The flight of Alone to the Alone

The life which is so dear to us & also we are so possessive about; actually has a lone journey.
The Almighty who has created us haven’t given any companion to us, we were all alone while we borne. Then by the rule of nature we have grown up… physically, mentally and spiritually. Spirituality, which is so important for each and every one of us, that it should be practiced by ourselves. No one can lead us in the way of spiritual improvement or practice. The real meaning of our life, the realization of God has to be found only by ourselves.
Its something like, if we feel hungry we have to make arrangement for our food, no one will feed us. Same way in the spiritual path we have to attain the spiritual realization until and unless we realize the supreme power.
The flight of alone to the alone… the first alone referred to us, who borne alone, will leave the bode alone; only the mid stage, due to the dominance of Maya, we are forgetting our real goal of life and live as if we are of all these community or society and also for which its really painful while we are leaving the world.
And the second alone is referred to the one and only Almighty, the supreme power, who is ruling the universe.
Though we believe it or not (about the existence of God), God is there with form(the image), without form, and also above the form and formless. It is all up to us the way we believe in the supreme lord.
As an example I would say, the water… some says it as aqua, some says it as neer, some says it as jal and to some its pani… but the actual thing remains same, the water only. Its only ones view to take the thing the way they prefer. Likewise, the existence of the Almighty is also true.
And our lone jourly to reach the ultimate goal, to realize the spirituality, even in ourselves will be completed only after the actual realization, when truly we’ll feel the oneness with God and visualize him in each & everyone.
As Swami Vivekananda says “The Ultimate Goal of all Mankind is but one- Reunion with God”.

Mesmerizing Mysore

This time a memorable visit to the beautiful, mesmerizing city, Mysore. It’s my second visit to the city. The very first thing which took my attention is the very cool climate and the cleanliness of the city. The journey towards Mysore to memorable for which I’m really grateful to the kids who has accompanied me all the time, till the end. As soon as you entered the city we all were touched by the pleasant environment. In a Friday morning we I mean me, mom and sis have reached Mysore. Actually the hotel where we are supposed to stay was filled so we have moved to the other lodge. The great thing of that lodge is it’s just opposite to the holy Panchamukhi Ganapaty temple.
So after fresh up first we have started for Mysore Ramakrishna Math, the place I just loved at first site. Beautiful temple, wonderful garden, so many lotus in small lake, gentle breeze and the calm, peaceful environment, so much of green ...everything was so good that I felt like being there itself. Anyways after arriving there we’ve gone to the shrine, made pranam to Thakur, holy mother and Swamiji then prayed for some times. After that we went to meet the swamiji maharaj. Then we’ve gone to see the bookstall. It was nice. Then after having prasad we’ve moved to our lodge. After taking rest for few while we’ve started to see the RIMSE (Ramakrishna Institute of Moral and Spiritual Education) which mainly renowned for its museum which consist of all the various religions of the world. After entering there anybody would feel like he has come in a world of different cast, religion and all their histories from the very beginning. The institute also has a meditation hall and prayer hall. It was a cool evening. After finishing all those we have returned to the ashram which is also very close to Sri Govindaraj Temple. Then we have attended the evening aarati in the math and then came back to hotel.
The next day our actual journey began. By 7.00am we got into the bus. Then at first we reached Mysore Art Gallery a remarkable place of Mysore built by the Maharaja of Mysore (which anciently known as Mahishur). After visiting that we’ve move to the shopping center. We had a great time. Got some particles specially made by sandalwoods and some more things. Then we moved to the Chamunda hill which is around 12 km far from the city. On the top of the hill there is the temple of Sri Chamundeshwari Devi. The place is 3450km above from sea level. From the top we viewed the aerial view of the whole city. It was truly a great experience. On the way back we saw the statue of bull which is known as Nandi’s statue and also the 4th biggest Nandi statue in India.
It was already 1.30pm and right from early morning we’re traveling, have take anything except some light snack. So we all have gone to restaurant and had our lunch.
Now it was the time to visit the great Mysore Palace which is the one of the main attraction of Mysore. The location, the construction everything was nice. There are four entrance of the palace but the main entrance is only one. The other experience which we had for the first time is, roaming around the palace in a hoarse-carriage (ghora-gari).
Then from there we move to the Zoo which is quit far from the city. After zoo we have gone to visit the Cathedral Church (St. Philomena’s Church) which is the fourth tallest church in the country. This is the other place which would be liked by everyone and it is truly an excellent place … might the climate made that more charming.
Then it was another long journey to Sriranga Pattanam, the place of great Tipu Sultan. There we’ve visited the Vishnu Temple.
And then we have started for the famous Brindavan Garden. Somewhere around evening 6.30 we reached there. Actually the garden has divided into two main parts, one is south garden and the other is north garden. The main attraction is on the north garden which has dance of the fountain with the music with colorful lights. South garden also has the same thing but without the musical dance. To go to north garden boating is also available.
It was about to rain but doesn’t rain so the climate was cool. So this was about my visit to Mysore which ended with some happy and memorable moments.

