Short Stories Zen | Sufi | Children's | Inspiratioanal | Fiction | Online | Love

Special privilege - A very short spiritual story

2012-01-03T16:00:00.001+05:30

At night in the privacy, all alone with Prophet Muhammad, Abu Bakkar while pressing the feet of his beloved Prophet would keep kissing His feet.

"You have all opportunity to kiss my face", said Prophet Muhammad. "Then why do you keep kissing my Feet?"

Abu Bakkar replied, "Your divine face is available to all to behold whereas in the privacy of this room, i alone can behold your Lotus Feet."

He continued, " So i enjoy this special privilege you have given me."

The appropriate resting place

2011-11-11T14:31:00.001+05:30

A Sufi saint Shaikh Abdul Fazal on his death bed inquired to his disciples, if proper arrangements have been made for the burial of his body. On getting the answer in affirmation, the master asked where exactly the burial place was?

The disciples replied that it was reserved in the burial ground for the dignitaries and those with higher social status.

To this Abdul Fazal replied, "Lay me in the burial place reserved up the hill, for the criminals and those considered low in society."

When asked, "Why?"

The Master replied, "Because it is there that Love, Compassion, Mercy, Grace of my beloved is most concentrated, for these unfortunate ones, needs His attention most. I too want to share of my beloved's love and kindness. So make sure that, I am laid to rest up on the hill.

Related Short Inspirational and Spiritual Stories

The Counterfeit coin - A devotee attitude

2011-11-10T17:53:00.001+05:30

This is a very good short story, an inspiring one for those on the devotional and spiritual path.

Once there lived a devotee. His prime concern of life was to remember his spiritual Master and be one with his love. For survival of body and providence for necessities of life, he sold vegetables.

With he love for his master in his heart and mind, and a basketful of vegetables, every day he visited the market. Knowing his guile nature, people used to cheat him. Everyday some people would give him counterfeit coins to buy vegetables. Some would even come the next day for exchange of the false coins they had, saying, "Yesterday you gave us this false coin, please exchange for the real one."

The devotee without a complain in heart would accept the counterfeit coins.

Time passed thus. His body became old and the end of physical life approached. The devotee sat for his final prayer, "Dear beloved, throughout my life I have accepted counterfeit and bogus coins from one and all, never once rejecting or refusing the same. Oh Beloved! Time has come that this counterfeit coin reaches your divine presence. You too, likewise do not reject the useless coin. Kindly accept the same and give it shelter at Your lotus feet."

Needless to say, the Lord accept him under the showering Love.

Strength of being or physical strength and sharp techniques ? (stories-shortstories.blogspot.com)
Obedience - A Zen Story (stories-shortstories.blogspot.com)
Indian Spiritual Story on Karma and spirituality (stories-shortstories.blogspot.com)
Can we understand Sai Baba's activities? (http://www.babasaiofshirdi.org/)
A short story about occult powers. (stories-shortstories.blogspot.com)
Short stories of Shirdi Sai Baba. (http://www.shirdisaibabastories.com/)
Faith of King Jaymal Krihsna stories
Mulla Nasrudin Story - The lost key
Zen Story - I am awake - Lord Buddha
Rumi Story - Prayer and God
Love and compassion A Lord Buddha story
Divinity and ego - A Short Story
Goat and Priest - A Buddhist short story video.
A Short story about true love.

A sufi story - A lover's attribute.

2011-11-10T16:47:00.000+05:30

Baha-ud-din - Naqshabandh was asked to describe attributes of the lover of God. Bahauddin answered, "Once I was standing by the banks of river and beholding the fast flowing waters. I said to the river, Limitless are your blessings in God's creation. You provide water to the humans, to God's kingdom of vegetation, worms and insects, His kingdom of fishes, birds and animals. You provide water for agriculture, industries. Truly, we have no words to express our gratitude."

The river answered, "All I know is that I am eagerly rushing forward to merge with the ocean and be one with it. All that you just said is news to me. My one concern is how soon could I be one with the ocean."

Bahauddin then said, "These are the attributes of the lover of God. His one and only concern is to be united with his beloved. If in the process he becomes the focal point from where God showers his blessings, on one and all. The lover is not aware of it.

Strength of being or physical strength and sharp techniques ? (stories-shortstories.blogspot.com)
Obedience - A Zen Story (stories-shortstories.blogspot.com)
Indian Spiritual Story on Karma and spirituality (stories-shortstories.blogspot.com)
Can we understand Sai Baba's activities? (http://www.babasaiofshirdi.org/)
A short story about occult powers. (stories-shortstories.blogspot.com)
Short stories of Shirdi Sai Baba. (http://www.shirdisaibabastories.com/)
Faith of King Jaymal Krihsna stories
Mulla Nasrudin Story - The lost key
Zen Story - I am awake - Lord Buddha
Rumi Story - Prayer and God
Love and compassion A Lord Buddha story

Spiritual Masters words - A short story

2011-11-10T06:11:00.001+05:30

This is a short story that shows the power and meaning of the words that comes out of a Spiritual Master. Words of a spiritual master are not mere words thrown in air, they are powerful and yield.

Once a Spiritual Master visited a certain city. The disciple begged to the Master to give a mass public darshan. The Master refused for the same and said that, that was not the purpose of His visit. The disciple would not listen to the Master and kept pestering. When the pestering reached a certain limit, the master agreed but said, "He will leave His body, seven days after the mass public darshan."

The disciple took the Master's words lightly. The mass darshan happened and ended on a happy note.

From the next day the disciples noted that Master's health started to improve drastically. He looked younger, pink and stronger every day. This created disturbance in the disciple. The general public started making snide remarks that the Master was hoax and a charlatan.

On the appointed seventh day after the mass darshan, the disturbance of the disciple crossed the limits. In ferocious anger, they themselves stone the Master to death. The words of the master came true to the date and time.

Disciple were in remorse, but it was too late.

A short story about occult powers

2011-06-06T01:22:00.004+05:30

Was going though an article Occult and psychic powers a great hindrance on the blog dedicated to Shirdi Sai Baba.

This reminds me of a story from Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna chapter 28.
Just like Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi, Shri Ramakrishna Paramhamsha refrained His disciple, devotees and spiritual seekers to refrain themselves from seeking any kind of occult powers, or working for the same.

The story

Once a Sadhu attained occult power while going through spiritual practices. He then forgot all about the highest of the spiritual attainment, merging in the divine. The lord wanted to point that out to him, so He appeared as a common man in front of the Sadhu.

He asked Sadhu if he had great occult powers, to which the Sadhu affirmed with pride.

Pointing at an Elephant close by, the man asked the Sadhu, “Can you kill that huge elephant?”

With the smile of arrogance, the Sadhu said, “Not a big deal”. He took a pinch of dust, did some mantra chant and threw the same in air. The Elephant instantly was brought down on earth, struggled a while in pain, and was dead.

“Impressive”, said the man. “Now can you revive the elephant back to life?”, he asked.

The sadhu again picked some dust, did some mantra chant and let go the dust in air, with an arrogant smile on his face. The elephant came back to life. Got up and went off in search of food.

Then the Lord said: 'Wonderful is your power. But may I ask you one thing? You have killed the elephant and you have revived it. But what has that done for you? Do you feel uplifted by it? Has it enabled you to realize God?' Saying this the Lord vanished.

More inspirational short stories to read online on this blog

Faith of King Jayamal - Story of Krishna

2009-08-09T08:42:00.007+05:30

There was a king named Jayamal. Jayamal had intense faith in Lord Krishna. He never missed a single day spending in devotion and rituals performed through love towards his deity Shyamsundar (Black beauty). He worshiped Lord Krishna as Shyamsunder.

Although a king, with many duties towards the kingdom and the people of his kingdom. His faith was great. He spent the time in devotion and worship from early morning till midday. He would not leave the sacred shrine, where he spent the time in devotion, even if it meant losing his kingdom and all the wealth.

There are always people taking the devotion towards God as a weakness. So knowing that the king spends half the earlier day in devotion, a neighboring king decided to attack his kingdom in the early hours of the day and capture it the easy way. It was an easy meal for him. Thus, one early morning, an attack was made on king Jayamal's kingdom. All with the bright hopes of acquiring a new kingdom.

The soldier's of Jayamal had no other option but to watch the enemy soldiers surround the kingdom with ease. They could not fight without their king's order.

The news of the arrival of the enemy troops reached the mother of King Jayamal. She rushed to the king and asked him to take immediate steps. To go and fight the battle. Jayamal the devotee was unperturbed. Bursting with faith he said , "Why should I worry if Shyamsunder decided to take back the kingdom He gave me?". "On the other hand if He does not want the kingdom to be loosed, nothing on the earth can take it away."

Outside the temple, Shyamsunder took the horse of the king from the stable. Riding the horse and fully armed, He single handed attacked the enemy troops. There was no way the enemies could compete the blue warrior. Except the leader all were reduced to corpses. Shyamsunder after doing what had to be done, rode back to the temple where the king used to pray, tied the horse to the tree and vanished.

The king after the worship came out. He was a little down on leaving the temple, he thought Shyamsunder must have decided that he should no longer hold the kingdom. He sees his horse panting with heavy breath, tied under the tree, right outside the temple. "Who has been riding my horse and brought it here?" he demanded. "How can anybody even think of sitting on my cherished horse leave aside riding him?"

None of the officers of the king had the answer. They were all unaware of what had happened. Nevertheless the king in the pensive mood rode his horse and galloped along with the little army towards the battle field. There was no time for any investigation.

On reaching the battlefield he saw the entire enemy troop, but the leader, dead.The leader, the sole survivor, felt at his feet. He said, "I am so sorry to attack you, sir." "You have a warrior no one on earth can defeat." "Please tell me a little more about your blue warrior, your friend." "He has cast a spell on my heart and soul."

The king realized that it was Shyamsunder who rode his horse and cleared the enemies army. The enemy king realized it too and worshiped and begged Jaymal for acquiring the grace of his God. The attraction of wealth and kingdom was no more in his system. With Jayamals blessings he too received the grace of Shyamsunder, the chitchor, the divine Krishna.

More inspirational short stories to read online on this blog

Inspirational story of Childs Faith

2009-05-24T16:09:00.006+05:30

There was a boy named Jatila. He had to walk through the jungle everyday to reach his school. Going through the thick woods to the school and coming back again from the jungle all alone was huge task for the kid. Naturally it was a frightening experience many a times.

He told about his fear while going through through the woods to his mother. The mother was a woman with great faith in God. Accordingly she said to the boy, "Dear child, why get frighten?" "You are not alone. Just call Madhusudana (One of many names attributed to Hindu God Lord Krishna) and he will be there with you.

The guileless child had the imbibed the Faith from his mother. So from next day as he entered the jungle with deep faith from his heart called out Madusudana. He called, "Oh Madusudana please come and walk with me through the woods. Alone i am scared. You are my only friend to whom i can call for." And God listened to this straightforward call full with faith. The faith of boy was such that Madusudana always remained with him, talked with him during the daily journey through the woods.

So if one has total faith in God, God appears in the form the devotee wishes to see him, or even makes the presence felt as formless divine energy.

In a music video Jagjit Singh Mann Mein Ram Basale one can see this beautiful story of child's faith.

More inspirational short stories to read online on this blog

Prayers for the love of God - A short story of legendary Sufi Rumi

2008-09-29T23:46:00.004+05:30

The local daily Gujarati news paper Gujarat Mitra provides with good inspirational short stories. The following one got more intense attention as the story is of the Persian Sufi Saint Mowlana Jalaladdun Rumi.

Stories and poems of Rumi has always attracted me. Rumi is the one of the rarest gems that walked on earth in blood and flesh.

Once the sleep took over Rumi before his evening Namaz. The time of Namaz was getting closer but Rumi was deep in sleep. Just then a weird looking fellow woke him up and told him wake up the time for evening prayers the Namaz is near.

Rumi surprised by the uncanny look of the person enquired who he was. “I am Lucifer.” Came the reply. The element of surprise grew even more on hearing the reply. Lucifer is the king of darkness, creator of conflicts, the chief of Satan. Why would he bother to assist him in prayers and love for God?

