POEM: MORNING WALK

Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

MORNING WALK

Is like the retreat in heaven,

As refreshing as the fresh breeze,

Arising from the seas of all the seven,

While it starts from the break of day,

And lasts till the last drop of frost in the blade.

*

It prepares me for the day,

And detaches me from the wearies of my yesterday,

It sinews my vision,

And orchestrates my system,

To fire the spark of momentum,

That leapfrogs me to meritorious action.

*

When I see the sun rising

The birds twittering,

The animals stretching,

Insects trancing,

And humans jogging.

*

It beguiles me to act,

Warrants me to react,

To take on mighty life each day,

Where, I stand as a dwarf.

*

And while walking every morning,

I plan my day,

Introspect my bygone years,

And rekindle my aspirations,

That execute, my ensuing destinations.

*

And as I walk around the meadows, the sun rises,

And with that my hope augurs,

Is when the refreshing breeze, huddles me around,

Only to tell me I’m not alone in the walk of life.

*

And to take me to my morning walk,

The earth rotates and the galaxy acrobats,

The sun shows up at the horizon,

Where the cool breeze comes as an x-factor.

*

For everyone has a part to play

Where the rising Sun brings about the warmth,

The mystic breeze the freshness,

And your workout the spice for the day.

*

One day when I missed my morning walk,

I felt,

I missed my day,

Lost my warmth,

Waylaid my health,

And scattered my hurray!

*

Since then I show up each day,

Doesn’t matter summer, winter or rains,

As morning walk is the purest of the pure

Act of my day.

***

STORY: INSPECT BEFORE YOU HELP SOMEONE

Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

INSPECT BEFORE YOU HELP SOMEONE

    Mahatama Kautilya was a renowned scholar. He was a proficient preacher of human relations. He had many shishyas (pupils) out of which, one even became the king of erstwhile Bharat.

    He often used to preach, ‘before you decide to help any anyone try and know about the person in great detail,’ and then only offer him help, as that alone will be beneficial in entirety for the person you’re trying to help. We should not offer help for useless causes, as by doing that the noble gesture goes for a complete waste. His shishyas, however could not understand this advice of his, because in their childhood they had heard that charity and help like rainfall should be showered on everyone equally, otherwise it goes for a complete waste. Mahatma on this belief of theirs often used to laugh.  

    One day a cheat from a nearby town came to him and said, ‘Rishivar (Sage) I have heard you are a great repository of knowledge in the field of wealth and intelligence. My humble request to you is to make me rich.’ Upon hearing this, the shishyas got angry and literally wanted to throw him out of the ashram when Maharishi smiled and said, ‘wealth is of two kinds, one is materialistic and the other is spiritiual. Whatever you are worth giving, I will definitely give you that. But, before that you will have to undertake a small test. Out there from the sand go and pick two stones, one black and one white and put them in your bag. I will then ask one of my shishya to put his hand in your bag and pull out a stone while you keep your eyes closed. In case the stone happens to be white I’ll give you spiritual knowledge and if the stone happens to be black then I’ll give you materialistic knowledge that will help you in becoming rich. The cheat on prophetic advice of the Mahatma closed his eyes  for a while when he heard the Mahatma saying,

    ‘My shishya has pulled out a white stone that fell down. And that is why I feel you require spiritual knowledge and I will provide you with that.’  

   

    When the cheat saw without even telling anyone that he is a cheat he has been exposed, and thus, has received the punishment for his misdeeds he started repenting. He then fell at the feet of the Maharishi and started pleading for pardon for having kept his identity as a secret and for all the misdeeds he done in the past. He decided to cleanse his soul when he earnestly started pleading before the Maharishi to make his shishya.

    All the shishyas were dazed at this, is when the Mahatma said, ‘when this cheat came to ask for help, I found an opportunity to present you all and him in front of a truth finding test so that you all could see his misdeeds. But no one besides me and the moon tried to inspect this test in detail. But we still wanted to help the cheat. So we stayed quiet, researched on him and later on based on the necessity and requirement we taught him the lesson of honesty, truthfulness, and seriousness. As this he required even before he became rich.

    This episode teaches us that before helping anyone you should try and know the person in minute details, so that you can help the person in the best possible manner and what he requires the most, he should get that only.

***

        

INEFFACEABLE HOLIDAY: JAMMU-PATNITOP-SANASAR CIRCUIT

Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

    I recently covered Jammu-Patnitop-Sanasar circuit as a vying tourist with my family. It was an electrifying experience. I had not known what I was missing in life till I actually got to see this paradise that remains unruffled from the poison of planet corrosion even now.  Let me take you through this interesting journey that may motivate you too, to visit these fizzy tourist spots that remain huddled in scenic landscapes and lazing around in idyllic settings.

