The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin S. Sharma (Review)

                Some books are meant to be tasted, some eaten while a few others to be gulped thoroughly, this book falls in the last category. The author is trying to provide the ancient wisdom to lead an enriching life full of vigor, energy, love and above all compassion towards everyone around us. It beautifully transmits the message by weaving a story of a high flying lawyer turned monk who after visiting a mystical place named Sivana in the lap of Himalayas realized his motivation in life. The place Sivana is home to sages who shared their techniques with the lawyer provided he pledges to pass it on with the outside world which is in dire need of guidance to come out of the slumber the chaos that is of their own creation. The story progresses with monk Julian sharing a fable about seven different goals to achieve to revolutionize one's life and helps in transcending a human into the state of bliss.

             The story is beautifully illustrated with counter questions pounded by Julian's friend John to further satisfy the doubts that most readers might have while reading the book. It doesn't fully satisfy the quest of an individual but can certainly give a positive direction, inspiration to life provided one is open to ideas of meditation, goal prioritization, focus, getting up early, more exercise, positive thinking, etc, and as the book encourages to always have your cup of knowledge empty, space should be there for never-ending knowledge. The book enriches your thought process and encourages you to look at simple pleasures of life, to admire exquisite beauty in all living things and not waste it to wait till the very end for the promised land. This book is strongly recommended by me for everyone as it is a noble effort by the author to apprise readers about the traditional knowledge of India that we all humans desperately need in today's age.

Image Courtesy - Google 

स्वार्थ

                 मटेरिअलिस्म के दुष्प्रभाव आज सोसाइटी के लिए सबसे बड़ा खतरा बन के उभरे हैं| कंसुमेरिस्म की अंधी दौड़ जहाँ इंसान के ऊपर दबाव बनती है वहीं यह परिवार मे फ्रिक्शन का कारण भी बन चुके हैं| जरूरतों और ख्वाइशों की अंतहीन खाई को पार करते इंसान न सिर्फ मतलबी बन गया है बल्कि क्रूरता की हर सीमा को बेझिझक तर्क-कुतर्कों के सहारे पार कर रहा है | संसाधनों को एकत्र करने की होड़ मे इंसान ने नैतिक मूल्यों  से समझौता करलिया है| आज इंसान हर चीज़ को हड़पने को हमेशा ततपर है | जंगलों की अंधादुंध कटाई हो या समुद्री जीवों का लुप्त होना मनुष्य के लालच का उद्धरण हैं | परिवारों के बीच बढ़ता संघर्ष भी इसी मानसिक दिवालियापन का सबूत है| बचपन से हमें तेरा-मेरा और एक दूसरे मे फर्क करना सिखाया जाता है, जो नीव डालती है स्वार्थी अथवा आत्म केन्द्रित होने की | अचेतन मन में जो धारणाये हैं उनके द्वारा हम आस पास के वातावरण को भी प्रभावित करते हैं।

                   खुद को श्रेष्ट व अन्य को कमतर आंकना इसी संकीर्ण र्सोच का लक्षण है| बड़े पैमाने पर देखें तो विभिन धर्मो का अथवा देशो के बीच का संघर्ष खुद को श्रेष्ट अथवा स्वयं के लिए अत्यधिक सुखसुविधायं एकत्र करने की स्पर्धा ही तो है | दक्षिण चीन समुद्र का बढ़ता संघर्ष हो, या अरेबियन पेनिनसुला की मारकाट यह भूमि, खनिजों या फिर वर्चस्व की लड़ाई ही है | दोनों विश्व युद्ध, गल्फ वॉर अथवा अनगिनत युद्धों का मूल कारन यही अतृप्य भूख थी जिसका परिणाम दर्दनाक व भयावा था और सम्पूर्ण मानव जाती ने इसका मूल चुकाया | इतिहास साक्षी है कीअत्यधिक मेहत्याकांशा न सिर्फ लोभी बना देती है अपितू इर्षा या दूसरों से घृण्डा भी सिखाती है | दक्षिण चीन सागर  में होने वाली लड़ाई चीन द्वारा वियतनाम और फिलीपींस जैसे छोटे देशों को दबाने के लिए है और खनिजों पर आधिपत्य  स्थापित करने की लड़ाई है चाहे इसके लिए युद्ध हो तो इससे चीन को गुरेज़ नहीं | 