Lucifer became aware of the spinning mind of Rumi. He began to give the clarification for his action. He told, “Look first I was born and brought up as the messenger of the light. I have yet not forgotten my roots.”

He continued, “Just like a traveler does not forget his country even if he lives in another country for long, so I have not forgot my roots.”

“My possessive nature got me away from God.” He said. “When God created Adam I suffered from the possessive nature, I became jealous of Adam, and thought that Adam would share my love towards God. Hence I rebelled and joined the work against God.”

Rumi could not believe what he was hearing. There was an argument between both and none got satisfied, as it happens with the arguments. The arguments continued the whole night.

As the sun rays of the early morning shined, Lucifer gave up. He confessed that his intentions were not good. He knew that Rumi did not just prayed as a daily routine. He had intense love for God. Missing the Namaz of the night would have hurt his heart more than anything.

He would regret dearly what happened. He would have prayed and longed for God with more intensity then ever. Lucifer did not wanted to get the prayers and longing for God intensified. As it is the intensity of prayer, that leads one closer to God.

The incident helped Rumi, the prayer and longing for the God from the depth of the heart became more intense.

More inspirational short stories to read online on this blog

Strength of being or physical strength and sharp techniques ?

2008-09-25T00:40:00.006+05:30

Again one another Zen story to ponder upon.

This one is called 'Great Waves'.

In the early days of the Meiji era there lived a well-known wrestler called O-nami, Great Waves.

O-nami was immensely strong and knew the art of wresting. In his private bouts he defeated even his teacher, but in public was so bashful that his own pupils threw him.

A wrestler called O-nami, meaning the great waves, was immensely strong and technically sound with the moves of wrestling. His physical strength and the techniques were so sharp, that he would defeat even his teacher, not to mention the fellow wrestlers in the private bouts.

The story was altogether different when the bouts happened in public. Even the even his own pupils would throw him. The fear to be in public seemed to work on this physically strong and so sound with sharp techniques of wrestling art. However a man may be strong physically and endowed with the sharpest of the techniques in any field, it loses it's importance when the strength draining impulses or feelings like fear attacks the system. Out of fear the body would tremble the wits will lose it's sharpness, all the hard work done for years for physical strength and sharpening of the techniques, vanishes in moments.

That's the reason more emphasis should be put on the strength of being along with the strength of physic and strength of technique. Unless freed from feelings and impulses that drains the strength.

O-nami felt he should go to a Zen master for help. Hakuju, a wandering teacher, was stopping in a little temple nearby, so O-nami went to see him and told him of his great trouble.

The great waves felt he should go to a Zen Master for help. Perfectly a right decision. He has already trained under a reputable instructor dealing with techniques and physical strength. He himself is an instructor. A Zen Master or a spiritual master is the one who carries the spiritual wealth that washes away the negative impulses and feelings. The presence, the grace, the divine love, the compassion of the Spiritually perfect Master is most important for washing away impulses like fear. Hakuju was a wondering teacher. Some Zen Master wanders from place to place bestowing their grace and compassion to the ones who receptive. O-nami was in the receptive state humble with no pride of strength or sharpen techniques. He really needed the help and hence was humble at heart and mind. With a receptive and humble heart and mind, he presented his problem to the Zen Master.

A receptive and humbleness is the most essential quality one requires when seeing a spiritual perfect master. A mind puffed with pride of it's own accomplishments, or a mind that goes with the attitude i know a lot or i am something would definitely come without gaining much. It's like pouring water in already filled cup, most poured water will overflow, the rest gets contaminated with the water already present inside.

"Great Waves is your name," the teacher advised, "so stay in this temple tonight. You are no longer a wrestler who is afraid."

The master advises him to stay in the temple. Near his overflowing presence. This one might be overlooked and the technique given by the Master would be pondered upon by the most readers. The real secret lies in this short advise most than what has to follow. A temple is a sacred place were much is done to evoke the sacred energies. Moreover wherever a Master is the sacredness flows in torrents. Only a receptiveness and humbleness is required. Not humble and i know much will not find much there. There would not be much difference for the one to be in presence of Master, in temple or in market place. In fact a market place would be much comfortable and friendly.

For humble, receptive and with faith, the presence of the Master is a place overflowing with great treasure. The treasure that would fill the one with grace, love compassion and bliss. Removing feelings like anger, fear, frustration and such.

Then the Master provides him with a simple technique.

"Imagine that you are those billows."

Looks simple but if one tries to put it in practise it becomes apparent that that's not so simple as it looks. The thought process one has been with attacks and takes away one from feeling the of raging waves. The mind has this quality of wandering in the known. Of what it has already known and feels most comfortable with the known. It fears with something new.

"You are no longer a wrestler who is afraid."

This one is difficult too. Losing the identity. Nobody would like to lose the identity one has build up. That holds much importance. A wrestler, a scientist, a thinker, a rationalist, a businessman every body would cling to their identity. Letting go of the identity and be receptive and open, to be intelligent in that sense is also a huge arduous task.

For the wrestler who approached the Master it shouldn't be that arduous. He is there to get free from the fear. And with that fear the identity of the wrestler has also to be given up. It would have been much difficult for a successful wrestler. Rather a successful wrestler would least care going to the Master, be with his fears and enjoy the success.

"You are those huge waves sweeping everything before them, swallowing all in their path. Do this and you will be the greatest wrestler in the land"

If the above mentioned hurdles are absent or weak, there should be no problem for the elimination of the fear through the presence of the Master grace.

The teacher retired.

This one is a paradox. Physically it may seen that the teacher is retiring, but He never retires. The flow of grace, love and compassion is ever flowing through Him. The greatest of the forces for the receptive is always at work, it does not require and rest and never retires.

O-nami sat in meditation trying to imagine himself as waves. He thought of many different things. Then gradually he turned more and more to the feeling of waves.

Onami sat and made the effort of imagine himself as great waves sweeping everything. The force of the conditioned thoughts would not allow it in the beginning. Gradually he turned more and more towards the feeling of waves. Just imagination or thoughts are not of much importance. The feel, one should be so one with the thoughts, that the thoughts disappears. The totality is and intensity is most important. The waves does not think, they just flow with vigor. The actual feeling of the waves is required and he was turning towards the same.

As the night advanced the waves became larger and larger. They swept away the flowers in their vases. Even the Buddha in the shrine was inundated. Before dawn the temple was nothing but the ebb and flow of an immense sea.

As the night advance, with the help of overflowing grace of the Master, the identity of the wrestler was lost. Only the waves were their. There was no self centered self meddling with the waves. Hence the waves became bigger and bigger. The waves cannot get bigger it the self centered identity is there. The mind would be occupied in solving the problems identified with the self. Since there were only the waves they swept away everything. Before the dawn there was nothing but the sea.

This could be also understood symbolically. The waves is the grace of the Master. Felling the grace the grace takes over wrestler's identity. Along with the identity everything negative with that identity is lost. Only the grace, the divine love and compassion remained. The fear was of the wrestler, since the wrestler was not there and only the powerful grace was working, it took care of sweeping away everything. Nothing but the grace, the divine love and compassion was present.

In the morning the teacher found O-nami meditating, a faint smile on his face. He patted the wrestler's shoulder. "Now nothing can disturb you," he said. "You are those waves. You will sweep everything before you."

The next morning the Master saw the disciple immersed in the meditation. The mind that thought itself as a wrestler and that was afraid was not present there. A new spiritual mind filled with spiritual strength, Divine love and compassion was there. The old fearful mind had died. This brought about a faint smile on Masters face, whose heart is still sending the strong waves of compassion and divine love. He knew nothing could disturb this new mind. The wrestler himself had become the master. He would not just sweep away the opponents in Wrestling matches, but would sweep away the fears of many. A perfect wrestler in true sense.

The same day O-nami entered the wrestling contests and won. After that, no one in Japan was able to defeat him.

More inspirational short stories to read online on this blog

Obedience - A Zen Story

2008-09-23T00:27:00.006+05:30

Zen stories are wonderful stories with deep insight. Every individual understands the story in one's own way. Only the masters have the true understanding of the zen stories. Here i would write down what my mind understands through this story.

Readers are welcomed to write their own understanding in the comments.

The master Bankei's talks were attended not only by Zen students but by persons of all ranks and sects. He never quoted sutras nor indulged in scholastic dissertations. Instead, his words were spoken directly from his heart to the hearts of his listeners.

The master Bandei's talks were not just attended by the students of Zen. This is the quality of the true Zen master. A master is like a huge magnet attracting so many people from all sects and worldly ranks. That is that something great they carry, that makes it irresistible for people. It is not the words that attract them, but their presence. Same talk could be given by any other person with exactly same words and punctuations, but that won't carry the essential and would not be a center of attraction. Few people engaged in mind gymnastic might go there.

He never quoted, Sutras. A true enlightened master does not need to quote any Sutra or any other words. He does not rely on borrowed words. What comes out, comes out of direct perception. He does not require any other source than himself for the wisdom. No scholastic dissertations are required for him. It is not reading and acquiring information and dishing out again. The words are spoken from the powerful source of heart and thus it has capacity to pierce the heart and soul of the listeners. The words falling from their mouths carry a special power which falls like seeds in the heart of the listeners and germinates. Same set of words from weak at souls would not carry any weight and the listeners would soon forget them and carry on with their daily routine cores, never pondering on what has been said, but when those words from Masters pierce their hearts, they can't but ponder on what has been said and proceed towards freedom.

The words germinates in the heart of the listener and the listener then feels grateful for attending a Master's talk.

His large audiences angered a priest of the Nichiren sect because the adherents had left to hear about Zen. The self-centered Nichiren priest came to the temple, determined to debate with Bankei.

The Master seldom worries or craves about a large audience. What he is concerned is about the freedom and well being of the people and all living beings. On the other hand the priests and scholars are too attached with the the largeness of the audience. They feel large if large audience attends them. They are at the mercy of the audience. When the priest of Nichiren sect saw that his audience was attracted by the Master, Anger and jealousy took over him. The priest who should be responsible to free his audience from negative feelings like anger and jealousy falls victim of the same. A true priest concerned with the benefit of his audience would have felt great joy, on seeing his audience attracted to the true source. The master does not consider any number of people attending as mere audience. He communicates with each being one on one. Each one's heart and soul is penetrated individually according to one's conditioning of mind or sanskaras. The priest must scholarly and with crafted with intelligence of information and logic. Hence he decided to debate with the Master, gain victory over him and hence gain the large audience, to make himself greater again.

"Hey, Zen teacher!" he called out. "Wait a minute. Whoever respects you will obey what you say, but a man like myself does not respect you. Can you make me obey you?"

He goes to the Master and challenges him. The challenge comes from his self centered mind. He says whoever respects you. The Master is not at for gaining respect, he does not need it. What he wants is the freedom, love and compassion to develop from those attracted towards him. A scholar or a priest is too much after respect. A slave of people's opinion. If people respects them they feel great else their mind and hearts are at great turmoil. Master's peace and strength of mind and heart is least affected by any disrespect shown to them. Now here was a challenge thrown with disrespect shown towards the master.

"Come up beside me and I will show you," said Bankei.

The master does not show any reaction towards the harsh challenge thrown at him, by a proud priest in presence of so many listeners. He remains cool, that is the strength that a master carries.

Proudly the priest pushed his way through the crowd to the teacher.

The priest blinded by his arrogance and the ambition to win over the Master's audience pushes his way from the crowd. The ambition to get back his lost prestige, makes him push from the crowd. So many individuals is crowd for him. No respect or love for them flows through him, hence the pushing. Pushing his way through the mere crowd for his glory.

Bankei smiled. "Come over to my left side."

The Master smiles at him. Looking at the arrogance and disrespect shown towards him and individuals connected with him does not break the strength and silence and smile of His heart. And very softly he ask him to come over to his left side.

The priest obeyed.

The priest obeyed but was not at all aware of it. His mind was crowded with the thoughts and feelings of defeating the Master. To show to people and himself that he did not obey the master and was not a part of herd.

"No," said Bankei, "we may talk better if you are on the right side. Step over here."

So naturally and coolly the masters asks him to step over on the other side where he was sitting. The master knew what he was doing and the proud priest totally unaware and blinded with pride was following what master asked him to do.

The priest proudly stepped over to the right.

