GUDHI PADWA THOUGHTS - GOOD MORNING

GUDHI PADWA THOUGHTS - GOOD MORNING
A MORNING PRAYER TO SEIZE THE DAY
By
VIKRAM KARVE


Good Morning – Dear Reader.

Today is Gudhi Padwa – the first day of the Marathi Calendar – the beginning of the Maharashtrian New Year.

I woke up early – around 5 in the morning – and went out for a pre-dawn walk.

While on my walk – I remembered this article I had written a few years ago.

Ever since I remember – I begin my day with a small prayer of gratitude to Mother Earth.

I did so today too.

Wish you a Happy Gudhi Padwa.

Read on – Carpe Diem – Sieze the Day – the Year – and all days of your life.

BEGIN YOUR DAY WITH A PRAYER OF GRATITUDE TO MOTHER EARTH

Karaagre Vasate Lakshmi Karamadhye Saraswati 

कराग्रे वसते लक्ष्मिः करमध्ये सरस्वति । 

Every morning, the moment I wake up at dawn, I open my eyes, put the two palms of my hand together, look at them and recite my Morning Shloka – this prayer was taught to me by my late maternal grandmother when I was a small boy.

Then, after reciting my morning prayer, I close my eyes, place the palms of my hands on my eyes and continue to lie down in bed and think about what I am going to do during the day. 

After a few moments, I move my hands all over my body to warm up and pep up my circulation, energize myself, and then I  get up, say Carpe Diem – and, yes, I seize the day and make the most of it.

Here is the morning prayer:

Karaagre Vasate Lakshmi Karamadhye Saraswati

कराग्रे वसते लक्ष्मिः करमध्ये सरस्वति ।

Just click below and hear this meaningful and melodious prayer (it is very short - just 2 minutes). 

The Sanskrit prayer, the English Transliteration and the meaning in English are given below too. 

Dear Reader, first click the song below and hear this short prayer.

(After hearing the prayer please read the meaning of the prayer and my views)

कराग्रे वसते लक्ष्मिः करमध्ये सरस्वति ।

करमूले तु गोविन्दः प्रभाते करदर्शनम् ॥

समुद्र-वसने देवि, पर्वत-स्तन-मंडिते ।

विष्णु-पत्नि नमस्तुभ्यं, पाद-स्पर्शं क्षमस्व मे ॥

Karaagre Vasate Lakshmi Karamadhye Saraswati,

Karamuule Tu Govinda Prabhaate Karadarshanam,

Samudravasane Devi Parvatastanamandale,

Vishhnupatni Namastubhyam Paadasparsham Kshamasva Me

Meaning of the Shloka in English

The front part of the hands (the finger tips) is credited to Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. 

The middle part or palm is credited to Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning.

The Root of the hand (the part of hand near the wrist) to Govinda (the name of  Lord Krishna, an avatar of God Vishnu). 

So, every morning, one should have a reverent look at one's hand which represents sincere labour. 

I bow to Mother Earth, who has mountains and jungles on her body and whose clothing is made by the ocean. 

The wife of Lord Vishnu, please pardon me for touching you with my feet.

RISE AND SHINE

HOW TO WAKE UP IN THE MORNING

Never use an alarm clock which wakes you up in a disturbing manner.

Get up naturally and gradually open your eyes. 

And then as sleep goes away and you slowly come to your senses, just hold your palms above you, look at them and say this morning prayer (or any inspiring thought you like). 

After this short prayer of paying obeisance to the Goddesses Laxmi and Saraswati and God Vishnu and expressing gratitude to Mother Earth, you must close your eyes, place the palms of your hands on your eyes and continue to lie down in bed for a few moments thinking about what you are going to do during the day. 

This palming is good for your eyes too and gives you a sense of inner peace. 

So just close your eyes, place your palms on your eyes, and contemplate about the day ahead. 

(Do not think about yesterday or about tomorrow, just focus on today). 

Then after a few moments, move your hands all over your body to pep up your circulation, energize yourself, and then get up, say to yourself Carpe Diem – and, yes, you will seize the day and make the most of it.

If your day begins well the rest of the day will be good. 

Yes, a good morning makes a good day.

As they say: well begun is half done.

More importantly, this helps you live one day at a time.

I try my best to live one day at a time. 

For me every morning is a new day, a new life

So I try my best to make the most of it - yes, I make the most of the present day.

