Validated - Lovely Video

All he ever wanted to begin with was to see people smile... from their hearts. :)

Eddie Vedder - Society (Into The Wild)

It's a mystery to me
we have a Greed
with which we have agreed
You think you have to want
more than you need
until you have it all you won't be free
society, you're a crazy breed
I hope you're not lonely without me
When you want more than you have
you think you need
and when you think more than you want
your thoughts begin to bleed
I think I need to find a bigger place
'cos when you have more than you think
you need more space
society, you're a crazy breed
I hope you're not lonely without me
society, crazy *indeed*
I hope you're not lonely without me
there's those thinking more or less less is more
but if less is more how you keeping score?
Means for every point you make
your level drops
kinda like its starting from the top
you can't do that...
society, you're a crazy breed
I hope you're not lonely without me
society, crazy *indeed*
I hope you're not lonely without me
society, have mercy on me
I hope you're not angry if I disagree
society, crazy *indeed*
I hope you're not lonely without me

Bill Withers - Lean On Me

Sometimes in our lives we all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you don't let show

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

If there is a load you have to bear
That you can't carry
I'm right up the road
I'll share your load
If you just call me

So just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'd understand
We all need somebody to lean on

Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

Lean on me...

:)

Just such an awesome video !! :)

Playing for Change - Stand By Me

This song says, no matter who you are,
No matter where you go in your life
At some point you're going to need
Somebody to stand by you.

Oh yeah! Oh my darlin' Stand by me!
No matter who your are, no matter where you go in life
You gon need somebody, to stand by you.
No matter how much money you got, or the friends you got,
You gon need somebody, to stand by you

When the night has come, and the way is dark,
And that moon is the only light you see.
No I won't be afraid, no I-I-I won't be afraid
Just as long as the people come and stand by me.

Darlin' darlin' stand by me, Ooo stand by me Oh stand
Stand stand by me C'mon stand by me stand by me

If the sky that we look upon
Well should tumble and fall
And the mountains should crumble to the sea
I won't cry, I won't cry, no I won't she'd a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

Oh darling, darling stand by me, oh stand by me,
Oh please stand, stand by me, stand by me.

Oh darling, darling stand by me, ohh stand by me,
Please stand, stand by me, stand by me.
Ohhh baby, baby... (interlude)

Oh darlin' darlin' stand la la nomie
Ooo stand la la nomie, O stand O stand stand
Stand by me c'mon stand by me, stand by me.
Stand la la nomie, oh won't you stand, la la nomie,
Oh stand la la nomie, stand by me, c'mon stand by me.

When the night has come, and the way is dark
And the moon, is the only light you see
I won't be afraid, lala nomie, I won't be afraid
Not as long, not as long as you stand by me.

I wanna be able to fly again... I Really do

There are miracles in life I must achieve
But first I know it starts inside of me

If I can see it, then I can do it
If I just believe it, there's nothing to it

Hey, if I just spread my wings
I can fly

Arieb Azhar – Na Raindee Hai

This is the last para from Arieb's song, which strikes a chord with me (translation provided by Arieb himself):

Parh parh ilm kitaabaan da tu naam rakh leya qaazi
Learning through the rote of books you call yourself a scholar

Hath vich parh ke talvaaraan tu naam rakh leya ghaazi
Grasping the sword in your hand you call yourself a warrior

Makke Madinay ghoom aya tu naam rakh leya haaji
Having visited Mecca and Medina you call yourself a pilgrim

Bullah tu ki haasil kita je yaar na rakhya raazi
Bullah, what have you accomplished if you have not remained true to your friend

Josh Groban - You Raise Me Up

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

There is no life - no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up... To more than I can be.