"You see," observed Bankei, "you are obeying me and I think you are a very gentle person. Now sit down and listen."

The master gestures did not show that any challenge was faced. Unperturbed he points to the priest that he had been obeying him. There was no need of scholarly talks. Regardless of all the pride and arrogance shown by the priest, Master points him out the gentle quality in him that obeyed.

Since the title of the story is obedience the mind ponders a little more on the obedience

- Obedience brought about by love, gentleness and compassion is far better than Obedience brought about by harshness, ambition and glorying the self centered self

- There no way out of Obedience either obey the self burning qualities like anger, jealousy and greed or obey the love, compassion and togetherness.

More inspirational short stories to read online on this blog

Thoughts and feelings

2008-09-20T17:21:00.000+05:30

Today in the local newspaper there was a short story, which had a deeper insight.

Once a king was chit chatting with his prime minister about the thoughts and the feelings. He told the prime minister that since the thoughts cannot be seen or read it is very easy to befool people. The prime minister did not agree on this and asked the king for an instant experiment on the same.

One man was walking towards them. The prime mister asked the king to mentally curse the approaching person and think negative about him. The king did so. As the person came closer to the rulers, he had to bow to the mighty ruler and did so.

As he was leaving the prime minister asked the person about how he was feeling about the king at that moment. On the question, clearly a little fear could be seen on the face of the person inquired. The prime minister assured him that he has to put forward the fact and no harm would be done to him, regardless of his answer in negative.

The person said that he could not understood, but to the kind whom he considered highly, at that moment there was a strange feeling arising in him, to curse and abuse the king. There was a repellent force working towards the king. He was thanked for an authentic answer and sent away.

After a while another person was seen approaching them. This time the king was asked to think well about the person and shower his love towards him from within. The person came near paid his respect towards the king and prime minister. His beaming and happy face did not require the king and the prime minister of how he felt. The face and the happy gestured said it all.

Indian Spiritual Story on Karma and spirituality

2008-05-31T03:18:00.004+05:30

Two friends were on the way. As they were moving across the nasty place filled with prostitutes, one of them had a desire to spend a night indulging himself in physical pleasure. The other one was given this idea to which he denied, and told his friend not do so.

They both parted, one going with a prostitute, the other with anger and resentment in his mind, decided to visit a temple and read a holy scripture. Along the way thoughts of comparison and how lowly his friend was dominated his mind.

The first one, as he moved with the prostitute began to have resentment on what he was doing. His mind was engrossed in how great his friend was, who decided to visit the temple and read a spiritual book. He was greatly started t miss that.

The other with the religious book in his hand and siting in the temple, was engrossed in the thought f his lowly friend.

An earthquake struck claiming many lives, both the friends included.

The officers from heaven and hell were busy with their work. The first one was taken by the officers of heaven, and could see at distance his friend being ruthlessly driven by the officers from hell.

'There must be some mistake', he said, 'According to what we were doing I deserve to be there and that friend of mine deserves to be graciously led by you to the heaven.'

'We are following the orders, and there is no mistake,' the officer from the heaven said.

The first one demanded and explanation for what had happened in the heaven. 'Your mind was engrossed in how your great your friend was, and was on the temple and sacred text, while your friend's mind was dwelling in how lowly the other was filled with deep resentment.' came the answer.

'Thinking of others as low and self higher is the door to hell.' the voice continued.

More inspirational short stories to read online on this blog

The little boy and friendship

2008-05-27T02:33:00.003+05:30

There was little boy who thought that friends are meant for each other. There was nothing mine and yours in friendship. Whatever they had was theirs ,and not mine and yours.

As he grew up, he was shocked to realize that was not true. The shock was an inner one as it did not appear in his outer characteristics. He had started to accept the fact that most people made friends so that they can share and talk ideas when there were less important things to do. First my security and power, thereafter the thing called friendship, seemingly prevailed widely.

This led him to the question of adopting to this widely accepted way of life, or to carry on with the inner feeling he had. The first one seemed more comfortable as it fitted with what most were doing. The other had it's own dangers and insecurities.

He decided for the later one, regardless of it's dangers and insecurities. Despite the difficulties he had to face for this selfless thinking, the feeling grew from friends to human beings and living beings. All the difficulties only made his soul stronger and he could feel and invisible force coming in forms of stories, words, incidents. The invisible force than could be felt subtly and in various forms a mind can conceive.

He knew that he had something which is sadly with so less people in the world. At the same time his presence was bringing about a change in people around.

A Story about true love

2008-05-22T13:46:00.004+05:30

In the Gujarati news paper I came across an Indian tale about true love.

Lord Krishna was once on the bed with acute pain in His head. Sage Narada asked Shri Krishna that he was much surprise by what has happened and the remedy for the same.

Shri Krishna replied that the remedy was simple and the headache would immediately abate if someone who loved him would give him water to drink, the water must have washed the lover's feet.

Sage went to Shri Krishna's wife Rukmani with the remedy. Rukmani denied giving the water that has washed her feet, for drinking purpose to Lord Krishna. The reason it would be a great sin giving water that has washed her feet, for drinking purpose to her husband and the Lord 'Shri Krishna'.

Narada then went with the same plea to Shri Krishna's sweet heart Shri Radha. Radha immediately washed her feet and gave the water to Narada. She said that she was aware of the consequences of the same. She will have to go and suffer in the hell for this action, but she would not mind it. She was happy to suffer if that brought relief to her beloved 'Shri Krishna'.

More inspirational short stories to read online on this blog

The reward from tales of Akbar Birbal

2008-05-16T19:31:00.002+05:30

The tales of Akbar Birbal continues from the last video of a witty story. This one is called the reward.

The video clips contains the witty stories of Akbar Birbal in Hindi. A short transcript in English for the story given in the above video clip.

The guard on the gates of the palace and administrative office of Akbar is seen taking bribe from the visitors, of Kind Akbar. A poor musician from Rajasthan awaits his turn and is stopped by the guard. The guard demands five gold coins, from the poor musician for being able to meet the king.

When the musician denies giving the sum of five gold coins, the guard notifies him that it was the law and he guides him to the one who made that law, the chief of the security guards. The chief of security guards is seen sitting in the luxurious environment, leisurely smoking a pipe. He asks the guard not to allow the visitor unless he pays the required sum.

The poor singer visits the intelligent prime minister Birbal for this problem he faced. He is invited with respect, and Birbal listens to him. Birbal becomes aware of how the poor people are being robbed by the security guards. He assures the poor singer that soon he will be able to meet the king and please him with his music and gain some monetary award. The poor singer leaves with gratitude.

Another singer approaches the gates of palace and is encountered with the similar demand of five gold coins, and the meeting with the ruthless and greedy security chief. The singer makes a deal with him, that if he is allowed he will give half of the reward given to him by the king. Being aware of the big heart of the king and that he rewards liberally, the greed of the security chief readily agrees.

The singer is thus allowed to see the king and pleases the king with his Rajasthani music and singing. The king is too pleased and asks the singer what he would like to have as the reward. The singer demands for getting whipped a hundred times. Everybody including the Akbar gets surprised by the demand. The king asks him the reason for asking for punishment instead of the wealth which he intended to give. The singer insists for what he had asked.

The king agrees and call a whipper. As the man with the whip approaches the singer, he stops him and tells the king that he has promised someone to share his reward. He tells how he was met with the demand of five gold coins and meeting with the security chief and his agreement of sharing the reward.

The king thus becomes aware of the bribery going on outside his palace and orders the culprits to be imprisoned and anyone wanting to meet him can meet without much resistance.

Witty stories for kids - Akbar Birbal

2008-05-03T20:51:00.003+05:30

The story continues from Akbar Birbal Tales, Next story is called 'The trees testimony', Since the story is dubbed in Hindi language, the English translation is put here.

King Akbar walks on the ways of his kingdom with few fellows. He notices too many crows on the way and says that the number of crows has increased a lot in the kingdom. One man talking with him agrees with the king, and adds that they add to much noise also.

King says that the number of crows in the kingdom is impossible to find out. Birbal responds that nothing is impossible. Akbar asks him that if that was possible could he tell him the number of crows in the kingdom. Birbal agrees and asks for few days for the same.

As always Kind Akbar agrees and says that he will be keenly waiting for his answer.

A man knocks on the door of Birbals home and asks if he could talk with king Birbal. He apologies for taking the valuable time of him, to which Birbal responds with politeness and asks him, how he can he helpful to the man.

The man says that he is a poor peasant and would be ruined, if he does not get help from him. Birbal assures him, and asks him to tell is tale. The peasant says that he used to save the money that cold be helpful in his old age and used to hide it in a vessel, which he use to bury, beneath a tree in his house compound.

The peasant continues his story that three months ago he decided to go on pilgrimage and decided to out his savings with his friend Kishorilal. 'Kishorilal is wealthy man'' he continued, 'but a vey good friend of mine, thinking this I reached his home.

On reaching he tells his friend that he had decided to go to pilgrimage and decided to meet him. The friend encourages him and asks him to remember him at the holy places. The poor man says he will, and asks him if he would take care of his savings, till he returned from the pilgrimage. Kishorilal, the wealthy man accepts it. The peasant leaves with gratitude.

The peasant completes his pilgrimage and returns to village. He goes to Kishorilal's home, the next day in hope to recover his hard earned savings. He gives prasad to him, the wealthy man accepts it and says that since he was busy with work, the peasant should leave and not disturb him. The poor peasant replies meekly that he also had come to get back his hard earned, life long savings.

The wealthy man responds with harsh coolness, what savings and further asks the peasant if he was in his senses. The poor man meekly tells that it is hard earned savings,that took his life time. The wealthy man responds with anger that did he not had enough wealth that he would asks for money from a poor peasant? And drives him away with anger.The poor man leaves with his head bend down.

He spent a night in agony, thinking of recovering the lost money, and thought of meeting Birbal on this subject came to his mind, and thus he was here. Birbal, thinks for a moment and asks him if there was any witness of giving the money to Kishorilal. The peasant denies, and continues that, when he was giving the money to him there was none present there. Birbal asks him not to panic with respect. He continues that if had given money to Kishorilal he will surely get the money, and tells him to be present at the kings court, next day along with Kishorilal.

The man leaves with gratitude.

In the king's court, Birbal tells Akbar, that a man wanted justice, he had visited him at is home the previous day, and if the king agrees he would like to present his case. The king agrees, both the kishorilal and Nekiram the peasant are called in the court, where they bow to the king.

The king asks who the complainer was, Nekiram, the poor peasant presents his case to the king. The king asks the accused if that was true. The man denies the charges saying that his good behavior with the peasant was his mistake and due to that he consider himself as his friend and now wants to dishonor him. He did not have anything to do with such a poor man.

The king turns to Birbal, He tells that Nekiram will have to get a witness, Nekiram is scared at this and said there was none. Birbal continues that there must be someone present when he gave money, a child, plants, trees. He orders Nekiram to go and not to return without a witness.

The scared Nekiram tries to tell something to the king, to which the king does not allow him to speak and tells him to leave the court and not to return without something or someone, who could prove that he was true.

Nekiram leaves disheartened, and Kishorilal feels happiness on sensing his victory.

The king asks about the number of crows in the kingdom, which Birbal was suppose to answer. He responds that according to him there were ten thousand nine hundred and five crows in the kingdom, to the amazement of everyone present in the court.

The king asks him if he was sure, and what, if he was wrong. Birbal says that he was sure, and if there were more or less than that number, it would be because either crows from neighboring kingdom are visiting this kingdom or the crows of the kingdom are visiting the neighboring kingdom.

The king congratulates him at the witty answer.

Than Birbal wonders why Nekiram was taking so long to bring anything or anyone as witness. Kishorilal mocks that Nekiram would be finding it difficult to bring the huge peepal tree in the court. Birbal instantly asks the king to penalize Kishorilal. He said how come Kishorilal tell about the peepal tree, surely he must have taken the money neat the peepal tree, that made him respond in such manner.

More inspirational short stories to read online on this blog

Garfield and Friends

2008-05-01T13:40:00.003+05:30

Garfield | Cartoon | Animation | Strip |

Garfield cartoon strips have always been a favorite in news paper.

