East and West Series - May 2022 by East and West Series

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The Way of the Buddha* SADHU VASWANI How may I tell of the wonder of the Buddha? I have seen it in statues and stone figures and carved pictures of this mighty one — sometimes preaching to primitive peoples, sometimes speaking to birds and beasts, to trees and flowers, sometimes seated in meditation — always calm, compassionate, ethereal. Many paintings and pictures have I seen of the Buddha. And meditating on them, I have begun to know something of the joy and healing the Buddha brought to multitudes of men and women. The Buddha has been a great healer of mankind. Outside India, his influence went into Japan and touched her poetry, music, arts and crafts. Into China, too, for the Buddha’s missionaries went from India to China. In Burma and Syria and Central Asia, in Egypt and Greece and Rome and Mexico, the Bodhi dharma carried, from place to place, its torch of culture and civilisation. The Buddha entered into the life of Lanka. An Emperor’s son left his palace to be a bhikkhu of the Buddha and, coming to far-off Lanka, Mahinda spread the message of his Master.

Rightly is Mahinda worshipped as a saint in Lanka, and I have seen processions carrying the saint’s image and dropping flowers on it in wondrous devotion. In India, the Buddha travelled from town to town, village to village. And later came Asoka, the Emperor, who became a bhikkhu and built hospitals for animals, and schools for children, and homes for widows, and centres of social service, and missions to spread the message of the Buddha. The Buddha has influenced the thought of some vital thinkers – of Schopenhauer in Germany,

*In the year 2022, May 16 will be observed as Buddha Poornima Day in India and Nepal. In other Southeast Asian countries, it will be observed on May 19.

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of Comte in France, of Emerson in America. On the birthday of the Buddha, the children of Japan sing a pretty song, as they move in a procession bestrewing flowers. The children sing – In fair Lumbini’s garden The royal babe was born, The bringer of salvation Unto a world forlorn! Yes, to a “world forlorn”, the Buddha brought a message of peace. He became a healer of the world-dukkha. He called himself a “physician of the soul”. Beneath the Bodhi-Tree at Buddha-Gaya came to him the great enlightenment. Many years have passed since, in the shrine of Buddha-Gaya, I saw the face of the Buddha. I gazed at its beauty and calm. And since that day, the Buddha has mingled with my prayers and meditations. What did he see beneath the Bodhi-Tree? A picture came to him, first, of Rohini, calling to him: “Come to me! You have hungered, you have suffered, to win heaven. Heaven is by Rohini’s side!” The Buddha rejects the picture and resists its call. Heaven is not by Rohini’s side. The Buddha sits calm, unmoved, his eyes looking into a vision. Then there comes a picture of his dear calling him from the world: “Come!” The

to him mother unseen Buddha

knows better. Peace is not in the Kingdom of Ancestors. The Buddha sits calm! Then stands before him a third picture — the picture of himself seated as king of the Earth, throned, crowned! But the Buddha knows that Truth is more than the thrones and crowns of kings. The Buddha is not tempted. The Buddha sits motionless and calm! Then sweeps over him a Vision. In the first stage of the Vision, he sees his past lives. They come to him in picture after picture. In the second stage, he sees the world, enshrined in sorrow. In the third stage, he sees the cause of world-sorrow, of world-dukkha, viz. the chain of causation, the law of karma, which keeps moving the wheel of birth and death. In the fourth stage, he sees that behind this wheel is tanha, trishna, thirst. He sees that this thirst is the false self, the ego, which is the cause of sorrow. He exclaims: The fetters now are broken, For I have seen and slain the ego-self! In the fifth stage, he sees that his fetters are broken, not for himself alone. The whole world must share in his liberation. “Shall I teach to others what I have seen?” he asks himself. And he says to himself at first: “If

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I teach, who shall understand? For men understand not: men wander after worldly things!” Then the truth grows upon him that to live is to give and that they dare who share. “I shall proclaim the way to others,” he says. And a great peace goes into his heart. He moves out to proclaim the “Way” to others. It is the way of quenching sorrow. He sums up his teaching in a few significant words: “Quench the flames!” And he points out that the flames are three: (1) the flame of greed; (2) the flame of the little ego, the I; and (3) the flame of hate. These three flames must be quenched. There comes to me the memory of a picture I saw in a Buddhist Vihara in Anuradhapura, Lanka. It is the picture of two kingdoms fighting each other. Then comes the Buddha. He stands between the two armies and says: “Kill not!” Strange is the power of his words. The two armies drop down their weapons. The fight ceases. The Buddha reconciles the two kingdoms. The Buddha gives both the blessings of a healing peace. A robber comes to the Buddha and the Master preaches to the robber of the way to happiness. The Buddha closes his talk on the words: “Hatred ceaseth not by hatred, but by

