East and West Series - January 2016 Issue by East and West Series

JANUARY 2016

EAST AND WEST SERIES

GURU GOBIND SINGH SADHU VASWANI

In a world of struggle and strife, a world of hunger and unending wars, he appeared – the Prophet. He appeared like a flame bringing to all the blessed message of the One God of Peace – the Akala Purukha, the Eternal Saviour of Humanity. In Guru Gobind Singh's heart was the Great Master Guru Nanak, the Beloved. Therefore was all humanity in Guru Gobind Singh's heart. There was in it no ache of self, no pain of separateness. He gave all his self away. He received in his heart the Master Nanak, and into it flowed the whole universe. "The wise man does not lay up treasures," said the great Rishi of China, Lao Tse. In the hallowed heart of Guru Gobind Singh, the only treasure was Guru Nanak and the great Guru's vision of the Universal, the One in all, One in all classes and communities, in all races and religions. His actions flowed from his heart. It was an angel-heart. It was a reflection of the Mother Heart of the Universe. So he stood by the weak and down

trodden, the poor and the forlorn. Listen to what he says to all who would hear: Do they look down on you? Do they say you are of low birth? I shall clothe you in fair garments of joy; I shall invoke the Fire of Heaven To mingle with your blood! Are you not mine own The chosen children of my Master? One day, Guru Gobind Singh asked for a cup of water. A nobleman's son offered him water in a shining cup. He was a young man: he was handsome: his hands were clean. But the Guru returned the cup, and the young man looked wonderingly into the Guru's eyes. Then said the great Guru: "O young man! It is true, your cup is a shining one and your looks are handsome and your hands

* January 5 is sacred as Guru Gobind Singh’s Birth Anniversary.

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are clean. But they have not laboured in the service of the saints. Make your hands pure first! And they will be purified through humility. Cast aside all, caste pride! Be pure! Be a servant of the poor ones! And I shall drink of the water in your cup." Guru Gobind Singh was a poet; he was a seer too. He was a hero and a patriot of the purest ray serene. To lowly acts of service he bent his hands to labour and to earn his daily bread. In that last period of his life, of which I seldom can think without tears in my eyes, he realised the dignity of manual labour. He realised that labour was worship. He realised, too, that they are truly blessed of whom God accepts the yagna of suffering and isolation, of agony and tears. With the last benediction of his earth life, he left to his disciples the Book Beloved, the Guru Granth Sahib, saying: “Today, the bani, the Word, is your Master, your Guru. Yes, the living spirit of the Gurus speaketh, today, in the words of this Ever-living Book, this inspired testament of the Saints." When I read it in holy silence or in the presence of a few believers, I say to myself: "Is not this Book a revelation of the Akala Purukha to us all who are lost in the maya of life?" I believe that if the living Word, the bani of the Gurus and the Saints, the Seers and Sages of India and Humanity, of all climes and races, could reinspire the Sikh Faith, it would indeed

become a living faith and its message would thrill India again, from end to end. This may not be until we are filled with the childlike spirit of the Sikh village folk and their great Teachers, the Sikh Gurus, the Saints and the Bhaktas of India. Like Guru Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh drew together all the castes into one brotherhood. And the rich and the poor combined to form one fraternity, one mighty union of service and sacrifice — a living witness to one God. Guru Gobind Singh’s dream, in building the Khalsa, was this divine dream of building a new race of humanity nourished by love. Simple rules of life did Guru Gobind Singh give to the Khalsa whom, indeed, he loved with the love of his Mother Heart. Some of these rules were: Eat little, Sleep little, Love compassion, And serve the poor! Forget not this — Thy home, my child! Is not a palace, But a forest, a tapobana! So live as on anchorite of heart! Did not Jesus say to his disciples: This world is a bridge: Pass over it, But do not build on it! Guru Gobind Singh dedicated his life to the service of the poor. He stood up in courage unsurpassed in the history of our nation to challenge a power which many thought was omnipotent. Wounded was he,

