Showing posts with label Boone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Boone. Show all posts

Back Home: It’s Kinda Magic

Posted: Thursday, May 7, 2015 by Kratik in Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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 Pulling me out of a bubble of negative energy, He asked me if I would like to come home again.


In the past eighteen days, I have been to two cities, met hundreds of people, made plenty of new friends, learned what’s smiling again and most importantly, realized the fact that the connection which once was, will always be.

When I was a student, I had promised myself that once I start earning and can afford to do an Art of Living Advance/Silence course, I would go ahead and do it. Well, by April 2015, I had been earning for almost an year and two months, but for some reason, I had kept on postponing myself in taking the program. Either I felt that it wasn’t time then or I was trying to save money, or maybe I had accepted straight up that I only have to be good at my job and not brilliantly rounded. Irrespective of the reason, I was a dumbass.

…and then, something magical happened: I got my tax refund!

It was one of those times, when you think, “Okay, what do I want to do the most with this money?” In Robin Van Persie’s words, the little boy inside of me said, “Get your backside to an Art of Living Silence course.” However, there were still doubts in my mind when I realized how much the travel and course would cost, so, I told my mind to ‘shut up and go to bed’ as I started looking through the list of courses all around the United States. I soon came across a magical name, Michael Fischman. Michael, the famous author, was teaching a course in Boston and having heard so much about him, there was no way I could have not registered for the program.

Michael Fischman

Knowing how fragile my mind is, I booked my flight tickets in no time as I told myself, “Flights are non-refundable, boy! You can’t get out of this now!” It felt like I had won over my mind, at least for that moment. Soon, I registered for the silence program with Michael and left for Boston a couple of weeks on.

My silence was incredible. It was my sixth Art of Silence course but the first one in which I cried during silence. There were too many realizations, too many lessons, too much knowledge and a massive amount of gratitude for everything that I had received. It was the first time that I saw my mind getting cleansed, little by little. It was like watching the negative impressions that were stuck on my mind getting removed and being winded away. It was fantastic.

("It Is Time" - Rafiki)
By the end of the advance course, my smile was back. It just felt like everything was perfect and trust me when I say this, there was hardly a negative thought in my head. It felt like home coming from a spiritual standpoint. It felt like He was saying, “It is time!” (In Rafiki’s voice from Lionking). It's fine if you call me insane.




A couple of weeks on, Guruji, Sri Sri Ravishankar-ji, was coming to Boone, NC and a friend of mine, whom I had met the evening before we played the Hurricanes in Miami in Novemeber, asked me if I would like to drive with her up the mountains from Florida. I paused for a second and then replied, “Duh!” I mean, I could have said all the duhs and dahs, and acted like it wasn’t a big deal but in truth, I couldn’t believe that I was actually going to meet Him. It was like magic. I mean, after the advance course, I felt like He had said, “It is time!” and then, I was going to see Him. It was miraculous.

She picked me up from Jacksonville and we were off to Boone doing satsang on the way. At times, that satsang even had Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias and Backstreet Boys making special appearances! To all the girls reading this, I am still straight…just saying! We shared so many Guru Stories that even her car would have felt grateful.



Few hours on and here we were - on top of the mountains - at the Art of Living Retreat Center. As we were entering the Boone Ashram, I yelled out, “I am home!”

It was phenomenal. I just couldn’t stop smiling. Actually, I realized that it wasn’t only me; everybody was smiling. For some reason, everyone was just so happy. It wasn’t Bangalore but it was divine. Guruji was leading a knowledge series, and I and her waited for him to get done and come out of the meditation hall. When I saw Him, I just couldn’t believe my eyes. He was in front of me but I didn’t lose my sense. An Art of Living teacher from Mumbai had once told me that His rate of motion is directly proportional to your excitement, so, I was to be as calm as possible.

I started walking behind him and on the way to his kutir when he turned around and said, “Hi” to me, waving his hand. I smiled as wide as I possibly could. I mean he had never said ‘hi’ to me in such a fashion. It was awesome. From then on in, we followed him around wherever he went and I asked/told him one of the things that I wanted to tell him, partially.

Popping In From The Right Corner
The next day, it so happened that I had received permissions to go inside his kutir but by the time my turn came to speak to Him, He had to go and lead the knowledge series. As He was passing me by, He waited for a split second, smiled at me, patted my on my right bicep and then, left. So for the other thing, I knew He had blessed me even if neither of us said anything verbally.

