The Inner Journey

Reaching the peace that dwells within…

In our ever busy schedules, amidst all the tension and pressure, we find ourselves caught up with a lot of work in hand. In this supposedly fast-paced world, we are always looking for success and power. With it, we presume, comes happiness. To a few students, happiness might mean just marks and to others happiness might be acquiring as much knowledge as possible and to some it might be building strong relationships. At the end of the day, all of us want to lead a happy life. However, in one’s life there will be a time when one might feel that life has no meaning anymore.

“The purpose of life is a life or purpose.” – Robert Byrne

How much ever one earns, how much ever one is informed, it won’t stop the person from wanting more. Greed and wants are never ending. But once content comes in, the world looks too materialistic. And happiness will follow.

The Dhammapada, versified Buddhist scripture traditionally ascribed to the Buddha himself, states:

“From craving springs grief, from craving springs fear, For him who is wholly free from craving, there is no grief, much less fear.” (V.216)

When the time of self actualization happens, no outer force can influence the person. It, of course, doesn’t happen overnight. It comes with many sessions of introspection and self-forgiving. For a few, it happens early in life but like in most cases, it happens later in life. One need not be a saint to attain the state of self-realization. Yes, it is scary when we think of a spiritual life as such but it’s not a new concept. People have lived in the outer world after discovering their inner world. In fact, those are the ones who actually live happily and make others happy too. When one has travelled through the inner self, life outside becomes even more blissful, purposeful, eventful and wonderful.

The Girl in Blue

While waiting in the queue to meet our family doctor I was amazed to look at the unchanged settings there. I was a regular visitor when I was a kid. I haven’t visited him since a few years now. The doors, the paint colour on the walls, the chairs, the wards, the little consultation room, the glass paintings by children on the windows…it is all the same. Dr.Padmanabha is also the same except the increased number of grey hair. He still is the same unassuming, down to earth, very simple human being with a good sense of humour.

Nostalgic events appeared in my mind as I saw a little girl waiting for her turn with her parents to meet the doctor. She had come before me and was seated ahead of me. That girl caught my attention amidst lot many beautiful, cute kids. There was nothing extra-ordinary about this kid except for the fact that I could relate myself to her. She was more or less a replica of what I was. She was wearing this blue shorts (which looked like skirt) and a white tee. I had a similar outfit but it was maroon and not blue. I actually had a huge collection of blue dresses so that way I could relate to her. She wasn’t too plump and her face was as radiant and round as moon. She kept on moving in-and-out of the hall. Her mom was seated inside waiting in the queue while her dad was outside doing nothing but observing his daughter. It was the same with me. No matter how ill I was, I used to keep running all around. I saw that girl up close and I could see the spark in her eyes. She had a boy cut and her hair was silk smooth. She was a little cute, little fair, too adamant and fussy. The exact me. She saw another kid, smaller than her, eating some biscuits and she stood still looking at that. She ran up to her dad and demanded for something. I couldn’t hear anything but I could see she was troublesome but her dad wasn’t complaining at all. Her dad obviously said no to all her demands. She was in no mood of giving up. Her father had no option but to go with her. She herself guided her dearest father to a shop nearby and got big chocolates with her. She ate the whole thing in front of all kids looking down at them. I was laughing inside. I used to be as stupid as that. Everything except a picture of an elephant caught her attention. As a kid, I never came back home without having spent a few minutes with that colourful elephant.

I tried talking to her. I wanted to know her name. She signaled saying she had better business to do and went away. She was after all what I used to be at her age. That bold confident look she gave will remain captured in my mind forever. Her turn came and her father carried her inside to see the doctor. As soon as the doctor looked at the syringe needle she started screaming. There was no escape and she knew it. After being injected she went out, still screaming. As soon as she a few cars on the road diverted her mind she was in her own world totally forgetting the pain she taught she had. Every time I went there I used to do the same, i.e. overreact. Even if the injection didn’t hurt me, I used to scream just for the sake of it. Today was a day I would remember all my life. The girl in blue refreshed my memories and left me reflecting on my yester years.

Importance of Mass Media in today’s World

Ah well, I deleted my previous essay on the same topic because I have got my original copy of the essay for which I secured first place in my Pre-University. Any criticism is welcome.

Mass Media can be loosely defined as the medium through which some information reaches out to a very large audience. Radio, television, newspapers, magazines, Computers, mobile phones and even video games can be classified as Mass Media that spread information to a large number of people in a short time. They create awareness about both political and non-political issues affecting citizens at large.

The role of mass media in a democratic system is very crucial. Media is indeed a watch dog in a political democracy. It acts as an informative bridge between the governing body and general public. It integrates the human civilization and thereby creates global unity and peace. It acts as an instrument of change for the betterment of the world.

Journalism is the act of collecting, analyzing and verifying information and of course presenting their unbiased opinions to the public. The seven principles of conduct of a journalist are integrity, objectivity, accountability, transparency, selflessness, honesty and leadership.

Newspaper and television reach every corner of the world and play a prominent role in educating and updating the public with the latest. They can make an impact on the people and guide them in issues like regionalism, racism and other such major issues.

Internet brings a flood of information to the user at the touch of a button and it has become very easy for the layman to access the net. Various web sites, blogs, message boards, pod casts not only help to know information but also to express one’s personal views and experiences.

Magazines which are published weekly, monthly or yearly can either be general interest magazines or special interest magazines that publish news on special fields like sports or health.