love!” The robber becomes a disciple of the Buddha. Srima, the courtesan sought by princes and millionaires, comes in contact with the Buddha. To her, the Master gives the same message: “Hatred ceaseth not by hatred, but by love!” Srima is transformed. Srima embraces the new life. Srima becomes a disciple and devotee of the Buddha. And when, at the age of 80 years, the Master is about to pass on beyond this life, his message to weeping Ananda is: “Hold fast to the lamp of dharma.” And the light of this lamp is maiteryi, compassion, love. The world has wandered from violence to violence, and the standard of international politics has sunk to a lower level than at any time since civilisation appeared. Science has given new power and abundance: science has rendered possible the disappearance of drudgery: but science has not made the world a happier place. The nations stand ranged in opposing camps, competing for wealth and power. Out of this competition cometh hatred: and of hate is war born. Today, more even than in the ancient days, is needed the Buddha’s message: “Hatred ceaseth not by hatred: hatred ceaseth by love!” 

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Silence

Practice

Everyday

DADA J. P. VASWANI

Among all the creatures upon this earth, the human being is the only one who can enter within and get to know the real self. I don’t think mastering quantum theory or rocket science is as difficult as mastering the ultimate knowledge – the knowledge of the self. The way of silence is the way of turning within. It is also the way that leads us out of the darkness of ignorance and onto the light that is self-knowledge. We have come to the earth as pilgrims, but we have turned wanderers here. Truth is within! Freedom is within! The source of all strength is within! How can we begin this process? Everyday, preferably at the same place and same time, let us sit and pray, meditate and

do our spiritual introspection. I call this session, my daily appointment with God – He is the Indweller within us all. All we have to do is close our eyes and call Him and there He is in front of us! The tiniest whisper of the human heart, the smallest stirring of the spirit is audible to His ever-attentive ears. Our spiritual journey is an interior journey in consciousness. Silence is the process by which we may free our consciousness from the lower chakras and gradually arrive at the kingdom of God within us. All we may need to do to draw closer to God is let go of the lower self, the ego and let God in, for He is our true self. All we want is to obey his will. For God is the goal of our

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life; He is to be realised. One of the disciplines we practice in the satsang is to sit in silence, meditate and go within the self. The Indian tradition has always placed great value on meditation, reflection and contemplation – on the state of inner silence and inner stillness, for it is in this state that we find tranquility, serenity, selfknowledge, our own Divinity, true awareness and true freedom. According to Socrates, the wisest man of the ancient world, these are the three questions we must ask ourselves before we speak: “Is it true? Is it pleasant? Is it useful?” And the lesser we speak, the better! One simple exercise will be very helpful. As I sit in silence, let me offer my mind at the Lotus Feet of the Lord. Every time I find the mind flying off on a tangent, let me gently bring it back. This way gradually, the mind will be tranquilised and I shall taste and know how sweet it is to sit in silence. Sitting in silence, let me repeat the Divine Name or meditate on some aspect of the Divine Reality.

Lord Krishna tells Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita: Sarva dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja – “Oh Arjuna, renouncing all rites and writ duties, come unto Me for single refuge! Do not despair, for I shall release you from all bondage to sin and suffering!” Deep and utter surrender can be wrought through bhakti, loving devotion for God. Our ego gives way to Divine Love. Our stress and tension melt away. When a man sits in silence, he creates a space within himself where he establishes his relationship with God. We exist in a spiritual vacuum. To grow in the inner life, the life of the Spirit, we need to withdraw from the outer world of noise and excitement. Each day we must spend some time in silence. In due course, the mind will become calm and clear as the surface of a lake on a windless day; such a mind will become a source of indescribable joy and peace. Let us practice the simple sadhana of silence. 

