Deepak G. Pawar's Blog, page 13
March 7, 2016
Book recommendation: If Truth Be Told
If Truth Be Told: A Monk's MemoirOm SwamiHarper Element, 2014
Extraordinary, unbelievable, uplifting!
This is not a review; it is a recommendation. Like a few others that I have had the privilege to write about this one too is special.
What is also special is the manner in which it landed in my hands. I had no idea about Om Swami prior to reading this, much less about this book.
It so happened that the management of the Shankar Mutt in the area I live decided to build a library of spiritual and religious books in its new building. Advertisements went out seeking donations in cash and kind from devotees, followers and local residents. I too donated a few books for the cause. As I was browsing through the books donated by others, I chanced upon this title. There were plenty of other titles that I was considering perusing, but I was immediately drawn to this book. Just as the saying goes that the story selects its author, in all likelihood the book also selects its reader. Perhaps it was so in this case.
Like Sri M's autobiography and Swami Rama's story, this one too takes you along on an extraordinary journey. Perhaps it is even more unbelievable because the Swami, in his earlier life had it all, as far as material comforts are concerned, and then chose to give it all away.
He had a loving family, he was educated, he had friends, money, and a high flying career. Of course, he worked hard to build his career out of scratch in a foreign country. This in itself is nothing short of a tapas of another kind. Most would have been content with what he achieved through sheer hard work, grit and determination, and many would have basked in the comfort and luxury that such a career provided.
Not our Swami. His eyes were set on quite a different target altogether. Apparently it was foretold; his Mother reveals as much to him towards the end. But he still had to give up on his riches and comfort, reach out to the wilderness and seek out gurus who would be able to guide him on his spiritual quest. Indeed such was his determination, that he even lets his friends and associates know that he won't be coming back until he has found his true Self.
His quest for the apt guru, and his experience with the one he thinks is the right guru for him, are nothing short of extraordinary. The guru that he finds is himself a fascinating character, as on one hand he initiates the novice seeker after seeking his Mother's permission, but on the other hand asks for his disciple's monetary assistance in furthering his own cause. He is prone to swearing, living a comfortable life, and involving himself in worldly affairs.
It is because of this adventure, wherein the Swami dares to seek out the spiritual in a material world, and the subsequent confusion and disillusionment that he is faced with, that we get to learn just how difficult it is for a genuine seeker not to get conned or ripped off.
His sadhana in the Himalayan wilderness while he is faced with the vagaries of weather and hostilities of man and beast alike is awe inspiring. When he finally achieves his goal, and is face to face with the object of his adulation, one cannot help feel a sense of beatific fulfillment on his behalf. In many ways, he has lived the tough life, so that all of us could benefit from his experiences which he generously shares with us.
And for that we need to bow down to him and seek his help and guidance in our own quests.
This is essential reading for every genuine seeker.
Image source: http://d.gr-assets.com/books/14300492...
February 26, 2016
Green tops and partisan crowds
I am now convinced.
The Bangladeshis are trying desperately to see us lose a match.
The suspicions were raised when for the Under 20 World Cup final match, they provided a green top, seamer friendly wicket. The team, which had steamrolled the opposition up until the finals, were dismissed for nothing by the Windies bowlers.
And now, in the Asia Cup, for India's very first match against themselves, a green top was provided, and their side was packed with seamers. Several commentators noted the unusual nature of the wicket for this match.
The Bangladeshis were waiting for an encore, perhaps. The crowd was ready to bay for blood, and bring the roof down when their side won.
Only this time, India prevailed against them. One can only be amazed at the disappointment writ large on the multitude of faces.
If ever you wanted to see partisanship in action, watch the Bangladeshi crowd in a cricket match. When Virat Kohli was out, the ground probably shook because of the tumultuous celebration of the crowd. Later, when their side was losing, almost the entire stadium had emptied. Only a miniscule Indian supporters' group was active.
A wicket lost by their opposition is greeted with thunderous applause, whereas a boundary or a sixer is met with deathly silence.
I know it is only a game. But one can discern deeper issues at play here.
Being one of our 'friendly' neighbours, there are two issues at play here: jealousy and hatred.
Yes, I am sticking my neck out and naming the underlying issues that make them behave the way they do against us.
Update (05/03/16):
Now that both us and them are in the finals, expect another green top, and their side packed with seamers.
Just saw a post on FB: they are at it again; one their bowlers holding Dhoni's severed head; anymore proof needed?
Update (07/03/16):
India win Asia Cup for the 6th time. So who is holding whose head now? Why do the Bangladeshi fans behave as though their side will win every game against every team? This is the problem with ascribing so much of emotional investment and national pride with a game. It would probably serve them better if they looked at other more important aspects, such as this and this.
Image sources:
http://www.oneindia.com/img/2016/02/1...
http://images.indianexpress.com/2016/...
February 2, 2016
January 9, 2016
January 6, 2016
December 30, 2015
December 13, 2015
Satire: The story of a superstar, vagabonds and a ghost
This is a true story of a superstar and a few measly vagabonds.
Once upon a time, there was a superstar. In fact he still is, and will continue to be with us.
One night, the superstar was at a party. He partied, he drove, he crushed a few vagabonds, and he got away.