                 अंतरिक्ष की खोज भी इंसान का अंतहीन लालच एवं खुद को श्रेष्ठ साबित करने की स्पर्धा दर्शाता है |  विभिन्न देशों के अंतरिक्ष कार्यक्रमों में एक दूसरे से होड़ का सिर्फ इतना ही अर्थ है कि यदि वहां से खनिज मिलते हैं तो उन्हें हासिल करना। ये खनिज उनके होंगे जो पहले पहुँचेगा। महत्वपूर्ण बात यह है की ताकतवर व प्रभावशाली देशों द्वारा गरीब देशों को नैतिकता का पाठ सिखाना जबकि खुद उन्ही मूल्यों की अवहेलना करना भी इसी श्रृंखला का हिस्सा है | हाल ही में अफ्रीकी देशों द्वारा जंगली जानवरों के संरक्षण हेतु सभी अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संधियों को ख़ारिज करने की चेतावनी इसी शोषण की तरफ दर्शाता है | गरीब देश नैतिकता का बोझ अपने कंधों पर कब तक ढोये और क्यों ढोये ? जबकि अमीर देशों को कोई फर्क नही पड़ता। क्या हमारे विकसित देशों की कोई जिमेदारी नही बनती ? ये देश पर्यावरण की रक्षा के लिए आगे क्यों नहीं आते? क्या पर्यावरण की रक्षा सिर्फ गरीब राष्ट्रों का कर्तव्य है?

                    बाल्यावस्था से मस्तिष्क मे डालीं गयी बातें न सिर्फ हमे प्रभावित करती हैं बल्कि हमारा आचरण भी तय करती हैं | यही संकीर्ण सोच अचेतन मन के द्वारा हम अपने आस पास के वातावरण में फैलाते है। वो बढ़ते बढ़ते हमारे जीवन की मूलभूत आवश्यकताओं को बर्बाद कर देती है औऱ हम अंधी दौड़ में शामिल हो जाते हैं । 

Last Summer - Review

                        Firstly this movie is only for those who knows the pleasure of wandering aimlessly, in the adulation of nature, exploring the wilderness during childhood. This story is about the adventurous journey of four friends which took an unprecedented turn testing their bond of friendship. The tumultuous chain of events tested the nerves of friends while some buckled under pressure but the efforts and perseverance of one challenged the misfortune eventually getting a favorable outcome. That feeling of putting life on track despite all the upheavals was gratifying and reassuring. It was the aphrodisiac to otherwise a somber tale that is well narrated and makes one nostalgic.

                       The movie starts with four young boys exploring the wonders of the rural hinterland oblivious to the events of the outside world. While they were absorbed in their small happy world an untoward incident in the family of two boys shook and threatened the very existence of their way of life. As the family was ravaged so was the future of this small band of boys. The boy's initial shock to the tragic unprecedented scenario was magnified with unfolding events. Withstanding the family pressure, one boy went to extremes stretching the limits and eventually succeeding in unifying the group is what makes this simple yet entertaining story remarkable. It is important that it may not be appealing to some as the storyline is distinct devoid of masala that we are accustomed to and needs discretion.

Kashmir - Emerging Scenario

                 Article 370 revocation in Kashmir was expected to ruffle feathers of well-greased and comfortably entrenched groups within India besides Sheikh Chilli Pakistan. One significant benefit from this exercise was the unmasking of China that was till now playing its treacherous activities behind the curtains. The world's strongest and ruthless autocracy has now openly and brazenly demonstrated its fangs to India with the sole intent to meddle in internal affairs by lending its support on Kashmir to its mercenary Pakistan. The duplicity of China wasn't concealed from the Indian think tank who's well versed with its objective to create obstacles in India's growth story by tying it down within South Asia, thus the indispensability of Pakistan for China. 

              With a trade war looming between China and US, continuous peaceful protest from the burgeoning crowd of youngsters in Hongkong fighting for upholding democracy, international condemnation for detaining more than one million Uighurs for their religious beliefs, faltering economy, Tibetan protests and skirmishes with neighboring countries in South Chinese Sea are some of the other issues confronting China and will only push it towards more desperation and open diplomatic face-off with India. That Chinese officials are using social media like twitter and facebook to smudge India which are otherwise banned in China show duplicity. The Chinese contempt for international laws was visible in its refusal to accept International Arbitration in the South China Sea with regards to Philippine. Threatening sovereignty of Taiwan besides quelling the protest of the Uighur population are some other issues underlining the scanty respect China has for Human rights and international laws.

               Chinese accused India of unilaterally altering the boundary which it professed is unbinding and unacceptable thus providing overt support to its mischievous war-monger foot soldier Pakistan. That Kashmir was even discussed(behind closed doors) at the UN (first time since 1965 at Chinese behest) in itself is disturbing for India and showcases the influence China yields in today's world. The sermons from the Chinese establishment to respect international laws is not only hypocritical but hilarious and is rightfully denounced by India. India shouldn't lower its guard on the diplomatic front as the Chinese aren't going to let go of the pounding and humiliation it received at the UN and are known for perseverance and patience and with newfound wealth its the bigger nuisance for India.