God speaks to us in silence. But very often we do not hear Him because we are lost in the noise and turmoil of this world. Be still, and look within you. You will hear the still, soft voice that sounds within us all the time. — Dada J. P. Vaswani

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The Poet of Love and Joy SADHU VASWANI At the Citizen’s meeting held at the Forman Christian College, Lahore, on Saturday the 6th December 1913 to congratulate Rabindranath Tagore* on the unique distinction of having received Nobel Prize for Literature, Principal T. L. Vaswani of the Dyal Sing College made the following speech. The chair was occupied by Dr. Ewing, Vice-Chancellor of the Punjab University and there were present among others, Sir P. C. Chatterjee, Hon’ble Mr. Shafi, Dr. Caleb and Dr. S. K. Datta. Principal Vaswani said:In recommending to your acceptance the Resolution just read by the distinguished

Chairman, Dr. Ewing, I feel it is not necessary for me to speak many words. We are here this evening to record our great satisfaction on the unique distinction achieved by the Indian Poet-Philosopher Ravindra Nath Tagore and to convey our cordial congratulations to Ravindra Nath Tagore for so nobly vindicating India and India’s lofty Idealism through his Mighty Songs of deathless Love and Joy – a song which, it is earnestly hoped, may be a strong link in the chain of sympathy between the East and the West. Some books are world events: One such book is the Gitanjali:

*May 7 is sacred as Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti.

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years have passed away since the book was first published in Bengali: and during the brief but beautiful period of my stay in Calcutta, I often listened to some of its stately songs sung to me by some of my beloved students. I remember how on one occasion I spoke of him as a World-Poet and the expression called for criticism from some of my friends who reproached me with speaking of the Poet with the enthusiasm of a young man and praising him too much! Pardon me if I speak of him again with enthusiasm of a young man! I regard Ravindra Nath as the spiritual poet of the 20th Century as Browning is the spiritual poet of the 19th. Ravindra Nath is the singer of spiritual emotions. He has been called the Poet of Love: yes: he is the Poet of Love because he is the Prophet of Joy. In his lectures on various subjects referring to the philosophy of Religion – lectures delivered by him in London – Ravindra Nath quoted with great feeling the text from the Upanishads: “All that is, is come from the heart of Eternal Joy: and shall unto the Joy return.” Ravindra Nath is to me a voice of the heart of Eternal Joy: his kinship is with the Seers and Singers of the Upanishads. So it is that there is a vital connection between his Art and his Religion: his Art is charged through with the Soul of Religion.

But his joy is born of a deep sorrow: hence the Humanity of his poems. He has looked into the heart and sung: so it is that he sings not a creed, not a dogma, not a tradition of the poet but his own experiences and quiet communings with the Divinity of the present. He has lived the Vision of Joy of which he sings. He has mixed with the young, for he has faith in India’s future and regards young men as the future leaders of the Land; he has mixed with the boys in the quiet seclusion of Bolpur; he has mixed with common men: there is a note of the spiritual democracy in his poems: therefore is he the Poet of the People; and his songs are sung by boys and grown up men in Bengal and Burma. What are his Services? As the lofty leader of a new Romantic Movement in Literature he has raised India in the world’s estimate and in the honour done to him, India is highly honoured. He is the voice, the lyric cry of the highest and holiest in our Race-Consciousness. His poetry is pervaded by a lofty Idealism. Some think poetry is worthless. But Ravindra Nath has proved that poets are not the singers of an idle song; he has shown that nations live not by the machinery of a commercial civilisation but by the vision and the verities of soul-life. Again, as an honoured interpretor of the Religion of Love and Joy and Harmony

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Ravindra Nath is a strong link in the great chain of sympathy between the East and the West. The mystical note of communion with God in the soul and the social note of contact with God in the commerce of the world blend one with the other in his poetry; it is this social Mysticism of Ravindra Nath which makes him a bridge between the East and West. While I was in Berlin, a lady in all earnestness regarded me as an African enquiring if India was not situated in Africa! And there be not a few in Europe and America who have prejudices against the people of India; we, too, have our prejudices against the people of the West. Westmark, the author of two suggestive volumes on “Moral Ideas” tells us that when the inhabitants of the South Sea Island hear of any stupid action they say “It is as stupid as a white man!” All over the world, prejudices stand in the way of a true understanding and appreciation of one another. Ravindra Nath’s Song is a witness to the Unity of Humanity and I entertain a Joyful hope that his Gitanjali,

now an international possession of the Race, will bring East and West closer one to the other in the Temple of Humanity to adore the all-Father. Years have passed since I listened to one tender touching song of Ravindra Nath Tagore: “Make me thy Harp O Lord!” So sang this Teacher of mighty Song; so prayed he in the quiet and seclusion of Bolpur; and in the strength of that song and prayer he went to our “Heavenly father’s Western Home” and the Lord made him his Harp and sounded through him the song of deathless Love and Joy and India’s Idealism have been glorified. “The spirit of the age is calling through a dawn stranger than earth has seen.” Ravindra Nath is the voice and vision of that Dawn – the dawn of a Day when India may go upon her great Mission — when England and India may join hands together and work as comrades in a common cause, for the building of a brotherly civilisation unto the highest Service of the Human Race. 

