Akram Youth
November 2014 | English
Dada Bhagwan Parivar
107th Janma - Jayanti of Param Pujya Dada Bhagwan in Gandhidham
Youth in Seva
12
Editorial Friends, The month of November can be termed special for the youth as we celebrate the children’s day on the 14th of this month. We have tried to make it all the more special by featuring many articles on topics centered on youth. To begin with, we have highlighted the ‘seva’ activities conducted by the youth during the celebrations of Dadashri’s 107th birth anniversary. Then in glimpses of great soul we have featured the life and times of the one who has contributed many a pleasant memories to each and every child over the past many generations. Then we have also highlighted the roles and responsibilities of today’s youth towards their parents and guru through ‘Gnani’s scientific solutions’ and our lead story. Finally we get to understand humility, humbleness & its importance in ‘Gnani with youth’. The moral story sends a strong message, that one must always appreciate others to develop oneself.
Finally, ‘Gnani An idol of
Astonishment’ gives us glimpses about what an ideal business partner Dadashri was. - Dimple Mehta.
Time is not measured by the passing of years but what one does, what one feels, and what one achieves.---- Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
Download Free Ebook Version of All Akram Youth Magazines by Scanning this QR Code OR Visit - http://youth.dadabhagwan.org/Galaxy/Akram-Youth Publisher & Editor: Dimple Mehta Year : 2, Issue : 7 Conti. Issue : 19 November 2014 Contact : Gnani Ni Chhayama (GNC), Trimandir Sankul, Simandhar City, Ahmedabad-Kalol Highway, Adalaj, Dist. Gandhinagar, Gujarat-382421 Phone: (079) 39830100 email: akramyouth@dadabhagwan.org website: youth.dadabhagwan.org store.dadabhagwan.org/akram-youth
02 | November 2014
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Published at Mahavideh Foundation Simandhar City, Adalaj 382421. Dist- Gandhinagar
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Contents
04 Gnani with Youth 06 Story | The Need of the Hour 08 Gnani’s Scientific Solution 09 Experiences 10 Glimpses of Great Souls | Walt Disney
12 JanmaJayanti 107 | Youth in Seva 14 Gnani - An Idol of Astonishment 16 Dada’s Book Excerpt Generation Gap
18 Science & Invention | Binaural Beats
19 Story | Self Development 22 Solutions to our Problems 23 News Update | Erasers
Akram Youth | 03
Gnani with Youth Vivek , Vinay and Param Vinay Questioner: Please explain the true meaning of etiquette? Pujyashri : Actually there are three words, ‘vivek’ (etiquette) , ‘vinay’ (humility) and ‘param vinay’ (absolute humbleness). ‘Vivek’ means to be able to understand and discriminate about what is good and what is bad. One knows what is harmful and what is beneficial for him. This can be done with the help of intellect. Then comes, ‘vinay’ - humility. We ‘respect’ our teachers and our ‘guru’ as we need to acquire knowledge and learn from them. So we need to show them our respect. Whereas ‘param vinay’ - absolute humbleness, is a prerequisite when you need to attain enlightenment, self realization ! When you need to know your own ‘self’, you have to be absolutely humble. Did you understand? Questioner: What should I do in order to acquire humility and etiquette matching your standards ? Pujyashri : ‘Vinay’ is superior to ‘vivek’ and the ultimate is ‘param vinay’. The more you observe these virtues and appreciate them the better you shall imbibe them. Observe how politely one speaks or how humbly one behaves. You also need to stay in their company; that will help these virtues to blossom. One can imbibe such qualities by ‘observing’ them. Did you get it? Questioner: What kind of approach in life shall enable me to acquire ‘simplicity’ like yours? Pujyashri : Decide firmly never to enforce your views on others nor except them to behave as 04 | November 2014
per your dictat as that would create issues which shall further lead to conflicts and create problems. Always remain open for suggestions and views. If others agree on a certain point, you let it be so and do so accordingly. Questioner: Please bestow me with your kind blessings! Pujyashri : Yes! Just ask for the strength from Dada. If we pray to Dada and remain firm in our determination to acquire good qualities, we will definitely get the necessary strength and blessings from Dada. Wrong desires will fall apart. Questioner: How can one be as natural and straight forward like you? Pujyashri : After receiving ‘Gnan’ from Dadashri I practiced the 5 principles (aagnas) very sincerely and thoroughly. My life simply changed after that. I firmly decided not to cause harm to any individual through thoughts, speech or deeds. In case someone got hurt despite taking all the precautions, I would repent and instantly do ‘pratikaman’. I never forced anyone to act according to my views and I always stayed away from conflicts. I never longed to derive pleasure from any material things. My main focus was to remain in awareness of pure soul. All of these put together helped make it possible. Aptasutra 2270: One who is absolutely humble is the only one who possesses fame. Where else will you find fame in this dark era ? ‘Fame’ is seen in absolute humility. When we react arrogantly to people in general, can it be called ‘fame’? Akram Youth | 05
