Category Archives: Hope

Will Paris be the beacon of hope?

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Bird at lake

A little bird told me that all the leaders of the world are gathered together after 5 years to discuss climate change. In Paris < 02, India initiated the Solar Alliance and will play a key part in its initiation at New Delhi. Metropolitan Delhi with 16 million people and the suburbs include another 9 million to total about 25 million citizens and growing rapidly, is one of those giant urban sprawls on earth; that defy imagination. It is now the most polluted city in the world, and in most measures way ahead of Beijing in a similar size. The need for green energy and clean transportation and mass transit for Delhi itself, should be paramount in any efforts, as the city has outgrown its infrastructure. Delhi has the highest level of the airborne particulate matter, PM2.5 considered most harmful to health, with 153 micrograms. Stopping its neighboring agricultural states from burning their paddy fields for the wheat field’s readiness, will reduce the environmental disaster, as the same can be better disposed off. We need modern machines and methods to improve the recycling of the bio mass, instead of burning it. Innovation also on an urban scale by roof use conversion and water harvesting and the cleanup and revival of the neighboring Yamuna River can go a long way for eco conservation. Green belt forestation so prevalent in traditional Delhi, must be revived, with massive investments, before this urban jungle dies without its lungs.

The future is in innovation and finding better wind/solar/nuclear/hydro/biomass solutions for energy and reducing our carbon footprint going forward across the world. It is anybody’s guess at the time as to how Modi’s Solar energy proposal for the 120 countries in the solar belt, will get the required funds to build giant solar farms. India also became a partner of Mission Innovation with numerous Indian Private Sector leaders wowing to support Bill Gate’s push on innovation, for new ways to solve the problem of Climate Change and energy consumption. “We will be proposing many new things. They are on cards.” We are talking of giga projects here of alternate energy that will reduce future human pollution into the air we breathe.

“China (is at) 29 per cent, US is second with 16 per cent, Europe third with 10 per cent and India at fourth with 5 per cent emission. “ As per the ET analysis current trends will balloon emissions, if our leaders do not take decisive action. India is just on the verge of increasing its energy footprint in one of the largest growth rates projected in the coming decades. It is increasingly coal, CNG and oil based for now with tankers of imports from Qatar and other trading partners feeding the needs of the hungry masses. Bihar almost a poster child for underdevelopment, is now the fastest growing state, as it has coal, iron steel and other industries to feed the nation. As Dams and canals to harness its ample water resources are built and its agricultural productivity increases through modernization, green development can spread in the land.

State Area km2 Population
Bihar 94,163 103,804,637
Germany 357,168 81,083,600
 It many be only a matter of time and investment that Bihar alone could rival Germany in the future if all the plans for rapid growth bear fruit!

Modern ports along the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal should adorn India.

Portal integration of modern logistics for freight,  automobile and passenger ferries along India’s ports has a huge scope. We need to use green methodology for Indian Ocean sailing and shipping and logistics by using clean diesel and renewable solar combinations. We have to augment existing road, rail and airports by making them green with wind, solar, biomass projects. The new Government is intent on improving Port infrastructure through the construction of a string of major ports around the Indian coast like a Samudramala. . These plans Port/Rail covered the linking of Mundra Port and Pipavav-Surendranagar, Hassan- Mangalore, Gandhidham-Palanpur and Bharauch-Dahej gauge conversion projects. These projects have added about 1030 km of rail lines also into the hinterland for better economic logistics, the official said. Many tens of thousand km more are required for a modern India, to match the developed countries.

Besides, railways have offered 400 stations to be redeveloped with private participation for improving passenger amenities inviting open bids from interested parties. This is a huge initiative that can spread best practices and improve services, using Private bidders, in an open electronic system. The model can then be rolled out to thousands of other stations to make clean green zones around these existing stations. Addition to India’s infrastructure by building these corridors of industrial and resource movements for energy and transportation, linking the land in an economic development, fueled by massive investments from the developed nations, to keep climate change at bay; is a must. We have to tackle this tough problem in our generation, as it cannot be allowed to fester and cause distress to future generations. The time to act is now after five years of waiting for Paris. There can be no turning back from this carbon loaded atmosphere, if we do not find a better way together; as it is well known that all living beings will suffer its terrible effects, on our mother earth soon.