                 Pakistan on its part is creating the hysteria as expected, with mounting public pressure on the Pakistan government to provide food and other basic amenities, Article 370 revocation in Kashmir has come as a boon for Pakistan Army and its selected PM to blunt criticism. With no money to purchase food and medicines for the public, the rhetoric on the Kashmir will only get vicious and shrill to help vent out pressure and survive for as long as possible. International snubbing isn't new for Pakistan and is a habitual liar but with acknowledgment from Imran Khan of its territory becoming hub of terror and state patronage to terrorist organizations by Pakistan army, one would expect ceding of terror export policy by Pakistan in lieu of international monetary relief that Pakistan lounges for but now it looks unlikely. 

                                               Pakistan Science &Technology Minister 

                  China - Pakistan syndicate has inherent contradictions but the overlapping factor for both rogue nations is their animosity towards India that binds them. Pakistan with a collapsed economy and internal disturbance can't match India's prowess compelling China to openly challenge India. The tussle has just started and India should prepare itself to listen to sermons on secularism and tolerance from Pakistan (which has systematically cleansed itself of religious minorities) and democracy, civil liberties from China(with none for its citizens). 

Image Courtesy - Google 

ॐ श्री गणेशाय नमः

श्रीरामचरित मानस के सौवें दोहे में गणेश जी के बारे में महत्वपूर्ण सूत्र उपलब्ध है। दोहा है-

मुनि अनुसासन गणपतिहि पूजेउ संभु भवानि ।

कोउ सुनि संसय करै जनि सुर अनादि जिय जानि ।।

अर्थात -

मुनियों की आज्ञा से शिव पार्वती ने विवाह पूर्व गणेश जी का पूजन किया। देवता अनादि हैं अतः कोई इस पर संशय न करे कि गणेश जी तो शिव के पुत्र हैं, तब वह उनके विवाह में कैसे उपस्थित हैं , कि पूजे गए ? इसी में गणेश का प्रतीक निहित है। इसलिए कि गण का अर्थ समूह है । देवमंडल में अष्ट वसु , एकादश रुद्र, 49 मरुत गण देवता हैं जो समूह में पूजे जाते हैं |इस अर्थ में गणेश समूह या समूहों के प्रमुख व्यक्ति का पद है। प्राचीन गणराज्यों में इसीलिए गणपति होते थे। शिव के साथ गणेश एक पृथक देवता भी हैं लेकिन व्यापक अर्थ में वे अनादि होकर हर काल और समाज में सर्वदा मौजूद हैं । शिव के विवाह के समय निश्चित ही तत्कालीन समाज में जो 'गणेश' रहे होंगें, स्वभावतः कार्य की सफलता के लिए उनकी पूजा की गई।

परिवार

गणेश जी क्यों मंगलमूर्ति हैं , इसका सार उनके परिवार में है।

महादेव उनके पिता हैं। जगतजननी पार्वती जैसी महिमामय नारी उनकी माँ हैं। बड़े भाई कार्तिकेय देवसेना के प्रमुख हैं। ऐश्वर्य की प्रतीक रिद्धि और सामर्थ्य की प्रतीक सिद्धि उनकी पत्नियां हैं। उनके दो पुत्रों में लाभ और क्षेम है। एक अप्राप्य की प्राप्ति कराता है। और दूसरा प्राप्य की रक्षा करता है। आशय है परिवार का प्रत्येक सदस्य लोक कल्याण में संलग्न है और प्रतीक है कि जिस परिवार में सभी अपने अपने कार्य में रत होकर सबका मंगल करने के लिए संकल्पित रहते हों , उसमें उसी प्रकार सुख , शांति और आनंद बरसता है जिस प्रकार गणेश जी के परिवार में।

आंनद के जन्मदाता श्रद्धा व विश्वास

रामचरितमानस में 'भवानीशंकरों वन्दे श्रद्धाविश्वासरूपिणों' कहकर शिव-पार्वती की वंदना की गई है। 

अर्थात -

माता श्रद्धा और पिता विश्वास के प्रतीक हैं। हर काम की सफलता के लिए श्रद्धा और विश्वास दोनों आवश्यक हैं । जहाँ ये दोनों हो, वहीं आनंद संभव है। गणेश जी इसीलिए मंगलमूर्ति और आनंद के दाता हैं क्योंकि उनका जन्म श्रद्धा और विश्वास से हुआ है। जिसके मूल में ये दोनों हो वह मोद यानी आनंद को पसंद करने वाला भी होगा और आनंद का प्रदाता भी होगा। ठीक उसी भांति जैसे गणेश जी हैं।

