Inspiration:
(inspired by Ajit Singh’s article)
The common dictionary meaning of inspiration is: “a supposed force or influence on poets,artists,musicians etc stimulating creativity,ideas etc ” To inspire also means to stimulate or arouse a person to creative activity or moral fervour.” Motivation could be a result of inspiration.To motivate means to supply a motive to cause a person to act in a particular way.In other words it means to stimulate the interest of a person.
I have been many a times inspired by reading something in some book or some magazine or some news paper item. It motivates me to react to what I have read. This has helped me to be creative and has often enabled me to win hearts of like minded persons. So when I come across something that stirs me, I make it a point to copy it out and send it to my friends,collegues,well wishers for their perusal and reaction.
The usual outcome of the above exercise is : out of 10 around 6 don’t respond at all, around 2 are stirred but don’t know how to put their reactions on paper since words fail them ,1 wishes to re-act but he has no time as he is usually “very busy”.Mostly it is just 1 out of 10 who reacts and sends me his reaction. I feel happy to note that at least that one person has responded to my effort. I am always indebted to that person since he has taken the trouble of reacting and responding and giving me a new perspective to the matter he has read. Such an exchange of views broadens my vision.
Here is a very recent example. I am copying down an interesting article I read a few days ago :
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SOUL CURRY :
” GOOD MORNING , WORLD.”
By Ajit Singh
(from TIMES OF INDIA, Apr 12, 2009)
Walking is a passion and part of my physical fitness regimen ever since I retired from the IAF a few months ago.Starting early, when most of the world is asleep and the sky still dark. And finishing, when daylight announces the arrival of a new day with the chirping of sparrows in the bougainvillea lining the jogging path in our housing society.Sharing my enthusiasm is an 87-year-old Sikh octogenarian with a flowing white beard, dressed in a blue tracksuit and white turban. He unfailingly carries a small bag slung across his shoulder. I suspect the bag contains life-saving drugs prescribed to him. He walks haltingly with the help of his walking stick continuously reciting shabads from the Granth Sahib. I never fail to bow my head, fold my hands in reverence and wish him ‘Sat Sri Akal’. Perhaps, it’s his demeanour that draws respect from one and all. Often, he would extend his hand to give me a sweet which he stated was prasad. The other day, as is wont, we met again. I gave him the usual salutations and looked up to acknowledge his response. I noticed something different in his appearance. His face had an aura about it.A unique smile played on his lips. He looked vibrant and certainly gung-ho. There was an unusual spring in his step! I wondered, “What’s with the grand old man?” He was heading straight for me, hand outstretched. I guess I was looking at him quizzically and he noticed it. He walked towards me with a sweet in his hand and ever so shyly, but with great alacrity, announced ‘Aaj mera birthday hai’. For a long moment, I felt time stand still. I couldn’t comprehend the purport of his innocuous statement! Suddenly, I realised he expected a response from me. I took his hand and blurted out — ‘Happy Birthday. God bless you’. He smiled effervescently and resumed his walk.I was left with my thoughts. Here was this octogenarian, happy and celebrating the fact that he had lived and enjoyed another year of life. While most of us, if not all, are saddened by getting older. In celebrating his birthday, he was celebrating life itself. Something that we take for granted. His whole being seem to convey the spirit of living life and enjoying it to the fullest, replete with humble gratitude to the Almighty for each passing day. Later, I was to learn that this gentleman was a retired Army captain. His only son, a pilot in the IAF, was killed in a MIG-21 crash. The old man couldn’t even pay his last respects to his son since his body was not recovered.
(Soul Curry is a column where we invite our readers to share their soul-stirring experiences)
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I am about to turn 60 shortly. I felt so inspired and motivated by this story of the octogenarian who has shown me how to live life. The story is sad and poignant.Yet,the best part is that he believed in the Supreme Being’s will and stood the test of time with never a worry on his face or showing his anger at Him for being so cruel to him.