Puchun Zindagi Se..

Zindagi…ankhon mein kitne haseen kwab sajati hai..
pholon se mehekte khwab
sitaron se jagmagate khwab
shabnam se baraste khwab
Phir kabhi yun bhi hota hai ki, pholon ke daliyon se,
Khwab ke sare parinde ur jate hain, aur aankhe hayran si rahe jati hai…

Puche dilse.. kyun hota hai aysa..
Ke hum soche kuch aur, ho kuch aur
Kuch aysa bhi to ho ke zindagi me nayi bahar aa jaye
Khushiyon ki nayi phuwar cha jaye
Par dilne kabhi humari pukar na suni..
Aur sare sapne kuch ayse kho gaye, ke khud hume hi pata na chala…

Dukh to nahi, par shikwah hai us uparwale se..
Kyun bhul gaye tum zindagime humari rang bharna?
Kyun bhul gaye tum khwayishe humari puri karma?

Akele me baithe, bas yahin puchun zindagi se..
Ye saza hume hi khun mili, Ke zindagi hote huye bhi zindagi hi na rahi...

Saraswati Puja

Today it is the holy occasion of Saraswati Puja.Devi Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music and arts (in North & North East of India).

Always the very day reminds me the time while I was at home.

Weeks before the preparation of puja will start. Almost in every house they are conducting this holy occasion. The day before puja I used to go to market with ma to get the idol. It would take quit a few hours to choose the idol of our choice. So we used to start quit earlier, by morning itself. Then the other purchasing, I mean the necessities for puja, fruits & all that. Yeah, one very important thing is to get the appointment of the priest, who’d be very busy by the time. So we’ve to book the priest some 4-5 days before itself.
The entire climate will be so nice that even the environment itself will make you happy. Everywhere they’ll play aarati songs and other puja songs in every street.
Then…the very day will come, for which we are waiting for a long while. The pervious night we would hardly sleep because of the loud music of puja songs in full volume of different artists from the clubs. But we will make ourselves sleep as the next day has to get up soon. Early in the morning (around 4.30am) we used to get up, as we have to finish the arrangement for puja. As its quite early so the climate would be bit chill too. Then after taking bath we would start our work… washing puja vessels, cleaning and washing the place, cutting the fruits and all & arrange them into plates, lighting the deepam, arranging the flowers… etc.
Then the priest will arrive. Those who want to offer anjali should not eat before the offering i.e. till the puja gets over. The puja will start. To give anjali we all sit together by taking flowers in hand. Then the chanting of puja mantra will start where we have to follow the priest. The puja will continue for some 1 or 1and half hour. After that we will take the prasadam and distribute to others.
Then we’ll get ready to go to school. Actually this is the day when all supposed to dress in a traditional Bengali. So girls used to wear and go to school and it will also be too nice to see all in colorful dresses than uniforms. As even in the school too puja will be conducting so after reaching there will become busy again with various activity. Some will help in puja arrangements; some will have to look after the guests who have come from different institutes.
Mostly we would have our lunch in school itself. That day’s special menu (almost everywhere) will be Khichuri, labra (a vegetable curry specially made only for puja) and a fried item. And to be honest it would be so good.
Then after lunch we’ll form some group and move towards different schools and others places, also to visit the goddess of those places. Only by late afternoon we used to reach our home, completing the visit of almost all the places.
Evening we used o gather for the puja conducting in our area. Even the decoration will be nice to see. They’ll play the puja songs. After evening aarati we are getting the prasadam and then get back to home. Thus the wonderful day will get over with lots of unforgettable happy moments. Jai Ma Saraswati… so in this occation let us pray to bless us with proper knowledge and intellect & be with us always..

