Reachout Blogs: October 2012

Unsung Heroes and Heroines of India

Please read it through the end..... THE SALES GIRL IN CHENNAI GIRI STORE THROUGH THE EYES OF “WASHINGTON POST.”

FORWARD THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW!!

After the Temple Darshan at the Kapaleeswarar Koil at Mylapore, we entered the "Giri Trading stores" and started searching for this Book on "Thatva Bodha".

We found many people buying various Books and CDs and from their smart walks and accumulation of CDs from Abhang to Aruna Sairam and Bhajans to Bombay Jaishree, sent a nice feeling in us, that we have come to the right place indeed.

I was looking for this Book while my wife started collecting Bharathiar's songs and MS's Music. I searched everywhere for this Book.

There was this Girl, standing next to the Cashier, sincerely watching all our movements - a dark complexioned Girl, should be from a nearby Village, might be 17 or 18, should not have crossed 8th Std., might be out of poverty she is here.. All my Journalist's brain unnecessarily calculated about this Gullible Girl..and tho' she was repeatedly watching me, I ignored her and started searching for "Thathva Bodha".

I saw many books from "Sandhya Vandanam" to Swami VIvekananda's "Chicago Speech" but having spent a good 40 minutes. I looked at her, she also looked at me curiously.

I did not asked her, knowing fully well that such a girl cannot have any idea of anything, leave alone "Thathva Bodah"."Sir, may I help you?" (in Tamil)

"Yes. I am looking for 'Thatva Bodha' "

"Sanskrit Text or English/Sanskrit?"

God..she knows. "Sanskrit & English"

"Do you like to have the Publication from Chinmaya Mission or Indu Publications or by Ramakrishna Mutt?"

"I don't know..I just want to only Learn you see.. I don't really know indeed"

"Do you read Tamil Sir?"

"Yes I am a Tamilian " (thinking to myself how most of my life time I like to act in most Other places that I am not)

"Then Sir, you can take this"..she ran to the shelf where I had searched for 30 minutes, removed the books in the front and came out with a Book in Tamil. "This one in Tamil by N.Sivaraman by Indu Publications in fact is simple and wonderful. You have the Sanskrit Text too inside."

My God! Why did I under estimate such a Genius. Just because of my Arrogance that I am an NRI. Or Just because I presumed such a Black, dark complexioned, gullible girl, who would have come for this job out of absolute poverty, wouldn't have any idea of "Thatva Bodha".

I decided to change my attitude and realized that I am absolutely an 'Idiot' at this moment in front of this wonderful girl and submitted myself in all humility. "Madam, I really don't have any idea of even who wrote 'Thatva Bodha' till yesterday. I just attended a lecture on this subject and was fascinated by the lecture and hence....."

"Did you attend Goda Venkateswara Sastri's lecture in Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan?" "Oh God, How did you know?"

"He regularly takes classes on such subjects. In fact he is one of the best Sir, in the city on such subjects."

"You are interested in such subjects?"

"Yes Sir, I read a lot about Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna and Thathva Bodha incidentally is my favourite Subject"

"Do you mean to say you have read Thatva Bodha?" "I have read this one by Sivaraman. Once you read it you won't feel like keeping that book on the table at all."

"Why what is so great about this Book?"

"Sir,you must be joking that you don't know about 'Thatva Bodha'."

"Really. I accept my ignorance."

My wife was watching from the corner, admiring all her CD collections.

"Sir,according to me, if you read this it gives the entire Vedanthic Saramsam and to say it in-one-word you become a bit more humble in life, leaving Ahamkaram once for all."

"Is it a fact that reading this simple book one would get so humble?"

"Of course one should be involved totally into the text. Needs a lot of conviction and devotion."

My wife joined the conversation and she felt this girl is indeed a very very talented intelligent girl, so she told me,

"Why don't you interview her for Washington Post? Why at all you should think of Paris Hilton?"

I also felt that I owe something to her.. So, I asked her whether she can spare sometime for an interview.

She politely refused saying "My boss is to give me permission. Besides, many people are looking for guidance or help, like you and hence I have to go."

"What is your name?"

"Kalaivani."

My wife's admiration for her devotion to duty and her total involvement in her work, made her go direct to the Boss and said, "Sir, that girl Kalaivani."

"Yes very hard working Girl."

"This is my husband Viswanath."

"Nice meeting you Sir"

"He is the Senior Journalist in Washington Post."The Boss stood up."Washington Post?"

"Yes Sir. I would like to interview this girl. I am highly impressed with her ethics."

The Boss called her. Time was 5:45 Pm. "Kalaivani, they have come all the way from USA., They would like to spend some time with you. Can you?"

"Sir, there are so many customers waiting for some guidance. as it is a rush time. If they can come again tomorrow."

