to go. The child felt an emotion he hadn't felt before - he felt love. How could he tell the Buddha that he loved him? That he would follow him to the ends of the earth?
The child saw the grown-ups gather round the Buddha. Some were offering him more fruit to carry with him, some were offering him grain. The child had nothing to give the Buddha, nothing at all in the world. So he gathered the dust from the earth, and holding it out in his two little hands ran to the Buddha with his offering.
The Buddha was touched by the faith he saw in the child's eyes. He smiled and accepted the child's offering, and blessed him.
The child never saw the Buddha again, but carried his image in his spirit forever.
It is said that this child was reborn as Ashok, one of the greatest of the emperors of ancient India. Ashok fought many wars of conquest, but after one particularly bloody war in Kalinga, where thousands lay hurt or dead, Ashok gave up war forever. He embraced the teachings of Buddha, and spent his long reign in improving the life of his subjects. Ashok also sent missionaries to spread the teachings of the Buddha far and wide.
“
Rarely it has happened that a father has accepted that he has learnt from his infant child, but at least that’s the truth from me. I have learnt a lot from you, sometimes you come as Budha to me with a very stable posture and filled with virtues of fearlessness and truth. Never compromise on them, but always be humble and compassionate. These embedded qualities will lead you towards path of leadership and the directionless crowd will learn from you and will follow you.

As always your image stays with me and motivates me towards truth and justice and service. I’m and will always pray for your health and values. May Lord bless you and be with you always. May Goddess Gayatri shower values and virtues on you, May lord Vishnu be with you and provide bliss to you, May Lord Shiva protect you. I pray, my dearest and lovely son.

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 48

2007-06-17T03:40:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

How are you Shanu beta? Today I will tell you about Robert Bruce. Robert Bruce was known as 'Good King Robert' and was undoubtedly one of Scotland's greatest rulers, bringing peace and freedom to his country.
Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick, was descended from a Norman knight, Robert de Bruce, who came to England with William the Conqueror. His grandfather had been one of the 13 claimants to the Scottish throne in 1291, during the reign of the English king Edward I. Edward had chosen John de Balliol, an English baron, declaring him rightful king of Scotland in 1292. Later, Balliol refused to acknowledge the superiority of the English, and in 1296, was defeated by Edward at Dunbar. Edward then took over Scotland, receiving the oath of fealty from over 2000 Scots. At the same time a nationalistic movement demanding freedom from England slowly began gaining strength among the Scots. Leaders such as William Wallace fought the English but were defeated and executed.
After Wallace's death, Robert Bruce revived his grandfather's claim to the throne, and declared himself king of Scotland in 1306.
Edward I sent a large army north, defeated Bruce at the Battle of Methven, and forced him to become an outlaw. But Bruce did not give up, and came out of hiding a year later to win an important victory against the English. Clans from all over Scotland now came to his aid, and Bruce's growing army fought bravely and successfully against the English. Meanwhile Edward I died, to be succeeded by his son Edward II. The new king was no match for Robert Bruce - in 1314, at the Battle of Bannockburn, Bruce's army of 5,000 defeated Edward II's much larger army of 20,000, driving the English finally and firmly out of Scotland.
Here is the story. Enjoy and learn my dearest son.
“
On the lonely island of Rachrin, off the Irish coast, stood a mean and miserable hut. The chill wind of winter rattled its wooden door, demanding to be let in, sending icy fingers in through cracks and knotholes in the flimsy wooden walls. Inside, a man, his cloak wrapped close about him, lay on a straw pallet set against the wall opposite the door. A fire smoked in the centre of the rough earthen floor, and the remains of a frugal meal lay on a small wooden table.
The man was no other than Robert Bruce, crowned king of Scotland, made an outlaw in his own country by Edward I, king of England. Edward I, better known as Edward Longshanks because of his long legs, had defeated Robert and harried him and hunted him, forcing him at last to leave the lochs and craggy mountains of his native land. He had left behind his queen in Kildrummie, his only remaining castle, in charge of his brave and valiant younger brother Nigel. But alas, Kildrummie had been taken by the English, his brother executed, and his queen held captive.
Robert was close to despair: was the freedom of Scotland worth the great price that he was paying? Was it worth the lives of all those slain in battle, worth the misery of their wives and orphaned children? And what of all the men that he himself had killed, one at least not in the heat of battle, but in cold blood?
Perhaps, thought Robert, he should give up his fight for freedom and go instead to the Holy Land, there to fight by the side of the brave knights against the enemies of Christendom. Perhaps that would make up for the killing and the deaths that his ambitions and dreams had brought about. Yet, how could he abandon Scotland, while there was still a hope, a chance, however slender, of success?
The wind howled louder; the fire had died down. Robert lay still and silent on his mean straw bed, oblivious of the cold and discomfort of his surroundings, troubled and disturbed by his thoughts. Suddenly his eye was caught by a spider - the creature was hanging by a long silvery thread from one of the wooden beams above his head, and trying to swing itself to another beam. The spider tried again and again, failing every time. Six times, counted Robert, the spider tried and failed. 'Six times,' thought Robert to himself, 'have I fought against the English and failed.'
Robert looked at the spider more intently. 'Now if this spider fails again on the seventh attempt, I too shall give up the fight for Scotland. But if it succeeds, I shall try again.' The spider, as though aware of Robert's thought, swung itself again with all its tiny strength - and finally, on the seventh attempt, it succeeded. It swung on to the beam it had been trying to reach, and fastened its thread, thus stretching the first line of the web it was trying to weave.
Robert Bruce smiled, and sat up. He threw off his despair and grief, and determined to set out for Scotland again and continue his fight against the English. He fought against the English for the next eight years, defeating them and finally driving them out of Scotland in 1314, at the Battle of Bannockburn.
“
Similar teachings are there various chapters, tales and mythologies of India. We should always try and try and try on way may be we will face dejection but we should always try. Never think about success and but dream about the direction and various ways to achieve that success. Enjoy the fruits of success to motivate you and not to be detained in the chains of lust or selfishness.

As always your image stays with me and motivates me towards truth and justice and service. I’m and will always pray for your health and values. May Lord bless you and be with you always. May Goddess Gayatri shower values and virtues on you, May lord Vishnu be with you and provide bliss to you, May Lord Shiva protect you. I pray, my dearest and lovely son.

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 47

2007-06-17T03:39:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

How are you Shanu beta? Happy Mahaveer Jayanti, today Lord Mahaveer was liberated from the cycle of birth and death. Dearest Beta, every religion has teachings which when embedded in the social structure improves the beings and increases the bliss and improves the nature. Lord Mahaveer gave birth to Jainism and showed a unique way of living via ahimsa. It preaches a lifestyle with no place for violence in action and in thought. Simple living which involves simplicity like taking care of plants, eating vegetarian food (how can killing an innocent living creature help a being to satisfy the hunger), practice of non-violence as a way of living and so on. In fact the celebration of Lord’s Jayanti or how Jain’s celebrate their festivals, it involves no pomp and show, it’s a very quite and simple ceremony where silence and practice of calmness erodes all the pollutants from the thoughts. Serving the beings, giving water to plants and animals, starting day by serving food to the hungry, ending the day by thanking God for giving us one more day of opportunity to improve nature are some of the practices which we can learn from the teachings of Lord Mahaveer.

Beta, Today I’m narrating another story and will try to quote some lessons and teachings in the form of stories based on old Vedic fables and translated from ancient manuscripts. Today’s story also has been taken from Brahmavarchas and translated by Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya. So lets start now and go straight to the story so that you can have some fun.

Enjoy and learn and spread the learning from the story.

Here is the story:

“
There was a village besides a hill. In the hill and in the forest on the other side of the village, there lived many animals. The majority of the smaller animals like birds, rats, rabbits, squirrels, lizards, jackals, cats, monkeys and mongoose lived on the hill near the village. The larger animals like tigers, elephants, bears, and deers preferred to live in the dense forest.

The animals of the forest had chosen tiger as their king. The tiger was the strongest animal amongst the bigger animals of the forest. He guarded the forest very well throughout the night and did not allow the tigers of the other areas to enter the forest. For his meals, the tiger frequently killed the smaller animals living on the hill.

The smaller animals living on the hill lived in the constant fear of the tiger. They desired to have a king who could protect them from the tiger. They wanted to make the largest and the strongest animals as their king. In a small cave, at the bottom of the hill, there lived a cunning jackal. He wanted to be a king of the little animals living on the hill. However he knew that they would not easily accept him as the king, because he was very weak and small, like his other neighbors. Besides other animals of the hill did not trust him because he frequently lied.

Nevertheless, the jackal was too eager to become king by hook or crook.

There were large trees and thick bushes on the plain at the base of the hill. The villagers use to throw away the leftovers of their food around the hill. Everyday during the night, the jackal went to the bushes in search of the food and returned back to his house in the morning at sunrise.

One morning, while coming back, he saw a very large dark animal, standing near the bushes in front of the rock besides his house.

At first glance, the jackal was terrified. He had never seen such a large animal on the hill. The animal looked like a large jackal. “Who could it be?” he wondered.
He cautiously and slowly moved forward towards his den at the foot of the hill. As he came closer to the hill, he found that the large animal gradually became smaller in size.

On reaching the door of his house he realized, that the large animal was only his shadow. The early sun rising at his back had cast its shadow on the thick bushes in front of his den. The shadow was very large when he saw it from a distance and it became smaller on approaching the hill.

An idea flashed across the jackals’s mind. He thought that if his shadow could deceive him by appearing like a large animal, it could also convince the small animals of a possibility of a large animal existence at the foot of the hill.

The jackal thought of a plan to become a king by proving himself powerful with the help of his shadow. He waited for an opportunity to work out his plan.

One day the animals of the hill called a meeting of the residents of the hill to choose their king. However none amongst them was considered sufficiently strong and powerful for becoming their king.

Finally came the turn of the jackal. The jackal said, “ None amongst us has strength and power to be a king. We are all small and weak. However, we may choose the one animal, which is the largest amongst ourselves, as our king.”

I have employed a big, power animal to guard my den at night, when I go out in search of food. My friend is bigger and stronger than all of us. Untill I return to my den in the morning he stands guard at the door of my den.

My guard is so ferocious that even tigers don’t dare to enter my den. If you accept this animal as king he will be able to protect all of us.”

The animals were not aware of any such large animal living on the hill. Since the jackal was a habitual liar, they did not believe him.

The monkey expressed his doubt. He said, “ I have never seen the animal you are talking about. We shall believe you only after seeing this animal with our own eyes. Let us see how he looks like?”

The cunning jackal said that my friend is very shy, he does not comes out of the house. He would not talk or meet with anyone except me. He never comes out of the house. Only when I return back to my den he comes out and greets me. Tomorrow all of you may gather in front of my house at sunrise and I will show you what my friend looks like.

Next morning all the animals gathered beneath a banyan tree on the plain at the foot of the hill to see the large animal. The animals of the hill had never gone down the hill, thus have not seen large shadows falling on bushes. Also the banyan tree was so big that their own shadows were not visible.

While the animals waited beneath the tree, returning back to his house in the morning, the jackal carefully chose a path, from where his shadow on the bushes could be seen clearly.

The sun rose, and the animals saw a huge shadow of the jackal on the thick bushes in front of his den. As the jackal came to the door of the den, the shadow disappeared.

Standing at the door of the den, the jackal said, “ My friend the guard has gone in to sleep. Did you notice how big and fearsome he is? If you agree, I may ask him to be our king. I assure you with my guard guarding the hill, tiger will not be able to enter the hill. “

All animals were greatly impressed. However the jackal agreed to speak to the guard on one condition.

He said, “ Everyday you will have to bring the food for the guard at my doorsteps.”

The animals unanimously, agreed to declare guard animal as their king and agreed to bring the food daily at jackal’s den.”

Jackal enjoyed the food by tricking the innocent animals daily. In this way a few days passed. However you cannot fool all the people for all by telling lies.

A monkey became suspicious by observing that the jackal is becoming fatter and fatter day by day. He also knew that the jackal was a habitual liar. He decided to investigate. Everyday climbing on the top of the banyan tree he started observing jackal. One morning when jackal was returning to his den a patch of cloud covered the sun and the shadow disappeared. After sometime when the sun came out, the shadow again appeared.

The monkey jumped down from the tree and stood facing the hill, with his back towards the rising sun. A large shadow of his body formed on the bushes in front of the hill. He moved towards the hill and the shadow became smaller. He had solved the mystery of the big guard.

He called all the animals and explained them everything. The animals became very upset with the jackal and stopped providing him food and he had to leave the hill.

So dearest beta below are the moral of the story:

If someone has a bad habit of telling lies, he develops a bad reputation. When people come to know that person, they never believe the person.”

“

As always your image stays with me and motivates me towards truth and justice and service. I’m and will always pray for your health and values. May Lord bless you and be always with you. May Goddess Gayatri shower values and virtues on you, May lord Vishnu be with you and provide bliss to you, May Lord Shiva protect you. May Lord protect you from the heat of summer and envelope you with his Surkha Kavach. Sun god will provide you energy and Moon god will provide envelope you with coolness for sleep. I pray, my dearest and lovely son.

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 46

2007-06-17T03:38:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

How are you Shanu beta? Did you understood the moral and lessons from the previous story. Today I’m narrating another story and will try to quote some lessons and teachings in the form of stories based on old Vedic fables and translated from ancient manuscripts. Today’s story also has been taken from Brahmavarchas and translated by Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya. So lets start now and go straight to the story so that you can have some fun.

Enjoy and learn and spread the learning from the story.

Here is the story:

“
On the bank of the river there lived an old Saint. He was very gentle and helping in nature. He felt very sad when he saw someone suffering. He never harmed anyone. Nor did he speak ill of others.

The Saint was extremely polite and soft spoken. He never got angry even when someone criticized him or spoke to him harshly. The Saint also did not accept anything, which belonged to other persons.

Such good habits had made the mind of the Saint very pure. God had given him supernatural powers. People came to him from far and near asking for many favors. He prayed for them so that their wishes are fulfilled.

God bestows supernatural talents upon such persons who are pure in mind and never think of harming others. Millions of people around the world pray daily to God asking for something or the other but God answers to prayers expressed thru heart and with pure mind. If one desires to have the God’s grace for something, one has to develop the purity of thoughts, words and deeds. On the other hand, if one is cunning and has a habit of lying, God considers his prayers also as a lie. Prayers of liars and wicked and selfish persons do not yield results.

God also gives extraordinary powers to people who help others. If one sincerely prays for helping others without any selfish personal interest, God immediately sends help in some way. HE removes the difficulties faced by one who helps others and also inspires many other persons to work with him.

If the devotee has a pure mind and loves everyone, God makes his wishes come true. When a person loves everyone, speaks kindly, politely, and sweetly to everyone, never harms anyone and works for the welfare of the others, God gives that person supernatural powers. Only such person is regarded as the true devotee by God. Whenever true devotee wishes, God makes it happen.

Coming back to the story: One day when Saint was taking bath in the river near his hut, he saw a small mice drowning in the river. Mice couldn’t swim. It was weeping and praying to God to save it from death. Since the mice was praying with a pure heart, God heard its prayers and decided to help thru a devotee.

The Saint heard the wailing of the drowning mice.

Driven by the pity, he gently took the mice out of the water and brought it to his hermitage.

Under the regular care of Saint the mice grew up to become an adult mouse. The Saint named it Mickey. Mickey became so much attached to the Saint that it followed him everywhere.

Now Saint thought of finding a home for Mickey. Mickey said,”Sir I can’t live alone. During the night when I am lonely in the hole of my residence, I feel scared. Fear keeps me awake throughout night.”