“The small wisdom is like water in a glass: clear, transparent, pure. The great wisdom is like the water in the sea: dark, mysterious, impenetrable.” — Rabindranath Tagore

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Commandments of Health DADA J. P. VASWANI Nature is a kind friend, if we co-operate with her. If we disobey her, nature is hard as steel. Obey nature — and live a life of fulfillment and freedom. Disobey nature — and die a miserable death! There are Ten Commandments of good health which must be obeyed by all:–– 1) The foundation of a healthy body is a happy mind. Therefore, let nothing agitate you or disturb your inner peace. Let the motto of your life be: Thou knowest everything, Beloved, Let Thy Will always be done! In joy and sorrow, my Beloved, Let Thy Will always be done!

There is a doctor who always says: “Keep your upstairs (mind) at peace and your downstairs (body) will be healthy!”

If possible, you must laugh heartily three times before taking breakfast, lunch and dinner. But be careful not to laugh at others. Laugh with others and if you will, laugh at yourself. 6) You must have sufficient sleep. 7) You must have sufficient exercise. Walking is the queen of exercises. 8) You must have sufficient elimination (via bowels, kidneys, lungs and skin).

2) See that you take a balanced diet.

9) Every day, you must spend some time in silence.

3) You must have sufficient water (never alcohol).

10) You must always adopt a cheerful and positive attitude. And you must always keep away from wrong habits such as smoking, drinking, drugs, etc. Many promising lives have been sacrificed on the altar of wrong habits. 

4) You must have sufficient fresh air and sunshine (though not on the tumour). 5) You must laugh heartily. Laughter is at once a physical, mental and spiritual tonic.

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Laughter –

THE BEST MEDICINE Coping with life’s vicissitudes with humour, is something desperately needed by ailing patients; because it’s overtones of the ludicrous can help soften the impact of their predicament. The vast body of jokes and anecdotes which relate to the medical profession is perhaps a testimony to the psychological necessity of humour. It is a well-known fact that health and cheerfulness mutually beget each other. We know now, that happy people get ill less often than those who are chronically miserable and anxious. Your mental attitude simply must be a hopeful one, and you must avoid worry at all costs. Worry can put you into a wheelchair with rheumatism and arthritis. Research also shows that worry can even cause tooth decay! Unhappy feelings are known to trigger-off changes which upset the body’s natural calcium phosphorous balance, leading to cavities. And as for women, few things can age

and sour a woman’s beauty as quickly as worry. It curdles the expression; it makes you clutch your jaws and lines your face with wrinkles. It forms a permanent scowl; it turns the hair grey, and in some cases, even makes it fall out. It can ruin the complexion. And it can bring on all kinds of skin rashes, eruptions and pimples. In contrast, those who see the bright side of life and remain optimistic are unlikely to go down with stress-related disorders. It is of vital importance for those who take life too seriously to learn to laugh. Humour is the affirmation of dignity, a declaration of man’s superiority to all that befalls him. Humour is at its best, its

*The first Sunday of May is celebrated as World Laughter Day. In the year 2022, World Laughter Day falls on May 1.

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funniest, when the person is down and out and yet raring to overcome his plight. Humour is life, clawing and scratching perhaps, but still life at its most assertive. Laughter is undoubtedly the best-known relaxant: French neurologist, Henri Rubenstein states in his research papers that even one minute of laughter can give the body up to 45 minutes of therapeutic relaxation. Laughter, it appears, has much the same effect on the body as regular physical exercise in that the “high” produced, goes on working long after the exercise is over. Laughter can also reduce heart rate and stimulate the appetite, adds Rubenstein. In her best-selling book, ‘Smile Therapy’, Liz Hodgkinson says, ‘The bigger the belly laugh, the better it is. When we laugh, we secrete hormones that stimulate the heart and act as natural painkillers. Stress is reduced, calories are burned off and digestion is improved. A French doctor, Pierre Vachet, who has studied the physiology of laughter for many years, has come to the conclusion that laughter expands the blood vessels and sends more blood racing to the extremities. So, those who suffer from cold hands

and feet should perhaps try laughing instead of piling on the socks and gloves. Laughter creates internal warmth. It is a smile that has burst. It relaxes and stimulates at the same time. And as it sends more oxygen to every cell in the body, laughter can also serve to speed tissue healing, and stabilise many body functions, helping to strengthen them against infection and abnormal growth. ‘Cheerful people’, the doctors say, ‘resist disease better than glum ones.’ In other words, the surly bird catches the worm!  A happy mind is the greatest aid to a healthy body. If a man is happy, cheerful and contented, disease will not draw close to him. It is not our position, but our disposition that is the root cause of our stress. Laughter is the brush that sweeps away stress. Laughter is not only a medicine, a tonic. It is a physical, mental and a spiritual exercise we all must perform to keep ourselves fit and healthy. — Dada J. P. Vaswani

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Laugh YOUR WAY

TO HEALTH

Boss: “We need a dynamic man with the capability to handle a variety of jobs.”

