Value - a beautiful article I read:

“I had known a friend of mine who used to say that he misplaces and loses
his pen very often. He will use only very cheap pens so that he need not worry about losing them. He was worried about carelessness habit.

I suggested to him to buy the costliest pen he could afford and see what happens. He did that and purchased a 22 carat Cross pen. After nearly six months I met him and asked him if he
continues to misplace his pen. He said that he is very careful about his costly pen and he is surprised how he has changed!

I explained to him that the value of the pen made the difference and there was nothing wrong with him as a person!

This is what happens in our life. We are careful with things which we value most.

* If we value our health, we will be careful about what and how we eat;
* If we value our friends, we will treat them with respect;
* If we value money, we will be careful while spending;
* If we value our time, we will not waste it.
* If we value relationship we will not break it.

Carefulness is a basic trait all of us have,we know when to be careful! ~
Carelessness only shows what we don't value......”

Bahu's B'day 01/06 - Gift of Lakshmi Narasimha Sloka

 Lord Lakshmi Narasimha bless you with Mano Kaamna Purthi. The following powerful sloka, taught to Sringeri Acharya Sri Abinava Vidyatheertha(guru of the present Sringeri Acharya)  by his Acharya Sri Chandrasekara Bharathi, I am sending as your birthday gift:

Sathya Gnaana sukaswaroopmam  amalam Ksheeraapthi Madhyasthitham

Yogaaroodam athiprasanna vathanam poosha sahasrojvalam

Thriyakshamchakra pinaaka saapayavaraan bibraaNam arkkachchavim

chathreepootha faNeendra indhudhavaLam Lakshmi Nrusimham bhaje

Both you and Raja can recite this sloka which will guide you throughout.

Let me reiterate what I wrote earlier

Bahu Aayaa hamey shubh laaya

Manme sabco kushi paaya

Barosa raklo bahuraani

Bagwan dehnge bahuth suhani

Kaandaan izzat ko abhimaani

Sanskruthi paalan karlo vaani

Garwalo ko man sammohini

Jeevan honge mathura vaahini

DHONI IN IPL 2013 FINAL MATCH FIXING

DHONI IN IPL 2013 FINAL MATCH FIXING

If you had been watching the IPL Final at Eden Garden between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings on 26.05.13, you would have noticed that there is a definite match fixing. A grim-looking CSK owner Srinivasan and stoically silent Dhoni did not reveal anything which may lead to suspicion in the beginning.

After the first  few overs in their run-chase,  CSK was in a fix. Every other player wanted to be in the fix to be safe and avoid future questioning by conveniently following the dotted line. Wickets were crumbling like the proverbial nine pins. The stack of palpable defeat of a team which is a strong cup winner by every cricket lover in one of the world largest cricket stadiums and tweeting millions are clearly visible.

Like our police coming to arrest the villain after he was beaten to grasp for breath in our films, the Neta or Captain Cool you would like to call him arrives late.  Now Dhoni’s role in fixing comes to the fore which cannot be missed by a discerning watcher. 

At this stage he has to officially fix the match almost single handedly. He scores 63 runs, the highest runs in the final  by any batsmen on both the sides.. Alas! Dhoni da himself is in a fix while the fixing the innings as he has no support from the other end, as his partner who preferred herd mentality in preference to just stay in and watch the fixing job completed by Dhoni. Probably they were not taught in the schools, like we were in the good old days, John Milton’s quote,  “They also serve who only stand and wait”. They know only the Biblical Phrase “ Forgive the sinners, they know not what they do!” and departed to the cool comfort of their dressing rooms at quick intervals.

For poor Dhoni , destiny did not allow him to be the best fixer, which we always saw in him, in this final. He was able to fix the gap of defeat to a respectable 23 runs. ,By the by why don’t we institute the Best IPL Fixer Award from next season onwards?

Finally  we saw Mount Everest succumbing to Altamont Road owners, who even though not physically present to encourage their team, managed to ensure their team’s success by remote control.

In games winning and losing does not matter. The spirit in which it is done does matter. The amazing commitment and zeal displayed by Dhoni in the face of their team owners buried neck deep in scam reports and media cries for head-hunting shows what grit and character can do to a sportsman. Despite the heavy odds weighed against him, his character stands out. That is cricket.  May the tribe or Dhoni-kind of fixers increase in all areas so that India can march to a safe future.

Frustration

Live, love and toil with a will. For the clock may soon be still."

Various HR forums discuss issues such as work-life balance, business etiquettes, smart-working, Motivation, handling difficult customers,goal setting, inter-personal relations, facing failures with confidence, etc.

