A beautiful story is told about a great mystic, Nagarjuna:

He was a naked fakir, but he was loved by all real seekers. A queen was also deeply in love with Nagarjuna. She asked him one day to come to the palace, to be a guest in the palace. Nagarjuna went. The queen asked him a favour.

Nagarjuna said, "What do you want?"

The queen said, "I want your begging bowl."

Nagarjuna gave it -- that was the only thing he had -- his begging bowl. And the queen brought a golden begging bowl, studded with diamonds and gave it to Nagarjuna. She said, "Now you keep this. I will worship the begging bowl that you have carried for years -- it has some of your vibe. It will become my temple. And a man like you should not carry an ordinary wooden begging bowl -- keep this golden one. I have had it made specially for you."

It was really precious. If Nagarjuna had been an ordinary mystic he would have said, "I cannot touch it. I have renounced the world." But for him it was all the same, so he took the bowl.

When he left the palace, a thief saw him. He could not believe his eyes: "A naked man with such a precious thing! How long can he protect it?" So the thief followed....

Nagarjuna was staying outside the town in a ruined ancient temple -- no doors, no windows. It was just a ruin. The thief was very happy: "Soon Nagarjuna will have to go to sleep and there will be no difficulty -- I will get the bowl."

The thief was hiding behind a wall just outside the door -- Nagarjuna threw the bowl outside the door. The thief could not believe what had happened. Nagarjuna threw it because he had watched the thief coming behind him, and he knew perfectly well that he was not coming for him -- he was coming for the bowl, "So why unnecessarily let him wait? Be finished with it so he can go, and I can also rest."

"Such a precious thing! And Nagarjuna has thrown it so easily." The thief could not go without thanking him. He knew perfectly well that it had been thrown for him. He peeked in and he said, "Sir, accept my thanks. But you are a rare being -- I cannot believe my eyes. And a great desire has arisen in me. I am wasting my life by being a thief -- and there are people like you too? Can I come in and touch your feet?"

Nagarjuna laughed and he said, "Yes, that's why I threw the bowl outside -- so that you could come inside."

The thief was trapped. The thief came in, touched the feet... and at that moment the thief was very open because he had seen that this man was no ordinary man. He was very vulnerable, open, receptive, grateful, mystified, stunned. When he touched the feet, for the first time in his life he felt the presence of the divine.

He asked Nagarjuna, "How many lives will it take for me to become like you?"

Nagarjuna said, "How many lives? -- it can happen today, it can happen now!"

The thief said, "You must be kidding. How can it happen now? I am a thief, a well-known thief The whole town knows me, although they have not yet been able to catch hold of me. Even the king is afraid of me, because thrice I have entered and stolen from the treasury. They know it, but they have no proof. I am a master thief -- you may not know about me because you are a stranger in these parts. How can I be transformed right now?"

And Nagarjuna said, "If in an old house for centuries there has been darkness and you bring a candle, can the darkness say, 'For centuries and centuries I have been here -- I cannot go out just because you have brought a candle in. I have lived so long'? Can the darkness give resistance? Will it make any difference whether the darkness is one day old or millions of years old.

The thief could see the point: darkness cannot resist light; when light comes, darkness disappears. Nagarjuna said, You may have been in darkness for millions of lives -- that doesn't matter -- but I can give you a secret, you can light a candle in your being."

And the thief said, "What about my profession? Have I to leave it?"

Nagarjuna said, "That is for you to decide. I am not concerned with you and your profession I can only give you the secret of how to kindle a light within your being, and then it is up to you."

The thief said, "But whenever I have gone to any saints, they always say, 'First stop stealing -- then only can you be initiated.'"

It is said that Nagarjuna laughed and said, "You must have gone to thieves, not to saints. They know nothing. You just watch your breath -- the ancient method of Buddha -- just watch your breath coming in, going out. Whenever you remember, watch your breath. Even when you go to steal, when you enter into somebody's house in the night, go on watching your breath. When you have opened the treasure and the diamonds are there, go on watching your breath, and do whatsoever you want to do -- but don't forget watching the breath."