Story
The Need of the Hour
B
oman Shiraji, a 62 two year old retired gentleman, was packing his bags as he was to leave his house by 6:30 pm to board the Lok Shakti Express from the Mumbai Central Station. Feeling very sad and depressed, just like a sportsman would feel after having lost an important match, he was blankly going through the motions. Along with his other belongings, he carefully placed his 35 year old diary in his handbag that carried memories of his younger days. Moving slowly towards his son’s room he said, “Rustam dikra, I am leaving now. I will always pray to Khodayji for your success. Please pardon me in case I have hurt you in any way over these years.” Without even bothering to look up Rustam replied, “There is nothing as such papa. Are you done with your packing?” “Yes” – answered Bomansa. “But I cannot trace the family album. Can you please look into your almirah and check there? I would like to take it with me as it holds some very fond memories. By the way, where is Zarine? I would like to say good bye to her before leaving.” With irritation writ large on his face, he replied, “She must have gone to the market.” Patting lovingly on Rustom’s shoulders, Bomansa continued - “I wish you both a very happy life.” He thought about meeting his years’ old neighbour and close confidante Shorabji one last time before leaving. As he opened the door he was pleased to see Shorabji and Pirajbai right there. Unable to control his emotions, tears flowed freely from Shorabji eyes as he embraced Bomansa in a tight hug. On regaining control over his emotions he cleared his throat and 06 | November 2014
said. “Boman, it’s time to go, isn’t it?” Bomansa was sobbing as he replied, “Ya. Don’t know when will we meet again? Life really went by in a jiffy?” “We shall come to drop you at the station. When do we leave?” – Shorabji enquired. “I think Rustom is very tired, so he won’t be coming. Let’s go, it’s about time we should leave.” – replied Bomansa, as he checked the time. They boarded the cab and informed the driver to take them to Central station. Through their entire ride Bomansa’s was lost in one thought, ‘Is this a way of life? Do I have to spend my last years in an old age home?’ Soon they reached the station. As Bomansa boarded the train Shorabji and Pirajbai reminded him to take his medicines on time and be careful about his health. Placing his luggage under the seat he sat by the window. Holding his friends hands through the window an emotional Bomansa requested Shorabji to take care of his son Rustom and daughter in law Zarine. It was a touching farewell. As the train chugged slowly out of the station Bomansa kept on waving to his friends until they were out of his view. Within few minutes, as the train stopped at Borivali station, a group of youngsters, aged in their early twenties boarded the train and filled up the vacant seats beside Bomansa’s. As they placed their luggage one of the boys greeted Bomansa, “Hello Uncle! How are you?” Bomansa smiled – “Fine, my son”. Just then one of the boys from the group suggested they continue with their unfinished game and they soon got busy playing ‘dumbsherads’. The boys, Sunny, Dhaval and
Rahul sat across the girls Charmie and Suruchi. Charmie softly whispered a word to Sunny who was supposed to enact it and Dhaval was to guess what Sunny was trying to convey within a minute only. Despite Sunny’s best efforts Dhaval could not guess and Sunny lost this round. ‘Time Over’ – a thrilled Charmie screamed excitedly as now Sunny had to carry out whatever task she would give him, for having lost the round. Charmie asked Sunny, “Tell us what you would do if you had only 24 hours to live?” Shutting his eyes, Sunny thought, ‘whew, last day of life!!’ After reminiscing through the events of his life he began, “First of all I will try to fulfill my most cherished dream of driving a Merc, who cares if it were to be merely a test drive. Next I would like to speak out for the rights of our college staff and peons, for long they have been denied a hike in their salaries. In fact I would spend an hour protesting for them just like Anna Hazare. Later, I would buy a special gift for Rohan, for being kind enough to lend me his bike whenever I needed. Next, I would like to offer my deep gratitude to Pauline for allowing me copy from her answer sheets during exams all these years. Then I would also like to thank Marie for always assisting me with my French
