THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS

This is one of my ever favourite film of Will Smith. Sometimes life can go so wrong, tested faith and life can never be fair for everyone. Anything earned real hard with dedication and faith tends to last long.

STEVE JOBS

There's always a story behind every successful person.

FIFA World Cup 2010

Back to memories !!! I so miss the fun we had back in Malaysia. The football fever !!! Go go Samba !!

M.K.Gandhi

"The ideal that marriage aims at is that of spiritual union through the physical. The human love that it incarnates is intended to serve as a stepping stone to divine or universal love." - M.K.Gandhi

Beauty Tips....

These were the magical words of Audrey Hepburn......... simply love her !

For attractive lips, Speak words of kindness.


For lovely eyes, Seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, Share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, Let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, Walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; Never throw out anybody.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.

As you grow older you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a Woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she knows.


And the beauty of a woman, with passing years only grows !

Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi. Great soul.

“Generations to come will scarcely believe that such a one as this walked the earth in flesh and blood.” – Einstein

It all started on a fine night , when I sat with my mom and dad to watch Gandhi film ( Sir Richard Attenborough ) , I was only 4 years old then ! I clearly remember how my parents forced me to sit next to them and watch this movie of the century ! I have started liking Gandhi since then. I must say that in fact , Gandhi inspired me to  read Law  :) For the ever first time in my life , I toured  India in 2002. We're blessed to witness the spirituality , that's when I started telling my friends that India is a Land of  Miracle ! We're lucky enough to visit the Kanya Kumari district in  Tamil Nadu , India and see the famous Gandhi Memorial ( Gandhi Mandapam ). I fell in love with the portrait of a young Gandhi , whom graduated as a barrister ! I just adore him for his ways and teachings. Practicing  his teachings are definitely an accomplishment in life !

Gandhi’s teachings in our daily life ,  all his message about peace and non-violence ( Ahimsa )  is more pertinent than ever before today.

The six golden words or key lessons are :

1. Be the change you wish to see in the world.

This is possibly Gandhi’s most famous phrase and tells us that before we can go and change the world, we have to change ourselves.From the being, comes the doing and ultimately the having.So we now have the message – “Do the change you wish to see in the world”.


Focus on changing yourself and being the change you wish – and soon we can begin to look at the bigger picture and solve the world’s challenges.

There is this anecdotal story about how a mother came with her son to see Gandhi. She wanted Gandhi to tell her son to stop eating too much sugar as it was harmful for his health. He asked her to come back a month later by which time he himself had cut down on his own sugar intake.

The point is that before you can get anyone to take on your own teachings, you have to apply them to your own life. There are various phrases to reflect this message such as “practise what you preach” and “walk the talk”.

“Let your life be your message” – Gandhi

Is your life the message you want to give the world?


When will you be the change you want the world to be?


2. Reduce, reuse and recycle

“There is enough in the world for everyone’s need, but not for everyone’s greed” – Gandhi

Even in Gandhi’s time there was vast disparity in the world between the rich and the poor. He could see how the world’s resources were being pilloried to satisfy the excessive demands of the West whilst most people in the rest of the world were barely surviving.


3. Live a simple, minimalist life.

Gandhi lived a very simple, frugal life. He died with very few possessions and he preached simplicity and minimalism in all areas of life.

He also dressed simply and even persisted with his simple Indian loin cloth when he visited England and met the King. When asked if he was under dressed for a meeting with the King, Gandhi replied that the King had enough clothes on for both of them ! Minimalism is something I am beginning to apply in my life too. Start living a simpler minimalistic life from today – and you will release a lot of time and energy to bring more of Gandhi’s teachings into the world.


4. If no one walks with you, walk alone

Believe in your cause, follow your truth and stick to your journey even if you have to walk the path on your own. Gandhi at the end of his life was said to be heart broken with the partition of India as millions were killed and displaced. Even then, he still had a message for the world – it takes just one man to make a difference.

If no one responds to your call, go forward alone.


If no one talks to you, oh luckless one,


If everyone turns away from you in fear,


Reveal your thoughts and express your ideas to yourself.


If everyone leaves you while you are travelling a dangerous road,


If no one wants to look after you,


Walk on alone, on the road strewn with thorns, trampling on them with bleeding feet.


If no one shows a light, if in the dark stormy night everyone shuts their doors,


Use your rib as a torch, lit from the fire of thunder. – Rabindrantah Tagore


So anything and everything you do counts and will make a difference.


