Thought of the day

A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.

-- David Brinkley

From: Solomon Kone Guei

From: Solomon Kone Guei Abidjan, Cote d Ivoire, I am solomon Kone Guei from Cote d Ivoire. I am 22 years old; I lost my father a couple of years ago. My father late General Robert Guei was a Ex-Military head of State of Ivory Coast until his untimely death,(You can visit http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/2269238.stm for complete report on this incident). He was assassinated on the 19th of September 2002 by an unknown group of heavily armed gunmen following the political uprising. To be brief and straight to the point, before his untimely death, he deposited with a finance security company a metal safe box containing the sum of (Ten Million, Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars Only) $10.5 Million Dollars meant for the purchase of heavy artilleries, armored tank, ammunitions and security equipments from Dubai. The security company do not know the real contents of the metal safe box is money, because he convincingly told them at the time of deposit that it only contains African Artefact treasures and computer security consumables that does not need air and sun rays, that will be ship to his foreign business associate in abroad. Name of the finance and security firm is withheld for security reasons. I want you to do me a favour to claim the box as my late father foreign business associate overseas in your country, so that I will come over to your country for investment and resettlement, since the present administration is no more in cordial relationship with my families. I will go into partnership investment with you in your country; such as Real Estate and Hotel ownership this is my reason for writing to you. Please if you are willing to assist me, indicate your interest in replying soonest, I will offer you 30% only for your kind and honest assistance. Do kindly send me your direct telephone and fax numbers for an easy communication. Mr. Solomon

Thought of the day

Treat your friends as you do your pictures, and place them in their best light.

-- Jennie Jerome Churchill, Mother of Winston Churchill

Thought of the day

Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.

-- Langston Hughes

Thought of the day

Whenever we're afraid, it's because we don't know enough. If we understood enough, we would never be afraid.
-- Earl Nightingale

Thought of the day - 'Fly Light'

"Like birds, let's leave behind what we don't need to carry.............. "
Grudges, Sadness, Pain, Fear, and Regrets...Fly Light.

Thought of the day

Nothing will work unless you do.

-- Maya Angelou

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Thought of the day

Don't be afraid of the space between your dreams and reality. If you can dream it, you can make it so.

-- Belva Davis, Award-Winning Journalist

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Thought of the day

Thought of the day

Whenever you make a mistake or get knocked down by life, don't look back at it too long. Mistakes are life's way of teaching you. Your capacity for occasional blunders is inseparable from your capacity to reach your goals. No one wins them all, and your failures, when they happen, are just part of your growth. Shake off your blunders. How will you know your limits without an occasional failure? Never quit. Your turn will come.

--- Og Mandino, Author

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Thought of the day - "Pickup In The Rain"

Thought of the day - "Pickup In The Rain"

One night, at 1130 PM, an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her - generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960s. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxi cab. She seemed to be in a big hurry! She wrote down his address, thanked him and drove away.

Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes but my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away. God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others.

Offer help to anyone who needs it; Thank others for helping you; If you help someone. Someone will help you.

If everyone does just these, the whole world will live in happiness.

- Anonymous

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Thought of the day

An obstacle is something you see when you take your eyes off the goal.

----- Anonymous

Thought of the day

Good Morning!

Never worry for mistakes!!!!!!

"The only person who has never made a mistake,
will be the one who never tried anything new in his lifetime."
So never worry for mistakes!!!!!!

Thought of the day - "He Played His Best"

Thought of the day - "He Played His Best"

This is the story of Robby. He was a young boy who lived with his elderly mother. His mother wanted him to learn how to play the piano because she longed to hear her son play for her. She sent her son to a piano teacher who took Robby in under her guidance. However, there was one small problem because Robby was not musically inclined and therefore was very slow in learning. The teacher did not have much faith in the boy because of his weakness. The mother was very enthusiastic and every week she would send Robby to the teacher.

One day Robby stopped attending the piano lessons. The teacher thought that he had given up and in fact she was quite pleased since she did not give much hope to Robby. Not long after, the piano teacher was given the task to organize a piano concert in town. She sent out circulars to invite the students and public to attend the event. Suddenly, she received a call from Robby who offered to take part in the concert. The teacher told Robby that he was not good enough and that he was no longer a student since he had stopped coming for lessons. Robby begged her to give him a chance and promised that he would not let her down.

Finally, she gave in and she put him to play last, hoping that he will change his mind at the last minute. When the big day came, the hall was packed and the children gave their best performance. Finally, it was Robby's turn to play and as his name was announced, he walked in. He was not in proper attire and his hair was not properly groomed. The teacher was really nervous since Robby's performance could spoil the whole evening's brilliant performance. As Robby started playing the crowd became silent and was amazed at the skill of this little boy. In fact, he gave the best performance of the evening. At the end of his presentation the crowd and the piano teacher gave him a standing ovation.

The crowd asked Robby how he managed to play so brilliantly. With a microphone in front of him, he said, I was not able to attend the weekly piano lessons as there was no one to send me because my mother was sick with cancer. She just passed away this morning and I wanted her to hear me play. You see, this is the first time she is able to hear me play because when she was alive she was deaf and now I know she is listening to me. I have to play my best for her!