Convict: That’s right, sir. I’m not the type that says one thing today and another tomorrow.

Applicant: “I am suitable, I’ve had 18 jobs in one year.”

***

*** I am going to buy a plot for my brother. Did he pass away? Oh, no, he’s writing a story. ***

Chetan: Dad, how soon will I be old enough to do as I please? Father: I don’t know, my dear. Nobody has lived that long yet. *** Editor: “Did you write this poem yourself?” Writer: “Yes, every line of it.”

Clerk: I have been here for the last ten years, doing three men’s work for one man’s pay. Please, give me a raise.

Editor: “Then I’m glad to meet you, Edgar Allen Poe; I thought you were dead long ago.”

Boss: I’m sorry. I can’t give you a raise just now. But if you will tell me who the other two men are, I’ll discharge them.

Q: Which are the two longest words in the English language?

*** Judge: What’s your age? Convict: Twenty-two, sir. Judge: That’s what you’ve been telling us for the last ten years.

***

A: Post Office. Between them, they carry millions of letters. *** “Madam,” said the salesman. “This incense stick is such that when you burn it in your flat, the fragrance reaches all the rooms of the neighbour’s flat.”

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“Great! Why don’t you please sell them to our neighbour?”

***

During a cold winter day, a wife messaged her husband that “The Windows have frozen”.

Tourist: Where does this road go to?

The husband replied to pour some warm water on them.

Villager: Nowhere, it just stays where it is.

After a while husband received a message again “No way, the computer is completely spoilt now!”

*** A man said his credit card was stolen but he decided not to report it because the thief was spending less than his wife did. *** A lady was running to catch a train to Bangalore. She reached the station and was searching for the train. Passenger: (Asked the station master) Sir, is this my train? Station Master: No Madam, this is not your train, it’s the railway department’s train. Passenger: (Annoyed) That’s a good joke. Don’t act too smart. What I meant was, can I take this train to Bangalore?

*** A customer called Tech support: “My computer is not connecting to the Internet…” Tech support: “Okay, which operating system are you using?” Customer: explorer…”

“Internet

Tech support: “No, you just right-click on “My Computer” and click on the “properties menu”. Customer: “What are you saying? This is not your computer, it is my computer!” ***

Station Master: No ma’am, you cannot! This train is so BIG and you can’t take it.

How can you make the number seven an even number?

Passenger: It’s really funny! Now tell me, will this train take me to Bangalore?

***

Station Master: NO ma’am. The train can’t take you. The train driver will drive it to Bangalore! ***

Just take the “s” out from it! Patient: Doctor, please can you help me out? Doctor: Yes, you may make your way out the same way you came in. ***

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Dada, THE GREAT GIVER KRISHNA KUMARI Dada was a divine being, whose life was filled with aweinspiring qualities, great values and admirable principles. He seemed to have been born with them, as glimpses of them had been visible in him since a very young age. He seemed to have been born with the mission of helping as many as he could, in any way he could. He was ever willing to share his knowledge and wisdom with all those interested, in the hope of improving as many lives as he could and bringing people closer to God. His teachings enabled people to get imbibed with God consciousness. His words were not merely didactic, informative or instructional;

they were inspiring! Not only were they enlightening but they touched the hidden core within the listener, bringing about a transformation. Dada’s messages were not just made up of mere words. Often, they were derived from real life incidents and experiences. They were conveyed so smoothly and naturally that people absorbed them before they even realised that they had learnt an important lesson. Such instances are innumerable, but one can touch upon a few of them. Though Dada’s daily life was imbued with spirituality, he was also very firm about his work ethics. Dada’s days were always very busy and packed

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with work. Yet, he always made time for meditation and silence – they were extremely important to him. At one time, we were working on Sadhu Vaswani’s Centenary volume. As this was an offering of love for his Guru, all his time and effort was geared towards it. Dada told us, “While putting together the material for the volume, if you have any doubts or queries, please do not hesitate to come and ask me immediately for clarification.” It so happened that I came up with a question and went to Dada at once. I saw that he was preparing to sit for meditation. I gently began shutting his door, but he saw me and gestured for me to enter the room. I told him that I had a small question but I could ask him later. I told him, “Dada, you finish your meditation and then I will come.” Instead Dada said, “My Guru’s work and meditation are one and the same.” For Dada, work was worship. In his mind, there was no demarcation between the two. Whatever he did, it was an offering to the Master. Though he existed in our midst, he was not really like us. His domain was on a higher level. His every breath was connected with the Divine. It may have often seemed that the mundane was occupying him. But in truth, even the very essence of his being was coloured in the spiritual.