Jurm - Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaaye

Jab koi baat bigad jaaye jab koi mushkil pad jaaye
Tum dena saath mera o humnawaaz
Jab koi baat bigad jaaye jab koi mushkil pad jaaye
Tum dena saath mera o humnawaaz

Na koi hai na koi tha zindage mein tumhaare siva
Tum dena saath mera o humnawaaz
Tum dena saath mera o humnawaaz

Ho chaandni jab tak raat deta hai har koi saath
Tum magar andheron mein na chhodna mera haath
Ho chaandni jab tak raat deta hai har koi saath
Tum magar andheron mein na chhodna mera haath

Jab koi baat bigad jaaye jab koi mushkil pad jaaye
Tum dena saath mera o humnawaaz
Na koi hai na koi tha zindage mein tumhaare siva
Tum dena saath mera o humnawaaz

Wafadaari ki vo rasmein nibhayenge hum tum kasmein
Ek bhi saans zindagi ki jab tak ho apne bas mein
Wafadaari ki vo rasmein nibhayenge hum tum kasmein
Ek bhi saans zindagi ki jab tak ho apne bas mein

Jab koi baat bigad jaaye jab koi mushkil pad jaaye
Tum dena saath mera o humnawaaz
Na koi hai na koi tha zindage mein tumhaare siva
Tum dena saath mera o humnawaaz

Dil ko mere hua yakeen hum pehle bhi mile kahin
Silsila ye sadiyon ka koi aaj ki baat nahin
Dil ko mere hua yakeen hum pehle bhi mile kahin
Silsila ye sadiyon ka koi aaj ki baat nahin

Jab koi baat bigad jaaye jab koi mushkil pad jaaye
Tum dena saath mera o humnawaaz
Jab koi baat bigad jaaye jab koi mushkil pad jaaye
Tum dena saath mera o humnawaaz
Na koi hai na koi tha zindage mein tumhaare siva
Tum dena saath mera o humnawaaz
Tum dena saath mera o humnawaaz

Gary Jules - Falling Awake

 

Eagle in the dark
Feathers in the pages.
Monkeys in my heart
Rattling their cages.

Found a way to blue
And another ghost to follow
Said "it's only up to you"
And that's the hardest pill to swallow.

You never get to choose
You live on what they sent you
And you know they're gonna use
The things you love against you

One foot in the grave
One foot in the shower
There's never time to save
You're paying by the hour

And that's just the way it goes
Falling awake
And that's just the way it goes

Slipping through the bars
Aware of the danger
Of riding in the cars
Taking candy from strangers

And it's never out of hand
Never out of pocket
I'm supersonic man
Do you wanna buy a rocket?

And that's just the way it goes
Falling awake, falling awake
Oh that's just the way it goes
Falling awake, falling awake

Eagle in the dark
Feathers in the pages
Monkeys in my heart
Rattling their cages

I could learn to play the game
I could learn to run the hustle
If I only had the brains
The money or the muscle

The Experience of a Lifetime

The most beautiful place I've visited is undoubtedly The Grand Canyon. It was, to me, a canvas showcasing Nature's majesty in all its glory. And someone way up above was having a good one the day we visited, so she very kindly arranged for it to rain, then threw in some sleet, followed by snow, after which she got a gusty wind going. All of which was leading to the grand finale, a brightly shining sun! :) I died and went to my personal Heaven that day. :))))

We missed an amazing sunset view (so I was told), 'cos someone omitted to factor in the difference between PST and Mountain Time. (And it wasn't me, cross my black heart) But it has made narry a difference to me. I absolutely L.O.V.E.D. the visual delights and certainly want to go back; and this time camp on the erstwhile riverbed.

One of my most prized possessions today is a twig I carried back from my visit. We aren't supposed to remove anything out of there per the rules, but I just had to carry back a gateway to my experience. This twig transports me back to the views I had of our Mother Earth that day (sometime in 2004, I think), in which I find a measure of peace. The visit remains a trip into the spiritual realm for me.

Enigma - Return To Innocence

[This is not the original video associated with the song (for which embedding has been disabled on YouTube), but it is a beautiful one nevertheless]

That's not the beginning of the end

That's the return to yourself

The return to innocence

Don't be afraid to be weak

Don't be too proud to be strong

Just look into your heart my friend

That will be the return to yourself

The return to innocence

If you want, then start to laugh

If you must, then start to cry

Be yourself don't hide

Just believe in destiny

Don't care what people say

Just follow your own way

Don't give up and use the chance

To return to innocence

That's not the beginning of the end

That's the return to yourself

The return to innocence

Don't care what people say

Entwined

Your Smile, I treasure

Your Grace, I worship

Your Attitude, I covet

Your Emotions, I reflect

Your Charm, I protect

Your Soul, I drape around mine

Your Heart, I make love to

Your Determination, My strength

Your Compassion, My inspiration

Your Courage, My shield

Your Hope, My dreams

Your Joy, My wings

Your being, a mere vehicle to enable the above.