SUCCESS PRINCIPLES

This is indeed a touching story of love and excellence. When you have a passion and a reason to do something, you will surely excel. You may not be talented or gifted but if you have a strong enough reason to do something, you will be able to tap into your inner God given potential.

Find the good. It's all around you. Find it, showcase it and you'll start believing in it.

- Anonymous

Thought of the day

If you deliberately plan on being less than you are capable of being, then I warn you that you'll be unhappy for the rest of your life.

-- Abraham Maslow

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Thought of the day

Always render more and better service than is expected of you, no matter what your task may be.

--- Og Mandino, Author

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Scholarship - might be helpful for some one

 

   Someone somewhere must be waiting for this ... help the needy

Dear Friends,
                If you know any high school student who is a very high
scorer but from a poor family, here is a great opportunity to help him/her
get a nice scholarship to enter college.

Applications can be obtained by writing to:
        Mr.S.Ramanathan,
        #17, North St,  Kalai Nagar
        Madurai - 625014
        Ph: 0452-2640678
        E-Mail: ramrajam2002@yahoo.com

   Scholarships are given by "NORTH SOUTH FOUNDATION" of USA, based on
exam grades and family situation. The annual family income should be less
than Rs 38000 in urban areas and Rs 26000 in rural areas. The scholarship
amount mostly covers 100% of tuition fees and ranges from Rs 5000 to Rs
10000 per year.
If called for an interview, 50% of the travel cost will be reimbursed.

 

Thought of the day

The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.
-- Vince Lombard, Football Coach

Thought of the day - "21 Rules of Life"

 

Thought of the day - "21 Rules of Life"

 

1. Marry the right person. This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness or misery.

 

2. Work at something you enjoy and that's worthy of your time and talent.

 

3. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

 

4. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.

 

5. Be forgiving of yourself and others.

 

6. Be generous.

 

7. Have a grateful heart.

 

8. Persistence, persistence, persistence.

 

9. Discipline yourself to save money on even the most modest salary.

 

10. Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.

 

11. Commit yourself to constant improvement.

 

12. Commit yourself to quality.

 

13. Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power or prestige, but on relationship with people you love and respect.

 

14. Be loyal.

 

15. Be honest.

 

16. Be a self-starter.

 

17. Be decisive even it it means you'll sometimes be wrong.

 

18. Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.

 

19. Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, you'll regret the things you didn't do more than the ones you did.

 

20. Take good care of those you love.

 

21. Don't do anything that wouldn't make your Mom proud.

 

--- H. Jackson Brown Jr

Thought of the day

Never delay action upon a good thought.

- Acharya Vijay Ratnasundersuri

Thought of the day

The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of the wind. But the goodness of a person spreads in all direction.
---Chanakya

Thought of the day

Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.

-- James A. Baldwin

Thought of the day

Success is that old ABC - ability, breaks, and courage.
-- Charles Luckman

 

FW: FYI

 

http://nptel.iitm.ac.in/

Hi all,

The IITs have taken up an initiative of starting online teaching and thus
have started offering course materials online for every engineering stream.
Many professors from all the IITs have provided course materials for each
chapter and each subject.
One has to register at the link provided below and can access the course
material.
Every Chapter has been described with diagrams and charts.
Please spread this message to everyone, as many can benefit from this
program taken up by the government and IIT.
This is just a trial period going on and hence i request everyone to
register at the link given.
1] Go to http://nptel.iitm.ac.in
2] Click on Courses
3] Sign up as a NEW USER
4] And one can access any course material.
Please spread the word, so that this initiative benefits as many students
as possible.

 

Thought of the day

We can let circumstances rule us, or we can take charge and rule our lives from within.
-- Earl Nightingale

Thought of the day

You don't get to choose how you're going to die. Or when. You can only decide how you're going to live now.

-- Joan Baez, Musician
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Thought of the day

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, dream, discover.

 

-- Mark Twain

 

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Thought of the day

Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.

-- John Quincy Adams

Thought of the day

No kind action ever stops with itself. One kind action leads to another. Good example is followed. A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves.

 

-- Amelia Earhart

 

Thought of the day

You may not help others financially or physically. But you can certainly wish and pray all the best for them.

 

- Archarya Vijay Ratnasundersuri

Thought of the day

Life is a competition not with others, but with ourselves. We should seek each day to live stronger, better, truer lives; each day to master some weakness of yesterday; each day to repair a mistake; each day to surpass ourselves.
--- David B. Haight

 

Thought of the day

Start performing small good deeds today and you will certainly perform bigger and greater deeds tomorrow.

--- Acharya Vijay Ratnasundersuri

Thought of the day

The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but to reveal to him his own.
-- Benjamin Disraeli, Former British Prime Minister

Thought of the day

Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.

-- Mother Teresa

 

Thought of the day

You have no control over what the other guy does. You only have control over what you do.