The Saint said, “What do you fear? You should never be afraid of anything. You must have faith in God who has created you. You cannot see God, but HE is everywhere to protect you. HE protects everyone. Did’nt HE sent me to save me you when you were drowning in the river?”

Mickey said , “Sir, I can’t see God. You have saved me. Therefore, I feel protected where I find you near me. I wish that someone who I can see and who is as strong as you, to be always near me.”

The Saint smiled and said,”I spend lot of my time in prayers and meditation. Therefore I can’t remain by your side. However I can pray to God to provide you the company of someone who is strong and powerful.”

Mickey said, “Sir! If you cannot give me the company all the time, please find someone as powerful as you are to protect me.”

The Saint replied, “ Very well! I will pray to God to send someone to protect you. When I find one who is strong and powerful, I will call you. But you will have to make a choice and tell me who you would like to have for your company?”

Next morning at sunrise, the Saint called Mickey. Pointing at the sun, he said, “Would you like to have sun as your protector?”

Sun is the most powerful. Without the light, heat and energy of the sun, nothing on the earth can survive. If the sun was not there, no plant could grow. In absence of the sun all insects, birds, animals and human beings will have nothing to eat. They will die of hunger. The sun rays also protect everyone from disease. If there were no Sun, all of them will become sick and die.
The energy of the sun gives strength to the body and mind of all living things. That is why; God has made the arrangement of alternate day and night. During the day, all living beings draw in energy from sun for physical and mental strength for working. The nights are meant for physical rest. Those who sleep during the day after the sunrise cannot become strong and wise.

At dawn, the sun rays transmit special energy. That is why it is said, “ Early to bed and early to rise makes one healthy, wealthy and wise. Only a healthy person can become wealthy and wise. The sun is so powerful. Would you like to have sun as your friend?”

Mickey said, “No, sir! Sun is too hot. It is a ball of fire. When the sun is there I will feel very uncomfortable. It is so hot that, I have to find a shade. How can I stay near the sun? I want someone for company who is cool. Who can also save me from heat.”

On the next day there was cloud in the sky. The Saint called the mouse and said, “ Look up the sky. The cloud has covered the sun. It is not permitting the heat of the sun to reach the earth. Isn’t the cloud more powerful than the sun? What about having the cloud as your companion?”

Mickey asked, “ How did the cloud appear? It was not there yesterday.”

The saint replied,” When the rays of the sun fall on well, ponds, lakes, rivers, and seas on the earth, the water gets heated up and is changed into steam. The steam rises up and up in the air towards the sky. High up in the air, the drops of water in the steam collect up as cloud.

When the weather up there in the sky becomes cool, the water vapors in the cloud change back into drops of water. These fall down on earth as cool rain and snow. Would you like the cloud to stay with you? It will protect you from heat of sun and also provide you water when you become thirsty.”

But Mickey was not satisfied.

He said, “Sir! It is true that the cloud will keep me cool and save me from the heat of sun and give me water, but it will also make me wet. It will bring down rains and make me wet. The snow will make me cold. I would require air to dry me up. Therefore please find a friend who is more powerful than the sun and the cloud.”

After few days the saint again called Mickey. It was a cool windy day. The wind was blowing fast. Trees were swaying back and forth because of the force of the wind. It had also uprooted many trees.

The sadhu said, “Look Mickey! The wind is so powerful; it is moving everything with it. The wind has also chased the cloud away. Would you like to have wind for the company?”

Mickey said,” The wind is very strong but, wind also creates dust storms and snow storms. During the dust storm the dust gets into my eyes and I cannot see. When there is snow storm, I’m afraid of getting buried into the snow. Therefore I need someone who is more powerful than the sun, wind, and the cloud.”

The Sadhu said, “ I will tell you who protects you from the heat, rain, snow, dust and wind. Please show me the place where you live.”

Mickey asked the Sadhu to accompany him to his rat hole, which was his residence. Reaching there he said,” Is it not the place where you are safe from heat, cold, rain, snow and wind? God has provided you with this safe, comfortable place for living right from the day you were born. Here you don’t have to bear the heat of the sun, rain, snow or cold during the winter or dust storm from the wind.”

When God creates a living being, he also makes a provision for its food and protection beforehand.

If you have faith in God and do not harm anyone or destroy any natural thing made by God, you will not have anything to fear. God will always protect you wherever you are.

Fear is always due to ignorance. You feel afraid when you do not know the reality of the things. A rope in the darkness looks like a snake. The shape of the moving bush in the dark look appears like a ghost.

A faith in God removes your ignorance. It makes you see the reality of things. Try to protect everything created by God. Always remember HE is always near you.

So dearest beta below are the moral of the story:

1) Fear is always because of ignorance.
2) Early to bed and early to rise makes one healthy, wealthy and wise.

“

As always your image stays with me and motivates me towards truth and justice and service. I’m and will always pray for your health and values. May Lord bless you and be with you always. May Goddess Gayatri shower values and virtues on you, May lord Vishnu be with you and provide bliss to you, May Lord Shiva protect you. I pray, my dearest and lovely son.

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 45

2007-06-17T03:37:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

How are you Shanu beta? I’m running little bit physically low after prolonged fasting. But now things are coming back in perspective. From now on dearest beta, I will try to quote some lessons and teachings in the form of stories based on old Vedic fables and translated from ancient manuscripts. This will not only be the source of bliss but and education on basic social values. Today’s story has been taken from Brahmavarchas and translated by Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya.

Enjoy and learn and spread the learning from the story.

Here is the story:

“
Once upon a time in a forest lived a herd of elephants. The members of the elephant family loved each other very much. They moved together in herd in search of green leaves from the trees and water from the ponds.

However one elephant in the herd was very disobedient and selfish. He never followed the orders of the leader of the family and always did whatever he liked. While other elephants of the family lived together, ate together and drank water together, this rogue elephant preferred to move alone.

When a person becomes undisciplined, disobeys the elders and does not take care about the convenience and comforts of family and neighbors, everyone dislikes him. Nobody wants to make friends with such a person. None comes forward to help a self centered person when he is trouble. The same thing happened to this elephant he was pushed out of the herd.

One day, the herd of the elephant was moving in the forest following the leader in search of the food. On the path of the elephants a bird has made a nest and laid eggs in it. When the bird saw the leader of the herd coming, it became very worried. The bird became afraid that the elephants are going to trample over the nest and destroy the nest and the eggs.

When the leader of the herd came near, the bird said,”Sir, I’m afraid the elephants of your herd may trample on my nest and it will be destroyed. I have prepared this nest with much labor. I have my eggs in the nest. These will also be crushed. If you could kindly ask your fellow elephants be careful and walk at a distance, my eggs and nest will be saved. For this favor I will be extremely grateful to you.”

The bird has spoken very sweetly and politely. If you speak softly and politely, all good people become your friends and help you.

The elephant leader became very pleased with the politeness of the bird.

The elephant said, “Sure, I will definitely help you. I will protect your nest and eggs and see to it that none of the elephants of my herd coming behind me would harm it in any way.”

Saying this, the elephant carefully moved forward placing its left two legs on one side and other two on other side of the nest bringing the nest under its belly. When other elephants following their leader from behind came near, he asked them to move by his left and right side. The elephants of the herd obeyed their leader and moved either from the left or from the right side of the nest and their leader. The nest of the bird was saved.

After the elephants had passed away, the bird said, “Thank you sir! Because of you my nest and eggs are saved.”

It is good manner to thank one who has helped you. When you thank people for some favor, they remember you as a grateful person and come to your help.

Before departing, the leader elephant said,” I am happy that I could help you. Since I help everyone in need, God also helps me whenever I need. God provides me food when I’m hungry and water when I’m thirsty. However before going from here I would like to give an advice. After sometime there is one more elephant coming behind us. We have turned him out of our herd, because he is very disobedient and selfish. Be careful he may not save your nest.”

The bird again thanked the leader for his good advice.

To save the eggs from the lonely rogue elephant, the bird quickly took out the eggs from the nest and moved them safe away from the path of the elephant. Then the bird came to take the nest also. But it was too late. By that time the rogue elephant has arrived.

The bird politely asked the rogue elephant not to harm the nest. But the rogue elephant was very cruel. He did not care for the convenience of others. Therefore he did not pay any attention to the bird’s request and deliberately put his heavy foot on the nest. The nest was destroyed.

The bird became very sad. It had worked hard to prepare the nest. Now it had to make it again.

The bird thought, if someone had punished the elephant for his bad deeds earlier, he would not have formed the habit of harming others.

However who could punish the big and strong elephant? The elephant was the biggest and strongest animal in the forest. All animals were afraid of him.

God always punishes whosoever troubles a weak person. It does not matter how big or strong the wrongdoer is, God gives ideas to the weak to punish such a person. God also sends someone to help the sufferer.

The bird did not lose the courage. It decided to seek help from its friends. Bird had frogs and parrots as friends. When it explained the incident about the rogue elephant to them. They planned to bring elephant on correct path. Elephant use to come everyday to the pond to drink water. One day all the parrots flew towards the elephant and covered his eyes. Rogue elephant was not able to see anything. Suddenly elephant heard frogs croaking. Elephant was thirsty so he moved blindly towards the direction of the croaking sound. Frogs took elephant away from the pond out of the jungle. Then parrots and frogs returned back to their places. Elephant was left alone and realized his mistakes and arrogant behavior. He was very thirsty and hungry. He started crying, then he saw few birds and requested them to show him the way back to jungle. He promised that he will never disobey or hurt anyone. Birds accepted his request and took him back to the pond. Elephant apologized to the bird and went back to his herd under the leadership of the leader elephant.

So dearest beta below are the moral of the story:

- When a person becomes undisciplined, disobeys the elders and does not take care about the convenience and comforts of family and neighbors, everyone dislikes him. Nobody wants to make friends with such a person. None comes forward to help a self centered person when he is trouble.
- If you speak softly and politely, all good people become your friends and help you.
- It is good manners to thank one who has helped you

“

As always your image stays with me and motivates me towards truth and justice and service. I’m and will always pray for your health and values. May Lord bless you and be with you always. May Goddess Gayatri shower values and virtues on you, May lord Vishnu be with you and provide bliss to you, May Lord Shiva protect you. I pray, my dearest and lovely son.

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 44

2007-06-17T03:36:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

How are you beta? Did you have lots of sweets and chocolates on the eve of Ram Navmi? Today was the last day of fasting my dear son. Everyone goes thru the journey which he chooses. There are some folks who don’t chose but are chosen, looks like may be I am one of them. It’s strange and seems like only yesterday when I was filled up with desires, ambitions to conquer the world and the material associated with it. It was very hard work and extreme energy and I was steaming forward making inroads into the world of consulting. But today when I have not eaten or drank for nine days and have no material, I have understood it’s the conquest to conquer yourself i.e. your innerself as the outer is easy and have been conquered before several times historically. Son, there have been men before who have conquered the outer material the most popular and realistic being Alexander, but was not able to conquer his inner self. During this fasting I don’t know what I have gained spiritually but I have realized the hunger and the conquest of it. During these nine days of extreme fasting and meditation, I have seen the images calling me names, trying to break me, hurting me. I have seen myself as a small child running with my own grandfather in the farms of sugarcane, I have seen my father carrying me on his shoulders, I have seen my mother carrying me in her embraces waiting for my father to come in the evening from the balcony of the house to have supper, I have seen my brother and me playing hockey and kho-kho, I saw my history teacher advocating the importance of Mesopotamia and Indus, I saw me carrying your mother from the shower just before your birth to the hospital, I saw you being born and handed over to me, I saw myself crying when your conscious went in divine’s hand, I saw you walking for the first time into your grandfather’s embrace, I felt the muteness of your grandparents being asked to leave in front of images, I saw myself running on the street with you in my arms for hospital, I saw armed policemen abusing and forcing me out of the house, I saw you being taken from my arms by the police, I heard questions raising fingers on my ethics and integrity, I felt your small fingers separating from mine, I felts tears some my own, some my father’s, some my mother’s, some my cousin’s, some my sister’s, some my uncles, some my aunts; I felt the fear what will happen to you, I felt the vacuum of directionless, I felt the extreme desire to be united with you. Then I felt the misery of everyone the small child at railway station who cleans the passenger train, I felt the fingers and the agony of the woman begging at the street, I felt the helplessness of old man lying in front of the sewage, I felt the misery of the half naked insane searching his food in rotten garbage, I felt the sorrow of old parents who had dreams and left in old age home. I felt the coolness of the fire of aarti at the bank of Ganges; I felt the purity of river Ganga. I felt happiness in having nothing, I felt happiness in serving, I felt calmness in knowing that I’m not here to change people I can only show direction others have to evaluate and change themselves and chose their own path, I knew that truth always prevails, I knew that I have conquered fear, I knew that I will never be able to hate anyone, I know I will always love everyone, I know I will be at peace with my own innerself. My fast has ranged from initial enthusiasm of doing something which I have not done before in true sense. After 8 hours of meditation I felt the need to drink water, it was painful and there was desire to have food and then desire aggravated especially when you notice the environment the cows, birds, men, women, children eating and drinking. It was difficult but then I thought what are the stablest things I can notice in nature, I saw rocks, pebbles, trees, plants, grass some of them being pushed, stepped over but still absorb energy from nature. I attained satisfaction and peace. My fast went on for nine days. It’s strange that first two days I was not able to concentrate and today on the ninth day when I didn’t had food or water I felt freedom and have energy to walk and draft my thoughts. Everything is so peaceful and calm. The trick is son to live with nature, it helps to know what your basic needs are and then whatever else share with nature so that it can fulfill other beings. Few months before I would not have believed that a human can live without food, water and shelter, Today I’m amused at my ignorance. So son conquer yourself and you will conquest the globe but never the nature. Always conquer to enhance the bliss of yours and the beings of nature. Its upto us to play the game of life as we wish, but play with your ethics and integrity intact, never leave them because if you leave them you leave yourself, as I did when I was mute observer when your grandparents were insulted. Hate or ignore the insult but pity the insulter and cure them as they don’t know that they need treatment. Love them and love all as love will cure everyone and will bring all of them together. I have always believed that segregation is very easy and is always destructive in long run but unification brings peace and harmony. So you be my messenger and teacher both as I have learnt life and love from you. My dearest son you will bigger than anyone else ever stepped on this earth and you will still be humblest. Make your destiny as I have made mine, take no help but always offer help, always earn to give it to the needy not to the greedy, Always keep your needs to minimum as the nature has provided. Live with nature not against it. You will be the winner and you will win the soul not the body. May Lord be with you always and everywhere. May you conquer and control your breath and thus rise and rise and rise … to spread peace and improve humanity and thus nature.

Above were some of the practices of experiences of fasting and meditation. Now below is the story of the day for you my beta. Enjoy the story:

{
Once upon a time there lived a dog. He was big and strong and had a very loud bark. The dog was very proud of his size and strength and was always trying to prove to everyone what a fierce dog he was. The dog was owned by the village blacksmith. At first the blacksmith was very proud of the dog. He thought with the dog like that his property and family will be very safe.

But as the days went by, the dog became even more proud and arrogant. He would sometimes even growl at the blacksmith. But even then the blacksmith just laughed it away and did nothing about it. Then one day the dog chased the village headman’s little daughter barking very loudly. The poor girl got the fright of her life and ran for her life.

When the headman heard of this he called the blacksmith and said, “You can’t have the dog like this running free. He is a menace.” The blacksmith had no choice. He fastened a big chain to the heavy log of the wood and fastened the other end of the chain to the dog’s collar. Now the dog couldn’t run fast enough to scare everyone as he had to drag the heavy log with him.

