The Whispers Of My Heart

Life is kind enough to impart invaluable lessons, though sometimes in unkind ways. I try to clothe my ruminations, life-experiences in words so that "presentable" short compositions may emerge. Writing short compositions remain my passion. I would like to share one of my compositions with you. Hope you like it. The itinerary of your life, you can't plan and write. Unruly winds potently dictate the direction of kite. Moneyed in mansions are often crooks, not angels. To brighten their houses, they steal even funeral candles. The actors on the world-stage may be new and queer. The story and characters remain same old, my dear. ~Sanjay Gargish~

Apropos of my previous post, I have received a comment "You are unnecessarily criticizing the modern education. It has certainly increased the happiness, standard of living. Now majority of people have accessibility to all the amenities and ultra modern facilities". Well ma'am, I don't have even an iota of doubt that the contemporary educational system, giving nil or negligible importance to the cultivation of wisdom, is damaging not only the country but also the psyche of denizens. I think your whole notion about happiness is misplaced. I admit that today people have more lucre, modern gadgets. "Does this indicate that money alone bring happiness?" The answer is "NO". "Do you know why most of the astrologers have set up their shops in posh localities, not in slums?" This is because the astrologers can do "roaring business" only in these swanky areas where opulent are riddled with multiple problems. Believe me, ma'

In the name of education, we are disseminating only facts, information and stupidities to our children. "Does parroting out few facts imply being educated ?" I fail to visualize the rationale behind memorizing, for instance, the span of World War II, when every knowledge is now readily available at the click of the mouse. Educational System based primarily on "rote learning" is damaging the country immensely.Most of the students find it tedious, bunk off classes on flimsy excuses. Anti-social activities by the youth are on the rise. Question paper leaks and examination malpractices have become commonplace. Anybody having ability to retain some details stands good chance of becoming a civil servant. No wonder dimwitted, thick skinned "babus", lacking ingenuity, are in profusion. It is high time for the teachers to emphasize on "meaningful learning"  rather than "rote learning". Our nation already has copious "parrots"

Apropos of my last post, a friend of mine wants to know: (a) Should everyone strive for peace?  (b) Is peace possible by going to temples and other places of worship? Well, in my view, everyone must endeavour to seek equanimity, the way I espoused in my previous post. Surely this will eradicate most of the maladies in the contemporary world. I, however, hold the opinion that avant- garde writers and poets must not cherish tranquility. I wish them minds replete with agitation. Kindly don't misconstrue me. You see, mellifluous notes can be composed by the rivulets only if they retain their turbulence ! I had written a short composition, some time back. Let's savour it, my dear. Perhaps you may find answer to your above question number (b). Chanting Mantras make wandering mind cease. Saying a rosary-- panacea for forehead crease. They say that temple bells bring peace. Will they tell me, please. Why the crowd in pubs does not decrease? ~Sanjay Gargish~

Since time immemorial, human beings have been chasing "peace".Riverbanks, mountains, forests and other hideouts are being scouted around for placidity...but all in vain.Peace remains elusive, an enigma. Although religious leaders and "babas" claim to own tranquility, I seriously doubt their declarations. I believe that most of them are erroneous.They are confusing "solitude "with "peace". Peace is not synonymous with "seclusion". Also it can't be achieved by performing inconvenient acrobatics or "asanas". "How exactly can we realize serenity?" Serenity dawns through "understanding", my dear. When one comprehends the true nature and ephemerality of mundane things, one develops an attitude of "let go" for these possessions. Fulfillment finally happens. For me, this "Fulfillment" is the metonym for "Peace". A poised being realises the futility and foolishness of pursui

" Distractions lead you astray.These are hindrances in the way of your goals" goes the general perception. But distractions also facilitate  the blossoming of new talents. They assist you to realize your hitherto hidden potential, my dear. Believe me!  Diversion is more significant than Concentration. During my student days in D.A.V. College, Chandigarh (an all-boys college then) , the biggest interruption was the nearby top--notch college "exclusively for belles". A byroad separated our hostel and the college's  boundary wall. Innovative methods were adopted to cross over the fortified boundary wall slyly, meet the " hostel counterparts " and dart away as quickly as possible. No wonder, DAVites, especially hostellers, of those times, became adept at pole vaulting. A member of the "gang" later turned out to be a notable sprinter! Well, no prizes for guessing how I acquired rudimentary skills in rock-climbing. ~Sanjay Gargish~

A friend of mine has raised a question " Does giving ensures happiness?" A pertinent question indeed. Try giving or sharing your sorrows with someone, my dear. I understand that it is a herculean task in the contemporary times. Dearth of tolerant listeners, you see. "Zuban mili hai magar hum--zuban nahin milta". Let me give you a counsel. Find a solitary tree in a lonely place. Hug it and pour out all your glooms and griefs. Purge yourself of all the agonies that bother you. You will find a sea-change in yourself. You will feel as light as a feather. By sharing your miseries, you get a big relief. Imagine the unfathomable joy you experience, doctor sahib, when you share something worthwhile. ~Sanjay Gargish~

It is entirely our own discretion whom we choose to be the charioteer of our life. We can choose either heart or mind as our polestar. The mind is highly calculative and profit--seeking. I have observed that by giving free rein to the mind in one's life, one can be moneyed and highly  successful. Playing into the hands of the mind, however, has its own perils. It creates " internal and eternal void " which one vainly tries to fill by amassing more and more material possessions. No wonder, the well-heeled are generally "great usurpers". They have a craving for only " taking" and often go on a snatching spree. Real joy, however, emanates from "giving". The proclivity for "giving" develops only when heart reigns over the mind. Well, the choice is yours, my dear. If you want to be "successful but empty", let your life be governed by the mind. However, if remaining " blissful and filled " is your priority, h