जीवन में सार और विस्तार

गणेश के जीवन से जुड़ी बहुमत कथा है।

कथा अनुसार जब पृथ्वी की परिक्रमा को लेकर बड़े भाई कार्तिकेय से प्रतिस्पर्धा हुई तब विद्यावान, गुणी, अति चतुर गणेश जी ने माता पिता की परिक्रमा करके जय प्राप्त की और शिवजी के वरदान से प्रथमपूज्य बने। इसका प्रतीक है कि जीवन को विस्तार को जानने के बजाय उसके सार को जानना अधिक महत्वपूर्ण है। हम सब सदा कार्तिकेय की तरह परिक्रमा करने निकल पड़ते हैं। यानी विस्तार में जानने के चक्कर में पिछड़ जाते हैं। मगर जो गणेशजी की तरह भावुक और बुद्धिमान होता है वह सार पर टिकता है। जो माता पिता को ही महत्व देता है वही हर जगह सबसे पहले पूजा जाता है।

जन गण मन गणनायक जय हो

गणेशजी जन जन के मन में रहते हैं और गण या गणों के नायक हैं। 

इस अर्थ में वे समूह, सामूहिकता और समूह शक्ति के प्रतीक हैं। वे समर्थ हैं क्योंकि उनके पास समूह या समूहों के जन - मन की मिली जुली ताकत है । जो सिखाती है कि जो समाज समूहशक्ति में विश्वास करता है, जो अपने नायक में निष्ठा रखता है, वह हर प्रकार के विघ्नों का नाश करके सर्वत्र मंगल की स्थापना में समर्थ हो जाता है। स्वाभाविक है गण शक्ति से परिपूर्ण नायक विशिष्ट अर्थात विनायक होता है ।

Source - Faridabad Bhaskar
Images - Google 

Chandrayaan-2

                      An unprecedented night that is forever etched in memories of many though didn’t yield expected success was in no way ungenerous. Can we infer that a day would come when people would be thronging to their tv sets in the middle of the night to witness ISRO that was on the verge of making history. That 69 seconds or last 2 km proved little more challenging than bargained for in no way makes Chandryaan-2 any small accomplishment in itself and should be rightfully hailed as a triumph.

                    The pessimist and the armchair intellectuals might try to run ISRO down, but we must stand resolute. They say ISRO has failed, let me articulate it, ISRO has achieved in this single mission what no one ever had. The success is exemplary, their endeavor to land on “moon” has created enthusiasm among Indians, ignited young minds, a whole new generation who would be prompted to take on the mettle.

                Chandrayaan 2, hence is a grand success, has made a nonparallel contribution to the Indian space program and will be remembered as a giant step, a learning exercise that will fuel India to take numero-uno space power in times to come.

Image Courtesy - Google 

The Oath of the Vayuputras by Amish Tripathi

                              The book 'The Oath Of The Vayuputras' is a work of fiction. It is the third and final installment of the Shiva Trilogy. Not many books(fiction) can sap your thoughts and have a long-lasting impact on a person's psyche even after it is read, but this book is a rarity. The incredibly talented author Amish has surpassed my expectations and woven a story laced with mythology and ancient history with such ingenuity, that leaves the reader mesmerized. To begin with, the story discussed the moral and ethical codes to run the society and the kingdoms in ancient times which were versatile and are relevant even today's society. The details with which certain ancient techniques are discussed are exemplary and sustains once interests in the book. I must confess, I wasn't too impressed with the second book of the series but is pleasantly surprised with 'The Oath Of The Vayuputras'. The in-depth explanation regarding the geographical locations of different kingdoms is heartening and demonstrates the efforts of the author to bring readers on the same page. 

“The distance between Evil and Good is a vast expanse in which many can exist without being either.” 

                              The story starts where it was left off in the second book, Shiva reached Panchvati with his entourage successfully despite the attempts on his life and met the Meluhan scientist and his friend Brahaspati who was believed to be assassinated by Nagas. As the story progresses, Brahaspati revealed the obsession of the Meluha state towards Somras despite its harmful side-effects on different states, ecology, and humanity. The Shiva realized that the elixir which was one of the magnificent inventions of its time has slowly become truly evil, and thus the necessity to stop its production for the larger good. Meanwhile, the deadly attack on Shiva was the handiwork of Daksha, the ruler of Meluha and Dilipa, Ayodhya ruler who combined their strength under the leadership of sage Brighu. As Shiva forged an alliance to take out the elixir, he was supported by Vasudevs, Vaishali, Panchvati, Lothal and finally Vayuputras of Pariha who provided him Pashupatiastra. As the final showdown between the two armies became inevitable, Daksha hired assassins from Egypt to eliminate Shiva by enticing him with the peace conference, however, Sati had to attend the conference due to an unforeseen turn of events and was assassinated despite her valiant struggle. Eventually, the wrath of Shiva destroyed Devagiri along with its many inhabitants while Kartik helped in rescuing scientists who could create Somras whenever needed in the future. 

