music and smile on face makes the day

all it takes is TIME.........

SON: "Daddy, may I ask you a question?"
DAD: "Yeah sure, what is it?"
SON: "Daddy, how much do you make an hour?"
DAD: "That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?"
SON: "I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?"
DAD: "If you must know, I make $100 an hour."
SON: "Oh! (With his head down).
SON: "Daddy, may I please borrow $50?"
The father was furious.
DAD: "If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I work hard everyday for such this childish behavior."

The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door.
The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money?
After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down, and started to think:
Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $ 50 and he really didn't ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door.

DAD: "Are you asleep, son?"

SON: "No daddy, I'm awake".
DAD: "I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier. It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the $50 you asked for."

The little boy sat straight up, smiling.
SON: "Oh, thank you daddy!"
Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills. The man saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father.

DAD: "Why do you want more money if you already have some?"

SON: "Because I didn't have enough, but now I do.

"Daddy, I have $100 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you."
The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he begged for his forgiveness. It's just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts. Do remember to share that $100 worth of your time with someone you love? If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family and friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than to our family.

Thank smilingly if u receive compliments or commodity.......without fuss or trying to read between the lines.........

Ajay Jain	May 22
"Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value into your life."

Poor Receivers Don’t Get Rich

What kind of receiver are you? If you’re reading this, chances are you consider yourself a giver of sorts. You might even beat yourself up a little bit for thinking you don’t give enough. Then again, there are those who think they’re givers but really aren’t.

The point is we tend to focus on giving as “goodness”; of feeling good or intending good. But what kind of receiver are you? Do you take compliments bashfully? Do you say, “Aw, it was really nothing”? Do you tell them to stop teasing you, or that you weren’t fishing for a compliment?
One of the big reasons most people don’t reach their full potential, financially or otherwise, is that they are very, very poor receivers. ‘You’re not worthy’ because of the way you look, or what you do, or how much money you have, or don’t have.
You’re worthy because the Great Spirit, or Universe, or God, or whatever you want to call a higher power, has put you on the earth at this time. There’s nothing else to think about! Since you’re as worthy as the next person, you’re as deserving to receive as anyone else. Anything else that your mind says around that is made up, non-supportive crappola!
And then there’s that phrase that a lot of people heard when they were young, and we still hear it: “It’s better to give than to receive.” Of course it is, isn’t it?
I’m sorry, but let’s just call that what it is: bad math! If both have to be there for the other to exist, how on earth could one be better than the other? How is that possible? Somebody enlighten me please!
By the way, the original intention of that ‘better to give’ statement actually translates more correctly into ‘It’s better to be in a position to give than in a position where you need to receive’.
In other words it’s better to be rich! Some people will read that and get that little twinge of guilt—How can I so selfishly justify wanting to be rich? Fine, I understand, I was there too, so let’s try this from another angle.
How does it feel to give, especially when that person didn’t ask you for anything yet you knew they were in need? Most people say it feels great, yes? It’s especially the grateful receivers that make us feel even better about our giving, yes?
But if you’re not willing to receive, you’re ripping off those people from the other side of the equation who want to give. And we’re proving that both giving and receiving are great. Two birds with one stone. If you’re in a position to give, that’s wealth—whether it’s money, time or kindness.
So here’s your practice. No more returning compliments for a specific time! If someone gives you a compliment, you’re not allowed to give them a compliment at that time because it dishonors them (of course use your better judgment, but you get the point!).  Returning a compliment because you think you have to robs them of the full joy of giving you the compliment. And it robs you of receiving.
The key is to recognize that whether you’re “worthy” or not is a feeling, not a fact. It’s a story that you made up and now you own. Disown that! Receive with the same joy that you give.
Now it’s your turn – we want to hear your thoughts and feelings. Do you think you’re a better giver or receiver? Do you have a hard time receiving compliments? How about giving them? Your feedback is very valuable so make sure to leave a comment and start a conversation with others in our community!
For your freedom,

THE SUFI CULTURE...Submited by- Zia on 30 May, 2013.....Sita Gita

Sufi mystical poetry, performed as a part of prayers and devotions is conducive to mystical ecstasy. Sufi music accompanied by musical instruments can arouse passions either sensual or spiritual, which is the goal of Sufi music anyway. Hence, musical concerts are a regular feature of Sufi orders.

Sufi music has a universal appeal as it speaks of pain, poverty, emotions, joys, sorrows, and way of the lives of common people in the context of their ties with the supreme power. The new generation of Sufi singers are promoting their genre of music as a sound of connectivity, peace and friendship, transcending all borders of class, creed race and nation.

The modern day Sufi singers are a curious clutch of contemporary rockers from India and Pakistanwith their guitars and drum sets and a handful of traditionalists. Most of their lyrics are old Sufi poetry.