 -- A. J. Kitt

Thought of the day

"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."
--- Thomas Edison

 

Thought of the day - "Dreams"

 

Thought of the day - "Dreams"

 

When we were young, we had dreams and expectations. We imagine things, we keep thinking about what we want to be, what we want to do, what makes us proud and happy and what will we become.

We grew up, and things seemed like having its own way. We accept our success or failures and we move on. The rapid change, the need to do the urgent things, the works, the pressures and the failures, all kill part of our visions.

Things have changed, but they cannot really take away the dreams. We still have to dream on, to visualize our desires, our wants, our vision of our future, even when we are considered too old for such things.

Cornel Sanders started his business when he was sixty, and started the whole successful KFC business. The main thing is not the age - whether being too old, or too young, but it is the desire to dream on, and the courage to realize it.

Vivid visualization, taking it to sleep, thinking constantly about it, talking about it, planning it, adding all the spices to our dreams will make us a bit closer to the realization of our dreams.

Entrepreneurship starts with a dream, a simple wish of tiny restaurant operation, or a huge business of real-estate development, or a modest training center for English education, or just any other self-employed money learning fun.

The ability to dream on is one of the fine quality of human race that other species do not possess. So dream on, and put a deadline: make it a giant dream, a tiny one, an old everlasting one, a newfound one, a hobby related one, a change of life one, a religious one, a stupid one, a stroke-of-genius one, or just whatever...... just continue to dream on........ Then, Just Go and Do It!

--- Anonymous

Happy Independence Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jai Hind

Thought of the day

Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead end. Failure is something we can avoid only by saying nothing,doing nothing, and being nothing.

 

--- Dr. Denis Waitley, Speaker and Author

Thought of the day - "Leads of Life"

 

Thought of the day - "Leads of Life" "Never laugh at anyone's dreams." "Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship." "Once in a while, invite the person behind you in the queue to go ahead of you." "Buy ladders, extension cords and garden hoses longer than you think you'll need." "Ask anyone giving directions to repeat them at least twice." "Rehearse a joke before telling it." "Accept a breath mint if someone offers you one." "Over-estimate travel time by fifteen minutes." "Someone will always be looking at you as an example of how to behave. Don’t let him/her down." "Give people more than they expect, and do it cheerfully. "Don’t be so concerned with your rights that you forget your manners." "Don’t dismiss a good idea simply because you don’t like the source." "Put the strap around your neck before looking through binoculars." "Trust in God, but lock your car." "Pray. There is immeasurable power in it." "Brush your teeth before putting on your tie." "Never ask your barber if you need a haircut." "Never say anything uncomplimentary about your wife of children in the presence of others." "When you say "I am sorry" look the person in the eye." "No matter how old you get, hug and kiss your mother." "Phone home if you are going to be more than 20 minutes late." "Remember that everyone is influenced by kindness." "Never be the first to break a family tradition( as far as possible)." "Do your homework and know your facts, but remember its passion that persuades." "When someone asks you a question you don’t want to answer, smile and say, "why do you want to know?" "Be friendly to the janitor as you are to the chairman of the board." "Be bold. Providence loves boldness and will assist you in ways you wouldn't imagine." "Never take anybody for granted and never let anybody take you for granted." "Never marry a woman you love. Marry the woman who loves you." "Never say NO to life." "When it comes to worrying or painting a picture, know when to stop." "Remember that no time spent with your children is ever wasted." "Hold your child's hand every chance you get. The time will come when he or she won't let you."

--- Contributed by Pravs World

Success is a Journey - step 2 and 3

STEP #2: Successful People Have A Master Plan of Action

Success starts with a dream. Once you have dreamed your dream, you must figure out a way to make it come true. To do this you need a plan – a Master Plan of ACTion!

With your Master Plan, the probability that you’ll achieve your goals – in much less time and with much less effort – is greatly increased.

Remember:

1. Great achievements come from great plans. ‘When you fail to plan, you plan to fail’.

2. Set goals that are attainable with hard work. When you’re accomplished those goals, set new ones.

3. You can dream all you want, but if you don’t have a plan, and if you don’t put that plan into ACTion, you are kidding yourself….

Creating Your Master Plan:

To create your plan, you’ve got to put it down on paper. This is how you need to it.

1. Pull out a pad of paper and start writing.

2. Itemize all the things you will need to do to achieve the things you desire.

3. Continue to add new items to the list as additional things cross your mind

4. Be very detailed. The more information you put on the list, the more control you have. This is your guarantee that things won’t slip through the cracks.

5. Give yourself a plenty of time to think about your project.

Your Master Plan is Constantly Changing:

Once you’ve created your Master Plan, expect to make changes and modifications to it on almost a daily basis. Think of your Master plan as a living, breathing document.

As you begin to execute your plan, you’ll discover you make mistakes in your thinking or judgment. Other things will occur that you never considered or even imagined. These are the things should be expected. So expect the unexpected….

And also expect to experience setbacks and failures in addition to your successes. Things go right, things go wrong. There will always be ups and downs. So what do you do? You deal with and resolve the problems as quickly as possible, think about and analyze what’s happening, make some changes and continue moving forward.