Global trade must grow

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Rank Commodity Value in US$(‘000) Date of
information
1 Mineral fuels, oils, distillation products, etc. $2,183,079,941 2012
2 Electrical, electronic equipment $1,833,534,414 2012
3 Machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers, etc. $1,763,371,813 2012
4 Vehicles other than railway $1,076,830,856 2012
5 Plastics and articles thereof $470,226,676 2012
6 Optical, photo, technical, medical, etc. apparatus $465,101,524 2012
7 Pharmaceutical products $443,596,577 2012
8 Iron and steel $379,113,147 2012
9 Organic chemicals $377,462,088 2012
10 Pearls, precious stones, metals, coins, etc. $348,155,369 2012

The US trade deficit narrowed to $40.8 billion in September, down 15% from a $48 billion deficit in August, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday. The U.S. deficit with China rose 3.8% to an all-time high of $36.3 billion in September as imports from China hit a record. The U S dream is being fulfilled by Chinese factories it would appear, eager to satisfy the demands of the largest consumer society in the world. The mutually beneficial trade relationship has been one of the greatest eliminators of poverty in the world, as Chinese GDP rose at an unprecedented pace lifting millions out of poverty.

The fate of global growth sits on the buoyant shoulders of the American middle class’s ability to consume, beyond its means. Currently there are no signs of any of the high consumption years, as the consumer continues to increase our savings as a result of the fall in energy prices. The state of the economy is steady, and Christmas, should bring cheer all around. We can rest assured that the American consumers will open their purses to the world. Enough revenue will be generated from Black Friday to the holiday’s end to generate jobs all around the world.

It is the exports growth that is the true story here as manufacturing and infrastructure starts to pick up in the US. Public and private spending is required and finally the States and Center are starting to expand employment and projects. While the politicians in DC come to a stalemate, the business of the people must go on. The Trans Pacific deal could help to increase these exports for America. With our cheap gas and scope for renewal energy, the new industrial age is about to unfold in the US. Hydro carbons will find new uses as we move to a greener environment and climate change forces our hand on cheap coal.

There can be a steeply rising export curve for the US in the production, refining, producing, shipping products for the world’s hydro carbon needs. If DC does not get behind the proposal, do they really expect the world to sit back and wait, on what may in the long term be a good deal for all the countries? World trade will go on and with greater expectations from the general public, as there are no limits on human aspirations. Great industries will flourish on all sides of the Pacific and human needs will be met with greater efficiency. To increase international trade of the world is essential, to meet our future goals for humanity. Innovation and entrepreneurship will bring new prosperity to nations, who trade to their competitive advantage and the US must continue to lead the world in free trade.

A writer’s dilemma

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As the parade of the writers returning their awards in India grows longer I couldn’t help but wonder what the fuss was all about. Why were National Awards being returned at this time to a Government that is at worst being called a Fascist and at best a Communal regression, in its treatment of the masses. I looked for that overarching manifesto that described each point, which had these illustrious writers up in storm. I discovered no unifying theme, that these wasted efforts led to, and it was very much a storm in a teacup; and a waste of good Indian tea, as far as I am concerned.. There was no uplifting message to rally the masses behind these illustrious writers, no mass uprising in disgust, and no minor suggestions either, to improve the situation at hand..

  1. Hindi poet Rajesh Joshi author of ‘Do Panketiyon ke beech‘ (between the lines) having survived Godhra, has now awakened to new dangers of the ‘silence’ of this government over recent law and order problem in isolated incidents.
  2. Ashok Vajpeyi   book of Hindi poems ‘Kahi Nahin Wahin‘ won in 1994 (post Babri Masjid) and now suddenly has problems with Indian secularism.
  3. The illustrious Nayantra Sehgal who survived post Indra Gandhi anti sikh riots in New Delhi and now feels victimized in a non-secular India?
  4. Keki N Daruwala won in 1984 for his poetry “The keeper of the Dead” feels that this government has crossed the boundaries of the living
  5. The esteemed Ghulam Nabi Khayal Urdu poet also returned the award which he received as a Kashmiri Muslims stating, “to live in a country that is secular, not a place where freedom of speech and religious identities are facing threats from communal forces.”
  6. Nirupama Borogohain novel ‘Abhijatri’ won the Sahitya Akaedmy Award in 1994. This 83 year old Assamese writer of regional literature felt that the national situation required that she return her award of over 20 years, to the present Academy, to send a message to the ruling BJP, that sectarian killings do not take place under a “secular” regime.
  7. Romila Thapar the historian has also spoken against the current state of affairs in the country and joined the chorus for reform.