The Louis Theroux Collection

I was recently gifted the Louis Therous Collection and was eagerly looking forward to watching it - given the interesting theme of exploring a variety of sub-cultures and Louis Theroux looking mighty intelligent, as also to better understand the "genzo" style of journalism.

Each of the series featured within the collection (across 2 themes - exploring subcultures & following 'celebrities') turned out to be complete wash-outs. I am appalled by the total lack of preparation on the production house' (BBC-2) and the presenter' (Louis Theroux) parts in respect of most the subculture they have undertaken to 'document' and with each of them being satisfied with portraying only the most cursory, basic understanding of each subculture to its audience. Most of the identified subcultures were of interest to me and I would have thought that covering a wider spectrum of views within each subculture and delving into each of them in greater depth ought to have been the obvious choice. In my mind, most have turned out to be meaningless documentaries. And this ought to be an insult to the average TV and/ or documentary viewer' intelligence and time (not to mention money, as the BBC continues to be financed by license fees approved by the Parliament).

(I am biased about the follow-the-celebrity bits, 'cos none of the ones featured in the collection are of any interest to me. So no opinion on them)

Phil Ochs - I'm Tired

(The lyrics are included within the video)

Franklin D. Roosevelt - Second Bill of Rights (excerpt from State of Union Address to the US Congress on Jan.11.1944)

"It is our duty now to begin to lay the plans and determine the strategy for the winning of a lasting peace and the establishment of an American standard of living higher than ever before known. We cannot be content, no matter how high that general standard of living may be, if some fraction of our people—whether it be one-third or one-fifth or one-tenth—is ill-fed, ill-clothed, ill-housed, and insecure. This Republic had its beginning, and grew to its present strength, under the protection of certain inalienable political rights—among them the right of free speech, free press, free worship, trial by jury, freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures. They were our rights to life and liberty. As our nation has grown in size and stature, however—as our industrial economy expanded—these political rights proved inadequate to assure us equality in the pursuit of happiness. We have come to a clear realization of the fact that true individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence. “Necessitous men are not free men.” People who are hungry and out of a job are the stuff of which dictatorships are made. In our day these economic truths have become accepted as self-evident. We have accepted, so to speak, a second Bill of Rights under which a new basis of security and prosperity can be established for all—regardless of station, race, or creed. Among these are: The right to a useful and remunerative job in the industries or shops or farms or mines of the nation; The right to earn enough to provide adequate food and clothing and recreation; The right of every farmer to raise and sell his products at a return which will give him and his family a decent living; The right of every businessman, large and small, to trade in an atmosphere of freedom from unfair competition and domination by monopolies at home or abroad; The right of every family to a decent home; The right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health; The right to adequate protection from the economic fears of old age, sickness, accident, and unemployment; The right to a good education.   All of these rights spell security. And after this war is won we must be prepared to move forward, in the implementation of these rights, to new goals of human happiness and well-being. For unless there is security here at home there cannot be lasting peace in the world."

--------------------------------------------------------------

This was the closest that the USA came to incorporating socialism within its fabric. It was intended to be a purely 'economic bill of rights', with no judicial intervention possible. The Bill did not become law, given that FDR died within a year of this speech and no one else took forward the baton. Coincidentally, much of this Bill was adopted by Japan, Germany and Italy in principle after WW II and continues to be reflected within their internal economic policies till date... and each of these countries has a higher standard of living than the market-driven USA. Ponder over that.