But the dog was very foolish. He thought that it was a grand thing to go around dragging a log of wood. So he took great pride in doing so, making sure that everyone noticed him. Then one day, a wise old dog went upto him and said, “You are a making a fool out of yourself. It was not to honor you that the log was tied to you, but because you have been behaving awfully. At least now, realize your folly and change from your foolish and vainglorious ways.”
}

It looks strange and initially I was also amazed but looks like your thought and your image lives and moves with me, its like that you have occupied and unified my breath and innerself. I’m with you as you are with me. May you always be happy and smile never leave your face.

Om!

Regards
Ravinder Pal Singh

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 43

2007-06-17T03:35:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

How are you beta? A very happy Ram Navmi to you and a very happy and prosperous new year on the event of Ugadi. Dearest beta, we live in a very diverse country Bharat, it is a constitution of small republics with similar motivations and tendencies but different colors of celebrations to recognize these motivations. The beauty lies both how different republics or parishads celebrate the events but also the common link and timing. Well, one the motivations or theories or faiths behind the celebration of Ram Navmi is the nine days of celebration of birth of Lord Rama , Yes beta, Ramji, remember the stories which Dadaji and myself use to tell you about Ramji. The same Raja Dassratha when prayed and executed yajna was blessed with four sons, the eldest one was Ramji, avtar of Lord Vishnu. On this occasion all Hindus devoted to dhrama fast. Some for nine days and some for one day. The advent of New Year motivates all Hindus to embrace the basic attributes of leading a righteous life which are love, compassion and trust. These fundamental laws if practiced with honesty and truth as a baseline, bring harmony. When I say harmony my son, I’m not talking about pseudo - harmony based on materialistic gains. Pseudo – harmony is an illusion which from external looks fancy but from inner it’s hollow and painful. Its very simple to explain when a human being lies but imitates that he is honest, external world may think that he is honest but the inner self of that being brings misery to him and his surroundings, as these nucleuses of actual lies are constant source of negative energies. They ultimately fizz or fuse, the only way to contain them is a positive source of harmony to diffuse or else nature takes its due course and experiences diffuse the negativity. Usually the stipulated moments of occasions sometimes give us chance to introspect and improve ourselves and thus improving the beings surrounding us. In my last letters as I have consistently mentioned, the behavior of you as a being is always a source to best practices for me, as I have been devotee, and hence as a cycle of devotion, observation is also inherent part, and thus the analysis of your behavior leads me to build best practices. You should teach or rather every being should learn the lesson of truthfulness, harmonization, simplicity and egoless from your existence, my son. There is no doubt in my mind that the teachings provided to you by your grandfather and latter myself till the forced separation will be the framework of being as I have seen in you divinity as and when you were born and re-born. I will write my experiences and changes in me as a being before and after fasting for nine days. What I pray and hope is that the devotion continues and may my soul touch yours and tend towards the standards of humility and egoless being, as you are, which is infinity. May no external influences touch my inner self and may sinners realize their true inner self and embrace the path of truth, May all their sins be corrected by Lord and if he thinks that I’m the soul to catalyze, it may it happen and it will happen so that there is peace and harmony is true sense. May your smile create millions and billions of smile and chain reaction. Feel my smile and I will feel yours as the beings can only touch or trouble your exteriors but inner self is only yours and there the lord lives and only you and me or a sage or a saint or common honest being can touch it and let the bliss spread.

So now its time for storyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy. Today I have taken a story from Fables stories collection. This is the story of bear and the bees. Enjoy the story and have a merry time.

“
A bear wandering around in a forest was in search of food. It had been several days since the poor bear had eaten a good meal. The thought of his favorite foods, roots, berries and honey made his mouth water. The forest was dense and stretched for miles. The hungry bear plodded along slowly wondering when he was going to find something to appease his hunger.

Suddenly, something hanging on the branch of a tree some distance away, caught his eye. He walked towards the tree to see what had attracted his attention. On drawing closer to the tree, the bear rubbed his eyes with disbelief.

Was it a comb of honey he saw hanging from a branch of the tree? He could not believe his luck! He jumped with joy and peered closely at the comb of honey to see if there were any bees resting in it. There were no bees.

The bear eagerly reached up with his paw to grab the delicious comb of honey.

Just then he heard a loud buzzing sound and was alarmed to see a large swarm of bees rushing towards him. It was the bees. The bees had been busy collecting honey the whole day and had returned to the comb to deposit all the honey they had collected. They were nearing the honeycomb when suddenly, they saw the bear. He was trying to grab all their precious honey. They swarmed towards the bear and stung him angrily.

The bees, stinging, hurt the bear. The bear reeling with pain of the sharp stings, became furious, “If I cannot have the honey then I will not let the bees have it either,” he thought. He then jumped up and tried to grasp the comb of honey so that he could smash it on the ground and destroy it.

The clever bees knew what the bear was up to and started buzzing and stinging him with all their might. The bear stunned with the renewed attack let go of the comb and decided to escape before the bees got the better of him.

He took to his heels but the bees chased him stinging him all the time. They wanted to teach the greedy bear a lesson so that he would never again attempt to steal their honey again.

They had worked very hard to collect the money and did not want the bear to enjoy rewards of their hardwork. They were now very angry and wanted to punish the bear.

The frightened bear raced along, not knowing how to escape from the bees. At last he saw in front of him the river which flowed rapidly through the forest. He ran towards the river and plunged into the cool water. It soothed his stinging skin immediately. He immersed himself completely into the water and waited till the bees finally lost their patience and headed back towards their home.

Then the injured bear got out of the water and slowly made his way back to the forest.
“

May Lord Rama bless you and may this new year bring you more happiness and bliss. As always I will perform puja and do tilak on your forehead and the arti will reach you both in mornings and evenings. The calmness and happiness of my meditation will provide you bliss and protect you from evil forces and negative energies.

Om!

Regards
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 42

2007-06-17T03:34:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

How are you beta? Are you enjoying the stories which I have sent you? Are you able to write all the alphabets and make sentences? Do you daily say the counting? We are going thru tough a time, but lets enjoy this time as much as we can learn from this painful separation forced on us. This will only increase the love and devotion between you and me. The result is in the hand of Lord, play this exercise with your friends, ask your friends (You do have friends?) to close their eyes and keep hands on your shoulders and then walk. See, nobody falls and then repeat the vice-versa. Same thing I do only difference is I have Lord as path finder and my soul is driven by him. That’s why I see you and feel your image but being a human, I’m still not immune to flavors of desire to see you in person and enjoy the responsibility and pleasures of your company in an environment of truth, love and trust, which definitely I hope will happen. There are lot of your actions which can be best practices for the art of living, namely how you use to show your displeasure, love and dependencies in an egoless and honest fashion. The admirable beauty of communicating your pleasures, love and fear with no consideration to social architecture, ego and fear is something which is almost God like and an anthem for all. Your birth and living with you was a divine experience and as a bhakt I will always pray for the proximity to the same divinity again and again and … I pray and I pray.

Today I have taken a story from Fables stories collection. This is the story of wolf in sheep’s clothing. Enjoy the story and have a merry time.

“
Once upon a time there lived a wolf. He was growing old and slow. “I’m finding it difficult to hunt my prey. I must find an easier way to get my food.” But the wolf couldn’t come up with a plan.

One day, he walked out of his lair and to the edge of the forest. He saw a flock of sheep grazing in the distance. He crept up to the sheep, slowly and silently. Beside the grazing flock was a well. The wolf quickly ran up and hid behind the well. “From here I can surely catch a sheep,” he said. He waited, then suddenly, when they were very close, pounced on one of the sheep and caught it. He quickly ate it up.

The sheep’s skin was left behind. ”Yes,” the wolf thought. “Now I have a plan to make sure I don’t go hungry again.”

He slipped himself into the sheep skin and joined the flock. “Oh!” said one sheep, “You escaped from the wolf. We thought you were dead.” The wolf in the sheep’s skin laughed to himself as he nodded his head.

Evening had come and the sheep went back to their pen. So did the wolf. The shepherd did not know because the wolf looked like a sheep.

Days passed by. The shepherd noticed that everyday sheep went missing. He was very surprised. “How can any sheep be missing!” he queried, “I have been carefully tending to them.” But he could only wonder.

Meanwhile, the wolf would eat up a sheep every night when they were fast asleep. He grew fat.

One day, the shepherd came into the pen. His relatives were coming from a far off land and he wanted to give them a feast. He looked around and there in a corner sat a nice plump sheep. “ That will be a nice one to have”, he said to himself. That was no sheep but the wolf in sheep’s clothing.

As the farmer led the sheep to the slaughter, he suddenly realized it was no sheep but a plump wolf.

He was very surprised. He then realized why he had been losing one sheep every night. The shepherd killed the wicked wolf.

HA! HA! HA!
“
You are my divine jewel and lifeline, my Krishnu. May Lord bless you and shower happiness and always protect you. I embrace you and may all your worries be mine and you play and sleep well, my dearest. Lord will take care your eyes during eclipse.

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 41

2007-06-17T03:33:00.001-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

How are you beta? Today there was little bit uneasiness and worry in the air about you. I was little bit tense and anxious about your welfare. I will fast, mediate and pray and hope they reach you and protect you. As you use to tell me “Don’t worry Papa!” you also beta “Don’t worry Beta!” Definitely truth, sense and humanity will prevail in the end. Currently you may be surrounded by negative energies, but there is enough energy in you that will protect you. Also Lord is watching and both of us are in his embrace. The sacredness of unconditional devotion and love outside the boundaries of selfishness will always prevail and will also protect you. You are God’s apostle, and symbolize love and hope and peace. When I’m in state of uncomfortableness, I’ll try to get in to the state of mindfulness of you my dearest child, and try to see the point from your eyes. And what is I see is love, peace and hope.

Today I have taken a story from Fables stories collection. This is the story of stag and his reflection. Enjoy the story and have a merry time.

“

A stag was thirsty and was looking for water to quench his thirst. There was a pond in the forest. The stag drank till he was full.

The stag saw his reflections in the water. Then he looked at the beautiful and sharp antlers on his head. “How graceful that look, surely they make me the most beautiful animal in the jungle”, the stag thought.

Just then he looked at his thin and skinny legs and was disappointed. He thought that the legs make him look ugly. “No, because of these legs I may not be the most beautiful animal after all because of my legs”, stag sadly thought.

Behind the trees , a hungry tiger watched silently. He crawled noiselessly towards the stag. The tall grass rustled. But the stag, too occupied with his thoughts did not hear it.

When the tiger was close to the stag, he leapt out of the grass and was almost upon the stag. The startled stag, ran off as fast as his legs could carry him. The stag ran fast leaving the tiger behind.

But just as the tiger was about to give up the chase the stag’s antlers got caught in the branch over his head. He tried hard to break free. He pulled and tugged, but he just couldn’t free his antlers from the branch.

“It was my ugly legs that I was ashamed of that helped escape. But it is the antlers that I admired so much that’s going to be the reason for my death,” thought the stag sadly.

The tiger pounced on the stag and ate him up.

HA! HA! HA!
“

You are my divine jewel and lifeline, my Krishnu. May Lord bless you and shower happiness and always protect you. I embrace you and may all your worries be mine and you play and sleep well, my dearest.

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 40

2007-06-17T03:31:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

How are you beta? As the days of separation between you and me are increasing day by day. The sense of your virtual presence with me is increasing and converging with my thought process. I have my periods of pain but will always wish and pray that you are fine, happy and my prayers are reaching you. I believe my meditation and prayers will always protect you wherever you are, and I will continue to trust and hope for peace and unity with you. Today I’m feeling little better and have recovered to a large extent from my illness. So will start working on the book and collections for you, beta. The flashbacks of our time together provide me hope and oxygen and direction. Dearest son enhance your creativity and never curb the essence of your thoughts, let it flow.

Today I have taken a story from Fables stories collection. This is the story of owl and grasshopper. Enjoy the story and have a merry time.

“
It was a cold winter morning. The woods were full of snow. Everything was white. All the birds and animals were sleeping in their homes. They were sleeping because it was bitterly cold outside and there was no food available.

But there was one creature that didn’t sleep. This was the grasshopper. He was a very noisy insect and he was very bored because everyone else was sound asleep. He decided to go out and see what was happening. When he came out, he saw that the whole forest was white. It looked so beautiful that the grasshopper felt like singing. He hopped about from one place to another till he was on a very big tree. He started singing loudly, rubbing his legs together in tune with his song.

In the trunk of this tree lived an owl. The owl had been sleeping all these days. The noisy singing of the grasshopper woke him up. “Who is this noisy creature disturbing my winter sleep,” said to the owl to herself.

He peeped out of the hole. And there, sitting on the branch was the grasshopper merrily singing away. The owl was angry that his sleep had been disturbed. Waking up so suddenly on a winter morning also made him feel very hungry. He silently went up to the singing grasshopper and caught the foolish insect in his beak and ate him up.

The owl then went back into his hole and slept peacefully for the rest of the winter.

HA! HA! HA!
“

Say your prayers and tell me if you can how do you like the stories. Always say your prayers before bed and in the morning. Sleep well and hope you are getting your night stories and milk. Be happy dearest beta. I will do the tilak and morning and evening worship’s aarti along with my prayers will certainly reach you.

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 39

2007-06-17T03:25:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

On certain days, my heart aches with the pain and desires the proximity of your self and shower my love and accept the bliss which I will get by playing with you and being with you. But then the realism hits me and takes me in a zone of practical demerits of my wishes as it has happened several times in past that whenever I have tried to make you happy or comfortable or be with you there has occurrences where both of us have been forced to be in situations where either one or both of us have been negatively impacted and forced to separate. I can absorb the impact of the unpleasant and external surrounding, negativity (statements, emotions, desires) but will never allow you to be used or part of the stream where negative energy prevails. There are several thoughts and questions which hit me, but in the end my love for you prevails. The positive and selfless energies surround me and your and my existence of being takes much deeper meaning of existence, as being every where and nowhere at the same time. In discrete mathematics or science there is something known as bounds, and being a disciple of computer science and always in search of applications looks like applications are restricted by bounds or set theories, but whenever the subjective view of science has been taken in terms of messages or networks then the bounds and boundaries have been replaced by broader value chains and globalizations but again restricted by finiteness of scope of data storage boundaries or data set bounds. But the moment we think of infiniteness we deal with hypothesis of inherent capabilities of self surviving blocks of matter or cells and all the streams of intellect converge because then we are not talking about matter, they are just indicators of visualizations, actually we are very closer to the truth of eternal inner self of various definitions of energies like soul or cosmos. Also the definitions of inner-self and outer-self converge and are infinite not the tendency towards infinity. This is strange as the moment we start talking about boundless in engineering or science the definitions become vague, but the subjectivity of spirituality is very objective when we describe infinity. Actually it’s not contradictory as the path towards spirituality has first few steps via science and engineering. Its like, yoga is used to prepare a soul for meditation, similarly science (understood properly) prepares a person to attain the higher knowledge of cosmos and spirituality. May be it’s the reason though my fitness or physical being is decreasing but my energies and love for you is increasing and crossing boundaries of my inner fears and external influences and forces. This fusion of knowledge of materialism, science and spirituality raises new questions but questions are the path to answers, Right son!
So after my thoughts which you may pr may not appreciate once you start understanding sentences and english language and off course the receiver has strength to preserve and disclose them to you. Here is the story which I enjoy in painting and sending it you and you will certainly enjoy now when it is narrated to you. So few lines from my articles and now few lines from the Aesop’s stories for you. This is how we are communicating, Rightooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo HA! HA! HA!

Below is the story of the old and weak lion. Enjoy dearest Krishnu and sleep well.