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again and again, in his fight for India's freedom – the fight for the poor and forlorn. But he rose again and he fought again. The fear of fear fell from him. For the flame of His Presence touched his heart, and he declared: "His Grace hath made me fearless!" Guru Gobind Singh hath written his name in sacrifice. It is a name which shines as a star in heaven. In moments of meditation I have often said to myself: by what small things we die! Goliath died by a stone. Sri Krishna by a little arrow of a huntsman. Christ by a kiss. Guru

Gobind Singh was stabbed by an ungrateful man whom the great Guru forgave. And meditating on him, I have said to myself, again and again: "Happy, indeed, are the few, the chosen few, who gave their all in service and sacrifice and who, in giving their all, found the One Supreme in whom East and West are one!" Believe me, man is one, God is One, Love is one! One with the inner Light, One with Truth, One with Love! — Guru Gobind Singh

SAGE SPEAK NOBILITY Behold the kindness done without any obligation: even the heavens and the earth are too poor to repay it. A kindness done in the hour of need may look small: but it outweigheth the whole world. Behold the kindness done without thought of recompense: the ocean will look small when compared with its worth. | The benefit received may be small even like a tiny millet seed; but in the eyes of the worthy its measure is that of a mighty palmyra tree. | Gratitude is not to be measured merely by the measure of the assistance given: its measure is alone the nobility of him that receiveth the benefit. — Tiruvalluvar

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No Peace, No Happiness J. P. VASWANI One of the questions people ask me most often is: Do you think it is possible for anyone to lead a life of peace in these troubled times? My reply is: It is not only possible; it is your birthright. Yes, ananda, bliss, the peace that passeth, nay, surpasseth understanding is your birthright! You are a child of God — and He is the source of eternal bliss, unending bliss. The moment you realise that you are a child of God, you will let nothing affect you. All you need to do is forget yourself – and realise your true self as a child of God. When we forget this outer self, transcend the phenomenal, material world, we draw closer to the real, inner Self, which is peace. What is peace? I may tell you what peace is in many words, but all descriptions will fail and you will not understand those words until you have felt peace in the heart within! Like love, peace must be felt! Perhaps many of us often ask ourselves, “Why is there no peace in our hearts?” God has blessed us abundantly; we live in comfortable homes; we eat good food; we have enough money to spend on necessities as well as a few luxuries. Why is

it then that peace eludes us? A few days ago, a sister from Mumbai came to meet me. She belonged to a well-known, well to-do family. She requested for a private meeting with me; and when I met her, she began to shed tears. She said: “Dada, there is one thing that I can’t come to terms with. I have money aplenty; there are servants to carry out my every bidding; we have several cars and bungalows; my children are very attached to me and pay attention to my every need and comfort. And yet, I know not why I am so unhappy! I feel so depressed that quite often, I shut myself alone in my room and weep bitterly! I cry out to God in

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grief and frustration, ‘Lord, why is it thus with me?’ For God has given me everything – except happiness. Why, Dada, why is this so?” This is the condition of many of us. We have everything we need – and we are still unhappy. What is the reason for this pervasive unhappiness in the World? Friends, the key to happiness is peace of mind. He who is blessed with peace of mind is always happy – even if he is penniless and he owns nothing in this world. Saints, great souls and renunciates have nothing to call their own; yet are they radiantly happy.

that happens, happens according to the Will of God. Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani used to tell us, “God upsets our plans to set up His own. And His plans are always perfect.” If I have the faith that whatever has happened to me is according to the plan of the Highest, that there is some hidden good in it for me, I will not be upset! Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani also used to say, “Every disappointment is His appointment. And He knows best.” Once you realise this, there is no more frustration, no more unhappiness. You abide in a state

he key to happiness is peace of mind. He who is blessed with peace of mind is always happy even if he is penniless and he owns nothing in this world. Saints, great souls and renunciates have nothing to call their own; yet are they radiantly happy. Such was the dervish who said: “Nothing in the morn have I and nothing do I have at night, Yet there is none on earth happier than I.” Lord Krishna tells Arjuna in Bhagavad Gita: “Arjuna, ashantasya kutah sukham? If man is not at peace with himself, how can he be happy?” The key to happiness, indeed, the secret of true happiness is peace of mind. There is one way of achieving peace of mind. That is to attain the realisation that all