Ben Harper - With My Own Hands

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEnfy9qfdaU (Link to the video)

Now I can change the world
With my own two hands
Make it a better place
With my own two hands
Make it a kinder place

With my own two hands
With my own, with my own two hands
With my own, with my own two hands

Now I could make peace on earth
With my own two hands
And I could clean up the earth
With my own two hands
And I can reach out to you

With my own two hands
With my own, with my own two hands
With my own, with my own two hands

I'm gonna make it a brighter place
With my own two hands
I'm gonna make it a safer place
With my own two hands
I'm gonna help the human race

With my own two hands
With my own, with my own two hands
With my own, with my own two hands

Now I could hold you
With my own two hands
And I can comfort you
With my own two hands

But you got to, got to use
Use your own two hands
Use your own, use your own two hands
Use your own, use your own two hands
Oh, you got to use your own two hands

With our own, with our own two hands
With our own, with our own two hands
With our own, with our own two hands

Chris Botti (feat. Steven Tyler) - Smile

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though its breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, youll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
Youll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
Thats the time you must keep on trying
Smile, whats the use of crying?
Youll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

Thats the time you must keep on trying
Smile, whats the use of crying?
Youll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

Two Wolves - A Cherokee Story

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all."

"One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego."

"The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought for a minute, and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee replied, "The one you feed."

Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven

Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven
Will it be the same
If I saw you in heaven
I must be strong, and carry on
Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven

Would you hold my hand
If I saw you in heaven
Would you help me stand
If I saw you in heaven
I'll find my way, through night and day
Cause I know I just can't stay
Here in heaven

Time can bring you down
Time can bend your knee
Time can break your heart
Have you begging please
Begging please
Beyond the door
There's peace I'm sure.
And I know there'll be no more...
Tears in heaven

Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven
Will it be the same
If I saw you in heaven
I must be strong, and carry on
Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven

Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven

Nayagan - Thenpandi Cheemayile

Thenpandi cheemayile, therodum veedhiyile

Maan pola vandhavnai yaar adithaaro

Yaar adithaaro, yaar adithaaro...

Valarum piraye theiyadhe

Iniyum azhudhu thembadhe

Azhudha manasu thangadhe

Azhudha manasu thangadhe

In the southern realm of the Pandiyas

In the streets where chariots race

He was skipping along like a fawn

Who could have hurt him?

O waxing moon, please don't wane

Don't sob your heart out

For your tears will break my heart

For your tears will break my heart

In taking a step...

Why do we push ourselves each day to undertake actions that we do not want to, that hold no meaning for us (whether or not material)?

I could never compete in the rat race, as cannot very many people I know (including some close friends I've had the immense pleasure of first meeting on the blogosphere). We just aren't built that way. Whilst a whole lot of us would do well in the rat race, likely even stand out from our peers, competing isn't what some of us want to do... at all. We simply want to pursue something that makes sense, i.e. gives us joy, peace and satisfaction. And we do not want to undertake it primarily to stand out in the crowd.

I'm reading bits on existentialism and nihilism and am happy to have figured that I fall on the existentialist side, having as I do a fair sense of morality. I do not bear nihilists any grudge; I'm simply saying its not me.

Yet, we continue to undertake activities we have yet to make our peace with. Call it responsibility, call it a comfort zone or simply a confused state of being. But I'm happy with my mid-Life crisis. Because I know I just love my Life a little too much to compromise on its beauty - potential or realised. My dreams made me who I was, now they aren't there any more. Either I find the ability to dream again or acknowledge that Life can continue to be beautiful without having dreams to pursue. Maybe the dreams came on during a phase of my Life where I needed them. Perhaps now, I will find that I can detach myself from such a comfort zone. This directionless, rudderless phase in my Life could likely be viewed as an opportunity to move another step on the ladder of moksha.

Meatloaf - Life is Lemon (And I Want My Money Back)

(Cudn't find a suitable video to upload)

I want my money back! I want my money back!

It's all or nothing, and nothing's all I ever get
Everytime I turn it on, I burn it up and burn it out

It's always something, there's always something going wrong
That's the only guarantee, that's what this is all about

It's a never ending attack, everything's a lie and that's a fact
Life is a lemon and I want my money back

And all the morons and all the stooges with their coins
They're the ones who make the rules,
It's not a game, it's just a rout

There's desperation, there's desperation in the air
It leaves a stain on all your clothes
And no detergent gets it out

And we're always slipping thru the cracks
Slippin'
Then the movie's over, fade to black
Life is a lemon and I want my money back

