Russell Graham’s Post

#newdaynewchapter There are lot of reasons to it, but I will state few. There are lot of learning hidden and integrated in the beautiful narrative of Ramayana/Ram Charitmanas, most of them, though show devotion, chastity, friendship, loyalty, brotherhood and other such human emotions that are intertwined with human relationships and assume mostly a form of a story. Sundar Kand, however is different in its sense. Lot of people think that the Sundar Kand is all about Hanuman travelling to Lanka, meeting Sita and coming back. But what most of the people miss in its rendition is that Sundar Kand is about resolving your doubts by an external stimuli. I will explain how. In the beginning of Sundar Kand (Jambvant ke bachan suhaye), Hanuman was in doubt about his own capabilities and then Jambvant makes him aware of those and exhort him to use to cross the mighty seas. Hanuman meets Lanka’s guard Lankini at the doorstep, and she was wary and doubtful of Lanka’s destruction and this was resolved by their fight and dialogue. Hanuman was doubtful of Sita’s whereabouts (signified as doubts about your goal or destination) and that is resolved by Vibhishan by providing insights. Sita, in her abandonment, is doubtful of Ram’s existence, and his forthcoming actions on her rescue, Hanuman then clarifies Sita’s doubts with Ram’s messages. At the end of Sundar Kand, Ram is in doubt whether Sita is alive, or she was found or not, Hanuman then resolves his doubt by bringing Sita’s message to Ram. It also speaks about the fire in Lanka Dahan which signifies burning of the evil and shows your true light can wards off all evils when fire does not harm Vibhishan’s house. Sundar Kand in essence teaches us that when in doubt, knowledge and information is the key and thus is recommended to be read and understood at such critical times of your life. If you possess knowledge, you can overcome all physical and mental barriers. I think this is the reason that people probably place it on a higher pedestal than the rest of the narratives. Shri Hanuma Maharaj ki Jay

In a world full of turmoil, stress, anxiety and disconnect, the Tibetan Buddhist guidelines for living a compassionate life, summarized in the Seven Points of Mind Training, open the way for each of us to nurture our own good heart and offer a vital practical antidote to despair and despondency. https://lnkd.in/gdPmt4x5

#newdaynewchapter Of late it seems to have been formalised into a practice called parayan which I think is to read the book in the space of a week. Additional details have been slowly added to this practise like starting on a Thursday and finishing on one. I believe some kind of a ritual is slowly evolving with the object of gaining something or avoiding an oncoming misfortune. My view is slightly different. I believe Baba is a genuine Spiritual being who visited us for the sole purpose of reminding us that we are the same. Because in this maze that we call life with all it's obstacles, our entire energies are consumed in navigating this obstacle course that life represents to the point where we have totally forgotten why we are here and who we actually are. The book Sai Satcharita makes it clear who Baba is, a being who exists in the plane one achieves beyond Moksha. It also makes clear that our sole purpose in life is to work towards achieving that very same Moksha. Not by any means an easy task, it could take lifetimes but if one believes and has the patience to plug away, it is achievable. Baba on his part is an ever present guide for he resides in our Soul and as such is aware of everything that is going on in our lives. He intercedes as and when necessary to keep us going, mostly without our knowledge for that is how the Self operates. So for me the book is a source of inspiration, that within all of us lies a miraculous energy that guides our lives. You may call that energy Baba for that is exactly what he is but whomever you pray to, it's your Self that listens and answers. This is the message of Baba as highlighted in the book. Which is why I read it only when I feel a lack of clarity of the true nature of this world. I do not consider reading about Baba as a task that needs to be accomplished. I read it as a self affirmation of our own Spiritual roots. If you are faithful and you surrender yourself to him, it doesn't matter you read or you listen, Baba will take care of all your worries and he will help you in removing your insecurities, anxieties, stress ,depression and what not. Shri Sai Satcharita is very good in giving peace to mind. Om Sai Ram.

Happy Songkran kaaaa 🙏🏽💦 🌸🌺 Happy Thai New Year to my Thai friends and community. The Songkran #songkran2024 celebration attracts numerous tourists to visit Thailand at this time, especially in Chiang Mai, because of the water 💦 splashing party-like events that go on for 4-5 days. However, I would like to emphasize true meaning of water splashing; water splashing symbolizes “washing away the past and welcoming the new year” 🙏🏽🙏🏽💦 It is also a very family oriented time. During this time most families reunite, people working in cities like Bangkok, finally get to see their loved ones after a year of hard work. When I first saw this family, my first thought was “omg, how irresponsible to bring such a young child out here where the baby could get hurt, too much water, an infection, etc!!!” But at second thought, as I took this picture below, I felt #joy and #happiness for them! This picture captures an even deeper essence of #Songkran as days of #fun #play with entire families, communities, all ages, races, religions #diversity #inclusive simply everyone’s “inner child comes alive and plays #play”! I’m more than grateful to be part of a culture that has #fun #play #happiness rooted in their tradition. I hope this (unknown) family inspires us to give ourselves time to enjoy precious moments of #play, #fun, #laughter. Did you notice the face expressions of the people around this family? #biases What do you see? I see kindness and #friendliness. I observed how people are enjoying themselves and smiling at this family. I wish we would enjoy seeing others have fun and join them more. ☘️😁 For this new (Thai) year, I wish you all more time to play, have fun and enjoy the present moment. 🙏🏽 #mindfulness #wellbeing #positivemindset #positivepsychology #emotions #gratitude #empowerment #hope #peace #contentment #kindness #simplicity

