Music is the speech of the Angels and it has ever been my passion to listen and play on my keyboard. One song I like to share is 'Hotel California' sung by Eagles. This song in Ahmedabad is well sung by only one person so far as I know - Whispee! Yeah, the Parsee guy who's been exclusive singing western oldies at exclusive shows. He sings 'Stand by me' too good apart from his band playing Hotel California, extraordinarily. Whispee been engaged in a Bank job and this was his passion of playing and singing songs. I remember, once at a private farm house Hawaiin party, whispee had the big screen karaoke set up where he showed the video, he sang and we dance away on the floor. Never has been such a live party but ugh, things do turn out sour in a city where people do not understand the rythm and dance of western songs where more indi pop, filmi and rest peek-a-boo to fancy youngsters.

Here's the song to hum and midi tune ...This song of Eagles: Hotel California is, surprisingly, about greed and the temptations of humanity. The glory of American marketing inundates people with messages to shop, "He who dies with the most toys, wins." but many feel that this lifestyle is the cause of depression, unhappiness, and the prozac generation.

Hotel California : By Eagles



On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair
Warm smell of colitas rising up through the air
Up ahead in the distance, I saw a shimmering light
My head grew heavy and my sight grew dim
I had to stop for the night

There she stood in the doorway; I heard the mission bell
And I was thinking to myself this could be heaven or this could be hell
Then she lit up a candle, and she showed me the way
There were voices down the corridor, I thought I heard them say

Welcome to the Hotel California
Such a lovely place, such a lovely face
Plenty of room at the Hotel California
Any time of year (any time of year) you can find it here

Her mind is Tiffany twisted, she got the Mercedes bends
She got a lot of pretty, pretty boys that she calls friends
How they dance in the courtyard, sweet summer sweat
Some dance to remember, some dance to forget

So I called up the captain; please bring me my wine
We haven't had that spirit here since nineteen sixty-nine
And still those voices are calling from far away
Wake you up in the middle of the night, just to hear them say

Welcome to the Hotel California
Such a lovely place, such a lovely face
They livin' it up at the Hotel California
What a nice surprise (what a nice surprise) bring your alibis

Mirrors on the ceiling, the pink champagne on ice
And she said we are all just prisoners here of our own device
And in the master's chambers, they gathered for the feast
They stab it with their steely knives but they just can't kill the beast

Last thing I remember I was running for the door
I had to find the passage back to the place I was before
Relax said the nightman We are programmed to receive
You can check out anytime you like but you can never leave.

For the complete meaning of the song, here is a link that says all! Enjoy.


- ilaxi

Jack of all trades, Master of None!!! I ever said 'If Wishes were horses, beggars would ride' but now on the world wide web, as I explore high and low, I guess 'If Dreams had Wings, I would fly : reach for the moon and we land up picking up the stars!



My ever dream was to be a Teacher and I proved to excel. My ever dream was to be a Business person and write Management articles and yeah, I wrote 'Management Mantra' articles in print media for some time. I dream to be an Insurance Executive and IRDA gave me the license. My ever dream was to be a Journalist and lo, God granted me the gift! My ever dream was to play a Piano and lo, I self learnt my Yamaha and Casio 61 keys Portasound Synthesizers and performed on Stage Shows! I wanted to be a Pop singer and sing like George Michael on the Stage and oops, I'd have to wait for a nex Birth and be there in UK or US and here's Blogger tempting me to be an Author! Whewwww....Lemme Try!!! Yep, I gonna Blog 'Romance' novel - Will I be able to do it??? Time will speak :-)

I wish my readers Happy Teachers' Day, who directly or indirectly turned out to be my 'Teacher' - taught me to be wise and nice.

-ilaxi

Aren't our 'Sans bhi Kabhi Bahu thi' and now 'Ba, Bahoo and Baby' following the traditional family tales? One thing I can't figure out is why do the Directors of these serials has one wicked n cunning women in a family? Do they think all Indian women (Not men!) play games?I guess something is seriously wrong with our thinking process. The Indian mentality is nevertheless changing and though joint families are breaking, there are families that keep the unity intact. In fact, I feel, large families encourage resourcefulness, independence and responsibility while discouraging selfishness.