A short story on Divinity and ego

2008-05-01T11:20:00.004+05:30

Indian Stories | Lord Krishna | Wisdom | Sage | ego | conditioned mind | Sadguru | Sai Baba |

There lived a Sage, who was very pious was doing penance for the interest of mankind. By caste, he was a Brahmin and was known to Lord Krishna. He was wandering in secluded areas and had no fixed house for him. He had no desire, no lust, no hatred, and no greed & was in different world of his own.

Lord Krishna was very happy with his PRAYERS & Lord Krishna showed him His Virat Swaroop & asked him for any boon. Sage Uttanga told Him that he was desire less and he did not want anything, but Lord Krishna insisted for some boon to be granted to him as a reward for his penance. As Lord Krishna insisted, the latter asked for a boon that whenever he was in need of water (and since this area is a desert area) & whenever he felt thirsty, water may be provided to him. Lord Krishna granted him the boon & disappeared.

One day, the Sage Uttanga after walking for a long distance in the desert area felt thirsty, but there was no trace of water. Then he remembered that the Lord Krishna had granted him a boon that he would find water. The moment this thought was within his system, he saw a hunter dressed in torn rags accompanied by furious dog, carrying water in a leather pouch and asked him, "Sir, would you like to have some water." Looking at the apparent condition of the hunter, being a staunch Brahmin, the sage felt repelled. He politely refused "No, Thank you". The hunter again approached him for the water, but in utter disgust & in anger the sage told the hunter to go way and that he was not interested in the water. The hunter and the dogs disappeared. Witnessing this, he realized that it must be God, who disguised Himself and came to quench his thirst. He felt hurt how Lord Krishna could send water to me through a Scheduled Caste. How could He expect a Brahmin to accept and drink water from the leather pouch?

Meantime, Lord Krishna appeared, smiled and asked him 'Who was the Chandala? He had asked the Indra Devta to fetch the water, who instead of water, had actually brought nectar to make you immortal, but on one condition to test whether you could see the Divinity in all. 'Hence I allowed him to do so'.

Sage Uttanga understood how he had failed in the test. It was his Ego, which made him refuse the nectar, which came in the form of water and through Indra Devta.

When sages like Uttanga could fail when tested, what are we? Are we capable and fully equipped to understand the Leela or Maya of God? We, therefore, have to be constantly on guard and develop sharp sense to understand the real meaning of life. He always puts us to test. He always does good for us. There cannot be any negative in His actions, whatever He does, is always good for us.

There is a similar incident given in sacred book Shri Sai SatCharitra Chapter 23, Sai Baba testing his devotees if His devotees were devoted enough to go against the conditioned mind, or ego and trust the Sadguru, or did the conditioned mind go against the order of Sadguru. Kakasaheb Dixit a devotee who left all the material wealth and built a Wada ( a building for free accommodation for all the visitors of Shirdi) passed this test and proved that material wealth was not the only thing that he renounced but the conditioned mind too. Sadguru Sai Baba was everything for him and not even the teachings of his life would prevent him to obey his Sadguru. Rare are such devotees. Another similar incident mentioned in Shri Sai SatCharitra chapter 38 about sending the Brahmin Dada Kelkar to shop for mutton also is on the same theme.

More inspirational short stories to read online on this blog

Walt Disney - Three Little Pigs

2008-04-30T18:44:00.003+05:30

Walt Disney | Silly Symphoies | Symphony | animation | short film | Three Little Pigs | Big Bad Wolf | children | kids | cartoon |

Great animated film of the classic story for kids.

Two pigs build houses of hay and sticks, and play on their flute and fiddle, all the while scoffing at their brother, building the brick house that takes substantially more work. The wolf comes around and blows their houses down and they run to their brother's brick house, the only house able to withstand all the huffing and puffing. Throughout this clip, they sing the classic song, "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?".

Some good and interesting comments from you tube to tell more about the video clip

* OMG i watched this all the time when i was really little, we had it on VHS...thanks so much

* LOL @ the pictures in the background of the brick house at 8:14!!

* What a quality!!
Owesome!
LOve it!!
Thanks for posting

* ahh the classics

* Genious!

* Those Pigs rule.

* What's very clever moral? The Great Space Coaster?

* Very clever moral. :) :)

* yeah that was an old looneytunes cartoon i used to watch.

* Did you know that when Walt Disney was a young animator in St. Louis,Missouri, he was fired by his editor for his lack of creativity!?

* Did you know that Walt Disney originally wanted to call Mickey Mouse ,Mortimier Mouse? But his Wife Lillian said, How about Mickey instead?

* Walt Disney was A True Genius! May he always rest in peace in heaven. Donald Duck made his first appearance in a Walt Disney Silly Symphony short back in the year 1934!

* wasn't there a silly simphony where the wolf dressed like a ballet dancer in a tree?

* Thanks for posting this, my Disney fairy tale vhs broke and now I don't have it anymore. It had Mickey and the Beanstalk, Red Ridinghood, this, The Prince and the Pauper, Mr. Toad, Sleepy Hollow, The Night Before Christmas, and The Brave Little Taylor.

* Billy Bletcher was the voice of the wolf...and he continued to use that voice at other studios as well {especially at Warner Bros.}- Pinto Colvig was the voice of the "Smart Pig"....

* I'm poor little old sheep with no place to sleep lol Good times

More inspirational short stories to read online on this blog

Anmation for kids - The Tortoise and the Hare

2008-04-30T18:22:00.003+05:30

Walt Disney | Silly Symphoies | Symphony | animation | short film | children |

This short video clip has great animation and music for the classic tale of the tortoise and the hare. How the very fast but the over confidence of the hare makes him lose a race against a slow but steady tortoise. The tortoise without thinking much just walks along the way with his own pace while the hare runs fasts takes a lead and due to the over confidence takes time for nap or fooling around and in the end realizes the loss, as he watches the tortoise pass through the finish line.

Cartoon Network Grooves - Circles - Video for Kids

2008-04-25T05:20:00.002+05:30

Some selected comments from the you tube on this video clip to tell you more

* luv this song and video

* Aw brings back memory's when i was about 5,6,and 7 and mabye 8. i used to wake up at about 5 or 6 in the dak and look ant old cartoon's and this.

* This video reminds me how much better the old cartoon network was.

* i seirously am crying from all the happy memories i have from this thank u

* I remember watching this when i was little and life was fun. It makes me want to cry.

* I love the subtitles (what the characters are saying)
"I don't remember getting this many chairs- Betty must be redecorating" XD

* This killls my bad moods in the afternoon

* can't beat the classics

* Funny parody of the crappy Hanna Barbera cartoons. They always pass by the same tree, chair, vase etc.

* this song takes me back to CN's golden age

* this song is the best one ever

* i love cartoonetwork

* my friends still like to listen to this. even my kid. This song. Is absolutely Legend

* this song is so totally catchy.
i like it.

* i love this so much thank you. i wish i could do that i love this band and really love the song it kicks .i appreciate.

* The very first favorite I ever Favorited on youtube, and still my number one. Please, don't ever delete this song!

* my cat, when she walks this songs starts playing and i think she nows how to dance to it because she always likes it! i wouldnt blame her it is a great song!!!

* I remember watching this on TV when i was little. Wow. I wasted so much of my life watching cartoon network.

* I love this song so much. More then my last fav song

* My second favorite groove back from the old days... The first being "The incredible shrinking day"

* this is one of the first music videos from cartoon network i saw on boomarang and liked from the first time i saw it. The ever so classic cartoon background where you see the same tree stump 5 million times.

* circles my brother showed me this groovie and now im addicted.

* This song is so relaxing and it brings back memories.

* My favorite Cartoo Network Groovie when I was the kid (along with "Josey and the Pusseycats: Music through the Ages").

* These cartoons are going extinct and I worry for them.

* Sweet, i remember searching for this song a few years ago, but it wasn't on youtube yet.

This clip indeed brings back a lot of memories.
I loved watching this clip on cartoon network, really miss CN :(

* cartoons used to be so good now even boomerang kinda sux.

* Cartoon network used to play this great song. Thank you for posting this!

* THANK GOD FOR YOU! im so glad you put this vieo on. its awesome.

* Fricken sweet *applaudes* those were the golden years 1992-1998 R.I.P. Cartoon Network

* It took me two whole nights of practice but I can finally play this song! Whose laughing now Dad! :D

* I went to Arizona this summer to a relative's house. They had special cable (Cox cable) they had Boomerang. I love it!!!!

* i miss the old cn but i have boomerange so its all good....but i loed it when they first put this song on there and ive been looking ever sinse then

* This is way better than the original version!

* Awesome!!! Soul Coughing Rocks and so does Hanna Barbarra!!!

* Oh my goodness...I have DREAMT of this song/video for the last 10 years. I can't believe I found it. Thank you so much!

* I love these little old cartoon shorts from Cartoon Network. I still watch them on Boomerang, I always try to record them.^^

* this reminds me o the good old days when cartoons where actually hand drawn

* I may not be a fan of Hanna-Barbera but it's still a good video.

* Thank god!!
You dont know how long I was looking for this song!!

* THSI SONG SOOOO AWESOME! This is also my favorite commercial on Boomerang. i sing along when it comes on

* Nice Beat!

Inspirational Story - Motivates You to Fulfill Your Dreams!

2008-04-06T20:03:00.003+05:30

An inspiring story based on the Wright Brothers. Armed with nothing more than a high school education, they rose above all obstacles and achieved the impossible.

Be inspired by this lesson about attaining success even if the odds are against you!

If you loved this video, also visit http://www.inspirationjunction.com for more inspirational Flash movies and downloadable screensavers. Send them to your friends or loved ones (could be your spouse or just that special someone whom you really care for) and brighten their day :-)

They wouldn't know unless you put your caring thoughts into actions to touch their hearts.

Some positive and elevating comments from the you tube to tell more about the video

* Great message! I can see from your site you want to inspire people. You are doing it, I think. Thanks!

* Actually the Wright Brothers bought the engine that powered that first flight for $50 from Alexander Wilks Vaughan, the real inventor. I guess there are more ways than one to fulfill a dream. I just wish they had seen fit to give credit where credit was due. --Just setting the record straight!

* Excellent! Very good message... I do believe that if you believe in something from deep deep depths of your heart, it will become true.. no matter what! God surely helps such people.

* Sweet!

* Awesome that it is long journey, enjoyable though hard near impossible. First time, what next.

* i've visited your inspiration junction website and i love all inspiring movies there! very attractive designs and soothing music..made my day..thanks!

* Well done!

* nice pictures, great flash and good meaningful message

* SkyQuestCom, this is so cool..
I wish to have your totally awesome skills!!! :)

* hi:) 1st one!lovely..i've been searchin' the net for inspirational flash movies like this one..glad i found yours!i'm addin' it to my website..keep em' coming!!

Goat and Priest - Buddhist Short Story

2008-04-05T18:51:00.004+05:30

A short Buddhist story video about a priest and the the movie Little Buddha. Story about the law of Karma.

Wonderful stories from Little Buddha

2008-04-05T08:50:00.004+05:30

Lama Norbu comes to Seattle in search of the reincarnation of his dead teacher, Lama Dorje. His search leads him to young Jesse Conrad, Raju, a waif from Kathmandu, and an upper class Indian girl. Together, they journey to Bhutan where the three children must undergo a test to prove which is the true reincarnation. Interspersed with this, is the story of Siddharta, later known as the Buddha. It traces his spiritual journey from ignorance to true enlightenment.

Part 2

Comments from yu tube videos

* a favorite.

Thanks

* Nice movie * do u have the whole movie??

* Indeed our greatest enemy is our self...when Buddha reached the enlightenment he just realized that we are the lord of our ego. Thus, the earth is the witness of his own greatest enemy...since we are nothing but a part of the ocean which f we only realize our own source...(GOd)

* Interesting, so god is the ilusion of our ego. But, if he calls the earth as a witness to non-existence of ego, than the earth is something that does exist! Is everything an illusion according to Buddhism? And those fears he faces, unfortunately they don't just disappear in real life, while you sit like that! Try on a road, you'll get run over!

* This is so beautiful, exciting and so well done! I'd love to see the whole thing! Thanks for sharing. Awesome!

* all these fears were just an illusion.....