of tranquility and peace. You may not be able to achieve this straight away. It is a process through which you must move. There are so many situations and circumstances in life that shatter our peace. But how long can we allow ourselves to wallow in sorrow and self-pity? The call of life is Onward, Forward, Godward! Men may come and men may go, but life goes on forever! Lives may come to an end, but life on earth must go on!

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the still, small voice J. P. VASWANI

It was the New Year’s Eve. And, as I viewed the departing year in retrospect, there passed before me a whole procession of faults and failings, of things left undone which should have been done and of acts performed which were best left alone. The Day came as a reproach and, also, as a reminder. O pilgrim to the Nameless, Thou art moving on — but whither? Far, far away from the Path hast thou strayed. How long wilt thou live in forgetfulness? How long wilt thou gamble away thy soul for trifles of earthly pleasure and honour? Arise! Awake! And follow the light! I spent the day in “remembrance” and “recollection”. And when evening came and I took leave of the setting sun, a wondrous calm filled my heart. I little knew what lay in store for me. It was about nine o’clock in the night. A few of us sat together: we were all kindred souls. We spoke to each other gently, softly, even as the

moon-beams speak to lilies in a lake. And then something happened. Over a slight matter there was a difference of opinion. It led to a heated discussion between me and one whom I hold in high esteem. The pitch of our voice kept on rising. I felt I was right: he felt he was right. Out of a conflict of right with right cometh a tragedy. And after some minutes of wordy exchange, as we took leave of each other, my friend felt miserable and I felt unhappy. Just then someone spoke to me with the simple frankness of a happy child. And though she spoke out of the tenderness of her heart, every word she uttered was a whip. “You write such beautiful things,” she said to me; “and in your conversation with friends and others you give expression to such wondrous things of the Spirit. How often have you not urged, compassion is the secret of true life! And yet, as you spake now to a brother, you became loveless! The tone of your voice was as the hissing of a snake and your words

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burnt as live coal!” “How true,” I said to myself. And in sheer shame, I hung low my head. And in silence, I asked myself: “Why did I use harsh words? Why?” And the answer came: “Because my life is not rooted in love. The roots of my life are elsewhere. Let me take care of my roots. Life is the root, words are as flowers and action is the fruit. And if we are not rooted in love, our words go wild and our work more often than not becomes a curse.” That night I kept awake. I sat in my quiet room, shedding unbidden tears of repentance. And then, methinks, I heard a Voice say: “My child! weep not, nor be disheartened. But pray for light and for strength to walk whither the light may lead!” And I said: “You know the burden that sits heavy on my heart. Tell me what may I do?” And the Voice said: “My child! let silence be the law of your life for silence hurts no one. And when you feel like breaking your silence, ask yourself, if what you have to say is something better than silence? If so, say it: else remain silent!” I felt like asking a question. But before I opened my lips, I said to myself; “Surely, my question is not better than silence; so let me be silent.” The Voice continued: “If only we could collect the words each one of us speaks, what a huge mountain they would make: Himalayas of words have passed through these tiny lips. And all these words, as it seems to me, come under five categories: (l) Words inspired by love of God. These are the words we utter in adoration of the Eternal, the cry