Another thing that comes to my mind is 'Why wearing Helmet is made Compulsory'? If there is lot of concern for safety of people while driving their two wheelers, why don't the makers of the law decide that young girls should not wear fashionable, revealing clothes! A lot of cases like Bijal are coming to surface every day and for their Safety, this is also one point to note.

- ilaxi

In town, without my car !For a healthier and more friendly city should also be the slogan for all gujaratis who drive the car with car jam roads in Ahmedabad. I remember once Mr. Rushad Ginwala of Ahmedabad had made a statement in TOI that if I can, I would be the first person to use bike. Now, I brushed off this casually but I really feel that like the 'Car Free Pittsburg' who promotes walking, bicycling and public transportation, it is time for CM Narendra Modi's government to think on these lines.

An estimated 100 million people participate in International Car Free Day each September 22 in 1500 cities worldwide and the Car Free movement is growing in the US with Mr. Bush too, cycling his way to promote as seen in the pic recently in the newspapers. Cars do hurt the environment, economy and society.

Other than private cars, there should be encouragement to use alternative forms of transport and travel. Even promote walking! Reduce the motorised traffic and I feel, this would be major step to raise awareness and inform city-dwellers of what is at stake so far as concerns the risks connected with pollution."In Town without my car" would be unique movement and I wonder whether the city reformists are concerned or not!!!

-ilaxi

Wondering why no posts? Well, if you'd visit my website here, sure you'd know my whereabouts. Well, now that the ongoing festive season blooms, it's Card Playing that's flourished which result to win or lose games. A newspaper announcement says 'Earn commission for reporting Card Games' and this is what I feel 'Ridiculous' - Is this feasible? Who's gonna gain, btw? Yeah, one thing I do believe that Krishna's teachings is taken for granted another way around - A coin has two sides and whichever you think right, its your choice, anyways!

Bhagwad Gita says,
sarvasya prabhavo
Mattah sarvam pravartate
Iti matva bhajante mam
Budha bhava samanvitah

"I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from Me. The wise who perfectly know this engage in my devotional service and worship me with all their hearts"




As per the Gita, Karma "The action of a person is a good or a bad deed which is stored and determines the events in one's future lives. One is born time and time again to face the consequences of one's actions in previous lives." The Krishna's teachings reflect on how to stop this chain reaction and free oneself from the cycle of birth and death. The Karma of a person influences his lifestyle and all is required of a person is to keep a vigil check on the nine gate which means, nine sense organs so as to perform true 'Karma'. For this, one has to remember that there is always a head over a heart and realize the realities in life to perform their responsibilities and know their limitations, after all.

Now, tomorrow is Janmashtmi and here's the Krishna world of kidsfreesouls and I am sure, you will find it informative...Explore!

- ilaxi

"Thou Brave, be One! Behold, take courage, be proud that thou art an Indian and Proudly proclaim “I am an Indian. Every Indian is my fellow mate”, said Swami Vivekanand.

As I proudly remember the days of Flag Hoisting at School Independence Day, it had been great singing the National Anthem. After a long time, I played the song on my Keyboard and lo, the 4th std. students who attended my Library-English sessions didn't even know the words properly!!! I wonder, do the NRIs teach their kids our Independence song?

Well, here's the India Independence Song 'Jana Mana Gana' in different versions and also Download it on your computer and sing along the tune:-) Enjoy.

I wish all readers 'Happy Independence Day' (15th August). One thing that is noteworthy that Jawaharlal Nehru gave his memorable speech of freedom 'Tryst with Destiny' as Indians rejoiced but Mahatma Gandhiji who fought for Freedom alongwith many freedom fighters, was in Kolkata. Saddened by the Partition of the country, he spent the day fasting and in prayer.

- ilaxi

Computer Games like Prince of Persia and Doom are great memories when mostly every new compu game geek played during those sunny days.
I really use to cheat the kids with the 'cheat codes' and reach the eleventh & twelfth zone in minutes;-)

What? You don't know about Prince of Persia? Well, I have an online Prince of Persia game for you to play - Enjoy!

