Monday, January 19, 2009

Weakness Or Strength

Sometimes your biggest weakness can become your biggest strength.

One 10-year-old boy who decided to study judo despite the fact that he had lost his left arm in a devastating car accident. The boy began lessons with an old Japanese judo master. The boy was doing well, so he couldn't understand why, after three months of training the master had taught him only one move.

"Sensei," the boy finally said, "Shouldn't I be learning more moves?"

"This is the only move you know, but this is the only move you'll ever need to know," the Sensei replied.

Not quite understanding, but believing in his teacher, the boy kept training. Several months later, the Sensei took the boy to his first tournament. Surprising himself, the boy easily won his first two matches. The third match proved to be more difficult, but after some time, his opponent became impatient and charged; the boy deftly used his one move to win the match.

Still amazed by his success, the boy was now in the finals. This time, his opponent was bigger, stronger, and more experienced. For a while, the boy appeared to be overmatched. Concerned that the boy might get hurt, the referee called a time-out. He was about to stop the match when the Sensei intervened.

"No," the Sensei insisted, "Let him continue."

Soon after the match resumed, his opponent made a critical mistake: he dropped his guard. Instantly, the boy used his move to pin him. The boy had won the match and the tournament. He was the champion.

On the way home, the boy and Sensei reviewed every move in each and every match. Then the boy summoned the courage to ask what was really on his mind.

"Sensei, how did I win the tournament with only one move?"

"You won for two reasons," the Sensei answered. "First, you've almost mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo. And second, the only known defense for that move is for your opponent to grap your left arm."

The boy's biggest weakness had become his biggest strength.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

THE TAILOR'S NEEDLE

A tailor was at work. He took a piece of cloth and with a pair of shining, costly, scissors, he cut the cloth into various bits.

Then he put the pair of scissors at his feet. Then he took a small needle and thread and started to sew the bits of cloth, into a fine shirt. When the spell of sewing was over, he stuck the needle on to his turban.

The tailor's son who was watching it asked him: "Father, the scissors are costly and look so beautiful. But you throw them down at your feet. This needle is worth almost nothing; you can get a dozen for an Anna (25 paise). Yet, you place it carefully on your head itself. Is there any reason for this illogical behaviour?"

"Yes, my son. The scissors have their function, no doubt; but they only cut the cloth into bits. The needle, on the contrary, unites the bits and enhances the value of the cloth. Therefore, the needle to me is more precious and valuable. The value of a thing depends on its utility, son, not on its cost-price or appearance."

REFLECTION

Similarly, there are two classes of people in the world-1. those who create dissensions and disharmony, who separate man from man; and 2. those who bring about peace and harmony, who unite people.

The former category of people are generally some of the rich snobbish people, like some of the mighty, haughty kings or politicians and people of high status and power who have only money, name and fame in their minds and totally disinterested of the actual welfare of the people and nation, some of the religious fanatics who cause terror in the name of God, and others who are hungry for power and fame that they eventually destory peace and harmony among the people and nation.

The latter category of people are generally the poor and sincere devotees of the Lord, the penniless wandering monks, and mendicants who completely renounce everything at the feet of the Lord and with whose prayers the world is still in balance forbearing the calamities, injustice and tragedies. They are emodiments of peace and mercy and their mere glance brings a total serenity in minds of people and their only goal is to bring unity, peace and harmony among the people and make people realise their divinity and attain happiness.

The Lord makes use of both these 2 categories of people to carry on HIS function of providing the field for the evolution of individual souls.

With time and laws of karma, HE throws down on the dust the mighty kings and millionaires who create wars and disharmony; and HE keeps the poor, pious devotee over HIS own head and grants them Moksha or liberation.

In HIS eyes the scale of values is entirely different!

Don’t make promise when you are in joy.
Don’t reply when you are sad.
Don’t take decision when you are angry.
Think twice., Act wise

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Pearls of Wisdom

When I was a little boy, my mom liked to make breakfast, food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of fruits, a glass of milk, and extremely burned toast in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his toast, smile at my mom, and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember Watching him smear butter and jelly on that toast and eat every bite! When I got Up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad For burning the toast. And I'll never forget what he said: 'Baby, I love burned toast.' Later that night, I went to say Daddy good night and I asked him if He really liked his toast burned. He embrace me in his arms and said, Bittu, your momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides-a little burnt toast never hurt anyone!' You know, life is full of imperfect things...and imperfect people. I'm not the best either. What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each other's faults - and choosing to celebrate each other's differences - is the one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting any relationship. And that's my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good,the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of GOD. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a happiness where burnt toast isn't a deal-breaker! We could extend this to any relationship in fact - as understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent - child or friendship!!

Friday, January 9, 2009

Hold on to my hand..





Hold on to my hand,
and never let go.
I'll tell you my thoughts,
then you will know.
Hold on to my waist,
Because I'll feel safe.
Let's cherish everyday,
Cuz everyday's a gift.
Hold on to my body,
for someday I will fall.
I will fall into pain.
Worst pain of them all.
Remember my words I've spoken,
for if I die,
you'll never hear them anymore.
Even if you cried.
Hold on tight to my heart,
For it's like glass.
If you drop it,
it will crack.
Hold on to me,
For I'm like a mirror.
If you break me,
I will shatter.
Only you can hurt me,
yet, you already have.
I hope that you'll realize
all the pain that you've caused.