"OK. I can come again tomorrow."I came back next day morning leaving all my appointments with 'Times of India 'and “Madras Press Club “ just to see this girl. It was no rush hour. My wife and myself found out. Kalaivani is from a small village near Arcot. She has 5 sisters, she being is the eldest. Her father was a drunkard and he died a few years ago caring for none of them. Her mother used to work as a helper in Masonry and passed away two years back, leaving all the 6 on the streets.

This girl who had completed her 9th std decided to search for a job and 'Giri Trading' came forward to help her out. She brought up all her 5 sisters with her and with her meagre salary she is taking care of them. All the 5 sisters are going to a nearby Chennai Corporation School.

"Kalaivani. But when did you get this enthusiasm to learn about 'ThatvaBodha'?"

"Sir after joining here, I decided that the best way to be of help to the customers is to know the Subject first. I took small Books on Ramana, Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and started reading. I found the subject so fascinating..I decided to read other books in Tamil like Bhagavad Gita, and Viveka Choodamani. Thats how...."

"What is your salary?"

"Rs 2,500/ a month Sir."

"Are you able to manage all your expenses with the 5 sisters?"

"Not at all Sir, but the Boss helps me a lot."

"What is your aim in Life?"

"I want all my sisters to get education. Then they would easily get employment. Is it not Sir?"

"If I give you Rs 10,000 per month, for meeting all your expenses, would that suffice?"

"It is indeed too much, but I would accept it only through my Boss. “We took her to the Boss and told him that we would like to send Rs.10,000 every month so that all her sisters' education would be completed.

The Boss said "She deserves it Sir. You can trust me - I will hand over the amount to her every month or alternately you can open an account in her name and start transferring to the account."

My friend John Paul, who is the Regional Manager of 'Times of India” had also come with me. He said, "You have done a good thing", My wife said, "I pray that 'Karpagambal' helps Kalaivani to become an expert in 'Vedantha' and start giving lectures in USA . We can arrange for her lectures."

We left wonder struck! If we go into the interiors of India, how many more 'Jewels' like Kalaivani can be found!!

I really became humbled!

There are thousands of unsung heroes in the depth of India and everywhere on this earth. Each and every one of us should help however humble it may be, to bring them out in the fore.

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Zen Magnets : Highest rated Demo on the Web

This is highest rated Magnet Sphere demonstration video on the web.

Zen Magnets are small but curiously strong rare earth super-magnets, 5mm in diameter. How powerful? 8 Times more powerful than the ceramic magnets driving your speakers. 30 Times more powerful than the average fridge magnet.

Pull them into a chain, fold them into a fabric, and meld them into limitless shapes: both abstract and geometric, flat or 3D. Use them when you need to massage your mind, practice your patience, relieve some boredom or alleviate some stress.

Head feeling a bit dull? Maybe your brain just needs to get up and stretch a bit. You know, give it some exercise, get the blood flowing; make that gray matter in your skull stronger, faster. If allowed, Zen magnets can be a great workout for both hemispheres of your brain: The left brain - directing the right hand - that is responsible for logic, math and language. The right brain - controlling the left hand - that is responsible for spatial abilities, creativity and visualization. With total creative control,
Zen magnets are more than the average puzzle advent, they are an enjoyable means to actual mental development.

Simple, safe, proven and effective self-healing technique

Sit upright with the head in line with the spine and both feet on the floor, hands gently placed on your lap. Close your eyes.

Become relaxed by slowly breathing in and out for a few minutes.

Now, visualize the universal life force that fills the air and draw it into your body as you breathe in.

See it as a white light and direct it down the spine all the way to the base of the spine. On the out-breath, bring the white light back up the spine but push it out through the heart chakra, which is the subtle energy center outside of your body, just in front of the breastbone. Allow the heart chakra to be charged with this white light.

You are now charging yourself with universal life force or prana.

Next, place your hands where you would like the healing to take effect. For example, if you need healing for your knee, place both hands on the knee, one above and one below. Continue breathing in white light but, on the out-breath, allow the energy to flow down the arms and hands as well as the heart chakra. Feel the healing energy leaving the palms of your hands and entering the affected area. Do not spend more than 10 minutes on each area.

The chakras or energy centres in the palms of your hands are your healing tools.

If you just want general healing to recharge and balance your energies, place both hands over the solar plexus chakra, just above the navel, the left hand underneath and the right hand on top. The solar plexus is the life energy battery of your body. Breathe in white light through the nostrils, down the spine to the base. On the out-breath push the white light up the spine a little, then out to the solar plexus center and exhale the energy into this center. Do this exercise for no more than 21 out-breaths.

On completion of the healing you may conclude with a prayer of thankfulness and then detach.

Now you know a safe, well-proven and effective healing technique.

The Six Most Important Vitamins and Minerals

When we diet and cut down our calories, we usually limit the intake of certain foods, which means we may not get all the vitamins and minerals that are vital to our health.

While keeping our weight down is important, we have to be careful not to harm our health in the process, and to do so, make sure your intake always includes the following vital materials:

Magnesium

- Minimal Daily recommended amount: Men: 420 mg. | Women: 320 mg.