Created by Jordan Mechner and presented by UBISOFT Entertainment, Prince of Persia 3 is about to release and step into the Gaming arena. Warrior Within & Sands of Time were great Prince of Persia Games but the Speed Kill System is a whole new gameplay system being introduced in POP3. It allows you to perform very dramatic moves that take your enemy down in a single shot. Speed Kills require excellent timing and reflexes but are hugely rewarding. They really make the most of the Prince and Dark Prince’s athletic abilities in fast-paced action-packed sequence.

The Prince of Persia revolves round the story that the Prince of Persia makes his way home to Babylon, bearing with him Kaileena, the enigmatic Empress of Time, and unspeakable scars from the Island of Time. But instead of the peace he longs for, he finds his kingdom ravaged by war and Kaileena the target of a brutal plot. When she is kidnapped, the Prince tracks her to the Palace - only to see her murdered by a powerful enemy. Her death unleashes the Sands of Time, which strike the Prince and threaten to destroy everything he holds dear. Cast to the streets, hunted as a fugitive, the Prince soon discovers that the Sands have tainted him, too. They have given rise to a deadly Dark Prince, whose spirit gradually possesses him...

Don't miss out playing the game but if you do, there's more for you from me to you! I've tried out the Gujarati Blog and hopefully will be presenting Bhupatdada's articles & world of Gujarati Literature, gujarati poetry blogs and more! I ain't a gujju writer and honestly admit that I lag behind the real language as the convent culture took me over! Anyways, here the SHABD PREET Blog for you. Enjoy!

-ilaxi

Last three days I've been a Book worm as I have three books in a row to read:

The Broker by John Grisham
Lone Eagle by Danielle Steel
Storms In the Sea Win by Alam Srinivas

Now, the reason I picked up Alam's book was because I been on Stock Watch - Nah, I don't have a Stock Portfolio but sure, alert over the stock prizes, rise and fall!

STOCK WATCH: Today's Closing:(10th August 2005)

RIL 719
REL 620
RELCAP 461
IPCL 185

So, if you're into it, check out those News that trigger around!!!

Storms In the Sea Wind by Alam Srinivas:
Review by ilaxi

A blow-by-blow account of the Ambani saga by Alam Srinivas, Business Editor, Outlook, who has tracked the Reliance group for twenty years. Residing in Delhi, he has focused on investigative pieces exposing corporate corruption and the nexus between big business and politics. Since 1986, he has written dozens of articles on the Reliance group and the various controversies that gripped the Ambani family.

"Rule 1. Identify your stock. Rule 2. It’s all about the timing. Timing of what to pick and when to sell."

Storms in the Sea Wind - an interesting story of intrigue, deceit and drama.

A read for Corporate world, Management students and all those involved with the Share Bazaar!!! Corporate world & the Tricks of the trade! A thrilling involvement of most of contemporary India's Business and Political players.

The book has a rather interesting reveal where Pramod Mahajan is described as one “who was accused of being close to Mukesh and who vehemently denied it”, Shankar Adwal as “Mukesh’s chief lobbyist in Delhi, he constantly lamented...that the two Ambanis were fighting so openly” and Prem Chand Gupta as “the minister for company affairs who never revealed his true cards... and kept changing his stance regularly”.

Did ever Dhirubhai Ambani know about the tensions between his two sons, Mukesh and Anil?

Did the patriarch merge RIL and Reliance Petroleum to prevent a future split in the Reliance group?

What were the reasons for the frenetic growth of the Ambanis in just about three decades and the subsequent division in less than three years after Dhirubhai’s death?

What were Dhirubhai’s traits that kept the Ambani family together?

What were the differences in Mukesh’s and Anil’s personalities that led to their falling apart?

Did mother Kokilaben play a role in bringing about a truce between her two sons?

How was the seven-month-old war between Mukesh and Anil fought?

Roli Books presentation, (Rs.250/-) and around 240 pages read - When I got to read the reviews, its been an interesting information pick. Stop, Think and Step into the Share Bazaar arena with the Ambani picks!!!

(More Political, Management & Spiritual Book Reviews by me can be Read Here!)

