Na kartasi na bhoktasi, my own experiance

Self awareness and self improvement are one of a key aspects of one's personality.
It not only brings confidence in your actions but also keeps you more justified in your own view.
During my own efforts of self improvement I found that my thrive to be perfect itself has been the biggest obstacle.
When I had the view that I am good only if I did things perfectly; brings a desire that no one should criticize my actions. If anyone does that, it brought both dissatisfaction within me and anger towards who did such a comment. Both of these together led to many more negativeness inside me.

The immediate feeling is that no-one is perfect and every one should allow to cultivate calculated shortcomings inside them.
Even the morally high, Indian god RAM, allows himself of some short-comings (like, killing Bali without any of his mistake etc.)
One should not be self critical that he/she get in trap of guilt within him.

Below is another way to look at it and i find it more appealing.
My experience and analysis of my feelings during such situations tell me below:
"I am just a desire to do good things."
This desire stays at the very root of our emotions, and everyone must be having it.
This desire itself seems to me the driving reason of all our deeds, it drives very well and clearly during our early child-hood days. But later it gets maligned and we are become more and more confused of what to do and not.
With confusion, its not every time we are able to do things they way it suits us, but rather to fit it to the customs or other ways. During this slowly we change our focus from "Me being a desire to I AM INHERENTLY GOOD". Post this we start doing some things to support that "I AM INHERENTLY GOOD" like:
We create a library of my good deeds, and also start viewing others deeds from a lens which suits us. This library is actually a boundary of things that suit us, and we start discarding opinions and people who-even fall out of it. On my will I throw residents out of this boundary and sometimes I bring in new inmates. The unchanging aspect is me standing correct in my own view.
If you analyze it well, this boundary is the ego, this is what tells you that the opinions or people outside it are not me.
And you know what, the center of it, the belief: "I am just a desire to do good things." is the self respect. I hope people are actually getting the difference of that self respect is and what ego is.

Later on this turns on to a belief that whatever i did, that has certainly benefited someone or the other, either physically, materialistically, emotionally or at time boost in pride. With all this we have forgotten to see things as they are than, the way they suit us.
Later on this brings on a adamant view towards life, that the way i have seen things, are only right.

One interesting observation i have seen, i have also seen this being discussed in some spiritual talks is:
Zeal or passion is inversely proportional to stereotype opinions and being adamant. This essentially means that as we age, if there is a decrease in our zeal/passion there is an increase in stereotype thinking and adamant approach towards that.

If we leave that boundary of ego and realize that i am just the desire, and its the only thing i need to focus upon can bring a radical change in our lives, i am still trying to implement that and i assure you its not easy. You will face your ego yourselves, and that won't easy to tackle. Ego will present all situations as an attack to your self respect. PATIENCE to wait for something good at the end of your ego being crushed will be only tool you need to beat your ego, and realize the difference between EGO and SELF-RESPECT

"ASHTAVAKRA GITA" is an amazing conversation, and i recommend this to all seeking self improvement. A verse in it says:


!!Dharmadharmau sukham dukkham manasani na the vibho.!!
!!na kartasi na bhoktasi mukta-eva asi sarvada!!

Meaning: Dharma , Adharma, comfort and discomfort are of the mind not to you! You are neither the doer nor the enjoyer/victim. You are Ever Free.


It comes as a golden line for me and presents the true essence of all the Vedas, puranas and all spiritual talks.
It teaches me true vairagya, doing my daily duties, let's me understand that what I am doing is not for me or my body or family, its for the element of LORD VISHNU inside me, who won't let me stand myself if u don't keep up to him.
With this change in perspective, I am more involved in social activities and keeping myself happier than ever,
I have got my thin line between ego and self-respect, now its easy for me to take help from anyone without feeling awkward (be live me it wasn't easy earlier), and also to extend help to anyone, to be firm on your decisions and also be able to convince those who are against that stand.

I guess some of it is understood in its essence by the reader and is of some use.

Always seeking guruji's blessings.
!! JAI GURUDEV !!

Don't be numb to promote the "Slavery Culture"

I am writing this after wondering for long time and quizzing myself from so many years.

Ever wondered how calm has our nation become in the recent years?