Create a Board of Directors:

Once you’ve created your Master Plan, think about a forming a team – your Board of Directors – of people who want to help you create and execute your Master Plan. People who want to help you make your dream come true.

Go out and share your dream, your plan, your vision, with your family, friends, relatives, colleagues at work, people you know through your business or professional life. Ask them to give you their thoughts, comments, suggestions and opinions.

Listen to what everybody has to say about your dream and your Master Plan. I am certain you won’t agree with all of these thoughts, comments and ideas, but they will definitely offer you insights and observation you haven’t thought about or considered. Through their contributions, the probability of your succeeding is greatly increased.

STEP #3: Successful People Get Results

People don’t become successful simply because they put in a lot of hours. They don’t become successful simply because they expend a lot of hard work and effort.

They become successful because they get the important things done. They become successful by producing high-quality work and delivering it on time. They become successful because they get results.

To be successful in any endeavor, you must do the things you’re supposed to do, do them well and get them done on time!

Successful People are persistent. The difference between successful people and everybody else is that successful people don’t take NO for an answer.

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.

Talent will not! Nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with

great talent

Genius will not! Unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.

Education will not! The world is full of educated failures.

Persistence prevails. Determination alone makes you omnipotent.”

Remember:

1. To succeed, you must be willing to do whatever it takes to achieve your goals. You must convert your talk into action!

2. People who excel in life are those who produce results, not excuses. Anybody can come up with excuses and explanations for why he hasn’t made it. Those who want to succeed badly enough don’t make excuses.

3. When you remove the things you no longer need, you can focus on the things that are most important.

4. If you really want to get ahead, be the best at getting the tasks that need to be done, done! Do them right now and do them now! Don’t put off until tomorrow what can be done now!

Thought of the day

 

Thought of the day

If we are ever to enjoy life, now is the time, not tomorrow or next year... Today should always be our most wonderful day.
-- Thomas Dreier, Author

Thought of the day

You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it come true.
-- Richard Bach, Writer

Thought of the day

Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says. 'Make me feel important.' Not only will you succeed in sales, you will succeed in life.

--- Mary Kay Ash, Founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics

Sucess is a journey - step 1

Success is a Journey -1

WHAT IS SUCCESS?

How can you define the success? What does it mean? Is it temporary? Is it permanent? As I have pondered these questions in my mind and watched the performance of others, I have come to the realization that success is not an end result. It is an ongoing process, it is a journey.

However, there’s an ebb and flow to success. It is not linear. It comes and goes, there are ups and downs. One day you have a great day, the next day is so-so, and the third is absolutely rotten. But on the fourth day, something good happens, and you are back on top of the world again. Or, maybe you have a bad year or season, but the next one is much better. That’s life!!!

To be successful in the business of life you build upon your successes. You set goals --- achievable goals --- for yourself, and accomplish them. Then you set slightly more goals and go out and accomplish them.

The ultimate goal in life is not just to succeed; it is to continue to succeed. To continue to improve. To continue to be the best that you can be. The best in your business, profession, or chosen career. The best husband, wife, father, mother, son daughter, friend… you only have one life, and you have the opportunity to make it a great one. The future is yours, and it is unlimited. You can make it into anything you want.

Success is the act of trying to improve upon the things you’re already doing. It is growing and developing. It’s accepting bigger and greater challenges. It’s not being afraid of making a mistake, suffering a setback or failing. It’s trying to do your very best.

And if, in the end, your best wasn’t quite enough, you just have to back to work and prepare a bit harder for the next time.

It is through the act of participating, as you try to achieve your goals, that you succeed. Nobody succeeds 100 percent in anything they do. When you’re able to recognize and accept this fact of life, you realize that failure and losing are as much a part of the game of life as are success and winning.

So embrace your goals, dreams and desires. Pour your energy into completing those daily tasks. Go out and play your game and play it to win! But don’t think only of winning games, think of winning championships!

I’ve spent many years studying successful people and have identified the skills, talents, and characteristics that enable them to succeed. As you look at and study these s, t and c, you’ll realize that you possess many of them yourself. The following is a list of the s, t, and c you find in successful people.

1. Successful People Have a Dream
2. Successful People Have Ambition.
3. Successful People Are Strongly Motivated Toward Achievement.
4. Successful People Are Focused.
5. Successful People Learn How to Get Things Done.
6. Successful People Take Responsibility for Their Actions.
7. Successful People Look for Solutions to Problems.
8. Successful People Make Decisions.
9. Successful People Have the courage to Admit They’ve Made a Mistake.
10. Successful People Are Self-Reliant.
11. Successful People Have Specific Knowledge, Training and/or Skills and Talents.
12. Successful People Work with and Cooperate with Other People.
13. Successful People Are Pep Guys.
14. Successful People Never Quit. When They Suffer a Setback, They just Pick Themselves Up and Keep Going.

REMEMBER:

1. Success begins with a state of mind. You must believe you’ll be successful in order to become a success.
2. The important thing is not where you were or where you are but where you want to get.
3. With hard work come results. The joy in life comes with working for and achieving something.
4. Happiness is found in doing and accomplishing, not in owning and possessing.