Later that day, Saturday, the satsang in the Ashram was incredible. I have never smoked but if that wasn’t a high, I don’t know what is. Guruji’s talk was amazing. I had never heard Him speak the way He spoke. It was superb. The energy inside the meditation hall in the Ashram was immense. An hour on, it was breathtaking coming to terms with what I had experienced.

                               
(Ashram, a place filled with positive energy)

The Saturday Satsang
As I was leaving the Ashram, getting ready to go back to Tallahassee, I knew what I was going to miss the most: the energy, the light if you want to call it. It was my first trip to the Boone Retreat Center in about two-and-a-half years and it was special because it made me reaffirm that there can be no place like Ashram. It’s a place where the positive energy lifts your energy by manifolds and you automatically start feeling happy. I am not joking when I say this: your happiness level is like you have won a national championship or a world cup, and you are that happy every moment.

The more I look back at the trip, the more I realize God’s grace. I mean meeting my friend in Miami was a miracle. You know, I was so happy to meet a fellow Art of Living volunteer that we actually did a satsang on the South Beach. I planning two trips within two weeks of one-another was a miracle. Meeting Guruji from so close was a miracle. Making so many friends on my trip was a miracle. Getting a ride back with the volunteers from West Palm was a miracle. Having an ‘Ashram love’ story like one I have every single time was a miracle. Missing my bus, but still getting back to Tallahassee by Sunday night was a miracle. I coming ‘home’ is a miracle.

During silence in Boston, it was like He had asked me if I would like to come back home and I replied, “Yes, Guruji.” 18 days on, now, I am truly home.

I don’t believe in miracles…I rely on them.

Jai Gurudev :)
Love,

Kratik

Here I Go Again

Posted: Wednesday, April 15, 2015 by Kratik in Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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It’s been six years since I did my first Art of Silence course and almost three and a half years since I did my last, and it feels different. Times are different, circumstances are different, people around me are different, the country that I live in is different, it’s Boston and not Bangalore, it’s taking place at a center and not the ashram, but something inside of me still wants to yell out, “I am going home!”

Home…well, I guess that’s what the Art of Living ashram in Bangalore does to you. I knew it was a home at the first instant; I don’t know how, I just knew it the moment when I saw the top of Vishalakshi Mantap (VM) from the taxi as I hit 21st km kanakapura road for the first time. In fact, from there on in, every time that I would make a trip to the ashram, seeing VM from the bus before entering the International center of the Art of Living would make my eyes wet. My heart would start pumping faster and I would feel like I am on the brink of something incredible. It felt like a wish was coming true and trust me, it happened every single time. It was amazing and something that I could never comprehend, but I guess that’s what happens when you are right outside of your home.

Ashram was a place where everyone was welcomed, accepted and celebrated, where every being was spiritual (and I am not talking about only humans), where everybody smiled for absolutely no reason, where the energy was so strong that you could rise in love with anybody at any time, and where it seemed like you already knew all the people whom you had just met. Time, space, energy, beings and their spirits, nature, universe and God…in the ashram, all those felt connected. It’s a connection that – probably – only silence and grace can make you experience and having not been in silence for over three years, at a personal level, I believe my connection with the self and the divine needs be strengthened again.


 

So, here I go again, wearing a huge smile on my face and singing Jai Gurudev! Over the years, Guruji and his knowledge has taken me to places. From my experience, one thing that I have learned is to trust the process and enjoy the journey.  You know, about three years ago, when I was a student at the Florida State University, I could never save enough money to afford an advance course. So, I took a sankalpa of doing an advance course once I save enough money and three years on…boom! Now that I have done that, it feels very special. Even though it’s my sixth and I won’t be doing it in the ashram, or going to the ashram doing satsangs in the train with hundreds of fellow volunteers, I believe this Art of Silence course it’s going to be the most special one yet. I just know it.


(Hult International Business School, Course Location)


Times are different, circumstances are different, I have even grown up a tad bit, but one thing still remains the same: the thought of me doing an advance course still makes me feel like there is magic in the air. I do feel it in my fingers and I absolutely feel it in my toes; Guru grace is all around me and the feeling grows…I feel like my spirit is dancing. It’s special, it’s magic and in Boston, I AM GOING HOME.

That Night When I Ducked To Orlando

Posted: Friday, April 4, 2014 by Kratik in Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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They bowled a bouncer, we ducked well, it was too high for the keeper to catch and it went for four which carved a path for us to Pasadena...