    The hilly region of Jammu spreads across the middle Himalayas and the Shvaliks in the Jammu & Kashmir state. It presents a variety of attractive features and is home to several tourist resorts and pilgrimage centres. These include the Holy Cave Shrine of Mata Vaishnodevi (so famous that I dare not discuss in the passage) nestling in the folds of the Trikuta hills which is one of the most venerated Hindu Pilgrimage destinations of northern India, visited by millions every year. Also hidden away amongst the surrounding mountains are a number of hill resorts, the most famous among these being the beautiful meadows of Patnitop & Sanasar towards northeast of Vaishnodevi. These present an opportunity to recoup, after the strenuous pilgrimage, amidst an enchantingly beautiful and salubrious environment, with a variety of other tourist attractions/pilgrim centres to see en route before returning to Jammu, the City of Temples, on way home.

Chidai Muttal

    As one embarks towards Patnitop, 12 kms from Katra, is Chidai Muttal, famous for its wells and well side sculptures. An ancient temple stands beside a small garden here, shaded by Chinar trees normally associated with Kashmir. A brief stopover at this place refreshes one’s soul and mind.

Krimchi

After travelling a further 25 km towards Patnitop, a short detour of 8 km from the National Highway near Udhampur, leads to Krimchi, the site of one of the oldest temple complexes of Jammu. Believed to have been constructed between 11^th-12^th century AD. This group of temples, is locally known as the Pandava Temples, has some interesting architectural features, which resemble the Orissan style of temple architecture.

Udhampur

    An important town in the hilly areas of Jammu region, Udhampur is the farthest rail head of Northern India so far. The ancient Raghunath Temple located next to the sacred underground river, Devak is one of the oldest temples of the region. Accommodation is available in the PWD Dak Bungalow and several private hotels. The ancient temple of Jallandri Mata at Ladden Kotli is believed to have been abode of the Pandavas for some time during their exile. The hidden chambers in its roof, sculptures on its walls and the nearby springs tell a unique story. Mini Hydel Project Chenani, is at a short distance, and an ancient fort provides the backdrop of the temple. 10 kms from Udhampur towards Patnitop, at the way side station of Samroli, one can enjoy Kaladi Sandwhich (a local cottage cheese produced in the interiors of hilly areas) with a hot cup of tea.

Kud

    The first hill resort on this circuit, Kud (1738 meters), is a picturesque town located just 9 kms short of Patnitop. This resort commands a panoramic view of the terraced valley downwards and the mountains beyond, specially, from the Mall Road, presently under construction. Besides enjoying a cool climate in summers, it is also famous for Patisa a speciality sweet preparation and waters of a spring. A number of hotels and guesthouses besides the Tourist Bungalows of the JKTDC here provide decent accommodation for a comfortable stay in the hills.

Patnitop

    By far the most populous of Jammu’s hill resorts, 87 kms from Katra, Patnitop (2024 meters) is perched on a beautiful plateau across which the Jammu-Srinagar highway passes. It comprises of several meadows enveloped by thick forests of Deodar & Kail trees and affords peaceful walks amidst pine groves, beautiful spots for enjoyable picnics and breathtaking views of the Chenab basin and the Pir Panjal range beyond. For solace one can visit the beautifully located Nag Mandir. Other activities include horse rides and short treks into the surrounding hills. One can also drive through thick forests 12 kms downhill to Batote, an old hill station also known for apple orchards, Amar Cheshma and other springs. From here one can also visit the Dam site of the Bagliar Hydro-Electric Project 10 kms away, with permission of the authorities.

In winters (January-February) the snow covered slopes of Patnitop provide opportunities for various snow games including amateur skiing and sledging. Visitor facilities at Patnitop include good quality accommodation in hotels, guesthouses, the JKTDC’s tourist bungalows, and recreational facilities in the Patnitop Club. Accommodation for youth and students is available in the Youth Hostel. The JKTDC’s luxury huts-self contained timber cottages tucked away amidst pine trees- provide an idyllic ambience for a quiet and memorable stay surrounded by sights and sounds of nature.

    The most exciting feature of the beautiful resort of Sanasar (2079 meters), 19 km west of Patnitop, is a sprawling cup shaped meadow, 1 surrounded by gigantic conifers, which has been developed into a 9-hole golf course. Besides enjoying exciting pony rides amongst the groves and the other smaller meadows, one can also take treks up the surrounding hills from here. Sanasar is also ideal for paragliding, while Natha Top on way to Sanasar affords scenic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. For those desirious of experiencing a quiet stay surrounded by the tranquillity of nature, there are self-contained huts and a Tourist Bungalow managed by JKTDC at Sanasar.

Sankhpal

    At an altitude of 10,000 ft, 10 kms from Sanasar, the misty meadow of Sankhpal offers the most exciting trek from Sanasar. It takes about two and a half hours of exciting trekking through scenic mountain slopes to reach here. One can also hire ponies upto Sankhpal. Food etc., should be carried from Sanasar. At one side of the meadow is the small old temple of Sankhpal Devta. On a clear day trekkers can be rewarded with breathtaking views of the mountain peaks.