5. Get your power through humility

Gandhi was a very humble, down to earth, ordinary human-being but therein lay his power and authority. His power came from being very clear about who he was, his values and his mission. So the clearer you are about who you are and what you stand for,the more power you will exert in the world, whilst remaining humble and as down to earth as you wish. Power what I mean here is not the power that corrupts but one that changes the world and makes a positive contribution.

6. Start today

“The difference between what we do, and what we are capable of doing, would solve most of the world’s problems” – Gandhi

Believe that what you do matters, and that it will make a difference.

You can’t save the whole world single-handedly, and we can’t all be a Gandhi or a Mandela, but you can certainly make a difference to one person at a time. So look for ways to contribute. Ask yourself what special skill or knowledge you have that can solve a problem or make the best of a situation and that will help or support others.


Start small – and get started no matter what. They too started small one day at the beginning of their own life journeys.

So fear not – you already have and know enough – new skills will come for sure as you progress on your journey. And whatever you choose to do, it will make a difference.


The point is that everything we do matters and makes either a positive or a negative impact on everything around us.

You can start today to apply Gandhi’s message in your life, simply by focussing on this one question:-


How can I bring more love and peace into my life today?

Just know that every little bit helps and by you being more loving and peaceful, the rest of the world becomes more loving and peaceful too.


After all, we all have a “Gandhi” inside of us, just waiting to emerge.



What makes one person a Gandhi or a Dr Martin Luther King? Is it pure coincidence or do such inspirational historic figures have some special powers?

“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules, and they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify and vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as crazy, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” – Steve Jobs, Apple

(  The Salt Satyagraha was a campaign of nonviolent protest against the British salt tax in colonial India which began with the Salt March to Dandi on March 12, 1930 ).

Patrick Swayze...

Loved his movies , a great actor. RIP Patrick !

Tennis mom's nite !!

Two years off to get married and become a mother, returned just to defeat Caroline Wozniacki, 7-5, 6-3.

Yesterday  night, Clijsters was the graceful participant during the ugly finish of her 7-5, 6-4 semifinal win over Serena Williams where the defending champion argued obscenely and threateningly over a late-match call for a foot fault. Clijsters won that match when Williams was penalized a point, match point, abut was denied a chance to celebrate in the aftermath.

But after beating Wozniacki, Clijsters celebrated without abandon. Her winning point was an emphatic overhead. As soon as the ball landed, Clijsters dropped to her knees. She got up in time to hug Wozniacki and acknowledge the roar from the 23,000 in the stadium as she wiped away joyous tears.

Spectacular Sunday nite , it was an awesome match ! Congrats Kim Clijsters !

Roger Federer at US Open 2009 semifinal

Just watched an outrageous "hot-dog" tennis shot from Roger Federer in the US Open Final against Novak Djokovic,  the greatest tennis shot ever! What a super shot !

A magic comeback - Kim Clijsters

Kim Clijsters magic comeback at US Open 2009 ! At 5-3 in the final set of a match that has brought the women’s championship of the US Open to vibrant life, Kim Clijsters urged herself on with a “C’mon” every bit as guttural and frightening as those trademarks of her one-time fiance , Lleyton Hewitt.

The magic worked. Not only is Clijsters, who is playing only the third tournament of her comeback after quitting the tour in 2007 to start a family, into the quarter-finals of the only grand-slam tournament she has won, but in doing so she put Venus Williams to the sword in an hour and half. There were so many extraordinary fluctuations that Mary Carillo, in the CBS TV booth, was moved to describe it as “whack-a-doo” tennis.

Today's match with Serena....Kim deserves this win ! Awaiting tomorrow's match ! Go Kim !!!

Remembering The Princess of Wales

Wow! Its been 12 years since the death of Princess Diana on August 31, 1997. Can you believe how fast time flies? It seems like yesterday I was waking up to get ready to college and read the morning news to find her death sprawled all over the front page. As I was always a fan, I was saddened by this. A woman who had selflessly given herself to help others in time of need. She did a lot for humanity and I certainly miss her presence here on earth.

Absolutely beautiful person inside out , she proved to be the people's princess. Princess Diana blossomed from a shy, private member of the British aristocracy into the people's princess. She was the most photographed member of the Royal Family, but the demand for pictures intruded on her private life even to her death. Truly an icon , she was a tireless campaigner for the dispossessed and disadvantaged, a woman whose support for individual organisations has been described as 'incalculable'.

