story : Helping hands

A mother, wishing to encourage her son's progress at the piano, bought tickets to a performance by the great Polish pianist Ignace Paderewski. When the evening arrived, they found their seats near the front of the concert hall and eyed the majestic Steinway waiting on the stage. Soon the mother found a friend to talk to, and the boy slipped away.

At eight o'clock, the lights in the auditorium began to dim, the spotlights came on, and only then did they notice the boy - up on the piano bench, innocently picking out "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." His mother gasped in shock and embarassment but, before she could retrieve her son, the master himself appeared on the stage and quickly moved to the keyboard. 

He whispered gently to the boy, "Don't quit. Keep playing." Leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in the bass part. Soon his right arm reached around the other side and improvised a delightful obbligato. Together, the old master and the young novice held the crowd mesmerized with their blended and beautiful music. 

In all our lives, we receive helping hands - some we notice, some we don't. Equally we ourselves have countless opportunities to provide helping hands - sometimes we would like our assistance to be noticed, sometimes we don't. Little of what we all achieve is without learning from others and without support from others and what we receive we should hand out.

Peace of mind

 

Once Buddha was walking from one town to another town with a few of his followers. This was in the initial days. While they were traveling, they happened to pass a lake. They stopped there and Buddha told one of his disciples, “I am thirsty. Do get me some water from that lake there.”

The disciple walked up to the lake. When he reached it, he noticed that some people were washing clothes in the water and, right at that moment, a bullock cart started crossing through the lake. As a result, the water became very muddy, very turbid. The disciple thought, “How can I give this muddy water to Buddha to drink!” So he came back and told Buddha, “The water in there is very muddy. I don’t think it is fit to drink.”

After about half an hour, again Buddha asked the same disciple to go back to the lake and get him some water to drink. The disciple obediently went back to the lake. This time he found that the lake had absolutely clear water in it. The mud had settled down and the water above it looked fit to be had. So he collected some water in a pot and brought it to Buddha.

Buddha looked at the water, and then he looked up at the disciple and said, “See what you did to make the water clean. You let it be ... and the mud settled down on its own – and you got clear water... Your mind is also like that. When it is disturbed, just let it be. Give it a little time. It will settle down on its own. You don’t have to put in any effort to calm it down. It will happen. It is effortless.”

What did Buddha emphasize here? He said, “It is effortless.” Having 'peace of mind' is not a strenuous job; it is an effortless process. When there is peace inside you, that peace permeates to the outside. It spreads around you and in the environment, such that people around start feeling that peace and grace

The secret of happiness

A certain shopkeeper sent his son to learn about the secret of happiness from the wisest man in the world. The lad wandered through the desert for 40 days, and finally came upon a beautiful castle, high atop a mountain. It was there that the wise man lived. 

Rather than finding a saintly man, though, our hero, on entering the main room of the castle, saw a hive of activity: tradesmen came and went, people were conversing in the corners, a small orchestra was playing soft music, and there was a table covered with platters of the most delicious food in that part of the world. The wise man conversed with everyone, and the boy had to wait for two hours before it was his turn to be given the man's attention. 

The wise man listened attentively to the boy's explanation of why he had come, but told him that he didn't have time just then to explain the secret of happiness. He suggested that the boy look around the palace and return in two hours. 

"Meanwhile, I want to ask you to do something", said the wise man, handing the boy a teaspoon that held two drops of oil. "As you wander around, carry this spoon with you without allowing the oil to spill".

The boy began climbing and descending the many stairways of the palace, keeping his eyes fixed on the spoon. After two hours, he returned to the room where the wise man was.

"Well", asked the wise man, "Did you see the Persian tapestries that are hanging in my dining hall? Did you see the garden that it took the master gardener ten years to create? Did you notice the beautiful parchments in my library?"

The boy was embarrassed, and confessed that he had observed nothing. His only concern had been not to spill the oil that the wise man had entrusted to him.

"Then go back and observe the marvels of my world", said the wise man. "You cannot trust a man if you don't know his house". 