- ilaxi

All our friends light the candle of our life with warmth and happiness. Sometimes, face to face, its hard to say the things we could but between Good Friends, unspoken thoughts are always understood. And then “Silence speaks a thousand words” This Friendship day, I wish all Readers “Happy Friendship Day” and may this small prayer build our spirits to spread love, faith, peace and unity among human beings.

God Make me worthy.........

It is joy in life to find at every turning of the road,
The strong arm of a comrade kind,
To help me with my onward load,
And since I have no gold to give,
'Tis love alone must make amends,
My only Prayer is while I live
"God Make me worthy of my Friends"

I believe that its
God’s might to direct us,
God’s power to protect us,
God’s wisdom for learning,
God's eye for discerning,
God's ear for hearing
God’s love for Caring.

So, keep the love, keep friendship, Keep Faith in God’s Caring.
Keep the Faith!

This book makes one a warmer and a more loving, caring and understanding person.Difference of opinions always occur but a friendly encounter makes a better communicative efforts to bond together in unity. Whether it is a son, hubby, family, friend or even aquaintance, this book provides essential tips with anecdotes to resolve tension in relationships. It has a clear message flow that Friendship is the intensity of the love that leaves behind trails of sweet memories to cherish the core of life giving a whole new meaning to it. The enigma of friendship strengthens with the bonds of relationships so unique which is unselfish, intimate, pure and beautiful. Learning to appreciate, speak out on issues, Listening, confide and sharing secrets, meeting of wavelengths and such deeper corners are focused for a caring friendly relationship with the people you love most. The Art of Forgiveness is one chapter which is very thought oriented that helps change Attitude to bring about a difference to be friendly. Friendship hurts as of many reasons but the author 'Alan' reveals the tact and provide clues for enjoying joys of Friendship.

Buy the Book at a local Bookstore or find here @ Amazon.

- ilaxi

St.John Wort - Wondering who the author is and what the book is about? Amitabh Bacchan is shown reading this book in 'Viruddh' and so I think, if you guess a bit, you're right - the book is about St. John's Wort. Here is a book of St.John Wort : The Herbal Way to Feeling Good 'The Miracle Cure for Depression. What you need to know about depression, conventional antidepressants, and the herb to manage your condition effectively is all the book about!




The Director of the movie has taken care to show the right book in the hand of a lonely parent-Amitabh Bacchan and the depressive mom is Sharmila!!!

- ilaxi

Monday Blues and here is the haunting memories of the star casts of the Hindi Movie I recently saw 'Viruddh'. Yeah, John Abraham is the macho sexy man you ever see on the big screen but here, his role is too matured; a Suave, lovable, innocent guy who's the only son of an elderly couple. Viruddh means 'versus' - the struggle of the elderly couple who strive for justice for their son who is blamed for drug peddling, murder and corruption.

The struggle of a Dad against the Politicians and the whole corrupted system. The movie is emotional and thought provoking but hey, I ain't reviewing the movie here - You've got to see it and believe it yourself to rate it 'Good' or just passing.

Well, now the news around is strong and most likely John Abraham is entering into the sphere of jounalism. Yeah, the television had a telecast of John's Interview when he really did mention that he had an ardent desire to publish a newspaper. For this, he's done his thorough 'Home-work' and gone through some brainstorming sessions, meeting people around the media. A mix of showbiz and real world, he beamed. A Big 'B' Admirer, John Abraham has all plans to publish the newspaper for exclusively 'Exclusive' readers, maybe a weekly and no 'all newspaper' stuff.




Of coz, this means, a truly different Bollywood Masalas+Extra Toppings through the eyes of a Star himself and that sure gonna be Interesting!

The lonely Bollywood NRI freaks will surely have their online resources now ready to transport to John, hopefully!
- ilaxi

"THINK - There must be a better way" This phrase is a sure fire way to activate the brain cells and perform the miracles of the mind. Our brain is booted with a creative energy which spring bold new ideas. One has only to unleash these creative ideas to implement them to excel. Afterall, one has to face a defeat with a “Challenge” and if you set your mind to get what you want, there is never a turn back in life but a sharp twist that makes you emerge a Winner.