But one notable omission which is not directly addressed is Frustration, and which is eating heavily into the productivity levels of each employee, especially in large organisations, where one-to-one interaction, counselling or mentoring is done online or laid-down procedures These methods tend to be rather routine and  mechanical. In Indian conditions, unrelenting ambitions and unfulfilled aspirations / expectations, assume grave proportions in driving employees with dented morale and with disastrous consequences,

Oxford definition of Frustration is: prevent a plan or action from progressing or succeeding; prevent someone from doing or achieving something; and cause to feel dissatisfied. One major cause for employee discontent, obviously,  is Frustration.

This article aims to address these issues in the form of two beautiful stories which I found in the internet.

Many years ago, Al Capone virtually owned Chicago. Capone wasn't famous for anything heroic. He was notorious for enmeshing the windy city in everything from bootlegged booze and prostitution to murder.

Capone had a lawyer nicknamed "Easy Eddie." He was Capone's lawyer for a good reason.. Eddie was very good! In fact, Eddie's skill at legal maneuvering kept Big Al out of jail for a long time.

To show his appreciation, Capone paid him very well. Not only was the money big, but Eddie got special dividends, as well. For instance, he and his family occupied a fenced-in mansion with live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day.. The estate was so large that it filled an entire Chicago City block.

 Eddie lived the high life of the Chicago mob and gave little consideration to the atrocity that went on around him.

Eddie did have one soft spot, however. He had a son that he loved dearly. Eddie saw to it that his young son had clothes, cars, and a good education. Nothing was withheld. Price was no object.

And, despite his involvement with organized crime, Eddie even tried to teach him right from wrong. Eddie wanted his son to be a better man than he was.

Yet, with all his wealth and influence, there were two things he couldn't give his son; he couldn't pass on a good name or a good example.

One day, Easy Eddie reached a difficult decision. Easy Eddie wanted to rectify wrongs he had done. He decided he would go to the authorities and tell the truth about Al "Scarface" Capone, clean up his tarnished name, and offer his son some semblance of integrity. To do this, he would have to testify against The Mob, and he knew that the cost would be great. So, he testified.

Within the year, Easy Eddie's life ended in a blaze of gunfire on a lonely Chicago Street. But in his eyes, he had given his son the greatest gift he had to offer, at the greatest price he would ever pay. Police removed from his pockets a rosary, a crucifix, a religious medallion, and a poem clipped from a magazine.

The poem read:

"The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop, at late or early hour. Now is the only time you own. Live, love, toil with a will. Place no faith in time. For the clock may soon be still."

STORY NUMBER TWO

World War II produced many heroes. One such man was Lieutenant Commander Butch O'Hare.

He was a fighter pilot assigned to the aircraft carrier Lexington in the South Pacific.One day his entire squadron was sent on a mission. After he was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank.

He would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back to his ship. His flight leader told him to return to the carrier. Reluctantly, he dropped out of formation and headed back to the fleet.

As he was returning to the mother ship, he saw something that turned his blood cold; a squadron of Japanese Aircraft was speeding its way toward the American Fleet.

The American fighters were gone on a sortie, and the fleet was all but defenseless. He couldn't reach his squadron and bring them back in time to save the fleet. Nor could he warn the fleet of the approaching danger. There was only one thing to do. He must somehow divert them from the fleet.

Laying aside all thoughts of personal safety, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes.. Wing-mounted 50 caliber's blazed as he charged in, attacking one surprised enemy plane and then another. Butch wove in and out of the now broken formation and fired at as many planes as possible until all his ammunition was finally spent.

Undaunted, he continued the assault. He dove at the planes, trying to clip a wing or tail in hopes of damaging as many enemy planes as possible, rendering them unfit to fly. Finally, the exasperated Japanese squadron took off in another direction. Deeply relieved, Butch O'Hare and his tattered fighter limped back to the carrier.

Upon arrival, he reported in and related the event surrounding his return. The film from the gun-camera mounted on his plane told the tale. It showed the extent of Butch's daring attempt to protect his fleet. He had, in fact, destroyed five enemy aircraft. This took place on February 20, 1942, and for that action Butch became the Navy's first Ace of W.W.II, and the first Naval Aviator to win the Medal of honour.

A year later Butch was killed in aerial combat at the age of 29. His home town would not allow the memory of this WW II hero to fade, and today, O'Hare Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the courage of this great man.

So, the next time you find yourself at O'Hare International, give some thought to visiting Butch's memorial displaying his statue and his medal of Honor. It's located between Terminals 1 and 2.

