Last post, I mentioned about Meditation. The urban lifestyle is heading for 'stressed generation' and this is a rising concern. I just heard a corporate meet lunch was turned from the spicy to the Salad platter. More people gearing for the Gym n Aerobics n above all, a rising trend for Meditation.This reminds of the Master - Osho Rajneeshji. I'd recommend a great Osho Meditation Read. Osho has ever been known as a Mystic, enlightened master who worldwide created a rebellion for the sake of man's freedom and meditation. Osho said "Meditation is not something new; you have come with it into the world. Mind is something new, meditation is your nature."



Meditation is an adventure itself. The book has notes to reader on how to use the book with a followed chapter on What is meditation. Osho has steps to powerful methods of awakening, Osho Meditative Therapies as:
1.Mystic Rose Meditation with his great logic and instructions for laughter and tears
2. The No mind Meditation with instructions to meditate, stages of gibberish or conscious craziness, witnessing and let go.
3. Guidelines for Born Again
4. Dancing as meditation
5. Laughing Meditation
6. Prayer Meditation
7. Dream mastery
Many more various meditative tips making one count the moments of awareness, making things simple as possible and witnessing - Meditation is your Master Card and Osho just instructs on the tricks of mind in this book. Watching with the Third Eye, Rising in Love, Laughter of Zen, Entering into death, Music as Meditation are some interesting reads in this Osho book leading to first and last freedom - Practical guide of Meditation.

-ilaxi

Four days off from the world wide web and its been a pleasant and wonderful experience for me to see the RKB (Rajiv K. Bajaj) Sahara show with the so serene and suave 'Shammi Kapoor'. I do have my own Inspirational Role model in Music and fond of Hindi & western movies. Therefore, slip off to be glued to my Television set and ban the net sometimes. Believe me, this is a great change for the net surfer stress syndrome!



Seeing an Interview was out of a different world coz Shammi Kapoor left an impression at the end of a show which really did leave a message for all of us to learn. He been cool and composed as he dig into the past memories of his life and as he spoke, he left the viewers to pass through all the moods - happy, thoughtful, dreamy, concerned, worried, sad, helpless, passionate, hopeful.....and so on....! RKB had the mixed bag of questions and I guess, this would be his memorable interview. Shammi Kapoor seemed an intelligent, well learned, practical and a god fearing person who passed through a lot of ups and downs, a person who experienced Life in every original form. His expressions left marks that any person would love to respect him and keep interacting for hours. And wasn't he the one who was used Mac and still does,who got a first car - a convertible Buick (second hand) and a person who sang romantic songs in movies - yet today, yeah, it's a dream for us too to see and believe that he is the same person! He talked of his guru whom he did not wish to meet yet circumstances made him see him and lo, he got clad in the saffron and rudraksh! I guess it's the Power of Meditation and we miss out these things with the urban lifestyles.




But then, I did hear someone mention that recently 'Urban lifestyles is killing today's Younger Generation' - A lot of Stress and people hardly have time to breathe! That's Life, maybe.

- ilaxi

Every day is an Earth Day! So why celebrate its 35th anniversary on 22nd April? Hundreds of thousands of nongovernmental organizations, governments, teachers, and faith-based groups, among others, are making plans to declare that they are part of something extraordinary: a worldwide movement to protect our planet, our children, and our future. This year, Earth Day Network’s theme is "Protect Our Children and Our Future."



I been running the Earth Talk Q & A of Doug Moss on kidsfreesouls.com since two years and its with pathetic say that the awareness lacks in India! I never recieved a single email from India raising an Environmental Question. And as one can foresee, the disaster management is a disaster when the train mishaps happen and the politicians harp their ways - Who has the time and thought over Environmental Issues! The Earth Talk column nor any other Environmental column has any space in media too. It's on 'Back seat' like 'Reading habits'. Mera Bharat, Mera Desh Mahaan!

-ilaxi

And I hear Ahmedabad is going to be 'Mega city'. Imagine .... with a Ban on:



No way!!! ....It's Gandhiji's Gujarat!!! Really?