The kind of shocking incidents which are getting reveled in the recent years, be it

• a disturbing and agitating corruption charges where the whole top brass of government seems to be involved

or

Revelations by department heads of key departments let it be related to defense or space technologies (revelations by Gen VK SIngh or ISRO officials or BEML officials)

or even

events where governments are trying to snatch away the rights which they now feel has become hazardous (RTI ammendments in maharashtra)

Don't you feel any of the above items would have united the whole india and people could easily have come on the streets and protest violently.

Yes they would have and they have done already.

So what has changed in not more than 10 years as of i remember, why have people become so habituated or i rather say numb??

I feel this can be easily credited to how busy and wealthy india is fast becoming !!

You must be surprised when i say this, but i feel this is true.

People have become busy and have started compromising on their values they have learnt it the hard way to compromise but they have habituated to it as all were doing the same.

There are others too who take this as a opportunity and start pampering those in power to get favors in return. This is what is called the "Slavery Culture" and this what its all about.

This "Slavery Culture" is just not restricted till here, the people sitting in the offices are also supporting the same. They are supporting this when they see injustic on roads and keep quiet, when they butter their bosses, when they pay xtra fees to agents for getting a driving license.

In this "Slavery Culture" a person who is knowledgeable, learned is not respected. Its those who have the capability to butter more are better deserving ones and earn money and social status much more than the earlier ones.

By this time if you agree that the current system is pushing you towards a "Slavery Culture" then there are other things to think about.

Will this "Slavery Culture" prevail and is it good for even the slaves?

This slavery culture is not at all good for anyone.

• People who dont agree to this system:
Talented people,creative ones, thinkers they have ego and they won't agree to such a system and will naturally try to discard this system as early as possible. Because in this system, the less desrving can be a winner and this system is a direct attack on somebody's self respect.

• People who are an active part of this system::
These people do belive in compromises and also in buttering people to attract favours. But why are they doing this? They are doing this for the well being and respect of their family and loved ones.
Can such people ensure that their coming generations will also have a sense of compromise and have the kind of understanding which the current ones have accumulated throughout their span of sufferings?
No they cannot, and especially not when they have given best comforts and have not let the coming generations have a feel of suffering due to which the current generation is at such a point.
This is something each one must think about and understand that the very next generation will either not able to handle so much of ego OR may just leave all that you accumulated to save the self respect.

The above point goes true for even the top brass ones of the "Slavery Chain".

Actually no-one is going to be benefited in the long run with this "Slavery Culture", we are just becoming means of supporting this BAD CULTURE, and will keep our coming generations in darkness.

Moral:

Get informed about whats happening all around you, think of every bit you can to change that, keep against your values and always motivate yourself to defend your freedom.

Always remember you can only pass good values and knowledge to coming generations, wealth and respect are just a matter of time.

There is a principle of hinduism i learnt from my father: "To attain to laksmi, you must attain and respect saraswati" simply means if you bring lakshmi without saraswati, she will vanish very fast.

Home furniture in pune

Recently i got possession of my flat in pune.
I had to get furniture done for my home and and there were various options available and i decided to understand all of them and only get the job done.

The various options available in pune are below

1. Get ready made furniture
2. Get a contract from carpenters and various furniture houses with fixed cost budget
3. Research the materials available negotiate prices and get the job done in house with full control of it.

I will try to evaluate each of the above just for an idea of what all aspects should be taken care when trying get into this.

1. Get ready made furniture

Pros

• Less tension and work is completely outsourced
  
• Price can be negotiated well for this
  
• The way this furniture is made is of light weight and can be easily dis-assembled, so easy for shifting
  
• Designs can be easily selected and work will done as per that.
  
• In this case the designs they present will be for complete set, so thinking of a complete look and feel is easy, whereas for other two options, a person can mess with design if he/she is not experienced

Cons

• No gaurentee of promised material, usually these materials last for 5-6 years
  
• Beware, design changes from agreed one can be costly
  
• Usually option for this results in less experience and thus leading to deceive, proper research on each item must be done, before finalizing a vendor.
  
• Heavy duty and permanent fixtures should be done in-house, since they will be good quality and fitting will be better.
• Changes may prove costly

2. Contract to carpenter to do the job outside at fixed cost

Pros

• Ensures custom desgin and no mess at home
• Can keep a level a watch for quality
• Can negotiate well for cost.
• Incremental job strategy where you provide further jobs after reviewing the earlier one can be provided.
• Build furniture can be easily dis-assembled

Cons

• Quality control can be only limited
• Very high precision work can get messed (eg: lamination tasks and almirah works can get messy, where exact measurements are needed)
• User must make sure to get reviews from customers and things to take care of, as this might cause conflicts later.
• Changes may prove costly.