On another instance, Dada told me that we must leave the house at 11.00 am sharp. As there was still some time, I sat about attending to some of my other chores. By the time I was done and reached Dada, it was 11.02 am. I said, “Come Dada, let’s leave.” He responded saying, “You are late!” Surprised I said, “I am only late by two minutes!” In reply Dada said, “Do you know, at what speed a Boeing jet travels? It is at the speed of 600 kms an hour. That makes it 10 kms per minute. So, in your two minutes it could travel 20 kms. Then how can two minutes be nothing?” In this subtle manner, Dada conveyed important life lessons. On that day, I learnt the importance of time, the value of every moment. Without any reprimand or lecture, the necessity of being punctual. He did not make me feel upset about my tardiness. Instead he made me think and visualise and ended up in printing the lesson in my mind for life. No longer would I discount the priceless value of two minutes! Even as a child, Dada, though mingling and playing with other children, like any other child, stood out from among them as different and unique. One day, Dada was playing with the other children in the neighbourhood. One of the neighbours, an adult, approached the children with a few mangoes in his hands. He

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distributed them among Dada and the children of the mohalla. But there were not enough mangoes for all the children. The few lucky ones began to bite into the sweet and juicy mangoes gleefully. Dada observed this, along with the crestfallen faces of the other children, he rushed to his house, cut the mango in his hand into small pieces with a knife from his kitchen and ran out to share it with the other children. Their eyes lit up with joy and a satisfied smile played on the lips of child Dada as he joined them. His caring, selfless and giving nature was an innate part of him. It did not need to be taught or cultivated in him. For him, it was very natural to share and care and bring rays of happiness into the lives of those around him. He found satisfaction and happiness in the joy of others. One day while sitting with Dada, we requested him to give us his teaching, his message, in succinct and simple words. Dada was silent for a moment, his eyes gazing at the picture of Lord Shiva hanging on the wall across from him. Then he said, “What is it that Lord Shiva does? He gladly accepts poison and then converts it to nectar. Similarly, if you want to grow in the spiritual, accept the brickbats and ridicule, the criticism and difficulties, and in return only give love and do good to others, looking upon

them as images of Lord Shiva.” Dada himself followed this to the letter. He would take the problems of others upon himself, and alleviate their suffering. Once, while gazing at the enraptured faces of those sitting around him, with a smile Dada asked, “Why have you all come to me?” Someone said, “I have come to you to attain God realisation.” Another said, “To get peace of mind.” One said, “I am riddled with problems. I come to you to obtain freedom from those problems.” In this manner, Dada was presented with several assorted answers. Finally, when silence prevailed, Dada nodded his head and said, “I see that all of you have come to me to get something or the other. But none of you has come to give anything.” Dada’s lifetime message was that giving is always better than getting. All his life he just gave – not just material things, or aid and assistance, but most importantly, giving of himself. He gave unstintingly, unconditionally and indiscriminately. Till today, he keeps showering upon us his warmth and mercy, his love and benedictions. It is for us to open up our hearts to him to receive from his generosity and abundance. 

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Children’s Corner Mother’s Day Special Our mother works hard every day for us – make our favourite dishes, clean the house, help in studies, play with us and love us unconditionally. We should also try to make her feel special… So, here’s something simple that you can make at home and which she will be happy to receive.

Materials: • Ice-cream sticks • Colour-pens • Glue • Friendship thread Instructions: 1) Paint all the ice cream sticks with a colour of your choice. 2) Use a black or any dark colour pen to write the reasons you love your mom so it is clearly visible. 3) Using glue, stick all the sticks one below the other. 4) Stick the thread from behind, one end to the other. Leave a hanging handle at the top. 5) Give it to your mom and see her smile!

*The second Sunday of May is observed as Mother’s Day. In the year 2022, 8th May will be celebrated as Mother’s Day.