I still remember the day I met the Prince of  Wales when I was in Buckingham University , where I was given the once in lifetime opportunity to welcome him with a bouquet of flowers ! It was an odd day which I did not know I was chosen to represent the students and I was in my Indian dress ! The Prince thought I'm from India and told me that I reminded him of the Princess because she loves to wear lots of Indian dresses ( Salwar Khameez ). He spoke of his fond memories , visiting Thailand when I informed him that I hailed from Malaysia :)

Senator Edward 'Ted' Kennedy - "Liberal Lion of the Senate"

America has had a few precious individuals who are both passionate about social justice and who also understand deep in their bones its practical meaning. Ted Kennedy is definitely an American hero. A master politician called "Liberal Lion of the Senate" , who altered the shape of American life more completely than any other member of his storied political family.

A great leader , a great democrat and a great man. He demonstrated the true nobility of public service and he was an inspiration to all. We have a duty to ensure that his commitment to human and civil rights is carried on ! His passing is an inestimable loss.

Chris Gardner

Christopher Paul Gardner born February 9, 1954 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is a self-made millionaire, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and philanthropist who, during the early 1980s, struggled with homelessness while raising his toddler son, Christopher, Jr. Gardner's book of memoirs, "The Pursuit of Happyness."

As of 2006, he is CEO of his own stockbrokerage firm, Gardner Rich & Co, based in Chicago, Illinois, where he resides when he is not living in New York City. Gardner credits his tenacity and success to the 'spiritual genetics' handed down to him by his mother, Bettye Jean Triplett, née Gardner,and to the high expectations placed on him by his children, son Chris Jr. and daughter Jacintha.Gardner's personal struggle of establishing himself as a stockbroker while managing fatherhood and homelessness is such a fact of reality which made me adore this man !

Magical words of Chris Gardner which he quoted, could inspire everyone , even a child : -

1. "I was homeless , but wasnt hopeless , I knew a better day was coming."
2. "It's ok to fail , but you cant quit.....and most importantly you cant quit on yourself".

3. "The cavalry ain't coming. You got to do this yourself".

4. "Baby steps count , as long as you are moving forward. You add them all up , one day you look back and you will be surprised at where you might get to".

5. "Though my mom had too many of her own dreams denied , deferred and destroyed , she instilled in me that I could have dreams. Not just dreams but had a responsibility to make them a reality. My mom taught me from an early age that I could do anything I wanted to do."

With so many people wondering why their life aren't what they'd hoped to be , Gardner is a model and an idea that you can do anything to which you set your mind , but you have to do it no matter what , even if you have to do it yourself , alone !

Tribute to Guru

Life is like a train journey........ we tend to meet many people from different walks of life. Some leave at their destination and some remain....

One of the most important person that I have met in my life...... is my spiritual guru.... who have taught me the essence of living . His Grace Uttama Chaintanya Dasa , though he left the world...... his ways , teachings will always be remembered. Those memories of treating me like the baby of the class , times spent talking about Sri Krsna , serving devotees...... and most fondly...the birthday that we've shared together..... Thank you Prabhu for all the beautiful things you've said during my toughest time........ Your blessings is such a gift , all glories to the supreme Lord. You will forever be remembered as one the most finest teacher in the world !

Hare Krsna.

Roaring Roger !

Federer has done it - by winning his 6th Wimbledon in a heart-wrenching final against Andy Roddick, Federer staked his claim on the history books by surpassing Pete Sampras' record. Tennis history is too tangled and intertwined by various events as Rod Laver says, "You know, it's hard for anyone to come out and say who's the best ever." And here's a salute to greats of the game ! A blissful  victory for Roger to remember as he became a father of  beautiful twin baby girls :)

Gauthama Buddha

Dharma transmission :
"there are causes for all human suffering, and there is a way by which they may be ended, because everything in the world is the result of a vast concurrence of causes and conditions, and everything disappears as these causes and conditions change and pass away. rain falls, winds blow, plants bloom, leaves mature and are blown away. these phenomena are all interrelated with causes and conditions, and are brought about by them, and disappear as the causes and conditions change."
( pic of Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple in Brickfields , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia.)

Ammumma Left Us.....

An endless fight my mom had in  taking care of  ammumma. I am so  proud to be her daughter. Finally ammumma left this world for good to be in a better place. Her hardwork , pains , sacrifices and dedicated life will always be remembered. May her soul rest in peace and we will be missing you for all the good and bad. We could not attend her funeral but God knows , Ammumma knows that she was always on our mind.

Swami Vivekananda's Laws of Life

Here're 15 chosen gems gleaned from the immortal writings of  Swami Vivekananda that can well be termed as the laws of life :

1. Love Is The Law Of Life : All love is expansion, all selfishness is contraction. Love is therefore the only law of life. He who loves lives, he who is selfish is dying. Therefore, love for love's sake, because it is law of life, just as you breathe to live.