The list of these great writers goes on, and one is in a deep dilemma, when looking at the ground reality. These people demonized Modi and ensured that he did not have a valid visa to the US for many years. His RSS background and Hindutva leanings were severely criticized before the elections. The question is that whether after an years of the Lok Sabha elections and the Modi Government rule, is the ground reality so much worse now in India? Looking at the chaos in neighboring states and the Middle East and Africa, is not India a shining beacon of stability and reform. When the engagement of India in world affairs is no longer when but how much, it wants to get involved; at its own choosing. To be the leading growing economy in the world, in a country of its size, will have its own repercussions. It is now known that its engagement in world affairs, will only increase from here and Modi has been a great torch bearer for these new aspirations..

I would implore the learned writers and poets to turn this sorry state of affairs into a new opportunity of communal harmony. They should write of positive experiences that will reinforce a more modern and secular nation, brimming with new poetry and literature. This is the time to express the hopes, dreams, aspirations and desires of over a billion people. Wonderful voices can arise from the 24 official regional languages in India recognized by the Academy. Their efforts can become a multi-headed Shesh Nag spouting various interpretations of life, in Indian states. Each language Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Telegu, Punjabi or any of the others has its own literature and tradition of great writers. Let the national award be used for recognizing many more such luminaries, in the future. Let the literature bloom forth and let all who protest today, may become the cheer leaders of a remarkable tomorrow, and the tomorrow after that; in successful succession

Let the voices of these literate people sing out in unison for the betterment of the nation. As the Hindu character of a free, democratic. secular and industrious nation emerges, let us not forget the arts and literature which are needed, for any renaissance to take place in the nation. Repression should yield to open expression, and that in turn will lead to a more cohesive whole of state’s voices, into the national character. The diversity of India is at the core of its beauty, and as this diversity is enhanced it will be even more beautiful to the rest of the world. The digitization of this world and its availability for the development of all, is a very promising shared future for Indian literature and the rest if the world.

Hindus and Muslims have lived together in harmony for centuries and will continue to do so in its Indian states. There is no denying the democratic aspirations of the Muslims or other religions in the nation and they will continue to participate in the parliament and government services as equals. We need to come together as one voice, one overarching manifesto that takes us from the bitterness at things today, into a new progressive and liberal world tomorrow. By blaming a government that one elected, is a meaningless exercise, when there is so much more work to be done.

Let us aspire for higher goals as only through great effort will the results be achieved. Positive expression of languages in its proper literary form is not easy, and we hail all the masters who have done so; to make a greater and more representative India. I hope to see a bright future arise like the lotus, from this murky past, and a civilization develops based on, openness, equality and liberty to pursue happiness in writing.We have had a poet as a PM already and now we can only grow from here.

May a million stories and poems emerge from the melange that is India? Let a thousand songs be sung and may the light of reason shine through their work. Assailing base inhuman feelings is not wise, but a seeking of harmony and human self-expression; is better. I am not saying that we all speak in one voice, but at least we can be the different notes of an orchestra, which makes beautiful music together. The time is to strive and find each one of our own private notes, to express freely, to make a greater whole for our world the best. My writer’s dilemma with these writers is, why be so petty and shallow now? Strive for the greatness that is ours to attain, as a nation of equals.

New Delhi drug problem

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Delhi Law Minister Somnath Bharti said that “I feel like spitting on the face of leaders like Arun Jaitley who do not care about their own public being affected by drug intakes,” he said. “It is not my fault if there are pimps sitting in the Congress and the BJP,” said Bharti in an apparent effort to defend the AAM party’s record in power in New Delhi. The law and order situation is of course not under his control but of the lieutenant governor in this strange arrangement in the city. So Mr. Bharti is excusing the deteriorating situation on everyone around him, and has no immediate plans for improvements, or actions being carried out to bring civility and service to New Delhi. A modern city has to be more effective in carrying out the law.

It is a case of mistaken municipal boundaries and jurisdictions, which are the comedy of what New Delhi; has become. It is a wonder that everything works as well as it does, in spite of all the municipal, State and central organizations, playing their separate parts. Surrendering your public to drugs is clearly a misappropriation of justice, no matter which way you look at it. No excuse for allowing this cancer to fester in a modern city and Mr. Bharti should pound more on the how instead of the why not’s. Vague accusations against leading statesmen do not help this serious cause. Neighboring states are encouraging the outlaw behavior further by being an easy conduit, compounding the problems of drugs slowly spreading in the streets of New Delhi. Vigilance and security need commitment from the Law Minister to go forward in this war, just as the graph shows the drug war in the US, needs constant political commitment..