I do most things last minute. I am extremely impromptu. I hardly plan. But I manage my time very, very well and somehow, things just pan out perfectly. Read what I have written in the previous sentence again and if you know me, you would know that's how I roll. Also, add to this the fact that I rely on miracles every time and yes, they do happen every time. Not the best and definitely not the safest way to do things, but without a shadow of a doubt, it is the most adventurous.

I had worked on the soccer and performance analysis tool, Prozone, for over two years and they were coming over from England to Chicago, IL to conduct a certification course. I didn't know it was happening until a week ago before the workshop when I saw their posting on twitter. So, I had to book the tickets ASAP, which I did, and get ready to work on the Miami game, who were coming into town to play us at the Doak Campbell Stadium. Having already cruised past Clemson two weeks ago at Death Valley 51-14, one more win would have meant that we were gunning big time for the top two spot.           

           

It was a great night at Doak and our players were incredible as we beat the Canes 41-14. It was a great team performance and two phrases that reverberated around the stadium were 'One Team, One Heartbeat...Florida State Seminoles' and 'We Want Bama!' Alabama Crimson Tide were the #1 ranked team and regarded as one to beat.

Later that weekend, we got to know that we had jumped to the #2 national ranking, but Oregon Ducks, who were #3 had a game in hand, which if they had won, would eclipse us as the #2 college team in America. The game was to be played on Thursday, November 7, 2013, the day before I was supposed to fly out to Chicago from Orlando.

                                  

I repeat, "I do most things last minute. I am extremely impromptu. I hardly plan. But I manage my time very, very well and somehow, things just pan out perfectly. And I do rely on miracles." I knew I was catching a flight from Orlando a week ago and I should have booked my bus tickets from Tallahassee to Orlando when I booked my flight tickets, but I did not. I thought to myself, "The flight leaves at 6 AM Friday morning, so, I can technically still leave Thursday evening and get to Orlando airport the same night. Then, stay there for about seven hours and then, board my plane." In theory, this would have worked out just fine as the Greyhound buses ran throughout the day and always had free seats. Therefore, like most students do, I waited until Wednesday night for ride/carpool and when I didn't one, I started looking out for bus tickets.

Again, 'in theory', my plan was great, but practically it was messed up because some times even the most improbable things happen. For some reason, every single bus to Orlando was booked for Thursday. It was very, very strange. Even the Red Coach buses were full. It was weird and seeing no vacancy did knock the stuffing out of me. I was like, "How can that happen?!"

Thursday morning was crazy. I went to the travel offices, surfed through every single website that sold tickets (bus tickets, train tickets, flight tickets) and rented out cars, but either I didn't get the ticket or it was way too expensive. So, I was left with only one, and often the worst, option: Craigslist. I hit up everyone on Craigslist who had posted an advertisement, but received no help. I had lost hope but knew the value of the Prozone certification and was ready to pay close to $400 for a flight ticket from Tallahassee to Orlando, when a friend of mine informed me about a friend of his diving down to Orlando in two hours from the time then.

I couldn't believe that it was happening. It was absolutely astonishing. My friend drove me home and as I had already packed, I picked up my luggage and was set to go. The girl who drove me to Orlando, she was a part of the famous FSU marching band and on our way to Orlando, all we did was sing the 'Fight Song' and did the warchant and the chop multiple times while listening to the commentary of the Oregon-Stanford game. Stanford beat Oregon, which meant that we stayed second and now, were firm favourites to go to Pasadena to play for the national championship.

                                  

What a celebration that was. I worked for the the FSU Football team and she played in the marching band, so, technically, we both were a part of the team. Therefore, our celebrations were pretty extraordinary. We celebrated at the gas station where we had stopped. Doing the warchant extremely loud. Showing off the chop, we let everyone knew that we were a part of the Nole nation. And yes, we did yell, "WE WANT BAMA'" on the highway.

It was absolutely perfect. I couldn't have imagined it any better. She even dropped me off to the airport at the US Airways terminal on the Orlando airport. You get what I mean by relying on miracles?

It was like, it had all happened for a reason. How many times out of a million, you wouldn't expect me to get a bus ticket? I mean, even right now that I am checking, there is space in the bus which leaves in 5 minutes. Pretty strange, isn't it? Especially, because it was a Thursday and not even a weekend. As they say, everything happens for a reason. I don't know what reason was behind all this happening, but it certainly made the trip to Orlando very, very adventurous.

I soon got certified as a performance analyst through Prozone and we ended up playing Auburn for the national title on January 6, 2014, whom we beat to be crowned the collegiate football champions of America in a nerve-wrecking game. It was a great season, with top-notch players and a wonderful staff, who work for whom I consider to be the best head coach in college football, Coach Fisher.