Answers: Across: 1. Water 2. Laugh 4. Arrow 6. Father

Down: 1. Well 3. Giraffe 4. August 5. Fork

Crossword: MAY 2022

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RECIPES FOR THE MONTH The mango season is about to end! Before we bid adieu to our favourite fruit, let’s savour on its many delicacies until its annual visit the next year.

MANGO SHRIKHAND (AAMRAKHAND)

KESAR MANGO LASSI

Ingredients: Mango Pulp (Puree)......................................¾ cup Curd (Dahi / Yogurt)........................................1 cup Sugar or honey...............................................1 tbsp Saffron strands.............................................2 pinch Whole Almonds (Badam), roughly chopped...3 tbsp Milk, lukewarm, more cold milk as needed...3 tbsp Ice cubes..........................................................a few Instructions:

1. To begin making the lassi, soak one pinch kesar in 2 tablespoons warm milk and keep it aside for a few minutes. 2. Get prep with other ingredients as well. Take out the pulp from the mangoes and keep aside. 3. In a blender, add mango pulp, curd/ yoghurt, cold milk and blend till combined. 4. Once it is done, add chopped almonds, honey or sugar, some ice cubes and blend to make the lassi. 5. Kesar Mango Lassi is ready to serve. Garnish it with the rest of chopped almonds and saffron.

Ingredients: Mango pulp....................................................¾ cup Hung curd.......................................................2 cups Saffron strands Milk.................................................................1 tbsp Powdered sugar..............................................½ cup Cardamom powder......................................... ½ tsp Nutmeg powder...............................................pinch Almonds..........................................................1 tbsp Instructions:

1. Combine the saffron and milk in a small bowl, mix well and keep aside. 2. Place hung curd in a deep bowl and whisk well. 3. Add mango pulp and powdered sugar and whisk well. 4. Add cardamom powder, nutmeg powder, saffron-milk mixture and almonds and mix well. 5. Refrigerate for at least an hour. 6. Serve chilled. MANGO PURI Ingredients: Mango cubes...................................................¾ cup Powdered sugar..............................................¼ cup Plain flour (maida).........................................¾ cup Wheat flour.....................................................½ cup Cardamom powder......................................... ¼ tsp Salt and Oil

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3. Mix well and pour into moulds. 4. Freeze at the lowest possible temperature. 5. Take the mould out of the freezer and prise the kulfi out with the help of a knife, into an individual serving bowl. 6. Garnish with nuts and serve immediately. Instructions:

1. Combine the mango cubes and powdered sugar in a mixer and blend till smooth. 2. Transfer the mixture into a deep bowl, add all other ingredients, mix well and knead into a soft dough without using water. 3. Divide the dough into equal portions. 4. Roll out each portion of dough into a circle. 5. Heat oil in a deep non-stick pan and deep-fry a few puris at a time on medium flame till they turn golden brown in colour from all sides. 6. Drain on absorbent paper. 7. Serve hot. MANGO KULFI Ingredients: Sweetened condensed milk.............1 can (400 gm) Mango pulp....................................................½ cup Cream.............................................................½ cup Almonds (blanched).......................................10-12 Kulfi moulds.......................................................... 8 Instructions:

1. Mix the condensed milk, cream and mango pulp. 2. Beat to blend well. Add the nuts, saving a few for garnishing.

MANGO ICED TEA

Ingredients: Alphonso mangoes........................2, medium sized Black tea bags....................................................2-3 Water..............................................................4 cups Lemon juice..........................................½ or ¾ tbsp Sugar..................................................... as required Mint leaves.........................................................few Instructions:

1. Peel and chop the mangoes. Puree them in a blender and refrigerate. 2. Heat water on a stove. Remove the pan of hot water. 3. Add the black tea and stir. Cover and let the tea steep in the hot water for 5-7 mins. Strain and keep the tea in the fridge. 4. Once the tea is cooled, remove from the fridge. 5. Pour the tea in a blender. Add the mango puree, lemon juice and sugar to the tea. Blend everything till smooth. 6. Serve the mango iced tea in tall glasses with some ice cubes garnished with mint leaves or mango or lemon slices. 