Relieved, the boy picked up the spoon and returned to his exploration of the palace, this time observing all of the works of art on the ceilings and the walls. He saw the gardens, the mountains all around him, the beauty of the flowers, and the taste with which everything had been selected. Upon returning to the wise man, he related in detail everything he had seen.    

                   

"But where are the drops of oil I entrusted to you?" asked the wise man. Looking down at the spoon he held, the boy saw that the oil was gone.

"Well, the

re is only one piece of advice I can give you", said the wisest of wise men. "The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world and never to forget the drops of oil on the spoon".
Author: Paul Coelho in "The Alchemist"

If happiness depends upon circumstances - just watch this video

Happiness never depends upon circumstances. After watching this video I asked only one question to myself- why I do complaint to god for not giving my choice of life??


 This video helped me to realized that happiness is never depends on external factors, its just there in my mind. My feeling of  expectation from others made me sad when they fail to fulfill my expectation. I become sad because someone not recognize my efforts.. there are many questions ...... 

But answer is only one.......Why should we give our life to other person's hand?? why they control your happiness ??........be a reason for living. Life smiles and salute you

I must say to enjoy is in your hands,you can enjoy in privacy also and can feel lonely between thousands of friends of yours.so, do not depends on others for your happiness

My question

Happiness is state of mind or depends upon circumstances ?
 






“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”
― Kent M. Keith

TRUST

A little girl and her father were crossing a bridge. The father was kind of scared so he asked his little

 daughter, “Sweetheart, please hold my hand so that you don’t fall into the river.” The little girl said,

 

 “No, Dad. You hold my hand.” “What’s the difference?” Asked the puzzled father… 

“There’s a big difference,” replied the little girl. “If I hold your hand and something happens to me, 

chances are that I may let your hand go. But if you hold my hand, I know for sure that no matter what happens, you will never let my hand go.” 

In any relationship, the essence of trust is not in its bind, but in its bond. 

So hold the hand of the person whom you love rather than expecting them to hold yours . . . of Trust

The Father's Eyes

This teenager lived alone with his father, and the two of them had a very special relationship. Even though the son was always on the bench, his father was always in the stands cheering. He never missed a game.This young man was still the smallest of the class when he entered high school. But his father continued to encourage him but also made it very clear that he did not have to play football if he didn't want to.

But the young man loved football and decided to hang in there. He was determined to try his best at every practice, and perhaps he'd get to play when he became a senior. All through high school he never missed a practice nor a game, but remained a bench warmer all four years. His faithful father was always in the stands, always with words of encouragement for him.

When the young man went to college, he decided to try out for the football team as a "walk-on." Everyone was sure he could never make the cut, but he did. The coach admitted that he kept him on the roste because he always puts his heart and soul into every practice, and at the same time, provided the other members with the spirit and hustle they badly needed.The news that he had survived the cut thrilled him so much that he rushed to the nearest phone and called his father. His father shared his excitement and was sent season tickets for all the college games.

This persistent young athlete never missed practice during his four years at college, but he never got to play in the game.It was the end of his senior football season, and as he trotted onto the practice field shortly before the big play off game, the coach met him with a telegram. The young man read the telegram and he became deathly silent. Swallowing hard, he mumbled to the coach, "My father died this morning. Is it all right if I miss practice today?" The coach put his arm gently around his shoulder and said, "Take the rest of the week off, son. And don't even plan to come back to the game on Saturday.

Saturday arrived, and the game was not going well. In the third quarter, when the team was ten points behind, a silent young man quietly slipped into the empty locker room and put on his football gear. As he ran onto the sidelines, the coach and his players were astounded to see their faithful teammate back so soon."Coach, please let me play. I've just got to play today," said the young man. The coach pretended not to hear him. There was no way he wanted his worst player in this close playoff game. But the young man persisted, and finally feeling sorry for the kid, the coach gave in. "All right," he said."You can go in."