    This highly revered Shiva temple (1225 mtrs) is located at a distance of 42 kms from Patnitop and 112 kms from Jammu. Legend has it that after bathing at a spring called Gauri Kund, just short of Sudh Mahadev, the Goddess Parvati would worship the Shivling here that is believed to be at least 3000 years old. The temple also houses a black marble statue of Lord Shiva and Parvati. A trishul (trident) of Lord Shiva is also preserved here. Pilgrims in large number visit the Shrine on the full moon night of Sawan (July-August) to participate in the festival to worship Lord Shiva. The mystical underground stream, Devak believed to be as sacred as the Ganges originates at Sudh Mahadev and disappears among the rocks some distance downstream. Also of interest are wooden sculptures, crafted locally. Accommodation is available in Tourist Sarai managed by J&K Tourism Development Corporation and Dharmshala managed by the Dharmarth Trust.

Mantalai Temple

    A few kilometres further ahead of Sudh Mahadev is Mantalai (1450 meters) surrounded by lush Deodar forests. As per legend, it is a place where Lord Shiva got married to Goddess Parvati. Besides the Shiv temple here, one can also visit the complex created by Swami Dhirendra Brahmchari which includes a tree shaped house, an air strip, a hostel and a number of other unfinished projects. An excursion through the woods to Naina Devi 5 kms from Mantalai provides excellent views of the mountains landscape all round.

Kali Mata Mandir

    While returning to Jammu one can visit the Kali Mata Mandir, located next to a waterfall near Manthal, 40 kms from Jammu. A highly revered location for travellers driving on the National Highways, it provides a cool and refreshing stopover point for the traveller especially during the summer season.

Jhajjar Kotli

    Further ahead, 35 kms short of Jammu on the National Highway is the Jhajjar Kotli, Tourist Complex, built on the banks of the Jhajjar rivulet. The crystal clear, cool waters of Jhajjar attract picnickers in large numbers especially during summers. A Tourist Cafetaria, a Bar and a small Tourist Bungalow are provided here by JKTDC. Moving further towards Jammu, one can also stop at the ancient Rani ka Talab.

Kol Kandoli (Nagrota)

    The ancient temple of Kol Kandoli located, 9 kms from Jammu is considered to be the first darshan of the Holy Goddess of Mata Vaishnidevi was performed entirely on foot, the first of the 6 nights, halts after Jammu used to be at this temple.

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STORY: EVEN CURSE BECOMES A BLESSING: IF YOU DEFEND DHARMA (RIGHTEOUSNESS)

Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

Pandavas were leading a life in vanvas (forced exile in forest). Inspired by sage Vyas, Arjun had left for the jungles for a prolonged tapasya (intense meditation and austerity). He pleased lord Shiva with his tapasya, is when Ashutosh (Lord Shiva) presented him with his pashupatastra (destructible weapon of Lord Shiva). 

    Amidst all of this Devraj Indra took Arjun on his chariot to Swarg Loka (heaven). Indra and other Lokpals (caretakers) of heaven also presented their divyastra (weapons of God) to Arjun for his victory.  With those divyastras, Arjun waged a war on asuras (demons) known as ‘Nivaatkavach.’ Even the Devatas (Gods) were not able to defeat these asuras, and repeat attack by these asuras had frustrated the Devatas. In the war that followed Arjun defeated the asuras. They could not withstand the powerful attack from the ever famous Gandeev dhanush (the famous bow) of Arjun and they ran towards paatal (hell).

    After defeating the asuras when Arjun returned to Amravati (abode of deathless) all the Devatas welcomed him in a grand fashion.  The assembly of Devraj Indra was decorated and Devraj along with Arjun sat on the throne. All the Gandharvas (melodious singers) picked up their veenas (stringed instrument) to sing.   The beautiful apsaras (beauties) of swarg (heaven) one by one started dancing to the melodious tunes of the Gandharvas. Devraj at any cost wanted to please Arjun. He was therefore very intently noticing Arjun to find out as to what was attracting him.

    Arjun was now residing in heaven. The one and only one heaven, majestically decorated. The apsaras were busy dancing and while dancing they wanted to attract and cajole the favourite guests of Devraj Indra. After each dance representative of Devraj used to introduce another apsara and in this manner the assembly of Devraj swung into a band of melodies.  But Arjun in whose honour all this was being done was quietly sitting with his head down and eyes staring at the ground. And while the grand show in heaven was going on he was only remembering his exiled brothers who were living in extreme austerity by eating fruits and roots and by sleeping on the ground. He was therefore not at all attracted towards Amravati.