I want my money back, I want my money back

What about love?
It's defective - it's always breaking in half
What about sex?
It's defective - it's never built to really last
What about your family?
It's defective - all the batteries are shot
What about your friends?
They're defective - all the parts are out of stock
What about hope?
It's defective - it's corroded and decayed
What about faith?
It's defective - it's tattered and it's frayed
What about your Gods?
They're defective - They forgot the warranty
What about your town?
It's defective - it's a dead end street to me
What about your school?
It's defective - it's a pack of useless lies
What about your work?
It's defective - it's a crock and then you die
What about your childhood?
It's defective - it's dead and buried in the past
What about your future?
It's defective - and you can shove it up your ass!

I want my money back - life is a lemon
I want my money back - life is a lemon, life is a lemon

It's all or nothing, and nothing's all I ever get
Everytime I turn it on, I burn it up and burn it out

It's a never ending attack,
Everything's a lie and that's a fact
Life is a lemon and I want my money back

And we're always slipping thru the cracks
Slippin'
Then the movie's over, fade to black
Life is a lemon and I want my money back
Back, back, back, back!

I want my money back, I want my money back
Life is a lemon

Mary Elizabeth Frye - Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die.

KIshore Kumar - Aa Chalke Tujhe

Aa chal ke tujhe, main le ke chaluun
ik aise gagan ke tale
jahan gam bhii na ho, aansoo bhi na ho
bas pyaar hii pyaar pale

Aa chal ke tujeh main le ke chaluun
ik aise gagan ke tale
jahan gam bhi na ho, aansoo bhi na ho
bas pyaar hi pyaar pale
ik aise gagan ke tale

Suraj ki pahali kiran se, aashaa kaa savera jaage (2)
chandaa kii kiraN se dhul kar, ghanaghor andhera bhaage (2) 
kabhi dhuup khile kabhi chhaav mile
lambii sii Dagar na khale
jahan gam bhi na ho, aansoo bhi na ho 
bas pyaar hi pyaar pale
ik aise gagan ke tale

Jahan door nazar daud aae, aazaad gagan laharaae laharaee (2)
jahan rang birange panchhi, aashaa kaa sandesaa laayen (2)
sapano me pali hansati ho kali
jahan shaam suhaani dhale
jahan gam bhi na ho, aansoo bhi na ho
bas pyaar hi pyaar pale
ik aise gagan ke tale

Sapano Ke aise jahan mein jahan pyaar hi pyaar khila ho 
hum jaa ke vahan kho jaaye shikuva na koyi ghila ho 
kahin bhair na ho koyi ghair na ho
sab milke chalte chale 
jahan gam bhi na ho aansoo bhi na ho
bas pyaar hi pyaar pale
ik aise gagan ke tale
aa chal ke tujeh mein leke chaluun 
ik aise gagan ke tale
jahan gam bhi na ho aansoo bhi na ho
bas pyaar hi pyaar pale
ik aise gagan ke tale

Shubha Mudgal - Mann Ke Manjeere

One of the really powerful music videos I've seen of Indian origin. Shubha Mudgal's pitch is a trip in itself.

P.S. - The translations are embedded within the video itself.

Epictetus - Enchiridion

"Of all existing things some are in our power, and others are not in our power. In our power are thought, impulse, will to get and will to avoid, and, in a word, everything which is our own doing. Things not in our power include the body, property, reputation, office, and, in a word, everything which is not our own doing. Things in our power are by nature free, unhindered, untrammeled; things not in our power are weak, servile, subject to hindrance, dependent on others. Remember then that if you imagine that what is naturally slavish is free, and what is naturally another’s is your own, you will be hampered, you will mourn, you will be put to confusion, you will blame gods and men; but if you think that only your own belongs to you, and that what is another’s is indeed another’s, no one will ever put compulsion or hindrance on you, you will blame none, you will accuse none, you will do nothing against your will, no one will harm you, you will have no enemy, for no harm can touch you."

"Suffering arises from trying to control what is uncontrollable or from neglecting what is within our power."

"We are disturbed not by events, but by the views which we take of them."

"All external events are determined by fate, and are thus beyond our control, but we can accept whatever happens calmly and dispassionately. Individuals are responsible for their own actions, which they can examine and control through rigorous self-discipline."