assignments. Finally I will end up by spending a few hours playing with my pets at home, I just love being with them.” Bomansa who was intently listening to all this couldn’t resist the temptation to interfere, “Son 24 hours will be over by now. Don’t you think you need to do or say something for your parents also?” Hearing Bomansa’s comment Sunny got agitated and said arrogantly, “Don’t bring my parents into this. They have been selfish all through my life. In fact all the parents in this world simply perform their duties by raising their children and are in no way obliging us for doing so. Actually they are fulfilling their own desires in the name of our upbringing. It’s only friends who help us out in our hour of need. Uncle, don’t get me wrong but my parents have never been of any help to me till date, so I would not like to waste any of my precious moments for them.” Bomansa was stunned! He felt as if his heart was bleeding as he murmured, “Does the contribution and effort of parents in raising their children bear no significance?” Akram Youth | 07
Gnani’s Scientific Solution
I
S OL
mmense are the obligations towards Parents One who finds faults in parents shall never be able to evolve spiritually. Of course one might progress materially but the progress on the spiritual path shall never happen. How can one ever forget obligations of parents? One shouldn’t even forget the obligation of those who would have offered a cup of tea then where is the question of overlooking the obligations of ones’ parents. Do you understand? One must always be thankful to them and serve them whole heartedly throughout their life. Each one is highly indebted to three persons in this world and they are their mother, father, and teacher (guru)! They are the ones’ who have guided us on the right path. So how can we ever forget their obligations?
LE B O
U
ON TI
M
PR
T
he Need of the Hour – Serve The Aged. Senior citizens in the age group of 60 to 65 years are really an unhappy lot today. But whom will they turn to? Nobody’s there to listen to them. Their children are not bothered about them and there remains a big generation gap. Ones’ first duty is towards the parents as they have given us birth. Then comes the duty towards the teacher, who guides and educates us. Service to parents is a must. One may ignore the teacher if he is not worthy of it, but not the parents. Questioner: What will be the fate of those who do not serve their parents? Dadashri: Those who do not serve their parents will never be happy in this life. A live example of those serving their parents, is that one shall never get any pain or suffering throughout their life. They shall never face any obstacles. Our country has had a very rich tradition and hence the thinkers and philosophers made it a point to impart the idea of serving ones’ parents, as this would lead to financial stability through out the life. How legitimate this theory is remains a debatable point but still it is imperative to serve our parent’s. If you don’t serve them well then who will there to serve you in your old age? These children are very observant; one needs to set an example for them. If they were to see that their father is not bothered about his own dad then why should he too care for his own father? They will never learn about this tradition. 08 | November 2014
Experiences Learning Through Experience
Dada's Gnan is such that it can be experienced as you dig deep inside. It is not that you just follow and believe theoretically. It is practically achievable through proper scientific appraoch. -Akshay Kalaria, Rajkot
The benefit of following Dada! Initially I was good in studies and then gradually fell down. Then I came in contact with Dada's Akram Science and I took gnan. It was so much beneficial that my result suddenly improved and now I am doing very good. I feel totally recharged. -Chetan Vaghela, Surat
I got solutions to my problems from the youth website of Dada Bhagwan. So my humble suggestion to all is that 'please have a study of this website. You will also find solutions to your problem positively’ -Karan Amin, Godhra
First thing I noticed in Dada's world is unison (abhedta) towards all. I am deeply touched by the purity and self respect possessed by Pu. Niruma , Pujyashri and all Aptaputras. That inspired me to become one like them. My awareness have grown manifold and now I instantly realize when I commit a mistake. Faults have been minimized to a great extent. -Nakul Amin, Simandhar City
Akram Youth | 09
Souls Glimpses of Glimpses Greatof Great Souls
W
alt Disney a legend; a folk hero of the 20th century.