of the soul to the Oversoul, the songs sung in praise of the Most High, prayer, kirtan and lap of the Sacred Name. (2) Words inspired by love of fellow men. These are the words of comfort and consolation we pass on to those who suffer and struggle, and are in sorrow — words which cheer them on life’s lonesome way. (3) Words which wound and hurt and kill. These are the words inspired by jealousy, envy, malice or hatred. How often do we not speak ill of others, little knowing what havoc we cause! An archer shoots to kill. More dangerous is the man with a forked tongue. Every time he opens his lips, he sends forth shafts which strike and sting. (4) Words inspired by self love. These are the words prompted by egoism, by greed and sensuality. How often do we not “brag” about our so called “achievements” or speak in self-righteous pride. And see, how happy men feel when they indulge in obscene and sensual talk! And when it comes to making a little material gain, men, alas, have no hesitation in speaking an untruth. They gain a little and lose their all. (5) Idle words. These are the words men utter without rhyme or reason merely to while away their time. The conversations of men are filled with silly questions and imbecile answers, which make our homes centers of idle gossip and our clubs and meeting-places so many towers of babel. Against this type of talk did Jesus warn, when he said: “But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof, in the day of judgement.” I listened in rapt attention. And

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the Voice continued: “When you purchase an earthen-vessel, you strike it and from the sound make out if it is cracked or not. So, too, is the integrity of man proved by his speech. If the words a man utters belong to the first two classes, verily, is he blessed among mortals. Such a one spreads sunshine wherever he goes. “The world, alas, is overpopulated with men whose words fall under the last three groups. Such men carry their ‘hell’ with themselves and their lives are dark as dungeons.” And I said: “I have often noticed that in speaking the truth, I have to be unpleasant. In such cases, should I refrain from telling the truth for fear of hurting the feelings of another?” And the Voice spake: “Speak the truth, by all means: but let your truth not be bitter. Let the truth you speak be sweet as Truth ever is sweet. For the Truth of truth is Love. And he whose heart is love less may feel he speaks the truth though, in reality, what he speaks is no better than arrogance. Truth is not truth if it springeth not out of love. For love is truth and truth is love and the twain are one. “Love alone has the eyes to see truth. If you come across a large hearted man, say to him by all means that in his eyes you behold the Light of God — the Great Giver of all that is. But if you meet a miser, tell him not that he is a hoarder of ill-gotten wealth but say to him: “Brother, the Lord bless thee with increasing abundance that thou must take greater care of the poor and starving ones!” “Above all, remember, that your

words should be brief: for only brief words live long in human hearts.” And I said: “Give me a few simple rules which I may bear in mind to keep away from all unrestrained and indiscriminate talk.” And the Voice said: “I give unto you three simple rules: (1) Speak little or not at all. And when you open your lips, speak only of God or to render service to those in need. (2) Keep clear of all debate and discussion. And in your talk, be humble and gentle; and meddle not with other people’s affairs. When you find you are being dragged into a controversy, repeat the magic formula: “I am wrong: the other is right!” (3) Keep your mind and tongue occupied in repeating Nama, the Name of God. Repeat the Holy Name by day and by night, until you enter into the Name and lose yourself in it. And losing yourself, you will discover the way that leadeth to the Hidden Cave. Here sings and sings and still doth sting the unstruck music of the depths. And deeper still must you go, deeper than all sounds, to the very Heart of your heart where you may be alone with the Alone, the Ancient One, the One and only Beloved.” And I said: “Speak to me of how I may utter the Name of the Beloved and be in It completely absorbed.” And the Voice spake: “One only secret let me reveal to you this day. Before the voice can utter the Beloved’s Name, it must lose the power to wound.”

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NEW YEAR’S VOICE The bells were ringing out the Old: Methinks I heard a Voice say: “I am the New Year come a ray From God! Give up the greed of gold And ease and selfish thoughts! Behold The Sons of Light and Love do fight On battle-field for Truth and Right! The bugles call thee, too! Be bold! The days are dark: but be not sad! Be brave and help in driving out The darkness from the land, and doubt, When nations still are power-mad! Be thou a warrior of the Light! The Flag of Dharma still uphold! Thy inner strength in faith unfold! Reveal the Krishna and the Christ! – Sadhu Vaswani

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LAUGH YOUR WAY TO HEALTH Ram went into a drug store and asked the pharmacist if he could give him something for hiccups. Without warning, the pharmacist leaned ahead and slapped Ram hard across the face. “What did you do that for?” said Ram indignantly. “Well, you haven’t got hiccups any more, have you?” “I haven’t got hiccups; my wife has!” replied Ram! *** Einstein and George are sitting next to each other on a long flight. Einstein says, “Let’s play a game. I will ask you a question. If you don’t know the answer, you pay me only $5 and if I don’t know the answer, I will pay you $500.” Einstein asks the first question: “What’s the distance from the Earth to the Moon?” George doesn’t say a word, reaches his pocket and pulls out $5. Now, it’s George’s turn. He asks Einstein, “What goes up a hill with three legs and comes down on four legs?”