Its chill again!!

Hey it’s chill again! The temp of my native has come down to around 3 degree Celsius. Cool na!!
Well it would be some 6.30a.m when uncle sun will wake up. Slowly the day’s work will start. Children’s will be preparing to go to school...teens will start for their tuition/coaching class. By 11am schools will be starting for their activities. The whole day there will be charming gentle breeze. By 4.15pm classes are getting over. Even that time itself it would be about to night (while we’ll be in the mid afternoon). Birds would have started to return to their home to get the warmth. But its early from the morning itself that we have to wear sweater, shawl etc. And in the evening think what if hot samosa, bonda, bhajji, pakoura, vada will bring up to you!!! Ummm…..main marjawan… and yeah with a cup of garmagaram tea. There might be a group talk better to say a winter gossip with all these. It would be so comforting sitting by the side of fire, in this very evening. Ah! the very thought itself tempting… isn’t it? Spring has come already, but it seems still agartala is not ready to leave her darling winter.
Slowly the time passes.. serials will go on and on in T.V. but no one will be willing to come out from the comfort & warmth of the quilt… it’d be around 8.30 or 9pm when the call for dinner will come. Though there’ll not be any desire, but‘ve to come out of the bed. Dinner got over. Hmmm… its time to go to sleep (which I often referred as “nidradevi”)… that time I mean after food even the bed will attract terribly. So bidding by to all T.V programs everyone will be surrendering themselves to my dear “nidradevi”. That’s the lifestyle of a winter season. The cool, smiling nature of this great “Winter”. Missing you agartala… but really...Winter Rocks!!

Didi's Birthday

A cool morning..mom called early in the morning to wish didi for her 24th B'day...23 autumns has gone away..hope she had a nice journey. The morning has started quit fast. So I couldn’t spend much time with her..just a hearty wish. Then I’ve started for my college. Evening I‘ve gone to Ms R’s house..a sweet friend of mine.. and her mom too so lovely..also had my favorite dish there..then a little talk..meanwhile called didi and asked her to come there..later R’s dad has come..he asked me to sing something. I sang some two songs (one Rabindra sangeet and one my favorite singers’ song)..though I had no practice, they told I did well. Then it was Ms R’s turn to sing. Even she did well with two Bengali and one Hindi song. Then we all had a nice conversation. After so many yrs her dad reminded me a short story of my school days. It was so good. Then we both went to pick up sis from the stoppage. After didi has come she too requested to sing something which she likes. She started with Thakur’s (Sri Ramakrishna ParamahamshaDev) song, which is incidentally my favorite too. And then a Rabindra sangeet. Then a nice dinner completed with a delicious custard.. Then from there we’ve gone to Kalibari (as it is Amavasya, so puja was going over there). We made pranam..prayed to Mother Kali..then to other god’s..Thakur, Holy Mother, Sivan and Ganesh. As it was getting late so we haven’t wait for prasadam,I mean “khichuri”. Then back to home. On the way she was telling her day’s experience in the office..it was so good it seems..all wishes (direct and via mail) from her near and dear ones..gifts and all that.. So, thus the special day ended with a different flavor by the touch of Holy Mothers blessings.

Words of Swami Vivekananda

When I Asked God for Strength

He Gave Me Difficult Situations to face

When I Asked God for Brain & Brown

He Gave Me Puzzles in Life to Solve

When I Asked God for Happiness

He Showed Me Some Unhappy People

When I Asked God for Wealth

He Showed Me How to Work Hard

When I Asked God for Favors

He Showed Me Opportunities to Work Hard

When I Asked God for Peace

He Showed Me How to Help Others

God Gave Me Nothing I Wanted

He Gave Me Everything I Needed

A moral... on the occation of Swamiji's Birthday

Today is a very significant day. 145years ago great persona has born in the holy land of India. Yes this is the very day when Swami Vivekananda has born in Shimulia, a place in kolkata. He is renowned for his literature in Advayta Vedanta, especially for spreading the divinity of Hindu religion and Indian culture across the world.