Before long, the coach, the players and everyone in the stands could not believe their eyes. This little unknown, who had never played before was doing everything right. The opposing team could not stop him. He ran, he passed, blocked and tackled like a star. His team began to triumph. The score was soon tied. In the closing seconds of the game, this kid intercepted a pass and ran all the way for the winning touchdown.
The fans broke loose. His teammates hoisted him onto their shoulders. Such cheering you've never heard! Finally, after the stands had emptied and the team had showered and left the locker room, the coach noticed that the young man was sitting quietly in the corner all alone. The coach came to him and said, "Kid, I can't believe it. You were fantastic! Tell me what got into you? How did you do it?"

He looked at the coach, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Well, you knew my dad died, but did you know that my dad was blind?" The young man swallowed hard and forced a smile, 

"Dad came to all my games, but today was the first time he could see me play, and I wanted to show him I could do it!"

: A FATHER MEANS...

Happy Father's Day

A Dad is a person
who is loving and kind,
And often he knows
what you have on your mind.
He's someone who listens,
suggests, and defends.
A dad can be one
of your very best friends!
He's proud of your triumphs,
but when things go wrong,
A dad can be patient
and helpful and strong
In all that you do,
a dad's love plays a part.
There's always a place for him
deep in your heart.
And each year that passes,
you're even more glad,
More grateful and proud
just to call him your dad!
Thank you, Dad...
for listening and caring,
for giving and sharing,
but, especially, for just being you!

 

When god created fathers - Happy fathers day

WHEN THE LORD WAS CREATING FATHERS,         
HE STARTED WITH A TALL FRAME.

AND AN  ANGEL NEARBY SAID,    
WHAT KIND OF FATHER IS THAT?

IF  YOU'RE GOING TO MAKE CHILDREN SO CLOSE
TO THE GROUND,
WHY HAVE YOU PUT FATHER UP SO HIGH?
HE WON'T BE ABLE TO SHOOT MARBLES
WITHOUT KNEELING,
OR KISS AND TUCK A CHILD IN BED
WITHOUT BENDING.

GOD SMILED AND SAID, YES, BUT IF I MAKE HIM CHILD SIZE,
WHO WOULD CHILDREN HAVE TO LOOK UP TO?

AND WHEN GOD MADE FATHER'S HAND,
THEY WERE VERY LARGE AND STRONG.

          AND THE ANGEL SHOOK HIS HEAD SADLY AND SAID,                          
 "DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING?       

                                        
                       LARGE HANDS ARE CLUMSY.                                                 RUBBER  BANDS OR  PONYTAILS OR EVEN
   BASEBALL BATS."                                                     

                                                       

GOD SMILED AND SAID,                                               
  "I KNOW, BUT THEY'RE LARGE ENOUGH TO HOLD EVERYTHING A SMALL SON EMPTIES FROM HIS POCKETS AT THE END OF THE DAY... YET SMALL ENOUGH TO CUP A DAUGHTERS FACE IN HIS HANDS."

            THEN GOD MOLDED LONG, SLIM LEGS
AND BROAD SHOULDERS.

"BOY, THIS IS THE END OF THE WEEK, ALL RIGHT!"
HE SIGHED, " DO YOU REALIZE YOU JUST MADE A FATHER WITHOUT A LAP?  

HOW IS HE GOING TO PULL A CHILD CLOSE AND HOLD HIM  WITHOUT THE KID FALLING   BETWEEN HIS LEGS?"

  GOD SMILED AND SAID, "A FATHER  NEEDS STRONG SHOULDERS TO PULL A SLED,
 BALANCE A BOY ON A BICYCLE,
OR HOLD A SLEEPY HEAD ON THE WAY HOME
FROM THE CIRCUS."

GOD WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF CREATING TWO OF THE LARGEST FEET ANYONE HAD EVER SEEN
WHEN THE ANGEL COULD CONTAIN HIMSELF NO LONGER.

" THAT'S NOT FAIR! DO YOU HONESTLY THINK
THOSE LARGE THINGS ARE  GOING TO DIG OUT OF BED
EARLY IN THE MORNING WHEN THE BABY CRIES? 