-ilaxi

A red carpet welcome to President Gen. Pervez Musharraf to India - Nay, not by many Indian Bloggers on the web who support 'Not Welcome Banner' by placing it on their websites. The detals can be found at

Blog

Well, well, now this does not mean that we do not welcome the President but on the contrary, Pervez Musharraf arrives in India for weekend of prayers, peace talks and cricket. As said on his

website

- 'The fortune always favors The Brave, it doesn't matter what he wears' - he sure is 'Brave'! He says "It's a very historic visit. I think it has more chances of optimism because the environment is different. It is friendly and congenial and there is a desire on both sides to make it a success." One can only await how the Indian born Pakistani Leader tackles issues with PM over kashmir issue and soften the ceasefire line splitting Kashmir, including joint security for the bus service.

Now, I heard the US - President Bush is excited with Indo-US ties.

Newsfeeds

The double standard Terrorism should end!

-ilaxi

The Invisible CEO By Krish



Last friday, I went for the Launch of the book 'The Invisible CEO' by A.G. Krishnamurthy at Crosswords, Ahmedabad. As many of you know, A G. Krishnamurthy has been the founder chairman and managing director of Mudra Communications and he began the agency with a start-up capital of Rs.35,000 and one client. In just nine years, Mudra became India’s third and largest Indian advertising agency. Krish won Mudra many Awards but uh oh, the management changed soon after Dhirubhai Ambani passed off. Krish soon became a Consultant for Reliance Infocomm at Bombay as far as I know and simultaneously, he started AGK Brand Consulting in Hyderabad. The Book turns out to be a deep reflection and thoughts of a person who led Mudra and whose his memories roll back to the past with his experiences of his entire career. Krish says, "Dream and You can Do it" & "No matter how different you are, or how much of an 'odd man out' you feel, if you believe strongly enough and long enough, it is possible to continue to be who you are and make a success out of doing what you love"

Read the Book, borrow or steal and you will find 'Leela', Krish's wife is the inspiration and no wonder, she is - because I've known her since years and she's one gem of a woman who is the power of his strength. Wondering how I can say this...well, Krish as we fondly called him, is my first Boss and its been my first interview for a job as 'Personal Steno-secretary' at Shilpi Advertising Ltd. Like Mr. Atul Tandan said at the Launch, Krish speaks so fast that we have to ask him to repeat to understand as when he speaks, his thoughts are ahead of his speech and sure, I agree as when he spoke, I could never understand and always made typing mistakes and got firing. But than, if he hadn't shouted, I wouldn't be what I am today!. Here's my Blog note on him which I wrote earlier.

- ilaxi

"advesta sarvabhutanam
maitra karuna eva cha
nirmano nirahamkarah
samadukhhasukhah ksami" (Gita-12:13)
"samtustah satatam yogi
yatatma drdhanniscayah
mayy arpitamanobhuddhir
yo madbhaktah sa me priyah"(Gita-12:14)

He who hates no one, is friendly and compassionate to all, free from
thoughts of 'I' and 'mine', equal alike in joy and sorrow, ever forgiving (Gita-12:13)
Ever content, self controlled, of firm resolve, such is he,
having surrendered his mind and heart to me, the devotee dear to me (Gita-12:14)

For three hundred years, religion has been losing its territory continuously. First, it attempted to destroy science. It possessed the domains of the world near and far. Like science proves and adds to the facts, religions try to prove they are right. Religion is defensive and in the name of God, faith exists but far too long, we have been hating and fighting. Its time to tackle real issues and build a temples to tolerance, understanding and love. War is violence. Violence rear violence to crush humanity. Humans have possessed a nature to destruction losing the control of the mind as egoism surfaces up. Common people crave for peace and have raised concerns to spread the message but it’s in the air deep rooted with differentiates with greed, corruption, beliefs and their protests go unheard by the so-called saviours of the nation.It is utter failure as who created the world doesn’t matter. All matters is who governs with a chaos leadership quality!