                             

Maybe it was careless and risky on my part, but it was an awesome experience. If you read my blogposts, you will learn of my journey from India to FSU Football, and one thing that's constant is the presence of miracles throughout my stories. Don't be stupid, plan and plan well, but if it doesn't go your way, believe and know that miracles happen. As the latest Nike commercial reads, "Risk Everything!"

I don't believe in miracles, I rely on them :)

- Kratik Malhotra

The Miracle Diary #1: When A Superstar's Advice Pointed Me In The Right Direction

Posted: Sunday, February 9, 2014 by Kratik in Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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 “A brown cow, eating green grass and giving white milk…miracle!” – Khurshed Batliwala

 To give you a snapshot: In July 2009, I had the privilege of meeting the famous Indian actor, Jackie Shroff, who – after hearing me say that I was a journalist along with being an engineering student – advised me to go in for a degree in sport management (SPM) instead of pursuing a course in sports journalism. Many of you, who know me from my days of engineering, have heard this story at least once; the others, whom I have had an opportunity of knowing in the past eight  years, not so much.

It had barely been a month since I had taken my third-year electronics engineering exams from the University of Pune, and – as a hobby – had started interning as a sports journalist with one of the most selling national newspapers in India, the Indian Express. That – in itself – was a miracle but let’s leave that story for another time.
In mid-July, for the newspaper published in ten cities across India, I was supposed to cover a press conference for the launch of the O Hotel and their golf course near Hinjewadi, Pune. It was supposed to be held at 4pm in an area that I often referred to as the ‘outer part of the outskirts’ of the city. To our benefit, the organizers had made pretty-decent arrangements for the press. We were told to be at the Patrakar Bhawan in Sadashiv Peth, Pune an hour before the conference and were to get picked up by the O Hotel bus which would have driven us to the venue of the conference.

 A cribby-grumpy me – in the unwavering Pune heat – pulled myself to the auditorium located in the center of the city riding my good ole’ 1996 Kinetic Honda and got onto the bus. It was air-conditioned, so, t'was a big thumps-up for starters – yes, America, we have buses with no A/C and that’s cool; it’s an experience in its own! In fact, try traveling to Kolhapur in an ST and you’ll forever be grateful for the cushion on the seats.

 Once we reached the venue, we were taken outside to view the golf course and enjoy an occasional swing. Focused on writing my story and heading back, I was ‘in-the-zone’ – ready to get done with business – when I sensed enthusiasm amongst fellow journalists. Confused and a little-hungry, I wore a grin – contemplating viewing of the golf course as the reason for their excitement. I mean, come on, I was 21, a little stupid and I did have a tad-bit of an attitude. As I was about to take my seat, someone beside me, said, “Look, look,” and when I turned around, it was as though time froze because there stood Jackie Shroff.

 Growing up, I had watched him in many movies but let’s be true, I wasn’t a die-hard fan. I thought he was a great actor and his interviews on TV were really-funny, but by no means, he was a heartthrob of my generation. However, I had never met a famous actor, and there he was, dressed in black from head to toe, Jackie Shroff. Containing my excitement; actually, I did not contain my excitement and called my Mum to tell her that Jackie Shroff was standing behind me!

 Image result for jackie shroff hat

It took me couple of minutes to calm myself down as I told myself to be professional and not freak out. I mean he was right there and I wanted to ask him a couple of questions but you know me, I was very chicken about it. To be honest, I didn’t know if my questions would be controversial; I didn't even know how to approach him and talk to him. Trust me when I say this, it seemed more difficult that asking out a 10. A few minutes later, he was invited up on stage, or the carpet instead, to share a few words and it seemed like he spoke from his heart and had fun with the audience. After he got done, we were told that it was time for lunch. I mean, dude, I was hungry but quotes were more-important, so, there I was, standing behind the rest of the journalists trying desperately hard to hear what Jagga (quoting IMDb here) was saying. He soon finished speaking and said, “Good?”, and looked straight at me.

 My heart was pounding faster than a cocker spaniel floating over the ground chasing a piece of silver paper in the wind but I had a wide smile on your face; I mean, I was happy. In fact, I was very, very happy and excited, and in love with what I was doing and it was better than brilliant to be chasing a dream. So, I smiled and smiled, and smiled and smiled more. I was wishing for him to say bhidu but I would settle for what he said next ;P.