Then I hit the bed and go to sleep, forget about the day which is over and gone forever and wake up to another fresh new day. 

And when I wake up, I say my morning prayer, get into a positive mood, and Carpe Diem - I seize the new day.

Remember, the manner in which you wake up in the morning decides the quality of your day. 

So, Dear Reader, wish you a very Happy Gudhi Padwa and, in the year ahead, do wake up well.

Have a great day today.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. This is the way I begin my day. You can begin the day in the way it suits you best and as per your beliefs.

2. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

This Article Earlier Posted by me Vikram Karve at 9/13/2012 10:59:00 AM in this blog at url :  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/09/carpe-diem-seize-day-first-thing-in.html

INSPIRATIONAL GEM OF WISDOM FROM SWAMI VIVEKANANDA - HOW TO BE HAPPY

HOW TO BE HAPPY
INSPIRATIONAL GEM OF WISDOM FROM SWAMI VIVEKANANDA
By
VIKRAM KARVE


Today, January 12, is the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda (12 January 1863 – 4 July 1902).

I first learnt about Swami Vivekananda, sometime in the 1960’s, when I was a small boy, and my father had taken us to visit Belur Math near Kolkata. 

At Belur Math I acquired a tiny pocket book called “Thus Spake Vivekananda”.

Whenever the chips were down, or I felt dejected, I referred to the inspiring gems of wisdom, distilled from the complete works of Swami Vivekananda, for instant motivation and strength.

On the occasion of his birth anniversary, let me tell you about my favourite saying of Swami Vivekananda which inspired me and I try to implement in my day to day living.

AN INSPIRATIONAL GEM OF WISDOM FROM SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

Here is an inspirational gem of wisdom, a phrase from the sayings of Swami Vivekananda:

 

“Anything that makes you weak physically, intellectually, and spiritually, reject as poison”

 

I feel that the word “weak” is all encompassing.

The term “weak” embraces anything that creates in you a stressful situation.

Thus “weakness” includes all negative emotions and feelings like anger, irritation, fury, worry, anxiety, frustration, despondency, depression, demoralization etc, which, in a nutshell, cause unhappiness.

These negative emotions disturb your inner tranquility and equanimity, drain you emotionally and intellectually, and make you feel “weak” just like physical weakness.

UNHAPPINESS IS WEAKNESS

Unhappiness is a negative emotion which drains you.

Hence, Unhappiness is Weakness.

Unhappiness is Poison for the soul.

Conversely, Happiness is Strength.

Happiness is Tonic for the soul.

Now, how do you “reject as poison” the “weakness” of unhappiness?

The first step is to identify your “Unhappiness Creators”.

IDENTIFY YOUR UNHAPPINESS CREATORS

Now sit down in a quiet tranquil place, close your eyes, introspect, and try to think of all the things that make you feel negative,

Reflect and introspect on all your unhappiness-creators and unhappy situations.

Now sit down in a quiet tranquil place, close your eyes, introspect, and try to think of all the things that make you feel negative,

Reflect and introspect on all your unhappiness-creators and unhappy situations.

These unhappiness creators can be anything – tangible and intangible – things, activities, persons etc.

Unhappiness Creators include:

1. Toxic individuals and incompatible persons, who irritate, annoy and hassle you

 

2. Foods and Beverages (like Alcohol) which do not suit you and are physically detrimental to your health and well-being

 

3. Activities, social and personal, which may appear pleasurable, but which actually drain you out

 

4. Technology and Gadgets, like your cell-phone, which disturb your peace of mind

5. Strained Relationships, which are a source of unhappiness and cause stress in you

6. Any activity or thing that causes a guilty conscience within you

7. Disagreeable persons and unpleasant activities which are a stimulus for negative emotions like anger, worry, fear, etc and create negative vibes within you.

Close your eyes, introspect and think about all aspects of your life – your work life, your home life, your social life.

Think about all the persons, activities and things that generate negative vibes, create stress and unhappiness in you, things that make you feel “weak”. 

Then, follow Swami Vivekananda's advice: 

Anything that makes you weak physically, intellectually, and spiritually, reject as poison 

Yes, you can do it in actual life.

Just “reject” all these “poisonous” things and people by avoiding them as far as possible.

Make an exhaustive list of all your “unhappiness creators” – all the things and people that make you “weak” - and try to reject them as “poison”.  

 

At first you may be a bit skeptical about this approach.

But when you start implementing, you will be surprised how much of it is in your own control to prevent unhappiness.