OR WALK THROUGH A SMALL BIRTHDAY PARTY
WITHOUT CRUSHING AT LEAST THREE OF THE GUEST?"

GOD SMILED AND SAID, 
"THEY'LL WORK.  YOU'LL SEE. 

THEY'LL SUPPORT A SMALL CHILD WHO WANTS TO
 RIDE A HORSE TO THE KITCHEN AND BACK, OR SCARE OFF MICE AT THE SUMMER CABIN, OR DISPLAY SHOES THAT WILL BE  A CHALLENGE TO FILL."

GOD WORKED THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT, GIVING THE FATHER FEW  WORDS, BUT A FIRM, AUTHORITATIVE VOICE; EYES THAT SAW EVERYTHING,  BUT REMAINED CALM AND TOLERANT.

FINALLY, ALMOST AS AN AFTER  THOUGHT,
HE ADDED----TEARS.

 

 

THEN HE TURNED TO THE ANGEL AND SAID,
"NOW THERE YOU HAVE IT, THE COMPLETED

 AND THE ANGEL, SHUT UP.

Never Give up - મારી પ્રેરણા

This is one of my favorite inspiring poem.... 

ગઝલ ની એકેક કડી મા ટપકતી ખુમારી નવુ જોશ અને ઉત્સાહ જગાડે

રસ્તો નહીં જડે તો રસ્તો કરી જવાના,
થોડા અમે મુંઝાઇ મનમાં, મરી જવાના !

નિજ મસ્ત થઈ જીવન આ પૂરું કરી જવાના,
બિન્દુ મહિં ડૂબીને સિન્ધુ તરી જવાના.

કોણે કહ્યું કે ખાલી હાથે મરી જવાના ?
દુનિયાથી દિલના ચારે છેડા ભરી જવાના.

છો ને ફર્યા, નથી કંઈ દીથી ડરી જવાના,
એ શું કરી શક્યા છે, એ શું કરી જવાના.

મનમાં વિચાર શું છે? અવિરામ કંઈ દીપક છે,
પ્રકાશ આંધીઓ માં પણ પાથરી જવાના.

એક આત્મબળ અમારું દુ:ખ માત્રની દવા છે.
હર ઝખ્મને નજરથી ટાંકા ભરી જવાના.

સ્વયં વિકાસ છીએ, સ્વયં વિનાશ છીએ,
સ્વયં ખીલી જવાના, સ્વયં ખરી જવાના.

સમજો છો શું અમોને, સ્વયં પ્રકાશ છીએ !
દીપક નથી અમે કે ઠાર્યા ઠરી જવાના.

અય કાળ, કંઇ નથી ભય, તું થાય તે કરી લે
ઇશ્વર સમો ધણી છે, થોડા મરી જવાના ?

યાંત્રિક છે આ જમાનો ફાવે છે વેગવાળા,
એ યુગ ગયા વિચારી પગલાં ભરી જવાના.

દુનિયા શું કામ ખાલી અમને મિટાવી રહી છે?
આ ખોળીયું અમે ખુદ ખાલી કરી જવાના

                                                                                              - અમૃત ઘાયલ.

જીવન નું બીજું નામ એટલે મુશ્કેલીઓ,પડકારો ,સતત ઝઝુમતા રેહવું  અને જીવન નામ ના  ઉત્સવ ને ઉમંગ થી ઉજવવો. સફળતા અને નિષ્ફળતા મળી ને તોહ જીવન નો રણકાર જન્મે છે..લેખક વિનોદ જોશી ની નવલકથા મોરપીંછ નું એક વાક્ય બહુ સરસ છે જેમાં જીવન નો અનોખો સાર છે....વાવાઝોડા ની આરતી ઉતારવાનું  નામ એટલે જીવન.
  

                                                                               - આભા કલૈયા
(નવી પોસ્ટ સાથે નવા વિષય સાથે ફરી મળીશું.)