Calling all Insomniacs, hispanic beauties and Japanese tourists !!

Today I went to attend an organ recital at the Westminster abbey along with a friend of mine from France. He is a keen follower of music and knows a fair bit of western classical music. I have learnt carnatic music for a few years but is a foetus when it comes to western classical music. We were sitting at a sprawling chapel, an area of the cathedral, in all its grandeur and eminence.

Part1:

The recital started with an introduction by the performer, a very learned gentleman with many coveted musical roles around the world. I was trying my best to aggrandize myself, knowledgeable and interested. The first piece, the prologue, seemed like initiating a foreplay with stately slumber for me. I looked around to see if anyone else is going through a similar intercourse with their instincts.. To my surprise 70% of the crowd were nodding away in glory of the peace at this Victorian cathedral, mind you in only the first piece.

Part 2:

The second piece was called 'fantasy' by J.S. Bach and it actually proved that the composer was indeed a genius. My body was vibrating with the rendition and I was carried away into a fantasy world. I began to wonder about organ recital etiquette. I was like the country commoner who didn’t know how to behave at an upperclass dinner. I wondered if nodding away in an organ recital was etiquette in utmost propriety. I still haven’t figured out if my assumption is true. It did truly make me wonder about attending such an event when they couldn’t focus on being awake, especially for an event that is as short as 30 minutes. To my utter dismay I then noticed that the women in the chapel were wide awake and pale. I did read quite a few faces, which were predominantly engrossed in something,not all music. Around the church I saw upright women with sagging men alongside. I wondered why that was happening.

Then it happened. My eyes set themselves upon a beautiful lady just a few rows ahead of me. The disinterest caused by the ignorance along with the magic of 'fantasy' was making me a poet. The Hispanic girl was perfectly chiselled with brown hair. Her cheeks were like ripe strawberries.

You are the cloud that covers a daffodil horizon,

Chandeliers of King Solomon,

The masterpiece that every artist yearns,

magical garment from God’s divine yarns.

You are the red of the setting sky,

green of the sparkling midday water,

The spring leaf that splatters the monsoon,

winds loving the grasslands in noon.

You are the cold waterfalls in a dark forest,

The deer decorating the vivid mother nature’s nest,

The sound of a distant sea bird,

The innocence of a white sheep herd.

Right then,the second piece got over.

Part 3:

When we were entering the cathedral, we saw three Japanese people walking in and asking the stern looking Christian security usher some question in Japanese. “Chow mein, feng shui?”. The security replied, “Organ recital! This way please”. I was clear that, it was only God and me that understood the conversation. For the uninitiated, “Chow mein, feng shui” means, “Can we go in and see the cathedral?” in Japanese. The Japanese tourists went along happily thinking that they can witness the magic of Westminster Abbey and be a part of History by stepping on the gravestones of great people like Shakespeare and Shelly, people who are widely revered in Japan. When the organ recital started they were squirming about in their seats, whispering chow chow mow mia pia bee jing hong kong. With my basic knowledge of Japanese, I understood that they were upset about their trampled plans and wanted to leave. After lots of Japanese whispers in the first two pieces, finally in the third piece, they did the eternal indecent act of leaving in the middle of an organ recital. I decided to follow them. (smart Indian). On their way out, the stern looking Japanese bloke told the security in Japanese, “Fung you, We wong seeng cathend, you bloong bastang , seng us watchong sleeping piang, you blong Britong, You cong to japang, I fung you , shong you bamboo violong and shove it on your assong and sell you in in marking. Thank young. Good bing.!

Spirituality.

India has been often plagued by violence among people that is caused by sensitive religious belief of individuals. Every man feels an emotional uproar when the call for war comes to defend his religion and its followers. I have myself felt this surge of emotions many times ‘helplessly’.

The current global scenario of wars is also attributed to the emotions that man attaches to religion. This human weakness is being harnessed by the astute leaders of men to shepherd the world into a way that meets their own instinctive needs. Little do the majority of the men in the world know that the war that they are waging on a mighty enemy is dampening the soil beneath them and is crippling their future. They are innocently blinded and this is occurring because the leaders of men are good at hiding the truth from their flock and guiding them through realms of heavenly fantasies that are really tensile bubbles of uncertainty in hell. They must wake up and demand their right for a fulsome life.

A fulsome life is a gift of God. It is the birth right of every individual in the world cutting across all barriers of continental, racial, economic, mental, health and religious status. I think the solution to all these problems lies in religion itself.

In simple terms, religion must teach us the way to lead our lives in all fullness, bliss and prosperity. For these objectives, religion must be pursued and taught to the highest possible standards and the most rightful manner. Human beings must humble themselves in the pursuit of religious wisdom and seek divine interference for understanding. This experience of complete surrender to the higher power (termed spirituality) will help refining the individual and coalesce him into the causal factors of a fulsome earthly life. Spirituality will lead us to a life in fullness, bliss and prosperity.