 He was like, “Aur young man, kahan se?” Which translates two, “Young man, where are you from?” I smiled and as confident as I have ever been, replied, “Sir, Indian Express.”

 He laughed and asked, “You only do this or do you do something other than this too?”

 And here was a 21-year-old me, who looked 16, thinking to myself ‘how does he know?’ I answered, “I am an engineering student as well and have just given my third-year final exams.”

 Boss-man questioned, “Tu (You) kya (what) engineering, journalism…?” I gleefully replied, “Sir, but this is what I want to do in life. I am going to England to do a degree in sports journalism from the University of Central Lancashire as well.”

 You know, I believe in God, His grace and destiny, and I wonder how He makes things happen but somehow, He does. I mean what were the chances that Jackie Shroff would tell me, “ Jounalism accha field hai, par tu sports management mein degree kar. It’s an upcoming field and ‘maal’ bhi jyada hai.” Which translates to ‘Journalism is a great but you go ahead and do a course in sports management; it is an upcoming field and has big money’. And I thought to myself, “Maybe I should look into it; it’s Jackie Shroff telling me after all.”

 I mean what are the odds? Yes, it’s Jackie Shroff but it is Jackie Shroff! I mean, you know what I mean.

 I went home, researched SPM programs all around the world and it changed my life! I somehow got into the #1 SPM program in the United States of America (yes, I didn’t go to England), got my tuition waived, taught yoga and meditation and now, I am doing what I absolutely love doing – analyzing and helping manage the performance of the athletes of one of the best teams in the country. To be honest, I wouldn’t be doing anything else in my life at this point.

 Psshhh. Let’s get back to where we were. It’s an unspoken rule in journalism that as a journalist one must never ask for the autographs of or request pictures with the celebrities who they meet or interview – it was deemed ‘unprofessional’. I managed to followed the rule each and every time but come on, mate, I had Jackie Shroff in front of me and he was so cool, chilled and down-to-earth giving me valuable advice…I had to! And so I did – to the surprise of everyone else, I asked the man for his signature.

 He signed the O-Hotel-pad with his name and wrote, “Kratik, be determined and not disappointed.” I looked at him and remarked, “Sir, aapne likh diya na, toh ab done” (Translating to ‘Your wish is my command’; well, close). He retorted, “Haan, it’s very important. Tujhe malum hai sabse zyada mehnat kaun karta hai? Jo road pe thela chalata hai (Translating to ‘Do you know who puts in the most effort? The man who pushes the cart on the street) but how much does he make? That’s because he is not consistent. So, be determined: have the biggest dreams possible and never be disappointed: stick with your dreams and work towards them to be what you want to be.”

 Dude, I have seen many Jackie Shroff interviews and most of his movies but come on, what would have been the probability that he would have ever said this? And that too, to me? Me?

 I was 21 and it was a decision that shaped my life and helped me gain a direction that I so desperately needed. It was an advice and the best minute-long philosophical, motivational and spiritual pep-talk that I have ever received.

 Almost two-and-a half years later, from that day, I left for the United States to do a masters’ program in Sport Management from the Florida State University and for me, both personally and professionally, the program did wonders. I not only met some amazing people but also, learned the shit out of sports data and analytics. The program helped me get amazing internships, which in-turn helped in reaching where I am today.

 Image may contain: 1 person 

 I am extremely grateful to Mr. Shroff for that magical dialogue – I owe so much to you, boss, and in me, you have a life-long fan. Just for whom I met, what was said. how everything happened and the way it has all panned out…I was a miracle.

“I don’t believe in miracles, I rely on them.”

Love,
Kratik Malhotra

The Hole World

Posted: Saturday, October 12, 2013 by Kratik in Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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I have often come across people who think of themselves as ones in a hole. When you speak to them, all they would tell you is, “Man, my life is f***** up,” and if you ask them what exactly happened, they would go like, “I HAVE STUDENT LOANS TO PAY!” Or “MY GIRLFRIEND DUMPED ME! Or maybe, “I HAVE TAKEN A $1,000,000 PAY-CUT!” They would crib about most things that have happened to them.

And then, I have come across people who are pleased, even though they don’t have as much as the people mentioned above. Who are these people? What do they do? They are the strong, independent and willing souls that have landed on this planet as a result of God’s creation, and in them they are heroes who not only smile, they in fact, conquer and from within, they conjure glory.

I was more like first ones.