Try to imagine a world without Walt Disney, a world without his magic, whims and optimism. Walt Disney transformed the entertainment industry into what we know today. He pioneered the fields of animation, and found new ways to teach and educate. His worldwide popularity was based upon the ideals which his name represents: imagination, optimism, creation and self-made success in the American tradition. He brought us closer to the future while telling us of the past. Walter Elias Disney was born on December 5, 1901, to Elias Disney, and Flora Call Disney. Walt had a very early interest in drawing, and art. When he was seven years old, he sold small sketches and drawings to nearby neighbours. Walt had talent and developed a keen commercial sense of what would appeal to the public. This combination enabled him to transform $40 and a few drawing tools into a film studio producing popular cartoons, feature length animated features and live action movies. Disney characters are the most popular and recognizable set of characters in the world. Some of the well known Disney characters range from films such as The Little Mermaid, The Jungle Book, Cinderella, The Mary Poppins and more but Mickey Mouse is virtually synonymous with Disney’s company. Had not the animator’s wife intervened, Mickey Mouse might have been represented by Mortimer Mouse instead. In the mouse’s first few shorts, he was referred to as Mortimer Mouse, but Lillian Disney managed to convince her husband that Mickey would be a more marketable name. As a child in Kansas City, Walt watched through the fence at Fairmont Park, wanting to participate, but not having enough money to enter keeping the flames of his desire to develop a
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amusement park he began designing a huge amusement park to be built near Los Angeles. He intended Disneyland to have educational as well as amusement value and to entertain adults and their children. Disneyland, Walt Disney's metropolis of nostalgia, fantasy, and futurism, opened on July 17, 1955. Today, Disneyland hosts more than 14 million visitors a year, who spend close to $3 billion. “When you're curious, you find lots of interesting things to do. Mickey Mouse popped out of my mind onto a drawing pad 20 years ago on a train ride from Manhattan to Hollywood at a time when business fortunes of my brother Roy and myself were at lowest ebb and disaster seemed right around the corner.”
Between 1932 and 1969, Disney won 22 Academy Awards and was nominated 59 times. Included amongst this trove of Oscars are three awards created specifically for him — one for creating Mickey Mouse, another recognizing his contribution of music in the field of animation, and a specially made prize honoring Snow White and the Seven Dwarves that featured a traditional statuette, and seven miniature versions alongside of it A pioneer and innovator, and the possessor of one of the most fertile and unique imaginations the world has ever known. Even years after his death, we still continue to grasp his ideas, and his creations, remembering him for everything he's done for us.
Walt Disney was a man of dreams. He dreamed big and made his dreams come true. Walt Disney would agree and is himself ample proof, that dreams can come true. His example reveals that making dreams come true takes more than just wishing. “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney. Walt combined his talent and his sense of what the public would want with lots of hard work. Today we might call him a “workaholic.” His work was driven, not by guilt or insecurity, but by a dream. As he told an interviewer in 1955: “Everybody can make their dreams come true. It takes a dream... faith in it... and hard work. But that’s not quite true because it’s so much fun you hardly realize it’s work.”
All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them. Akram Youth | 11
da Bhagwan’s
Param Pujya Da
i t n a y a J a in Gandhidham 107th Janm
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a v e S n i Youth
Akram Youth | 13
14 | November 2014
Gnani
An Idol of Astonishment
T
his chain of events happened in the early 40’s. In those days, Dadashri had set up an iron and steel manufacturing unit. Being a manufacturer, He held a license to procure raw materials (iron ore) at highly discounted rates from the government quota. As the rates of these raw materials were too high in the open market some agents always tried to coax Dadashri to sell the stocks, procured through the license in the open market as that would enable them to make handsome profits. They also offered Dadashri a share in the profits. Thinking it was unethical Dadashri was averse to do so. But His partners in business argued, “What’s the harm, we shall be able to earn a huge amount and that shall help us to further expand our business.” Finally Dadashri reluctantly gave His consent and they started selling in the open market at huge premium which earned them handsome profits. Despite the huge gains Dadashri was perturbed by this method of working and always thought of finding a way to get rid of this ill – earned money at the earliest. Dadshri then started a business of trading in spices in South L.F.P. His partner used to travel every now and then but the efforts did not pay any dividends. On the contrary, business started incurring losses. Time and again His partner would ask for money from Dadashri to meet the shortfall. Dadashri had an intuition that this business wasn’t worthwhile and the losses would keep on mounting, so He advised His partner to windup the business and return home. But the partner was adamant and he informed Dadashri; “Henceforth if we incur losses then I shall bear all of it and you won’t have to take any further hit.” A composed Dadashri once again sent across the amount demanded by his partner even though He knew that this amount too would be doomed. Despite the losses, He was pleased as He knew that earnings made though illegal means in the past was finally on its way out. At last, He would be at peace as that would help clear His conscience. It turned out to be exactly so. All the money sent across was lost and the partner had to ultimately wind up the business and return. He informed Dadashri that he would bear the losses as he had not paid heed to Dadashri’s warnings. Being large hearted Dadashri willingly bore His share of losses although he was free and not accountable to pay for it. Not only that, Dadashri went on to maintain partnership with that person throughout life. His partner had 8 children (5 sons and 3 daughters). The expenses on account of their marriages too were funded from the business they jointly owned. He also continued partnership with his partner’s son after the death of his partner.