Sufi music peaked when legendary dervishes like Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, Nizamuddin Auliya, and Aamir Khusro refined it into an elite genre of its own. It is a genre as much at home in a rocking party as in a dargah.

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan spread Sufi music beyond the borders of Pakistan. Zila khan, has been trained in songs since her childhood, and is one of the best –known female Sufi and ghazal singers in India. Joining the fray are Shubha Mudgal, Rekha Bharadwaj and Chanchal Bharti.
Sufi singers like….Hans Raj Hans, Nizami Bandhu and Chisti Brothers feature an elaborate chorus on their call and response qawwali with rugged and heartfelt selections.

Sufi song resembles a path of devotion and love which leads to none other than God himself. A person can strive towards intimate knowledge or communion with God by listening to Sufi Songs. But, in the present day circumstances, Sufi music seems to have got Bollywood into its whirl.

Bollywood has been using Sufi Music since time immemorial. The lyrics of the songs like “ Chhap tilak”, “ mere piya ghar aye ooo Ramji” from the movie YAARANA or be it “Dum mast ka lander” are all directly connected to God.

Songs like…. “Maula Mere Maula” from ANWAR ,A.R Rehman’s “Tere Bina” from the movie GURU, or be “Yaa Ali” from the movie GANGSTER, have touched us as these songs find favor with audiences because it connects them instantly with God. This genre of music has become successful to reach to the audience of all ages and classes. However, Sufi music has become the formula for a box office hit and its elements find their way into every sound track. It is coming out of stereos and mobile phones. Music director, Anu Malik, the man behind “Rabbi” in ZINDAGGI ROCKS used his “Mehboob Mere” track in the film FIZA in 2000, to experiment with sufi music.

If we talk about packaging and purity of Sufi songs, not everybody applauds what seems to pass off as Sufi music today. This is music that should reach out to God. But, Sufi music today is out of key. Songs like “laaga chunri main daag”, originally a sufi song has been depicted on a prostitute in the movie, LAAGA CHUNRI MAIN DAAG. In the name of commercialization the bollywood industry has exploited Sufism to the extreme limit.

Today, anything with a Sufi touch seems to ensure success in Hindi film music. Songs like “Chaand Sifarish” from FANNA, “Allah Ke Bande” in WAISA BHI HOTA HAIN became overnight successful because of the Sufi influence in it. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan struck a chord with listeners with “Maan Ki Lagan” in PAAP, and his “Jiya Dhadak Dhadak” from KALYUG was among the top 10 for a long time. Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy too have joined the fray. Their composition “Mitwa”, in KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA has a mix of Sufi, Indian classical and rock influences and has been getting positive reviews.

The Hindi film industry has been credited with popularizing Sufi music. But, the hard core Sufi singers have expressed their disappointment towards commercialization of Sufi music. Sufism is the mystical and ancient branch of Islam that emphasizes the seeker’s path towards ecstatic unity with God.

However, there should be a balance between the purest and commercial approaches. No art can remain static, and therefore a change is always necessary. The jury maybe out on that one, but the music is still winning everybody’s heart.

 

 

If you have gone through my earlier blogs on Sufism, you might have got an idea about how the supreme music form has been manipulated by modern musicians to amuse people in public functions and in Hindi movies. But, today, in this blog I would like to talk about the spiritual element of the music form and how it is reciprocated across the world.

Sufism as the spiritual Path:

There is no doubt, that the role of music has been debated and condemned by Muslim scholars in the past as well as in the present, but for the Sufi saints, it is the ultimate solace for human soul to reach divinity. Whether accompanied by musical instruments and rhythms or not, Sufism is the path to spiritual development for the human soul.

The verses from the Sufi Literature written in praise of the Prophet Mohammad (may peace be upon Him) have also found a place in the sacred book of Islam, the holy Quran. These verses were originally written with a view to preach Islam and to introduce the goodness of the religion. Hence, the believers of Sufism used these verses as a medium to spread the message of Islam .It was their daily practice to recite and contemplate on these verses so that they can focus on the supreme power, the God, and unite themselves with the divine soul. It is believed that in such state, a Sufi can act as a bridge between the celestial power and the material world by performing miracles.

However, with the transition of time, the Sufi verses have undergone a change. Today, it is sung in dargahs and other religious and public gatherings accompanied by enchanting music and rhythms. The core of the music form mesmerizes the entire ambience, transcending the heart and soul of the listeners to a spiritual world. Today, it has emerged as one of the powerful tool to spread the message of Sufi culture. Sufi culture is not only confined to signing in praise of the Prophet or the Creator (Allah). It also unfolds the pain and suffering of a devotee in being separated from his Master. This forms the core of Sufi poetry and music.

Whether you spend your Thursday and Friday evening inside the Nizzamuddin Dargah in Delhi, or in a public gathering listening to and immersing yourself into the rhythm and music of Sufi, even without understanding the message that it is trying to propagate, the music form by no way fails to establish the fact that it is the music of ‘the soul, by the soul and for the soul.’