We need to learn a lesson to live every moment of our lives as it comes. Lets learn to live life king size , come what may ! I know it sounds difficult,but making an effort is not difficult. Friends, fellow Muse-icians,do give it a thought.Your valuable feedback is welcome.
Yes, I had mailed this piece to some friends and so far only our dear Dr Pooja has reacted by penning a poem on being inspired by the piece.She will be posting it shortly .Wait, watch,read,re-act… Thanks dear Pooja !!
Bye for now !
Jitoo Uncle, Zindagi zinda dili ka naam hai. I shall post my poem tomorrow morning. Thank you for inspiring me pen a poem on this real life incident. The octogenarian is Punjab da puttar, Singh is King.. Best regards.
Dr Pooja G Bhuyar, Bijapur
Apr 23, 2009
Broca sir, As of now you know who am I. I liked the article very much. In fact, you have inspired the present generation. To give happiness to others is a great act of charity. With regards.
Ms. Rajeshwari, Bangalore
Apr 23, 2009
Dear Brocaji, You started off in a light-hearted way, but the story of the octogenarian is an objective lesson as to how one should try to live one’s life to the brim, without crying over the spilt milk. When he jubilantly celebrated his birth day, yes there is a significant reason, which every one of us should appreciate. If the total life allotted to us by God is a circle, representing fullness; then each year that we have lived out, is a concentric circle; the more the concentric circles, the greater the proximity to the utmost one of the full circle. Instead of pining and repining over the midlife blues and thereafter, that a year has been lost and that we are nearing our doom, it is better if we suggest to ourselves, that we are only reaching the acme of our life and so can plant our flag over there with élan. Thank you for the write-up and reproducing the TOI article. By the way, welcome into the 60’s, for it will be great and thrilling to be a SEXagenarian, like I am. And what you’ve analysed regarding the proportion of responses is not just humorous, it is real. Best regards.
U Atreya Sarma, Secunderabad-56
Apr 23, 2009
Dear Rajeshwari, ek Pooja, aur ek Rajeshwari
dono ek sey badh kar ek . Double Mazza, double fun ! I am thankful to you both.Keep responding and encouraging this young old man to outwit himself !!
J S Broca , New Delhi
Apr 23, 2009
Dear Atreyaji, many thanks for your concept of concentric circles of life.Yes life is a real challenge and it is up to the individual how he choses to live it,enjoy it, excel, achieve and leave beautiful prints for others to follow after him.Thanks once again for making me the member of SEXagarian Club of which you are the President and I can at best become Chairman of the Entertainment Committee !!
J S Broca, New Delhi
Apr 24, 2009
Dear Pooja thanks a lot for your very encouraging feedback. May you also learn to live life Queen Size !!
J S Broca , New Delhi
Apr 23, 2009
Poetry
By Dr Pooja G Bhuyar, Apr 24, 2009
Bijapur, pooza_29@yahoo.com
A very good morning!
My day always starts
before the mother bird alarmed,
and before dawn lit the nature’s screen.
Of myriad walking on the turf every morning,
I never missed an octogenarian,
in his navy- blue track suit,
wearing an impressive white beard
and a swan-white white turban,
the most handsome young man among the crowd,
a pastoral blessing for the multitude,
chanting the shabads
from the holy Granth Sahib.
A small bag slung across his shoulder,
carrying the rich contents of his life.
I never had to go to the shrine,
as he gave me the prasad (sweet) daily,
and “Sat Sri Akal”
with reverence I always wished him.
One morning, he came,
enthralling the whole crowd.
For the first time, his eyes
were expecting something in return.
He said, “Today is my birthday!”
His age left me in utter confusion,
For the first time,
I felt I am only sixty two.
He painted in my eyes,
the true colours of life.
I then said to myself,
“This man has passed the best of life “.
But I never looked
at the pain on the contours
of his wrinkled face,
waiting to be spread as a shroud,
on the body of his only son,
killed in a plane crash long ago.