Thanks to KD
(anectode from the first chapter of Success Is a Journey - 7 Steps to Achieving Success in the Business of Life' by Jeffrey J. Mayer.)

Thought of the day

Not where I breathe, but where I love, I live.    

----- Robert Southey

Thought of the day

Every thought, word and act is a reflection of how we see and expect the world to be for us. 

--- Donna K DeVane.

Thought of the day

The challenge lies in loving the one who is not on good terms with us.

--- Acharya Vijay Ratnasundersuri

Thought of the day

Do not save your loving speeches for your friends till they are dead; Do not write them on their tombstones, speak them
rather now instead.

-- Anna Cummins, Poet

Will YOU make a difference in someone's life ?

Please take some time to go through the article in the link below.

http://www.rainafoundation.com/LifeLine/pdf/apr%2006/stolen_dreams.pdf

Will YOU make a (positive) difference in Someone's Life (by whatever the way you can) ?..... Surely, SOMEONE ELSE will make a (positive) difference in your life too (it is law of nature).

Together WE Can. Together WE Should. Together WE Win.

Lets make the world a better place to life.

Thought of the day

You can tell more about a person by what he says about others than you can by what others say about him.

-- Leo Aikman, Writer and Newspaper Editor

Thought of the day - 'Shoes'

 

Thought of the day - 'Shoes'

 

As Mahatma Gandhi stepped aboard a train one day, one of his shoes slipped off and landed on the track. He was unable to retrieve it as the train was moving.

To the amazement of his companions, Gandhi calmly took off his other shoe and threw it back along the track to land close to the first.

Asked by a fellow passenger why he did so, Gandhi smiled. "The poor man who finds the shoes lying on the track," he replied, "will now have a pair he can use."

Thought of the day - 'May This Encourage You, Always'

 

May This Encourage You, Always

 

Don't spend major time with minor people. If there are people in your life who continually disappoint you, break promises, stomp on your dreams, are too judgmental, have different values and don't have your back during difficult times...that is not friendship.

To have a friend, be a friend. Sometimes in life as you grow, your friends will either grow or go. Surround yourself with people who reflect values, goals interests and lifestyles.

When I think of any of my successes, I am thankful to God from whom all blessings flow, and to my family and friends who enrich my life.

Over the years my phone book has changed because I changed, for the better. At first, you think you're going to be alone, but after awhile, new people show up in your life that make it so much sweeter and easier to endure.

Remember what your elders used to say, "Birds of a feather flock together. If you're an eagle, don't hang around chickens: Chickens can't fly!"

- Anonymous

Thought of the day

 

The cloud is of value if it has rain.
The flower is of value if it has fragrance.
The sun is of value if it has light.
A man is of value only if he has love.

 

- Acharya Vijay Ratnasundersuri

Thought of the day

Great works are performed, not by strength, but by perseverance.
-- Samuel Johnson

Thought of the day

An unkind heart restrains from giving; While a stingy heart abstains from giving.

A generous heart keeps on giving; While a soft heart cannot live without giving.

 

- Acharya Vijay Ratnasundersuri

Thought of the day

Friendship is a breathing rose, With sweets in every fold.

- Oliver Wendell Holmes

Thought of the day - "Worries"

 

Thought of the day - "Worries"

 

A wayfarer carried a heavy sack about which he complained unceasingly. From none could he get help or comfort.

And as he slowly journeyed, groaning under his burden, the Angel of Optimism came to him and spoke kindly, saying Brother, what does thou carry The man answered surlily, My worries.

The angel smiled pityingly upon him and said, Let us look into thy burden and examine thy worries. And so they looked in. But lo! the sack was empty.

Why surely, cried the man, there were two great worries, too heavy for me to bear. But-ah, yes, I had forgot-one was a worry of yesterday, and so it is gone.

And the other That - that was a worry of tomorrow, and it - it has not yet come.

Then the angel smiled with infinite pity, saying Hearken! He who bows himself down under the worries of yesterday and tomorrow wears himself out for naught. But he who carries only the worries of today has no need of a sack for his sorrows. If thou will cast this black thing aside, and give all thy strength and cheer and courage to the things of today, real misfortune never can burden thee.

Wondering, the man did as the angel commanded. And as he took up his journey and went lightly, swiftly on, his heart and his hands were free to relieve many a brother wayfarer of his burden and to pluck sweet fruits and flowers along the wayside.

And when he came at last to the setting of the sun it was with smiles and a song.

--- Anonymous

Thought of the day - "Choose Rightly"

 

Thought of the day - "Choose Rightly"

 

Old people generally regret not having used their youth properly. It was a time of absolute possibilities, infinite possibilities. Now, when you talk of possibility, there is a possibility of going up, there is a possibility of going down. Whenever one possibility exists, the other must exist - because where there is an up, there is a down. Where there is a left, there is a right. This is logic. If you have one possibility, automatically the other comes into being. Have you chosen rightly?