There is a gentleman called Dr. APJ Kalam, who will agree with my views on an idea for a better livelihood in India. In his book, “Ignited minds-unleashing the power within India”, he has explained the concept subtly in various parts for various situations. Here are a couple of excerpts from the book where he cites examples when spiritual people have showed the way to a fulsome life.

Excerpt 1: An example of Giving.
“In 1962, Dr. Sarabhai and Dr. Bhabha were looking for a site to establish the space research station in the equatorial region. Thumba in Kerala was found most suitable as it was near the equatorial region and was ideally suited for ionospheric research. The locality was however inhabited by thousands of fishermen living in the villages there. It also had a beautiful church called St. Mary Magdalene church and the Bishop’s house. As such the acquisition of the land did not move any further.

Dr. Sarabhai met the bishop, His Excellency Rev. Dr. Peter Bernard Pereira on a Saturday and requested transfer of property. The bishop smiled and asked him to meet him the next day. In the Sunday morning service the bishop told the congregation, ‘My children, I have a famous scientist with me who wants our church and the place that I live for space science and research. Science seeks truth that enriches life. The higher level of religion is spirituality. The spiritual leaders seek the help of the almighty to bring peace to human minds. In short what Vikram is doing and what I am doing are the same- Both science and spirituality seeks Almighty’s blessings for human prosperity in mind and body. Children can we give them god’s abode for a scientific mission? There was silence for a while followed by a hearty ‘Amen’ from the congregation which made the whole church reverberate.”

Excerpt 2: An example of companionship.
“News reached me that a Maulvi of a very famous 300 year old mosque was waiting in the mutt to take me to the mosque. The swamiji suggested that I visit the mosque.At this instance I remembered an incident in Paramacharya’s time, a decade ago, as told by the former president, R. Venkatraman. Mr. Venkatraman showed me the mosque very close to the Kanchi mutt. A few years ago, the mosque jayamath and the district authorities decided to relocate the mosque to some other suitable place as its present location was inconvenient both for the mutt and mosque. As a large number of people visit the historic mosque and there are huge gatherings at the mutt too, the traffic was becoming increasingly difficult to manage. The mutt would rebuild the mosque in its new location. Somehow this message reached the Paramacharya. He vehemently opposed the whole idea. He said, ‘In fact at 4:30 am, the call for namaz comes from the mosque, it acts as a wake up call for my divine duties.’ And also for many other reasons he was opposed to the relocation of the mosque. He made it clear to both the district authorities and the mutt. The Paramacharya went into mouna viradham-deep silence. Finally shifting of the mosque was stopped.”

These examples do suggest that people from different religions can coexist in their pursuit for a fulsome life. Spirituality is the answer. Religious texts should be read thoroughly by every individual after seeking divine help for understanding through prayers.

I have decided to read my religious text, The Bible. I will read it over and over again praying to God that every time I do, I can get better in my understanding of my life and its role in this world.

The curious case of me!!

Someone recently commented that my behaviour and mannerisms resembles that of an old man. I began to wonder about the traits that possibly were responsible for that stranger to have such an impression of me. In this ‘world’ that pisses me with its ever changing fashion trends, void-filled friendships, fast track romances and monetary reasons for existence, I would presume, it shouldn’t surprise me if anyone finds me a stand out specimen. Then again, why me? I am not happy that the person felt such. It shouldn’t have been like that. I must change myself; mould myself to the world of today.

What is wrong with me? Have I started assuming that I come from another era? How about “The curious case of JAYANT JUDILSON”? I googled to find out what possibly can be the required changes to bring in a more dashing and interesting personality.

Then I realised that I mustn’t bother. If someone thinks anything about me, and specifically, if anyone feels or thinks ill about me, the picture above this blog is all for you. Enjoy!!!

I have a white Ferrari, the Ferrari with a capital F.