2. It's Your Outlook That Matters : It is our own mental attitude, which makes the world what it is for us. Our thoughts make things beautiful, our thoughts make things ugly. The whole world is in our own minds. Learn to see things in the proper light.

3. Life is Beautiful : First, believe in this world - that there is meaning behind everything. Everything in the world is good, is holy and beautiful. If you see something evil, think that you do not understand it in the right light. Throw the burden on yourselves!

4. It's The Way You Feel : Feel like Christ and you will be a Christ; feel like Buddha and you will be a Buddha. It is feeling that is the life, the strength, the vitality, without which no amount of intellectual activity can reach God.

5. Set Yourself Free : The moment I have realised God sitting in the temple of every human body, the moment I stand in reverence before every human being and see God in him - that moment I am free from bondage, everything that binds vanishes, and I am free.

6. Don't Play The Blame Game : Condemn none ,  if you can stretch out a helping hand, do so. If you cannot, fold your hands, bless your brothers, and let them go their own way.

7. Help Others : If money helps a man to do good to others, it is of some value; but if not, it is simply a mass of evil, and the sooner it is got rid of, the better.

8. Uphold Your Ideals : Our duty is to encourage every one in his struggle to live up to his own highest idea, and strive at the same time to make the ideal as near as possible to the Truth.

9. Listen To Your Soul : You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.

10. Be Yourself : The greatest religion is to be true to your own nature. Have faith in yourselves!

11. Nothing Is Impossible : Never think there is anything impossible for the soul. It is the greatest heresy to think so. If there is sin, this is the only sin - to say that you are weak, or others are weak.

12. You Have The Power : All the powers in the universe are already ours. It is we who have put our hands before our eyes and cry that it is dark.

13. Learn Everyday : The goal of mankind is knowledge... now this knowledge is inherent in man. No knowledge comes from outside: it is all inside. What we say a man 'knows', should, in strict psychological language, be what he 'discovers' or 'unveils'; what man 'learns' is really what he discovers by taking the cover off his own soul, which is a mine of infinite knowledge.

14. Be Truthful : Everything can be sacrificed for truth, but truth cannot be sacrificed for anything.

15. Think Different : All differences in this world are of degree, and not of kind, because oneness is the secret of everything.

As he said: "It is our own mental attitude, which makes the world what it is for us. Our thoughts make things beautiful, our thoughts make things ugly. The whole world is in our own minds. Learn to see things in the proper light..."
 

US in history , Barack Obama

America made the change ! The change which Americans and the world was eyeing for , the victory of  Barack Obama on Nov 4 , 2008 ! Memorable day for us as we were back in Phoenix , Arizona.

Last night, watching the results roll in, I spoke with my hubby  who commented that it feels like we are living within history. Record numbers of Americans have chosen to stand up, make their voices heard, and shape the destiny of this country. Enough with waiting for our luck to change. Enough with excuses, cynicism, and conspiracy theories. Millions of individuals are ready and willing to unite, to take a higher path, and to steer this country toward its ideals.


Now the challenge is getting to work. Where do we go from here?

As jubilant as I am, my one fear is that Americans will be content to celebrate this victory, and to wait for change to come to them. But we cannot rest. A cornerstone of this campaign is responsibility for our country. As Barack Obama has routinely stated, government cannot fix our problems for us:

"Because loving your country shouldn't just mean watching fireworks on the 4th of July; loving your country must mean accepting your responsibility to do your part to change it. And if you do stand up, I promise you that your life will be richer, and our country will be stronger.

We need your service, right now, in this moment - our moment - in history. I'm not going to tell you what your role should be; that's for you to discover. But I am going to ask you to play your part; ask you to stand up; ask you to put your foot firmly into the current of history. I am asking you to change history's course."

Obviously I admire Obama so much ! He is from Law background too !! :) Though my husband kept his love and choice for Senator John McCain....... here once again.... " YES, WE CAN ! ".

My favorite Barack Obama quote: " Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."

“The very essence of democracy is that every person represents all the varied interests which compose the nation.”

God Bless World , God Bless America !

Gandhi's Talisman

"I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man [woman] whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him [her]. Will he [she] gain anything by it? Will it restore him [her] to a control over his [her] own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to swaraj [freedom] for the hungry and spiritually starving millions?


Then you will find your doubts and your self melt away."

- One of the last notes left behind by Gandhi in 1948, expressing his deepest social thought.

Source: Mahatma Gandhi [Last Phase, Vol. II (1958), P. 65].