The thief said, "This seems to be simple. No morality? No character needed? No other requirement?"

Nagarjuna said, "Absolutely none -- just watch your breath."

And after fifteen days the thief was back, but he was a totally different man. He fell at the feet of Nagarjuna and he said, "You trapped me, and you trapped me so beautifully that I was not even able to suspect. I tried for these fifteen days -- it is impossible. If I watch my breath, I cannot steal. If I steal, I cannot watch my breath. Watching the breath, I become so silent, so alert, so aware, so conscious, that even diamonds look like pebbles. You have created a difficulty for me, a dilemma. Now what am I supposed to do?"

Nagarjuna said, "Get lost! -- whatsoever you want to do. If you want that silence, that peace, that bliss, that arises in you when you watch your breath, then choose that. If you think all those diamonds and gold and silver is more valuable, then choose that. That is for you to choose! Who am I to interfere in your life?"

The man said, "I cannot choose to be unconscious again. I have never known such moments. Accept me as one of your disciples, initiate me."

Nagarjuna said, "I have initiated you already."

Moral: Religion is based not in morality but in meditation. Religion is rooted not in character but in consciousness.

This is a beautiful story about Krishna 's flute..

Everyday Krishna would go in the garden and say to all the plants, “I love you”.

The plants were very happy and responded saying “Krishna, we love You too”.

One day Krishna rushed quickly into the garden very alarmed.

He went to the bamboo plant and the bamboo plant asked, “Krishna, what´s wrong?”

Krishna said “I have something to ask you, but it is very difficult”.

The bamboo said “Tell me: if I can, I will give it to you”.

So Krishna said “I need your life. I need to cut you”.

The bamboo thought for a while and then said “You don´t have any other choice. You don’t have any other way?”

Krishna said, “No, no other way”.

And it said “OK” and gave himself up.

So Krishna cut the bamboo n made holes in it, and each time, he carved the holes, the bamboo was crying in pain ...

Krishna made a beautiful flute out of it n this flute was with him all the time.

24 hours a day, it was with Krishna. Even the Gopis were jealous of the flute.

They said, “Look, Krishna is our Lord, but yet we get to spend only some time with him.

He wakes up with you, He sleeps with you, all the time you are with him”.

Gopis asked the bamboo, “Tell us your secret. What secret do you have, that the Lord treasures you so much ?”

And the bamboo said “The secret is that, i gave myself up, and he did whatever was right for me, in the process i had to undergo a lot of pain.

And the Lord does whatever he wants with me, whenever he wants with me and however he wants with me. I have just become His instrument”.

So this is complete surrender: where God can do whatever He wants with you,u whenever He wants, as He wants.

Trust Him completely and have faith in Him and always think you are in His hands ... what can go wrong ??

This is Samarpan or Surrender.

A monk decides to meditate alone, away from his monastery.

He takes his boat out to the middle of the lake, moors it there, closes his eyes and begins his meditation.

After a few hours of undisturbed silence, he suddenly feels the bump of another boat colliding with his own. With his eyes still closed, he senses his anger rising, and by the time he opens his eyes, he is ready to scream at the boatman who dared disturb his meditation. But when he opens his eyes, he sees it’s an empty boat that had probably got untethered and floated to the middle of the lake.

At that moment, the monk achieves self-realization, and understands that the anger is within him; it merely needs the bump of an external object to provoke it out of him.

From then on, whenever he comes across someone who irritates him or provokes him to anger, he reminds himself, “The other person is merely an empty boat. The anger is within me.”

Take time for introspection & search for answers within.

One night Sri Adi Shankaracharya, the great Advaita master, was desperately searching for something on the street outside his small hut. When his pupil returned from his errand, he saw this and curiously asked the Master, “Aacharya, what are you looking for here on the street at this hour?”