- Why we need it: Magnesium is essential for muscle performance and the operation of our nervous system. It keeps the heart healthy, regulates the levels of sugar in the blood, supports the immune system and keeps our bones strong.

- Signs of shortage: Lack of appetite, nausea, headaches, forgetfulness, aching or twitching muscles, tension and chronic fatigue.

- Sources: Almonds, leafy vegetables such as basil, Parsley and Spinach. Salmon, Cashew Nuts, Soy Beans, Pinto Beans, Whole grains, Lentils, Bananas and Yogurt.

Vitamin D

- Minimal Daily recommended amount: 5-15 micrograms (mcg)

- Why we need it: Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium, is crucial for bone growth, muscle performance and maintaining the immune system. The vitamin also reduces the risk of bone degeneration and along with calcium may prevent osteoporosis.

- Signs of shortage: Rickets in muscles and bones. Symptoms for this disease include repetitive bone pain and muscle weakness.

- Sources: consumption: salmon, tuna, mackerel, cod liver oil, beef, cheese, egg yolks, fortified milk, soy milk, orange juice and yogurt (small amount), 10-15 minutes in the sun.

Calcium

- Minimal Daily recommended amount: 1000-1200 mg.

- Why we need it: Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and healthy teeth, as well as daily bodily functions such as muscle contraction, blood clotting and transmitting neural signals.

- Signs of shortage: No immediate symptoms, but long term effects include osteoporosis.

- Sources: Dairy products, yogurt and cheese, fortified orange juice, almonds, leafy vegetables like kale and spinach, sardines, tofu, tahini, salmon, soy milk, broccoli and black beans.

Folic Acid

- Minimal Daily recommended amount: 400 mcg.

- Why we need it: It isn't that folic acid is only crucial for pregnant women or women who are trying to get pregnant, but it is also essential for all human beings to create DNA and RNA strands (the building blocks of our bodies). Folic acid also helps in the creation of red blood cells and prevent the occurrence of anemia. It may also prevent cancer cells from forming.

- Signs of shortage: Diarrhea, loss of appetite, losing weight, weakness, tongue sores, headaches, heart palpitations, irritability and forgetfulness. Pregnant women who aren't getting enough folic acid risk premature birth or birth defects.

- Sources: Temples greens like broccoli, spinach and Brussels sprouts, legumes such as chickpeas and beans, peanuts and nuts, corn, avocado, brown rice, fruits like bananas, oranges and papaya.

Iron

- Minimal Daily recommended amount: 8-18 mg.

- Why we need it: The body needs iron to create hemoglobin, a material in red blood cells that allows oxygen to move throughout the body. Iron helps create red blood cells and fights anemia and fatigue, improves our memories and is essential to the growth process. Without it, we may suffer a degeneration of the spine, problems with our reproductive system and blood shortage.

- Signs of shortage: Dizziness, fatigue, anemia, pallor, low energy levels and headaches.

- Sources: Spinach, oatmeal, lentils, chicken, tofu, clams, barley, baked potatoes with skins, peanuts and flaxseed.

Zinc

- Minimal Daily recommended amount: 8-12 mg.

- Why we need it: Zinc keeps our immune system healthy, heals and protects the skin, increases brain activity, is essential for emphasizing the senses of taste and smell and can even give some relief to PMS symptoms.

- Signs of shortage: Loss of appetite, weight loss, slow healing of wounds, dry skin, hair loss, diarrhea, disruptions in senses of smell and taste and 'foggy' memory.

- Sources: Lean beef, oysters, chicken, beans, yogurt, cashews and sunflower seeds.

Contributed by: sharad_tiwari19 @yahoo.co.in

The Choice is Simply Your Own

Zig Zigler, well-known motivational speaker, tells the story about a thief who was robbed. The incident took place back in 1887 in a small neighborhood grocery store when a middle-aged gentleman, Emanuel Nenger, gave the assistant a $20 note to pay for the turnip greens he was purchasing. When the assistant placed the note in the cash drawer she noticed that some of the ink from the $20 came off on her hands, which were wet from wrapping the turnip greens.

She'd known Mr. Nenger for years and was shocked. She pondered, "Is this man giving me a counterfeit $20 note?" She dismissed the thought immediately and gave him his change. But $20 was a lot of money in those days so she notified the police who, after procuring a search warrant, went to Emanuel Nenger's home where they found in his attic the tools he was using to reproduce the counterfeit $20 notes. They found an artist's easel, paint brushes, and paints which Nenger was using to meticulously paint the counterfeit money. He was a master artist.

The police also found three portraits that Nenger had painted—paintings that sold at public auction for a little over $16,000! The irony was that it took him almost as much time to paint a $20 note as it did to paint those portraits that sold for more than $16,000 each.

The man who robbed Emanuel Nenger was Emmanuel Nenger. We do the same whenever we cheat or break the law—including God's laws—for illegitimate gain. And while most of us wouldn't rob another person of his or her material possessions, it is very easy to rob a person's reputation through idle gossip.