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

Thought of the day - "Happiness Follows"

Thought of the day - "Happiness Follows"

Once there was an old alley cat walking down the street looking for his supper. As he walked along he came upon a beautiful young cat who was running around in circles chasing her tail. Around and around she went trying as hard as she could to catch her tail.The old alley cat stopped and asked her, "What are you doing?"The young cat slowed down and replied that she had been taught that joy, happiness, success and luck were all in the tip of her tail."All that I have to do is catch the end of my tail, and I will have the happy life, she said.The old alley cat replied, "I've been around for a long time, and I know that joy, happiness, success and luck are in the tip of my tail; but, you know if I don't chase it and work my very hardest and don't worry about it, the happy life follows me wherever I go. My tail follows me everywhere, so I don't need to chase it."Happiness isn't a place, a time, or a possession. You have to make it happen. The ways to make it happen is to stop worrying about everything and just go about your business, and do your very best. Then, if you really work hard, your happiness will follow you just like the alley cat's tail.
- Anonymous

Thought of the day - "Soap Case"

Thought of the day - "Soap Case"

One of the most memorable case studies on Japanese management was the case of the empty soap box, which happened in one of Japan's biggest cosmetics companies. The company received a complaint that a consumer had bought a soap box that was empty.Immediately the authorities isolated the problem to the assembly line, which transported all the packaged boxes of soap to the delivery department. For some reason, one soap box went through the assembly line empty.Management asked its engineers to solve the problem. Post-haste, the engineers worked hard to devise an X-ray machine with high resolution monitors manned by two people to watch all the soap boxes that passed through the line to make sure they were not empty. No doubt, they worked hard and they worked fast but they spent whoopee amount to do so.But when a workman was posed with the same problem, did not get into complications of X-rays, etc but instead came out with another solution.He bought a strong industrial electric fan and pointed it at the assembly line. He switched the fan on, and as each soap box passed the fan, it simply blew the empty boxes out of the line.Moral of the story: Always look for simple solutions. Devise the simplest possible solution that solves the problem. So, learn to focus on solutions not on problems. "If you look at what you do not have in life, you don't have anything; if you look at what you have in life, you have everything"
- Anonymous


I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving.
--- Oliver Wendell Holmes

Thoughts for Blogger (3)

15. Thought of the day - "Cracked Pot"

A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do. After 2 yrs of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you. I have been able to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts," the pot said. The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, and I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you've watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house? Moral: Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You've just got to take each person for what they are, and look for the good in them. Remember to appreciate all the different people in your life!

--- Anonymous

16. The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen nor touched.....but are felt in the heart.--- Helen Keller

17. Spread kindness as you go along because life is a one-way street and you're not coming back.
--- Anonymous

18. Find some good in everyone and perhaps everyone will find some good in you.
--- Anonymous

Thanks to "Raju, Vijayaganesh"

Thoughts for Blogger (2)

7. Kind words are short to speak, but their echoes are endless.
--- Anonymous

8. The Joy that isn't shared dies young.
--- Anonymous

9. There is no medicine like HOPE, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as an expectation of something tomorrow.
--- O. S. Marden

10. No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
--- Aesop

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13. For they can conquer who believe they can.
--- Virgil

14. A little word in kindness spoken, a motion, or a tear, has often healed the heart that's broken and made a friend sincere.
--- John Greenleaf Whittier

Thoughts for Blogger (1)

Thoughts for the bloggers

1. Want to feel good? Do something for someone else today. Give yourself; Give a smile; Help someone in need; Give a friendly hello; Be kind to family members; Praise a child; Mentor a student; Be generous with compliments at work.--- Anonymous

2. Don't pray for problems to go away, but rather the strength and courage to overcome them.
--- Anonymous

3. A Friend is a present you give to yourself
--- Robert Louis Stevenson

4. People don't forget acts of simple kindness.--- Robert L. Simpson

5. Our initial acts of kindness or service to others provide us with channels of inspiration and power.
--- Richard G. Scott

6. "A Pound of Butter . . "

There was a farmer who sold a pound of butter to the baker. One day the baker decided to weigh the butter to see if he was getting a pound and he found that he was not. This angered him and he took the farmer to court.

The judge asked the farmer if he was using any measure. The farmer replied, amour Honor, I am primitive. I don't have a proper measure, but I do have a scale." The judge asked, "Then how do you weigh the butter?" The farmer replied "Your Honor, long before the baker started buying butter from me, I have been buying a pound loaf of bread from him. Every day when the baker brings the bread, I put it on the scale and give him the same weight in butter. If anyone is to be blamed, it is the baker."

What is the moral of the story? We get back in life what we give to others. Whenever you take an action, ask yourself this question: Am I giving fair value for the wages or money I hope to make?

Honesty and dishonesty become a habit. Some people practice dishonesty and can lie with a straight face. Others lie so much that they don't even know what the truth is anymore. But who are they deceiving? Themselves--- more than anyone else.

Honesty can be put across gently. Some people take pride in being brutally honest. It seems they are getting a bigger kick out of the brutality than the honesty. Choice of words and tact are important . . .

--- Anonymous