                           Although the story weaved by the author touches history and mythology intricately, yet it is necessary to remember that it is a work of fiction and shouldn't get swayed by emotions. The story is loaded with numerous twists and turns and brings a satisfactory conclusion to the Shiva's journey giving us a narrative that the Gods of today were mere mortal men whose deeds transformed them into extraordinary humans with god-like traits. It is a thoroughly entertaining and refreshingly good book to read.

Dancing Muhammad's And Bano's Of China

               Dancing is forbidden in Islam and so is eating during the holy month of Ramzan(Ramadan), but in China, the individual choice to profess religion is increasingly being trampled by the authoritative regime. The Chinese authorities tirade against religious minorities isn't new, in the 1950s, the Tibetan annexation and subsequent execution of unarmed Buddhist civilians by PLA in the name of unification of Tibet with China have laid the foundation for future transgress on minority rights which only increased with time. The silence of the world community towards the unleashing of violence by the Chinese government further emboldened China. The world became a mute spectator of Chinese excesses towards its civilians is it 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre where more than 10000 pro-democracy students were butchered by PLA or recent crackdown on civilian protest in Hongkong. The world leaders who shamelessly supported and bargained with China for economical benefits is equally accountable for the crimes committed by the Chinese government.

                   The current obsession of the Chinese regime to target the majority Uighur population in Xinjiang province which is largely Muslim (Turkic Uyghurs) and the methods employed to 'civilize' or 're-educate' only finds parallel with 'Gulags' or 'concentration camps' established by Soviets or Nazis. The 90% Han Chinese ethnic majority distrust the ethnic and religious minorities and the one-party rule ensures the ethnic cleansing or subjugation through violent means. China suspicious of the ethnic Muslim community has suppressed the language and faith of its Muslim citizens. These minorities were purged of their mother tongues, forced to eat pork and renounce outward displays of Islam. To make matters worse, unprecedented measures are taken by authorities to re-educate or civilize Muslims by establishing detention camps. 

                    These camps were only recently acknowledged by Chinese which was earlier denied. It is difficult to put a number of people detained in these camps established in Xinjiang, but the State Department estimates it could be between 800,000 and 2 million Muslims that are detained since 2017. After initially denying the existence of the re-education camps, Beijing is now defending them as necessary to combat Islamist extremism and terrorism and termed them as re-education camps to civilize Muslims. Increasing assertive Han nationalism, 2009 riots in Xinjiang between Han ethnic majority and Uighur minorities and subsequent terrorist attacks by Uighurs on Chinese majority and importance of Xinjiang’s western location for launching President Xi Jinping's ambitious trillion-dollar Belt and Road global infrastructure project prompted the Chinese government to crack down on Muslim minority that inhabits the region. 

                   China's aggressive territorial claims and disputes with all its neighboring countries, refusal to accept the judgment of an international tribunal in The Hague (favoring the Philippines) and continuous South Chinese Sea island grab and militarization gives testimony to its scant respect for rule of law. The Chinese insatiable hunger for land and resources is astonishingly condemnable. The world leaders on their part, till now were inclined to appease China for multiple reasons while American addiction to rile Russian attempts to establish its cold war era prestige gives opportunity and space to China to throttle voices at home or abroad without any criticism. 

                                             Mosques locked out by Chinese authorities 

                  The massive human rights abuses carried out by the Chinese government against minorities finally received worldwide attention when the United Nations said it had credible evidence that over one million ethnic Uighur and other Muslims in China were being held against their will, and without trial in camps. What is strange and horribly upsetting is even when 22 European countries signed a letter recently to the United Nations Human Rights Council criticizing Chinese policies, there were 37 states, including Pakistan and other Muslim countries who came to the rescue of China and jointly signed a letter to the president of the Council praising China’s “contribution to the international human rights cause.” As long as the world doesn't unite and see beyond their selfish interests and raise their voice condemning the mistreatment of ethnic and religious minorities by China, and in this case, Uyghur Muslims, the Muhammad's and Bano's till then with have to continue to dance to Chinese tunes.

Image Courtesy - Google 

Video - Youtube

Smilla's Sense of Snow

The movie is a murder mystery and the plot is an enigma slowly unfolding itself. There are different shades of people in the movie, some portrayed beautifully while others were not fully explained and left much to be desired. The protagonist Smilla (Julia Ormond) did justice to her character and successfully discerned different emotions. At times the movie seems to have lost its plot and went wayward but soon recaptured the plot and viewers' attention. This movie, I must admit without any extraordinary script, consumes you, maybe because of its perfect direction, thus keeps you hitched for a fairly decent time period. Even though the last 30 minutes were forgetful, yet the film has built up so much momentum that somehow this movie works.