In the forest far away there lived an old and weak lion. He was the king of the jungle. Since he was weak, he use to call all the animals and give them many tasks.

The crow has to groom him; the ass had to carry the load of food for the lion. The ass found it very difficult, but he told himself, ”The king calls me a beast of burden. May be that’s what I was created for. “ The mouse was the court jester. He had to entertain the lion. He would pop upon his puny hind legs, fiddle with his whiskers, squint his eyes and tickle his pointed ears.

The fox was the lion’s advisor. He guided the lion in all matters concerning the forest. The fox always praised the lion and thus earned himself the lion’s favour. The animal suffered under the lion’s cruel rule.

One day, the animals of the forest met secretly. But the fox who was a cunning animal went to the lion and told him everything that the animals has discussed.

The lion called all the animals immediately. “I heard there was a private meeting, planning to overthrow me,” said the lion. “Who were the plotters?”

All the animals were afraid. They knew that the traitor had betrayed them. They stood up fearing the worst. “Put them to death,” the lion roared. All the animals were silent.

Suddenly, shrill voice was heard. It was a little mouse. “That is not fair,” he squeaked. “Yes,” rumbled another. “Restore justice,” croaked the frog. “That is right,” trumpeted the elephants. And soon all the animals shouted in chorus, “Down with the lion.”

The lion was very surprised. He did not know what to do. He hastily consulted the fox, but the fox could offer no solution. The lion was angry with the fox. The fox, seeing that he was in trouble ran away.

Meanwhile, all the animals marched towards the lion surrounding him. The lion was afraid. He was weak and could not chase the animals away.

The wild pig prodded him, then all the other animals attacked and killed the cruel lion.

From that day, none of the animals had anyone to fear. They all lived peacefully together.

HA! HA! HA!

“

So beta, I will pray that things may improve from where they are now and sense will prevail and both us will be allowed to be united in an atmosphere of truth and trust. Till then hope and pray that my voice and letters reach you and your sound and image reaches me. May smile never leave your lips and Lord shower all the blessings, peace, and wisdom on you. Always try to say your prayers before you sleep and after you get up in the morning. I will always be with you and one day we will definitely be united. I hope and I pray.

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 38

2007-06-17T03:23:00.002-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

It’s raining like anything over here. Is it raining where you are? Dearest son, notice the rains and how it cleans the nature and provides a fresh nourishment and energy to all. You may notice a rainbow also. Remember we use to see the rainbow standing on the small wood bridge, and how you use to run behind it to catch it, with your little legs and tiny feet. Your small fingers pointing towards the rainbow and saying “Papa! Papa! Rainbow! Rainbow…” These several and every moment with you will inspire me and I will live to live these moments again and again … I hope and I pray.

Continuing on our storytelling journey, here is today’s stooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooorieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Beta today’s story is taken from the famous folk tales of fables. This is story of a North Wind and Sun. Enjoy!

“
One day, a long time ago, the North wind was in a very happy mood. The winter had been long and cold and the north wind was very proud of himself. “I have been able to keep the whole world frozen. I’m the most powerful force on the earth. Nothing can be stronger,” he boasted to himself.

After sometime Sun got little tired of North wind boastings. He peeped out of the dark clouds and called out to the North wind. “It is not good for a powerful force like to be proud as we all are doing our job only”, said the Sun.

But the north wind was too proud to listen to Sun. “You are saying this because you are not as strong as I am. I can do anything on this earth,” claimed proudly the north wind.

The Sun corrected the north wind, “North wind we all can do only certain things. Proudness is not a good quality for a powerful force like you. I can easily prove that you are also limited to fulfilling certain tasks only.” The north wind laughed and challenged Sun to show a single thing which north wind cannot do.

The Sun looked down. There was a man who was walking with winter clothes and his coat tightly warped around his body because it was very cold.

The Sun had an idea and said to North wind, “The man walking down there has his coat warped around his body, if you can force him to remove his coat, I will accept that you are the strongest force and can do every task possible.”

The north wind smiled and gladly accepted the task. The north wind thought that it is such a simple and easy task. North wind blew wildly and very coldly at the man walking on the road.

But the stronger the wind blew the tighter man wrapped the coat around him. North wind tried but in vain so in the last he gave up and challenged Sun that if he can perform the same task.

The Sun shone brightly. The man felt very hot. “What a funny weather, “ he muttered to himself, “ Just a while back it was bitterly cold, but now it is very warm.” The Sun shone even brighter. The man felt even hotter.

He took off his coat and covered his head. The Sun shone even fiercely. The man immediately took all his garment off.

The North Wind who had seen all this, was humbled and he accepted defeat. From then on, the North Wind stopped being proud and only did his duty.

HA! HA! HA!
“

May god keep you in good health and spirit. May my prayers reach you and serve you with bliss, happiness and wisdom. May all your worries be mine and positive virtues be yours. I pray and I wish son.

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 37

2007-06-17T03:23:00.001-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

How are you beta? I’m little bit struggling with my physical health so was not able to send you the letter yesterday and day before yesterday. Are you observing and enjoying the change of climate from winters to summers. Have you noticed the change in the air, grass, leaves, barks of the trees and birds? You must have noticed more birds venturing outside than they were there in winters. We are very fortunate in India that we get to see and feel all types of climate. The trick is to enjoy it and learn from it. Are you running on the greener pastures of grass a lot as we use to do it when we were together? Try the tumble rumble also as it’s lots of fun. Play football with your friends, it will make you strong and enhance your coordination skills. Always in the morning try to run and play as much as you can. Try to sleep by 9:00 PM in the night. I don’t know who will be narrating you stories, but that should not stop you from reading stories or even imagining them. Imagination is the most beautiful form of creativity and I’m sure given the innocence and talent embedded in you, you will be one day the most creative leader and path provider. You will always be happy, I will pray and pray to the Lord.

Continuing on our storytelling journey, here is today’s stooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooorieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Beta today’s story is taken from the famous folk tales of fables. This is story of a Monkey and Bell. Enjoy!

“

A long time ago there was a little silver bell tied to the door of the small temple in a village. The village was on the edge of a big forest. One day a thief stole the bell and ran with it to the nearby forest. But on the same day the thief was killed and eaten by the tiger in the forest.

The people of the village were sad when they found out that the temple bell was missing. One day they heard the sound of the temple bell from the nearby forest. Then they use to hear it almost daily coming from different directions. The people of the village got scared and thought that they will have to find out the mystery of the missing bell and sound of the bell.

The next day, a small boy from the village decided to find out what was really happening and went into the jungle. After walking some distance he heard the sound of drum beats and the sound of the ringing bell. He boldly went towards the direction of the sound and found a group of monkeys were playing with a broken drum and the bell. He understood the mystery behind the sound. He waited patiently till one of the monkey was alone playing with the bell. Then quickly he placed lots of fruits and nuts on the forest floor in front of the monkey who was playing with the bell. The monkey came forward and tried to grab all the fruits and nuts in his one hand. But there were so many fruits that he failed to snatch all of them in one hand. So he left the bell and took the remaining fruits in his other hand.

The clever boy immediately took the bell and returned to his village. He then placed the bell again in the temple.

HA! HA! HA!
“
May you blossom like lord Krishna and may Goddess Sarswati always be with you and your wisdom help the nature and man kind to flourish with fresh creations and beautiful minds. I will pray and hope, my dearest son Sanidhya.

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 36

2007-06-17T03:22:00.001-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

Another virtual conversation between a middle aged father and his 1417 days old son separated and trying and praying to get united in an amicable and unified environment filled with truth, love and peace. In my conversations there may be statements son, which may not be applicable or will depend upon the narrator’s art and skill to make them positive and interesting to you, if at all my letters are respected and narrated. But there may be some lessons and vibrations which may enrich the state of cur rent being. It is also a mechanism where a father and a friend is speaking about thoughts to a son and friend, to underline the virtues and beliefs which are important and driving forces towards betterment and divineness. They may not be applicable to a child now as I have mentioned but one day definitely will provide a resource repository of the experiences and its true tales, to instill purity and values of childhood.

How are you? Looks strange son but not knowing where you are exactly and how you are doing is what prompts this statement from me, especially when I’m not allowed to meet you and even if I try, the forced repulsion will affect you as it will affect me and your grandparents. Thus sometimes we kill our own wishes and try to live the life which God wants us to live praying and hoping that one day justice will be done by him and truth, love and humanity will prevail.

Do you know beta, world will rise and sleep today but this day is a very sacred day for me as I got married on this very day. Most people enter married as a matter of course or as a ritual and a bond, as that is what is expected of them. I also was one of ‘the’ people. However the success or otherwise of the marriage always hinge on the manner in which the relationship between the two individuals, who have now become life partners and the respective families is handled. Marriage could be a spiritual experience but again it depends on cultivating the right attitude. From the spiritual point of view, married life will be a success only and I mean only if it is thoroughly determined by the vision of Truth. It cannot offer much if it is inspired by the considerations which usually prevail in business partnership. I have always tried marriage to be undertaken as spiritual enterprise which is intended to discover what life can be at its best. Unfortunately there is a condition in the spiritual adventure, that it can’t be limited to a convenient calculation concerning the nature and amount of individual gain. When the individual gain comes into picture than marriage can also be regarded as the intensification of most human problems, especially for the people following on the path of selflessness and love. You are very young and are in the infancy of the innocence but these words from me may help you in future to have a better experience of the life which God has provided you, when I say better given your powerful mind and creative powers you will not be constrained in the inward fear of thinking to reactions by your own partner in future but will utilize it for the positive evolution of the nature and thus the being.

As for now your image is a field of awareness for me that conceives, constructs, governs my mind and soul and my communications to you. Till this awareness is alive in me it will permeate every fiber of creation which I’m destined and scripted in time and space for me by invisible vibration which is the sole governing energy and creator, sustainer and destroyer. Hope these lessons from the true experiences may help you in formulation of a improvising of beings and your inner self in future.

Continuing on our storytelling journey, here is today’s stooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooorieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Beta today’s story is taken from the famous folk tales of fables. This is story of a Lion, Monkey and Camel. Enjoy!

“
It was the birthday of the lion, the king of the forest. All the animals of the forest such as the elephant, the tiger, the bear, the zebra, the crocodile, the monkey, the camel and every little animal was there. They took their places around the lion who was seated majestically on a rock.

The tiger stood up besides the king and clearing his throat spoke aloud, “ My dear friends, today is the birthday of our beloved king. So let us all first stand up and sing to him.” The whole gathering stood up and began to sing, the “Happy Birthday” song. The crows cawed, the owls hooted, the donkeys brayed, the mice squeaked, the frogs croaked, the tigers roared and the snakes hissed, all in perfect chorus. Then the tiger roared aloud, ”Now all the animals will do something to make the king happy.”

The first to come was the big fat bear. He danced around so funnily that the lion and all the animals started laughing. They all liked it very much.

Next, it was the turn of the monkey. He performed many tricks and did them very well. He did somersaults, he walked on his hands and swung around on the trees. He did so many funny tricks that all the animals burst out in the peals of laughter.

The camel did not like it. He was filled with jealousy. “I can do better than that,” he said. It was his turn next.

The camel came forward and started dancing. But he was very clumsy and kept stumbling. The lion and all other animals were not very happy to see him acting so silly.

But the vain and foolish camel did not notice that the lion was angry with him. He tried to stand on his hind legs. But he lost his balance and fell on the lion. The lion and the other animals were very angry with camel and they beat him up. Camel learnt his lesson and ran away.

HA! HA! HA!
“
Love is a binding force between us, beta!. The bond is getting stronger with forced separation as mere vision of you prompts me to author the letters, perform meditation, start an end my days as we used to do before with a tilak on your forehead (now virtually) with morning puja and evening puja. There is not a moment when I don’t feel your proximity. True to you, sometimes I feel weak but then your words and your smile and your finger touching mine and your voice, your small feet … show me the path of truth and simplicity. I’m working on my next book for you, but its getting delayed as I’m still not well and slowly getting better. I’m more eager to see how the next book shapes up. My next few paintings will also be hopefully be finished before your birthday. God willing may be if we are destined to meet again we will certainly meet, I will live for that day, I will pray and my hope and love will provide necessary oxygen to heart and brain. Will Gods grace my son the most beautiful soul and creation of nature, continue and show the path of creativity and truth, and may innovators and incubators follow you and your creative self.

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 35

2007-06-17T03:21:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

Are you observing moon now days. Remember we use daily look at stars and moon before story and sleep. If you are observing have you noticed how it’s changing shapes. That’s nature beta, the only constant in nature is change. Change is also linked to hope; the hope that comes from living a clean life, hope that flows from authentic living, hope that comes from serving others, and hope that rests in finding a living God. All my hopes also reach up to you and end there as you are most sacred, clean, simple and God like figure I have come across. My love and hope for you is as sacred as the search for universal truth and path of righteousness and honesty. Remember change may be interpreted by different beings in different way, but the art is to observe, absorb it and create new endeavors and applications for the benefit of nature. The logic is simple that if the change affects nature it will also affect us, but it’s better to participate and create new concepts which will incubate new innovations. Remember the creativity should not be self centric then it may or may not help the purpose of change. I’m writing these values because some of them I have learnt from you, some from your grand parents and some of them my own experiences. I don’t know why I’m writing to you, but may my hope will carry me to you or vice versa but if, there always an if, the tide of change takes my hopes and the change itself in contradictory directions, one day they may remind me to have hope and trust in change. Though the above statements may look like very simple for most beings they are of extraordinary importance to me as my day comprises of past typically with the virtualization of you doing pooja with me, and then your tilak, then seeing you in your school dress and then …… ; and then with the acceptance of today and karma ; and then my hope and dreams for a better future. It’s like a chakra of illusions, ever moving and consistently changing, but always for betterment and improvement in the path of truth. My faith in you and God will never waver and my hope will increase with the chakra of time and change will constantly bring me closer to you, I hope and I pray!

Continuing on our storytelling journey, here is today’s stooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooorieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Beta today’s story is taken from the famous folk tales of fables. This is story of a Lion and tiny mouse. Enjoy!

“
Once upon a time in a jungle lived a very big lion. One day he was sleeping at the mouth of his den. As he lay there sleeping, a little mouse who was going in hurry, climbed over the lion without knowing that it was lion. The lion wake up and was angry with the mouse for waking him up.

He caught the poor mouse in his huge claws and said “How dare you disturb my sleep like this. I’m going to kill you.” The poor mouse was very frightened. “Please don’t kill me,” he begged. “If you don’t kill, I will repay your debt for your kindness.” The lion laughed loudly, ”What did you say? Do you really think that a weak and small animal like you can help a large and strong animal like me.” The mouse replied “ You never know, when I could be of help to you.” The lion let the terrified mouse go.

Mouse thanked lion for his generosity and ran away. The lion soon forgot about the whole incident.

One day mouse heard the loud cries and roars of the lion. He ran towards the loud sounds to see whether his friend lion is alright. When he reached near lion he saw lion caught in the net. Even the most powerful lion was totally helpless. Mouse went near the lion, “My friend remember I told you tough I’m weaker than you but I one day I may be able to help. Don’t worry the time has come for me to prove my worth and repay your generosity.”

The mouse with his sharp teeth made a big hole in the net and released the lion. Lion learnt his lesson and from there onwards both lion and mouse became very good friends.

HA! HA! HA!
“

May all your dreams and my dreams for you come true. May the simplicity and purity be always embedded in your character. May you achieve wisdom and success for the good of the nature and the beings. I pray and I know. Always say your prayers before you go to bed, my dearest beta.