What an ‘awesome’ business partner was Dadashri! Akram Youth | 15
Dada’s Book Excerpt
Generation
Children’s
Gap
conduct tow ards
parents PART-2
Ideal Student Questioner: What qualities should an ideal student have? Dadashri: The student should keep everyone happy at home and even at school, we should keep all those person happy whom we have to deal with. Wherever we go, we should keep everyone happy & should concentrate only on our studies. Happiness In Life Through Service. To look after our elders is the greatest religion. If one were to ask what is the duty of today’s youth? It should be to take care of their elders.Children who see faults in their parents will never be happy. Care for them in the best possible way. If they say something disagreeable to you, overlook it. They are your elders. Do you think they deserve disrespect? Questioner: Yes, but I feel that they have got into a habit of nagging. Dadashi: Yes, then too it is your own fault and you have to do ‘pratikraman’ for hurting them. They should not be hurt. You should tell yourself that you are here to keep them happy. Ask yourself what you did to make them unhappy.Those who wholeheartedly care for their 16 | October 2014
parents, find peace. That is the law of ‘Nature’. Have you ever taken care of your parents? You will always have peace if you take care of them. This science of the Soul flourishes by caring for the elderly. People revere and worship stone idols and look after them, but do the idols have aching limbs or feelings? The elderly, the parents and the guru should be served and cared for. Your duty and religion is to care for your parents. Regardless of the kind of karmic accounts you have with them, they should be cared for. You will receive as much happiness as you give to them.In the prime of my youth I took good care of my mother. I was able to do at least that much. For my father, all I managed to do was carry his body over my shoulders at his funeral. It is a great blessing to take care of the living parents. The rewards are immediate. They are next to God; although you cannot see God, you can see them. In this world you must have the highest reverence towards your father, your mother and your guru. You cannot forget the benevolence of those who have guided you to the right path. Strength of our character When one prepares to win a battle, they lose their inner energies. I never prepare for any battles. You might feel that in demonstrating your strength you are winning, but in fact, you are really losing your inner energies and strength of character. If someone is preparing to fight with you, and if you get ready to retaliate, your strength of character will break. No matter how much someone tries to provoke you into a fight, if you do not respond to him, he will loose. If you prepare to retaliate, you will be pulled into his trap. So many people have tried to thwart me but they have lost at their own game, because I never think about retaliation. When you even think about retaliation, you will lose your strength of character. A ‘shilvaan’ person is someone who remains calm in all adversities. If someone tries to harm a ‘shilvaan’ person, he would not be able to do so. The moment the aggressor sees his face; he would lose his nerve to do harm. Such is the impact of a ‘shilvaan’. If you prepare to retaliate in any situation, you will lose your ‘shil’, inner strength. Let others do whatever they wish. Such a person is one with every one else. When faced with conflicts, we are forced to prepare for our own defense. When we do this, we fall. Now, after this ‘Gnan’,we no longer have the ammunition to retaliate. The other person may have the weapon so let him use it. Everything is ‘vyavasthit’ and that ‘vyavasthit’ is such that his own weapon will hurt him. Akram Youth | 17
Binaural Beats
Science and Invention Binaural beats or binaural (having or relating to two ears) tones are auditory processing artifacts, or apparent sounds. This effect was discovered by Heinrich Wilhelm Dove. Binaural beats could help induce relaxation, meditation, creativity and other desirable mental states. What Are Binaural Beats? Binaural beats are used with stereo headphones. Each ear receives a slightly different frequency of engineered tones in order to get a desired effect. (The frequencies depend on what part of the brain is going to be stimulated for a certain effect like creativity or relaxation, i.e. different frequencies for different results). How do binaural beats work? The slight difference in frequencies played through the stereo headphones results in the brain perceiving a beating tone as if the two tones were mixed naturally in the brain. What is happening is that the brain is not used to hearing frequencies in each ear so close together and with such intensity—these sounds do not occur in nature and so a mechanism in our brains has not evolved to understand them. The
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Left Ear
(hears a fixed freq.)