Taken from Youth: A Time of Promise and for Effort, vol. 2, chapter "A Guided Life" p. 250 -by Rev. Chariji

Thought of the day - "Adjusting your approach "

 

Thought of the day - "Adjusting your approach "

 

Is what you're doing now getting you where you want to be? If not, then it's time for some changes.

Yes, change can be frightening and difficult. Yet it is immensely more desirable than continuing to put your effort into going where you don't want to go.

Most likely, some things you're now doing are working and some things are not. It will pay you enormously to figure out which are which.

Achievement is a moving target, and conditions are constantly changing. So regularly adjusting your approach is necessary to a successful life.

Even the most skillful captain must make adjustments in the ship's course along the way. An important part of reaching your destination is recognizing when you've strayed off the path and then finding a way to get back on it.

So take a good look at where you're headed, honestly, objectively, and with the intention of making whatever adjustments are necessary. Keep yourself pointed toward the goal, and your actions will surely take you there.

 

--- Anonymous

Thought of the day - "Serve and be served "

 

Thought of the day - "Serve and be served "

 

So, to allow divinity to play its role - like we prepare the soil, we put chemicals or manure, water it, protect it. Similarly, this, the soil in which the Master sows his seeds, has to be prepared, cleaned, so that the thing which He sows can grow. Now each one has to do this for himself or herself. You have to clean your house. So what we have to do by ourselves we have to do by ourselves, except when we are no longer able to do it for ourselves. Then we can ask for help. Babuji has said very clearly, "Don't ask for service unless you are prepared to serve yourself." Therefore I gave one slogan, you know, 'Serve and be served.' He who serves will always be served.

Taken from Youth: A Time of Promise and for Effort, vol. 2, chapter "Throwing off the Shackles of the Past" p. 242 -by Rev. Chariji

Thought of the day

Caring lifts the burden... courage shoulders the weight... but only love lightens the load.

--- Lloyd John Ogilvie

Thought of the day

Everything works out right in the end. If things are not working right, it isn't the end yet. Don't let it bother you, relax and keep on going.

--- Michael C. Muhammad

Thought of the day - "Determination"

Thought of the day - "Determination"

In 1883, a creative engineer named John Roebling was inspired by an idea to build a spectacular bridge connecting New York with the Long Island. However bridge building experts throughout the world thought that this was an impossible feat and told Roebling to forget the idea. It just could not be done. It was not practical. It had never been done before.Roebling could not ignore the vision he had in his mind of this bridge. He thought about it all the time and he knew deep in his heart that it could be done. He just had to share the dream with someone else. After much discussion and persuasion he managed to convince his son Washington, an up and coming engineer, that the bridge in fact could be built.Working together for the first time, the father and son developed concepts of how it could be accomplished and how the obstacles could be overcome. With great excitement and inspiration, and the headiness of a wild challenge before them, they hired their crew and began to build their dream bridge.The project started well, but when it was only a few months underway a tragic accident on the site took the life of John Roebling. Washington was injured and left with a certain amount of brain damage, which resulted in him not being able to walk or talk or even move."We told those so “,” Crazy men and their crazy dreams"; "It’s foolish to chase wild visions." Everyone had a negative comment to make and felt that the project should be scrapped since the Roeblings were the only ones who knew how the bridge could be built. In spite of his handicap Washington was never discouraged and still had a burning desire to complete the bridge and his mind was still as sharp as ever.He tried to inspire and pass on his enthusiasm to some of his friends, but they were too daunted by the task. As he lay on his bed in his hospitalroom, with the sunlight streaming through the windows, a gentle breeze blew the flimsy white curtains apart and he was able to see the sky and the tops of the trees outside for just a moment. It seemed that there was a message for him not to give up. Suddenly an idea hit him. All he could do was move one finger and he decided to make the best use of it. By moving this, he slowly developed a code of communication with his wife.He touched his wife's arm with that finger, indicating to her that he wanted her to call the engineers again. Then he used the same method of tapping her arm to tell the engineers what to do. It seemed foolish but the project was under way again. For 13 years Washington tapped out his instructions with his finger on his wife's arm, until the bridge was finally completed. Today the spectacular Brooklyn Bridge stands in all its glory as a tribute to the triumph of one man's indomitable spirit and his determination not to be defeated by circumstances. It is also a tribute to the engineers and their team work, and to their faith in a man who was considered mad by half the world. It stands too as a tangible monument to the love and devotion of his wife who for 13 long years patiently decoded the messages of her husband and told the engineers what to do. Perhaps this is one of the best examples of a never-say-die attitude that overcomes a terrible physical handicap and achieves an impossible goal.Often when we face obstacles in our day-to-day life, our hurdles seem very small in comparison to what many others have to face. The Brooklyn Bridge shows us that dreams that seem impossible can be realised with determination and persistence, no matter what the odds are. Even the most distant dream can be realized with determination and persistence.
--- Anonymous

Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.-- Mark Twain

With true friends... even water drunk together is sweet enough.--- Chinese Proverb

The best way to cheer up yourself is to cheer up everybody else.
--- Mark Twain

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
--- Anonymous

Kindness is like fresh-fallen snow; it makes beautiful everything that it covers.
--- Anonymous