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 34

2007-06-17T03:20:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

Did you played Holi, or was it always like Shanu “No!” “No!” “No!” Shanu “Don’t do this!” Shanu “Don’t do that!” Shanu “Say Sorry” Shanu “Give this” Shanu “Go away!” and on and on. Hope this doesn’t slays your freedom and creativity. Ha! Ha! Ha! Don’t worry son, its you who will decide you own destiny. Remember “Yes” is more positive and important. Failure or success by self experimentation and self belief and self exploration is more important than repeated blind success based on external advices. Always allow your thoughts to travel and you also travel with them to places and pages of history, present and future. Never do an research on someone else’s postulates as they never are path breaking, always create, worship the creator and create, my son. Innovation is for followers, leaders are creators and are the most simple and humble beings. Segregation is always negative it’s the universal definition which matters, and the incubators and innovators will follow your universal ideas to create innovations, to create applications and methods for the universal kind and possibly for human kind. Always remember your teachers will have their own limitations; learn from them after your own evaluation; but follow your own beliefs and ideas. You have a very strong and honest character, never compromise on it, but be flexible as the trees who don’t bend during heavy storms are uprooted. It’s like your character is like Himalaya, though lots of things are happening underneath and surrounding it, it still stands tall and rigid, but the trees on it are tall and all flexible and rarely get uprooted unlike the trees on plains. Be like both, only then you will be a true leader. There is something special in you which will not only provide path and direction to the disillusioned but will architect harmony as an essential gradient of being’s lifecycle. I still remember the words of the ‘special nurse’ when you were born and they provide me confidence that you have a sacred heart and soul. Your simplicity have been and will be my guide and we will meet soon, I hope and I pray.

Continuing on our storytelling journey, here is today’s stooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooorieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Beta today’s story is taken from the famous folk tales of fables. This is story of a Lion and Dog. Enjoy!

“
Once upon a time there lived a farmer. Farmer had cows and few horses in his farm. He had a dog also.

The farmer was a kind man, He took care of all the animals. All the animals lived in the barn. But the dog was allowed to live inside the house. This made dog very proud.

The dog always use to tell all the other animals that how important animal he was, but all the other animals knew the reality and knew that the dog was only acting proud.

Soon the proud dog got into the habit of barking at all the animals, trying to attract attraction. Even the farmer saw the dog barking but he never used to say anything to the dog.

One day the dog said to himself that the animals in the farm don’t think how important animal I am so I will go to the forest and tell all the animals over there that how important I am.

So the dog left his master and the farm and went to the jungle. There he saw a deer drinking water. He started barking loudly at deer. The poor deer became scared and ran as fast as he could. Dog was very happy and thought so the animals in jungle know how important and powerful I’m and thus I will never go back to farm.

Then he saw a lion sleeping under a tree. Let me tell the lion who I’m, though dog. So he went to the lion and barked loudly. Lion woke up and was very annoyed. He roared very loudly at dog. The dog got scared and ran towards the farm from where he came.

HA! HA! HA!
“
When the things become difficult I look upon you as you’re the impression of my inner self and heart as I kept you there for almost 9 months, and even before you were born in this world you were there with me. I will always be with you as you are with me, my beta.

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 33

2007-06-17T03:19:00.002-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

Today is holi. My letters, poems and stories may have been read to you. I celebrated holi with you and my God. Both of us were wearing white clothes and Gods showered the colors of faith, love and compassion on us. One day we will play certainly play holi together physically and distribute the same colors on any one who comes in contact. Did you smell the air today; it was filled with sweet scent of forgiveness and droplets of forgetfulness. You know son, strange thing is everyone washes their clothes and rub their skin to wash dust and spots but very few realize to cleanse their souls with the water of truth so that their true self and spirituality glows and shadows of doubt and sadness disappears. So today after my meditation I visualized you and applied Gulal on your face and then did a tilak on your forehead. You were glowing and your energy spread thru infiniteness and then merged with my spiritual energy. And then there were brightness and sacred rainbow all over place. Birds, animals and us we all offered our prayers and then on the bank of river ganga there were sound of sacred bells and we had our food. I took some gujiya in my hand and offered it God and you. You enjoyed it and the contentment on your face and smile on Lord’s face overwhelmed me. My tears touched Lords feet and merged with mother ganga and took them to nature. Suddenly I felt that my shoulders felt a little heaviness and it virtualized as if you are sitting on them and tell me “Papa, papa lets run! lets run! …” and I ran, I ran and ran and ran and … and the sound of “Om” surrounding me took me out of the spiritual experience and since I’m human I got up from my mediation, prayering and hoping that one day this will be true, I think, I feel, I know, I hope and I pray! my angel!.

Continuing on our storytelling journey, here is today’s stooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooorieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Beta today’s story is taken from the famous folk tales of fables. This is story of a Hare and tortoise. Enjoy!

“
Once upon a time there lived a hare in a jungle. Hare was very proud of himself as he could run very fast.

One day he saw a tortoise that was crawling very slowly. On seeing the huge shell on tortoise’s back hare asked, “ Hey, tortoise don’t you feel tired carrying this huge shell on your back, this surely slows you down and doesn’t it makes you lazy”. Tortoise replied, “No hare, this is for my protection.” At this the hare started laughing and making fun of tortoise. Tortoise felt very bad and thought he can challenge hare for a race.

“Why don’t we have a race”, challenged tortoise to hare. Hare laughed and laughed and asked tortoise, ”Are your serious, do you want to race with me. Do you think you win the race by running against me? Do you?” The proud hare told tortoise he is ready to race with him anytime.
Tortoise agreed, “Let’s keep the race for tomorrow. We will start in the morning and fox will be the referee. He will decide the length of the race”

Next day all the animals of the jungle came to the edge of the jungle. Fox fixed the length and route of the race. Then half of the animals returned to the end point of the race and half settled at the starting point.

At the starting point, both hare and tortoise were called. Then fox said, ”Ready, steady, goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo”

Tortoise started crawling slowing. Hare laughed at him and swiftly ran towards the finish point, after running quite a distance hare saw the distant finishing point. He thought may be he should eat some carrots and take few minutes of rest as he was sure that the tortoise will not be able to finish the race. And so hare went to take rest and being tired he was soon sleeping.

Meanwhile tortoise continuously and consistently crawled the long distance and came across the sleeping hare. He crawled past him and ultimately reached his destination of finish line before hare.

The fox woke the hare, ”Wake up you arrogant fellow, the tortoise has already finished the race.”

Hare quickly ran and reached the finish line. There he saw tortoise and all the other animals of jungle. Hare was humbled and decided not be arrogant again.

HA! HA! HA!
“

May my prayers reach you on this auspicious occasion of love. May vasudhaiv kutumbakam spread within ourselves. I pray that God give you the toughness from outside and softness within similar to the turtle that sits in front of Lord Shiva and is even sacred and respected by Lord himself. On today’s holy day may all your dreams be fulfilled and Lord bless you with strength, wisdom, education and love. I will pray and be with you always my son in a hope to see you someday when the dawn of hope, soaked in the sacred light of truth and in an atmosphere of honesty with moonlight of humility will prevail. I hope and I know son.

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 32

2007-06-17T03:19:00.001-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

Today when I was bowing down after my meditation some feelings erupted in my innerself which I’m sharing with you dearest son. It may be an illusion, but it’s an impulsive and sustainable feeling which creates enough vibrations which are not sufficient for me to have feeling of inner peace but for anyone whom I touch in reality or virtually. It’s true the other way around that the vibrations touch me and communicate the peace to my inner self. This may be the first realization of inner self and outer self fusioning into a common energy and universal matter.

There’s a Hasidic parable which I narrate to you my son, a young child ask an old rabbi, “In the past, in the golden days, we have heard that people use to see God with their own eyes, people use to encounter God. God use to walk the earth. God use to call people by their names. God was very close to men. What has happened now? Why is God not so close? Why can’t we see him directly? Why is he hiding? Where has he gone? Why has he forgotten earth? Why does he not walk here anymore? Why does he not hold the hands of the people stumbling in darkness? He used to do that earlier?
The old rabbi looked at the young child and said, “My son, he is still there where he used to be, but man has forgotten how to stoop low enough to see him.”
May be I will like to meet rabbi and invite him here where you can see Lord walking, breathing, smelling, sleeping and curing, correcting, re-enginnering, creating nature every day, every moment.

I hope you teach everyone as you have taught me to see and feel God. Your qualities of honesty, innocence, courage, fearlessness are essential gradients for anyone to feel the almighty and participate in the application of universal energy for creation matter to improve spiritual being.

My mornings and nights are all filled up with different shades of light with your omnipresence and sense providing me oxygen to breathe and hope to touch your little finger one day in a moment where there is purity of love, honesty and innocence. I hope that day will come, very soon son, very soon… I hope! I pray!

Continuing on our storytelling journey, here is today’s stooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooorieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Beta today’s story is taken from the famous folk tales of fables. This is story of a fox and woodcutter. Enjoy!

“
Once upon a time, there lived a woodcutter. One day he was in forest cutting wood. As he was working, he heard a noise behind. Turning around woodcutter was surprised to see a fox standing behind him. The fox was panting and his whole body shook as he trembled.
The fox said to the woodcutter, “Please save me. The hunter and his pack of dogs are chasing me. I’m so tired that I cannot run anymore. “ The woodcutter was afraid, “Fox , you just run into the hut, near the oak tree and stay quite.”

So the fox ran gratefully into the hut near the oak tree and stayed there. He tried hard not to tremble. He even tried to hold his breath. Soon hunter came with all his dogs. The dogs were barking very loudly and were looking everywhere to find where the fox had gone.

Seeing the woodcutter at work, the hunter went up to him and asked, “Hey woodcutter, did you see a fox run this way?” The woodcutter said in a loud voice,” A fox did you say? No I don’t think I saw one.”

The woodcutter was actually very scared of the fox and wanted the hunter to kill the fox. But he dared not to say anything as the fox might hear him and run away.
So, all the time the woodcutter kept saying he had not seen the fox, he kept pointing his finger at the hut near the oak tree in which the fox was hiding.

But the hunter did not understand what the woodcutter was trying to show him. He said angrily, ”Look, I have a fox to catch. Don’t play the fool with me. What do you mean by saying that you have not seen the fox and at the same time pointing your fingers at the hut? Please don’t waste my time.” So saying, the hunter went away with his pack of dogs.

After a little while, the fox came out of the hut. He looked all around and finding that the hunter and his dogs had really gone away, turned to go.

The woodcutter got very angry. “You ungrateful creature,” he said. “ How could you just turn and leave without even thanking me for saving your life?”

“I escaped only because the hunter could not understand that I was inside the hut when you pointed it out to him,” replied fox and went on his way.

HA! HA! HA!
“

Now my dearest Shanu beta, may Lord Krishna bless with a very happiest Holi. May all the evils near your cocooned astitwa vanish with holica in the sacred fire of holi. May the colors of joy leave a permanent colors of bliss on you which are more brighter and colorful than rainbow. May my colors of love and wishes reach you and touch your soul submerging it with compassion, protection and endless love. May gulal of success shine brightly on your forehead as the moon shines on Lord Shiva’s forehead. Here are the few lines from the poem of Rabindranath tagore for you:
“
Color me now before You leave me.
Color me with Your song.
Color me in Your secret melody.
Color me in the light of Your laughter.
Color me with the kindness of Your tears.
May your colors color My very soul.
“
May this poem come true for both you and me. I hope beta and I pray. Happy holi.

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 31

2007-06-17T03:18:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

How are you beta? Hope prayers and lord is protecting and providing bliss to you. Are you able to observe rains, the droplets of water falling from the green leaves, the birds taking off the water from their wings, mud soaking the water, grass getting greener and wet, small streams of water flowing … Do you remember the small boat that dadaji use to make for you and both of us use to enjoy , try to make the boat so that it flows in the streams of rainwater. Have you noticed small earthworms coming out of ground. Don’t try to hurt them they are important for the soil. Dear son, nature is the most important and valuable creation of God, we have to nurture it. It’s like a trust which nature believes every creature to endure. Have you seen frogs now coming out in open? Try to catch them, it will be fun. Observe and enjoy the nature and climate son, as its changes, harshness, freshness, calmness, wetness, dryness is all beautiful and will teach you lessons which will encourage to create your own perspective and definitions of life and its matter, without external influences. The ultimate aim or goal of any living matter based on its experiences is to connect the inner self i.e. you or me with the outer self i.e. universe. This self discovery can be started now itself son with you observing outside and create your own creative theories and definitions. Books or teachings are experiences of other inner selves, they can only show you a backgroung of illusions the actual light lies within you and up to you to explore, observe and define it as per your own frameworks. With your observing powers, quick learning skills and creativity you will be able a paint your pictures with your concept and your own choice of colors. The trick is during this process to be honest, humble and compassionate. My dearest son, may lord be the path lighter and finder for you.

Continuing on our storytelling journey, here is today’s stooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooorieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Beta today’s story is taken from the famous folk tales of fables. Enjoy!

“
One day in the forest, a pheasant sat on a tree branch. She was cleaning her feathers as she always did. She was a very pretty and proud bird.

As she sat on the tree branch leaning her feathers, a fox who was passing by saw her and stopped. He had not eaten for a long time.

The fox was clever. Seeing the pretty pheasant , he thought of a plan and called out to the pheasant, “Hello there Miss pheasant. You look so smart today. “ The pheasant felt flattered that the fox has said such a nice thing. “Oh, Thank you Mr. Fox,” replied the pheasant. “I was just cleaning my feathers.”

“That is a very good habit miss pheasant,” said the fox. He was praising the pheasant so that she would come down from the branch. He would then eat her. The fox was very hungry and cunning.

Just then a little mouse running by, heard the fox talking to the pheasant . He knew what the wicked fox was planning. From behind the tree, the mouse called the out the pheasant,”Do not trust that fox. He is trying to fool you. He wants to eat you,” warned the mouse.

But the vain pheasant wanted to hear more good things about herself. She rudely told mouse to go away. She then turned to the fox and said,”What were you telling me Mr.Fox?”

To which the fox replied,”I was just telling you that you should teach everyone in the forest how to keep clean.” The pheasant felt even more flattered. The fox continued, ”Just imagine Miss pheasant, you will be able to teach such wonderful things to us all. Try to imagine Miss pheasant, the whole forest will be listening to your talk.”

The foolish pheasant shut her eyes and dreamed. “how they’ll admire me.” Suddenly , the poor pheasant lost her balance and fell off the tree and landed on the ground.

The fox who had waiting for this opportunity, immediately pounced on the pheasant, and ate her up. The little mouse could only watch on helplessly from behind tree

HA! HA! HA!
“

Enjoy the story and sleep well, dearest Shanu beta. Are you saying your prayers and playing well beta? Are you reading and drawing? Have you tried all the pictures and artwork which I have sent you? I will send another book and lots of drawing once I’m out of bed and healthy. Hope and pray that one day I will be able to see you soon, I will pray dearest beta and god willing we will be united one day. I hope! I pray!

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 30

2007-06-17T03:17:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

My meditation and love for you is helping me to recover from illness. The mantra is when I’m so much overwhelmed by your image and desire to meet the creator, both the things gets entangled. There lies no difference between the energy which as a matter I have and which you have, as both of us are one and will one day be fused into the sole matter and creator. You are always the light which guides me towards the path of love and righteousness, as Guru Govind’s sons guided him towards liberation and truth. Today I saw a parrot sitting out side the window of my room. I think he was messenger as when he came and sat next to me, I felt your sweet breath and your voice “papa! papa! …” May god create a protection kavach around you and my prayers protect you from evil. May you always be blessed and happy, my dearest son. May the golden sky of the evening bless you will bliss and the golden clouds of morning provide you energy. I pray.