Some people raised an objection to this. 'He should be brought to justice', they said.
But they did not know that only the hero is allowed to do as he pleases. He can take down anything and anybody in his way. It does not matter if they were only sleeping. He can still mow them down.
Because you nitwits, he is the hero. The larger than life character, for whom nothing is impossible.
And don't you know that his fans love him? They want to see him shoot down some more endangered species. He can do nothing wrong for them.
Fortunately, the honourable court also thought the same. So they let him go scot free, for he is the hero, remember? Just a few lowlife pavement dwellers were killed, that's all. Their life is cheap anyway. They were already homeless. What does it matter if they are now lifeless?
It is our superstar that matters. He has to be let free to do his thing.
Besides, who said he was drunk, driving, or drunk-driving on that night? He only drank Thums Up at the party, poor fella!
Indeed, there was no evidence that he was driving at all. No, not even the ex-policeman's testimony was believable. Why did he have to put his own life at risk to give evidence against the superstar?
He died of TB that guy. Well deserved! How dare he raise his voice against our hero!
Wait a minute, said some. If the superstar was not driving the car, who was? The honourable court thought about this for a long time - thirteen years to be precise. Ghost, it concluded.
'Ghost?!' exclaimed some, incredulously.
But the court came up with irrefutable reasoning. 'If a ghost can make a car veer sharply and plunge into the sea in Talaash, why can't it drive the car and crush those people?' Logical, no?
And of course, try as you might, you cannot punish a ghost.
It is not as though our hero did not have his own unimpeachable evidence to back him up. He had his own singer friend in the car that night. He could have easily vouched for his divinity.
'No, that is not necessary', said the court. 'We are letting you off anyway'.
'Now go and cancel that petition in the higher court that you made to allow your friend's testimony. Let him be safely ensconced in the UK. Why bring him all the way here just to prove your innocence?'
'You are the hero. You don't need anybody to vouch for your integrity'.
So the judge said, 'Off you go son. Go do your songs and dances and fights. Go, your fans are waiting for you. They cannot live without you. And don't you worry, if anybody else comes up with evidence against you, I will crush them myself!'
Then the superstar emerged. Millions were waiting with bated breath. There was a spontaneous eruption of joy all around. He was taken home in a procession. Their hero, their god had returned unscathed and untainted.
Meanwhile, the ghost took out the car for a spin again. Along the way it crushed Justice to death...
Oh well...
And they all crushed happily ever after!
Image source: http://www.kilkennymotorclub.com/wp-c...
The superstar, the vagabonds and the ghost
This is a true story of a superstar and a few measly vagabonds.
Once upon a time, there was a superstar. In fact he still is, and will continue to be with us.
One night, the superstar was at a party. He partied, he drove, he crushed a few vagabonds, and he got away.
Some people raised an objection to this. He should be brought to justice they said.
But they did not know that only the hero is allowed to do as he pleases. He can take down anything and anybody in his way. It does not matter if they were only sleeping. He can still mow them down.
Because you nitwits, he is the hero. The larger than life character, for whom nothing is impossible.
And don't you know that his fans love him? They want to see him shoot down some more endangered species. He can do nothing wrong for them.
Fortunately, the honourable court also thought the same. So they let him go scot free, for he is the hero, remember? Just a few lowlife pavement dwellers were killed, that's all. Their life is cheap anyway. They were already homeless. What does it matter if they are now lifeless?
It is our superstar that matters. He has to be let free to do his thing.
Besides, who said he was drunk, driving, or drunk-driving on that night? He only drank Thums Up at the party, poor fella!
Indeed, there was no evidence that he was driving at all. No, not even the ex-policeman's testimony was believable. Why did he have to put his own life at risk to give evidence against the superstar?
He died of TB that guy. Well deserved! How dare he raise his voice against our hero!
Wait a minute, said some. If the superstar was not driving the car, who was? The honourable court thought about this for a long time - thirteen years to be precise. Ghost, it concluded.
'Ghost?!' exclaimed some, incredulously.
But the court came up with irrefutable reasoning. If a ghost can make a car veer sharply and plunge into the sea in Talaash, why can't it drive the car and crush those people? Logical, no?
And of course, try as you might, you cannot punish a ghost.
It is not as though our hero did not have his own unimpeachable evidence to back him up. He had his own singer friend in the car that night. He could have easily vouched for his divinity.
No, that is not necessary, said the court. We are letting you off anyway.
Now go and cancel that petition in the higher court that you made to allow your friend's testimony. Let him be safely ensconced in the UK. Why bring him all the way here just to prove your innocence?
You are the hero. You don't need anybody to vouch for your integrity.
So the judge said, 'Off you go son. Go do your songs and dances and fights. Go, your fans are waiting for you. They cannot live without you. And don't you worry, if anybody else comes up with evidence against you, I will crush them myself!'
Then the superstar emerged. Millions were waiting with bated breath. There was a spontaneous eruption of joy all around. He was taken home in a procession. Their hero, their god had returned unscathed and untainted.
Meanwhile, the ghost took out the car for a spin again. Along the way it crushed Justice to death...
Oh well...
And they all crushed happily ever after!
Image source: http://www.kilkennymotorclub.com/wp-c...