Einstein searches the net and asks all his smart friends. After an hour, he gives George $500. Einstein going nuts asks, “Well, so what goes up a hill with three legs and comes down with four?” George reaches his pocket and gives Einstein $5 *** Q: Is Google male or female? A: Female, because it doesn’t let you finish a sentence before making a suggestion. *** A man called his child’s doctor, “Hello! My son just snatched my pen when I was writing and swallowed it. What should I do?” The doctor replied, “Until I can come over, write with another pen.” ***

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Stories That Stir THE WATCHMAN AND THE LANTERN In olden days, the Indian village hired a night-watchman to keep down crime and accidents. He would go around the streets and lanes with a square metal lantern, open only at the front. The watchman could see, wherever the lantern cast its light. No rays of light fell on him, who carried the lantern. If you wanted to see who the watchman was, you had to ask him to turn the lamp back on his own face. We are like that. Our eyes (ears, tongue, etc.) are all facing outward, looking at and feeling the things of the world. God says, “If you want to see Me, turn the lamp around; look within and find the Source of all the light.” GOD HELPS THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES One day a holyman, a lover of God, coming that way was praying hard and walking with his eyes almost closed. Accidentally he stepped on some of the clean

laundry spread there, and the washermen saw it. Angry, they came to give him a beating. Now this holy man became very frightened. He earnestly and loudly called on God to come to his aid and save him from the Washermen’s anger. God, who was sitting in conference up in His heaven, heard the saint’s cries and went to intervene. But just then the man himself picked up some bricks to throw at his tormentors; so the Lord simply returned to His heavenly seat. God helps those who help themselves! THE TRANSFORMATION Once King Bimbisara was performing a yajna (sacrifice) to acquire merits to attain heaven after death. Thousands of goats were to be offered as sacrifice. Shepherds directing their herds towards the place of the sacrifice were seen in scores. Buddha saw a kid-goat limping due to an injury in the leg. Seeing the miserable condition of that creature, his compassionate heart melted. He thought for himself,’ what cruelty. For the sake of merit they are to kill thousands of innocent animals. No, no. It is not the way to attain heaven. When we cannot give life to others, we have no right to take the life of others.’ He lifted the kid-goat in his arms and went straight to the place of the sacrifice. The King was pleased to see the great Buddha and welcomed

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him with great respect and humility, and asked the reason of his visit. The Buddha said, ‘O King, you want to attain heaven by killing these thousands of innocent animals. Instead of killing them, take my life. You will get a better place in heaven!’ Seeing Buddha’s infinite compassion and spirit of self-sacrifice, the King was completely transformed and became a follower of the Buddha giving up sacrifice and killing of animals, once for all. FACE THE BRUTES During his wandering days, Swami Vivekananda spent a few days in Varanasi, visiting the different holy places. One morning, after visiting the temple of Mother Durga, the Swami was passing through a place where there was a large tank of water on one side and a high wall on the other. Here he was surrounded by a troop of large monkeys. They howled, shrieked and clutched at his feet as he walked. As they pressed closer, he began to run; but the faster he ran, the faster came the monkeys, and they began to bite him. When it seemed impossible for him to escape, he heard an old sanyasi calling out to him: “Face the brutes.” He turned and boldly faced the irate monkeys. As soon as he did that, they fell back and fled. With reverence and gratitude, he gave the traditional greeting to the Sanyasi, who smilingly responded with the same, and walked away. In a New York lecture years later, the Swami referred to this incident and pointed to its moral: “That is

