Upadesha Saara

Swami Brahmanandaji of Chinmaya Misssion is giving a discourse on 'Upadesha Saara' of Sri Ramana Maharshi at Mangalore. His discourse is very informative, easy to understand and laced with anectodes from Upanishaps, Bhagawad Gita and our own local 'Manku Thimmaana Kagga' of DVG.

Elli Mana kalukirado ...

I attended the School day of my daughter's school today. I took a day's off from office.
I was not too sure as to whether the school authorities allow me to watch the programme, as it was a Girls' High School. The apprehensions were not true as soon we onlookers were asked to occupy the chairs. I sought confirmation that we men are not chased out later.
The programme started with "Elli mana kalukirado elli thale baagirado..." rendered in most soothing tone, added with apt background music in harmonium and Tabla. It is certainly one of the songs that has impressed me most. If you want to hear that song, just stroll down near dongerkeri at 9.30am on any day except holidays.

Birthday wishes to my dear friend K K.

I am glad to state that today is the birthday of my dear friend K K.

He is gem of a man, very jovial, always positive, unassuming and ever reliable. I am not too sure whether he will approve me posting a blog in his name for his birthday(as he prefers to keep a low profile). That is one reason, I just addressed him as mere K.

So let us wish him Many happy returns of the day.

Before concluding, I must quote a superb riddle in samskrit. Those who know samskrit probably will know the answer too. Those who do not know, may furnish their email for explanation on the riddle and answer too.

Here it is:

केशवं पतितं दृष्ट्वा

पाण्डवा: हर्षा निर्भारा:

कौरवा: रुरुदु: सर्वे

हा हा केशव केशव

Quiz questions

My daughter participated in a quiz competition recently and one of the questions that was put to her was "Who is Country's first lady IPS officer?".
My daughter promptly replied "Mandira Bedi" (instead of the correct answer Kiran Bedi!)
It is no surprise as she has inherited her fathers' goof ups.
When I was in 6th std, I too had taken part in a quiz where one of the questions were:
"What should be done after Lunch?" The options were:
1. Take a Nap
2. Run little bit.
3. Eat fruits.
4. Smoke a cigaratte.
I had promptly given option 4 as answer. Thus, daughter's answer too had all the ingredients of her father's style.

Magic

Today evening, all the staff of my office were told that a magic show has been arranged. We rushed there partly to get some free entertainment and partly to avoid office work.
A young magician, with modest appearance, spoke in Hindi and introduced himself as one Chand. He said he has not studied much and it is a honour for him to perform his tricks before the well learned officers. (The officers duly nodded their head in total agreement as their learning has been accepted by an unlearned man!)
He began his show by converting a small white paper to two crisp Rs.100 notes!. The staff got interested as nothing attracts people as money!. The staff probably wished that if only they learn the trick well they can make some easy money. (Telgi would have preferred a stamp paper instead of Notes.)
Later he performed few nice tricks and unexpectedly sought contributions from the onlookers(staff)!. The officers were unable to wriggle out of the situation and out of peer pressure made contributions (though reluctantly). Thus, the show which started with the illusion of making currency notes out of white paper ended with real notes out of the ego of officers.

Nudisiri

Went to Alva's Nudisiri at Moodabidre. The idea was to get good books at discounted rates. Good books are often unread. Generally, it has to be sold at a discount. The books that I bought are
1. Neethi Vakyamrutham By Acharya Somadeva
2. Bhavabhoothi By Dr G S Gai
3. Chandombudhi By Dr T V Venkatachala Shastri
4. Leela Thilakam By P Subraya Bhat
5. Samskritha Sahithya Pravesha-2 By A S Bheema Bhat
6. Vedanga Jyothisha By Dr S Balachandra Rao
The books which are on sale can easily drill a hole in your pockets. One good idea could be to go to such places with limited money which will force you to think twice before buying. In my case it is think twice and don't buy!

Classical Music

Sangeetha Parishad, Mangalore is organising a 3 day annual music festival in Mangalore. On 30.11.07, there was Carnatic Classical vocal music by renowned Ms.Nithyashree Mahadevan. She sings in high pitch and her voice is very melodious.
She sang a kannada krithi "Satyavantharige idu kalavalla.." very sweetly with clear accent.
How true and relevant that song is for the present day. The very fact that you and me live merrily reveals that both of us are not honest in our daily life. May be this is the reason why there are so many "Vachana Brashta" people are around.