Smilla who was nursing a grudge since childhood towards society had developed a special bond with a young boy. The death of boy due to accident (fall from the roof) as declared officially was confronted by Smilla who had reasons to believe that the boy was murdered. The circumstances and Smilla's resolve to unearth the truth behind the unfortunate death of the child makes this movie worth a watch. Julia Ormond and (murky charter role played by) Gabriel Byrne were impressive and despite certain flaws in story, this movie is definitely a one time watch.

Movie - Pretty Woman

   I am sure most of my readers have already watched and admired Pretty Woman and don't need my views, but there's something magical about it that made me pen it. This movie makes you fall in love from the first frame itself, its honesty, lucid execution is admirable. Writing about the two wonderful actors Julia Roberts, who enchants you with her eyes and through her infectious smile and Richard Gere, the handsome hunk of the '90s is a perfect recipe for Romantic drama. This movie, however, is more than Romance, it soaks up your negativity, the hollowness of heart and rekindles the desire to be hopeful, the desire to be kind. It makes you believe good often happens miracles do happen.

This movie is a sweet reminder to believe in good and be good, an antidote for an unpredictable world. The story can be summarized as a millionaire hires a prostitute while on a business trip for one night but decides to encash her beauty for improving his public appearance, but in the end, he couldn't stop himself from falling in love with her. A perfect evening watch with or without your partner, a must-watch for Romantic-Comedy genre fans.

Movie - Cold Pursuit (Review)

                Cold Pursuit drew my attention because of Liam Neeson, his awe-inspiring performance in many action flicks, made me admire his movies. But, this was one of the most disappointing, distasteful movie, a complete waste of time for Liam fans like me. I fail to understand if it was a revenge drama or child custody drama of a narcotics lord who's surrounded by gay bodyguards or gang war based where gangsters play with ice or something else as there were few more plots interwoven making it truly bizarre. After 15 minutes, one can only wonder, how a trailer can entice you into wasting your precious time and money on watching dog-shit. 

  It was stupid and arrogant for makers to make such a movie and expect people to watch it. To begin with, it was a revenge drama the only problem was without a script and poor execution. I have always enjoyed Liam Neesom, but this movie is two hours of torture and would not divulge anything more about plot, performance, etc. My advice is, one should avoid this movie. 

My Journey Towards Right

                                    Perception plays a significant role in deciphering the outcome of events. Our mind is influenced by umpteen number of factors some of which are true while others ‘managed’. This is why, perhaps, Shri Krishna had to enlighten Arjun in the middle of the battlefield, as Arjun’s mind was compromised. In today’s environment, we are exposed to biased and sponsored programs, camouflaging and manipulating thought processes. In our country the game has been played by vested interests from the very beginning with such perfection, that will make Joseph Goebbels look like a miniature. Such was the intensity and impact of news during those days, that it wasn’t unusual where we were made to question our beliefs and sometimes defeat the very people who work for us.

                                 As a teenager growing up in a small dusty town in UP, I was comfortably a left-leaning individual with scanty respect for traditions and religion. While obtaining most of my information through people and a few media outlets (as only a few were available) had no inhibitions in undermining the sanctity of right ideology as that was the coolest thing. Snubbing such ideas and people were considered a rationale, although with minute info and facts without any independent source to corroborate. With time as my interest in politics and history grew, I wasn’t confined to a single source and started reading from different sources of information (due to economic liberalization different media outlets sprang up) providing divergent views, thus opening my horizon to disseminate and understand the world around me in more fruitful way.

                                 I was a mere observer as the world around was unfolding also was made aware of past instances in our history which rudely jolted me. I wouldn’t name a single instance but numerous present and past deeds of left-secular cabal when confronted acted as an eye-opener and facilitated and cemented my belief diametrically opposite to leftist ideology. With time as the right-leaning ideology gained central ground, although standing on sidelines was astonished and deeply disappointed when corrupt, incompetent, criminal, seditious elements cobbled together to stitch a rag-tag coalition to safeguard secular ethos of our nation. This was the proverbial last straw when in the name of protecting unity and integrity, a greedy coalition was forcefully shoveled down the throat of Indians.