* the fact that you are here means it has been eons (perhaps billions of earth years) and you and I are still not enlightened. The buddha took 6 years in his last reincarnation. With his written formula, we could in theory, take less than that.

* Awesome Movie :) Epic!

* i must have seen this more than 30 times but it still inspires me when Buddha confronts Mara (the personification of the ego self). This is profound stuff!

reply : exactly! i keep comin back to view tis video couse of tat..

* blockbuster. name: LITTLE BUDDHA

* thanks so much for posting this! I believe it is slightly different form my copy of the dvd.

* I saw it in my History class, and tell u what it was really nice film.

* Thank You for spreading this wonderful message :-)
It's one of my favorite movies ...

"If you tighten the string to much, it will snap,
and
If you leave it too slap, it will not play."

The Path to Enlightenment is in The Middle Way!

* amitabha!
thanks for sharing this video!
can i know where can find this movie?

* Cool. I didn't know there exists a slightly extended version of this movie.

* i luv this movie. were watching at school and it is awesome!

* This is interesting. For people who don't understand, there wasn't five literal women or an army that attacked Buddha, they are just symbols of yourself, things you must overcome. Ego was last because it is the biggest hurdle to overcome. That imagery and stories came along later to help uneducated poor understand better.

* My favorite part too! Remember, it took him six years of asceticism to break him down to the point where his ego was pretty much completely gone by the time he awoke. Pretty awesome, eh? This whole ego-driven life is an illusion. Wow! Strangely relieving. Cheers. -Kirk

* Try practicing Zazen meditation of the Zen school of Buddhism. Just search "Zazen" in Google and you'll find numerous guides.

We all have the potential to be a Buddha inside of us. This is called "Buddha-Nature"

* this movie is amazing

* How long does it take to reach enlightenment?...

* where is there to go when the buddha is everywhere?

* Mara is not a real person! In the end we see that buddha realizes he is the deep dark side of his own. And he lives in every human being as greed,lust,ego,ignorance.

* Does anyone know what the music is right at the end of the film as the credits start to âppear?

* One thing that I don't think is real about this is that Mara is an actual person. I think that he is really a state of mind, kind of, that the Buddha made contact with because of his deep level of meditation. Mara, who I think is a state of mind, has only been personified into a person. But that isn't really important, its only the things that 'Mara' did that matters.

* So keanu plays budha and Neo who is a kind of budha who meets the architect as well...
No wonder why keanu is a buddhis in real life as well, he was born for this characters!!

* Mara, is the personification of the Evil One. He is both physical and a metaphor. In this case, Mara is the "False Sense of Self", sending feelings of desire, greed, fear, pride and ignorance to the meditating Sidhartta before his enlightment. Notice how Mara, tried to convince Sidhartta by using "Pride" that what he has achieved is worthy to be called God. Many deep underlying meanings here and ther .... look out:) Amitabha

* This world is corrupted with so many greedy and perverted people. Hear my word out, keep on reciting in the name of Lord Amitabha and you'll be gifted with something special worth more than anything in this world.

* This is not epic Buddha lived in a real world and gave a way to the astrayed. The world here isn't the physical world but the world within. Your Own Mind

* just like the buddha said, we are pure elution, we do not exist, what we have is our mind, we are empty..

* i feel i have buddha inside me like everybody has it.... i want to see i want to feel and wanna experience ...what he has experienced
my name is SHANKAR and i live in india

* Can anyone tell me what the name of Siddharta's outfit called? I never really knew the name of it.

* Neo! still trapped in the matrix.

* self realization is the message that i've learn from the movie.This material world is temporary and Lord Bhuddha set an example for how to become free from the bondage of this world.

* Even if you don't win a hundred times fighting one hundred enemies,you'd be the biggest conqueror if you could conquest only one,yourself (Buddha)

* "God save me rejection ... From my reflection"

Mara: You who go where no one else will dare. Will you be my God? The architect of my house?

Siddhartha: Architect. Finally I have met you. You will not rebuild your house again.

* Thank you for sharing this beautiful movie and message.
:-)

The classic Buddhist dialogue between Mara (Lord of Darkness) and Siddhartha takes place at the end.

... The EARth is my witness.

* anibody know where to download this movie from? please thanks in advance

* Fantastic scene really fantastic!! Big thanks!!

related :

Little Buddha Music Video - Somewhere Only We Know

Little Buddha - Movie - Keana Reeves

Online - Asterix and the Big Fight - Animated full-length feature film

2008-03-31T21:47:00.002+05:30

Watch online streaming videos of animated full length feature film from you tube videos.

Asterix and the Big Fight Part 1

Asterix and the Big Fight Part 2

Asterix and the Big Fight Part 3

Asterix and the Big Fight Part 4

Asterix and the Big Fight Part 5

Asterix and the Big Fight Part 6

Asterix and the Big Fight Part 7

Asterix and the Big Fight Part 8

Some good and instructive comments from you tube

* That movie is so damn funny xD

Does anyone know the name of the song?

Reply :

It's called Zonked.

And i would like to be Cacofonix's Bodyguard.

* The swedish dubbing for the Asterix films is perhaps the funniest thing I know of.

* ASTRERIX IS THE BEST!!!!!!!!!

* this is a lot different from the book

* Brian Blessed as General Motus! Brilliant!

* too bad only a few were made adapted into cartoons . its good in english but in french , its really a masterpiece .

- 12 task , the britains , cleopatre , all great and La surprise de cesar ( dunno the title in english but its awesome ) too , i prefer Asterix to Tintin although i love tintin .

* I always found strange how Asterix's position changes from 1:05 to 2:10. And that Getafix's scene gave me nightmares for days. Don't do drugs, kids! XD - part 7

* AN 80's song in a cartoon like this? Cool.

* Well, he WAS hit with a menhir...

* If i remember correctly the "Zonked" song or whatever is playing in this scene in the german version ...

* good job Obelix! - part 8

* it would be nice if they made many old cartoons b4... i just have comic books ,my brothers and i use to collect... but i also want to watch it all too..

* You know, this Asterix movie has an more dark atmosphere, which kinda discerns it from the other movies.

* in italian
il druido è tratto!

* It is a real song, i got on my Mp3.

* were all the asterix comics adapted to cartoons? and how many books r there?

reply : 34 books and 6 i think are cartoons

- only 6?=( i want the old cartoons...

* Isn't Cacofonix's singing horrible? Cause that AIN'T horrible!

reply : It probably is horrible, we're just experiencing it from Getafix's perspective, and he's hallucinating. ;-)

* Haha, omg! Thats Brian Blessed as General Motus!!!

* I love how Cacofonix refers to his condition as being "stoned". XD

* THANKS FOR POSTING! What a treat to find it in english!

* Hey, does anybody know how this incredible song is called, who wrote/sang it and how I can get or buy it? I love it since I have watch this Asterix movie when I was less then 6 years old! I still have the film on a recorded VHS.
Please, can someone help?

* The song Cacofonix sings is called Zonked written by Michel Colombier and Kathleen Wakefield. It's not available to buy.

* Excellent work, by Toutatis!

* the translation is good .. although the original are still better in frnech , truly a masterpiece of comic . kinda weird asterix never been popular in the united states . im from montreal (Quebec ) so they played it every year , i wonder if the rest of canada knows who he is .

* Somehow it's strange: I'm german, the original comic is french, the movie is a german/french-co-production and still I'm watching the movie in english. *g*

Animated stories Bal Hanuman movie

2008-03-28T20:17:00.002+05:30

This continues from a video posted as Animated stories Lord Hanuman,

Animated stories Bal Hanuman movie Part 2

Along with Kesari, Anjana performed intense prayers to Shiva to beget Him as her Child. Pleased with their devotion, Shiva granted them the boon they sought

Animated stories Bal Hanuman movie Part 3

Different stories are told as to Hanuman's birth. One is that at the time that Anjana was worshipping Lord Shiva, elsewhere, Dasaratha, the king of Ayodhya, was performing the Putrakama Yagna in order to have children. As a result, he received some sacred pudding, to be shared by his three wives, leading to the births of Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna

Animated stories Bal Hanuman movie Part 4

According to Parasara Samhita, Lord Hanuman was born in Venkatachalam (which is now famous by the name Tirupathi). Once Vishnu took the form of Mohini (a form of a beautiful maiden) and appeared to Lord Shiva who was in deep divine bliss. It is said that as a result, Shiva lost a drop of his semen which was full of fire and energy

Animated stories Bal Hanuman movie Part 5

The world being not able to bear the energy contained in that semen, Vayu (The god of Air, or Wind) carried the semen into Anjana Devi's ear as she was performing a severe penance to please Lord Shiva. Hence Hanuman is also known as Rudra Avatar (Avatar of Maha Shiva)

The Twelve Tasks of Asterix watch online videos continued

2008-03-28T02:43:00.003+05:30

Last post The Twelve Tasks of Asterix had 7 online streaming video clips from you tube, below are the final three clips to complete the animated movie

The Twelve Tasks of Asterix - Part 8

The Twelve Tasks of Asterix - Part 9

The Twelve Tasks of Asterix - Part 10 final part

* Caesar looked as if he was injured in 4.50.. part 10

* THAT GODESS WUZ NUDE!!! ummm...plz stand up with your hands above your head miss....WOOOOOOO!!!! part 8

Part 10

* That Donald Duck gag always cracked me up. part 10

* Look at the soldier on the right his swords bended at the top.

* GO ASTERIX!!!!!!!!!!!

* That chicken is a riot!

* thanks for uploading this i watched the whole thing whilst i ate my lunch, thankyou!

* That Donald Duck gag always cracked me up.

* where did that woman come from

* so funny

* oh asterix he called me fatty

The Twelve Tasks of Asterix watch online videos

2008-03-27T02:11:00.004+05:30

The Twelve Tasks of Asterix - Part 1

The Twelve Tasks of Asterix - Part 2

The Twelve Tasks of Asterix - Part 3

The Twelve Tasks of Asterix - Part 4

The Twelve Tasks of Asterix - Part 5

The Twelve Tasks of Asterix - Part 6

The Twelve Tasks of Asterix - Part 7

Remaining three parts

Some good and interesting comments from you tube for this series of stories

* Thank you very much, I met them many years ago at school, at Lycée Franco-Costaricien
Pura vida!

* Great work! Thx

* Asbestus of Marathon, winner of the Olympic Marathon!

* Asterix on the Tube, and in English? Now that's nice. ^_^ I really appreciate these English voiceovers, cos they're quite close to the original version.

It's good to see the little Gaul having so many fans overseas too. ;-)

(and if you've figured it out, yes I'm French...)

* i never heard of this, but it's interesting. notice the hourglass. Saturn, then the amanita sun mushroom. You notice the guy with the wings on his head, says he doesn't need magic potion, well he has wings on his head. Then the apple.

* i love the song

* i absolutly love asterix, this has to be one of the best animated films about!
i used to have it on video recorded off the tv but someone had recorded over it!! so happy i found it on here

* "Brutus stop playing with that knife you'll end up hurting somebody"
What irony!

* used 2 have it on video-cassette xD asterix ruLezZ

* thank u so much for putting this, i really love asterix cartoons, and comics

* Indeed - Amazing.

* Hahahaha the romans think that the Gauls are gods-just because of the magic potion!

* i always enjoyed asterix and the others knocking the crap out of the romans

* awesome thank you so much

* ah-hahahahaha!!!!!!! love it

* One of my favorite animated movies!

* I LOVE this movie's soundtrack. Anyone have it?

* it is bring back memories

* Thank you so much!!! I was just thinking about this! I used to watch it when I was very young on the Disney Channel!

* The theme is awesome!

* just like in every cartoon!

* i love the asterix comics

* What a trip that cave is! Love the subway!

* "what pink form?"
rofl Asterix's expression just killed me.

* Maybe that's why Brutus did what he did.

* Not often happened. Obleix getting licked by someone.

* im soo hungry now and im watching this at like 1:00 am.

* This was my favorite part of the movie, althought the version I have seen is French. Thanks for uploading this :)

* Yeah man, and I love that choir tune!

* I had a copy of this tape long ago.
and it was recorded over from this point..