"The essence of philosophy is that a man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things. "

"To accuse others for one's own misfortunes is a sign of want of education. To accuse oneself shows that one's education has begun. To accuse neither oneself nor others shows that one's education is complete."

"First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak."

"If you desire to be good, begin by believing that you are wicked."

"It is impossible to begin to learn that which one thinks one already knows."

"No man is free who is not master of himself." 

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Came across Epictetus whilst surfing the Net today. The philosophical quotes attributed to him appear simple, yet profound - perfectly Stoic

--> - which is also in line with the basic philosophy of Vendatism, Jainism and Buddhism, i.e. suffering is not on account of living per se, but as a result of attachments (which attachments are choices each of us make and can control). Man has the choice of controlling his suffering by becoming self-aware (as opposed to merely following another’s word/ path), the highest level of which is referred to as “moksha”.

Elvis Presley - If I Can Dream

There must be lights burning brighter somewhere
Got to be birds flying higher in a sky more blue
If I can dream of a better land
Where all my brothers walk hand in hand
Tell me why, oh why, oh why can't my dream come true
Oh why

There must be peace and understanding sometime
Strong winds of promise that will blow away
All the doubt and fear
If I can dream of a warmer sun
Where hope keeps shining on everyone
Tell me why, oh why, oh why won't that sun appear

We're lost in a cloud
With too much rain
We're trapped in a world
That's troubled with pain
But as long as a man
Has the strength to dream
He can redeem his soul and fly

Deep in my heart there's a tremblin' question
Still I am sure that the answer, answer's gonna come somehow
Out there in the dark, there's a beckoning candle, yeah
And while I can think, while I can walk
While I can stand, while I can talk
While I can dream, please let my dream
Come true......right now

In the Voice of Khalil Gibran

And what is it to work with love?

It is to weave the cloth with threads drawn from your heart, even as if your beloved were to wear that cloth.

It is to build a house with affection, even as if your beloved were to dwell in that house.

It is to sow seeds with tenderness and reap the harvest with joy, even as if your beloved were to eat the fruit.

It is to charge all things you fashion with a breath of your own spirit,

And to know that all the blessed dead are standing about you and watching.

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Work is love made visible.

And if you cannot work with love but only with distaste, it is better that you should leave your work and sit at the gate of the temple and take alms of those who work with joy.

For if you bake bread with indifference, you bake a bitter bread that feeds but half man's hunger.

And if you grudge the crushing of the grapes, your grudge distills a poison in the wine.

And if you sing though as angels, and love not the singing, you muffle man's ears to the voices of the day and the voices of the night.

Hahahahaha... :D

The Other Side

We can each choose to be blind,
We look around, yet do not see.

We can each choose to be deaf,
We listen, yet do not hear.

We can each choose to be mute,
We talk, yet do not speak out.

We can each choose to be unwise,
We seek information, yet do not disperse knowledge.

We can each choose to hate,
We are 'social' beings, yet do not love.

We can each choose to live our own Lives,
Or aspire toward the dreams of other men.

Now, would you choose to trust or distrust a fellow traveler?

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Addendum: "Its no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society" - J. Krishnamurti

Mehfuz - Ha Raham

 

Allah…

aani jaani… hai kahaani…
(the stories of life will keep coming and going…)
bulbule si… zindgaani…
(and life is nothing but a bubble ready to burst…)
banti kabhi bigadti…
(…forming, and sometimes de-flating…)
tez hawa se ladti, bhidti…
(…fighting with and entangled in the strong winds…)

ha raham, ha raham, farma e-Khuda…
(remember Him, and keep chanting his name…)

ha raham, ha raham, farma e-Khuda…
mehfuz har kadam karna e-Khuda, e-Khuda
(… and He’ll make sure each step you take is a safe one…)
mehfuz har kadam karna e-Khuda, e-Khuda…

