Just Two Words

I knew a “Killjoy” Naval Officer whose entire “miserable” life in the Navy can be exemplified by this Zen story called TWO WORDS

The story is called “Just Two Words”

JUST TWO WORDS – Zen Story

There was once a monastery that had very strict rules.

All Monks were required to strictly follow a vow of silence. 

No one was allowed to speak at all.

But – there was one exception to this rule. 

After every 10 years – the Monks were permitted to speak just Two Words.

After spending his 10 ten years at the monastery – one young Monk was called by the Head Monk.

The Head Monk said to the young Monk: 

“It has been 10 years since you arrived here. What are the Two Words you would like to speak…?” 

“BED HARD…” said the young Monk.  

“I see...” said the Head Monk – without a trace of emotion.

And – the Head Monk quietly walked away.  

10 years later – the young Monk was again summoned by the Head Monk.

The Head Monk asked the young Monk: 

“You have completed 20 years in the monastery. And – it has been 10 years since you spoke your last Two Words. So – now – what are the Two Words you would like to speak…?”

“FOOD STINKS…” said the young monk. 

“I see...” the Head Monk said nonchalantly.

And – the Head Monk quietly walked away.  

Yet another 10 years passed – and – the young Monk was once again summoned by the Head Monk.

The Head Monk asked the young Monk: 

“You have now completed 30 years in the monastery. It has been 10 years since you spoke your last Two Words. What are your Two Words now – after these 10 years…?”

“I QUIT…” said the young Monk. 

“Well I can see why,” replied the Head Monk, “All you ever do is to carp and complain.” 

Why Crib, Carp, Moan, Groan or Complain...?

Best to always try to have a positive attitude and optimistic temperament. 

By the way – before I say Bye – let me tell you that – I knew a “Killjoy” Naval Officer whose entire “miserable” life in the Navy can be exemplified by this Zen story called TWO WORDS 

Dear Reader:

Cheer Up and enjoy life

Have a Good Day

A Story For Me on the Eve of My Birthday – Just Two Words

A STORY FOR ME ON THE EVE OF MY BIRTHDAY

Tomorrow is 12 September - my Birthday. 

Let me tell myself a story on the eve of my birthday.

The story is called “Just Two Words”

JUST TWO WORDS – Zen Story

There was once a monastery that had very strict rules.

All Monks were required to strictly follow a vow of silence. 

No one was allowed to speak at all.

But – there was one exception to this rule. 

After every 10 years – the Monks were permitted to speak just Two Words.

After spending his 10 ten years at the monastery – one young Monk was called by the Head Monk.

The Head Monk said to the young Monk: 

“It has been 10 years since you arrived here. What are the Two Words you would like to speak…?” 

“BED HARD…” said the young Monk.  

“I see...” said the Head Monk – without a trace of emotion.

And – the Head Monk quietly walked away.  

10 years later – the young Monk was again summoned by the Head Monk.

The Head Monk asked the young Monk: 

“You have completed 20 years in the monastery. And – it has been 10 years since you spoke your last Two Words. So – now – what are the Two Words you would like to speak…?”

“FOOD STINKS…” said the young monk. 

“I see...” the Head Monk said nonchalantly.

And – the Head Monk quietly walked away.  

Yet another 10 years passed – and – the young Monk was once again summoned by the Head Monk.

The Head Monk asked the young Monk: 

“You have now completed 30 years in the monastery. It has been 10 years since you spoke your last Two Words. What are your Two Words now – after these 10 years…?”

“I QUIT…” said the young Monk. 

“Well I can see why,” replied the Head Monk, “All you ever do is to carp and complain.” 

So – the moment I wake up early in the morning tomorrow – on my birthday – the first thing I am going to do – is to tell myself this story – and – I will carry this story in my mind forever – and remember it whenever I feel like cribbing and complaining.

Well – from now on I will try not to Crib, Carp, Moan, Groan or Complain.

I will always try to have a positive attitude and optimistic temperament. 

By the way – before I say Bye – let me tell you that – I knew a “Killjoy” Naval Officer whose entire “miserable” life in the Navy can be exemplified by this Zen story called TWO WORDS 

I am going Cheer Up and enjoy my Birthday

Dear Reader – you too Have a Good Day

And – Dear Friends – don’t forget to wish me a Happy Birthday 

SELF HELP - HOW TO FEEL GOOD

Here is an article from my SELF HELP archives on HOW TO FEEL GOOD

I first wrote this around 30 years ago, but I feel it may still be relevant.