The content of life in his bag,
a small empty pot to collect
the remnant ashes and
a few tulips to pay his last respects.
He never questioned the Supreme being,
never cursed his fate being utterly callous,
He knew the content of life,
shall ever remain empty,
But he filled in others
the real spirit of living,
and with a smile, wished the whole world,
A very good morning…
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Jitoo Uncle,
I should be thanking you first because it was you who sent me this real life incident and inspired me pen a poem. His life contained the most unpredictable happening but he never gave up and kept the spirit of living high. His life is a lesson to all of us. I know not all are able to accept the events happening in life but one can surely understand how to take things in our stride leaving the rest to God. God has framed our mind such that we never forget some events that take place in our lives. Thank you my dear Singh is king Uncle. Best wishes.
Dr Pooja G Bhuyar, Bijapur
Apr 24, 2009
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Dear Pooja, You have a magic wand in your hand which turns such incidents into golden moments of life worth treasuring.Thanks.You have very nicely brought out the poignancy and the pathos of the real life situation. God Bless You and your wand !!
J S Broca, New Delhi
Apr 24, 2009
Dear Brocaji, What a nice inspirational write up for the readers.. Inspiration comes in so many ways, let it be in the books, papers, stories from our childhood. It manifests into our imagination giving it another form another life through our perspective. Really I get inspired by all that is written in this forum. It is only the time I wrestle with to perfect the piece and posting. Tell me any one else have the same problem? Hahaha, regards,
Lina Mistry/Tandel, Varginia, USA
Apr 25, 2009
Dear Linaji thanks for your encouraging response.Whenever I read something nice, it starts a thought process in my mind.I note down the ideas on a piece of paper (back of a bus ticket, inside portion of an old envelope, on the back of my wife’s shopping reminder etc) and then when I get time,I expand those points.Very often I get ideas early in the morning or very late at night.I keep a pen and paper handy (below the pillow or near the bed) to jot the ideas before they evaporate.One learns to perfect the art slowly but surely. So, follow these tips and see ! No consultation fee !!
J S BROCA
25th April 09
Dear Pooja, “A very good morning” as I read your poem.. nice calmness within, Warmest regards,
Lina Mistry/Tandel, Varginia, USA
Apr 25, 2009
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Seshu Sir, My empathy towards the old has made me realise so much about old age and I feel down and depressed when things are not running smooth with them. I see so many old people suffer in the hospital but their children don’t suffer any mental pain. They rather are bothered about the money they all would get in case they lose their parent and a few feel it’s worthless spending on the old parents. Now, I know that this world is made of all kinds of people. I see a few very caring and feel happy. Seshu Sir, yesterday I read that you quit smoking after making a silver jubilee (in smoking) and your CABG made you quit smoking. In a way that was a reason for you to quit smoking. Or else by now you would be close to golden jubilee. Thanks for appreciating my sensitive poem. And please take good care of your health. Have a nice day. Best wishes.
Dr Pooja G Bhuyar, Bijapur
Apr 25, 2009
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Dear Pooja, God makes you stronger when he has given you sufferings to accept the happenings in your life. It’s like until you jump into the swimming pool you’ll not learn how to swim, right. The story will definitely help the mankind to move on. Thanks to Broca sir for sharing the story, and you for the architectural poetry.