OH bless you! and thanks for the upload now i can complete this movie

* Ooh, the Place that Sends you Mad! I loved that task. Truly, anyone who can conquer bureaucracy has godlike powers.

* i used to love this scene when i was a small kid i looked at it several times gotta love obelixs freak out! lol! XD

* Obelix got owned :D asterix pwned the guy ceaser's laugh is creepy...

* The food task just makes me hungry every time.

Replies : Me too!
Yes but the omelet is my favourite.

* hahaha i loved that when he did with the eyes flashing like a siren

* haha thats one of my favorite parts

* thanks for putting this in utube...

* Obelix looking at that woman so funny

* man, that tiny looks very unenthustiatic.

* i really really love asterix comics, but its also good watching it too... more please

* that really is a crazy place.

* love it

* its as good in english like in german

* This is an astonishingly good rendering into English!

* where are parts 1-6? I LOVE this one, but I want to see it in its entirety.

* Ooo its in english awesome! Lmao i love this film.

Marathi Story cartoon - rabbit and tortoise race

2008-03-27T01:51:00.003+05:30

Online streaming video from you tube, Very nice song of the famous story of rabbit and tortoise race, Marahti Language. sasa to sasa kapus jasa.

Some goods comments on you tube for this video

* this is really cute!!!!

the singer says...Vege Vege instead of vegle vegle...or atleast it sounds so

Reply : vege vege dhawu is correct...it means we'll run fast..veg mhanje speed..

* just tooo good... reminds me of childhood days :)

* is that voice of shreya ghosal.

* cute song!!!!

More inspirational short stories to read online on this blog

Marathi animated song for kids

2008-03-27T01:37:00.002+05:30

Maina rani chatur shahani sange ek kahani... marathi animated balgeet . nice voice. it is shreya ghosal a very nice online streaming video for Marathi children who will love the cartoon and listen the song.

Marathi story for kids - Eka makadane kadhale dukan

2008-03-27T01:26:00.002+05:30

Really a nice online cartoon video, that kids would love, good melodious heart pleasing song.

A Matter of devotion - Indian Short Story

2008-03-07T16:47:00.003+05:30

This story is continued from Akbar Birbal Tales. Tales of Akbar and Birbal are widely popular in Indian subcontinent, for the wisdom and cleverness of the Legend of Birbal and generosity and greatness of King Akbar. This animated stories uploaded on you tube videos are dubbed in Hindi Language, English narration or translation is given below. These stories will be loved by kids as they generally like to watch cartoons plus they get some inspiration from these stories too.

A Matter of Devotion

King Akbar is well known for his love of arts and religion. One of the arts he loved was the art of music, and just like Birbal who was considered as one of the nine jewels of King Akbar's court, Tansen was one f the jewels greatly known and respected for his high level of singing capabilities. It is said and believed that there was none better than Tansen and none could compete him in the art of singing.

Once, King Akbar after listening to King Tansen's music and singing was much pleased with the great art as always, praises Tansen's art of singing and praises Tansen with respect.

He says to Tansen, 'You the best artist in the world, you are great, incomparable.'

Tansen with the gratitude replies, ' This is your opinion, there are artist in the world, who are better than I am.'

King Akbar denies his answer, he says, ' You are getting ashamed Tansen, You are best among all.'

King Akbar is seen on a walk with Birbal, Tansen and others in the gardens. He starts the conversation with Birbal and asks h the reason for his silence. Does he not agree what the king has just said?. Birbal responds that just as Tansen has said there are better artist and musicians in this world.

King Akbar says to Birbal that he likes challenges and this time his challenge was to find a better singing artist than Tansen, which according to Akbar was next to impossible. Not satisfied by giving this challenge Akbar throws his valuable ring in a dry well and asks Birbal to bring out the ring from the well, without getting down in the well and without any support.

It seems Akbar loved issuing mental or intellectual challenges to Birbal as much as Birbal loved getting them. The greatness of man is often increased while facing the challenges. All great man we know have loved challenges and not got scared away by challenges or getting themselves down with the challenges.

About finding the better artist than Tansen, he had an instant answer, he said. 'Tansen's Guru (music teacher) was one, who was better than Tansen. Tansen readily agrees and tell that his teacher or guru was on pilgrimage and will be returning after a month.

Birbal asks the king to wait for the return of the Guru and during that time, he will find a way to get the ring out of the well. The king agrees to what Birbal has said and tells him that he had one on month to complete both the challenges.

After one month, the king reminds Birbal about the two challenges. Birbal says that Guruji was back, but the king will have to visit the Guru's home to listen to his singing as the Guru sang only for God and not for anyone else.

Those who sings or are serving God in any other way do their services only for God. Deep devotion and love for God flows through them. They would not sing or do anything to please any one, not even the richest and the greatest of the kings. They sing only for the love for God and devotion for God. The claps of people does not mean much to them, what has meaning for them is the love and devotion.

King Akbar known for his greatness, does not insist on calling the Guru to his palace but agrees to ride to his Guru's home. Not only that he was too pulled towards it just by the idea of listening to better singing than that of the amazing and soul satisfying singing of Tansen.

Next morning the king, Birbal and Tansen ride deep into a green forests where the Guru lived. From a distant they even had t leave their horses to reach the hut of the Guru. The king is asked to wait outside the hut and let the Guru come outside the hut and sing for his Lord, as he would not sing for anyone else. The king respects that and agrees.

After some wait the Guru appears from his little hut and starts singing outside his hut in devotion to God. The king is totally enchanted, he had never herd anything like this before. After the magica,l soul enhancing song was over, the king visits the Guru with Tansen and Birbal. He praises the Guru's art, to which, truly a mark of greatness and real humbleness, the guru says that great is art and devotion, and not the individual.

The king tries to present him with some wealth, which is also humbly and gracefully denied. The king also put forward his desire of inviting the Guru to his palace where all his needs would be satisfied and the king could also listen to his singing when wished. This too is denied by the Guru, as he would sing only for his God and that the little hut in the forest was all that he needed for his devotion, and not the palace and it's richess.

More inspirational short stories to read online on this blog

A very short story Kindness

2008-03-07T00:29:00.002+05:30

A Rope with a Name

I SAW A BOY COMING towards me with sheep running after him.

`No wonder the sheep follows you so closely,' I remarked, `attached to

You as it is by that rope round its neck,'

The boy laughed and released the animal. Off it went, gamboling in delight.

Then the boy made to move on. Immediately the sheep came to

His heel and followed close behind.

The youth smiled and gave it some barley.

`You were right, wise man,' he said, `but as you see, the name of the rope is kindness.'

An Inspirational Story

2008-02-25T18:25:00.002+05:30

What Happened to Family Time?

We have become so focused on having our kids participate in sports that we have lost sight of what's important.

By Frank P. Cotter

The other day I saw a father, mother and two sons on the line in front of me at Dunkin Donuts. It was obvious that they had just come from a soccer game. The two young boys were dressed in thin shorts and tee shirts, while their parents were dressed warmly in jeans and thick jackets. The two boys never stopped shivering the entire five minutes we were in line together.

What is going on in society when we are making our kids play sports, in every kind of foul weather, including rain, snow and icy winds just for the pleasure of watching them participate in some kind of sport? It seems that we are living vicariously through our kids no matter what the cost is to them or us. Whatever happened to calling off a game because it is too cold or too wet?

When did we start playing sports on Mother's Day? I always remember being home with my mother and our family on mom's special day. We would all be huddled around my mother, making sure that she enjoyed her "well deserved" day of rest.

When did we start having our children play sports on Thanksgiving? This warm, wonderful day of giving and thanks used to be a special day to share with family and friends. We would spend the entire day eating, relaxing and enjoying the ones we loved. We would never have wasted a precious minute worrying about dragging our kids away from their warm houses to play a game (in the cold) three towns away.

It seems that we are now so preoccupied with driving our kids from one place to another, that we have lost sight of what is really important.

When did the family start playing second fiddle to sports? I can still remember spending the entire summer playing with my friends, and maybe if I was lucky, going to the shore with my parents for a day.

These days, kids are already playing school sports in July.

Summer (when I was a kid) was always a time for kids to be kids and for parents to enjoy them as such. School was from September to May and summer was for kids and families to relax and get to know each other again.

Parents and kids today are spending every free hour away from school and work running from one sports practice to another. What every happened to families spending dinner-time together? I have seen frozen, tired, kids playing sports, sometimes in the dark, with sprained wrists, cuts and bruises, while parents cheer them on from the warmth of a bleacher blanket and a cup of hot chocolate.

Whatever happened to hugging your kids and telling them that it's alright just to be a kid and that they don't have to prove their worth on a sports field? Sports are great, but they can't rule our lives and influence our decisions.

Families need to spend more quality time together at home and less time competing with the neighbors. If our neighbor's kids play three sports, our kids need to play four? If our neighbor takes an expensive vacation why do we have to do them one better? Competition and stress are slowly draining the magic out of our families.

We need to hold our kids more. We need to turn off the TV and take out the board games. We need to interact with our kids on a more personal level. We need to talk to them more and even occasionally read to them. Let's start spending more time with our families and less time driving to malls and endless game practices.

When did iPods replace a good book? Let's start to de-electrify and simplify ours lives. Let's put down the cell phones and start talking to our families and friends face-to-face.

Less can be better and a lot more fun.

Children Story A trip to Heaven

2008-02-23T13:45:00.006+05:30

This video is continued from the Tales of Akbar Birbal. The story in this video is quite inspirational and shows the wits of wise Birbal. The audio is in Hindi Language, so below is translation in English.

King Akbar is getting his beard shaved by his Barber, in his royal palace. The barber starts the conversation to please the king.

Barber, 'Majesty, you are a great king. Every body praised you in your country as well as in other countries.'

King Akbar, 'Thank you.'

Barber, 'You take care of your kingdom with keen interest and consider the people of your kingdom as members of your family.'

Then the barber shift the conversation of praising the king with a 'but'.

'But, What', asks the king, 'am I overlooking somebody? or Is anybody body feeling lonely?' king Akbar shows his concern.

Barber, 'The way you take care of every one, have you ever thought about your ancestors?'

"My ancestors?" the king replies with some surprise, he continues, 'How can I take care of their needs? Allah gives peace to their souls, they have long left this world."

The Barber is quick to answer, 'You sure can take good care of their needs, your majesty'.

The king replies, ' I do take care of my ancestors, we pray for the peace of their souls, we have built royal tombs in their remembrance, and they are frequently remembered.'

The barber however has some other plans, he replies, 'I am sorry your majesty, I don't mean to disturb you, have you ever sent anybody to the heaven? to know the needs of your ancestors?'

King Akbar replies, 'Is your brain in proper condition? How can one return and take a tour to Heaven?'

Barber replies, 'your majesty i have herd of a Siddh Yogi, who can send anybody to heaven and call them back. Vajir (prime minister) Abdul is his devotee, we can call him and get the details of the same.'

The king seems to get interested and tells the barber to tell Vajir (prime minister) Abdul to call the Yogiraj in the court the next day.

Next day in the royal court of king Akbar he asks his prime minister if he has called the Yogiraj in the court, if he is present in the court.

Vajir Abdul, 'your majesty, yogiraj Niranjan is wating outside the court, if you give the permission may he be called?'

The king orders, 'Call him in.'

The gate keeper gives a shout, 'Yogiraj Niranjan Baba show your presence in the court.'

A man clad in clothes of a yogi enters the court, and stands in front of Akbar.

The king says, 'You are welcomed yogiraj, I have herd that you can send anybody to heaven and can bring him back.'

'Alakh Niranjan', Yogiraj gives a shout, 'The glory of God is infinite, I am just a devotee. If anybody goes to heaven and wants to come back, it is possible.'

The king gives a glance and the members of the court are amazed with what they just herd.

The king says, ' I want to know if my ancestors are ok in the heaven and if all their requirements are met with in the heaven.'

Yogiraj Niranjan, 'I can surely do this your majesty, but you will have to send somebody to whom you trust totally, one who is close to you.' as the king gives a deep thought to what is being said.

Vajir the prime minister says, Your majesty, according to me you should send Birbal to heaven, there is nobody else to whom you trust more, he is your favorite too. I am sure he will listen to your orders and the not minding the pleasures of heaven, he will return too.'