Right Ear (hears a slightly different freq.) = NEW Special Frequency
area of the brain which controls aspects of three-dimensional sound perception, bridges the difference between the varying frequencies in Binaural Beats with a common “third tone” in an attempt to normalize this audio into something we can understand. What’s weirder is that each person hears the “third tone” differently. Frequencies are measured in Hertz (Hz). In the case of binaural beats, each ear receives a different frequency as I mentioned above. For example, one ear would receive 495Hz and the other ear 505Hz, which results in a beating frequency of 10Hz. (Don’t worry about the units) It is said that this resulting tone alters the state of mind and can thus create positive change for various aspects of the brain. Lucid dreaming is the art of the ability to control your dreams . The purpose it to be totally aware and conscious while dreaming, so that you can imagine anything you want. we spend between one-third and half of our entire lives asleep. It would be nice to get something more out of all those hours than just sleep with little recollection of anything we dreamed of. People who have mastered the art of lucid dreaming say they have out-of-
Benefits Of Binaural Beats? • • • • • • • • •
Anxiety Aid Confidence Creativity Concentration & ability to focus Health Motivation Prosperity Stress-release Weight-loss
body experiences, as if they are literally floating outside of their bodies while they are in that altered state. What is Physiology of binaural beats? The sensation of binaural beats is believed to originate in the superior olivary nucleus, a part of the brain stem. They appear to be related to the brain’s ability to locate the sources of sounds in three dimensions and to track moving sounds. The dominant frequency determines your current state. For example, if in someone’s brain alpha waves are dominating, they are in the alpha state (this happens when one is relaxed but awake). The brain entraining is more effective if the entraining frequency is close to the user’s starting dominant frequency. Therefore, it is suggested to start with a frequency near to one’s current dominant frequency (likely to be about 20 Hz or less for a waking person), and then slowly decreasing/increasing it towards the desired frequency.
Akram Youth | 19
y r o t S velopment e D f l e S
An academically sound youth once went to apply for a managerial position in a multinational company. He passed the first round of interview easily, while the director did the second and the last interview. The director while going through the CV found that the youth's academic achievements were excellent all the way, from the secondary school until the postgraduate research, never had a year gone when he had not secured distinction. Prior to giving his decision the director asked, "Did you obtain any scholarships in school?" The youth answered "none". The director continued, "Was it your father who paid for your school fees?" The youth answered, "No, my father passed away when I was just a year old, it was my mother, who paid for my education.” The director further asked, “Where does your mother work?" The youth replied, “My mother washes clothes of our neighbours.” The director requested the youth to show his hands. The youth showed a pair of hands that were smooth and perfect. The director inquired, "Have you ever helped your mother by washing clothes before?" The youth answered, "Never, my mother always wanted me to study and read books. Besides she is too good at it and can wash clothes much faster than me.” To this the director suggested, "When you go back home today clean your mother's hands and then come see me tomorrow morning.” The youth felt that his chances of landing the job were high. When he reached home, he 20 | November 2014
told his mom about the days events and then requested her to let him clean her hands. His mother felt strange, and with mixed feelings, she reluctantly put her hands in her sons hands. The youth was stunned when he saw her hands and gradually began cleaning them. Tears ran down his cheeks as for the first time he closely noticed the wrinkles, bruises and cuts in both her palms. Some cuts were so deep that that his mother shivered out of pain even when they were cleaned only with water. This was the first time the youth realized that it was this pair of hands that washed clothes each and everyday just to enable him to study. The pain and bruises in his mother's hands were the price that she had to pay for his education and a safe future. After cleaning her hands, the young gentleman quietly washed all the remaining clothes. That night, mother and son talked for a very long time. Next morning, the youth went to the director's office. Noticing the grief in the eyes of the youth the director asked: "Can you tell me what did you do and learn yesterday?" The youth answered, "I cleaned my mother's hands and also washed the remaining clothes.” The Director asked, "Now tell me what message did you get and what did you feel." The youth replied, “First of all I understood the worth of sacrifice. Without my mother, there would not be a successful me today. Next, by working together and helping my mother, I realized how difficult and tough every task is and how it can be overcome with teamwork and finally I have come to appreciate the importance and value of relationship.” With satisfaction writ large on his face the director said, "These are the virtues I need my manager should possess. I want to recruit a person who can appreciate the contribution of others, who understands the sufferings of others and who would not put money as his only goal in life. YOU ARE HIRED.” Later on, this young person worked very hard, and received the respect of his subordinates. Every employee worked diligently and as a team. The company's performance improved tremendously. This small story goes to show how by observing and appreciating the virtues of others we too can imbibe the same qualities.