Well, for some it's a quench your thirst for knowledge. While surfing on net, Google announce Google Gulp (BETA)™ with Auto-Drink™ (LIMITED RELEASE), a line of "smart drinks" designed to maximize your surfing efficiency by making you more intelligent, and less thirsty. It's the time to 'Think fruity, Think refreshing'




Google focus on the neurotransmitter smart drug stimulants past the blood-brain barrier to achieve maximum optimization of your soon-to-be-grateful cerebral cortex. Plus, it's low in carbs and with flavors ranging from Beta Carroty to Glutamate Grape. For the Beta version of Google Gulp, here is my guide and if it suits a surfer and you are lucky to grab a 'Gulp Cap' at local store, here is a 'way to go' as you'll never run out of way to quench your thirst of knowledge!




Enjoy!!!

- ilaxi

I remember a session I attended at TATA-AIG and the 'Spanco' theory that was explained to us by the Executives who motivated and encouraged us as fresher Insurance Agents. About 'Spanco' well, I will talk about it later but here's a book that comes to my mind for motivation.

Essential Managers Series : Motivating People



It has ever been my observation that where there is no motivation, the staff tends to fall prey to being lazy-bugs, dumb and losing their charm and interest in their jobs! People who adopt TQM (Total Quality Management) which is about constantly improving every process and product by progressive methods motivate with the Change and quip for empowerment at workplace. If there isn't Motivation, however well you want TQM, it fails as psychologically needs is not fulfilled. Self esteem is hurt too. Recently, during my Insurance Group meet, the young boys supported the training with motivational tips that promoted Discussions, provided information and feedback but missed out on encouraging initiatives. Effectively appraising, listening to opinions, discussing weaknesses are all best explained in this book. Raising Interest levels and developing skills is one yet two different things altogether. The book has techniques to widen perspectives too and getting the most from Training sessions. An Exceptional Book, I recommend for all Team Managers who need to 'Motivate' freshers and tune them up for Achievement. A good Pick and Great Gift to offer.

- ilaxi

Poet Rumi once said: "When you are dead, seek for your resting place, not in the earth, but in the hearts of men."

Aren't these wise words from a very wise man? Well, we all have our own challenging moments in life. Challenges come n go. Calamities too, come n go. We too, sail the boat of our life so as not to sink in deep circling waters. All top performers have developed ability of keeping their setbacks in a proper perspective, learning from them and then advancing confidently in the direction of their dreams. It's never losing sight of the fact that the work you and your team is doing impacts on people's lives and you can make a difference.

So, when one of my friend just rang me up and said, hey why do you keep working all the time when people who get highly paid call it 'peanuts' - Well, I guess 'Work is a force that keeps one getting wiser, otherwise what's a life for? Just a question that pops up 'Who will cry when you die?' Robin Sharma's book has all the answers I presume!




Robin Sharma,the Author says: "When you live your truth, your dreams beat a path toward your doorstep". A practical solution to create a sound Life and strikingly balance life filling in the gaps with humility. Robin refers to his father's words that a tree that has most fruits is that which bends to the ground. And though there are some exceptions he have found in his own experience that it is true-the people who know the most, who have achieved the most, and have lived the most, are also the people closest to the ground. In a word, they are humble.

The book is indepth wisdom with absolute life changing solutions to cope with life's trials, challenges, frustrations and so on.

- ilaxi

Harry Potter launches the book ‘Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince’ on 16th July, Midnight. 70 children who won in pre-competitions were invited for the Book Launch, who grandly rode on horse carriages, entered the Edinburgh castle where they met the multimillionaire Author J.K.Rowling. She read a chapter from the book and than gifted the signed copy and had a grand party with the kids.

In this book, Harry is focused on what really it means to life : family, friends and love and has been portrayed more mature who has emotional connections.