Couple of years ago, round about this time year, I was working for probably the biggest sports analysis company in Asia as a soccer analyst, the world’s most read soccer website as a soccer journalist and the most well managed professional soccer club in India as a soccer marketer, but I can say, I am doing  better now. Working in marketing and sales, we had to sell tickets and get people for our soccer games. Having volunteered for almost three years as a social activist, I remember approaching this non-profit organization that took responsibility for teaching rural kids in India. As a club employee, I had these students come to the stadiums to watch our club games for free. It all worked out well and the kids made it in time for the East Bengal game, which in fact, was one of our first few games of the season.


The head personnel for the organization’s Pune branch, Arhaan, got about one hundred kids to the stadium and having spoken to my boss, I made sure that the kids made it to the sidelines as the players walked out for warm-up, only to be later seated in the VIP section. As the little rural children, who were dressed in their uniforms, got to the sidelines, their excitement was unbelievable. Some shook the hands of the players as they were walking out on to the fields, some shouted out their names and some whispered, “Hey, look at their leg muscles…oooh,” or, “This is the first time I have ever met a football player!”

As the game went on, they made the maximum noise and chanted the PFC theme, “Who are we? PFC!” It was great to see them have an experience of a life-time. The entire incident shook me and made me realize that it’s these moments that people remember. You are not going to remember if you ever failed in a test 36 years on, but what you will remember is meeting a football player who appears in the newspaper the very next day.

After the game, Arhaan thanked me and the club for everything we had done for their organization’s kids. As I was walking towards the parking, just seeing the look on each student’s face, I couldn’t stop smiling and later, I went to Arhaan and I asked him what I had resisted for a long time. I questioned, “So, are these kids really happy?” After which, he looked at me in confused manner and said, “You know, our kids are always happy, but today was definitely something special.”

They come to school because they love to and because they want to learn. They really love to learn. Unlike most kids, who are forced to go to school, they have an easier option: they can work in restaurants to support their family, but instead, they come to us because they want to learn. They too have big dreams.”
That moment was the moment when everything started to seem very different. Who were those kids? Well, they certainly are born in the richest of families. In fact, their families can’t even afford to pay for school, but they still go to schools because they want to learn and such non-profit organizations do a fantastic job in making sure that these kids get everything from books, to pens, to uniforms. Most of us are blessed enough to be born if upper/lower middle-class/rich families, but we are always not happy for something or the other, whereas, kids from lower financial backgrounds love everything that life gives them and their respect for it is insurmountable. It was a real eye-opener for me.

An year later, sometime in late-November/early-December, I was in Atlanta and visiting a homage for mentally infirm people. It was like being in Forest Gump or Koi Mil Gaya but only ten times of that. It was a scary but a very pleasant experience. Imagine yourself being surrounded by people who have been left at the centers by their families, who don’t know where they are at and why are they there, who don’t know what they are doing and on top of it, who have a misconception of who they are.

Maybe they live though a child in them or maybe they live their past over and over again…I don’t know, but one thing that could easily be inferred was the fact that they were all childlike and not childish. Their smiles, their joy, their excitement and their love for us was astonishing. I remember when one women from the mentally infirm home called me to her side and told me to stay safe, and also, blessed me to stay happy. I couldn’t believe it. In spirituality we talk of a ‘shift’, which refers to the shift in the thought process and it was exactly that. I don’t know what has happened to me since then. When I want to cry, I cry; when I want to laugh, I laugh, but I make sure that I celebrate life every moment like they do.

                                         

Those people…they were playful and joyful, (you talk of a girl dumping you, these people were dumped by their families to rotten) and also knew that life is difficult, but by then, they had also realized that every moment deserves to be celebrated. For me, it was even tough to imagine where they were and what each of them had gone through, but the startling thing about them was that they all were happy, and loved our company. It was a massive, massive shift for me.

You know, you must take a little time out of your lives and go and visit the homeless shelters because you must meet them. You must meet these people. They will teach you a lesson. Small worries of your life would disappear and dissolve, and like them, even if a little thing brings you happiness, you will celebrate it as if it is your salvation. Moreover, you will be grateful to God for what you have got.

In this post, I have talked of rural kids and mentally infirm people, but there are thousands out there waiting for you to visit them. Take your first foot forward. Visit these people, who live in this moment; that moment which passes as you snap your fingers. They aren’t the Jordons or Will Smiths of this world, but what they do, they turn into Morgan Freemans and Rajnikants because deep down they know, “Every single time that you are challenged, God wants you to come out as a hero.”

To me, I take my inspiration from these people: people who don’t have as much as others but their belief, strength faith and smile carries them past every single day.