    Suddenly Devraj Indra uttered the name of Urvashi. Arjun looked at Urvashi several times who was dancing in the assembly. Devraj Indra noticed Arjun while he was looking Urvashi. After the celebrations got over Devraj called Gandharva Raj Chitrasen and said—‘go across to Urvashi and tell her that tonight she needs to spend with Arjun. Arjun is one of our most loved ones. And she should make him happy.

    Urvashi herself was attracted towards Arjun, and therefore when she received the message of Devraj she willingly accepted the same. She then decorated herself as much as she could to look ravishing. In the night after decking up she reached the residence of Arjun.

    As Arjun saw Urvashi he got up from his bed. And with both hands he offered his pranam (greetings) and said—‘Mata! (Mother) you, and what brings you here at this time? And what can I do for you?

    Urvashi was astounded in the manner Arjun had addressed her—as mother. She minced no words and clearly said she was attracted towards him, as if in love, and that she had also received a message from Devraj to make him happy. She prayed to Arjun to accept her. But Arjun with a stable mind said—‘please don’t say these unbecoming words again. You are the mother of kurukul. I have heard this from many rishis (sages). Today in the sabha (assembly) when the pratihari (chamberlain) called your name, I felt like seeing you. Considering, you as the mother of my kul (lineage). I several times glimpsed your feet. I feel this is what led to some misunderstanding in Devraj’s mind.

    Urvashi explains—‘Parth! (Name given to Arjun- an archer who never misses his target) This is not dhara (earth) this is heaven. We apsaras are neither any ones mother, nor sister nor wife. Anyone coming to heaven as per his punya (collective virtues) can enjoy us (upbhog kar sakta hai). So you please accede to my request.’

    In the middle of a romantic night the most beautiful apsara of the heaven was incessantly requesting Arjun to accept her; but Dharmyug (righteous) Arjun was adamant, where Kamdev (God of love) could not even touch him. Arjun in the same manner with folded hands was praying to Urvashi—‘just as Kunti is my mother, just as Madri is my mother, in the same manner I consider you like my mother. Kindly consider me as your son and shower your affection.’

    Urvashi never expected this kind of a treatment even from the rishis (sages) who led a life of extreme austerity and so this was least expected of Arjun. And in all of this she felt as if her beauty had been insulted. She then in the lust of love cursed Arjun—‘like an impotent man you did not accept my request and therefore for a year you’ll live as a hijra (eunuch) where you’ll only sing and dance amidst women.’

    After cursing Arjun, Urvashi left. Arjun too had the power to curse her especially when she had cursed him wrongly; but even then Arjun was looking down with his hands folded as a mark of respect, conveying his pranam (respectful greetings).

   In the morning Devraj came to know what had transpired during the night. He was happy and said—‘Dhananjay! People who follow the righteous path (dharma) are never surrounded by vippatis (calamites). And even if calamity strikes it turns into a lucky mascot. The curse of Urvashi will be for only a man year, after which it will turn into a blessing when after vanvas you enter a year of agyatvas (anonymity) where no will recognise you.’

***

   

Cancer: An update from John Hopkins

Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

Johns Hopkins Update
This is an extremely good article.
Everyone should read it.

AFTER YEARS OF TELLING PEOPLE CHEMOTHERAPY IS THE ONLY WAY TO TRY (‘TRY’, BEING THE KEY WORD) TO ELIMINATE CANCER, JOHNS HOPKINS IS FINALLY STARTING TO TELL YOU THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE WAY ..

Cancer Update from Johns Hopkins:

1. Every person has cancer cells in the body.. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.

2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a
person’s lifetime.

3. When the person’s immune system is strong the cancer
cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors.

4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has
nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic,
but also to environmental, food and lifestyle factors.

5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet to eat more adequately and healthy, 4-5 times/day and by including supplements will strengthen the immune system.

6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing
cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract etc., and can cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.

7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.

8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce tumor size.
However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor destruction.

9.. When the body has too much toxic burden from
chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either
compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.

10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites.

11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer
cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply.

*CANCER CELLS FEED ON:

a. Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc. are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses, but only in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in color Better alternative is Bragg’s aminos or sea salt.

b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus.. By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soy milk cancer cells are being starved.

c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer.

d.. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole
grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into
an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at
temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C)..

e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high
caffeine Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer
fighting properties. Water-best to drink purified water, or
filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap
water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.

12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of
digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines becomes putrefied and leads to more toxic buildup.

13.
. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By
refraining from meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the
body’s killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.

14. Some supplements build up the immune system
(IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals,
EFAs etc.) to enable the body’s own killer cells to destroy cancer cells.. Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body’s normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells.

15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit.
A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior
be a survivor. Anger, unforgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life.

16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated
environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to
get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells.

This is an article that should be sent to anyone important in your life…
A very informative article and should be circula[truncated by WhatsApp]