Being Here

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Labor Day Parade, Union Square, NYC 1882 – Wikipedia

Tomorrow is Labor Day and I just finished the traditional summer Barbecue, and as I have decided that life is just perfect the way it is, nature is also cooperating. It is all a matter of time and place, which is of course here and now, with the sun going down and the white clouds on the Horizon; slowly picking up orange, and pink hues. The Spruce stands tall by the shore of the lake, down poop alley where the geese feed and drop, and at its end; the weeping willows touch the fresh water, in reverence.   Being here, the turkey burgers came out just right, and the corn is juicy and delicious, followed by strawberries and cantaloupe. The dinner done, I head to the community pool and am pleasantly surprised to find it all to myself, in the fading light, of another sunset; over the adjoining lake.

Decades ago when I was still a High School student at St Xavier’s Delhi, a seed had been born in my mind. Swimming in the school pool I had imagined a life as a grown up, and maybe America entered the picture as a wish, as Woodstock had opened a window, into a strange world. College reinforced the image, as the cultural hegemony of the US, continued to spread; like a wild fire, during a global warming summer. Nobel prizes earned, social change post Johnson’s civil rights, and the success of its worldwide brands, seemed to make the US a promised land. We listened to Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel, Jimmy Hendrix, Doors, Carole King and countless others produced in abundance in America, and wondered at the tapestry, that they were weaving into our generation through their ballads and music.

Having arrived on the shores it was more like rediscovering John Steinbeck, Emerson, Poe and the darker sides of inner city living, that was the grim reality. Meals on wheels programs, welfare families dependent on the state, teenage mothers and fathers with little or no education, and charities fighting to better the needy. The struggle from a minimum paying job in the inner city, servicing these people, to my present circumstances working on Healthcare systems, was aided only by my immediate family. They have stood by me in my foolishness and my wisdom and known when to criticize (often) and when to praise (rarely) as I worked out my demons. My labors have borne fruit and we are empty nesters now in an ideal community, little boxes on a hill side all looking the same.

The four seasons pass by and I and my wife weather it well, as the comforts of home betray us from straying far, except when we visit the kids or the parents. We each have our moods and our emotions, and now with the passing decades, have become creatures of habit. The days pass in a routine of predefined activity, and each one plays his\her role, on this life’s stage. Occasionally there is tenderness or emotional bonding, as one plays with one’s grandchild, and sees the circle of life goes on. At other times it is just the two of us in different moods and emotional states, when nothing except time passes slowly. I wonder at the years gone by, and our meaningless life that drifts and flows, borne on the currents of the universe. At other times our patience bears fruit, as we engage in the companionship, that comes, with familiarity and commitment.

So as I swim backstroke in the pool admiring the clouds in the skies and the landscaped trees, I think of my journey from there to here. Is this all that life is meant to be and could I have opted for better choices? Later I lie in the Hot Tub feeling the relaxing pounding of the jets of hot water, and admiring the landscape, and wonder if I have found that illusive Nirvana? I know all this is great and maybe the school pool when I had nothing but pubescent dreams, has led me to this place. Being here is a revelation, and I am at peace finally, as life was always meant to culminate here, in my dreams, and reality is always just a mindfulness away.

But we are not done here and I have to keep working on my Karma as life happens, as we seek newer meanings. I plan to try and find more of those moments of comforting closeness, with my dear ones. They are my Dharma and to be able to see their smiles, and looks of understanding, that we have enough love to share, would be a blessing indeed. It is up to me to be here for them, and only then can they find me, and envelop me in their love. The realization strikes that it is I who have been missing, from my own life; on this Labor Day. “I love you” I whisper to life, especially my companion and all the others, as the Jacuzzi is turned off for last time, this summer. May we be given the wit and courage to repeat it at the opportune time, in our daily lives, to those around us? In the end, no labor however small, is ever lost and the small things matter, as they make us whole.