Isn't this so true - exactly when we talk of peace; when two buses on 7 April were flagged for journey by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Pervez Musharraf who created such a historical moment with the bus between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad and the peace action begins. Now is the test trial of these very leaders to maintain peace. But,I hear President Musharraf and Dr. Wen Jao were signing a Defence Pact in Islamabad. Now, against whom is the Defence Pact visualized to be used? When the world has forgotten about SEATO and NATO, what was the need for a new Defence Pact in this part of Asia? Only the politicians know, anyways!

Farewell to the Holy Father 'Pope John Paul II'



A few minutes ago, I been watching the live funeral of the Holy father and emotions stir to see a great soul depart! Somehow why, but I do remember a hindu saint Shree Dongre maharaj who spoke Bhagwad when I was a kid. I guess Faith is in our hearts.

Well, thousands bid Farewell to Pope John Paul II as the funeral service held in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Friday April 8, 2005. Royalty, political power brokers and multitudes of the faithful came to pay their last respects to the pontiff, at a funeral promising to be one of the largest Western religious gatherings of modern times. May the good Lord God Grant him Eternal Peace.

Watch the News and Live Slide show here

- ilaxi

Sometimes we make 'Niceness Mistakes' -For Good! Only God knows coz he's fashioned our destiny and we move ahead - for better or worse....till death do us part! But really, still we love God till every single beat of our heart...I swear! Here's the review of this book Megha gave me to read earlier and exactly at the time when I needed the most. God has given us the power to 'Think' and 'understand' and esp. when some 'Attitudes' brush off our spirits the most!

Too Nice for Your Own Good : How to Stop Making 9 Self-Sabotaging Mistakes by Duke Robinson




How oft we create a wave to spell trouble with our own perfections being true and honest with good faith and intentions? We take on too much not saying what we want and that's exactly what the book reveals - the niceness mistakes that 'Damage' us! Unconsciously, we have planted strong messages in the back of our minds and with good intentions by our mentors, follow the moral code of conducts in life. Be good, be nice, be cool, share and care, don't be selfish, be reasonable, don't hurt others, help friends, say yes and so on. In real, trying to reach perfection and taking on too much lead us to exhaustion and sooner or later the ship of our life start sinking. The author gives an insight to the nine unconscious mistakes we often make daily and helps us correct them and pulls a person out of frustration and stress. In not saying what you want and taking on too much, it leads to suppressed anger. Robinson provides healthy tips to express anger to orchestrate a balanced life. Life itself is like riding a bike up and down roads that are bumpy, curvy, hilly while juggling bananas, balloons and bowling balls says Robinson and so this is when you have a fall, life needs balancing back to pedal and steer with too much/too little, too rational/too emotional, to fast/too slow, too cautious/too reckless, too strong/too weak, etc. and remain upright empowering to get what you need and deserve. Irony is, sometimes our niceness betrays us and this book is a key to understanding our mistakes and bring about a 'change' in us. Robinson makes us a nicer person making one realise the mistakes, why we make and how to give up. In doing so, Robinson guides in:
1. Liberating from the bondage of other's expectations
2. Saying no and saving work overloads
3. Telling what we want and analyze what we receive is worth or not
4. Express anger that heal and maintain relationships too.
5. Face irrationality and criticism
6. Tell truth to friends when they fail us
7. Care for others but do no burden own trying to run their lives.
8. In pain and grief, feel competent enough
A change is always welcome even for the nice to be nicer and avoid the mistakes that we keep making out of the blue. Our good intentions turn out to be damn-in-way for others who often misunderstand or shrug off not appreciating your worth as human being. This book is indeed a gem collection for every person who has learned to live being 'Nice' and remain being so without being emotionally hung up sometimes. Good Pick!

-ilaxi

As the world mourns the death of Pope John Paul II, Italian authorities said they expect 2 million people to file through the Vatican and the surrounding streets of Rome in the coming days for his funeral on friday.