I’m quoting a small poetry from Longfellow, which will help to formulate pure friendships in your life and thereafter. Enjoy the poem and understand it from the narrator.

“
I shot an arrow into the air,
It fell to earth, I knew not where;

For so swiftly it flew, the sight
Could not follow it in its flight.
I breathed a song in the air,
It fell to earth, I knew not where;

For, who has sight so keen and strong
That it can follow the flight of song?

Long, long afterward, in an oak
I found the arrow, still unbroken;

And the song, from the beginning to end,
I found again in the heart of the friend.
“

My dear son, may your creativity increase day by day, while your innovative powers improve the application of life for betterment. I pray and I know…

Continuing on our storytelling journey, here is today’s stooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooorieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Beta today’s story is one of the famous folk tales of fables. Enjoy!

“
A farmer had many chickens and took good care of them. They were happy together pecking for food in the yard all day long. Among them were two roosters.

One day they had an argument as to, who should be leader of the group. “I’m stronger than you,” said a proud rooster to the other. “And I should be the ruler.” “But who has decided that you are stronger?” demanded the other rooster.

And so there was a big quarrel. The hens were frightened, “What shall we do?” they asked, with concern. They decided to talk to the roosters.

So one of the them asked the roosters, “Is it not better to let the farmer decide who should rule over us?” The roosters were not willing to listen.

Then the proud rooster turned and said, ”We will have a fight and the winner becomes the ruler.” So it was agreed. A huge puff of dust filled the air as the roosters fought.

Suddenly, the humble rooster tumbled to the ground. He was in a lot of pain. The arrogant rooster turned to the hens and said, “From now on I will be the ruler of this pen.” All the chickens nodded their head in fear. “Now let me go to the top of the roof and announce to the world of my victory,” the rooster thought.

So he perched himself up on the roof and shouted, “I am the ruler of this pen.” An eagle flying by heard this. “That sounds like a meal,” the eagle thought. The eagle saw the proud rooster perched on the roof. The eagle swooped down, caught hold of the rooster and flew off with him.

The chickens were happy to see the eagle fly away with the arrogant rooster.

HA! HA! HA!
“

Enjoy the story and learn from it beta. Also narrate the story to all your friends. Try to learn words and sentences. Creativity should always be expressed sometimes with stories, sentences, voice communication, paintings, etc. Always express it to improve the application of energy surrounding you. You are and will be one of the most creative and purest soul ever touched me and will always inspire me to live in a hope that one will be able to touch you and see you. I hope and I pray son. Pray with me say “Om!” with eyes closed.

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 29

2007-06-17T03:14:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

Beta, I’m little bit sick and bed ridden so was not able to send you my letter yesterday and day before it. Today there is bit less physical weakness so trying to present my thoughts and my love and my affection and my prayers. Beta, thoughts and images of you flow and surround me and inspire me. Beta, how are you? Are you observing and enjoying sunrise and sunset daily. Sometimes when my eyes are closed I see light whiteness surrounding me and smoke clearing and you being united with me. I dream to live the wonderful moments when we will be together, Lord will ultimately materialize my memories and dreams, and we will play together among the green fields and foothills of mountains and on the banks of sacred rivers; where the air is holy, and water is pure and spirituality provides bliss to all. May the white swan, the green parrots, blue clouds and rain droplets carry my blessings and love and prayers and stories to you. I hope I will hold your tiny fingers and you will hold mine and both us will walk together. Then I will hold you and then you will sit on my shoulders and I will run and run and you will laugh and laugh and we will play and keep on playing and keep on… I pray and I hope, my dear child.

My dearest beta, very soon I will send you the jungle book which I’m writing for you. I will try to finish it very soon. I was not able to draw and send pictures due my physical weakness and illness, but I will recover and write it to you. I will also compile all the stories and pictures I have sent and will try to send them as I have done it in my previous book sent to you.

Continuing on our storytelling journey, here is today’s stooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooorieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Beta today’s story is one of the famous folk tales of fables. Enjoy!

“
In a farm yard a farmer used to stack all his hay. His cattle grazed on a large meadow outside the farm yard. Each day his cattle would return to farm yard. There they would chew the food the farmer provided. And take shelter from the dark and cold of the night.

One day the farmer’s dog stumbled into the farm yard. He did not like the way the farmer took care of his cattle, providing them with shelter and food. He felt that the farmer has not treated him with same care and affection and for this he wanted to punish the cattle. At dusk, when the cattle returned, they saw the farmer’s dog sleeping on the manger. The dog was pretending to be asleep.

The hungry cattle did not wanted to disturb the dog. “He must be weary,” they said. Hours passed. The cattle grew even more hungry. But the dog continued pretending to sleep.

Then, one of the cattle gently pushed the dog with its horns, being very careful not to hurt it. The dog still pretending barked at the cattle in anger for disturbing his sleep.

“How can you harm a sleeping dog?” he howled. The cattle were surprised. “We wanted you not to sleep on the hay so that we could eat our fodder,” said one of the cow pleadingly.

“You will have to pay for this”, said the cruel dog, “All of you must go hungry the whole night. Out of the farm, all of you”, he commanded.

The cattle was shocked. There was nothing they could do. They all walked out hungrily. The night passed by ever so slowly. It was morning finally and the cattle struggled to their feet. Their legs were weak and they could not even stand up. They lay groaning in pain.

The farmer who happened to pass by, heard the noise. He saw his cattle lying down in pain. One of the cattle told him what had happened. The farmer got very angry with the arrogant dog. He asked the dog to apologize to cow and never rep[eat his behavior again in such a fashion.

HA! HA! HA!
“

Let this story also reach you and offer you enjoyment and lessons. May all your worries and sufferings of past, present and future be mine and my prayers provide you health and bliss. May we will be united as Prophet Mohammad’s teachings says one day all loved ones are united. I know! I pray! I hope!

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 28

2007-06-17T03:13:00.002-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

The beautiful bond between you and me is free from “…ands” i.e. commands, demands etc., as “…ands” is applicable for boundaries of finite values. But the values which we have are more abstract and thus infinite as they have no shape, boundaries and are not supposed to be explained but to be experienced. I know that in your tender age you may not have the vocabulary to understand my sentences, but I know for sure your simplicity and honesty of expression is far more capable of grasping it. In fact I have learnt this by observing you and your pure expressions. In my mediation our bond comes in various forms of images like Lord Shiva embracing you and me OR goddess Gayatri showering flowers of enlightment on both of us with you sitting on my padmasana. The images are always overwhelming but it adds more energy to the infiniteness of the bond of love and peace which we desire. I was always amazed at your ability to give and forgive, your absolute sense of courage to express your inner feelings to me have always touched and inspired me. Your soothing sentences of encouragement shared with me are source of nectar of life and inspiration to live. My dearest son we will again play with butterflies, we will run over the green lush lawns, we will run into playing teams of basketball and soccer, we will jump and jump again in the clogged rainwater, we will climb on the mango trees, we will make small castles with sand and stone, we will and we will one day, I hope and I pray!

Shanu beta, very soon I will send you the jungle book which I’m writing for you. I will try to finish it very soon. I will also compile all the stories and pictures I have sent and will try to send them as I have done it in my previous book sent to you.

Continuing on our storytelling journey, here is today’s stooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooorieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Beta today’s story is one of the famous folk tales of South India. Enjoy!

“
Once in the jungle there lived a dog with two puppies. The puppies use to bark a lot when dog was away in the search for food. The neighbors use to complain a lot about the puppies.

The dog use to request neighbors to apply restraint as the puppies are very small and they will bark. He also requested puppies not to trouble the neighbors any more.

One day when the dog went into the deep jungle to find food, a fox attacked him and killed the dog. Before dying he went to his puppies and explained them what has happened and requested them to take care of themselves.

The small puppies went to neighbors for help, but the neighbors behaved very badly with the puppies and asked them to leave from the neighborhood.
Crying the puppies went to their father’s friend elephant. The elephant kept the puppies in his house but told them not to bark as that will invite tiger. But the puppies will have to bark, how can puppies stop barking? So one day elephant asked them to leave his house.

The puppies went to tiger and requested him to help them. The tiger allowed them to stay with them. But one day when he was hunting the puppies barked and his prey ran away. Thus an angry tiger asked them to go away.

Puppies started crying, on hearing their cries a hunter who was hunting in the forest came and took them to his house. The puppies were very happy to meet his children. They played with them and everyone liked when they barked as it scared the thieves. The hunter also helped puppies to catch and punish fox who has killed their father. After that the puppies lived happily.

HA! HA! HA!
“

Let this story also reach you and offer you enjoyment and lessons. May my offering to God provide to fulfillment and happiness. May the tilak performed virtually on your forehead touch you and provide you blessings. May all your worries be mine. May lord protect you from all ills and impurities. May you prosper and play and sleep wholeheartedly. May god unite us my dearest son. I pray!

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 27

2007-06-17T03:13:00.001-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

My prayers will certainly reach you and the tilak which I use to do after my daily prayers would have also touched your forehead. Beta, are you reading and drawing, Oh! Yes, then I’m also reading and drawing. You know yesterday I drew a rainbow, a river and mountains. What about you? Do you remember the rising sun, the saffron color and birds as if they emanating from the sun to distribute the message of peace and love. Do you remember the fun of playing with pigeons by offering them grams and bread crumbs. I feel the sound of your grumps in your tiny throat as you use to drink juice when we use to go out in the mango garden to play. The sound will always inspire me to live, love, pray and mediate so that we can again feel, enjoy and materialize the memories. But are these memories son! not really as I’m still experiencing them virtually its like a bhakt who has seen lord in a swaroop of a baby and prays and re-lives that experience everyday even though the lord himself be omnipresent but virtually. It’s like the energy of experiences with you has moved from one matter to another but its still the same energy which is surrounding me and will increase exponentially and may take many visible and invisible shapes. I aspire the unity of this energy with you preferably my son in the same visible, lovely, innocent and holy form as I saw you the last time when we forced to separate. I know God will certainly make it happen, I pray and I hope and I desrire to happen soon as a bakht desire to meet his God as soon as it can be. I hope! I pray my son.

Continuing on our storytelling journey, here is today’s stooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooorieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Beta today’s story is one of the famous folk tales of South India. Enjoy!

“
Log time ago near the bank of the river, there lived a milkman. Everyday milkman used to go and sell milk in the town. The milk he used to sell was always pure. His customers always appreciated him for his honesty. Milkman use to work very hard to earn his livelihood.

One day his wife asked him “Why don’t you mix water into the milk? All the milkmen do the same and look they are so rich.”

Holding his ears with his hands and pressing his tongue between his teeth, milkman replied, “No, I can never be dis-honest. I won’t do this at all.”

His brother-in-law who was also a milkman tried to convince him,” O brother, its not a sin. It is a way to earn more money. And when you earn more money, you can get more happiness for your family.”
“Then I will be able to wear new and expensive saris and children will be able to buy expensive toys,” suggested milkman’s wife to make her brother’s point stronger.

Milkman was lured into their suggestion, and accepted the new ways of earning money. He started mixing water into the milk. Initially he used less water but afterwards he started using half milk and half water. Customers were still unaware about his adulteration. Such was his image of the honest milk seller. Milkman’s earning increased. He was now a rich man. One day his wife asked him to buy clothes for everyone from the market in the nearby town.

On the way he felt hungry. Before eating, he thought to take bath in the river flowing nearby. He kept his clothes and bag full of coins on a safe place. After taking the bath, he ate his food. He rested for a while and when he was about to go, he saw his bag was missing. Suddenly, he saw a monkey on the tree, which had taken the possession of the bag. Milkman tried to scare him by throwing stones at monkey. Monkey also responded by throwing coins at him. Coins were scattered all over the place some coins fell into the river also. Milkman somehow gathered the coins which were on the ground, but he couldn’t get the coins which fell into the river. Milkman counted the coins they were exactly half of the total number of coins. Milkman cried a lot that he has to be satisfied with half of the money and he will not be able to buy all the goodies he desired and as his wife told him. But then he realized that the earnings of water have sunk into water. He vowed never to be dishonest again.

HA! HA! HA!
“
Shanu beta, very soon I will send you the jungle book which I’m writing for you. I will try to finish it very soon. I will also compile all the stories and pictures I have sent and will try to send them as I have done it in my previous book sent to you.

Say your prayers and be happy beta. May smile never leave your lips, may you play and sleep wholeheartedly, May happiness and tenderness always envelope you. May my prayers and love reach you. May little rabbit on the moon convey my stories. May the moonlight bring the cushion of my left hand as a pillow to your tiny head. May the cool breeze cocoon you as my right hand. May the stars provide the warmth of the heavenly blanket. Sleep well my son.

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 26

2007-06-16T09:01:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

How are you my little angel? Thoughts and the journey with you always motivate me to think more about you, it’s like what saints say the more closer you come to God the more is the desire to be united with him. My Krishnu, every morning it’s strange that my left arm is always heavy, as if, as always my arm is still your favorite pillow. I pray and hope that your sleeps are contend. My stories will make you sleep and you will always smile and be happy. My dedication to you will act as protecting cocoon from the external impurities. And the eco-system of the lord will bless you to be motivated and attain bliss in your journey of life. May my wishes touch you my son and you feel me as I feel you. I pray! I pray! Blessing from papa my dearest son, God will always be with as your virtualness is and will be with me always, forever and untouched.

Continuing on our storytelling journey, here is today’s stooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooorieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

“
Once there grew a huge tree on the bank of the river. Some distance away was a forest. One day some monkeys came from the forest to quench their thirst in the river. The river had cool sweet water such that the monkeys had never tasted before.

Soon the news about the pleasant river spread throughout the forest. One by one, many animals came and settled around the river. The monkeys lived on the tree, the birds lived in the hollow of its branches, the rabbits settled on its foot, the deer and the peacock made their homes in the nearby bushes …. And they all started living in peace!

Days went by and life prospered around the river and the tree until one night a giant came from somewhere and entered into the river. Unaware of the giant, the animals carried on with their routines. But from that day, the number of animals started decreasing. Whoever went to drink water in the river never returned. The giant never showed himself to the animals. Eventually, he ate up all the animals in the surroundings.

One day, a monkey family came wandering from somewhere. It was a hot day and they were all very thirsty and tired. “Aha water!” cried the young ones, as they rushed to the river. The chief of the family was an old wise monkey. “No, children! Don’t go near the river,” he stopped them at once. The chief monkey surveyed the banks of the river. He could see the footprints of many animals going towards the river. But none of them were returning.

The clever old monkey uprooted a soft reed and pushed its one end into the water. He then asked a young monkey to climb up the tree and hold other end of the reed. Then he asked the young monkey to suck water through the hollow reed. Likewise all the monkeys quenched their thirst with sweet water. All the monkeys praised the intelligence of their chief.

Giant who was in the river waited for a long time and then finding no animals he came outside the water. But all the monkeys were sitting on the tree so they were safe.

HA! HA! HA!
“
Shanu beta, very soon I will send you the jungle book which I’m writing for you.

God will always shower love, peace and strength on you, my dearest beta. May this story reach with the cool and soothing moonlight tonight. Your sleep and tenderness will reach me. I pray and I hope.