Today was a nice day and tomorrow will be better. Which day wasn’t and wouldn’t? I read a book titled, ‘I bought the monk’s Ferrari’’ written by a corporate honcho called Ravi Subramanian. This writer is an IIM-B alumnus and has done well for himself in his banking career. In his attempt to give back voluminously to the world that he cherishes, he has written this book that is parallel yet in some junctures questioning the other famous book on similar lines, ‘The monk who sold his Ferrari’ by Robin Sharma.
To me a Ferrari is a short, wide, powerful car. A red car. I like the sound the most followed by its sleek tiger like rear design. But for the rest of the educated world it means more. It means, panache incarnate, global status symbol, a rich man’s toy, an answer to a mid-life crisis, a proof of piles of stock money and the finest cars in the world. A Ferrari is not a spec sheet of an automobile. It is a dream.
The author eloquently equates Ferrari with an image of the reason of human existence. He describes it as the pinnacle of one’s worldly sojourn which everyone should aspire. It means ultimate happiness, success, contended and uncomplicated life. But the author deftly also manages to remind the readers that his definition of the pinnacle is not necessarily accepted by all and that different people like to take different stances. The corporate player that he is, he equates success with quick pay rises, promotions, perks, international holidays, mansions, private jets and islands, although he claims his teachings can be applied in all fields. He is also quick to dismiss the escapists who say that the Ferrari comes with a price, a heavy one that would not let you pursue alternate interests, high mental an emotional stress, and little or no time for the family. “You have to realise one thing that the Ferrari is not owned by millions. It is only for the crème de la crème. As it is they are fewer in number…even fewer among them own the Ferrari’’. This book professes that only people with Ferraris are happy. He enlists Ten Commandments for attaining the Ferrari which is explained in good detail in the book.
1. To acquire the Ferrari you need to aspire. And when you aspire, do not compromise for anything but the best.
2. Be optimistic, chase the negative thoughts away. A positive frame of mind will surely get you closer to your Ferrari.
3. Do not whine and whimper about ‘work-life’ balance. Be the winner, not the wimp, and the Ferrari will be yours.
4. Set and follow the highest standard of integrity in your personal and professional lives. If you are high on integrity, people will respect and value you. The Ferrari when it comes will stay with you.
5. Value your time and of the others, and be rest assured that the Ferrari will come to you.
6. No one is perfect. The moment you think you are, it is the countdown to doomsday. Earning the Ferrari is all about upgrading yourself, improving your skill sets and equipping yourself for the future. And for this, the initiative has to be yours.
7. Identify the owners of the Ferrari and align yourself with them. If you are in the company of successful people, their success will rub off on you. You need to back it up with stellar performances. If you live in Ferrari town, chances are, you will get to drive one sooner.
8. Share your success with others. If you commit to uplift the downtrodden you will become the true owner of the Ferrari.
9. Remain in perfect shape and fighting fit. No one will entrust you with a Ferrari if you cannot drive it.
10. If you have followed all the commandments with dedication and determination, it is the time to build up a profile for yourself. Target your audience and announce your achievements. You will own the Ferrari in no time.
After the Ten Commandments, the author escalates our imaginations further when he reveals the FERRARI.
Fortune for Every Right Rigorous And Resourceful person.
I beg to differ with this concept. I do not agree with the fact that only winners are happy. I do not believe fortune brings happiness. I do not also believe that all right, rigorous and resourceful people will have fortune.
If there is a competition, there can be one winner-The whole world is competing for fortune- Does that mean only the richest person in the world is happy?
I think it is at this point where I think Robin Sharma’s book did slightly better. I think the yogi in the book gave a place for non-winners a place to dwell in this biosphere. The yogi teaches the protagonist how worldly achievements should not come on the way to a happy, peaceful and content life.
From a spiritual point of view, I believe that it is the sinful human self that is necessitating the need for such senile books. I think only unconditional love can negate FERRARI. If love is what every organism seeks, then the need for fortune is annihilated.

I wrote a poem a few years ago when I was competing in the Premedical examinations and misfortune didn’t let me achieve what I desired and deserved. I was right, rigorous and resourceful. After that episode, I learnt to live with what I get and be happy and content with it. I wrote a poem during those wonderful days.

Life- the expressway

Life, the expressway
Has something posh near something rickety
Drivers come on, some happy and some sad,
Sad because of their possessions and happy for the same,
Sad because of their consistent breakdowns
And others because of their low speeds in the top gear,
Happy is the man who takes the breakdowns in his stride
And is happy of his steady speed.
Sad is the man who changes shades looking at attractive fellow drivers,
But happy is the man who sticks to a single shade, loyal to his conscience
Life the expressway is with too many so called unwanted round-a-bouts and red lights
Happy is the man, who follows traffic lights and sad is the one to whom fine follows for breaking rules,
Happy is the man who learns from the past and is smart
Sad is the man who is full of confidence and is over smart
Above all,
Life is an endless expressway where anybody and everybody are everybody and anybody.

I have a Ferrari with a capital F because I realised Microsoft word processes Ferrari with a capital F. My Ferrari is uncharacteristically white, because I prefer zero entropy.

An optimist.

My sister wrote this poem a couple of years ago. I didnt make much of it then. Now I do.

I saw a dream; I am hurt
I knew it was a sham,
Yet I tried to be an optimist,
But it had to struck me,
It was all a sham you shattered me,
I was blind; I saw a dream,
I heard your plosive sound,
Still murmuring in my ears.
You are a tenuous individual to me now,
U can’t break me,
I am efficacious to break the evil strands,
My smile, construe my intelligence,
I am diligent,
My innocence construes my strength,
Will cover the interstice in my life,
Nothing is impermeable,
After all I am an optimist,

The tulips are (were) dejected.

How my mind wills, if only it was untrue,
My heart yearns, reverse time right through.
You were a heavenly butterfly, brought abundant happiness,
Swaying your way through life defining indefinite finesse.

The memories have dried on my heart so dearly
Of a dash that was that was so lovely, surreal and rosy.
The tulips were happy in the bright life’s sunshine,
The little drought saw a flood, sent crashing one on nine.