Allah…

saanson ki sooti… dor anoothi…
(this strange string of breaths, like cotton beads…)
jal jayegi… jal jayegi…
(will burn away one day, will burn away…)
band jo laaye the, haath ki muthhi…
(the closed fist with which one entered this world…)
khul jayegi… khul jayegi…
(will open up forever, will open up…)

armaan kare kayaa ye ujlee… mitti mein mil jayegi…
(the false flashes of one’s materialistic wishes will vanish into dust someday)
chaahe jitni shamaayein raushan kar le… dhoop to dhal jayegi, jayegi…
(no matter how many lamps you light, the light of life will die one day…)

ha raham, ha raham, farma e-Khuda…
ha raham, ha raham, farma e-Khuda…
mehfuz har kadam karna e-Khuda, e-Khuda
mehfuz har kadam karna e-Khuda, e-Khuda…

sone chamak mein, sikko khanak mein…
(in the shining pieces of gold, and in the clinkering of coins…)
milta nahi… milta nahi…
(one can’t find Him, can’t find Him…)
dhool ke zarron mein, dhoonde koi tu…
(but if one looks even in the dust particles…)
milta wahin… milta wahin…
(one will find Him there, will find Him…)

kya majaal teri marzee ke aage… bando ki chal jayegi…
(no one is powerful enough to act against Your will…)
thaame ungli jo tu kathputli bhi… chaal badal jayegi, jayegi..
(and if You catch hold of a puppet’s finger,
even it would change it’s way…)

ha raham, ha raham, farma e-Khuda…
ha raham, ha raham, farma e-Khuda…
mehfuz har kadam karna e-Khuda, e-Khuda
mehfuz har kadam karna e-Khuda, e-Khuda…

Joshua Radin - No Envy, No Fear

some are reaching few are there
wandering from a heros chair
some are scared to fly so high
well this is how we have to try

have no envy and no fear
have no envy
no fear

brother brother we all see
your hiding out so painfully
see yourself come out to play
a lovers rain will wash away

your envy and your fear
so have no envy
no fear

when your sister turns to leave
only when shes most in need
take away the cause of pain
by showing her were all the same.

have no envy
no fear
have no envy
and no fear

every day we try to find
we search our hearts and our minds
the place we used to call our home
cant be found when were alone

so have no envy
no fear
have no envy
no fear

Silk Route - Sapnay

One of my most frustrating ventures online has been attempting to download songs from Silk Route's album "Pehchaan", including this one. I've been at it for several months and I haven't managed to find a single website that permits a free download of the MP3s/ MP4s from this album (I prefer my music in a format I can carry on the Zune). So obviously I go looking for the MP3s/ MP4s offline and, blow me, but even regular audio CDs aren't to be found of this album... so ze frustration begins to now slither into the real world. 

P.S. - At present, the message most likely to be on my tombstone is "Pehchaan hain?" (Koi bhi format chalega, bhai)

[Update on July-2-2010 :: Just laid hands on the album online. Tracks aren't crystal clear, but all hale and hearty otherwise.]

Red Hot Chili Peppers - Under the Bridge

Sometimes I feel like I don't have a partner
Sometimes I feel like my only friend
Is the city I live in, the city of angels
Lonely as I am, together we cry

I drive on her streets 'cause she's my companion
I walk through her hills cause she knows who I am
She sees my good deeds and she kisses me windy
I never worried, now that is a lie

I don't ever wanna feel like I did that day
Take me to the place I love, take me all the way
I don't ever wanna feel like I did that day
Take me to the place I love, take me all the way

It's hard to believe that there's nobody out there
It's hard to believe that I'm all alone
At least I have her love, the city she loves me
Lonely as I am, together we cry

I don't ever wanna feel like I did that day
Take me to the place I love, take me all the way
I don't ever wanna feel like I did that day
Take me to the place I love, take me all the way

Under the bridge downtown
Is where I drew some blood
Under the bridge downtown
I could not get enough
Under the bridge downtown
Forgot about my love
Under the bridge downtown
I gave my life away

 

Strike Three!!!.... Batter Out!

One of the NGOs I began working with last year in the under-privileged education space. Appalled to find what I did - no meaning, no structure, ineffective. Simply put - grossly irresponsible to the kids whom we were looking to work with, followed by the other stakeholders. Tried reaching out to the founders a few times, but got no response. Finally, a meeting last Sunday (albeit for altogether different reasons), which was handled very badly. Feedback provided was met with excuses, following which I found myself tearing into the manner in which things were being run (or not). 