                               My resolve to find parallel ideology drew me towards right, although am never fully convinced and supportive of everything that gets propagated from them. My disillusionment with left and so called secular podium increased further after learning about the plight of Kashmiri Hindu exodus, Marad massacre, Shah Bano case (Govt wilted to appease), Ayodhya firing incident, ridiculing Hindu culture in literature and media and many such devious acts that were brushed under the carpet in the name of secularism. Such was the farcical narrative of political class that the synonym of secularism became corruption and incompetence. The left oriented cabal has mainstreamed Hinduphobia and hatred for anything that ordinary Indians can take pride in. This notorious group is indoctrinated and so radicalized they never acknowledge violence unleashed by naxals and are apologetic towards Islamic terrorism.

                             The concocted history text books authorized by left-leaning historians have prepared the groundwork for future generations to embark on. Only free flow of information and independent historical work has decimated the web of lies meticulously spun by them. The unexpected and unprecedented expansion of the right wing social forces in India is a testimony to the anti-people and anti-secular hegemonic policies adopted by the cabal. The social, cultural, religious and politico-economic order was created to suit their narrative. The left cabal in the garb of liberalism is surprisingly devoid of nationalism and patriotism which led to the rise of the right (although I prefer being called centrist) who are forced to rebut the leftists. In their rigid minds to rundown divergent views , different epithets are coined and used by cabal , but the more left try to tease people by calling them "bhakts", the more they loose the plot.

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The Secret of the Nagas (Review)

                            'The Secret of the Nagas' is the sequel to the book 'The Immortals of Meluha', in the Shiva Trilogy by Amish Tripathi. The Secret of the Nagas starts exactly where The Immortals of Meluha ended. Continuing in his journey Shiva, a Tibetan immigrant revered as ‘Neelakanth‘ the savior by Suryavanshi and Chandravanshi peoples alike continues his tirade against evil who was none other then Nagas according to perception. Alongside, Shiva was engrossed in his individual battle to try and determine the demons within himself and annihilate disturbing thoughts by searching for answers plaguing his mind. Like the first part, the story forwards the next set of incidents that confronts Shiva while he's traveling across the length and breadth of the country searching for the truth.

                           After Swadweep's defeat in the war against Meluha, and meeting some of the people at its capital in Ayodhya, Shiva realizes that the Chandravanshis (Swadweepans) are not evil as propagated but had a different way to lead life. He is now convinced, that it is the Nagas who are evil and his battle is against them. Shiva seeks vengeance against the Nagas for it was a Naga attack on Mount Mandarin Meluha which led to the death of Brahaspati the scientist and also Shiva's close friend. Meantime, Sati unearths startling discoveries about her Suryavanshi heritage and discovers several long-lost relatives creating a wedge between Shiva and herself. While on one hand Shiva feels compelled to reassess his beliefs due to unfolding circumstances, Maharishi Bhrigu has added new dimensions to the mystery with his strange demands making the plot murkier.

                       Although the author has ingeniously added several twists and turns but it still failed to create and maintain the same feverish tempo as was demonstrated in the first part. Story genuinely lacked uniqueness and looked shallow at times, although the author's attempt to maintain momentum with masala is recognizable. The overall author hasn't deviated much from the plot in his zeal to add spice and substance thus compelling enough for readers to look forward for last installment of Shiva Trilogy.

Shiva Lingam

                                Shiva Lingam consists of three parts. The four-sided bottom part remains underground, the 8-sides middle part rests on a pedestal. The top part, which is actually worshipped, is round. The height of the round part is one-third of its circumference. The three parts symbolize Brahma at the bottom, Vishnu in the middle & Shiva on the top. The pedestal is provided with a passage for draining away the water. The Lingam symbolizes both the creative as well as the destructive power of Lord Shiva. In response to a German Orientalist, Gusta Oppert who traced it to phallicism, Swami Vivekananda cited Atharva Veda that the worship of Shiva Lingam was sung in praise of sacrificial post: a description of the endless Eternal Brahman.

                              Shaped of the Lingam represents the ‘Brahmanda’ or the cosmic egg. There are two types of Shiva Lingam. One is a black meteorite egg-shaped stone. The other one is man-made and is solidified mercury. Solidifying mercury is an ancient Vedic science. Shiva Lingam represents the totality of the Cosmos & the Cosmos, in turn, is represented as a Cosmic Egg with no beginning, nor end (Hiranyagarbha). The truth behind the scientific research by the Danish scientist, Neils Bohr, demonstrates that Molecules are made up of Atoms which consists of Proton, Neutron, and Electron, all of which play a vital part in the composition of Shiva Lingam.

                          Instead of words such as Proton, Neutron, Electron, Molecules, and Energy, the ancient Rishis employed the usage of words like Lingam, Vishnu, Brahma, Sakthi (which in turn is divided into Renuka and Rudrani), Sarppa, etc. According to Sanatana Dharma, the Pillar is described as the column of fire which represents the trinity: Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara while the Disc or Peedam represents Sakthi. The Disc is shown with three ridges, carved at its periphery. Ved Vyasa mentions that Lord Shiva is smaller than the sub-atomic particle like Proton, Neutron, and Electron. At the same time, he also mentions Lord Shiva is greater than anything greatest. He is the cause of vitality in all living things.