This Hindu monk, whos wordings are still applicable to all aspects of life, be it education or something else his sayings are acceptable. Those are the words which lead us towards the spiritual path with perfection.

Today I’ll tell about an incident with a great moral which may not be known to many of us.

It was the time of second war between the European countries, Germany, Italy and the Empire of Japan. A person called Peter was there in the European army as a soldier. Swami Vivekananda was there in Europe at that period of time.

Once Peter has gone to friends’ residence and by his surprise he saw Swamiji has arrived there for a special lecture. From the outside of the room he was seeing Swamiji. While leaving the place Swamiji called that boy (Peter) and asked him to meet him some particular day. On the certain day he came to meet Swamiji and asked to sit. For some moments Swamiji was looking into his eyes. Then slowly he started speaking. He told to Peter “Today I’m going to teach a very special thing”. By hearing this Peter has become very happy and eager to know the lesson which this great Hindu monk is going to teach him.
[P.S. By that time itself he was quite famous in the western countries after his lecture on Vedanta and the aspect of the universal acceptance of Hindu religion in the World’s Parliament of Religions which has held at Chicago.]

Then very enthusiastically he asked “Sir, what is that special thing you’re going to tell me?” Swamiji replied “I’ll teach you to love the Death.”

Hearing thing Peter became shocked. He couldn’t believe this will be the words for which he became so eager. His face has become red in anger. He told to Swamiji in a harsh voice, “Do you know what you are really talking about? Do you know who am I? I’m from a prestigious family. Still I’m young, have such an amount of wealth which are more than enough for my rest of the life. Why should I think of death at this stage itself?”

Swamiji didn’t tell anything. There was only a smile on his face. He just told “May God bless you son! Today you’ll not understand, but one day you’ll remember my words”.

After that incident so many months has passed away. The war has also started in Soviet Union. Millions of military, civilian died because of this war. Everywhere there was the shadow of Death. Even being a military by seeing all these Peter became s scared of his life. All the time he used to think that its only the Death who is knocking his door. He became so depressed that even he lost all interest in his life.

At that time, one night all of a sudden, Swamiji’s words flashed into his mind. Swamiji wanted to teach him how to love the Death. It’s not to accept death by that time itself, but only to face it boldly at any moment of time. To love Death, that whenever it’ll come we would be able to welcome it with bravery, need not to run away from that or not to be even afraid of that (death).

But Peter misunderstood and talked about his wealth & fame, but forgot that at the last none of these will remain.

After so many years, he met with Swami Niranjananada, a swamiji of Ramakrishna Mission, Belur math and shared his experience.

There were tears while describing about the incident by thinking that, perhaps… perhaps he would have listened to swamiji’s words! But it was too late to realizes his own mistake as Swamiji has left his worldly physique long before.

Though its late, but its good that at least he has understood the meaning of Swamiji’s saying and showed his respect and devotion to Swamiji’s words.