Make opportunities in life

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Everest North Face toward Base Camp Tibet Luca Galuzzi 2006.jpg

There have been times in my life when I feel that nothing has worked out as per my plan, and at others it seems that the gods have aligned themselves, in my favor. The capricious nature of our existence, changes from day to day, as the universe is vast and the forces of nature working with us, are often far beyond our control. We can only do our karma and trudge on, hoping that we are marching in the right direction to our goal. Our goals are sometime opaque, our companions unruly, and our circumstances strained, to meet them.

Daily distractions keep us back from realizing our true nature, and we lose focus on what we need to do. Then one day you find that 10 years have gone and you are no closer to achieving the goals, which you had set for yourself. At that moment of realization it is important not to give up on the goal, but rather to realign your resources, to try and achieve it. It is easy to give up and blame life and our circumstances and say to oneself, that it was just not meant to be. It is harder to say that life has not given me what I deserve, and I must strive harder to turn it around. We are never alone and the universal powers that surround us, are there for us to harness to our will.

When all hope is lost and we are in the doldrums of inaction, it is harder to gather one’s inner strength and move forward again. It is at those critical times that we must listen to our inner voice and ensure we add the right fuel, to our withering flame. The goal we have set is always within our reach and we just have to believe in ourselves, and reinvigorate ourselves to proceed to it. Faith in oneself is the last frontier, and those of us who light this flame; will find that the goal is already behind us, and new horizons have opened up to us. In the end we will realize that there is no lack of opportunities, there is only the lack of our personal will, to make them ours.

It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves. -Edmund Hillary, mountaineer and explorer (20 Jul 1919-2008)

The energy dilemma

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Finally the growth of renewable energy outpaced that of fossil fuels in the electricity sector last year, with a record of 135 gigawatts of capacity added from wind, solar, hydro-power and other natural sources, a new study by REN21 in Paris, shows. China the leader in coal use today, is becoming the leader in renewable energy now. Globally every day in 2014, seven billion people were gorging on 15 million tons of coal, 92 million barrels of oil, 328 billion cubic feet of natural gas, 200,000 kilograms of uranium and millions of hectares of wind farms, solar panels, forests, cornfields and hydroelectric reservoirs as per a BP study.

Each percentage point of energy’s primary source market share (coal, oil, nuclear, wind, solar, bio fuels, geothermal, etc) is worth hundreds of millions of dollars a year. The stakes are enormous and the market leaders will fight for each point of share, as the demand will continue to boom. Developing countries will increase production to meet the demands of their energy starved citizens, choosing the cheapest alternatives. The good news is that overall energy intensity has stepped down again, which means that a dollar of GDP needs 15 per cent less energy to transact today, than only five years ago.

With a billion people India is just embarking on its coal build out, while nuclear, and other green sources will also grow. Germany is the clear leader in Europe and the US is just limbering up for the fight, with its dystopian public policy and rhetoric, as opposed to ground reality. The G7 may want to go to an alternate energy model by the 21st century but for that to happen, current transportation and heating and cooling of cities are unsustainable and will have to change. Just like the move from wood to coal in the 18th century and from coal to oil in the 20th, we have a lot of work to do in the next few decades.

In the absence of a giant catastrophe that reduces billions of our population, we will have to plan to meet the needs of our young, in a growing population. The next generations need our commitment to reduce waste and improve energy efficiency, while at the same time reducing greenhouse emissions. Climate change will have unintended consequences wiping out many species of flora, fauna and other living beings. As intelligent beings we have to look beyond our own selfish needs, and ensure the Earth is kept as pristine as possible, for life to evolve properly. We will become the dinosaurs of the 22nd century, if we cannot overcome our technical, financial and social problems and resolve our energy needs in an Eco-friendly manner. Disruptive technology is the need of the hour, whether it is fusion, or thorium based nuclear, better bio-fuels, solar, wind etc. and our best brains should be engaged in this race. The survival of humanity is at stake.

Having always had great respect for the Jesuits, it is good to see that Pope Francis, the first Jesuit Pope, using science. When Rick Perry (Republican candidate) said that pronouncements on Climate change, are best left to the scientists; he is perhaps forgetting that the head of his Catholic church, is a trained chemist, and knows what he is talking about. Energy for our future generations is one of the biggest dilemma’s we face and the hard decisions we face today, will shape our future earth and our very survival. May the greening of our energy continue, with greater disruptions in consumption, production and storage.