The church has lost its light! Though I am not a Christian, I believe in the religion since my childhood. I have deep appreciation for the pope's mission to bring peace to the world.He preached the ideal to which all humans should strive.He denounced communism, consumerism, capitalism and every kind of corruption in human soul. He has left an indelible mark in human history. He will be remembered as a political pope who stood for the rights of the victims of hate, war and oppression. He presented the person of Jesus to the entire world and made Jesus relevant. He was never afraid to say what he wanted to say. His loyalty was to God alone.John Paul believed in a faith that could move mountains and believed in miracles. We could only pray to god, may his soul rest in peace.

-ilaxi

Thought of sharing *Secret* - Choice to Serve and pleasing the Bosses at workplace? Not always, I guess! Here's a Book I read long before and its a tale of a struggling and failing leader who learns lessons of management - tricks or treats, I wonder!

The Secret by John C. Maxwell (Foreword)Ken Blanchard,etc
Review by : ilaxi



This is the story of Debbie, a struggling and a failing leader, who learns the lessons of management from her Boss. Miserable with her poor performance, the character of Ken's Book, joins the Mentor Program offered by her company and incidentally, Jeff, the president of the company happens to be the trainer. She thoroughly undergoes the training sessions where she realise her mistakes. She is taught to be a 'Serving Leader' rathar than a 'self-serving Leader'. She learns the secrets of success with the five steps :

* Seeing and shaping the future
* Engaging and developing others
* Continuously Reinvent
* Value results and relationships
* Embody the values

Debbie learns whatever is needed to be a good leader, analyze her progress with examples, excercises and tips. In process with Debbie's example, Ken Blanchard has made successful attempt to teach the Leadership Lessons to all successful as well as troubled and failed Leaders. The Book provides a guide to solve problems that seem complex and make it easier with the concepts clear - A choice to Serve. Not always I guess, because while Serving too without being self-served, the Leader becomes a struggler if the Company policies and the Boss Attitude and vision is not focused. Sometimes wavelengths do not meet. However, based on the author's experience and drawn from examples of best leaders, this book gives an insight to improve upon one's own abilities and in serving others, tackle the situations with ease without struggling lamely. Ken Blanchard's experience speaks in volumes. A good Pick.

-ilaxi

You think that US is trying to draw India into its global strategic plans by asking New Delhi to join the missile defence system? Do India and Pakistan need any more hi-tech, exorbitantly priced weapons for each other? Aren’t the nuclear bombs and missiles sufficient?





Well, US offers the F-16 Fighter planes but it might adversely have an impact on Indo-Pak relations. It seems to be a game of the Bush administration as clear as it intended to draw India into a strategic military relationship just as Pakistan had been involved in one for decades. CPM Politburea says "The fuelling of arms race between India and Pakistan with the sale of sophisticated weaponry to both countries suits the US interests perfectly as well as providing a good market for its arms manufacturers". Whatever be it, a game plan or a power sale, its upto to the Government to accept or refuse the Offer of US!

Security threats? Nope, I am not talking about the security threats of CM who cancelled his UK visit but Web Security. Symantec found 17000 different types of viruses and worms as of 31st December. This means up 64 per cent from mid year! One of the fastest growing threat is from 'phishing' attacks which lure people to websites that appear to be owned by banks or other firms and dupe them into giving passwords, credit card numbers or other key information. Phishing...a growing serious problem and threat to exposure of confidential information. Many of these viruses are Trojan horses that install a programme that allows hackers to remotely access a computer and find passwords or monitor key strokes. Emails have virus threats but increasing is 'phishing' and attacks on servers and web applications.

Now, I read these two books long back and wrote the reviews. I share these with my readers. But believe me, Net isn't a safe place when it comes to buying on the Internet and for sure, this has always been my Tech read. You never know who's the prying eyes watching you from Hell (Or heaven? god knows!)



A chance glance read,'Google Hacks' at a local Bookstore, this one's not the cup of tea for a casual surfer. If one is an HTML expert and excel in scripting language, here's a pick and a cool read. It helps trying new ways to innovate, charges a hacker for productive and constructive use of web enhanced applications. I have a Google Developer Key for 'sambhaav' but never really knew how to use it and this book has tremendous info on the API application. Web Developers would benefit greatly with this book, no doubt, with tips on how to build and modify scripts that can be custom based application on google. This book, not for surfers or casual web designers like me but who indeed aware of Programming and using codes n scripts n perl n xml n what not! Google is an ultimate research tool and a great search engine with good ad words links I like - my fav nex to 'yahoo' search and sure, my websites feature top with key words 'net newspaper for kids' and sure, you find all stars. Google Hacks - a great read for all Web Developers.