Since media has a lot of responsibility, it has to discharge its duties keeping in mind that it is accountable to the public at large. Mass media should help in improving public relation and should promote non-violence. It can definitely make a difference in the society. It is because of the media that the world has come together and hence the name “Global Village”. People not only expect news from media, but also possible remedies. Let us hope that media lives up to the expectation and serves the purpose. Though, like any other power, media is also a double-edged-weapon, let us hopes that it takes our life to a greater level. Life without media is like a lamp without oil.

A Letter to the Father

I recently wrote to my father telling him how much I admire him, love him and respect him. It was a very emotional letter. What most of us forget to do is to thank our parents for everything that they have done to us. From giving birth to watching us smile to giving bath to loving us to being our best friends to being a teacher. They, most certainly, don't expect us to thank them. All that they want is to see us happy.

When I wrote to my father, he replied within an hour saying - What is this? Do you think between father and daughter such formalities and open expression of sentiments really required? After all it is my duty and responsibility to encourage you to do your best - in achieving your goals academically or otherwise.
I was so touched. He went on to say a lot of other things. I could see he was equally touched by my mail.
In my mail I had apologized for all my big and small mistakes i committed knowingly and unknowingly. i apologized for all the crap I have said out of anger.
I thanked him for the culture, morales, ethics and values of life he has instilled in me. I thanked him for being such a great, supportive, inspirational dad.!! I thanked for all that he has done to me throughout. I thanked him for giving me all the freedom in the world and at the same time being strict when required.
I promised him that i will always uphold my principles in life. I promised him not to let him down. I'm indeed his proud daughter!! =)
My father in his mail mentioned that he has high expectations from me. One thing that he didn't miss out as always is my Granny's blessings which is always with me. I'm what I'm today only because of my granny. She's my moral support. Her physical presence might not be felt but I'm sure she's watching me from above. Every time i look at the sky I'm reminded of her and her memories. She's the one who draws me from errors and guides me to the right path!!
Love you Granny!! :)
Love you appa amma!! :) :)

Romance is in the Air!!

Laila cyclone hits down south and in this romantic gloomy weather my mind finds time to think of an adventurous first date. Sounds like an interesting topic to write about. The first few things that come to our minds when we think about a “PERFECT date” are…a nice pretty lady with gown, neatly dressed man, candle lights, beach, mushy music in the background and the scent of the flowers everywhere. Can it get more boring than that? I’ve never ever dreamt of such things. I’ve never dreamt of my partner coming in a white horse or a Ferrari to take me with him. I’ve never dreamt of my guy going down on his knees, asking me to marry him with his hands stretched in which lies “THE” most expensive wedding ring. These things might sound exciting to many of you but doesn’t catch my imagination. Let me tell you what I always wanted and I won’t be VERY disappointed if it doesn’t come true 7-8 years down the line.

In a stadium [preferably cricket/football stadium], I want him to take me to the middle of the ground in the evening when no one’s around. As soon as we reach the center the flood lights turn on and he proposes to me [I will obviously say ‘yes’]. Isn’t it cool? Then we raise a toast of joy and have a champagne party! It would be a perfect beginning for the new relationship. Oh ya! I forgot to mention that he will take me to the stadium in an SUV. It would be the most amazing evening of my life. I don’t fancy “so-called” elegant dating. It simply doesn't suit me and my lifestyle. That is it. A cozy life continues thereafter.

Good Marks = Good Career?

I’ve my exams coming up in a week or so. Unlike others in my class I’m here blogging and more importantly NOT STUDYING! Everyone around is feeling the exam HEAT. Especially my mom!! I’ve told her more than a hundred times that exam is not EVERYTHING in LIFE. She’ll never listen. I’m in the commerce stream. Out of 4 subjects+2 languages, I’ve prepared only for my accountancy exam. So you can imagine the amount of pressure my mom TRIES to put on me. When I don’t like Mathematics why am I forced to do it? I’m not an emotional person but I literally broke down thinking how helpless I am. Mathematics is not my cup of tea. Very few mathematical concepts actually get into my head…others I just do it blindly. That’s not education, is it?

Why is it that everyone asks me to study? I can’t even take a walk in the evening coz everybody on the street asks me about my preparations for the exam. They care for me and they see potential in me. Is that the reason? Here arises another question – Is marks directly proportional to career? I hope not. I somehow don’t like people who study 24*7. I mean…I know my own classmates who score well don’t know to pronounce the simplest of words. Not that all are the same and not that I know everything but then what’s the use of studying if you don’t even understand what you are studying. I’m not a distinction holder. So be it! It’s not an insult to me. I still believe I can make it BIG in my LIFE. My parents don’t feel the same. Strange but fair enough. My mom the other day told me – “Study well and score well so that you can proudly show it to your kids”. Is that why you need to score good marks? You work hard a whole year studying those dry text books to get a wonderful marks card which might or might not help you? At the end of the day it’s just a paper (waste) which you exhibit to the whole world proudly. For me, substance matters! Knowledge matters! Intelligence matters! Application matters! That good for nothing small sheet of paper is not what matters to me. The only good thing about exams is that I get a little “extra” care and love from my parents. Even while writing this I’m eating all sorts of dry fruits. Hahaha!!

A week to go for my board exams and I’m not tensed. Trust me. There’s no pressure whatsoever. Now I’ve no option but study. I very much see myself achieving my goals even without scoring 90+ in my boards. The drive and the passion and the hunger in me are enough to LIVE my DREAMS. I'm posing off as if I would change the world by writing this article which not more than 10 people would read :D

Right now I’m listening to a song which is truly inspiring. My favourite lines in the song go like this –

kuch aisa karke dikha
khud khush ho jaaye khuda

I’m in love with these words. It’s so colourful and meaningful…