"When you have done everything possible possible, He makes the impossible possible." – Dinesh Ghodke

Love,

Kratik

The Warrior Prince

Posted: Monday, April 15, 2013 by Kratik in Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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(Have you ever transformed anyone's life? Do it for the better! This world needs you! )


Warrior Prince. No, this post is not about Sourav Ganguly nor is it about Paul Scholes. Well, Scholescy is the ginger prince. Whatever.

This post is, in fact, about a boy who believed in God and let it all pass. Stop thinking so much...I am not talking about Ayrton Senna either. He is just a boy; a boy who experienced dreamland and lived his fantasies every single day.

What's his name? Well, they call him the Warrior Prince.

He had never been away from his kingdom but he dreamed of claiming the Kohinoor Diamond, buried at nadir under Joker's dungeon. He had heard stories, but he didn’t know the way. He had faith, but it could have been his last fight into the fray.

As he was about to leave for Azkaban, the greatest masters blessed him. They blessed him to fly through Pandora and sprint past Mufasa. He promised to not disappoint; donning his fedora, he set his sail.

First, he met Scrooge McDuck on the way, who was too busy counting his money. He went to the richest duck in the world said, “So, what are you going to do with your money?” Uncle Scrooge replied, “Invest it to make more.” He remarked, “Really? And what are you going to do with that?” With a gingerly look, McDuck said, “Make more. Simple,” as he started counting how much money he had made, again. Prince remarked, “Interesting.”

Prince kept his hand on Scrooge McDuck’s shoulder, smiled and said, “That who fears can never live and that who lives will never fear. Think about it.”

Leaving Mr. McDuck puzzled, high and dry, he sailed on.



As he sailed further, he noticed that he had reached ‘Duckland’ as he saw a number of ducks. One of them was shouting from the top of his voice. Prince didn’t understand the reason for his discomfort, and so, approached the duck wearing a blue sailor hat.

Let’s have a sneak-peak into the actual conversation:
Prince (hand on the duck’s shoulder): What happened young man? Oops…sorry, duck.

Duck (furiously): Duck?! My name is Donald!

Warrior Prince: I am sorry Donald. I didn’t mean to hurt you. You seem livid, what happened?

 Donald Duck (depressed): I have been trying to win the ‘Disney Star of the Year’ award but I always get beaten by a mouse.

Warrior Prince: But you came second, that’s good, isn’t it?

Donald Duck: Not as good as first!

Warrior Prince: I’ll give you a weapon with which you can beat your best; maybe even that mouse, who knows?!

Donald Duck: "What's the big idea!?"


…and Prince made Donald to close his eyes and conjured his magic. When Donald opened his eyes, his anger had evaporated and there was a strong shift that he felt. His smile was wide and he promised himself to spread the love to latitudes even wider.

The Warrior Prince sailed past the mountain and saw a mouse cracking jokes and making people laugh. He paused and exclaimed, “A 2 ft. mouse wearing a crown talking to humans, interesting?” Prince then, paused, heard one of mouse’s jokes, laughed for a bit and started sailing again.
He soon bumped into a clumsy dog, who seemed to have a little intelligence, Goofy. Seeing Prince, Goofy shouted, “Aren’t you going to Mickey’s winning celebration?”

Sneak-Peak:
Prince: Who is Mickey and celebration for what?

Goofy: He was crowned the ‘Disney Character of Year’ for the 85th year running!

Prince: Have you invited Donald? He was sad and was fuming that he didn’t win.

Goofy: Yes, Mickey invites everyone. Donald was invited as well.

(Goofy looked down and put his hand over his own fedora) You know, Donald is a good friend of mine. He fights sharks and storms, but gets beaten by Mickey every year. Sad, but I guess that’s how it goes.

Prince (Smiled): He will win the next year; I have given him a magical weapon.

Goofy (laughed in his own unique way): Gawrsh! What’s that?

Prince (smileed even more and starts sailing): Call Donald; he is waiting!

…and Prince sailed on.


He soon saw a pilot almost crashing his airplane into the sea before ascending the aircraft in a steep spiral over water. Having come from the age of empires, he had never seen this kind of airplane drama. In his sight, that was extraordinary.

Seeing a man looking in awe from the deck of his ship, the pilot’s assistant asked the pilot to see if the man needs help. The driver dismissed his request at first, but then, obligeed. After a smooth landing on the bed of the sea, the driver and his assistant swam over and entered the ship.

Pilot said, “Hey, I’m Baloo. Do you need any help?”