New Gang of four

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Country Share of Contribution to
Global GDP Growth
—   World 100.0%
1  United States 19.5%
—  European Union 19.1%
2  China 11.4%
3  India 5.1%
4  Japan 4.0%

BNY Mellon Cox’s newest simulation assumes Japan manages to average growth of 2 percent for the rest of this decade, the U.S. 3 percent, China 7 percent and India 8 percent. He says that if this Gang of 4 starts to fire on all four cylinders, then we could see another $ 10 Billion added to the group’s GDP by 2020. This is not an unrealistic scenario as the current leaders Abe, Obama, Xi and Modi are all pushing for better trade treaties and greater growth. In fact these targets may be exceeded if we can only keep war at bay, and not allow any economic shocks to develop.

The banks and the largest corporations have survived the Great Recession, and have learnt a valuable lesson, and their balance sheets are stronger now. The consumer is more willing to spend, and create the demand, that growing industrial companies and service corporations will provide. There is an opening up of trade and commerce, and the next cycle of cheap manufacturing for the masses, is about to start in India. The newly created billions of consumers in Asia will become a driving force, and the young generations will develop the next smart cities, and mass transportation systems.

In my optimistic view these numbers can be surpassed with cheaper fuel costs and greater use of Green energy to save the environment. There is so much demand for green housing, higher education, better skill training, improving healthcare, more geriatric care and improved logistics, that nation building can go on for decades. We just need to balance incomes so the poor can become self-sufficient, and productive citizens. Current disparity if it continues will lead to Larry Summers ‘secular stagnation’ and we will not benefit from a growing middle class. Greater opportunity and greater trade and commerce is the only way out of this morass of low growth. Financial inclusion for the poorest of the poor, is the cry of the hour.

The time is now ripe as we have abundant resources and technology to take humanity, to the next level of existence. With a well-oiled economic engine, we can expect current growth; to create more savings and investments, in a virtuous spiral of growth. We are all in this together and if the stars align, then the new leaders will take the steps to create the right political and social environment, for this economic miracle to take place. I welcome all steps in the direction of human development and peace and prosperity for all. May the next decades be the time, for the emergence of this unlikely  gang of four; to rise to their pinnacle. We look forward to finally eradicating poverty, and bringing human equality, prosperity, dignity and well being to all our citizens.

The gift of Buddha

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Buddha gift

President Xi Jiping of China was just presented with the gift of the model casket that contained the sacred remnants of Gautam Buddha , by the Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, from a 3rd century stupa, in his home state of Gujrat. In the nature of global hegemony, this is a southern attack; on the minds and souls, of the north. The brilliance of this golden move, is something only ancient civilizations that count in millenniums, can truly understand. If peace were to reign between the nations of China, India and the erstwhile country of Tibet then a reintroduction of Buddhism is not a bad approach. In a communist nation, how can their be opposition of a religion; where there is no concept of God, Hell, Heaven or ritual worship.

The middle path is anchored by its four noble truths of suffering, and the eight fold path to escape from this suffering. In India, Buddhism was largely absorbed into the main Hindu faith, and largely disappeared after a thousand years; but in neighboring countries, the faith lived on all over south east asia for a thousand more. My teacher came from Burma (Myanmar) and brought vipasyana meditation back to India and many practice it today. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a living symbol of all the pure thinking and living in Buddhism. When one sees the temples in Sri Lanka one is struck by the simple faith of the island dwellers, and we feel the joy that these people live in. There are already Buddhist traditions and temples all over China and it is time now to try and revive them for the greater good of its people.

As rampant growth was effected by the leadership, as China opened out to the world in the last few decades, something is still lacking. The pheasants who are still on the land live in a different zone but modern China has increasingly Industrialized. These modern cities with well over 10 million residents in many cases, have their citizens seeking more from life; now that their basic needs, have been fulfilled. They seek more from the meaning of life and its purpose, and seek a way to live in harmony with those around them. The average citizen needs to feel a higher calling, and to try and reach a better place in life, than just a humdrum existence of studying, working, retiring and dying. Faith is a great motivator and meditation can bring a calm and happiness, and allow us to improve ourselves, if we just put our minds to it.

There is more to our existence and while we are creators of our own karma, Buddha showed a way of how we could escape from this world of Maya, and desire. His disciplined approach of right thought and action and other steps, showed a deep understanding of nature and how to live in harmony, with all of earth’s creatures. He showed a better way of life, and if followed he said, we could escape from the dharmachakra, and reach a state of Nirvana or holiness, where the suffering that afflicts mortals ends. Knowledge and awareness is the only way to destroy ignorance, which is the root of all suffering, as per the Great Buddha.