As the news was agog with the reinstallation of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano. I like to critically analyse events and note down what I have learnt from the scenario. I have four takeaways from the event which are: 1. What is meant for you would always find you: Even the holy book says if it is not meant for you even though it lies on your lips, it would never get to you in other words delay is indeed not denial. And the local parlance says, Na who die Na Im lose, who get life still get hope. That beans you are hoping would cook through go soon done. Stay patient and stay hopeful with great focus and determination holding on to your faith. 2. The power of valuable relationships: For every single time I have listened to the stories on the happenings of that unfortunate day years ago, he always praise friends who stood up for him from Late Herbert Wigwe to H.E EL Rufai who put everything on the line to show him the needed support and give him a shoulder to lean on. The power of valuable relationships. Who is your friend? That friend that would risk everything to ensure you have a shoulder to lean on? That friend that would stand by you through thick and thin no matter what life throws at you? That friend that when life billows and tosses, would offer you shelter and clothes to keep you warm. And most importantly, can you be that friend who when your friend needs your support and shoulder to lean on, you would be there? There are friends and there are friends, create great bonds but ensure you are building valuable relationships. 3. Power is transient and life itself is transient: I was taught in my POL 101 that absolute power corrupts. That is why you give little power to a security guard and he suddenly believes he is the Alpha and Omega. Have you met the security guards at Embassies or passport application centres? Lol. After them it is indeed them. When power is given to you, do good and still stay humble. The good you do would always find its way back to you. And as one of my great friends always told me, your position today is another man's opportunity tomorrow. Stay humble!!!! 4. No one is above trials: Trials and tribulations would come but I have come to learn, it is not what happens to you but how you respond to it. Stay calm and resilient because whatever has a beginning would surely come to an end. And as I always say, May Almighty God make it easy 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 Congratulations to the Emir !!!!!

In Ramadan, many Muslims aim to strike a balance between their spiritual practices and their daily routines. Here are some effective approaches to balance media consumption during this holy month: 1. Set boundaries: Establish limits on the amount of time spent consuming media, such as TV, social media, and video games. Prioritize spiritual activities like prayer, Quran recitation, and charity work. 2. Schedule media time: Allocate specific times of the day for media consumption, such as after tarawih prayers or during meal breaks. Stick to your schedule and avoid mindless scrolling. 3. Choose meaningful content: Opt for media that promotes spiritual growth, such as Islamic lectures, documentaries, or educational videos. Engage in discussions and reflections on the content with family and friends. 4. Take breaks: Periodically disconnect from media and electronics, especially during the last ten days of Ramadan. Use this time for self-reflection, spiritual practices, and spending time with family and friends. 5. Practice mindfulness: Be aware of your media consumption habits and avoid getting sucked into unnecessary or unproductive content. Use tools like website blockers or apps that track and limit your screen time. 6. Engage in community activities: Join local community events, volunteer, or participate in group iftars. This will help you stay connected with your Muslim community and maintain a sense of spirituality during Ramadan. 7. Create a media-free zone: Designate a media-free zone in your home, such as the living room or dining area, to encourage face-to-face interactions and promote a peaceful atmosphere. 8. Foster a reading habit: Use Ramadan as an opportunity to develop a reading habit, focusing on Islamic literature, personal development, or other intellectually stimulating books. 9. Limit distractions: Turn off notifications, log out of social media, and silence your phone during prayer times, meals, and other important activities. Minimize distractions and maintain a sense of focus. 10. Seek accountability: Share your goals with a friend or family member and ask them to hold you accountable. This will help you stay committed to your goals and maintain a balance between media consumption and spiritual practices. #MindfulRamadan #LinkedInNewsMiddleEast