Overwhelmed Prince replied “That was mind-blowing and yes, if you can fly me to Azkaban, that would be great.”

Baloo pulled his assistant, Kit, to the side and had a little discussion and ultimately, told Prince that two had come to a decision and would not be going to Azkaban.

Prince (looked down and frowned): Thanks, but I really wanted to get there.

Seeing his face grow smaller, Kit pressurized Baloo, who said, “Let’s go!” After experiencing multiple tailspins, Prince reaches Azkaban safely. He noticed that Baloo had a habit of losing his temper very easily and asked him if he wants a gift.

Seemingly caught in conundrum, Baloo, in a jolly way, says, “So, I get paid?”

Prince: No, not money. Better than that.

Baloo: Better than money? Free food at Louis’ restaurant?

Prince: No. Close your eyes.


As the bear closed his eyes, Prince ran his charm on Baloo’s mind and started walking towards the Dungeon underneath the castle, leaving the pilot at peace.


Seeing him walking on the island, towards the castle, castle’s guards caught him and presented him to the Joker, who, thought that Prince wass just another person who has lost his way, and so, ordered his guards to put him into the dungeon.

In the dungeon, Prince met five individuals, who called themselves ‘The Planeteers’, and who were tasked with defending the Earth from the greatest of disasters and making efforts to educate mankind to keep others from happening. With all of them depleted in energy and with the boy from North America, Wheeler, going through relationship problems with Linka (from Soviet Union), Prince iterated his desire to restore all their powers with his magic.

Also, he saw a man, ferocious as a tiger, rambling, looking to beat the meat out of a person. As he tried to go close, the man shouted from the top of his throat, trying to scare Prince. Prince started smiling and started walking towards the man.

The man felt indifferent as for the first time, someone hadn’t got scared of him. As Prince got to the man, his smile grew and he put his hand around man’s shoulder, asking him to sit down. He asked the planeteers to sit down as well.


Prince taught those six prisoners breathing techniques and guided them through a meditation. He made them feel focused and relaxed at the same time, made them experience bliss and devotion at the same time, made them experience their presence and love once again, and most importantly, made them smile once again.

As the prisoners opened their eyes, they felt revitalized and the rush of adrenalin had them believing that they had been reborn.

After the meditation, unbelievably, the ferocious man stood up and said, “My name is Jaffer. I have committed sins; many sins. But I don’t blame myself for any of them. I blame you!”

He added, “Yes, you. I blame you! Because had you made me experience what I just experienced, I would have never committed any of these sins. It’s you who is responsible and not me.”
As the others looked in amazement, Prince smiled and said, “Your time is now!”

After breathing techniques and meditation, planeteers started to feel strong once again, and combined their powers to call on Captain Planet.
 

As Captain fought Joker, Prince taught Jaffer the ‘Art of Living’ well enough to teach the others. With time, Joker was beaten and Captain rescued the planeteers and Prince. When Prince asked Jaffer to follow him to his kingdom, Jaffer replied, “I have just started. I have plenty of work left here.”
He further added, “With power comes responsibility and this is the greatest power one can have – to transform lives. Having attained that, I will make a difference. I am better off here.”

Prince smiled, and then, God conjured magic. Jaffer took Prince to a river, down into the dungeon, and dived into the river and went to its deepest possible point. With the whole situation past Prince’s vocabulary, Jaffer came back with a bright shining substance. Prince, remembering his ultimate objective, smiled and said, “So, it was true. The Kohinoor Diamond really existed at nadir of the river.”

As a token of gift, Jaffer, who as it turned out was cursed to be the protector of the precious stone until someone treated him as a normal human being, presented the massive – 5 cm in radius diamond – to Prince.
Prince got reminded of something that was taught to him back home: When you do His work, he does yours.

As he reached his kingdom, he got to know that Scrooge McDuck was living his dream and enjoying his retirement than putting all his energy in earning money. He was also informed that Donald Duck had finally won the ‘Disney Star Of The Year’ award. It was brought to his notice that Baloo was keeping his anger at bay, and Wheeler and Linka had sorted out their respective stresses and are doing very well in their relationship.

How did this happen? What did Prince do? I have talked of Prince’s magic. His magic was in not differentiating between creatures, making people experience delightful meditation and teaching them the way life is supposed to be led.

***People, one request, let Prince rise in you so that what happened in Boston today never happens anywhere in the world tomorrow. Meditate, make people meditate and make this world a better place to live in. Spread knowledge. Spread Love.

Jai Gurudev J
Love,
Kratik

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