SAY NO TO UNHAPPINESS CREATORS and WELCOME HAPPINESS CREATORS

While, on the one hand:

1. You reject the things that make you “weak” and unhappy

simultaneously, on the other hand:

2. You must reinforce the things that make you feel “strong” and happy

Say NO to unhappiness creators

Say YES to happiness creators  

Yes, if unhappiness is “weakness” then happiness is “strength”.

 

So simultaneously, reflect and contemplate.

Make a list of things and persons that give you strength and joy and make you happy and productive.

Include all the things and people that create positive feelings in you.

Then try to devote as much time and energy to doing these positive things and interacting with these morale boosting people that give you strength and make you feel good and happy.  

MANTRA FOR HAPPINESS (and UNHAPPINESS) - IN A NUTSHELL

 

To put it in a nutshell, if you want to be happy:

1. Try your best to generate happiness vibes by doing things which make you “strong” and happy 

2. Try to reduce or even eliminate negative unhappiness vibes by “rejecting” things which make you “weak” and unhappy. 

(And if you want to be unhappy, just do the opposite – keep wallowing in negative vibes by encouraging your unhappiness creators and avoiding your happiness creators).

HOW TO CREATE HAPPINESS and HOW TO CREATE UNHAPPINESS

Whenever I feel unhappy, I realize that it is because I have allowed myself to be overwhelmed by my unhappiness creators.

And the moment I envelop myself with my happiness creators, I start feeling happy.

Remember this saying of Swami Vivekananda:

Anything that makes you “weak” physically, intellectually, and spiritually, reject as poison 

(Conversely, I say: Anything that makes you feel “strong”, imbibe as nectar)

Implementing this inspiring gem of wisdom from Swami Vivekananda is breathtaking in its simplicity. 

Try it – experiment – discover your happiness creators and unhappiness creators.

Start making your two lists and then you know what to do.

This works for me and I am sure it will work for you. 

I do feel stressed out and unhappy at times, but I know why – and I know what to do – so I try my best to make my unhappiness creators disappear and overwhelm myself with happiness creators.

Wish you a stress-free life filled with happiness.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Updated, Abridged and Revised version of my article written more than 20 years ago and Posted by me Vikram Karve at 9/26/2009 03:50:00 PM in this blog at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2009/09/stress-management-made-simple.html

INSPIRATIONAL WISDOM FROM SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

On the occasion of the 151th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda let me post an abridged and updated version of a self help article which I had written many few years ago - I think I wrote this 14 years ago for our in-house magazine, in the year 2000.

I have posted this article on my blogs from time to time. 

I feel it is apt to post it again today on the Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda

A GEM OF INSPIRATIONAL WISDOM FROM SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

By

VIKRAM KARVE

Today, the 12th of January, is the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda (12 January 1863 – 4 July 1902)

I first learnt about Swami Vivekananda, sometime in the 1960’s, when I was a small boy and my father had taken us to visit Belur Math near Kolkata. 

At Belur Math I acquired a tiny pocket book called “Thus Spake Vivekananda”.

Whenever the chips were down, or I felt dejected, I referred to the inspiring gems of wisdom, distilled from the complete works of Swami Vivekananda, for instant motivation and strength.

AN INSPIRATIONAL GEM FROM SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

Here is an inspirational gem of wisdom, a phrase from the sayings of Swami Vivekananda:

 

Anything that makes you weak physically, intellectually, and spiritually, reject as poison

 

I feel that the word “weak” is all encompassing.

The term “weak” embraces anything that creates in you a stressful situation.

This includes all negative emotions and feelings like anger, irritation, fury, worry, anxiety, frustration, despondency, depression, demoralization and, most importantly, unhappiness.

These negative emotions disturb your inner tranquility and equanimity, drains you emotionally and intellectually, and make you feel “weak” just like physical weakness.

Oh yes:

Unhappiness is Weakness

Unhappiness is Poison for the Soul

IDENTIFY YOUR UNHAPPINESS CREATORS

Now sit down in a quiet tranquil place, close your eyes, introspect, and try to think of all the things that make you feel negative,

Reflect and introspect on all your unhappiness-creators and unhappy situations.