 SO WHAT DO THESE TWO STORIES HAVE TO DO WITH EACH OTHER? Butch O'Hare was "Easy Eddie's" son...

The consequences of frustration can be summed up based on the stories as well as real life incidents thus:

·         Everyone wants to be on the right side as early as possible

• Not only failure and perceived injustice but success can also be a contributory factor for frustration
• The guilt feeling of Eddie, the lawyer was responsible for his frustration even though he was very successful courtesy the gang leader, drove him to disclosure about the gang leader, of course, with dreadful consequences
• Skillset however good is no match for frustration and we hear about a lot of young well paid pros committing suicide
• When frustrated one develops a “I don’t care. Come what May” attitude which is fraught with grave operational risk to
• Every human being needs course correction at some stage of his life
• Frustration drives people to acts which are not compatible with their perceived lifestyle and which are normally unimaginable and they are not worried about the consequences of their action. In the story it cost Eddie’s life
• Frustration can be redirected towards a better goal for common good
• The unintended offspring of frustration is usually dangerous gossip and anonymous/pseudonym reporting in case of organisations with a large work force
• Though official channels are available, people resort to anonymous complaints because of frustration
• People feel frustrated for any perceived injustice either to them or to someone who they love and respect
• Frustration if not diverted properly, may lead to loss of huge morale and consequent business opportunities
• When people feel they are not part of the organisation or sidelined for no obvious reason, frustration starts budding.
• When frustrated one develops a “I don’t care. Come what May” attitude which is fraught with grave operational risk to the organisation
• There are reported instances that people direct business knocking at their door to other organisations and guiding them why it is better to do so. This is again an offshoot of frustration of their experience in forwarding a similar request which met with an embarrassing result.
• To nip it initially itself trainers can play an important role in this vital issue. It requires moral courage and conviction to overcome frustration – both on the part of trainers and the participants. A session or a separate program can be arranged for this
• This attempt will be another milestone in good corporate governance as continuous motivation can accelerate the growth as shown by the business leaders like Google.

Welcome Bahurani

Welcome Bahurani
--------------------------

Bahu Aayaa hamey shubh laaya
Manme sabco kushi paaya

Barosa raklo bahuraani
Bagwan dehnge bahuth suhani

Kaandaan izzat ko abhimaani
Sanskruthi paalan karlo vaani

Garwalo ko man sammohini
Jeevan honge mathura vaahini

--

PAVAMAANA SUKTHAM

Hiranya varnaa suchaya paavakaa,  Yasu jatha kasyapo yaswindrah . Agnim ya arbham dadhire virupaa, Tha na aapaa sam syona bhavanthu.

In this golden, pure and purifying, Waters were born Kashyapa and also Indra,  The fire God of various forms was also made by these waters,  And let these waters be full of bliss and make us happy.

Yaasaam raja varuno yathi madhye, Sathyanruthe ava pasyaan janaanaam, Madhuschutha suchayo ya pavaka, Taa na aapa syona bhavanthu.

The king Varuna is in their middle, Examining men for truth and falsehood, These waters are honeyed, pure and purifying, And let these waters be full of bliss and make us happy.

Yaasaam devaa divi krunvanthi bhaksham, Ya anthareekshe bahudha bhavanthi,  Ya pruthweem payasa udanthi shukrah, Taa na aapa syona bhavanthu.

These waters are the food for gods, They are found in various environments, These pure waters drench the earth, And let these waters be full of bliss and make us happy.

Shivena maa chakshusha pasyathaaapa, Shivaya thanuvopa sprusad thwachama may, Sarvaan aagnir aapsushadho huve, Vo mayi varchaa balamojo ni datha.

Oh Waters see me with your peaceful eyes, Oh waters, please touch my skin with your body. And oh fires, which exist in different waters, Please bless me with brilliance, strength and power.

Pavamanas suvarjana, Pavithrena vicharshanee, Ya pothaa sa punathu maa.

Those who purify live in the suvar lokaa (world) Let them, with holiness and thought, Along with deity Pota purify us.

Pnanthu maa deva janaa, Punanthu manavo dhiyaa, Punanthu vishvaa aayava,

Let the gods purify me, Let me be purified by manu and other learned ones, Let all human beings purify me.

Jaathavedaa pavithravath, Pavithrena punaahi maa, Shukrena deva dheedhyaath, Agne kruthwaa kruthamranu.

Oh God who knows all those who are born, purify us, Oh God purify us with purity, Oh God who shines with purity, purify us, Oh Fire God, purify us and give us will power.

Yaththe pavithram archishi, Agne vithatham antharaa, Brahma thena puneemahe.