3. In house with full control (This is what i did)

Pros

• Biggest advantage is quality control
• Prototyping model is possible where you can have design change after having a look at it, obviously this involves cost but not as much as others.
• New which usually come after starting the furniture work can also be incorporated
• Better electrical fittings for lighting can be thought of (eg: groove making for led lighting circuits)
• Added advantage is that you a learn a lot after this and provide consultation to others.
• Good only if you have not shifted yet in home, can be managed withing few months of residency.

Cons

• Lots of involvement, home gets messy after this exercise.
• Security concerns.
• Help and experience needed when purchasing materials.
• I got heavy plywood for all kinds of stuff, so now even a coffee table is very heavy.

With my experience i suggest a mixture based on needs.

Beds, wardrobes, shoe racks, permanent fixtures should me done in house in case you don't want to be involved a lot, you can opt for contracting it out.

Movables like, dining table, sofa, coffee table should be bought from outside.

I am posting a link to my home job done numbers of people who were involved in that:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150301469678363.356624.515968362&type=3&l=06053d5708

Carpenter:

Pennalal Prajapati - 7385854491

Painter (furniture insides and walls paintings) - 9579644237

Electrician: Patil(lives 3 hrs from pune, excellent person and very skilled) - 9921587278

Discussion with a friend

I am supporting anna hazare bit time and was in discussion with a friend about this, i thought to share the same with you.

Friend: Why are you supprting anna so much, do you think it will make a difference

Me: Ya sure and i can see its already bringing changes.

Friend: Nothing will change and you have elected this govt, so they can decide anything they want.

Me: I know the current system does not allow me to speak while goverment is functioning, but yes the system is for you and you can change it whenever you want

Friend: Why are you so passionate about it??

Me: Tell me something, you invested whole your life studying and dream of having good life, why??

Friend: Because i wanted to earn good money and have a happy family.

Me: I know people, why have done nothing in school have done all miscreants kind of things. Keep good company with politicians, get fake tenders. Enjoy money and reputation in society.

Friend: No they do no thave reputation.

Me: If in a market you meen such a guy, you cannot dare argue with him if situation arises rt??

Friend: Ya thats because they are bad people.

Me: In case you need some work done you will go to the same people for help rt??

Friends: This is the way it is and you cannot change it.

Me: Lets see ....

Me: Back to my question why did you study and wated your life??

Friend: See those people have no future, they are enjoying till they can. But someday they will collapse within the system

Me: MY DEAR THIS IS ONE OF THOSE DAYS, and if you dont show the support. that day will never come. Prove your existence and try to bring a change, already some many are trying. Some more will help a significant amount

Discussion with a friend

I am supporting anna hazare bit time and was in discussion with a friend about this, i thought to share the same with you.

Friend: Why are you supprting anna so much, do you think it will make a difference

Me: Ya sure and i can see its already bringing changes.

Friend: Nothing will change and you have elected this govt, so they can decide anything they want.

Me: I know the current system does not allow me to speak while goverment is functioning, but yes the system is for you and you can change it whenever you want

Friend: Why are you so passionate about it??

Me: Tell me something, you invested whole your life studying and dream of having good life, why??

Friend: Because i wanted to earn good money and have a happy family.

Me: I know people, why have done nothing in school have done all miscreants kind of things. Keep good company with politicians, get fake tenders. Enjoy money and reputation in society.

Friend: No they do no thave reputation.

Me: If in a market you meen such a guy, you cannot dare argue with him if situation arises rt??

Friend: Ya thats because they are bad people.

Me: In case you need some work done you will go to the same people for help rt??

Friends: This is the way it is and you cannot change it.

Me: Lets see ....

Me: Back to my question why did you study and wated your life??

Friend: See those people have no future, they are enjoying till they can. But someday they will collapse within the system

Me: MY DEAR THIS IS ONE OF THOSE DAYS, and if you dont show the support. that day will never come. Prove your existence and try to bring a change, already some many are trying. Some more will help a significant amount