The Global stand of the Art Form:

As we all know that Sufi music is the heart of Muslim mystics and aims at spreading the teachings of Islam, hence Muslim dominated regions of the world like, Asia: Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Anatolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, India, Syria, Israel, Indonesia; Africa: Morocco, Libya, Egypt, Senegal, Algeria, Tunisia; America: Brazil, Cuba and Haiti, and others are not left untouched by the impact of the music form.

Sufi thoughts, which were basically composed in Arabic, traversed through different languages and culture from Persian to Turkish and are enriched by multiple cultures of the world. Today, it finds expression through diverse musical genres and untold musical forms. Contemporary musicians and musical troupes across the world like, Sohrab Fakir from Sindhi, Pakistan; Musa Dieng Kala from Senegal; Ahl-Al-Haqq of Kurdistan; The Gnaouas and the Issawas of Morocco; Hamza Shakkur and Al-Kindi of Syria, etc. have contributed towards the expansion and embellishment of traditional Sufi music, thus giving it a new and unique flavor and style.

Sufi Music accompanied by Sufi instruments:

No doubt the real beauty of music comes alive when accompanied by right instrument. One can witness the majesty of Sufi Music which is also known as the ‘Music of Brotherhood’, when the music lovers of Morocco chants and dance together in a circle by holding each other’s hand; or in Turkey and Syria, when Dervish twirl themselves to the melancholic tune of the Sufi accompanied by subtle instruments, such as, Zukra, Rabab, Oud, Ney, Qanun, etc. along with the passionate music played onDarbuka and Bendir. The musical ecstasy created by the sounds of these instruments is enough to transform your soul to a spiritual world, where you can establish a contact with the Divine power.

As music forms an indispensable part of Sufism, hence the brothers of Morocco celebrates trance night before the holy month of Ramadan begins, by chanting mystic accompanying Gnawa. Even the African community residing in American continents follows this tradition. While the Mourides residing in Senegal wants to be nearer to God by chanting Njang,; the Quwals of India seeks to reunite with the supreme power by reciting and singing Zikr, Quwwali, Sufiana Kalam, Ghazal and other musical genres in Farsi Hindi and Urdu.

http://sitagita.com/blog/101896-the-sufi-culture?utm_source=SitaGitaCommunication&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=SitaGita%2BCommunication%2BMail

कुसंस्कारो का त्याग करना चाहिए, तभी सच्चे सुख और आनन्द की प्राप्ति होगी

• 
  
• 
  

  8:14am

  
  

  एक बार समर्थ स्वामी रामदासजी भिक्षा माँगते हुए एक घर के सामने खड़े हुए और उन्होंने आवाज लगायी “जय जय रघुवीर समर्थ !” घर से महिला बाहर आयी। उसने उनकी झोली मे भिक्षा डाली और कहा, “महात्माजी, कोई उपदेश दीजिए !” स्वामीजी बोले, “आज नहीं, कल दूँगा।” दूसरे दिन स्वामीजी ने पुन: उस घर के सामने आवाज दी – “जय जय रघुवीर समर्थ !” उस घर की स्त्री ने उस दिन खीर बनायीं थी, जिसमे बादाम-पिस्ते भी डाले थे। वह खीर का कटोरा लेकर बाहर आयी। स्वामीजी ने अपना कमंडल आगे कर दिया। वह स्त्री जब खीर डालने लगी, तो उसने देखा कि कमंडल में गोबर और कूड़ा भरा पड़ा है। उसके हाथ ठिठक गए। वह बोली, “महाराज ! यह कमंडल तो गन्दा है।” स्वामीजी बोले, “हाँ, गन्दा तो है, किन्तु खीर इसमें डाल दो।” स्त्री बोली, “नहीं महाराज, तब तो खीर ख़राब हो जायेगी। दीजिये यह कमंडल, में इसे शुद्ध कर लाती हूँ।” स्वामीजी बोले, मतलब जब यह कमंडल साफ़ हो जायेगा, तभी खीर डालोगी न ?”
  स्त्री ने कहा : “जी महाराज !” स्वामीजी बोले, “मेरा भी यही उपदेश है। मन में जब तक चिन्ताओ का कूड़ा-कचरा और बुरे संस्करो का गोबर भरा है, तब तक उपदेशामृत का कोई लाभ न होगा। यदि उपदेशामृत पान करना है, तो प्रथम अपने मन को शुद्ध करना चाहिए, कुसंस्कारो का त्याग करना चाहिए, तभी सच्चे सुख और आनन्द की प्राप्ति होगी

Personal and confidential but sharing as no one tells you this except Alok

 To, 

Letter to myself and my lovely grown up kids......