Oh fire god, Purify our knowledge using your power, Which is spread all over and is in the midst of your flames.

Pavamaniryo adhyethi Rishibhirsambhrathaam rasam Thasmai Saraswathi duhe, Ksheeram sarpir madhuudhakam.

He who recites Pavamana Suktha, Which is essence of Vedas collected by sages, For him Saraswathi extracts, The milk of knowledge, clarity and exhilarating Soma.

Pavaamani swasthyayani, Sudhughaa hi payaswathi, Rishibhir sambrutho rasa, Brahmeshwamrutham hitham.

This Pavamani suktha leads to peaceful and indestructible life, They can be easily understood and knowledge can be improved, The sages understand the essence of Vedas from these, And this is the nectar for the knower of God.

Pavamanir dishanthu nah, Imam lokamadho aamum, Kaamaan samradhayanthu nah, Devir devai samaabhruthaa.

Those who are purified by Pavamana Suktham, Get this world as well as the next, Their wishes would be fulfilled, And they would be united with gods and goddesses

Pavamana svasthyayani, Sudhugha hi gruthaschutha, Rishibhir sambhrutho rasa, Brahmaneshvamrutha hitham.

This Pavamani suktha leads to peaceful and indestructible life, They can be easily understood and mental clarity would be released, The sages understand the essence of Vedas from these, And this is the nectar for the knower of God.

Yena devaa pavithrena, Aathmaanam punathe sathaam, Thena sahasra dhaarena, Pavamanya punanthu maa.

Those Gods who are pure, Purify our souls, With thousand showers of purity, May Pavamana Suktha purify us.

Praajapathyam pavithram, Shathodhyamam hiranmayam, Thena brahma vidho vayam, Pootham brahma punimahe.

These purify the creator himself, Makes us hundred fold great and with golden luster, Makes the knowledge of Brahma as ours, Makes us pure and purifies us.

Indrasuneethi saha maam punaathu, Soma savashthyaa, Varuna samichyaa, Yamo raja pramrunaabhipunaathu maa, Jathavedaa morjayanthya punaathu.

May Indra purify us by the right path, May Soma purify us by peace and well being, May Varuna purify us by his closeness, May king Yama purify us with strength, May Jataveda purify us with energy.

Aum Jalbimbaye Vidmahe

Nila Purushaye Dhimahi

Tanno Varunah Prachodayat

Om Sarvesham Svasti Bhavatu

Sarvesham Santir Bhavatu

Sarvesham Purnam Bhavatu

Sarvesham Mangalam Bhavatu

Language

A WONDERFUL LANGUAGE

English is really a wonderful language!

Same words have different meanings or different words have same pronunciation. Read the following.

Some words have different meanings and yet they're spelled the same.

A cricket is an insect, to play it - it's a game.

On every hand, in every land, it's thoroughly agreed,

The English language to explain, is very hard indeed.

Some people say that you're dear, yet dear is far from cheap.

A jumper is a thing to wear, yet a jumper has to leap.

It's very clear, it's very queer, and, pray who to blame

For different meanings to some words pronounced and spelled the same?

A little journey is a trip, a trip is when you fall.

It doesn't mean you have to dance whene'er you hold a ball.

Now here's a thing that puzzles me: musicians of good taste

Will very often form a band - I've one around my waiste!

You spin a top, go for a spin, or spin yarn maybe -

Yet every spin's a different spin, as you can plainly see.

Now here's a most peculiar thing, 'twas told me as a joke -

A dumb man wouldn't speak a word, yet seized a wheel and spoke!

A door may often be ajar, but give the door a slam

And then your nerves receive a jar - and then there's jars of jam.

You've heard, of course, of traffic jams, and jams you give your thumbs.

And adders, too, one is a snake, the other adds up sums.

A policeman is a copper, it's nickname (impolite!)

Yet a copper in the kitchen is an article you light.

On every hand, in every land, it's thoroughly agreed,

The English language to explain is very hard indeed!

Now note the words and pronunciation

Beware of heard, a dreadful word

That looks like beard and sounds like bird.

And dead: it's said like bed, not bead -

And only Scotsmen call it deed!

Watch out for meat and great and threat.

They rhyme with suite and straight and debt.

A moth is not a moth in mother,

Nor both in bother, broth in brother,

and here is not a match for there

Nor dear and fear for bear and pear,

And then there's dose and rose and lose -

Just look them up - and goose and choose.

And cork and work and card and ward,

And do and go, and thwart and cart -

Come, come, I've hardly made a start!

A dreadful language? Man alive -

I'd mastered it when I was five.