HOW TO FEEL GOOD

Musings

By

VIKRAM KARVE

Let me begin with a quote from the inimitable stoic philosopher EPICTETUS: 

  

Some things are under our control, others are not

Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle:

Some things are within our control, and some things are not 

It is only after you have faced up to this fundamental rule and learned to distinguish between what you can control and what you cannot control that inner tranquility and outer effectiveness become possible

                                                                                      

…Epictetus

THOUGHTS and FEELINGS
Thoughts play a very important role in your life, whereas your feelings can make or break you and also affect the lives of others around you. 

We often let our attitudes or feelings hold sway over our lives, rather than let our thoughts govern our lives.

You let your feelings drive your thoughts, not realizing that thoughts drive actions, and actions produce results, and results in turn produce more feelings, causing a vicious circle which may ultimately lead to loss of self-control.

Feelings are not totally controllable, as many times feelings are produced by external circumstances beyond your control, and if negative feelings are allowed to drive your thoughts and actions, then undesirable results may emanate.

These undesirable results in turn produce further not-so-good feelings, and the vicious cycle continues.

This is true for any unpleasant or negative feelings, like anger, envy, worry, disgust or hatred, which tend to drive our thoughts and actions, and quickly take charge of our lives.

An analysis of other options indicates that both actions and results are not suitable alternative drivers since they also are not totally controllable and will not always be pleasing.

The best solution is to establish ‘thought’ as the driver is because it is controllable and we can get good results. 

Yes, your thoughts are in your control because you can choose what to want to think about.

Moreover there is a matter of choice.

It is very much in our control to think good and interesting thoughts.

The happiest person is he or she who thinks the most interesting and good thoughts.

The human mind cannot totally prevent poor quality thoughts from arising, but it can choose whether or not to dwell on them.

The mind moves from dwelling on poor quality thoughts by selecting alternative beneficial or pleasant thoughts to focus on.

Choosing to be driven by thoughts and then controlling those thoughts allows the best possible results.

Positive thoughts lead to good performance (the right actions), which yields desirable results, which in turn produces good feelings.

Good feelings are conducive to better thoughts and progressively this positively re-enforcing cycle facilitates a high degree of self-control and an overall feeling of happiness.

When good thoughts are combined with good potential the results can be remarkable.

Thus, the very basis of self-control is refusing to allow our feelings to control our responses and dwelling instead on good, pleasant, joy-producing positive thoughts.

Develop and apply your skill to control your thoughts. 

Certain NLP techniques like Swish Pattern are highly effective in achieving this.

Achieving Positive Thinking by gaining mastery over controlling our thoughts and letting our thoughts govern our lives. 

Good Thoughts will make you Feel Good and these positive feelings will make you perform Good Actions which will produce Good Results - that is the key to a happy and healthy life. 

To summarize, Dear Reader, remember:

LET THOUGHTS DRIVE YOUR FEELINGS

NEVER ALLOW YOUR FEELINGS TO DRIVE YOUR THOUGHTS

THAT IS THE KEY TO A HAPPY AND HEALTHY LIFE

It works. 

You can take my word for it. 

And it is easy, because thinking interesting thoughts is within your control and not dependent on outside circumstances.

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. These are my personal views. Please use your own due diligence because they may or may not work for you. 

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)

ART OF LIVING - A STORY OF TWO WOLVES

Monday Morning Food For Thought

TWO WOLVES

A grandfather said to his grandson, who was seething with anger at his Maths teacher, for deliberately failing him in the exam.

“Let me tell you a story. I too, at times, have felt a great hate for those that have hurt me, with no sorrow for what they do. But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your foe. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times.”

He continued, “It is as if there are two wolves inside me. One is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him, and does not take offence when no offence was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way.

This one is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.

But the other wolf…Aah ! He is full of anger. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is helpless anger, for his anger will change nothing.

He is evil – he is fury, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

Sometimes, it is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit.”

The boy looked intently into his grandfather’s eyes and asked,

“Which one wins, grandfather?”

The grandfather smiled and quietly said,

“The one I feed.”

MORAL OF THE STORY

The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.