Shankaracharya replied, “I lost my needle, I am looking for it.”

The pupil joined him in the search, but after searching for a while, he asked, “Can you try and recollect where you might have dropped it?”

Shankaracharya said, “Of course, I remember. I dropped it near the bed in the hut.”

The pupil, utterly astonished at the strange answer, said, “Aacharya, you say you lost it inside the house, then why are we looking for it outside?”

Shankaracharya innocently replied, “There is no oil left in the lamp, so it is pitch dark inside the house. Hence I thought of searching for it outside, since there is enough street light here.”

While holding back his laugh, the pupil said, “If you lost your needle inside the house, how could you even expect to find it outside?”

Shankaracharya simply smiled back at the pupil and the pupil got the message behind the acharya's puzzling act.

Isn't that what we do? We run to far away temples and walk up mountains to search for what we have lost inside ourselves. We are all seeking outside what we have lost inside us. Why? Just because it is pitch dark Inside.
Silly, aren’t we?!

Light the lamp inside you and find your lost treasure right therein...

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife and his extended family. He would miss the earnings, but he need to retire. They could get by. The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favour. The carpenter said yes, but in time, it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career.

When the carpenter finished his work and the builder came to inspect the house, the contractor handed the front-door key to the carpenter. “This is your house. “he said, “My gift to you.”

What a shock! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently. Now he had to live in the home he had build none too well. So it is with us. We build our lives in distracted way, reacting rather than acting, willing to put up less than the best. At important points we do not give the job our best effort. Then with a shock we look at the situation we have created and find that we are now living in the house we have build. If we had realized, we would have done it differently. Think of yourself as the carpenter. Think about your house. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Build wisely. It is the only life you will ever build. Even if you live it for only one day more, that day deserves to be lived graciously and with dignity.

The plaque of the wall says, “Life is a do-it-yourself project.” Who could say it more clearly? Your life today is the result of your attitudes and choices (Kamma) in the past Your life tomorrow will be the result of your attitudes and the choices you make today.

If a job is worth doing, it is worth doing well.

A son and his father were walking on the mountains.
Suddenly, his son falls, hurts himself and screams:
" AAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!"
To his surprise, he hears the voice repeating, somewhere in the mountain:
" AAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!"
Curious, he yells: " Who are you" He receives the answer: " Who are you"
Angered at the response, he screams: " Coward!" He receives the answer: " Coward!"
He looks to his father and asks: " What's going on"
The father smiles and says: " My son, pay attention."
And then he screams to the mountain: " I admire you!"
The voice answers: " I admire you!"
Again the man screams: "You are a champion!" The voice answers: " You are a champion!"
The boy is surprised, but does not understand. Then the father explains: " People call this ECHO, but really this is LIFE. It gives you back everything you say or do. Our life is simply a reflection of our actions. If you want more love in the world, create more love in your heart. If you want more competence in your team, improve your competence.

This relationship applies to everything, in all aspects of life ; Life will give you back everything you have given to
it."

YOUR LIFE IS NOT A COINCIDENCE. IT'S A REFLECTION OF YOUR ACTION !
No one in this world is pure and perfect. If you avoid people for their mistakes, you will be alone in this world .So judge less and love more.

World always say – Find good people & leave bad ones.
But God says, Find the good in people and ignore the bad in them. Because No one is born perfect.!

Everywhere we see only the spoons and forks on the dining table in houses and hotels. If some one is eating with hand others will look at him as non cultured person. Even some parents train their children to use only spoons in house. The reason they say that children hands will be dirty hence it causes some infections.

Hence we will find out what are the benefits by eating food with our own hands scientifically. Read the following carefully .....

1.Hands touching the food will give strength to body

2. When you take food with hand,millions of nerves will send the signal to the brain.

3. When we touch the food with hand , brain will signal the stomach so that proper digestive justices and enzymes will be produced to digest the food

4. When you take food with hand , not only you will be healthy ,at the same time it ensure no thoughts in the mind and gives more concentration.