Mr. Modi has not squandered away his priceless gift on fools, as there is something deeply symbolic in this giving. It is a hand offered in friendship and faith from one leader of an ancient land to another neighbor, recognizing their common heritage. Human thought and interaction has been progressing for millennium, and now the time has come to redeem some of its ancient promises.’ Hindi Chini bhai bhai’ was a slogan I heard from Chacha Nehru, before the border war in 60s. It may be time to dust off that old slogan, and try a common path for our development. For the sake of half of the world’s population such chances should not be squandered in petty quarreling, over ancient wounds.

Buddham sharanam gacchami,

Sangham sharan gachhami,

Dharmam sharanam gacchami

‘Buddhism is more of a science of the mind than a religion’ as per the Dalai Lama. We need to use our minds to better our common human conditions, and as such any attachment to old thinking must be nirvaaned. We must now move forward recognizing our common heritage, and more importantly our common future, as fellow citizens of our world. Even more important than any economic agreements that we can make in this historic visit, will be the recognition of a commonality of our heritage, and a march to a shared future.

Laughing stock

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A blond-haired Caucasian woman laughing.

If there is one thing one must learn to do if one is to be happy, then one must at the very least; learn to laugh, at this cosmos. Where we exist, is a most perfect place for the creation of happiness; if we do not allow ourselves to get caught up, in weightier matters of why there is existence in the first place. Far safer to smile and accept, and be happy that one exists, and so deserves happiness. The universe is enormous, and we are floating points of matter and light; in a largely dark matter, and dark energy world. What is truly amazing is that amongst all the galaxies we have settled into this Milky Way, which has provided us all the combination of natural forces we require, for life to exist as we know it.

Our very existence is testament to the fact that the pursuit of happiness is the greatest goal for us to achieve. Our ancient vedic prayers state that peace is the final outcome of the state of happiness and every major ceremony ends with the chant of “Om shanti, shanti, shanti, Om” or may peace itself be at peace. This peace after walking down the path of awareness, I realized; is not the silent path, as I had assumed. In fact it takes up all the tumult and excitement of an ever expanding universe, into close consideration. It assumes that natural forces will act as per given laws, and try to be in harmony, with those around them. The success of peace has been written into the creation of our world, as it is the highest law and we will always progress from chaos into peace.

We also pray for the disease free livelihood for all beings on this earth, not just humanity, as we are custodians of a greater order. Our joy has to spread outwards in protection of all species within the laws of nature. Plants, animals, microbes, birds, ocean and sea life must all prosper for us to be at peace.  There is joy in birth, as well as great sorrow; as it also heralds the death, of all who are born. It is how we live in between that matter, in the end. Smile a little as it is not so hard, and laugh a lot, as that is even better. If we could spread the joy, then the dolphins will be our friends in the oceans, and we can fly with the butterflies; on a spring field, of wild flowers. The mighty oak laughs at the heavens as you watch it sprout its leaves in spring, and you weep with happiness at its ancient strength.

Life is a circus and the clowns are endless if we just pay attention to them. We get so caught up in our goals set for a person of high repute, that we lose the art of day to day living. The middle class rebel who laughs at circumstances, has not been a successful caricature in literature; as people are afraid, of such independent characters. As the Buddha said and countless others have reconfirmed, life is a great sorrow. Others are victims of the original sin and as such suffer in silence. Yet the few who have risen above this and are considered saints and learned have all surrendered themselves, to a simple fate. A fate where they spend their lives, in the service of others, becomes their mission. A life where joy comes from serving others, and not by any attachment to things or people.

Happiness is all around us and we only have to draw it into our sphere of influence. If we make one other person happy, then that person will go and make others happy, and the virtuous circle continues. If we center ourselves and radiate happiness then the positive thoughts and actions that follow will have a marked effect on our lives. As Saint Francis prayed “Let me become an instrument of your peace” in one of the most powerful prayers, ever written. The saint is showing us all that the way of peace is greater than the way of conflict and war. Nature dictates that we live and die by its laws and it will be so much better if we all rejoiced in its bounty. Promote peace and obey natural laws and we will all be happier. I ask you what have we got to lose, if you join my happiness, by laughing at this life.