Happiness

         People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.  Forgive them anyway.

            If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.  Be kind anyway.

            If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.  Succeed anyway.

           If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.  Be honest and sincere anyway.

            What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.  Create anyway.

            If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.  Be happy anyway.

            The good you do today, will often be forgotten.  Do good anyway.

         Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.  Give your best anyway.

         In the final analysis, it is between you and God.  It was never between you and them anyway.

                                    -this version is credited to Mother Teresa

Assi Ghat -Varanasi

Assi Ghat an important ghat of Varanasi traditionally constitutes the southern end of conventional city. Numerous References about this ghat are found in early literature Particularly in matsypurana kurma purana, padma purana and kashi khanda. According to a belief goddess Durga after slaying  demon Shumbha- Nishumbha had thrown her sword. The place, where sword (Khadga) had fallen resulted in flowing of big stream known as Assi river. The on confluence place of river Ganga and Asi known as Asi or Assi ghat. In Kashi Khand it is referred as Asi "Saimbeda Tirtha" one gets punaya of all the Tirthas ( religious places) by taking a dip here. During 16^th,17^th Century A.D Saint Tulasi Das had written Ramcharitmanas here, After 19^th Cent.A.D. Assi Ghat was divided in five Ghats i.e.Asi, Gangamahal (First) Rewan, Tulasi and Bhadaini. 

Incredible Tofu

As a vegetarian you can never belittle the goodness of Tofu. It has earned the well deserved title of the "white Meat" due to its soft texture and subtle taste and not to forget the large amount of protein it has, which makes it so easily replaceable with meat in most of the cuisine.

Tofu, first invented in China around 2000 years old, is one of the important content in South Eat Asian cuisines as it is a favourite amount the vegan Buddhists.

As a vegan you can never walk out satisfied, from any of the Southeast Asian restaurants, if tofu is not served on your plate. As it can be easily substituted for meat, you can enjoy all the strong flavors of the south east Asian cuisine without missing out anything.

Tofu or bean curd which is basically a food made by coagulating soy juice and then pressing the resulting curds into soft white blocks is a powerhouse of nutritions like protein, iron and also calcium.

Redang

The white sand beach at Redang, Malaysia.

Redang Island is famous for its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and the tropical fish that inhabit the numerous reefs, many within 50 feet of the shore. The sparkling sand beaches are walked down by many water sports enthusiasts for whom the island offers the most amazing snorkeling and the sea diving experiences. The natural beauty of the island provides solace to many who want to just unwind and rejuvenate. 

Prayer Wheels

At Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim, india.

These prayer wheels are built around Buddhist Monasteries or Stupas. These rows of large stationery  wheels attached to wooden platform which people can spin clockwise while they walk around the building, chanting the Mantra which is considered very beneficial.

                                    OM MANI PADME HUM

In the translation of a text by the Fourth Panchen Lama, Amitabha Buddha says “Anyone who recites the six syllables while turning the dharma wheel at the same time is equal in fortune to the Thousand Buddhas.”  In the same text Shakyamuni Buddha says that "turning the prayer wheel once is better than having done one, seven, or nine years of retreat" The prayer wheel is a very powerful merit field; one accumulates extensive merit and purifies obstacles.

On being the Light....

From a carefree, spontaneous and charge less homo-sapien to an anxious, vigilant and often baffled mother, my journey into motherhood may not have been very smooth but has changed me radically from a conferee to a patron. I have learned to transfigure my weaknesses  and stand tall as a guiding light for my children. The process which is still on, has appeared very gruesome initially where I found myself loosing to the new transformation but eventually crafted a matured, balanced and more appreciative me. My sole purpose in this journey of motherhood is to be the light which will guide my children to be good individuals. I am very sure this is just not my story, most of the mothers will associate with and appreciate theses changes which we so carefully and I must admit, with lots of pain introduce in our lives to become the guiding light.

-How the relaxed lazy mornings have transformed into early morning drills, so my kids learn the importance of starting the day early.

-How sinful, junk and easy food is slowly transforming into a more balanced diet. So the kids learn to appreciate the importance of nutrition over good taste.

-How God and spirituality has become the integral part of our existence (although it always was). My major task is to very carefully weave the threads of faith in their personality.

-How family time has become the the key word for bonding. 

-How discipline and painstakingly drafted rules govern the house (most of our kids hate us for these rules, but we can't give in, right?)

- Above all, how giving, and being responsible is the only way of life, is what we are trying to inculcate in our kids.

 True What is to give light must endure burning!