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 25

2007-06-16T09:00:00.001-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

How are you beta? Most days I feel that you are very near me and I can feel your tiny heart which beats so loud as if we have just played a game of football together. But when I move my hand to touch you, its all air and your shadow, and then your sweet smell, and then only vacuum is left behind. Its like when you feel the God, you desire to see him, but you don’t where he is, but he is very near to you, sometimes you visualize and feel him during your meditation and then suddenly there is vacuum! And then you again pray and hope you will feel him and one day be united with him, I do the same so that one day I will be united with you, wherever you are my dearest beta, feel my love and my prayers. My stories and wishes will touch you as moon light will take and narrate them to you. My morning prayers will touch you as the soothing rays of the rising sun will envelope your body and soul so that you are protected and prepared for your day. In the noon the brightness of the sun will take my mediation and the associated vibrations to you so that you get energy and momentum to accomplish your dreams. In the evening my prayers will reach you via the dawn and will soothe you. Wherever you are my son one day we will see each other till then let my love for you reach via nature and sacred and spiritual channels.

Continuing on our storytelling journey, here is today’s stooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooorieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

“
Thousands of years ago, there was kingdom where a very powerful king ruled. Near the kingdom there was a very dense forest. In that forest a very powerful river use to flow. In the jungle there were lots of mango trees. On these there use to live monkeys. The king monkey use to take care of all the monkeys. The monkey king has told all the monkeys not to drop mangoes in the river else the king and his men will come to know about the delicious mangoes and they will force all the monkeys out of the jungle. One day a mango fell into the river and reached the kingdom. One of the king’s men picked the ripe mango and took it to the king. They saw the very ripe mango and liked it very much. He ordered his men to find the mango trees. The king men searched for the mango trees and found about the jungle. The king ordered all his men to march towards the jungle. When monkey king saw king’s men coming towards the mango trees. He immediately gathered all the monkeys together and explained them the whole situation. The monkey then told them that he will tie a branch of the tree in his feet and from the top of the tallest tree he will jump to another tree on the other side of the river, thus making a bridge. The other monkeys can walk on the branch bridge and reach the other side of the river where they will be safe. Everyone agreed with the plan. The king monkey tied a rope to his feet and jumped on the other side of the river. The rope was little short so the king monkey caught the other tree branch with his hands. All the monkeys crossed the river by putting gently their feet on his back. But there was a wicked monkey who always wanted to be a king. On his last step he jumped on the back of the king monkey and king monkey’s back broke and he fell into the river. The king was watching the whole episode. He was moved by the selflessness and sacrifice of the king monkey. He ordered his men to take care of the monkey. After the monkey was treated in the kingdom and became healthy, king men left him in the jungle to go back to his men. He lived happily there after.

HA! HA! HA!
“
Keep smiling and laughing beta. I will continue my prayers for your welfare and for peace. My Krishnu, always be happy and spread love everywhere. You will always find me near yourself and I always do. With God’s grace we will meet and be united, I will live and wait for that sacred moment and experience.

Om!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 24

2007-06-16T08:58:00.002-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

How are you beta? How did you like the pictures of crocodile, kangaroo, lion and cheetah which I sent you in my previous letter? Did you like the story also?
Did you recognize the photos of the animal which I have sent with this letter, it’s a LEOPARD, KHARRAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Yes! L for LEOPARD.
Now continuing our series of learning more about the big cats, today we will learn and have fun with leopard.

You know beta, unlike lions and cheetahs, leopards eat and sleep on trees.

Among the tall branches, leopards keep themselves-and their food-hidden from hyenas, lions, and other animals.
Leopards are the smallest of the African big cats. Leopard are very light but, they are strong enough to carry an animal their own weight up a tree. And leopards are not picky eaters. They eat antelope, deer, monkeys, birds, fish, and insects.
Shanu beta, big cats may be dangerous animals. But they, themselves, are in real danger today. That's because towns and farms are taking over wilderness areas, leaving fewer and fewer places for the animals to live. As their habitats shrink, all big cats struggle to survive.
Some new simple words we have learnt today,

Try to make sentences as they are used above:

1. Leopard

2. Branches

3. Food

4. Trees

5. Hyenas

6. Deer

7. Monkey

8. Bird

9. Fish

10. Insects

11. Town

12. Farms

Try to think, remember and make sentences of the above words. Also try to paint the pictures of Leopard. You will enjoy it as you use to do when we were together.

Now its storyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy timeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Today I will narrate you a small story from Jataka. This is a story of a King and a monkey. Dearest beta here is the story, please enjoy:

“
It was the onset of the winter season. Days became cold. On morning the king received shocking news from his ministers, that there has been a outbreak of mutiny in his kingdom. King asked his army to gear up to quell the mutiny. The next morning king and his army marched towards the place where there was outbreak of mutiny. The king led the army and his anger grew no bounds. “How dare my own people revolt against me?” Marching a whole day, the army came to the foot of the mountain. He ordered his army to halt at the foot of the mountain for a night. The night was very cold. Some horses took ill. The tired soldiers camped under the tree. One of the soldiers prepared to boil some gram in big vessel to feed the horses. Then a funny incident took place. Right atop the tree, a monkey was watching the cooking. He said “Whow grams, Hummy Hummmmmmmmmmmmieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee” and slowly came down and grabbed a fistful of gram and ran back to the tree top. The king and his men noticed the monkey and thus monkey got scared. While climbing up the tree the monkey dropped some grams. The monkey hung himself from the lower branch of the tree and tried to pick up the fallen grams. But in his haste he dropped even rest of the seeds that he had in his hand. Now the monkey felt disspointed.

HA! HA! HA!

“

Shanu Beta, lets start learning together. Beta, are you trying to make sentences as written in my previous e-mails? Is there someone helping you? Don’t, worry remember me and I will help you as you are helping me. Are you going to school? What’s your school name? Can you please send a letter to me with your handwriting? Can you send me an e-mail with your usual lines and circles as you use to do on my computer? Can you send me the sentences you are learning?

Love and God bless you my angel! Always be happy and spread love and happiness. Say “Om” whenever you can. Did you saw the “Om” picture in the book which I have sent you. I will always see you and do tilak to you in my morning and evening prayers. My Krishnu, Papa loves you very much. One day both of us will be united and spread love and peace, I pray! I hope!

Be careful now that the season is changing, God will be your protector as he is mine, son.

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 23

2007-06-16T08:58:00.001-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

How are you beta? Also did received the photos of Lord Shiva? Did you go to temple on MahaShivaRatri? I offered prayers to the Lord Shiva and lord will soon unite us both. How did you like the pictures of crocodile, kangaroo and lion which I sent you in my previous letter? Did you like the story also?
Did you recognize the photos of the animal which I have sent with this letter, It’s a CHEETAH, KHARRAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Yes! C for CHEETAH.
Now continuing our series of learning more about the big cats, today we will learn and have fun with cheetah.

Cheetahs move great distances following herds of antelope, sheep, and other animals. They hunt alone, hiding in the tall grass. When a prey animal gets close, the cheetah makes a lightning dash. These big cats can run faster than any animal on the land. They can zoom faster than a car!
Cheetahs have long, lean bodies with powerful shoulders and legs. Its spotted coat blends with the tall grasses of its habitat. Another big cat, the leopard, also has a spotted coat. But some leopards, called black panthers, have solid black coats. All adult leopards live alone.

Some new simple words we have learnt today,

Try to make sentences as they are used above:

1. Cheetah

2. Tall

3. Grass

4. Car

5. Long

6. Shoulders

7. Solid

8. Legs

9. Animal

10. Antelope

11. Sheep

Try to think, remember and make sentences of the above words. Also try to paint the pictures of Cheetah. You will enjoy it as you use to do when we were together.

Now its storyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy timeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Today I will narrate you a small story from Jataka. This is a story of a pigeon, elephant and deer. Yes Shanu beta, so many animals. Dearest beta here is the story, please enjoy:

“
There once lived a pigeon, a monkey, and an elephant. Deep inside the forest, a huge banyan tree was their home. The pigeon lived in a hollow in the tree. The monkey lived on the tree. Elephant use to live under the tree.

Pigeon, a monkey, and elephant, were very good friends and use to play, eat and roam together. Days and nights were full of fun. But at times they use to differ in opinion. And then the three will quarrel. One day pigeon said, “We are friends, but it’s natural to disagree sometimes. All we have to mind is that our arguments do not become too bad.” “Hmm there should be someone to resolve our disputes wisely, “nodded the elephant.

At last, they decided to choose the leader among themselves. But who shall be the leader? That was the question now. “Let the oldest be the leader, “proposed the monkey. “That’s fine, but how do we know that who is the oldest?” asked the elephant.

So they finally decided that each one of them will try to remember the oldest memory of the banyan tree and based on the oldest description of the tree the leader will be decided.

Monkey said that he has seen banyan tree when it was very young and the stem was light brownish.

Elephant narrated that his oldest memory is that the tree was a small plant with green stem and light green, very small leaves.

Now it was pigeon’s turn. With the serene smile on his face, the pigeon started recalling,” I was born in the nearby forest on a banyan tree. When I was young, I flew down to this forest. Along with me I had brought some seeds of the banyan tree. I scattered them here and thus sprang up this banyan tree, which is our home today.”

The elephant and monkey were listening very attentively to the pigeon. They cheered, “ We accept your wisdom and praise you for having brought this banyan tree into existence. Because of you today we have a shelter so lovely and peaceful.”

And from that day, they declared pigeon as their leader. The three friends never quarreled among each other. Now they have a wise friend to solve their confusions and guide them.

HA! HA! HA!
“

Shanu Beta, lets start learning together. Beta, are you trying to make sentences as written in my previous e-mails? Is there someone helping you? Don’t, worry remember me and I will help you as you are helping me. Are you going to school? What’s your school name? Can you please send a letter to me with your handwriting? Can you send me an e-mail with your usual lines and circles as you use to do on my computer?

Love and God bless you my angel! Always be happy and spread love and happiness. Say “Om” whenever you can. Did you saw the “Om” picture in the book which I have sent you. I will always see you and do tilak to you in my morning and evening prayers. My Krishnu, Papa loves you very much. One day both of us will be united and spread love and peace, I pray! I hope!

I will pray to God so that there is always protection on you from harsh winters, summers and actions. God will be your protector as he is mine, son.

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 22

2007-06-16T08:57:00.001-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

May lord Shiva bless you on this auspicious and very sacred day of Maha Shivaratri. Dearest Beta, on this occasion of Maha Shivaratri people worship Shiva, the god who wears the crescent moon as an adornment in his hair.

Today I will tell you stories of Shiva. Lets start with mantra meditation and recitation as we use to do together –

“Om Namaha Shivaya”
“Om Namaha Shivaya”
“Om Namaha Shivaya”
“Om Namaha Shivaya”
“Om Namaha Shivaya”
“Om Namaha Shivaya”
“Om Namaha Shivaya”
“Om Namaha Shivaya”
“Om Namaha Shivaya”
“Om Namaha Shivaya”
“Om Namaha Shivaya”

The story goes like this:

Once upon a time there lived a king named Bhagirath. He left his kingdom to mediate for the salvation of the souls of his ancestors. He requested Lord Brahma to let river Ganga come from heaven to earth. He wanted her to wash over the ashes of his ancestors. Brahma granted him the wish but asked him to pray to Shiva, who alone can sustain the weight and flow of river Ganga during her descent to earth. Accordingly, Ganga descended on Shiva’s head, and after meandering through his thick matted locks, reached the earth.

There is another famous story:

Once Brahma and Vishnu wee fighting over who is superior of the two. Horrified at the intensity of the battle between the two, the other Gods requested Lord Shiva to intervene. To make them understand the futility of their fight, Shiva assumed the form of huge column of fire between the Brahma and Vishnu. Awestruck by the magnitude of the fire, they decided to find the one end each to establish the supremacy over each other. Brahma assumed the form of swan and went upwards and Vishnu as Varaha went into the earth. Nevertheless light has no limit and though they searched for thousands of miles neither could find the end. On his journey upwards, Brahma came across a ketaki flower wafting down slowly. When asked where she has come from, the ketaki replied that she has been kept on the top of the fiery column as a offering. Unable to find the uppermost limit, Brahma dishonestly ended his search and took ketaki flower as a witness. At this the angry Shiva revealed his true from. He punished Brahma for telling a lie.

May Lord Shiva always be with you and protect you. I will always pray and meditate for your welfare and happiness. My angel, may you always prosper, may God always offer a playground of love and nectar of bliss to you. My “Krishnu”, always say your prayers as you use to do when both of us were together. “Shivaya Namaah” and may God Shiva fulfill my desire to meet and be united with you.

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 21

2007-06-16T06:03:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

How did you like the pictures of crocodile and kangaroo which I sent you in my previous letter? Did you like the story also? Beta, I want to share my feelings with you and play with you but can’t, as even some hope of my letters being read to you will evaporate. I’m living in a hope that at least my messages are reaching you and you are getting humane treatment. I pray and hope that almighty will definitely unite us one day; I hope it will be sooner, when both of us will be together in sunshine with you sitting on my shoulders and we will run and run and run …. Do you remember how we use to run after rainbow? Hope we see that again….

Do you recognize the photos of the animal which I have sent with this letter, It’s a LION, KHARRAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Yes! L for Lion.
You know beta, Lions belong to the family of big cats. Lions are found in Africa and India. Cousins of lions are tigers, jaguars, cougars, leopards and cheetah.

Tigers live in India and Siberia.

Jaguars are found in jungles from Mexico to South America.

Cougars, or mountain lions, are found in the mountains of North America as well as Central and South America.
Like all relatives, these big cat cousins have much in common. For example, they are all predators, which mean they hunt and kill other animals for food. They also have sharp claws and teeth, strong bodies, and keen eyesight.
Lions live in family groups. The family groups are called prides. Lions have strong bodies, but males are larger and heavier than females. They are also different in another way: Males have a mane, hair around their head and neck.
Lions live in the grassy plains of Africa, a habitat also preferred by another big cat-the cheetah. Unlike lions, cheetahs usually live alone.

Some new simple words we have learnt today,

Try to make sentences as they are used above:

1. Tiger

2. Jaguars

3. Cougars

4. Leopards

5. Cheetah

6. Male

7. Female

8. India

9. Africa

10. America

11. Mountains

12. Siberia

13. Hairs

14. Head

15. Neck

16. Claws

17. Teeth

18. Cousin

19. Family

20. Relatives

Now its storyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy timeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Today I will narrate you a small story from Jataka. This is a story of a deer and king. Dearest beta here is the story:

“
Once upon a time, there lived a king. He was fond of hunting. Everyday after the court, he would pick up his bow and arrows and venture deep into the forest. His men, armed with weapons, would follow him.

For hours and hours, the king would chase his hunt through the forest. On one such occasion, the king and his men reached a vast ground not so dense. It was afternoon. “Lets rest here for a while,” said the king.

Suddenly king saw a deer that had come there for grazing. The king took his bow and arrow and aimed at deer. “TWANG” came the sound of bowstring and the arrow sailed towards the deer. But the deer heard it and managed to escape. The king’s men caught hold of their weapons to hunt down the deer. “NO! That’s my catch. I alone shall go after it, “the king ordered. So he set out after the deer. Fast ran the king, but the deer ran much faster.

Soon the king became tired of chasing. The deer has led him deep into the forest. The king had lost his way and was tired. Suddenly his feet landed into a swamp. “Aaaaaaaaaaeeeeeeeeee” cried the king as he lost his grip on the bow and arrow.

The deer heard the cries of the king, and came for his help. He lowered his head and asked king to hold his antlers tight. King did as told by the deer and then deer move few steps backwards and he pulled the king out.

Thus the deer saved king’s life. King thanked him and never hunted again.

HA! HA! HA!
“

Shanu Beta, lets start learning together. Beta, are you trying to make sentences as written in my previous e-mails? Is there someone helping you? Don’t, worry remember me and I will help you as you are helping me. Are you going to school? What’s your school name? Can you please send a letter to me with your handwriting? Can you send me an e-mail with your usual lines and circles as you use to do on my computer?