5. We use more oils in the cooking of food , when we use spoon that metal react with oil then food looses its taste.

6. When you mix the food with all fingers that will ensure the proper blood circulation.

7. When you take the food with hand, the moment fingers touch the lips it will produce the saliva in the mouth.

8. Hence taking food with hand we will be away from diseases, proper digestion will happen. This becomes an exercise as Per the PURANAS.

9. Each finger in the hand has got different character as shown in below

THUMB: represents fire

INDEX Finger: air

Middle finger : Space (sky)

Ring finger : Earth

Small finger : water

When these fingers touch the food the LIFE force will be activated in the Physical body...

Is mineral water better ??
Is general water better ??

Now a days we buy the mineral water outside and feel that is safe to drink. Like big companies Kinley will sell each liter per Rs.20. The fact is that this water is made by adding chemicals into it. We buy this water in order to save ourselves from diseases , but the fact is we are buying the diseases through this mineral water.

One more thing is that mineral water will take away the calcium around the bones hence bones becomes very sensitive , they get fractured due to small incidents .

In India our ancestors have given the good health tips about cleaning the water. They suggested to use the only copper , brass vessels to purify the water. The water stored in side these vessels will kill the Bacteria.

In the recent times a scientist "Robe Reed" conducted an experiment by Introducing bacteria in copper,brass , mud and plastic vessels.when he observed after 24 hours he found that almost 99% Bacteria died in copper, brass and mud vessels, where as in plastic vessels the amount of bacteria got doubled. After 48 hours when observed noticed that once again the Bacteria becomes four times.

In the recent times all luxury hotels they use copper vessels for their customers since they take care of their customers health.

Moral: USE ONLY COPPER, BRASS ,MUD VESSELS FOR STORING WATER and DRINKiNG WATER.

SAVE OURSELVES FROM MANY DREADFUL DISEASES.

SAVE OUR MOTHER EARTH from PLASTIC POLLUTION and REDUCE GLOBAL WARMING.

Procedure:
Closes the fist as in the picture. Keep the left hand thumb straight and the rest of the fingers clasped as shown in the picture.

Benefits:

• It increases heat in the body and can cause sweating even in winter if done for a long time.
• It helps in cold, coryza, asthma, cough, sinus problems and low blood pressure.
• It dries phlegm.

Precautions:

• When doing this Mudra please increase intake of water, fruit, fruit juices, clarified butter (Ghee) and milk.
• DO NOT do this hand posture for a long duration.

Procedure:
The tip of the middle finger is put at the base of the thumb and the thumb comes over the finger with slight pressure of the thumb being exerted on the finger as shown in the picture. The other 3 fingers are kept straight.

Benefits:

• Regular practice of this Mudra helps in reducing ear pain and watering from the ears.
• If this Mudra is done for 1 hour daily it can benefit in hardness of hearing.
• The bones become strong and is beneficial in heart disease.
• It strengthens gums and is helpful in throat problems and thyroid disease.

Precautions:

• This hand posture should never be done while eating or walking.
• After you are cured of these diseases, stop practicing this mudra.

Notes: But those who are handicapped inborn won’t benefit from this mudra.

Procedure:
In this Mudra the tips of the thumb and the ring finger are touched together as in the picture. Rest of the fingers are kept straight.

Benefits:

• It improves blood circulation throughout the body.
• Increases patience and tolerance.
• Increases concentration while meditating.
• It helps strengthen weak and lean bones. Also increases weight of people suffering from low weight.
• It reduces weakness, exhaustion and dullness of mind.
• It makes you more beautiful by improving your complexion and giving a natural glow to your skin.
• It improves the functioning of the digestive system and reduces the deficiency of vitamins.

Procedure:
This Mudra is made by touching the tips of the thumb and the little finger.