Masterpiece of Satanic deception – that’s what Harry Potter series is said to be by the Pastors of the church. The Bible, in Acts 19:19 says “Many of those who also used curious arts brought their books together and burned them before all men; and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.” And amazon.com is charging that and so are the Indian bookstores, I think. In 2001 and 2003, there are incidents of burning and cutting to pieces Harry Potter Books as Potter is a witchcraft and indeed inflicts the minds of the kids. The witchcraft theme do not jibe with the fundamentalist Christian teachings. Rowling has been the fourth most challenged Author of ‘Banned Books’ according to American Library Association from 1990 to 2004. These books do not have any moral lessons nor it says that lying and cheating are wrong.





Well, I run a children’s Library and encourage kids for reading but ugh oh, not Harry Potter! Though Harry Potter casts a spell in India, I do not believe in kids reading Harry Potter! Not that I am christian or ban the witchcraft but many kids cannot narrate nor write a review of simple story they read; they even cannot read Enid or Nancy Drew or Hardy boys nor Raold Dahl even though they buy from Bookstores like Crosswords! Those who can read are most exceptional kids I guess. Parents ever feel proud when they talk to me that their kids are reading Harry Potter but soon when they start attending my Library regularly, I find their flaws - they can't understand nor can they read the whole book!









Penguin Books India are the distributors in India and advance orders for the book were 125,000 copies.Leadings stores in Delhi & my town too reports of overwhelming response. So, I gather the copies are selling but hey, I wonder, why can't Indian bookstores held competitions like the below Book 'Harry Potter trivia n puzzles, etc.so that these books are really read?

The Ultimate Unofficial Harry Potter Trivia Book by Daniel Lawrence:
The book gives new, fascinating details about the first six books in the series. It contains a collection of fun multiple-choice questions along with little-known information about the world’s most famous wizard. Learn the secrets behind the magic and what comes next. The Ultimate Unofficial Harry Potter® Trivia Book is the perfect companion to the entire series, says Amazon!




It's now to be seen whether Harry Potter wins over Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, the movie that's released simultaneously! Kids - make your Choice! I am for Charlie.....the Raold Dahl book & the movie....LoL

-ilaxi

Some useful Links :

J.K. Rowling personal website
Harry Potter on Bloomsbury.com-International publisher
Harry Potter on Scholastic.com U.S. publisher
Harry Potter on Raincoast.com (Canadian publisher)
Penquin Books India - Indian Book Distributor for Harry Potter
Harry Potter in Asia

Did you see 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'? The Jungle Book, Sound of Music...many more! Well, those were the great days of our life when kids movies were a craze! Yesterday, while watching a television show, what interested me most was the news on coming 15th July release of Tim Burton's 'Charlie & The Chocolate Factory' with lead role by Johnny Depp as Willi Wonka. Here's the review of the story I read and told the kids who loved to dream of the Chocolate factory. Willy Wonka opens the gate of his Chocolate Factory to the five 'Lucky Winners' who finds the golden ticket wrapped in a Wonka Chocolate. Charlie is in for a big surprize in the end....You've got to see the movie with Kids!

By the way, if you want a fancy poster for kid's room, here is it. Just click for a great print-out. Enjoy!

-ilaxi

Net Shopping's been 'The New Rage' recently as a Survey conducted by the Internet and Online Association of India shows 25 million Internet population are regular online shoppers.

-62% have shopped on the net for more than a year
-37% have started shopping online within the past one year
-67% gave tested shopping spree in last three months.

Now, an estimated 13% of the online Shopping community shops by using Credit Cards.
79% use the option of Cash on delivery, allowing greater comfort level in online transactions within the shopping populance. Books were the most sought after item on the net with 41% of the online population buying books during 2004-2005. It is noted that the major shoppers reside in Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata.




Well, now as per my knowledge, online shoppers are too reluctant to buy books at Amazon or any other Bookstores online! My report shows hardly any buyers of Books as sambhaav sells books 'In Association' to Amazon. Moreover, I feel that leaving a Credit card number is allowing the cyber crooks to get you hooked. The web is full of deceit! Dangers of online transaction is not new and recently, reports speak of a security breach at a US processing company which exposed more than 40 million credit card accounts to fraud. The security hole in the system got access to names, account numbers and card codes! CitiFinancial has also confessed that data on 3.9 million consumers has been 'misplaced'. The data stolen in the card system breach is eventually auctioned by Cyber crooks who put up hijacked accounts. Not to go more in details..If E-commerce has matured into Rs.1,180 crore Industry during 2004-2005, figures may speak varying in time to come or maybe more stringent cyber laws to be framed for safe surfing, safe shopping...what not!!!

