The Compass of My Preferences: What I Embrace and What I Avoid

The Compass of My Preferences: What I Embrace and What I Avoid

 

Every individual walks a path shaped by personal tastes and preferences. What I admire or enjoy might not necessarily resonate with others—even within my own family. Just as fingerprints differ, so do our inclinations. Our likes and dislikes are not just trivial matters; they reflect our values, personality, and experiences. They guide our choices and, to some extent, define our identity.

 

Personally, I find deep joy in reading. But not just any reading—I am drawn to meaningful, thoughtful, and enriching literature. I love immersing myself in books written by great authors, poets, philosophers, and thinkers who have left an indelible mark on humanity. Their words transcend time and space, offering wisdom, inspiration, and reflection. Whether it’s the profound verses of a poet, the insight of a philosopher, or the stirring stories of a novelist, such works are more than just pages bound together—they are companions of the mind and soul.

 

Being in the company of such literary giants, even through their written words, brings me immense happiness and satisfaction. Their thoughts nourish my spirit and stimulate my intellect. I consider such books not just a pastime but essential food for the soul. They enrich me, broaden my perspective, and elevate my thinking. In a world that often chases fleeting pleasures, this lasting joy from reading is something I deeply cherish.

 

In stark contrast, I have an intense dislike for what I consider "literary trash." Sadly, many shelves today are flooded with sensational, shallow, or morally questionable content. Such material might gain popularity for its entertainment value, but I find it hollow and, at times, even harmful. I believe reading should uplift, not degrade. Books filled with vulgarity, negativity, or meaningless chatter are, in my view, a waste of time and a betrayal of the true purpose of literature. I would rather not read at all than pollute my mind with content that lacks substance or integrity.

 

Beyond books, my dislikes extend to certain social behaviors as well. I strongly detest flattery and sycophancy. Flatterers, those who praise others insincerely for personal gain, are not just irritating—they are dangerous. These individuals can distort the truth, mislead decision-makers, and promote mediocrity. In doing so, they harm society by creating a culture of dishonesty and superficiality. Genuine feedback, honesty, and integrity should be the foundation of all relationships—whether personal or professional. Let us all be vigilant and not fall prey to these manipulators in disguise.

 

In conclusion, our likes and dislikes form the moral and emotional fabric of our personality. They reveal what we stand for and what we oppose. I take pride in cherishing the company of great minds through literature, and I hold strong opinions against anything that threatens the quality of thought and integrity in society. Let us all strive to develop good, meaningful preferences that enrich our lives and the world around us

Seize the Day, Live Fully

 

Life rarely moves in a straight line. More often, it's an unexpected encounter or sudden jolt that interrupts our routine and transforms the way we see the world. Such was the case with Prince Siddhartha, whose sheltered life within the palace walls came to an abrupt awakening when he stepped out and faced the stark truths of aging, illness, and death. This 'interrupter' event sparked a profound journey—a relentless quest to understand the roots of human suffering.

 

What Siddhartha eventually uncovered was a universal truth: that suffering, or dukkha, lies at the heart of human existence. His journey led him to identify craving as the central source of suffering, a craving stoked by the poisonous triad—ignorance (avidya), greed or attachment (raga), and aversion or hatred (dvesha). These forces distort our understanding of reality and keep us trapped in a cycle of dissatisfaction and delusion.

 

Through years of introspection, discipline, and meditation, Siddhartha transcended worldly illusions and became the Buddha, the Awakened One. His awakening marked not only a personal transformation but the foundation of Buddhism itself—a practical philosophy grounded in insight and compassionate action.

 

Buddhism classifies suffering into three main forms:

 

Dukkha-dukkha – the suffering of suffering: This includes the direct pain of birth, aging, illness, and death—experiences that all beings inevitably endure.

 

Viparinama-dukkha – the suffering of change: Everything changes. Relationships fade, youth wanes, and the new loses its shine. Our attachment to permanence in an impermanent world leads to inevitable disappointment.

 

Sankhara-dukkha – the suffering of conditioned existence: This deeper, existential suffering arises from the realization that all things are interconnected and impermanent, giving us a constant sense of insecurity and groundlessness.

 

The Buddha offered a way out—not through extremes of indulgence or denial, but through moderation, clarity, and inner discipline. At the heart of his teaching lies the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which provide a practical roadmap for liberation:

 

Shila (ethics): Right action, speech, and livelihood.

 

Dhyana (mental discipline): Right effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

 

Prajna (wisdom): Right view and right intention.