UNHAPPINESS CREATORS

These unhappiness creators can be anything, tangible and intangible, things, activities and persons, and include:

1. Toxic and incompatible persons, who irritate, annoy and hassle you

 

2. Foods and beverages (like Alcohol) which don’t suit you and are physically detrimental to your health and well-being

 

3. Activities, social and personal, which may appear pleasurable, but which actually drain you out

 

4. Technology and Gadgets, like your cell-phone, which disturb your peace of mind

5. Strained Relationships, which are a source of unhappiness and cause stress in you

6. Any activity or thing that causes a guilty conscience within you

7. Disagreeable persons and unpleasant activities which are a stimulus for negative emotions like anger, worry, fear, etc and create negative vibes within you

Close your eyes, introspect and think about all aspects of your life - your work life, your home life, your social life.

Think about all the persons, activities and things that generate negative vibes, create stress and unhappiness in you, things that make you feel “weak”. 

Then, follow Swami Vivekananda's advice: 

Anything that makes you weak physically, intellectually, and spiritually, reject as poison 

Yes, you can do it in actual life.

Just “reject” all these “poisonous” things and people by avoiding them as far as possible.

Make an exhaustive list of all your “unhappiness creators” - all the things and people that make you “weak” - and try to reject them as “poison”.  

 

At first you may be a bit skeptical about this approach.

But when you start implementing, you’ll be surprised how much of it is in your own control to prevent unhappiness.

SAY NO TO UNHAPPINESS CREATORS and WELCOME HAPPINESS CREATORS

While, on the one hand:

1. You reject the things that make you “weak” and unhappy

simultaneously, on the other hand:

2. You must reinforce the things that make you feel “strong” and happy

Say NO to unhappiness creators

Say YES to happiness creators  

Yes, if unhappiness is “weakness”, happiness is “strength”.

 

So simultaneously, reflect and contemplate.

Make a list of things and persons that give you strength and joy and make you happy and productive.

Include all the things and people that create positive feelings in you.

Then try to devote as much time and energy to doing these positive things and interacting with these morale boosting people that give you strength and make you feel good and happy.  

MANTRA FOR HAPPINESS (and UNHAPPINESS) - IN A NUTSHELL

 

To put it in a nutshell, if you want to be happy:

1. Try your best to generate happiness vibes by doing things which make you “strong” and happy 

2. Try to reduce or even eliminate negative unhappiness vibes by “rejecting” things which make you “weak” and unhappy. 

(And if you want to be unhappy, just do the opposite - keep wallowing in negative vibes by encouraging your unhappiness creators and avoiding your happiness creators).

HOW TO CREATE HAPPINESS and HOW TO CREATE UNHAPPINESS

Whenever I feel unhappy, I realize that it is because I have allowed myself to be overwhelmed by my unhappiness creators.

And the moment I envelop myself with my happiness creators, I start feeling happy.

Remember this saying of Swami Vivekananda:

Anything that makes you “weak” physically, intellectually, and spiritually, reject as poison 

(Conversely, I say: Anything that makes you feel “strong”, imbibe as nectar)

Implementing this inspiring gem of wisdom from Swami Vivekananda is breathtaking in its simplicity. 

Try it - experiment - discover your happiness creators and unhappiness creators.

Start making your two lists and then you know what to do.

This works for me and I am sure it will work for you. I do feel unhappy at times, but I know why - and I know what to do.

Wish you a stress-free life filled with happiness.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 

Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this book review. 

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

NB:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Did you like this article?

I am sure you will like the 27 short stories from my recently published anthology of Short Fiction COCKTAIL
To order your COCKTAIL please click any of the links below:
http://www.flipkart.com/cocktail-vikram-karve-short-stories-book-8191091844?affid=nme
http://www.indiaplaza.in/cocktail-vikram-karve/books/9788191091847.htm
http://www.apkpublishers.com/books/short-stories/cocktail-by-vikram-karve.html

COCKTAIL ebook

If you prefer reading ebooks on Kindle or your ebook reader, please order Cocktail E-book by clicking the links below:
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MGERZ6
SMASHWORDS http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87925

Foodie Book:  Appetite for a Stroll
If your are a Foodie you will like my book of Food Adventures APPETITE FOR A STROLL. Do order a copy from FLIPKART:
http://www.flipkart.com/appetite-stroll-vikram-karve/8190690094-gw23f9mr2o

About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer and blogger. Educated at IIT Delhi, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and an anthology of short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories and creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional  and academic research papers in journals and edited in-house journals and magazines for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing and blogging. Vikram Karve lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
Email: vikramkarve@hotmail.com

Twitter: @vikramkarve

      

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.