- ilaxi

Here's a Recipe...Straight from the "Chef" Blossomsmile's Kitchen!

Make the Best of Everything!


Preparation-Preliminary - A fluffy white cloud can adorn a clear sky
with splendour or can clutter up your vision of the blue expanse. Again, a
grey cloud can cause you to get wet and irritate you, or it can make
earth refreshingly cool. Your choice defines what is best.

Ingredients:

Make light of failure
Avoid pessimists and fault finders
Count your blessings
Enjoy Life
A vision of heaven

Method: Make failure an incentive to strive to do better.
Offer a deaf ear and blind eye to those who will not acknowledge the
cloud with a silver lining.
Remember a person without shoes is better off than one without feet.
Take time and pleasure in all you do even if it is eating a bread without
butter for breakfast.
Derive hope from saying, The Best is yet to come!

And yes, Best of friends too, yet to find, 'tis they come from heaven to
spread peace and joy on earth. Tis a cup of love blend with faith, trust
and all that is rosy and gold. Garnish your life with all the rich
flavours of love to relish the taste for a life time!!!

- ilaxi

Gone Rathyatra and the day winded up with yet another faith instilled in the minds of people. One of my friend went early in the morning at 5.00 for Darshan to Jagannath temple and when I met her at a friendly get-together at noon, I asked her if she knew why Rathyatra is celebrated. "No Idea", she beamed! And I recall my article on my small 'Research' done to know about Krishna, which even made me write about him and share it will all my readers here. The Krishna article was also translated to Gujarati. If you wish to read in Gujarati, you need to have shreelipi fonts enabled on your computer. You can find the font help file here.



The 34th verse of chapter 6 of Bhagwad Gita which specifically mentions that the individual self is the passenger in the chariot of the material body and the intelligence is the driver. Mind is the driving instrument and the senses are the horses. The self is thus the enjoyer or sufferer in the association of the mind and senses.

“ cancalam hi manah krsna pramathi balavaddrdham
tasyaham nigraham manye vayoriva suduskaram (34) (ch.6)

Intelligence is supposed to direct the mind, but the mind is so strong and obstinate that it often overcomes even one’s own intelligence. The mind is strong and obstinate and like one cannot capture the blowing wind, it is even more difficult to capture the turbulent mind. Hence, the easiest way to keep the mind in control is the chanting of ‘Hare krshna’, the great mantra for deliverance.

Now, as we see the terrorist threat round the globe, these people who spread terror with 9/11 or the London Disaster or Terrorist in Kashmir that spell terror, religion to them in name of Holy God or Allah or whatever is only an excuse to allow their Satan mind to perform tasks of hell. May god guide them to right path but one thing, I can't understand is that whenever 9/11 scare of London disaster is there, the whole world is active as if the hell is on earth but everyday in Kashmir and Iran-Iraq, we hear of Bombs & Terrorist kill, it's no concern to the whole world and passes off as a routine...How very Strange? When we see President Bush & Tony Blair speak the words of wisdom and Peace, it seems artificial! Is the world living under the threat of a Nostradamus prediction in future? Let's wait...

- ilaxi

Yesterday, 6th July was the second Death Anniversary of Dhirubhai Ambani and as I pay my respects, its a tribute to a great personality who has created a void in India's corporate world has been a role model for many. He had special love for Gujarat and his life will continue to inspire every Gujarati entrepreneur living here and abroad. He also had been instrumental in according a special status to the share market which he had turned into a ‘people’s movement’ across the country. He believed in the preachings of Bhagwad Gita and was a true follower as a 'karmayogi'who had a strong determination and will power.

Well, here goes the Review of the great Religious Book and I am sure many gujaratis have read and adopted the preachings in their lives.