Thought of the day - "The Three Keys To Happiness"

Thought of the day - "The Three Keys To Happiness"

Life has a way of taking unexpected turns - of throwing surprises at us when we least expect them. In many ways, life does bring one down. When unplanned and unexpected events come into our lives, they leave us in a state of pain, grief, doubt, fear and depression.One feels the need for a strong and stable foundation that one can depend on when life's river takes unexpected turns. A simple formula is needed that can keep us grounded on the path and pointed in the right direction - that of flow, let go, forgiveness and happiness.Here is just such a simple solution, presented in the form of three keys, that when remembered and practiced, keep us going in the right direction and while we walk the path, they also are the catalysts in bringing happiness.Key 1 - Keep Your Heart Free From HatredWhen people, events and circumstances go against our wishes, desires or expectations, they create reactions of anger and frustration within us. These reactions are natural and must not be denied or ignored - rather their underlying reason must be seen and overcome - that of our pre-decided ideas and expectations being thwarted.These emotions occur as a natural progression of painful events and are fine as long as they are felt and released. The problem lies when we cannot let go of the feelings and they tend to seep into our hearts where they fester till treated. If such is the case, these negative feelings tend to influence our way of thought, and necessarily, of action and become an integral part of our outlook towards life itself. Then everything that originates within us carries the subtle flavour of these very negative feelings.The first secret of happiness says that no matter what emotions we feel temporarily, our hearts must remain free of hate.Key 2 - Keep Your Mind Free From WorryWe worry when our thoughts travel either to the future, or linger in the past. Worry is a phenomenon which depletes energy and divides attention - leaving us incapable of giving our best to the moment before us. The only way to give a 100% of yourself to the task at hand is to be totally present in the present moment without thinking of what's gone by or what is still to come - both cases where we have no say or control anyway.Performing the action totally and to the best of one's ability brings back a positive result based on the law of karma - "As you sow, so shall you reap" - a result which would not be possible had we divided our inner being with worry.The second secret of happiness is to always perform actions based on careful thought and planning, but without worry.Key 3 - Give A Lot, Expect A LittleIt is crucial for our happiness to come to the realisation early in life that it is our own expectations and pre-conceived ideas and hopes, which when frustrated, cause most of our pain and agony. Once this understanding has stabilised within us, we begin to live for the moment, and within ourselves instead of seeking outward or external reinforces for our self-esteem or happiness.It is not enough for us to be passive spectators of our own life, we must also be willing to give and share freely of our best qualities without waiting for a similar return. It is both wise and practical to remember the advice of numerous spiritual masters that "It is in the giving that we receive." The free giving of your own self without strings attached bring both peace and contentment in the long run.The third secret of happiness is to give a lot and expect very little.--- Anonymous

Thought of the day - "Gold Inside Us"

Thought of the day - "Gold Inside Us"

Long times ago, in Egypt lived a famous mystical person name Zun-Nun. A young man came to visit him and asked "Teacher, I do not understand why people like you dress in such a way and very simple, isn't in this era was necessary to dress neatly, not only for performance but also for other reasons?The mystical only smiled and took his ring from one of his fingers, and said "Young friend, I will answer your question, but first do one thing for me, take this ring and go to the market across this street, can you sell this for one chip of gold?Having looked at Zun-Nun's dirty ring, the young man became doubtful. "One chip of gold, I am not sure this ring could be sold at that price.""Try first, young man, who knows you did it." The Young man went to the market quickly. He offered the ring to the textile, vegetable, meat, fish traders, and the others. The fact was that no body was willing to pay for a chip of Gold. He went back to Zun-Nun residence and reported "Teacher, no body was brave to offer more than one chip of silver."With a wise smile Zun-Nun said, "Now go to the Gold Shop at the back of this street. Show this to the owner or to the gold trader. Don't give your price just listen how much he will pay for this ring."The Young man went to the shop mentioned and returned with a different _expression from his face. He then reported "Teacher, the traders in the market really do not know the value of this ring, the gold trader offer this ring for one thousand of gold, And the value of this ring was one thousands times from what the traders in the market offer.Zun-Nun just smiled subtly and spoke softly, "That was the answer of your questions my friend, "Someone cannot be valued only from his dress "The traders in the market" give value like that. But not for "The gold trader"The gold and Diamond inside someone only could be seen and valued if you could look at the inner soul. It needs heart to see, and it needs a process. We cannot see it from the words or attitude that only seen for a while. Many time what we think is a gold, is only a brass but a brass is a gold.--- Anonymous

Thought of the day - "A Paradigm Shift"

Thought of the day - "A Paradigm Shift"