Love and God bless you my angel! Always be happy and spread love and happiness. Say “Om” whenever you can. Did you saw the “Om” picture in the book which I have sent you. I will always see you and do tilak to you in my morning and evening prayers. My Krishnu, Papa loves you very much. One day both of us will be united and spread love and peace, I pray! I hope!

I will pray to God so that there is always protection on you from harsh winters, summers and actions. God will be your protector as he is mine, son.

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 20

2007-06-16T05:59:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

Beta, did you happen to go thru the book which I have created for you and sent to you? Did you like it? Please try to make as many pictures and sentences for each of the alphabets and sentences in the book. I will also try to continuously improve the book and send it to you.

How did you like the pictures of crocodile which I sent you in my previous letter. Enjoy the pictures wholeheartedly and please try to do the exercises which I’m sending in my today’s letter.

Do you recognize the photos of the animal which I have sent with this letter, It’s a KAAAAAANGROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Yes! K for Kangaroo.
You know beta, Kangaroos are as small as 6 six inches and as large as 6 feet. When they're older, these young wallabies use their tails to prop themselves up if they want to fight with their big feet.
The tail also helps to balance the kangaroo when it's running.
The bigger members of the kangaroo family can jump 6 to 30 feet on one bound.
Baby kangaroos are kept in the mother kangaroo’s pouch until they develop fully.
Young kangaroos are called joeys. When the joeys are still very immature, they leave their mother's body and crawl into her pouch.

So now it’s a storieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee timeeeeeeeeeeeeeee !!!! Today I will narrate you a small story from Panchatantra. This is a story of a greedy barbar. Barbar is a person who cuts hairs on the head. Dearest beta here is the story:

Some new simple words we have learnt today, Try to make sentences as they are used above:

1. Small

2. Big

3. 6 (Six)

4. 30 (Thirty)

5. Joeys

6. Run

7. 1 (One)

Now its storyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy timeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Today I will narrate you a small story from Jataka. This is a story of an ant and pigeon. Dearest beta here is the story:

“
One fine morning, an ant was wandering on a tree in search of food. Just as she was descending a low branch, a gentle breeze swept her off her feet. The tiny creature landed in the stream below.

The ant tried hard to come of the water, but in vain. A pigeon came to help her. The kind pigeon, dropped a leaf in a stream right in front of the ant. Moving her hands and legs fast, the ant climbed on the leaf and came safely out of the water.

“Thank you, dear pigeon. You saved my life. Perhaps some day, I shall repay this debt of gratitude, “ said the ant. “Sure friend!” nodded the pigeon. But inwardly, the pigeon thought, “ Such a tiny creature! How would she be of any help to me?”

Some days passed. One morning the ant was quenching her thirst in the stream of water. Suddenly she saw a hunter. “Ohoh” the hunter had a bow an arrow and was aiming at pigeon. Ant looked at the pigeon, which was busy cleansing his feathers, unaware of the hunter. The hunter started aiming at pigeon. The next moment ant stung hard at the leg of the hunter. The hunter cried “Aaaaeeeeee” and the arrow missed the target, the pigeon was saved by ant.

Ant felt very happy and both pigeon and ant became very good friends.

HA! HA! HA!
“

Shanu Beta, lets start learning together. Beta, are you trying to make sentences as written in my previous e-mails? Is there someone helping you? Don’t, worry remember me and I will help you as you are helping me. Are you going to school? What’s your school name? Can you please send a letter to me with your handwriting? Can you send me an e-mail with your usual lines and circles as you use to do on my computer?

Love and God bless you my angel! Always be happy and spread love and happiness. Say “Om” whenever you can. Did you saw the “Om” picture in the book which I have sent you. I will always see you and do tilak to you in my morning and evening prayers. My Krishnu, Papa loves you very much. One day both of us will be united and spread love and peace, I pray! I hope!

I will pray to God so that there is always protection on you from harsh winters, summers and actions. God will be your protector as he is mine, son.

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 19

2007-06-16T05:58:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

Beta, did you happen to go thru the book which I have created for you and sent to you? Did you like it? Please try to make as many pictures and sentences for each of the alphabets and sentences in the book. I will also try to continuously improve the book and send it to you.
Do you recognize the photo of the animal which I have sent with this letter, It’s a alligator. HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Yes! A for Alligator.

Alligator is from the family of crocodile.

Yes, Shanu beta, C from crocodile.

It's not cute or cuddly. It doesn't have big gentle eyes. It's been around since the dinosaurs were here. Remember we saw a movie of dinosaurs.

D for dinosaurs.

Crocodile and alligator have skin like armor and big powerful jaws.
Do you know there are 21 different kinds of crocodilians in the world? Some have longer and some have shorter bodies. Some have thinner or wider snouts. All the crocodilians have one thing in common. They all live in wet habitats at the water's edge.
Crocodiles can be as long as 14 to 30 feet. Do you remember the ruler/scale which we use to draw straight lines, one ruler is one foot which is 12 inches.

Alligators have broader, blunter snouts, which give their heads a triangular appearance; also, the lower tooth does not protrude when the mouth is closed, as it does in the crocodile.

So what are the words we have learnt today?

A for alligator.

C for crocodile.

D for Dinosaurs.

E for eyes.

S for skin.

J for Jaws.

I ruler is equal to 12 inches.

Thin, big, long, short – Crocodile are thin and big. They can be short or long.
Cute, cuddly – Shanu is very cute and cuddly
Beta, try to make sentences of all the new words you have learnt today.
Sentences for today:

Alligator: Alligator is similar to crocodile, and live in water.

Crocodile: Crocodile is a large reptile and is 30 feet long.

Dinosaurs: Dinosaurs use to live on planet earth long time ago.

Eyes: Shanu has two very beautiful eyes.

Skin: Shanu has e very fair and smooth skin.

Jaws: Crocodile have very strong jaws.

Cute, cuddly: Shanu is very cute and cuddly.

So now it’s a storieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee timeeeeeeeeeeeeeee !!!! Today I will narrate you a small story from Panchatantra. This is a story of a greedy barbar. Barbar is a person who cuts hairs on the head. Dearest beta here is the story:

“
Once upon a time there lived a merchant. His name was Mani. He was virtuous, rich and generous. Men flocked to his house to enjoy his hospitality. Then one day, by making a bad investment he lost all his wealth and consequently all his friends. One night the noble merchant was feeling very sad, and fell asleep. In his sleep he saw an amazing dream. He saw a monk in his dream, he told the merchant that next day in the morning he will come to merchant’s house, and when he comes merchant should touch his head with a stick and he will turn into gold.” Next day merchant woke up and there was a knock at the door. It was barber, and he started shaving merchant’s beard. Suddenly there was another knock on the door. Merchant went to open the door, and there was the same monk at the door who had come in his dream. Merchant took the stick and gently touched on monk’s head and Wow! Monk turned into gold. He gave some gold to barber and requested him not to tell anyone. Barber immediately took a stick and went to monastery and started hitting the monks with the stick. On hearing the cries of the monks king’s men came to their rescue and caught the barber and took him to king’s court. The barber described to the king what he seen at merchant’s house. King summoned the merchant, and merchant told king all about himself, his dream and monk’s command. King ordered his men to put the greedy barber in prison.

HA! HA! HA!
“

Shanu Beta, lets start learning together. Beta, are you trying to make sentences as written in my previous e-mails? Is there someone helping you? Don’t, worry remember me and I will help you as you are helping me. Are you going to school? What’s your school name? Can you please send a letter to me with your handwriting? Can you send me an e-mail with your usual lines and circles as you use to do on my computer?

Love and God bless you my angel! Always be happy and spread love and happiness. Say “Om” whenever you can. Did you saw the “Om” picture in the book which I have sent you. I will always see you and do tilak to you in my morning and evening prayers. My Krishnu, Papa loves you very much. One day both of us will be united and spread love and peace, I pray! I hope!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 18

2007-06-16T05:57:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

For last couple of days I have been not very well and I’m overwhelmed by your thoughts, face, past, togetherness … Though both us are not allowed to be present at the same place but I still hope and pray that my letters have and are reaching and getting narrated to you. To end the education of alphabets I have created a small book of about 105 pages for you. I’m sending / attaching the book also with this letter. Please continue to read the book, and make new sentences with the words, and draw new pictures. You are very creative beta and the best way of utilizing your creation is to express it with beautiful words and artwork. My dearest beta, expression of thoughts via multiple mediums is the greatest gift of nature and God to the human beings like you and me. We should utilize it to express ourselves. With the end of this journey we have to start a new and better journey which we will surely do and it will be more informative, fun-filled and educative. What better journey can that be than knowing our beautiful planet earth and universe! We will try to cover living creatures, geographical mysteries, great monuments and evolution of living being. I will also emphasize on the beauty of our great country, our own motherland India or Bharat. Hope it could have been more interactive, anyway you are the smartest and brightest person I have met so we sure will overcome this constraint also. And we will joined soon by the grace and power of almighty.

Today I will narrate you a small story from Ramayana, one the most sacred, spiritual and holy book of India. This is a story of Ramji and Kevatji. Dearest beta here is the story:

“
As you know from the stories which I use to tell you when we were together, that Ramji left Ayodhya and set out for the forests along with Laxamji and Sitaji for an exile of fourteen years. They walked upto the bank of river Saryu. They took a holy bath in the river and began to wait for a boatman to take them across the river to the opposite bank for proceeding further. After sometime the boatman called Kewat turned up. When asked by Ramji to ferry them across the river in his boat, Kewat said, “Yes, I shall take you across the river but I refuse to accept the usual fare. How can a boatman agree to charge another boatman? Yes, I ferry passengers to the other bank of the river. But you being the arbiter of human destinies, ferry them across this world of tears and trials to the other bank of bliss and mirth. Why can’t I expect deliverance from you? So my lord, allow me, first, to offer my worship at your feet and then change my fortune by granting me instead money, your worship. I shall thus be able to cross the ocean of Samsara (mortal world) and be one with my creator.” Rama agreed to Kewat’s entreaty. They could go to the other bank of Saryu, consequently. Kewat danced in glee. He became immortal by entering records of Ramayana our spiritual literature.
HA! HA! HA!
“

Shanu Beta, lets start learning together. Beta, are you trying to make sentences as written in my previous e-mails? Is there someone helping you? Don’t, worry remember me and I will help you as you are helping me. Are you going to school? What’s your school name? Can you please send a letter to me with your handwriting? Can you send me a e-mail with your usual lines and circles as you use to do on my computer?

Love and God bless you my angel! Always be happy and spread love and happiness. Say “Om” whenever you can. I will always see you and do tilak to you in my morning and evening prayers. My Krishnu, Papa loves you. Lets both of us be united and spread love and peace, I pray! I hope!

Your Father
Ravi

Struggling Father desirous to see his Son - 17

2007-06-16T05:55:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Beta Shanu,

As promised in my letter yesterday, I’m sending you lot of pictures of Tom & Jerry and Bhagat Singhji along with my regular pictures of alphabets. Today we will be in our last letter related to journey of alphabets as we will be covering last alphabets left of English Y and Z. Though both us are not allowed to be present at the same place but I still hope and pray that my letters have and are reaching and getting narrated to you. With the end of this journey we have to start a new and better journey which we will surely do and it will be more informative, fun-filled and educative. Hope it could have been more interactive, anyway you are the smartest and brightest person I have met so we sure will overcome this constraint also. And we will joined soon by the grace and power of almighty.

Today I will narrate you a small story from the lessons of Swami Vivekananda. Vivekanandaji is one the most admired leaders, philosopher and saint of India. This is a story of one his visits to USA. Dearest beta here is the story:

“
Swami Vivekananda was visiting USA. One day he was walking thru the streets of Chicago (Chicago is one of the largest cities in USA); a woman stopped him and started passing rude remarks over saint’s spare dress and crude physical appearance. Swamiji did not utter a single word.

A few more persons joined the old woman. All of them cut jokes with him and went on giggling and calling him names.

One of them said, “Look at his uncivilized dress”. “He could well roam stark naked, “remarked another.

“He must be from the savage land, say India”, said the third.

During all this mad show of superiority, Swamiji kept quite. He simply smiled, blessed them and went on his way. When he had gone scores of steps ahead, he was stopped by an gentleman.

“Well Sir, why didn’t you retaliate? They called you names and insulted you. You must have given them bit of your mind. Don’t you think so?” Asked he.

“No, Sir, my attitude is different. They did not rebuke me. They simply scoffed at my physical body. I’m not in this physical body, the real I, I’m different which they are not able to touch.”

And he walked on.

HA! HA! HA!
“

Ok, now here is our regular story from panchtantra, this is a story of the king elephant and mice. Below is the story:

“
One hot summer, all the rivers in the forest ran dry. The king elephant of the herd of elephants was worried. He thought, “If I don’t find some water soon, we will all die.” Suddenly, one of his retinue lumbered up to him. He told the king elephant, that a bird has told him that there is a lake in the east direction which has ample of water for all of us. The king elephant was relieved, he gave orders and the march began. Soon they reached the lake and were very happy to see lots of water. Elephants charged towards the water trampling everything which came in their way. Among the victims, there were lots of mice who had burrowed a colony near the lake. The mice which were left ran together to a safe place and held a meeting. The king mice went to the king elephant and requested him, “O King, we have been living near the lake for generations, while your herd came charging this way, it trampled to death half of our clan. We beg of you to have mercy on us and find some other path to and from the lake. Spare our lives. Small though we are, some day we may prove useful to you.” The king elephant thought how these tiny mice will ever be of help to him or his herd, but anyway since he was kind hearted, he promised that his herd will not bother them any more. As king elephant watched the grateful, happy mice scamper away, little did the king realized, how soon he will need them. Just 5 days after, while the king elephant was taking the bath he got caught in the trap laid by trappers. Trapper caught the elephant and tied him to a tree. All his legs were tied with strong ropes. The mice saw the plight of the king elephant and came to his rescue. All the mice with their sharp teeth cut the ropes of the elephant and freed him. Elephant thanked the mice and was grateful to them. HA! HA! HA!
“
Now some sentences for today:

Beta below is today’s alphabets and artwork. I have created artworks for Y and Z, and attached them in my e-mail. Also please remember the five words taught to you when we were together, namely:

letter “Y” 1) Yatch 2) Yellow 3) Yagna 4) Yo-Yo 5) Yak
letter “Z” 1) Zebra 2) Zoo 3) Zero 4) Zip 5) Zinc

Shanu Beta, please try to draw the all the pictures in your notebook. As always you were virtually with me when I was drawing these pictures.

Some sentences for today:

Yatch: Shanu has a yatch which he floats in water.

Yellow: Yellow is a color .

Yagna: Dadaji does yagna everyday for the welfare of everyone.

Yo-Yo: Shanu plays with yo-yo.

Yak: Yak is an animal found in mountains of Tibet.

Zebra: Zebra is an animal found in Africa.

Zoo: Shanu went to Zoo with Papa.

Zero: Shanu knows how to write Zero.

Zip: Shanu’s jacket has a zip.

Zinc: Zinc is a metal

Shanu Beta, lets start learning together. Beta, are you trying to make sentences as written in my previous e-mail? Is there someone helping you? Don’t, worry remember me and I will help you as you are helping me. Are you going to school? What’s your school name? Can you please send a letter to me with your handwriting?

Love and God bless you my angel! Always be happy and spread love and happiness. Say “Om” whenever you can. I will always see you and do tilak to you in my morning and evening prayers. My Krishnu, Papa loves you. Lets both of us be united and spread love and peace, I pray! I hope!

Your Father
Ravi