I see some progress on the documents sent out yesterday (i.e. application of mind and effort), but I still believe that things could be significantly improved in re the manner of working. I want this to work for the sake of 'our' kids.

When you truly believe in something, you not just walk it and talk it, you breathe it, eat it and carry it about every single day until it becomes an integral, non-alienable part of your being/ existence. Upon achieving such a mindset, you look upon obstacles/ failures that you encounter merely as opportunities to learn (as opposed to pushing the readings on your self-confidence meter lower or letting your ego into the act). And you push on regardless, because you believe - in that something, which you regard as a greater cause for your existence than the mere need to stay alive and have a decent/ good Life. This to me is part of 'taking ownership', which I do in re matters that interest me or which I care about. Of course, working as part of a team also means letting go at the appropriate time(s).


Vishu Mubarak, incidentally.

The Beatles - Nowhere Man

He's a real nowhere man
Sitting in his nowhere land
Making all his nowhere plans for nobody

Doesn't have a point of view
Knows not where he's going to
Isn't he a bit like you and me?

Nowhere Man, please listen
You don't know what you're missing
Nowhere Man, the world is at your command

He's as blind as he can be
Just sees what he wants to see
Nowhere Man can you see me at all?

Nowhere Man, don't worry
Take your time, don't hurry
Leave it all till somebody else lends you a hand

Doesn't have a point of view
Knows not where he's going to
Isn't he a bit like you and me?

Nowhere Man, please listen
You don't know what you're missing
Nowhere Man, the world is at your command

He's a real Nowhere Man
Sitting in his nowhere land
Making all his nowhere plans for nobody
Making all his nowhere plans for nobody
Making all his nowhere plans for nobody

William Ernest Henley - Invictus

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

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The poem made famous by Nelson 'Madiba' Mandela.

Katie Melua - If You Were a Sailboat

If you were a cowboy, I would trail you
If you were a piece of wood, I’d nail you to the floor 

If you were a sailboat, I would sail you to the shore
If you were a river, I would swim you
If you were a house, I would live in you all my days
If you were a preacher, I’d begin to change my ways

Sometimes I believe in fate
but the chances we create
always seem to ring more true
you took a chance on loving me

I took a chance on loving you

If I was in jail I know you’d spring me
If I were a telephone you’d ring me all day long
If I was in pain I know you’d sing me soothing songs

Sometimes I believe in fate
but the chances we create
always seem to ring more true
you took a chance on loving me
I took a chance on loving you

If I was hungry you would feed me
if I was in darkness you would lead me to the light
If I was a book I know you’d read me every night

If you were a cowboy I would trail you
If you were a piece of wood I’d nail you to the floor
If you were a sailboat I would sail you to the shore
If you were a sailboat I would sail you to the shore

Nick Drake - Place To Be

When I was young, younger than before
I never saw the truth hanging from the door
And now I’m older see it face to face
And now I’m older gotta get up, clean the place

And I was green, greener than the hill
Where flowers grew and sun shone still
Now I’m darker than the deepest sea
Just hand me down, give me a place to be

And I was strong, strong in the sun
I thought I’d see when day was done
Now I’m weaker than the palest blue
Oh, so weak in this need for you

Lifehouse - Hanging by a Moment

Desperate for changing
Starving for truth
I'm closer to where I started
Chasing after you
I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you

Forgetting all I'm lacking
Completely incomplete
I'll take your invitation
You take all of me now...

I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you
I'm living for the only thing I know
I'm running and not quite sure where to go
And I don't know what I'm diving into
Just hanging by a moment here with you

There's nothing else to lose
There's nothing else to find
There's nothing in the world
That can change my mind
There is nothing else
There is nothing else
There is nothing else

Desperate for changing
Starving for truth
I'm closer to where I started
Chasing after you....

I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you
I'm living for the only thing I know
I'm running and not quite sure where to go
And I don't know what I'm diving into
Just hanging by a moment here with you

Just hanging by a moment (here with you)
Hanging by a moment (here with you)
Hanging by a moment here with you

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The song making the rounds within my head en ce moment... alongside "Everything".