Subject: Mummy's health ( mental and physical)

Enough is enough. She had enough of it in last 30 years. So lets us try to not to do blame game, nakhara and tantrums which disturbs her.

She needs break too. A bit of pampering, bit of kindness, bit of understanding, bit of assistance, bit of restraint on our tongue  and love will give her all that which one waits all life to get. And all this comes in abundance and for free. So why not give her?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Physical:

If she has little high cholesterol @ age 54 then it will keep going up. Think how it can be prevented.

If she has low D3 and low vitamin D  then that is only available in sun. ( chemical are bad). So find ways how she can be in sun in the morning for 10 to 15 minutes.

Her body is Jamming. She needs stretch  and other exercises.rather it is a problem with all of us.  So we have to ensure that how we can be less before TV, mobile , sedentary  activities and be walking, dancing, joking,playing sport , swimming, hiking, etc etc..

On working days of three of us she is tied to kitchen . Then again she is in kitchen around 1 pm. for my lunch. Then she waits for aksha and as for her reasons for typical profession she may come at any time between 2 to 5 or not come without info. In between tea time. Then starts day dinner preparations. Then I will return @ 7 pm for dinner. Then Pratik will come at anytime around 7.30 to 8.30 pm. Then she is again up for milk for me and  night salad /fruits/  soup etc for Aksha.

In between she is watching some TV shows.

1. When do I talk to her?

2. when does she get break for sun light?

3. Who can serve her sometime atleast a hot cup of tea? Last time when I made it I can't even remember.

4. How can we help her find time for yoga, dance, games , etc for 30 minutes in the morning and evening?

4. How can v give rest on Sundays or holidays like on last Sunday when we did not even go to her bedroom till late morning and let her sleep and incidentally  Aksha took all of us out for a lovely movie Yeh Jawani.... and then other fun ......Recently few Sundays were memorable. Thanks to family and friends for making it so.  I invite other friends and well wishers to at least spend 2 - 3 hours with us (once in few months) solely for the purpose of making that time a memorable one and no showoff and no hurting with comments giving full dignity to each other which our society does not know to repose on a humble ( small ) person.

So I hope Dear Aksha and Pratik,

that we 3 will plan out a successful rescue operation and make a planned and sincere efforts which we keep shelving that one day we will do for mom / wife/ elders and which never comes unless we start  deliberating and executing. .....

 I feel many more can  use this mail for analyzing and brightening their family and make it   happier together and not cribbing together.So Sharing with others as ......as no one tells you this except ........Alok

Clarification: There is nothing serious with her health, in family etc but i t is a time to get and give big Joy to each other my making little adjustment and fine tuning.Like to achieve targets VP marketing keeps boosting moral of his team similarly we the members of family have to keep boosting moral of other family members and friends. All these steps can reduce worries and stress resulting in better self esteem, better health. Try it and write back your experience in newer vistas.

10 Albert Einstein rules

Albert Einstein was an immortal of science who made noteworthy changes and contributions in the 20th century. He was an inspiration for the remarkable scientists subsequent to him thanks to his brilliant discoveries.

Einstein received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 "for his services to Theoretical Physics, and especially for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect."

Aside from his triumphant academic career, Einstein was a distinguished teacher not only to the confines of the classroom, but as well as to the globe. His works were indeed immortal and superior from his lessons on the subject of life. For that superiority, everybody ought to remember at least 10 quotes from him, which brings forth valuable lessons about life.

Lesson 1: Cultivate a Curious Mind

"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." Do not hold back curiosity. It has a reason for its existence. Keep a questioning mind.

Lesson 2: The Worth of Perseverance is Intangible

"It's not that I'm so smart; it's just that I stay with problems longer." The price of perseverance is beyond the corporeal things. It cannot be measured. It cannot be sold. It has no price.

Lesson 3: Devote Attention To One Thing At A Time

"Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves." Do not do several tasks at once. It is in doing one task at a time that excellence is achieved.

Lesson 4: Give Weight to Imagination

"Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions. Imagination is more important than knowledge." Imagination is cheaper than free. It is in imagination that one recognizes the knack he has.

Lesson 5: Mistakes Are Inevitable

"A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new." More often than not, mistakes are stepping stones to new discoveries. It is part and parcel of living.

Lesson 6: The Future is Not Ours to See

"I never think of the future – it comes soon enough." The future is a result of the things we do today. Thinking what lies beforehand is not a bad scheme, but most of the time the present is being neglected.

Lesson 7: Value is Superior to Success

"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value." Success is a goal worth striving for. However, creating value has an enduring effect for people to remember.

Lesson 8: Change Triggers Another Result

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results". Different results occur when you change the way you do things. Only unwise people will expect a different result from doing the same thing over and over again. Different results will only be possible by way change.

Lesson 9: Information is not knowledge.

The only source of knowledge is experience

Lesson 10: Understand the Basics

"You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else."