Benefits:

• It balances the water content in our body.
• It activates fluid circulation within the body keeping it moisturized always.
• It reduces dryness of the skin and improves skin lustre and softness.
• It is useful in Skin diseases, acne and blood defects. It improves facial beauty.
• It also relieves and prevents any muscle pains that you may suffer from.

Precautions: Persons suffering from Asthma and respiratory problems should do this Mudra for a short duration only.

Procedure:
Fold your ring finger and press the second phalanx with the base of your thumb. Keep the rest of the fingers straight. This mudra should be practiced only in sitting position early in the morning with an empty stomach. Maintain this mudra for atleast 15 minutes every day.

Benefits:

• It helps to dissolve the extra fat boosting metabolism and controls obesity.
• Quickens digestion.
• Improves body strength.
• Reduces stress and tension.
• Controls high cholesterol levels.

Caution:
But if you are suffering from acidity or indigestion, avoid this mudra.

Procedure:
This Mudra is done by touching the tip of the ring finger to the base of the thumb and exerting pressure on the finger with the thumb as in the picture.

Benefits:

• It balances the body,reduces body weight and obesity.
• It increases body heat and helps in digestion.
• It reduces hypertension and cholesterol and builds strength.
• It is beneficial in diabetes and liver defects.

Precautions: Weak persons should not do this hand posture and DO NOT do this hand posture for a long time in hot weather.

Procedure:
This Mudra is a combination of Vayu Mudra and Apan Mudra. The tips of the thumbs,the middle finger and the ring finger touch each other while the index finger touches the base of the thumbwith a slight pressure. The little finger remains straight.

Benefits:

• It gives the benefit of Apan Mudra and Vayu Mudra as explained earlier.
• It is helpful in Heart and Vayu diseases and gives health. People with a weak heart should do it daily. It is very beneficial to people who have just had a heart attack.
• It removes gas from the stomach,aids in asthma,headache and high blood pressure.

Notes: If it is done 5 to 7 minutes before climbing stairs,it aids in easy climbing.

Procedure:
This mudra is made by joining the tips of the thumb, the middle finger and the ring finger keeping the other fingers straight.
Benefits:

• Toxins are removed from the body and the body becomes pure.
• It also relieves constipation, piles, diseases caused by vayu or air, is helpful in diabetes, stoppage of urine,kidney defects and dental problems.
• It is beneficial in stomach and heart diseases and brings out perspiration.

Life can begin at 40, it is all in your hands! Many people feel unhappy, health-wise and security-wise, after 40 years of age, owing to the diminishing importance given to them and their opinions. But, it need not be so, if only we understand the basic principles of life and follow them scrupulously.

Here are ten mantras to age gracefully and make life after retirement pleasant.

1. Never say I am aged :

There are three ages, chronological, biological, and psychological. The first is calculated based on our date of birth; the second is determined by the health conditions; the third is how old we feel we are.

While we don't have control over the first, we can take care of our health with good diet, exercise and a cheerful attitude. A positive attitude and optimistic thinking can reverse the third age.

2. Health is wealth:

If you really love your kith and kin, taking care of your health should be your priority.

Thus, you will not be a burden to them. Have an annual health check-up and take the prescribed medicines regularly. Do take health insurance coverage.

3. Money is important:

Money is essential for meeting the basic necessities of life, keeping good health and earning family respect and security. Don't spend beyond your means even for your children. You have lived for them all through and it is time you enjoyed a harmonious life with your spouse. If your children are grateful and they take care of you, you are blessed. But, never take it for granted.

4. Relaxation and recreation:

The most relaxing and recreating forces are a healthy religious attitude, good sleep, music and laughter. Have faith in God, learn to sleep well, love good music and see the funny side of life.

5. Time is precious:

It is almost like holding a horses' reins. When they are in your hands, you can control them. Imagine that everyday you are born again.