ap-pre-ci-ate - Recognize the full worth of. - Be grateful for (something). Akram Youth | 21
Solutions to our Problems Question: There is a group of friends in the college who are into bad habits. They feel offended when I try to keep distance from them. Gradually they soften up and neglect me. They might have been hurt by my behavior, though my intention was never to hurt them. Do I need to repent (do pratikaman) for that? Answer: We should repent for that and remain strong. Their idea is such that they would want to form a group and make you feel as if you are not a part of it. Yet we should remain firm and not get influenced by them and at the same time do ‘pratikaman’. The moment we leave from there they won’t have any issues. We need to do ‘pratikraman’ if we have hurt them and are unable to overcome those thoughts even on reaching home. Do you understand? They might spread rumors about us for a while but they will forget about it once they reach home. We should never proclaim or boast that we are followers of ‘Dada Bhagwan’ and we believe in certain set of principles. In case they start teasing you about it, then tell them that there are a certain set of rules that are laid down by your parents and you would be in trouble if somebody sees you going to a movie or a party. If they are smoking and ask you to join them then you should boldly state that you are not allowed to smoke and have been very strictly told to refrain from it. Yet if they persist then tell them that once you were caught smoking and even at this age got a good thrashing from your father. Then they shall stop bothering you about it. If you maintain your sincerity they too shall learn from you. You should strongly tell them. Rest all is fine but there are certain matters where you need to draw a line as it has created problems at home in the past. Your parents have sent you to study and even after years if they were to know that you have fallen into bad habits then it will be very painful for them. Once you fall into bad company then you are doomed forever. So it’s better to keep away from bad company. You can tell them that you are an all-rounder and in case they need your help then you are always available but never try to coax you into such bad habits. Whenever you happen to be in a new place never tend to make friends from day one, instead observe those around you and then take a call whether that person is cultured and civilized and worthy to be a friend.
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22 | November 2014
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News Update
s r e s a Er
R
emember searching a tiny sticky thing in your compass, when you make a mistake in writing. Yes!! It’s Eraser (For most of us, it lost before we finish it!!).Nowadays, in this era of technology, we might have forgotten our best childhood companion, pencil and eraser (like Tom and Jerry). Romans were the first to use the pencils. Roman scribes wrote on papyrus (thick paper-like material produced from the pith of the papyrus plant) with a thin rod made of lead. Today's pencils are made with graphite, water and clay (which is used as a binder). Before the eraser was invented, a rolled up piece of white bread (crusts cut off) was used to remove pencil marks. Edward Naime, an English engineer, is credited with the invention of the eraser. ow it erases? Erasers pick up graphite particles, thus removing them from the surface of the paper. Basically, the molecules in erasers are 'stickier' than the paper, so when the eraser is rubbed onto the pencil mark, the graphite sticks to the eraser preferentially over the paper. Some erasers damage the top layer of the paper and remove it as well. Erasers attached to pencils absorb the graphite particles and leave a residue which needs to be brushed away. This type of eraser can remove the surface of the paper. Softer rubber erasers require less force and friction, making them less abrasive to paper. White vinyl erasers, for example, erase more cleanly than the common pink eraser because they are made of softer vinyl. Kneaded erasers (putty rubber, made with flexible material) are mouldable and soften when you knead them in your hands. They are one of the least abrasive erasing tools for removing graphite, charcoal and lead. The electric eraser has a knob in a short thin rod attached to a motor. The eraser knob turns at a uniform speed, achieving a smooth erasure with a minimum of paper trauma. Electric erasers work quickly and completely.
Akram Youth | 23
November 2014 Year -2, Issues - 7 Cont Issue - 19
Date of Publication: 22nd of Every Month RNI No. GUJENG/2013/53112 Reg. No. G-GNR-311/2014-2016 Valid up to 31-12-2016 LPWP Licence No. CPMG/GJ/121/2014 Valid up to 31-12-2016 Posted at Adalaj Post Office on 22th of every month
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Send us your suggestions or feedback akramyouth@dadabhagwan.org Printed and Published by Dimple Mehta on behalf of Mahavideh Foundation-Owner. Printed at Amba Offset, Basement, Parshvanath Chambers, Usmanpura, Ahmedabad-38014
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