                           Everything, whether living or non-living, originates from Shiva. He has engulfed the whole world. He is Timeless. He has no birth, no death. He is invisible, un-manifest. He is the Soul of the Soul. He has no emotion, sentiment or passion at all. The outcome of scientific research is that the world came into existence with the formation of Molecules. According to Science, two atoms make one Molecule. The valence of molecules indicates the combination of the atoms. It is essential to have a clear idea of the structure of an atom according to the findings of the Danish scientist, Neils Bohr explained it as- An atom is made up of Proton, Neutron, and Electron. Neutrons do not have a charge and so would continue on in a straight line. The nucleus of an atom is composed of positively charged Protons and neutrally charged Neutrons. Almost all the mass of an atom is in its nucleus. The nucleus is the very dense region consisting of Protons and Neutrons at the center of an atom. Electrons are negatively charged and so would be deflected on a curving path towards the positive plate.

                            But the whole atom is electrically neutral on account of the presence of an equal number of negative electrons and positive protons. The electrons revolve rapidly around the nucleus in circular paths called energy level. The energy levels are counted from the centre outwards. Each energy level is associated with a fixed amount of energy. There is no change in the energy of Electrons as long as they help to revolve in the same energy level and the atoms remain stable. The Bohr model shows that the electrons in atoms are in orbits of differing energy around the nucleus. It is like planets orbiting the Sun. An exam of the image of Shiva Lingam in the context of the Bohr model would demonstrate the puzzling truth that Brahma hs created the world. The behavior of Proton, Electron, Neutron, and Energy are well demonstrated by Shiva Lingam. Vishnu signifies Proton with a positive electrical charge. Mahesha signifies Neutron with no electrical charge. Brahma signifies Electron with a negative electrical charge.

                                      Sakthi is Energy. Sakthi is a type of energy field represented by a Disc. Shiva Lingam represents the atomic structure. As per Rishis, Shiva & Vishnu are present in the Lingam. In Sanskrit, the three lines signify multiple. In the atomic structure, there are Protons and Neutrons which are surrounded by fast spinning Electrons. Sakthi is represented by a Disc in oval shape with three ridges carved at its periphery. She is Energy and plays a vital role in the Universe. In portraits of Vishnu, a lotus is depicted as arising from the navel of Vishnu & Brahma is seated on the lotus. Which signifies Energy which has the force of attraction. The stem of the lotus can bend because of its flexibility signalling that Brahma moves around Vishnu.

                                    This is a message that Electron is attracted to Proton because of the opposite charge. Neutron is depicted as Shiva which has no charge at all. The nucleus of the atom also contains neutrons. Neutrons are about the same size as Protons, but have no electric charge. Neutrons are bound very tightly in the atom’s nucleus with the Protons. When the atom’s nucleus contains as many Neutrons as Protons, the atom is stable. Similarly, the ancient sages provided the idea that when Shiva is not disturbed and separated, he remains calm.

                                  Shiva remains calm because Sakthi takes the form of Renuka. The energy which forms the molecules is denoted by its valency, which in Sanskrit is Renuka. Renuka is one produces Renu or molecule. Two atoms make one molecule. Sakthi is Shiva’s wife & dances around Shiva throughout. However, when Neutron is disturbed & separated natural disaster occur,which signify that Shakthi turns out to be a terror known as Rudrani (Kali) performing destructive dance, signalling natural disaster. The actual producer of molecules is Electron which signifies Brahma. Modern physics shows that Electrons are shared between the atoms to form a molecule. Therefore the Hindu concept that Brahma created the earth is in conformity with Science.

                                If a person meditates, his/her energies will naturally take the form of Lingam. As the first and final form before dissolution is also a Lingam, Lingam is considered as a gateway to the beyond. In Sanatana Dharma, Lord Shiva is considered as the Supreme Truth. There is another scientific truth that water poured down on the Lingam is not considered as holy water or Theertham as it is called. Shiva Lingam is considered to be an atom model. There is radiation from Lingam as it is made out of a type of granite stone. Granite is a source of radiation as it is formed out of lava solidified over thousands or even millions of years, contain naturally occurring radioactive elements like radium, uranium and thorium. That’s why it’s advised not to touch water that is poured down on the Lingam. The sages were aware that there will be radiation fall-out if some accidents occur and that is the reason that Shiva Temples were built close to the vicinity of sea, ponds, rivers and tanks.

Courtesy - Aabhas K Maldahiyar
               - Google Images