Guru and Teacher

 

A teacher takes responsibility of your growth

A Guru makes you responsible for your growth

 

A teacher gives you things you do not have and require

A Guru takes away things you have and do not require

 

A teacher answers your questions

A Guru questions your answers

 

A teacher helps you get out of the maze

A Guru destroys the maze

 

A teacher requires obedience and discipline from the pupil

A Guru requires trust and humility from the pupil

 

A teacher clothes you and prepares you for the outer journey

A Guru strips you naked and prepares you for the inner journey

 

A teacher is a guide on the path

A Guru is a pointer to the way

 

A teacher sends you on the road to success

A Guru sends you on the road to freedom

 

A teacher explains the world and its nature to you

A Guru explains yourself and your nature to you

 

A teacher makes you understand how to move about in the world

A Guru shows you where you stand in relation to the world

 

A teacher gives you knowledge and boosts your ego

A Guru takes away your knowledge and punctures your ego

 

A teacher instructs you

A Guru constructs you

 

A teacher sharpens your mind

A Guru opens your mind

 

A teacher shows you the way to prosperity

A Guru shows the way to serenity

 

A teacher reaches your mind

A Guru touches your soul

 

A teacher gives you knowledge

A Guru makes you wise

 

A teacher gives you maturity

A Guru returns you to innocence

 

A teacher instructs you on how to solve  problems

A Guru shows you how to resolve issues

 

A teacher is a systematic thinker

A Guru is a lateral thinker

 

A teacher will punish you with a stick

A Guru will punish you with compassion

 

A teacher is to pupil what a father is to son

A Guru is to pupil what mother is to her child

 

One can always find a teacher

But A Guru has to find and accept you

 

A teacher leads you by the hand

A Guru leads you by example

 

When a teacher finishes with you,

you graduate

When a Guru finishes with you,

you celebrate

 

When the course is over you are thankful to the teacher

When the discourse is over you are grateful to the Guru.

 

Jai Gurudev
Rajesh Gehani

Regular health mistakes

Regular Health Mistakes   All of us make  little health mistakes that cause damage to our bodies in the long run -  simply because we are unaware we are doing something wrong. Here are some of  the most common mistakes made by  many of us.   Crossing our  legs Do you cross  your legs at your  knees when sitting? Although we may believe that this is the  lady-like elegant  way to sit, sitting this way cuts down circulation to your legs. If you don't  want varicose veins to mar the beauty of your legs  and compromise your  health, uncross your legs every time you realise you have one knee on top of the  other. The best way to sit is to simply place both legs together on the  floor, balancing your weight equally. If you feel like changing position, instead of crossing your legs, simply move both  legs together to one side. As an alternative, you could also consider  crossing your legs loosely at the ankles. This is  a classically elegant  way to sit, and is far better for your legs and  your health than  sitting with your legs  crossed at your knees. Not changing our  toothbrush How often do  you change your toothbrush? Most of  us wait until most of the bristles have  either fallen off, or are in such bad  shape that we'd be embarrassed to pull out our brush in public. However,  since not many of us need to pull out our  brush in public, we carry on with our  frayed one until we lose it. Replace your  toothbrush often. Damaged  bristles can harm the enamel, and don't massage your  gums well. If you find brushing your teeth a pain like I do, but know you must do it, you  might as well be  doing it right. Imagine going through the  annoyance of brushing your teeth twice a  day only to find out that you're damaging your enamel every time you clean your  teeth. Also, use a brush with soft bristles unless your dentist has advised  otherwise. Eating out  often There are oils  that are high in  cholesterol, and oils that cause little harm and are better  for your heart.  However, no matter how light the oil is, it is never a good idea to  eat too much of it.  Avoid fried foods.Remember that in all probability your favorite Indian  food restaurant throws a huge, HUGE chunk of butter in a tiny bowl of dal. Rita,  who worked in the kitchen of a 5 star hotel, was shocked when she saw the cook  chop a 500gm butter slab in half, and throw half into a Paneer Makhani dish.  No wonder the  customers left licking their fingers. And no wonder they felt  so stuffed and heavy  afterwards. Limit outdoor eating unless you know that you're getting  served light and healthy food. Skipping  breakfast Never, ever  skip breakfast. Remember, when you wake up in the morning it's been  around 10-12 hours since your last meal. Your body needs food now, more than at  any other time. Eat a heavy breakfast. You will then be busy through the day,  and the calories will get expended quickly. If you are trying to diet, eat a  light dinner. Here are some more  common health mistakes we make.  Being informed and making a few  changes can help make us feel a whole lot  better. High  heels High heels sure  look great, but they're  murder for your back. This however doesn't mean you should steer clear of  stilettos. Wear them, but not when you know you will be walking around a lot. Wear  them when going out for lunch or dinner -  when the only walking you will be  doing is to your car, to the table, and back. Avoid high heels when you are  going somewhere on foot. If you are constantly tempted to wear your heels, take a good look at your flats. Is there something about them you dislike? Invest  in a new pair of beautiful flats or shoes with a low heel. Buy something you  love, that you will enjoy wearing. If possible, get a matching bag. You will  then enjoy your flats as  much as you do your heels. Sleeping on a soft  bed You don't have  to sleep on the floor be kind to your back,  but do make sure you have a firm  mattress. Although a mattress on springs  is soft and lovely to sink into, it's bad for your back. If you already have an old bed with springs, you don't need to invest in a new one - simply get a thick wooden plank put over the springs, and place the mattress on the plank.  Similarly, if your mattress is  old and lumpy, throw it out and get a new one. Your  neck and your back will thank you. The same rule applies to sofas. If  you will be spending  hours on a sofa, get a firm yet comfortable one. Sofas you  completely sink into are not the best idea. Pillows No matter how  comfortable sleeping with ten cushions is, have pity on your neck and resist.  Sleep with one pillow, and make sure it is not too thick.  If your pillow gets lumpy, discard it and go for a new one. Get a thin pillow  if you sleep on your stomach, and something a little thicker if you sleep on  your back, to give your neck adequate support. Not  exercising So all of us  know we should exercise more, but many of us don't. This is a  health mistake we consciously make! And why is that? Simply because we refuse  to admit the damage we are causing to our bodies by not working out. A number of people  only start working out once they've experienced a warning signal.  Don't wait for a heart attack to strike before you decide to opt for a lifestyle  change. Make the change now. You don't need to train for the marathon to be in  top shape. Half an hour of brisk walking three to four times a week will make a  world of difference to your health. You could then increase this to forty  minutes, four times a week - and you're all set. If you haven't  exercised for a week, you're making a mistake.   Today's Message of the Day is:

Life is short. Forgive quickly. Love truly. Laugh often, and never regret anything that made you smile.

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 "Celebrate Life. Care for others and share whatever you have with those less fortunate than you. Broaden your vision, for the whole world belongs to you."

- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder, Art of Living Foundation.
 
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centenary celebrations of the Indian Institute of Science

Bangalore (India), May 25: HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was the key note speaker at the centenary celebrations of the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India.

http://www.artofliv ing.org/intl/ wisdomblog/ tabid/183/ Default.aspx

"Are you feeling at home?" asked Sri Sri right at the onset. He then shared: "Our ancient scriptures have always said that true learning happens in a relaxed environment where an exchange of ideas takes place through enquiry and questioning."
A Q&A session followed in the relaxed atmosphere of the auditorium.

Excerpts:

Q. Is life governed by free-will or destiny?

Sri Sri: Life is a combination of both. There are some things which are beyond your control. That is your destiny. Then there are things where you have a choice. That is free-will. If it's raining outside, it's your destiny as you have no control over the weather. However, to be wet or remain dry is your free-will.
Past is your destiny, future is your free-will. And be happy in the present. A foolish person looks at the past as free-will with regret, future as destiny and is miserable in the present.

Q. What is true love?
Sri Sri: If you have a doubt, it is true love. We always doubt the positives. We doubt our capabilities. We doubt our happiness but are 100 percent sure of our depression. We doubt a person's honesty and doubt the existence of higher power. So what is true love? Time will tell you.
Love is what we are made up of. All negative emotions are off springs of true love.
Love without wisdom makes life miserable…love with wisdom is bliss.

Q. How can we attain that wisdom?
Sri Sri: By adopting an attitude of enquiring.

Q. How can love move science?
Sri Sri: When love for science is intense, it is already moving the world.
The ultimate aim of a researcher is not to earn a livelihood. If the main aim of a researcher is to earn a livelihood, it is not a best quality research. It has to lead to a soul-search. Research is to know. The joy of knowing is itself the goal. Getting recognition is immaterial.

Q. How do you know what level of spirituality you are at?
Sri Sri: It depends on how often your buttons can be pushed. If you have no buttons to be pushed then you are very strong.