The king to Birbal, 'Birbal, will you do this journey for me?'

Birbal does not delay for seconds to reply, 'Sure your majesty, I will consider myself fortunate to do this journey for you!'

He asks yogi, "Yogiji, how much time will it take for this journey?, when will I return from this journey? and How will i go to heaven?'

Yogiraj, 'I will lit a sacred fire and as you enter the sacred fire, I will open the doors of heaven with my divine powers. If you wish you can return after two months, very few returns leaving the pleasures of heaven.' and he concludes with a shout of 'Alakh Niranjan.'

Birbal, 'Where will this happen, Yogiji?'

Yogiraj, 'We can do this any place, but this time we will do it on the banks of sacred river Yamuna.'

Birbal to Akbar, 'Your majesty, I will be away from my home for a long time, so I ask you for 4 to 5 days finish some jobs before I go.'

Akbar, 'Sure, Birbal." and turning to yogiraj he says that Birbal will return after 5 days to commence his journey and he should start preparing for the same.

After five days on the bank of sacred river Yamuna a pile of wood has been set for the journey of Birbal to the heaven. Yogi raj is all set and awaits the king and the Birbal. The king arrives with some of his ministers.

Yogiraj with a dish filled with articles to perform the ritual chants few mantras, and invites Birbal to stand on the pile of woods to commence the journey to heaven. Birbal bids a goodbye to the King. The king Akbar too bids a goodbye and asks him to return soon, Birbal affirms that he will be back soon. The prime minster and the barber gives a look to each other and giggles.

As the final rights are being going on, Birbal on the pile of woods ready to be ignited by the fire Akbar shows his confidence in the Yogiraj and asks him with concern that was he sure that Birbal shall be unhurt. Yogiraj assures the king that he had sent many people to heaven, and nobody had any kind of problem. Akbar begs his pardon for the question.

The fire is set there is no screaming of Birbal. Yogiraj goes to the king and tells him that Birbal is on his way to the heaven and will return after two months, if does not gets entangles in the pleasures of heaven.

Prime Minister Abdul, 'Sure he will return, there is no one more trustworthy than Birbal', he contines, 'Isn't it your majesty?'

Akbar, ' Sure, Sure!'

Yogiraj, 'Now we should wait for the return of Birbal.'

The king leaves the place thanking the Yogiraj.

King Akbar is not in the best of mods while a minister is talking about the defense solution. He begs the pardon of his minister Mansingh and says, 'He remembers and mises Birbal much, two months have passed since his journey.' he continues, 'What did Yogiraj said, i think he gave the time of two months?'

Vajir the prime minister is quick to stand up and respond, 'Yes your majesty, but he also said that most of the people do not return as they cannot leave the pleasures of heaven, may be Birbal has also denied to leave the pleasures of heaven?'

Akbar, 'No!, I trust Birbal and he will surely return.'

As the king Akbar completes his sentence a man with long beard robed in royal clothes is seen entering the royal court. He bows to the king.

The king and the court members gives a glance on the man and are surprised.

The King is happy and showing his pleasure asks the well being of the bearded man, Birbal.

King, 'Tell, me about your journey, Birbal.'

Birbal, 'Your majesty, the journey was quiet a good one, and the heaven is more beautiful than what I had herd of. I met your ancestors, all of them, they are very happy there. Yogiraj told the truth, to return from heaven is quiet difficult, but i promised you and so I am present here.'

King Akbar, 'Congratulations, I knew could trust you Birbal, are my ancestors happy? are they ok? are not they missing anything? and why are your hair so long?'

'Your Majesty, they have sent a request through me, because there is no barber in the heaven my hair have grown long. Everybody's hair and beards have grown long in heaven. Your ancestors wish that you send your barer to the heaven.' said the Birbal.

'Sure' relied the king, ' Call the barber instantly, along with the Yogiraj, fortunately I had invited Yogiraj to stay with me. He is also here.

Yogiraj and barber enters the court and stands before the king.

To Yogiraj, King Akbar says, 'It was fortunate that my barber advised me to send somebody to heaven. Birbal has just told me that my ancestors needs a barber, so start preparations t send him to heaven, tomorrow itself it should be done.Both of you will receive gifts from me, I am pleased with both of you.'

The Yogiraj is dazzled by what he herd and the barber fell on his knees begging for mercy. He continued, 'This yogiraj is a fraud, and I did what I did, on the directions of Prime minister. He is jealous of the fame of Birbal, I don't want to die so early. Have mercy on me, if I made to sit on the fire, I will surely die. I don't know how Birbal was saved, but I will not survive.'

King Akbar gets much disturbed by the wicked ploy against his favorite minister Birbal and orders his soldiers to put the Yogiraj and barbers behind the bars.

To Abdulla he says, 'I can hang you if I wish, for this wicked act, but since you have served me so long I grant your life, but I don't want to see your face now on. I give you the orders to leave the country.'

The king orders his soldiers to drive the prime minister out of the boundaries of the kingdom.

Then turning to Birbal he said, 'My friend, let us know that we all want to know, how did you came to know about this ploy against you? and how did you escape from the burning fire?'

Birbal said, 'Your majesty, the day Yogiraj came and presented the plan to send me to heaven through fire, I understood that something was fishy. So I asked for 5 days. During those five days I got a tunnel dug, which started from the place of fire to my home. That day I stood right beside the door of the secret tunnel. As the fire was ignited I opened the door of the secret tunnel and escaped to my home.'

He continued, 'to know the fact it was necessary that anyone of the three to accept the crime. Barber was the weakest of the three and I decided to make him the target. That is the reason for long hair and beard.

Writing Short Stories

2008-02-05T05:05:00.000+05:30

Here is video found on you tube, the authors gives the tips on writing short stories.

Author Ziv Navoth explains the 5 techniques he used to write Nanotales, a collection of 83 short stories which have just been published. Visit http://www.nanotales.net for more info and more videos.

He says in the video, How to write stories, that was the question that bothered him, when he tried to write short stories, but could not. Eventually he found out five steps to get out a story out of one. The five step he explains are as follows

1. The first step about writing the stories he says is to forget everything about learning. Seems much of a Zen approach to me and very effective too. He says not to listen to other people's advice (what about this advice? :) ) other people have different experience than one. One has to go with what works for one.

I like the first advice pretty much. It reflects the uniqueness of each individuals being environment and nature. Great first point Ziv Navoth!

2. Second point he suggests is also equally good one. Ziv Navoth suggests to find someone who believes in you , someone you can trust, somebody who reads whatever you write and would comment on it whether it is bad or whether it is right.

Well this second step seems so true. When i started writing on my first blog dedicated to Shirdi Sai Baba. My first writing experience, that was what i needed i guess and that was what i got, which kept me going and improving. Writing on the blog had other advantage, there were people on the web i had never met, who came forward with inspiring comments and emails. This second point is much needed to keep one going. Yes there have been writers with the gust to write who did not care for what others said, they wrote because they wanted to write. These are few and gifted one. I guess, the second point is important for most new writers whether for short stories or anything else.

3. Third point he says is to find and audience may be family members, friends or the people really interested in the subject you write about. To promise them to send them stories everyday or every week.

I guess i have answered this one in the second point itself. Yes this helps, got audience from the web and seeing their interest in whatever was written, the blog had to be updated with new stories or articles.

4. Then the point he puts is to keep that promise. Yes that is needed you have to write if you want to become a writer.

Lastly he quotes Hemingway (an American novelist, short-story writer, and journalist), write one true sentence, write the truest sentence you know and that's all it takes.

Yup, writing the truest you know is yet one of the most important aspect of writing. Not just copies or learned form others.

Tales of Akbar Birbal part 2

2008-01-31T19:02:00.001+05:30

Birbal's Stew

This video clip shows yet another story of Akbar and Birbal. This short story shows yet again the intelligence used by Birbal to point out the mistake done by the king as he could not directly say so as it would have meant the disrespect of his king, and could enrage the king's wrath for the same.

The emperor Akbar goes out for a stroll with Birbal and another person named Lalaji, a jee Hujoor(Yes man) in his beautiful gardens. While the walk Akbar feels the cold weather and says that, that particular year cold was, the yes man agrees and the king is happy.

The king says that whatever the people has to work cold or no cold. The yes man agrees and adds that, still most people prefer to stay at the comforts of home in this extremely harsh weather. King Akbar dips his fingers in the cold water of his pond and finds it extremely chilling. Akbar responds his yes man by saying that he too was telling the truth, nobody would like to go out and work in such extreme cold.

Birbal who has been watching this pleasing game, and knowing the poor condition of some civilians from the Akbar rule drops in the i please you, you please me conversation. He says that he does not feel so. Akbar feels disappointed by this disturbance in the gay conversation. He cautions Birbal that he should not cut his talk always. Birbal asks for the apologies and continues that he did not meant cutting the kings thoughts , but wanted to make him aware that in his rule, there were some people who would get ready to come out and work in extreme conditions for their families survival. King Akbar asks whether Birbal wanted to say that people were ready to anything for some money. Birbal replies in positive that yes he wanted to say that there were people who would work in any conditions for money.

The king denies and says that he cannot believe anyone would cross a particular border for making money, Lalaji the yes man is quick to agree with the king. Birbal sticks to his viewpoint and says that there were people in his kingdom, who would get ready for such work as the situation demands from them. The king demands for the evidence for the same from Birbal. He asks Birbal to find a man who would stand in the freezing waters of the pond for whole night for 10 gold coins. Birbal accepts the challenge with confidence.

The confidence that Birbal had, he said he will find a man for the job same day. Lalaji the yes man denies that a man can be such a fool to stand in the freezing waters for whole night for mere ten gold coins and continues that even if someone gets ready for the job, he will not survive the night. Akbar asks Birbal to prove his point the same night. Akbar was sure that Birbal was wrong this time and he had the upper hand this time. It became a war of Akbar's pride, with his trusted and most wise courts man.

In emperor Akbar's darbar (court) Birbal declares that he found the man, who would stand in the freezing waters for whole night. Akbar is eager to met such man and orders to see him. A man name Gangaram is brought in front of the king. The king asks Gangaram if Birbal has explained to him, what he is supposed to do. The man affirms that he knew that he has to spent a night in freezing water of pond of the garden for 10 gold coins. Akbar asks him if was scared of the quest of survival of standing in the freezing water or he was not aware of the coldness of the water and the night. Gangaram affirms that he was aware of the harsh conditions that could put the danger of his own survival. Akbar is not pleased with the answer as he smells his defeat, and says that accepting this survival threatening job was mere stupidity. His ego was not letting him realize the poor situation of the man. The king orders that the man should be properly entertained as he feared that, the night could be the last night of his life. He also ordered two soldiers to be present by the pond side to see that the man completes his job or not.

The king leaves the court saying that he will see them the next morning. Next morning Akbar arrives in the court, with the confidence of his victory. He asks Birbal what happened to the man. Birbal tells him that the man is waiting outside and king himself could inquire to him. The man is called in the durbar (court). The feeble man makes the appearance in the court. Akbar asks him how the night was. The man replied that it was not at all and easy task, with the grace of almighty God it passed somehow. Akbar says in authoritative voice that he did not believe that the man passed the whole night in the pond. The man in voice filled with fear says that he did passed the whole night in pond and the king could ask two soldiers that were kept by him as eye witness. The soldiers are asked by the king if what the man says was true and that he did his job. The soldiers said that they were vigilant whole night the man did complete the job.

Akbar said that it was unbelievable for him and asks the man how he was able to do this extremely difficult task. The man replied that in the beginning it was very difficult and he panicked. His body started freezing, then he watched a lamp in the garden and gazing on the lamp he prayed all night to the almighty God. The stubbornness of not losing this time made the king evil for moments. He said that now he understood the reason for his survival and completing the task. He said that the man cheated he took help of the heat emitted from the lamp and denied paying him the ten gold coins he promised, and said that the man should feel lucky that he did not punish him for the cheating. The soldiers are ordered to remove the man out of the curt.

The king turns towards Birbal and tells him that he should accept the defeat this time. Birbal apologize for his mistake of going against the king. The king is pleased and says that it was human to err. The king says that now they should proceed to normal workings of the kingdoms office. He says that he wanted to present a gift to the Shah of Iran and if Birbal had any good idea about the gift to be presented. Birbal asks for excuse that he had some personal work at his home. The king grants him the permission and asks him to come back soon.