A visit to the Belur Math

The Belur Math, which is renowned for the universal center of Ramakrishna Math and Mission. The day we arrived there, was pretty hot. You can reach there either by bus or train. From the bus stand it took some 20minutes for us to reach the main temple. On the way to the temple we saw the museum where various things are presents which have been used by Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother &Swamiji.There are even some articles which have been used by them. Next to that building there is the library hall which contains all books related to Ramakrishna-Vivekananda literature and also about Vedanta in various languages. Nearby that place there is the head quarter of the monks, named “Sadhu Niwas”.
Even though it was an afternoon in summer we haven’t feel that much hot, as the road which lead to the main temple is full of trees by the roadside. Cool breeze was blowing.
Around 4.15pm we entered into the main temple where Sri Ramakrishna’s idol is situated. The environment seemed so peaceful and calm that we found no intension to leave the place. Anyway after prayer we came out of the temple. Then we’ve gone to see Swamiji and Holy mother Sri Sarada Devi’s temple.
All the temples are so beautiful. In front of Swamiji’s temple there is a lovely garden and also the bloomed flowers have been organized in a great way. Even inside the temple area you’ll find the viridity. Near the main temple there is a place where people can sit and relaxed. And it’s on the grass!! But you’d never feel that, as they are so smooth that it’ll feel like sitting on a velvet cloth. And here comes another significance of this place… holy river Ganga, which flows very near from the Swamiji’s temple.
Ganga, known as “Paapvinashini”, destroys and sweeps away all sins and makes everyone feel divine and pure.
So we sat down by the side of the river to get relaxed. Gentle air was coming and we’re feeling so refreshed. The environment too was very pleasant. It’s also a place where you can cherish the nature.
The river flows between two places. At one side it’s Belur and in the other side there is Dakshineshwar, which is famous for its Kali temple (Mother Bhabatarini’s temple). To reach there we got into a boat, as we have to cross the river. The experience was excellent. It took some 35minuts to reach Dakshineshwar. After reaching we headed for the Kali temple. As the evening aarti has started so there was big crowd near the temple. But somehow we made our way to enter into the temple.
Opposite to the Kali temple there are twelve Shiva temples with twelve different Shivalinga and their different names. Also near the temple there is “Balaram Mandir”. At the corner of the temple there is the room where Sri Ramakrishna has stayed and the Nahabat where Holy Mother stayed and done all her works as meditation, cooking, taking care of guests and all other things.
Just by the river side there is a place called “Panchabati” where Sri Ramakrishna has meditated for a long period and also had all the spiritual realization. Still the great Panchabati tree is present where Thakur (Sri Ramakrishna) and his disciples used to do their meditation and spiritual practices. The place of Dhyana, so holy and pure that even now we can feel the divinity.
It was around 8pm that we finished visiting all the places and started for home… with the blessed thoughts.

home.. sweet home..

It was the month of December, I’m back home after 2yrs, fortunately got a big break after my semester exams. Agartala my hometown, a lovely city. I was dying to see my native after my exams. There are some changes has been made in the city since my last visit, but still its as charming as before. Cool climate (around 8 to 9degree) as it’s the time of December. This is a religious place too. You can see no. of temples in and around the city, such as Kalibari, Siva temple, Lakshmi-Narayan temple, Jagannath temple, Radha-Madanmohan temple, Hanuman temple, Krishna temple and so on. There are also three centers of Sri Ramakrishna Math and Mission, which are in continuous service of people and spreading the gospel of Sri Ramakrishna and the teaching of Vedanta.

There is a “Rajbari” named as Ujjayanta Palace (king’s palace), center of the city, which has an enchanting view. You can even mistake that as the Mysore Palace. I’d say its even more beautiful than that. In front of the palace there is beautiful garden also there is a large pond, where no. of ducks is playing all the time.

In the ancient time Tripura’s King, Maharaja Bir Bikram was staying there. At present the Rani is staying there (occationally, as they have three other palaces).

Part of the palace has become parliamentary house. Behind the palace there is a cultural center, named “Town Hall”. Different kind of dance and music program, drama, and play by various well named artists are conducting here. Few steps from here, there is the AIR (all India radio) station “Akashvani”. There are also some music academies present here.

“Sukanta Academy”, a science city center, situated in the central area if agartala. It is a center which various scientific instruments equipped here; also so many science exhibitions are conducting here. It consists of a big Planetarium too and also various model of NASA satellites. About some 5km far from the city, a place called shekercot; there is another science city, named “Arkanir”.

There is some 3 to 4 children’s park near our area. One of them is “Rabindra Kanan”, a wonderful place to visit. Just opposite to that there is “Malancha Niwas”, the place where the great writer, poet and Nobel Prize winner Rabindranath Tagore has stayed once. Few kilometers from here there is a Buddhist Temple. Another place is “Nehru Park”, which has a wonderful garden, falls, various games for children’s etc. And one more is “Vivek Udyan”, which is significant for the large statue of Swami Vivekananda in the middle of the park.

Here you will find the people with a friendly behaviour.They’ll be always by your side for any necessity. A big NIT (national institute of technology) campus is situated about some 9km far from the city. Hey I forgot to tell the actual reason for which I was dying to go home and that is my mom’s dish. Ah! Its heaven! So delicious it is. I...i really have no words to describe it. After all these years in hostel and with the food, truly I wanted to have my mothers cooking.

So, this was about my native, in a brief. Still there are so much to tell, but...will tell you in my upcoming blogs, if you want to know.

So, this was my first blog. I’ll be expecting your comments. Please let me know your views.