Yesterday is a cancelled cheque.

Tomorrow is a promissory note. Today is ready cash - use it profitably. Live this moment; live it fully, now, in the present time.

6. Change is the only permanent thing:

We should accept change - it is inevitable. The only way to make sense out of change is to join in the dance. Change has brought about many pleasant things. We should be happy that our children are blessed.

7. Enlightened selfishness:

All of us are basically selfish. Whatever we do, we expect something in return. We should definitely be grateful to those who stood by us. But, our focus should be on the internal satisfaction and the happiness we derive by doing good for others, without expecting anything in return. Perform a random act of kindness daily.

8. Forget and forgive:

Don't be bothered too much about others' mistakes. We are not spiritual enough to show our other cheek when we are slapped in one. But for the sake of our own health and happiness, let us forgive and forget them. Otherwise, we will be only increasing our blood pressure.

9. Everything has a purpose:

Take life as it comes. Accept yourself as you are and also accept others for what they are. Everybody is unique and is right in his own way.

10. Overcome the fear of death:

We all know that one day we have to leave this world. Still we are afraid of death. We think that our spouse and children will be unable to withstand our loss. But the truth is no one is going to die for you; they may be depressed for some time. Time heals everything and they will go on.

One day all the employees reached the office and saw a big advice written on the door.

"Yesterday the person who has been stopping your growth in this company passed away. You are invited to join the funeral."

In the beginning, they got sad for the death of one of their colleagues, but after a while they got curious to know who was the man who stopped their growth.

Everyone thought: 'Well at least the man who stopped my progress died!'

One by one the thrilled employees got closer to the coffin, and when they looked inside they were speechless. They stood shocked in silence, as if someone had touched the deepest part of their soul. There was a mirror inside the coffin and everyone who looked inside could see him/herself.

There was a sign next to the mirror that read:
"There is only one person who is capable to set limits to your growth...It is you. You are the only person who can influence your happiness, success and realization."

Your life does not change when your boss, friend or company changes.....your life changes when you change...you go beyond your limiting beliefs and you realize you are the only one responsible for your life.
It's the way you face life that makes the difference!

If an egg is broken from outside force....life ends but if it is broken from inside force life begins. Great things always begin from our inside.

A young and successful Executive was driving down a neighbourhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something.

As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door!

He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown.

The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, 'What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?'

The young boy was apologetic.

'Please, mister...please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do,' he pleaded. 'I threw the brick because no one else would stop...' With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car.

'It's my brother,' he said. 'He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up.'

Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, 'would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me.'

Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat...He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at his fresh scrapes and cuts.

A quick look told him everything was going to be okay.

'Thank you and may God bless you,' the grateful child told the stranger, too shook up for words. The man simply watched the boy push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk towards their home.

It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind himself of this message:

'Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!'

God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at us.

It's our choice to listen or not to.

It all started one lazy Sunday afternoon in a small town near Toronto in Canada.

Two school-going friends had a crazy idea.

They rounded up three goats from the neighborhood and painted the numbers 1, 2 and 4 on their sides.

That night they let the goats loose inside their school building.

The next morning, when the authorities entered the school, they could smell something was wrong.

They soon saw goat droppings on the stairs and near the entrance and realized that some goats had entered the building.

A search was immediately launched and very soon, the three goats were found.

But the authorities were worried, where was goat No. 3?

They spent the rest of the day looking for goat No.3.

The school declared classes off for the students for the rest of the day.

The teachers, helpers, guards, canteen staffs, boys were all busy looking for the goat No. 3, which, of course, was never found.

Simply because
it did not exist.

Those among us who inspite of having a good life are always feeling a "lack of fulfillment" are actually looking for the elusive, missing, non-existent goat No.3.

Whatever the area of complaint or dissatisfaction, relationship, job-satisfaction, finance, achievements, ......
An absence of something is always larger than the presence of many other things.

Stop worrying about goat No.3