One evening a scholar was addressing the participants on the concept of work culture. One of the participants asked the following question :"I am a senior manager of Materials Department and I joined an organization 25 years ago as an Engineer Trainee and over the last 25 years I have gone through every experience in the organization. During the initial part of my career, the job was very challenging and interesting. However, all those exciting days are gone since I do not find my joy any more interesting because there is nothing new in my job. I am now feeling bored because I am doing a routine job.However, Sir, I am living in the same house for over forty years, I am the son for the same parents for over forty five years, I am the father for the same children for the past ten years and the husband for the same lady for the past twenty years !( the toughest job!) In these personal roles I do not feel bored Please tell me why I am bored of the routine in the office and not in the house?"The response from Scholar was very interesting and convincing. He asked the executive the question:"Please tell me for whom does your Mother cook ?" The executive replied that obviously the mother cooks for others.Then the Scholar said that the mother "Serves" others and because of this service mindedness, she is not feeling tired or bored. But in an office,we "Work" and not "Serve". Anything we consider, as service will not make us feel bored. That is difference between Serving and Working.He asked the executive to consider his work as service and not merely a work !! This was a very interesting analysis!! Whenever you put a larger context around your work and see a broader meaning for your work, you will take interest in your work and it will make a very big difference in your internal energy.Attitude Matters !!!If you think you are working for the organization you will get frustrated. If you feel you are doing a service and getting some service charges you will feel happy. After all -doing what you like is freedom But liking what you do is happiness! It is just a paradigm shift that is required!--- Anonymous

Thought of the day - "Lessons on life"

Thought of the day - "Lessons on life"


There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away. The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall. When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen. The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted. The second son said no it was covered with green buds and full of promise. The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen. The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment. The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree's life. He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up. If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, fulfillment of your fall. Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest. Don't judge life by one difficult season. Persevere through the difficult patches and better times are sure to come some time or later.
--- Anonymous

Thought of the day - "The Real Beauty "

Thought of the day - "The Real Beauty "

"Can I see my baby?" the happy new mother asked. When the bundle was nestled in her arms and she moved the fold of cloth to look upon his tiny face, she gasped. The doctor turned quickly and looked out the tall hospital window.The baby had been born without ears. Time proved that the baby's hearing was perfect. It was only his appearance that was marred. When he rushed home from school one day and flung himself into his mother's arms, she sighed, knowing that his life was to be a succession of heartbreaks. He blurted out the tragedy. "A boy, a big boy ... called me a freak."He grew up, handsome for his misfortune. A favourite with his fellow students, he might have been class president, but for that. He developed a gift, a talent for literature and music. "But you might mingle with other young people," his mother reproved him, but felt a kindness in her heart.The boy's father had a session with the family physician. Could nothing be done? "I believe I could graft on a pair of outer ears, if they could be procured," the doctor decided.Then the search began for a person who would make such a sacrifice for a young man. Two years went by. Then, "You are going to the hospital, Son. Mother and I have someone who will donate the ears you need. But it's a secret," said the father.The operation was a brilliant success, and a new person emerged. His talents blossomed into genius, and school and college became a series of triumphs. Later he married and entered the diplomatic service. "But I must know!" He urged his father, "Who gave so much for me? I could never do enough for him." "I do not believe you could," said the father, "but the agreement was that you are not to know, not yet."The years kept their profound secret, but the day did come ... one of the darkest days that a son must endure. He stood with his father over his mother's casket. Slowly, tenderly, the father stretched forth a hand and raised the thick, reddish-brown hair to reveal that the mother -- had no outer ears."Mother said she was glad she never let her hair be cut," he whispered gently, "and nobody ever thought Mother less beautiful, did they?" Real beauty lies not in the physical appearance, but in the heart. Real treasure lies not in what that can be seen; but what, that cannot be seen. Real love lies not in what is done and known, but in what that is done but not known.--- Anonymous

'Thanks' is an encouraging word when you say it. It's an inspiring word when you hear it. It's a magic word when you mean it.--- Anonymous

Thought of the day - "No Problems"

Thought of the day - "No Problems"

Don't worry if you have problems! Which is easy to say until you are in the midst of a really big one, I know. But the only people I am aware of who don't have troubles are gathered in little neighbourhoods. Most cities and villages have at least one. We call them cemeteries. If you're breathing, you have difficulties. It's the way of life. And believe it or not, most of your problems may actually be good for you! Let me explain.Maybe you have seen the Great Barrier Reef, stretching some 1,800 miles from New Guinea to Australia. Tour guides regularly take visitors to view the reef. On one tour, the guide was asked aninteresting question. "I notice that the lagoon side of the reef looks pale and lifeless, while the ocean side is vibrant and colourful," a traveller observed. "Why is this?"The guide gave an interesting answer: "The coral around the lagoon side is in still water, with no challenge for its survival. It dies early. The coral on the ocean side is constantly being tested by wind, waves, and storms -- surges of power. It has to fight for survival every day of its life. As it is challenged and tested it changes and adapts. It grows healthy. It grows strong. And it reproduces."Then he added this telling note: "That's the way it is with every living organism." That's how it is with people.Challenged and tested, we come alive! Like coral pounded by the sea, we grow. Physical demands can cause us to grow stronger. Mental and emotional stress can produce tough-mindedness and resiliency. Spiritual testing can produce strength of character and faithfulness.So, you have problems -- no problem! Just tell yourself, "There I grow again; stronger and powerful!"--- Anonymous