Ms. Rajeshwari, Bangalore
Apr 25, 2009
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Dear Dr Pooja,
That is a brilliant piece of work again. I am sure that your pen must be scribbling prescriptions as well that must be curing people of their bodily ailments and their spiritual agonies as well. The poem is touching and is based on facts. Many people have lost their young children, the pain though unbearable. They carry on with a brave heart to face the realities of this life. Best Regards
Mohammad Zahid, Anantnag, Kashmir
Apr 25, 2009
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Dear Dr. Pooja,
What a salutation for the start of the day! There is Donne’s Good Morning for whom it meant a spiritual awkaening in love. And your Good Morning has also spiritual connotations. Ordinarily reconciliation is impossible. People gifted with nobility and deep insight into the working of life and the poets endowed with seeing eye, feeling heart and the courage of conviction to bathe themselves in the damp freshness of the such morning. All these qualities are beautifully and deftly blended in your artistry. Wonderful! God bless you! Regards,Sincerely,
Prof. R. K. Bhushan Sabharwal, Jagraon
Apr 24, 2009
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Yes, it is a poem based on great values. And you have composed very well. Love
Kumarendra Mallick, Hyderabad
Apr 24, 2009
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Kirti Sir, Very true. It takes a strong will to accept things in life and a very few are of such kind. It seems God gives us problems and also the strength to bear the same. Only the nature of problems that we face are different and we always feel no one else is suffering like us. The Supreme Being above all of us is the decision maker. We never questioned him when he brought us into this world, then why question Him now? Thank you for making my poem more worthy with your response. Warm wishes.
Dr Pooja G Bhuyar, Bijapur
Apr 24, 2009
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Sathya Sir, Thank you very much for appreciating my work. Being a doctor, I have seen patients who get nervous when they are detected to be suffering from an ailment for which they need to be on treatment lifelong. Though we assure them, they don’t come out of their own thoughts. Here this man suffered the most unexpected loss, much dreadful than any ailment but never blamed his fate. While most of us put the blame on God or our fate when things go wrong. Best regards.
Dr Pooja G Bhuyar, Bijapur
Apr 24, 2009
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Even without reading the prose which has inspired you, Pooja, you could have penned something like this in original. For you have the empathy towards the old. Kudos for an excellent poem for a very good morning despite everything otherwise happening around.
Seshu Chamarty, Hyderabad
Apr 24, 2009
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Yes! Those who have lighted lamp within cannot refrain from spreading light outside. Nice poem, Dr.Pooja! And thanks for sharing.
Dr. Kirti S. Rawat, Indore
Apr 24, 2009
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Madam, You are an expert artist specialized in painting the pathos of human beings in contrastingly different shades. Thanks and regards.
Ch J Satyananda Kumar, Visakhapatnam
Apr 24, 2009
Dear sir, Hi!
The other day I was reading a book of Osho – ‘Life’s mysteries’ I enjoyed reading it. There he had quoted – ‘squeeze the juice out of every moment…enjoy your life to the fullest’. Perhaps this is the philosophy the grand old man is following. Losing your grown up child before you is the worst tragedy that can befall a man and despite that he is enjoying his life to the hilt. This requires supreme courage. He is an iron man, his faith in the Almighty is unwavering. Perhaps he doesn’t question him, he simply accepts with folded hands whatever the Almighty bestows on him. I have myself felt the strength that your faith on God endows you with. The sprituality becomes your bulwark, it not only makes you stable, equanimous but also fills you with so much happiness that after a period of time it starts overflowing so much so that it starts filling up all others who come in contact with you. Is contagious. Perhaps that’s why the spiritual gurus world over are able to tranform the lives of so many people. The old man is quintessentialy a positive person reminding us to constantly enjoy the juice of each moment and not incessantly crib about the taste – sweet, bitter or bland.
Jaya Bisht, Noida
Apr 28, 2009
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Soul stirring, that story was !! Frankly speaking I think you must have inspired many a soul to get motivated into writing though no one can beat you to it. Through the struggle of life, one is in a rat race not able to experience the now. Its only that age slows u down in the race so u can enjoy the present (the gift from God – as they say)Thats when you really begin to live and thats just what our dear Octogenarian did. He was celebrating the reality of life. Funny how in our country, we are surrounded by people who believe ab ummar ho gayi, ab retire ho gaya, ab life me kya rakha hai not only do they believe but also demoralize those who dont. Sometimes lifes struggles inspire you into seeing life in its true perspective later. Perhaps with age we come closer to God because its time for transition from one life to another. To loose a child is the biggest punishment in life but the gentleman has accepted the Will of God because he believes God will hold his hand and see him through. May we all have a serene soul like his!
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