Arriving in America as a 17-year-old immigrant, one of the biggest challenges was trying to explain Ramadan to my non-Muslim friends. The whole idea of not eating or drinking anything, not even water, from sunrise to sunset just didn't compute for them. I'd inevitably get that baffled look followed by "Wait, you can't have any water at all?" It's been amazing to see how much understanding and respect for Ramadan has grown over the years. People are genuinely curious to learn about it now instead of just thinking it's some weird thing we Muslims do. But Ramadan is so much more than just fasting. For me, it's a sacred time to hit the reset button on my spiritual journey. The lack of food and water makes everything slow down, which allows more space for deep reflection. Here are three core aspects of Ramadan that resonate deeply: >> Spiritual Renewal: Ramadan offers a profound opportunity to reassess my life, actions, and connection with God. It's that monthly reminder to reorient my priorities toward what truly matters. >> Empathy and Gratitude: By experiencing hunger and thirst, even briefly, I develop a greater appreciation for those who don't have reliable access to food and water. Ramadan strengthens my gratitude for blessings I often take for granted. >> Self-Discipline: Beyond the physical demands, Ramadan challenges me to have control over my thoughts, emotions and habits. It's training for being present, patient, mindful of speech, and replacing negativity with positive tendencies. The goal is to carry these spiritual gains forward long after Ramadan ends. To anyone celebrating or wanting to understand it better, I hope this Ramadan brings you peace, empathy, discipline and a deep connection with your beliefs. It's a special opportunity for renewal that I'm grateful for every year. Ramadan Mubarak!

Gentle reminder: Be impatient with the process and patient with the result. Easier said than done, as most of us face the challenge where quite the opposite ends up happening. The process is where we spend the most amount of time, meaning we live most of our lives during the process. The result or outcome is usually just a brief moment, which may or may not happen. In the epic of Mahabharata, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to focus on performing his duty without attachment to the outcome. Arjuna is reminded to be diligent in his actions but detached from the fruits of those actions. This timeless wisdom teaches us to be diligent and proactive in our efforts (impatient with the process) while remaining calm and patient, accepting whatever outcome arises (patient with the result).

After slaying Ravana, Rama says to his brother Lakshmana, “I want to go to the Himalayas and spend some time in Agastya Muni’s cave to repent for the great sin I have committed.” Lakshmana was shocked! Hadn’t Ravana kidnapped Rama’s wife? “Yes,” Rama replied. “He had nine heads filled with greed, jealousy, lust, and everything else. But one head had great wisdom and virtue. I would’ve liked to leave the head alone, but I couldn’t. For this, I am in great repentance.” There is a powerful lesson here. Our thoughts, words, and actions are often reactions to what happens around us. We are good to the people nice to us and spiteful to the mean ones. Pleasant events put us in a good mood while bad events bring out the worst in us. This keeps you running in circles, living at the mercy of circumstance. But then, how will you move forward? How will you enhance your character and quality of life (yours and of those around you)? Instead, like Rama, let your values dictate your thoughts and actions. Let those values get shaped by the person YOU want to be. Treat a rude co-passenger the way you would treat a respectful flight attendant. Feel happy when your best friend gets into a relationship (even if it means she will give you less attention) the way you would feel if you bought a new phone. When others at work are busy fighting for turf, choose to remain useful to your colleagues and seniors. This is how you will not be held ransom by events and people. This is how you will be true to yourself. And this is how you will find the reason why you were put on this earth. #selfimprovement #lifelessons

“You know why the battle of good vs evil is so one-sided, Malin? Because evil is better organised, better equipped and better paid. It is not monsters or yakas or demons we should fear. Organised collectives of evil doers who think they are performing the work of the righteous. That is what should make us shudder.” - The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida. I don't pause to write book reviews after I read. But reading this book over the last week didn't feel like reading a fictional story; it was living through stories that seem to be repeating themselves. The Srilankan conflict is not too far back in my memory. It was also close to my heart due to the cultural ties my region has with Srilanka. But through reliving that, the current conflicted world comes alive, much to my despair. The scenes are similar. A world that is not safe for children or for moderates. The powers that orchestrate the conflict congregate in hotels with swimming pools. And make statements. Shehan Karunatilaka's Maali is an ambitious photographer who shoots war pictures that are capable of stopping war. Every side is clamoring to punish the other side. Whose side is he on? Only on the side of stopping the killing. And on the side of his beautiful country. Many of us are like the protagonist, I think. Doing what we can to halt organised evil. It feels so little that we don't know if it amounts to anything. Can our efforts at least be "not nothing"? From the traditional sense of a book review, the novel tries to be more than one thing. A gripping story, a ghost's journey to find meaning in the life he had lived, a sociopolitical novel and a satire. And it works. Thee author has cleverly stayed away from making one side good versus the other and lets his love for the land of Kuveni show. One more quote - 'Why does my head hurt?' 'You don't have a head. That's your stupidity trying to escape.' #mondaymusings #bookreview #conflict #peace #bookerprize #hope