It is always the wolf you feed that always wins !

We have been educated about this law a thousand times : the law of attraction.

Simple. Straightforward.

You attract into your life the things that you think about the most.

And hence the need to think positive.

Feed the first wolf : the one who brings joy, peace and serenity.

Feed him regularly. And feed him well. Happiness and satisfaction in life will be assured.

Do remember the words of Mahatma Gandhi :

“A Man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes”

Have a Happy Monday and a Great Week ahead

CARPE DIEM - SEIZE THE DAY FIRST THING IN THE MORNING WITH A PRAYER OF GRATITUDE TO MOTHER EARTH Karaagre Vasate Lakshmi Karamadhye Saraswati कराग्रे वसते लक्ष्मिः करमध्ये सरस्वति ।

CARPE DIEM - SEIZE THE DAY
By
VIKRAM KARVE

FIRST THING IN THE MORNING
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 (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, and then please read the meaning of the prayer and my views below:

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

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.

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

I get up naturally and gradually open my eyes. 

And then as sleep goes away and I slowly come to my senses, I hold my palms above me, look at them and say this prayer. 

After this short prayer of paying obeisance to the Goddesses Laxmi and Saraswati and God Vishnu and expressing gratitude to mother earth is over, I close my eyes, place the palms of my hands on my eyes and continue to lie down in bed for a few moments thinking about what I am going to do during the day (I do not think about yesterday or about tomorrow, I just focus on today). 

Then after a few moments, I move my hands all over my body to 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.

My day begins well, and, as they say, well begun is half done, and more importantly, this helps me live one day at a time.

I like 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 and then I hit the bed and go to sleep, forget about the day passed, 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 get up in the morning decides the quality of your day. 

So, Dear Reader, wake up well and have a happy day ahead.

Please comment and let us know how you begin your day.

VIKRAM KARVE 

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2012
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Did you like this blog post?
I am sure you will like the 27 fiction 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. 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 short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories, 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 research papers in journals and edited in-house journals 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. Vikram 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@sify.com

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

  

SELF IMPROVEMENT

Spend so much time improving yourself

that you have no time left to criticize others or listening to negative demoralizing criticism

A STORY TO CHEER YOU UP ON SUNDAY MORNING - Food for Thought

Food for Thought

A STORY TO CHEER YOU UP ON SUNDAY MORNING

TWO WORDS

By

VIKRAM KARVE

Good Morning, Dear Reader.

 

On this lovely refreshing Sunday Morning let me tell you this inspirational Zen story called TWO WORDS: 

There was once a monastery that was very strict and all monks were required to strictly follow a vow of silence. 

No one was allowed to speak at all.

But there was one exception to this rule. 

After every ten years the monks were permitted to speak two words.

After spending his first ten years at the monastery one young monk was called by the Head Monk who said, “It has been ten years since you arrived here. What are the two words you would like to speak…?”

“Bed Hard…” said the monk.

“I see,” replied the Head Monk without a trace of emotion and walked away. 

Ten more years passed and the young monk was once again summoned to the Head Monk’s office and the Head Monk asked him, “What are the two words you would like to speak…?”

“Food Stinks…” said the young monk.

“I see,” said the Head Monk nonchalantly and walked away. 

Yet another ten years passed and the young monk was once again called to the Head Monk’s office and the Head Monk asked the young monk, “What are your two words now…?” 

“I Quit…!” said the young monk. 

“Well I can see why,” replied the Head Monk, “All you ever do is to carp and complain.” 

Moral of the Story

It is all about attitude. If you have a negative attitude to life all you will do is Crib, Carp, Moan, Groan or Complain.

Try your best to adjust yourself to the prevailing situation and then with a positive attitude try to make the best of it.

Or if you feel the situation is so bad that it is impossible for you to adjust, opt out at the first opportunity instead of cribbing and continuing to suffer hoping things will change for the better when you know that they will not.

Cheer Up, Dear Reader, it is always better to have a positive attitude and optimistic temperament.

Do carry this story in your mind and Have a Good Sunday

VIKRAM KARVE 

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2012
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Did you like this story?
I am sure you will like the 27 fiction 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. Educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU 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 short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories, 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 research papers in journals and edited in-house journals for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for almost 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing. Vikram 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@sify.com
vikramkarve@gmail.com

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.