Q. Who am 'I'? And what 'that' is? Can these two questions coexist?
Sri Sri: Of course. Yes. The theory of relativity has already accepted this. The observer has an impact on the observed. This was taught some thousands of years ago. But people kept it a secret. This is where we missed out.

Q. What is true happiness?
Sri Sri: Know the reason of your unhappiness. If you remove it, then there will be happiness. Meditate. Just do the Sudarshan Kriya and you will find out.

Q. Why do thoughts come and where do they originate from? Why do the thoughts rule us?
Sri Sri: Where do the thoughts come from? From the mind, or the body? Close your eyes and think about it. That itself becomes a meditation. Then you will reach the point or space within you from where all the thoughts come. And that is fantastic.

Q. Some people have positive thoughts, while some have negative thoughts. How does one control this?
Sri Sri: By keeping a stress-free mind. If you have a stress-free mind, your thoughts will be positive.

Q. How do you know all these things?
Sri Sri: Life is a journey from an angry "I don't know" to a beautiful "I don't know!"

Q. What is wrong and what is right?
Sri Sri: Which gives you short term pleasure and long term misery is wrong and vice-versa.

Q. Why do other people's feelings inflict us?
Sri Sri: Because you are not a single individual but a part of a single collective consciousness.

Q. In spite of having so many great saints why is there so much of communal violence, cascades, conflicts. What is the problem with India? Are we going wrong somewhere?
Sri Sri: People who have been involved in these activities have never been in touch with any of these spiritual leaders.

Q. Why don't you suggest government to include spiritual knowledge at the level of class 10th, at least in India?
Sri Sri: I have been telling it. Now, you all should give voice too.

Q. How to forgive and let go of things?
Sri Sri: When you see a culprit from a broader perspective, forgiveness becomes natural.

Q. What do you consider success?
Sri Sri: A smile that nobody will take away from you - that is the greatest achievement.

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  "Celebrate Life. Care for others and share whatever you have with those less fortunate than you. Broaden your vision, for the whole world belongs to you."

- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder, Art of Living Foundation.
 

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THE GINGHAM DRESS

 

This is an example of how some of us pre-judge people. If we don't take time to hear what someone has to say, we may never learn what is in their heart; regardless of their outer appearance, THE GINGHAM DRESS  A lady in a faded gingham dress and her husband, dressed in a homespun  threadbare suit, stepped off the train in Boston and walked timidly  without an appointment into the Harvard University President's outer  office. The secretary could tell in a moment that such backwoods,  country hicks had no business at Harvard and probably didn't even deserve  to be in Cambridge .  "We'd like to see the president," the man said softly.  "He'll be busy all day," the secretary snapped.  "We'll wait," the lady replied.  For hours the secretary ignored them, hoping that the couple would  finally become discouraged and go away.  They didn't, and the secretary grew frustrated and finally decided to  disturb the president, even though it was a chore she always regretted.  "Maybe if you see them for a few minutes, they'll leave," she said to  him.  He sighed in exasperation and nodded. Someone of his importance  obviously didn't have the time to spend with them, and he detested  gingham dresses and homespun suits cluttering up his outer office. The  president, stern faced and with dignity, strutted toward the couple.  The lady told him, "We had a son who attended Harvard for one year. He  loved Harvard. He was happy here. But, about a year ago, he was accidentally killed. My husband and I would like to erect a memorial to  him, somewhere on campus."  The president wasn't touched. He was shocked.  "Madam," he said, gruffly, "We can't put up a statue for every person  who attended Harvard and died. If we did, this place would look like a  cemetery."  "Oh, no," the lady explained quickly. "We don't want to erect a statue.  We thought we would like to give a building to Harvard." The president rolled his eyes. He glanced at the gingham dress and  homespun suit and then exclaimed, "A building! Do you have any earthly idea  how much a building costs? We have over seven and a half million dollars  in the physical buildings here at Harvard."  For a moment the lady was silent. The president was pleased. Maybe he  could get rid of them now. The lady turned to her husband and said  quietly, "Is that all it cost to start a university? Why don't we just  start our own?"  Her husband nodded. The president's face wilted in confusion and  bewilderment.  Mr. and Mrs. Leland Stanford got up and walked away, traveling to Palo  Alto, California where they established the university that bears their  name, Stanford University , a memorial to a son that Harvard no longer  cared about.  You can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those  who they think can do nothing for them.  ---- A TRUE STORY by Malcolm Forbes "People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did.  But people will never forget how you made them feel."