Recently I heard the Al Zazira website being hacked! Kewl!!! I wonder, was the Firewall system so poor of such a big website? Picking up this one, Hacking Exposed reveals how high profile sites and e commerce sites are penetrated. The book has endless Network security details and provides indepth knowledge of Operating systems, network applications and devices. Though it may motivate to educate Hackers, this book if seen on positive side, helps one to understand the security flaws in general that occur to hinder the website performances. System Administrators and Top Net Executives need to read the books to get 'Security Alert' & safeguard their interest to prevent any vulnerability. Administrative procedures help defeat from hack attacks to systems and counter measures make it ineffective.Techniques to hacking are exposed and breaking into telephony, firewalls systems etc. the various topics covered up.The Book Exposes what's really happenning on Network - Though for a common surfer its just a passing read but very useful to Tech buffs and interesting read to students who would be interested to know the way of the Wizard Networking. In Process of reading, one gets to be aware of how to use Hacking software but to the defensive point to take measures to point of protection. Normally not much into Technical reading, I recommend this book as a very good piece if you really wanna know the 'Hack Game' - Enjoy the Read!

Btw, Happy Holi and Happy Easter too!

- ilaxi

It seems that in the case of CM Narendra Modi's visa refusal, the anti Narendra modi NRIs has played a major role - Namak ka karz chuka rahe hai! On the other hand big shots seem to be goofing around that Apna sikka hi khota hai phir US ko kya kehna! Mixed Opinions, diverse feelings! Well, well, the case of Visa refusal stands as an 'Insult' to the Sovereignty of the nation, US has persistently showed its 'Super Power' and definitely, this isn't an Individual issue but every Indian need to rise and say 'I am an an Indian and Proud to be an Indian' instead of allowing the Americans to make internal wars for which, they are super natural! Anyways, finally our Mr. Narendrabhai is going to UK and again, his past is like the 'Black Friday' as anti campaigns have started. Is there ever a word 'Forgiveness'- Mr. Papa Bush can only say this!

-ilaxi

How oft parents ignore the Art of Parenting! In extreme cases, the result turns out to be today's Breaking story of a student on a killing rampage in Minnessota, Red Lake High School.

It's the nick of hour to Stop Kids from Crime, Stop them to be Criminals! An Italian Criminologist, Cesare Lombrose theorized that most criminals arise mainly from environmental conditions such as urban pressures, poverty and a poor home life. Kids, especially Teenagers who are negativistic, destructive, aggressive and delinquent have strong influence on others trapped under their unhealthy murkiness attitude. Crime is everywhere and so is corruption. The Mob frenzy in Gujarat Riots, directly or indirectly made many kids the victims of Crime. Let the Community flare influence last no long as they tremble in fear, shatter their faith and live in a state of anxiety with the environmental influence upon them. Let there be the right Parental influence, after all! Built the Pillars of character with No Political Influences!!!

Here's one of my Articles: Protect Kids from Crime-Stop them from being Criminals!

Crime n Kids

-ilaxi

CM Narendra Modi spoke to an Indian-Americans audience over satellite telling them that a "disinformation campaign" was being launched to malign India. Modi asked Indians living in that country to act as ambassadors to counter the propaganda being launched by certain motivated groups having vested interests in defaming India. To a question on the visa denial issue from a participant in the US, Modi said "I have no reaction. I believe only in action".




And here comes the Action....!