a lesson for all life — face the terrible, face it boldly. Like the monkeys, the hardships of life fall back when we cease to flee from them. If we are ever to gain freedom, it must be by conquering nature, never by running away. Cowards never win victories. We have to fight fear and troubles and ignorance if we expect them to flee before us.” BUDDHA’S COMPASSION The Buddha is in Rajgir and is, one day, taking a walk. He gazes at the beauty of the flowers of the field and says, “O trees and flowers of the field! How trustfully nightingales and doves take shelter in you! Alas! Man hurts the birds and slays the animals. The wisdom of man is drenched in blood.” Just then, a flock of goats and sheep passes by. The Buddha finds that the herdsman is driving them with difficulty. “What is the matter?” asks the Buddha. The herdsman says, “Sir! There is in the herd a limping lamb. He finds it difficult to keep pace with others in the herd.” Affectionately, the Buddha takes the limping lamb on his shoulder. Then, the Buddha asks the herdsman, “Why are you driving the herd in the heat of the noonday sun?” The herdsman says, “I am asked to give the King the hundred goats and sheep for sacrifice in the yagna which is to take place this evening.” And the Buddha says, “I too, shall go!”

Contd. on page 41

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Children’s Corner TRICKY RIDDLES 1.

You answer me, although never ask you questions. What am I?

As I went across the bridge, met a man with a load of wood which was neither straight nor crooked. What kind of wood was it?

What fastens two people, yet touches only one?

What is it that becomes larger when you take away more out of it?

What is put on a table, cut, but never eaten?

Who are the two brothers who live on opposite sides of the road, yet never see each other?

What goes into the water red and comes out black?

Though it is not an ox, it has horns; though it is not an ass, it has a pack-saddle; and wherever it goes, it leaves silver behind. What is it?

When one does not know what it is, then it is something; but when one knows what it is, then it is nothing. What is it?

10.

Some are quick to take it, others must be coaxed. Those who choose to take it gain and lose the most. What is it?

Theist and Atheist Pattu was an atheist. Kittu was a theist. An atheist or Nastika is one who does not believe that God exists. A theist or Astika is One who believes that there is a God. Pattu asked Kittu, “My dear Kittu, you always speak of God. You do Kirtan and repeat His Name. You offer Him flowers. Where is your God?” Kittu replied, “My friend, God is everywhere. He is in your heart. He is in all Creatures.” “Then will you please show me your God, Kittu!” Pattu asked with a sarcastic smile. Kittu promptly struck him with a stick and asked, “Pattu, will you please show me your pain now.” Pattu sadly admitted, “I cannot show you my pain, but I Can feel it.” Kittu then said, “Pattu, so is God. You can feel Him by praying and repeating His Name. I cannot show Him to you.” Pattu thereafter became humble and began to believe in God.

Answers: 1) A telephone. 2) Sawdust. 3) A wedding ring. 4) A hole. 5) A pack of cards. 6) Eyes. 7) A red-hot poker. 8) A snail. 9). A riddle. 10) Rish.

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SIMPLE RULES OF HEALTH

Fatigue Fatigue is generally defined as a feeling of lack of energy and motivation that can be physical, mental or both. Fatigue is not the same as drowsiness, but the desire to sleep may accompany fatigue. Apathy is a feeling of indifference that may accompany fatigue or exist independently. In addition, individuals often describe fatigue using a variety of terms including weary, tired, exhausted, malaise, listless, lack of energy and feeling run down. However, in contrast to fatigue that occurs with some diseases and syndromes normal fatigue in healthy individuals is quickly relieved in a few hours to about a day when the physical or mental activity is reduced. Also, people occasionally experience fatigue after eating (sometimes termed postprandial depression) which can be a normal response to food, especially after large meals and this may last about 30 minutes to several hours.