Bhagvad Gita As it is By Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Review by ilaxi

With over two dozen languages and more than five million hardbound copies in print, undoubtedly, Bhagvad Gita As it is by Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is the best selling and widely read classic in world literature. It reflects the main literary support for the great religious civilization of India, the oldest surviving culture in the world. This sacred book is well explained, easy to read with sanskrit shlokas well translated and pronunciations made easier. The subject of Bhagvad Gita entails the comprehension of five basic truths. First, science of god is explained and than the position of living entities, jivas. The living entity is controlled by the controller 'God head krsna' and the material nature 'prakriti' and time, the duration of existence of the whole universe and karma 'activity' are discussed. Finally, its god's wish and he makes or breaks the world! Bhagvad gita is written with 18 chapters - the conversation of krsna with Arjun as brief below:

1. Chapter One: Arjun gives up determination to fight at the battlefield of kuruksetra out of grief n pity when he sees his intimate relatives, teachers and friends in both armies ready to fight and sacrifice their lives.

2. Chapter Two: Krsna begins his teachings to Arjun and explains the distinction bet. the temporary material body and eternal spiritual soul. Characteristics of self realized person is explained.

3. Chapter Three: Karma Yoga i.e. one must engage in activity where actions can bind one to the world or liberate. Perform for the pleasure of god's will without selfish motives and attain transcendental knowledge.

4. Chapter Four: Transcendental knowledge, spiritual knowledge of the soul, of god and their relationship. Krsna explains history of Gita, purpose and significance of his periodic descents to the material world and the necessity of approaching a guru.

5. Chapter Five: Action performed and their fruits to attain peace, detachments, forbearance, spiritual vision and bliss.

6. Chapter Six: Controlling of the mind and senses and focus on concentration on god (lord is in heart)& explains the meaning of 'samadhi' full consciousness of supreme.

7. Chapter Seven: Knowledge of Absolute god. Krsna is the supreme truth and advanced souls surrender unto him in devotion.

8. Chapter Eight : Attaining the supreme god and remembering krsna in devotion whole life n at time of death, one can attain to his supreme abode, beyond material world.(This is one chapter that is always spoken in most Hindu families during ritual rites when someone dies)

9. Chapter Nine: The most confidential knowledge of bhakti - praying to godhead krsna.By reviving one's pure devotion, one returns to krsna in spiritual realm.

10.Chapter Ten: All power, beauty, grandeur or sublimity, in material or spiritual world are manifestation of krsna.

11.Chapter Eleven: Krsna grants Arjun the vision and reveals his form as cosmic universe and explains his own humanlike form is the original form of godhead and one can perceive only by pure devotion.

12. Chapter Twelve: Bhakti yoga to attain luv of krsna and they develop divine qualities.

13. Chapter Thirteen: Difference bet. body, the soul and supersoul beyond them both attains liberation from material world.

14. Chapter Fourteen:Souls are under the control of three modes i.e.qualities of material nature - goodness, passion and ignorance. How these modes act upon is well explained here.

15. Chapter Fifteen: Detaching oneself from material world and understand godhead. One who understand krsna surrenders to him and become devotional.

16. Chapter Sixteen: Difference of Divine and Demoniac nature is explained here. How to gain spiritual perfection.

17. Chapter Seventeen: Three types of faith evolving from three modes of material nature. Acts performed by those who have faith in passion and ignorance yield only impermanent, material results whereas acts performed in goodness, lead to pure faith in krsna.

18. Chapter Eighteen: The concluding part which explains the meaning of renunciation and effects of the modes of nature on human consciousness and acitivity. Surrendering to god which frees one from sins, bring enlightenment and be eternal spiritual mode.

Krsna says in Gita:

"Aham sarvasya prabhavo, Mattah sarvam pravartate
Iti matva bhajante mam, Budha bhava samanvitah"

Meaning "I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from Me. The wise who perfectly know this engage in my devotional service and worship me with all their hearts"

So, if you have read Bible or Koran or any religious book, Bhagvad Gita is a choice 'Absolute'to read about the 'Absolute Godhead' After all, God is a mystery and nobody ever knows who the real person is otherwise I feel, there would be no wars and only peace on earth if Bhagvad Gita Mahima (krsna's sayings) is followed by humans. A sure Pick.

-ilaxi