Birbal leaves and is not seen for long. Next day the king misses him badly and asks the horseman to go to Birbal's home and call him. The horseman returns with the answer that Birbal will return after his meals. After some more time the king gets eager and sends horseman again only to get the reply that the food for meals was yet cooking. After couple of more hours the king eagerness grows and he suspects some irregularity in Birbal's behavior. He decides that he himself will visit Birbal and see what's going on. He takes few horsemen along with him and march to Bibal's home.

He is amazed by what he sees there. Birbal was sitting in front of stew. The vessel in which the the food was cooked was suspended at some height from the fire below. The king says to Birbal if he had gone crazy, how is the food suppose to be cooked when the vessel that contained it was hung high from the fire. Birbal replied that if a poor man in pond could get heat from a small lamp far away,the fire for cooking was much more than the lamp and the vessel much more near than the man from the lamp. It should easily cook the food. The emperor suddenly recognized his mistake done and injustice done to poor man of his own kingdom.

More inspirational short stories to read online on this blog

Tales of Akbar and Birbal part 1

2008-01-31T02:59:00.000+05:30

This video clips series has online animated short stories of Akbar and Birbal, in Hindi language. The stories of Akbar and Birbal are legendary, the wisdom of Birbal is shown in each story where he is tested by the Emperor and his court which is jealous of Birbal's wisdom and intelligence.

This stories many a times contains social and humorous elements along with the intelligence and wisdom.

This video clip while i watched seemed to have some problems with the visual and audio combination. However, the story goes like follow.

A great magician from Iran, visits the royal court of Shehenshah Akbar. He has come with a challenge of solving a riddle. The riddle being the tiger's statue has to be removed from the cage, without touching the tiger or touching the cage. Sehenshah Akbar turns to Birbal for the solution of the riddle. Another court member Sukhdev Singh being jealous of Birbal asks king Akbar to get a chance for the solution to the riddle, so that he too can get some name and fame. King Akbar readily agrees. Sukhdev Singh puts one of the best magician from India to solve the riddle placed by the magician of Iran. Naturally a magician against a magician seemed good idea.

The magician tries his magical trick but probably fails as the boxes used for illusion were not his own but from a different magician from a different country and different learning. Sukhdev Singh flees on seeing the failure.

The solution of the riddle naturally goes to Birbal as he has been doing it successfully over years. Birbal orders for two red hot iron rods. The iron rods are backed red hot on oven and brought to Birbal. Birbal inserts his hands carefully so that they did not touch the cage. He brings the rods near the tiger's state. The statue starts melting and eventually melts totally and flows out of the cage.

Every body applause for the success. Birbal tells king Akbar, that it was an easy riddle as the statue was made out of wax. And the wax melted away due to the heat emitted from the red hot iron rods.

Animated Stories Lord Hanuman

2008-01-31T00:13:00.002+05:30

This online streaming video contains animated stories of Lord Hanuman in Hindi Language , His childhood Bal Hanuman. Hanumanji is also called as Anjani Putra, Pavan Putra and Kesari Nandan He parents names were Vanar Raj Kesari (His father) and Anjani (His mother). Lord or Veer Hanuman is the avatar of Lord Shiva, Shivji took birth in form of Veer Hauman to serve Lord Rama and destroy the demon Rama.

Many stories of Lord Hanuman's bravery and Bhakti (devotion) are given in Valmiki's Ramayana. Lord Vishni took Avatar as Lord Rama. This amazing stories are filled with moral, inspiration and good teachings.

This video clip shows the stories related to the birth of Lord Hanuman which are filled with miracles, thrill and adventure. This stories takes us back into time from the present to the past, in Treta Yuga.

The king of Vanaras Kesari and his wife Anjani use to live of Mont Sumeru. They had all the comforts yet they were not at peace of mind, reason being they did not have any child. They meet a powerful Rishi to solve this particular problem they had.

The Rishi says to them that they certainly will have a putra (male child), and continues that but the way to that was immensely difficult. Anjani replies that she was ready for any hardships for getting a son. The Rishi replies that she will have to go to mountain range of Vindhyachal and pray to Pavan Dev (the God of winds). After taking bath in the river she will have to do Tapasya to please Pavan Deva. Vanrraj Kesari and Anjani take their way to the Mount Vindhyachala with new hopes of getting a child and becoming parents.

Days and nights passes, harsh weathers the hot sun of summers, the harsh cold of winters and heavy downpour of monsoons passes but they could not break the determination and tapasya of this couple. Anjani was determined t please Pavan deva.

On the otherside of the world Lord Agni (God of fire) gave a miraculous fruits to King Dashratha and asked him to give them to his queens to eat. With which they will give birth to Godly sons. Out of five fruits given to king Dasratha a bird comes flying from the sky and flies away picking one of the fruits from them. Pavan dev was watching this, and as soon as the eagle dropped that fruit he got hold of it and gives the fruit to Anjani.

The cartoon stories continues.

More inspirational short stories to read online on this blog

Short Stories Art of Giving

2008-01-11T23:47:00.001+05:30

I received a mail titled the art of giving with beautiful Short Stories. So decided to post these short Inspirational stories below.

The Art of Giving

"Rivers do not drink their own water, nor do trees eat their own fruit, nor do rain clouds eat the grains reared by them. The wealth of the noble is used solely for the benefit of others?
Even after accepting that giving is good and that one must learn to give, several questions need to be answered.

#The first question is when should one give?
We all know the famous incident from Mahabharat.
Yudhisthir, asks a beggar seeking alms to come the next day. On this, Bhim rejoices, that Yudhisthir, his brother, has conquered death! For he is sure that he will be around tomorrow to give. Yudhisthir gets the message.

One does not know really whether one will be there tomorrow to give!
The time to give therefore is now.

#The next question is 'how much to give?
One recalls the famous incident from history. Maharana Rana Pratap was reeling after defeat from the Moghals. He had lost his army, he had lost his wealth, and most important he had lost hope, his will to fight. At that time in his darkest hour, his erstwhile minister Bhamasha came seeking him and placed his entire fortune at the disposal of Rana Pratap. With this, Rana Pratap raised an army and lived to fight another day.
The answer to this question how much to give is "Give as much as you can!!

#The next question is what to give ?
It is not only money that can be given. It could be a flower or even a smile.
It is not how much one gives but how one gives that really matters. When you give a smile to a stranger, that may be the only good thing received by him in days and weeks!
"You can give anything but you must give it with your heart!!

One also needs answer to this question whom to give?
Many times we avoid giving by finding fault with the person who is seeking. However, being judgemental and rejecting a person on the presumption that he may not be the most deserving is not justified. "Give without being judgemental!!

Next we have to answer 'How to give?
Coming to the manner of giving, one has to ensure that the receiver does not feel humiliated, nor the giver feels proud by giving. In giving follow the Holy Bible, 'Let not your left hand know what your right hand gives? Charity without publicity and fanfare, is the highest form of charity.
'Give quietly'!!

While giving let not the recipient feel small or humiliated. After all what we give never really belonged to us. We come to this world with nothing and will go with nothing. The thing gifted was only with us for a temporary period. Why then take pride in giving away something which really did not belong to us? Give with grace and with a feeling of gratitude.

What should one feel after giving?
We all know the story of Eklavya. When Dronacharya asked him for his right thumb as "Guru Dakshina? he unhesitatingly cut off the thumb and gave it to Dronacharya. There is a little known sequel to this story. Eklavya was asked whether he ever regretted the act of giving away his thumb. He replied, and the reply has to be believed to be true, as it was asked to him when he was dying.
His reply was "Yes ! I regretted this only once in my life. It was when Pandavas were coming in to kill Dronacharya who was broken hearted on the false news of death of his son Ashwathama and had stopped fighting. It was then that I regretted the loss of my thumb. If the thumb was there, no one could have dared hurt my Guru?

The message to us is clear.
Give and never regret giving !

And the last question is 'how much should we provide for our heirs' ?
Ask yourself 'are we taking away from them the "gift of work? - a source of happiness! The answer is given by Warren Buffett:
"Leave your kids enough to do anything, but not enough to do nothing!

I would conclude by saying: let us learn the Art of Giving, and quoting Sant Kabir:
"When the wealth in the house increases, when water fills a boat, Throw them out with both hands! This is the wise thing to do!

More inspirational short stories to read online on this blog

A Zen Story - Still Carrying Her

2008-01-10T17:59:00.000+05:30

Obsessed

Two traveling monks reached a river where they met a young woman. Wary of the current, she asked if they could carry her across. One of the monks hesitated, but the other quickly picked her up onto his shoulders, transported her across the water, and put her down on the other bank. She thanked him and departed.

As the monks continued on their way, the one was brooding and preoccupied. Unable to hold his silence, he spoke out. "Brother, our spiritual training teaches us to avoid any contact with women, but you picked that one up on your shoulders and carried her!"

"Brother," the second monk replied, "I set her down on the other side, while you are still carrying her."

This is a wonderful Zen Story, intact all Zen Stories amazes me for the fact that profound meanings are hidden in seemingly short simple stories.

This story about the two monks on the way. When they find a woman unable to cross the river and asking for help, the first one hesitate. He remembers the teachings of keeping himself away from woman. The other monk does not give much of the thought, lifts her up put her on the other side of the river and keeps moving.

The first monk though has not touched the woman physically is still not free of her and the thought of his friend breaking the laws harass him all the way. At last he could not hold it any longer and inquire about the same to is friend. The monk points out to him that he had left her long ago, but he is still carrying her.

The freedom of mind is important, it is more important that the mind is free, totally in the present moment gathering energy. It is very easy to be lost in the past or projected future and lose the energy, lose the present moment. Quite arduous to be free from the time, the past and the future, and be totally in the present.

A Zen Story - The Great Crossing

2008-01-10T17:21:00.000+05:30

The Great Crossing

The Buddha said:

"A man beginning a long journey sees ahead a vast body of water. There is neither boat nor bridge. To escape the dangers of his present location, he constructs a raft of grass and branches. When he reaches the other side he realizes how useful the raft was and wonders if he should hoist it on his back and carry it with him forever. Now if he did this, would he be wise? Or, having crossed to safety, should he place the raft in a high dry location for someone else to use? This is the way I have taught the Dharma, the doctrine - for crossing, not for keeping. Cast aside every proper state of mind, oh monks - much less wrong ones - and remember well to leave the raft behind."

This parable told by Gautam Buddha was and is a caution for the truth aspiring seekers. Buddha indicates that the teachings of Dharma (religion), the doctrine should be used for transcending the mind and self. They are much useful for that purpose, once that is done, the work of doctrine the guidelines is over and should be left for other seekers. It would be unwise to carry it once the objective is achieved.

This reminds of Shirdi Sai Baba who used to suggest the reading of spiritual books to many and to some He used to say, "They people try to find Bhrahma (reality or God) in these books, but it is only Brahm (illusion) that they find.

Integrity Lal Bahadur Shastri

2007-12-29T21:41:00.000+05:30

Lal Bahadur Shastri was the second Prime Minister of India, after India gained independence. Although his physical stature was small, he was the man of great courage, will, and integrity. Lalbahadur Shastri successfully lead India during the 1965 war against Pakistan.

Because of his great qualities he was and is a great inspiration.

The following story shows the integrity of the great man. Rarely to be seen in todays world.

While he was the Prime Minister of India his son approached him with great joy and enthusiasm. The son said, "Father today I have received and appointment letter from this big company and they are offering me huge salary."

Lal Bahadur Shastri had a close look at the appointment letter. There was a smile on his face and he said, "You have not received the appointment letter on your own merit." He continued, "Nobody would offer you such appointment with such handsome salary. The only reason for the letter is that you are the son of the Prime Minister of India."

Lalbahdur Shastri asked his son to deny the proposal as it would mean the acceptance of bribe from a huge company.

This story stands apart when in todays newspapers. news channels we frequently listen and read the stories of government officials small to big doing just the opposite.

The Simpsons - India Outsourcing - Modified

2007-12-29T07:54:00.000+05:30

This one is really funny.

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