Home Remedies Coffee. Caffeine is a known pick-me-up. And the American Dietetic Association says there’s no harm in drinking the stimulating stuff, as long as you do so in moderation. Studies confirm that caffeine does perk up the brain and get those mental faculties humming. The ADA says a couple of cups a day should do you fine — more than that, and you risk anxiety and insomnia — but be careful. People’s tolerance for caffeine varies greatly from one person to the next, so pay attention to your body’s signals. Fluids. Drink plenty of water, juice, milk, or other beverages to keep yourself hydrated. Dehydration can contribute to fatigue. Skim milk. Mixing a little protein with your carbohydrates

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can keep you energized. Eating only carbohydrates, such as a doughnut or a pancake slathered in syrup, can cause serotonin, a neurotransmitter, to build up in the brain, making you feel drowsy. Eating protein with your carbohydrates can block that sleepy feeling and leave you feeling energized. What’s a good meal to start your day? Try cereal covered with a good dousing of skim milk. Do Remember Take some time for yourself. Try taking a prayer walk or simply sitting in the garden and meditating on your blessings. Play

Stories That Stir They enter the city, side by side, – the herdsman and Gautama. Meekly walks Gautama with the lamb on his shoulder. They cross the bazaar. And the buyers and sellers in the market stop awhile to see how gently and gracefully he walks, this great lover of peace! He moves on. Many gaze at him, again and again. Many know him not. They have but heard of him and say, “Behold the holy man who dwells on the hill!” And the Buddha reaches the place where preparations have been made for sacrifice in the yagna. The man in charge is about to strike the sword against the lamb marked for the sacrifice, when suddenly the Buddha exclaims, “Great King! Let not the man strike! Take my life as a sacrifice, O King, and spare the lamb.”

some soothing music. Focusing on what’s important can restore your energy. • Get moving. Exercise at least 30 minutes, three days a week. Walk up and down the stairs in your office building or take a dance class at your local gym. Exercise releases endorphins in your brain that make you feel better and give you more strength mentally and physically to face anything that life throws at you. • Take off a few pounds. If you’re carrying around a spare tire or two, you can get tired faster. Taking off the weight slowly and nutritiously can restore your energy.

Contd. from page 38 The words move the heart of the King. He, then, asks Gautama to speak to the people. A few words only does Gautama speak on the occasion, “O man! You can take life easily but, remember, none of you can give life!So have mercy, have compassion! And, never forget, that compassion makes the world noble and beautiful. Remember, too, that all living beings are linked together in maitri. Therefore, resolve that you will live on blood-less diet. For verily, in gentleness is the crown of life!” The next day, a decree is proclaimed by the king. The order goes out that none shall henceforth kill for sacrifice or for private pleasure. For life is one: and the crown of life is mercy or compassion.

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Recipes for the Month JUICES FOR FATIGUE

CARROT AND STRAWBERRY JUICE Ingredients: Carrots............................................................... 4 Strawberries................................................2 cups Orange (skin removed)..................................... 1 Method: Blend all the ingredients together in a blender or juicer. Along with being delicious, this fatigue juicing recipe provides a boost of energy. You can enjoy this juicing beverage as it is or on ice if preferred. BROCCOLI, CARROT AND APPLE JUICE Ingredients: Broccoli............................................ One-half cup Carrots............................................................... 2 Medium apple................................................... 1 (cored, seeds removed, and skin left on) Sprig parsley...................................................... 1 Method: Blend all the ingredients together in a blender or a juicer. This fatigue juicing recipe can help you get started in the morning or it can provide a muchneeded afternoon pick-me-up. As with the first recipe, you can drink this drink immediately after juicing or pour it over ice. SMOKED AUBERGINE SOUP Ingredients Roasted aubergine.....................................2 tbsp Onions........................................................4 tbsp Light olive oil..............................................4 tbsp Leeks..........................................................4 tbsp Celery..........................................................4 tbsp Garlic..........................................................4 tbsp