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SIMPLE RULES OF HEALTH HOW TO BEAT THE SUMMER HEAT Peak summer is here! While summers are a time for vacations, long trips, and simply lazing around, it also brings along with it concerns of seasonal illnesses like diarrhoea, sunburn, sunstroke and heat strokes. It’s here that fresh fruits can help you survive (and of course thrive!) all season long. Yes, the dehydrating summer heat makes the body lose its nutrients easily. Therefore, it is necessary to replenish this loss through eating healthy fruits and vegetables. WHY EAT FRUITS IN SUMMER? • To stay hydrated • Helps the body cool down • Provides nutrients that the body needs • Lose weight • Gives energy WHICH FRUITS TO EAT TO BEAT THE HEAT? 1. WATERMELONS Watermelons are made up of 92% water. It is extremely healthy and fun to eat. Watermelon balances Pitta and is an excellent way to cool

off. It gives energy, keeps the body hydrated and helps to clean out toxins from the body. Watermelon is fat-free, low in sodium and very nutritious. In India, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh produce the highest amount of watermelons. Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh produce watermelons all year long. Nutrient Values – • Vitamin C (strengthens the immune system) • Vitamin A (boosts immunity) • B6 (improves immune system) • Fibre (good for the digestive system) • Potassium (maintains water balance) • Magnesium (boosts energy) • Lycopene (protects skin from sun damage)

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Benefits to health and healing – • Lowers blood pressure • Improves skin and hair • Lowers muscle soreness • Keeps heart healthy • Cleans kidney • Supports eye health • Prevents heat stroke • Boosts the immune system 2. MANGOES Mango is one of the most popular fruits in the world. Mango is recognised as the King of summer fruits and it is the national fruit of India. It tastes so good that people don’t realise that it has various health benefits too! Adults too, along with children wait for mangoes all year long! Mangoes ripen only in the warmer months. In India, mango is considered sacred and symbolises love. India is the largest producer and exporter of mangoes. Uttar Pradesh is the first in mango production. Nutrient values – • Vitamin A (good for eyes and immune system) • Potassium (maintains water balance) • Vitamin C (helps fight infection) • Zeaxanthin (protects eye health) • Fibre (good digestion) Benefits to health and healing – • Cures anaemia • Boosts brain health

• Eliminates indigestion and acidity • Gives healthy, radiant skin • Controls blood pressure • Slows ageing process • Fights heat stroke • Improves eye health 3. STRAWBERRIES Strawberry is not a berry of fruit. It may be very common but it is very healthy. The seeds of the strawberry, which are on the outside, are the true fruits, and the red, fleshy part holds the approximately 200 seeds together. It is used as a general health tonic. Strawberry is low in calories and very delicious in taste. Mahabaleshwar accounts for producing 85 per cent of total strawberries produced in India. Nutrient values – • Vitamin C (fights infection) • Fibre (helps digestion) • Magnesium (boosts energy) • Manganese (needed for vital functions) • Potassium (helps regulate water balance) • Folate (converts carb into energy) • Vitamin K (helps make proteins needed for the building of bones) Benefits to health and healing – • Helps to maintain healthy vision • Lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease

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• Stimulates burning of fat • Boosts your immunity • Helps with maintaining healthy skin • Improves regulation of blood sugar • Anti-cancer • Reduces inflammation 4. PAPAYA Papaya, an all-round summer fruit, is beneficial both as an application externally and can be consumed as a medicinal fruit too. You can eat it, apply it to your skin and even make a hair pack of it! It’s also a great fruit to include in your weight loss diet! It helps to maintain the body’s immune system. It is good for gastrointestinal health. In India, Andhra Pradesh is the highest producer of papaya. Nutrient values – • Vitamin C (to provide texture to skin and hair) • Vitamin K (bone health) • Vitamin A (healthy hair) • Papain (aids digestion) • Potassium (regulates water balance) Benefits to health and healing – • Soothes sunburn • Lowers blood pressure • Reduces tan • Good for eye-sight • Hydrates skin • Nourishes hair • Reduces constipation problems

No fruits are truly unhealthy in and of themselves. However, some people may simply prefer not to eat certain fruits due to their higher sugar, fat, or calorie level that may interfere with their weight loss goals, current diet, or dietary restrictions. Others, such as those with diabetes or allergies, may need to watch their intake of certain fruits for health reasons. For example, bananas which are high in calories, are to be avoided when you are trying to lose weight. Mangoes are high in sugar, and not recommended for people with diabetes. Grapes too, are high in sugars and have little fiber to balance this out. Oranges are sources of fiber, water, and important vitamins, such as vitamin C. Orange juice is a popular way to consume oranges, but it may not be as healthy as oranges themselves. The juicing process removes much of the fiber from an orange, making it easier to consume more of it without becoming full. It is important to keep in mind that most whole fruits are healthy when a person eats them in moderation and as a part of a balanced diet. Although no fruit is inherently unhealthy, it is important to consider fruits in the context of a balanced, healthy diet. 