The US is reconsidering the denial of visa to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, a leading Congressman and founder of India caucus group Frank Pallone said today. He said he would work to get Modi's visa restored."If there is difference of opinion, there should be a dialogue and not attempt to shut out a view point," Pallone said at a meeting convened by the Association of Indian Americans of North America. Modi addressed the meeting via satellite from Gandhinagar after he was denied the US visa. "The US government is reconsidering the case," he said adding, however, that he is not sure about the outcome. Pallone also stressed on the need for India to ensure that it maintains its secular character, saying that religious fundamentalism, whether Christian, Muslim or Hindu, has no place in the modern world.

No wonder, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi at his address of 'Bharat Swabhimaan Rally' organised by the BJP here on the issue said, "I am not warning USA. But they should not forget that the frail looking Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi shook the foundation of the Britishers because of the insult". Any resemblance to Gandhiji?




one wanders....

- ilaxi

Shri Narendra Modi *Live* Via VIDEO CONFERENCING

In spite of the uncalled for and unfair decision of the US Government to deny the Visa to a democratically elected official of the Indian Government by 60 million Indians, Indian American Community feels proud to present Shri Narendra Modiji LIVE from India at a Public Meetin in Madison Square Garden on Sunday, March 20, 2005 at 4.30 p.m.

If you are residing there, here is your chance to hear the leader and statesman of Vibrant Gujarat LIVE!

Says the Reader Email from Vinoo Kumar: Vinookumar@aol.com

Now, I would say, this is the Gujarati Spirits! Where there is a Will, there has to be a Way!

-ilaxi

Everything's Croock...ed! This pic's been sent by katy. Does it say all? Life is Like that, ugh!  

Did I not speak of Politicians yesterday? Now that CM Narendra Modi is in total charge of self control with the Press Conferences seen on Television today, he sure has his own say and no doubt, he is a good Orator! No Foreign land has a right of Indulgence! The External Affairs Minister summons the US Ambassador and now lets wait for the further scoop...Till then, here's Yahoo for You!

Now that you know you can add my Feeds to Read in your RSS Feed Reader, you can set up to read in 'My Yahoo' and make this a Homepage. But the Best news around is Yahoo is gonna come Live with Yahoo! 360°, you'll have one place to keep the important people in your life connected to you. And one place for you to stay connected to them. The feature makes you easily invite your friends and family, very easy to plug all of your people in. With just a few clicks you can invite any -- or everyone from your Yahoo! Messenger friends list, your Yahoo! Address Book or (after beta) from Microsoft Outlook to connect to you.

Called Yahoo 360°, the new service will include a wide range of offerings including blogs and photo sharing. The most interesting aspect of the offering looks to be the way in which all the elements are tightly integrated into a broad social network service where you will be able to easily share and exchange information, chats, files, etc, with family and friends.

Isn't this gonna be great for the chatty Lovers? Enjoy!

- ilaxi

Osho said ‘If politicians disappear, there is no need for nations’ and if we think over this we do have a say here that ‘If politicians wish to make this world a paradise, sure it is in their hands – just they have to Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached like Swami Vivekanand said! But, afterall, in the first instance the goal is to be set in the right direction as where there is no vision, the people perish!

The recent Anti-CM Narendra Modi campaign is on 'Hate-Group' List getting him into Visa trouble. As more than 2000 people signed the Petition, all reminds is one of my articles on Politicians. Gosh, Should say, these people are real Orators!

Leave them aside, Here's a review of 'Leadership Pill' By Ken Blanchard.




The Leadership Pill

Ken Blanchard & Marc Muchnick shows the Business Managers at any level how to apply the Right Techniques for getting both results and commitment of their people especially when the pressures of performance rise high. The message is clear with the Pill Techniques that Leadership skills come with experience and is not an overnight success (a quick dose of pill formula don't work that heightens the leader's powers!) The book is in parable form of competition of two leaders with different management styles. A supporting, inspiring and motivating Leader can bring out the best with right ingredients of integrity, affirmation and partnership. There aren't quick solutions with pill technique but leadership skills require thoughtful implementations to encourage team spirits for successful results. Day to day workplace situation requires trust and respect and it is well spread a message by the authors to Leaders, as how to gain the team's confidence to derive positive and profitable results. The Book is great read and itself serve as power pill with right ingredients. A nice read & well focused on leadership skills.

- ilaxi