Turmeric....................................................... 1 tsp Vegetable stock............................................1 cup Cream..........................................................1 cup Method: • Roast the eggplant and skin the vegetable. • In a pan heat up oil, add in onions, garlic and saute, add in the leeks, celery and cook. • Once done, add in turmeric, aubergine and vegetable stock and bring to a boil. • Puree this mixture in a blender • Bring this mixture to a boil in a pan, again and add salt and stock for consistency. Finish off with cream • Finally plate and serve BEETROOT GINGER AND COCONUT SOUP Ingredients: Beetroot.......................................................1 cup Garlic..........................................................1 tbsp Ginger.........................................................1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil...................................4 tbsp Coconut Milk............................................... 1 Cup Ice................................................................1 cup Bread Croutons.............................................4 pcs Lemon Juice................................................1 tbsp Coriander............................................... ½ bunch Salt...........................................................to taste Pepper......................................................to taste Method: • Dice 1 cup of beetroot, 1 tbsp of ginger and 1 tbsp of garlic with 1tbsp of lemon juice,1 cup of coconut milk with some ice and put in a grinder. Add little coriander and grind everything together. • Cut slices of bread and toast them. • Strain and sieve the soup and add salt. • Add 1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil • Plate and serve

JANUARY 2016

EAST AND WEST SERIES

RAVA CHEESE POPS

MOONG, OLIVE AND CAPSICUM SANDWICH

Ingredients: Oil......................................................for deep fry Rai................................................................1 tsp Methi ke daane........................................... ½ tsp Kadi patta.......................................................4-5 Urad daal.....................................................1 tsp Green chillies..................................................2-3 Rava.............................................................1 cup Water......................................................... 2 cups Popcorn........................................................1 cup Cheese cubes.............................................. ¼ cup Milk............................................................ ½ cup Salt...........................................................to taste Green chutney.................................... for serving

Ingredients: Foot long bread................................................. 1 Red capsicum, cut into strips.............................¼ Green capsicum, cut into strips.........................½ Yellow capsicum cut into strips..........................¼ Sprouted moong........................................ ½ cup Vinegar.........................................................2 tsp Sugar............................................................2 tsp Butter............................................................1 tsp Tomatoes, sliced................................................. 2 Mozzarella cheese, grated..........................2 tbsp Black pepper.............................................a pinch Salt...........................................................to taste Olive oil......................................................3 tbsp

Method: • Add oil in a deep pan and heat it. • Add rai, methi ke daane, kadi patta, urad daal and sauté. • Add green chilies, rava, water and cook well. • Add salt (this should be inserted before the water is put in) • Cover the lid of the pan and let it cook for a while. • Take some popcorn and grind it in a grinder. • Take rava upma out of the pan, transfer it in a mixing bowl and let it cool a bit. • Take the ground popcorn out and put it in a plate. • Make balls out of the rava upma with a cheese cube inside it, dip it in milk, roll it in the ground popcorn and keep them aside. • In a deep pan heat some oil and deep fry the rava cheese balls in it. • Take them out and put them on a plate with tissues on it. • For presentation, brush a plate with green chutney leaving a small area in its centre. • Place the rava cheese pops in it, add 3 toothpicks on the centre ones so they look like stumps and serve.

Method: • Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a grill pan. • Add the three capsicums into it and grill for 5-7 minutes. Keep aside. • Heat another pan and add butter in it and sauté sprouts for 3 minutes. • Add salt and black pepper to the moong and stir fry for another 2 minutes. • Now cut a foot long bread in half and slit both halves in the middle to create 4 pieces. • In a small bowl add vinegar, sugar, salt and remaining olive oil and whisk till the mixture emulsifies. • Heat a little butter in a pan and saute the moong sprouts for a minute and season them. Keep aside. • With the help of a brush spread the oil mixture on top of each of the four bread pieces. Arrange slices of tomatoes on top of it. • With the help of tongs put a few slices of the grilled capsicum on each piece. Add a few spoonfuls of sprouts on each bread. • Now grate some mozzarella cheese on each of the four slices. • Add some sliced olives on top of each. • Preheat the Oven to 200OC and bake the breads till the cheese melts completely. • Garnish with some oregano flakes and olives and serve the open sandwiches hot.

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