 

To live well, Buddhism urges us to examine life rather than drift through it. Much of our suffering stems from denial—masking the reality of change, mislabelling discomfort, or clinging to illusions. The moment we recognize these patterns, we can begin to unbind ourselves from unhealthy attachments.

 

There’s no escaping pain in life, but the degree of suffering is optional. As ancient sages have pointed out, the dread of death—abhinivesha—can be lessened by remembering that life is fleeting. Philosophical traditions echo this through phrases like memento mori (“remember you must die”) or maranasati in Buddhism, which serve as reminders of mortality.

 

Yet, acknowledging death doesn’t mean renouncing joy. In fact, it sharpens our awareness of life’s fleeting beauty. That’s why memento mori is often followed by memento vivere—"remember to live." In other words, knowing that our time is limited should compel us to live more fully, more presently.

 

This aligns with the timeless exhortation from the Roman poet Horace: carpe diem—seize the day. It’s a call not just to indulge, but to be fully alive to each moment, to embrace the present with clarity, courage, and compassion.

 

To live mindfully, with awareness of both life’s impermanence and its possibilities, is to truly seize the day.

 

 

IF HE EXIST

 I drive joy there was a doctor in Benaras who spent 7 minutes in the morning and evening for mediation on God. Knowing this, his colleagues and friends laughed at him. One day they argued that he was wasting 7 precious minutes on something, which he had been misled into believing. The doctor replied, “Well, if God does not exist, I agree that I am wasting 7 minutes a day. But, if He exists? I am afraid you are wasting your entire lifetime. I prefer to waste 7 minutes rather than a lifetime. Why should you grudge me the 7minutes joy that I derive 4m.-

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Understanding Stress: The Double-Edged Sword of Life

 Understanding Stress: The Double-Edged Sword of Life

Stress is an unavoidable part of everyday life. It arises from any change that requires you to adapt—ranging from threatening situations to positive milestones like falling in love or achieving a long-desired goal. Whether pleasant or painful, change demands a response, and that response is stress.

Contrary to popular belief, not all stress is harmful. In fact, a certain level of stress is not only beneficial but essential for motivation, survival, and growth. The key lies in understanding its sources and managing its effects.

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The Four Major Sources of Stress

1.    Environmental Stressors
The world around you constantly challenges your ability to adapt. Common environmental stressors include extreme weather, loud noises, heavy traffic, overcrowded spaces, and pollution.

2.    Social Stressors
Interpersonal demands are another major source. Deadlines, financial strain, job interviews, public speaking, conflicts, loss of loved ones, and the constant tug-of-war for your time and attention all contribute to social stress.

3.    Physiological Stressors
Changes within your body also create stress. These include adolescence, menopause, illness, injury, aging, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and general fatigue. Even a lack of experience in handling situations can be physiologically taxing.

4.    Psychological Stressors (Thoughts)
Perhaps the most significant source of stress is your own mind. Your thoughts interpret and assign meaning to experiences. How you perceive a situation—and what you predict about the future—can either calm you or create anxiety. A positive mindset can reduce stress, while negative thinking can amplify it.

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The Fight-or-Flight Response

The modern concept of stress originates from the “fight or flight” response—a biochemical reaction preparing the body to face threats. Early humans needed bursts of energy to confront or escape from predators like saber-toothed tigers. This primal mechanism still exists today, but in modern life, we often cannot act on it due to social norms.

During stress, the cerebral cortex (the brain's thinking center) sends an alarm to the hypothalamus, which activates the sympathetic nervous system. This triggers a series of physiological changes: increased heart rate, faster breathing, higher blood pressure, muscle tension, and elevated metabolism.

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The Relaxation Response: Turning Off the Alarm

Fortunately, the body also has a built-in mechanism to deactivate the stress response—called the relaxation response. Once your brain assesses that the threat has passed, it stops sending emergency signals. As a result, your breathing slows, heart rate normalizes, blood pressure drops, and muscles relax.

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Conclusion

Stress is not the enemy—it is a natural and necessary part of life. The real challenge lies in managing stress effectively, recognizing its sources, and learning to activate the body’s relaxation response. With awareness and practice, stress can become a force for growth rather than a cause for harm.

The Miracle We Overlook: The Wonder of Existence

At some point in our lives, no matter what we believe—whether deeply religious or firmly atheistic—we’ve all wished for a miracle. We’ve longed for something extraordinary to tilt life in our favor. “If only I could top the board exams,” we think. “If only I could get that dream job, meet the perfect partner, or strike gold in the lottery.”

These wishes differ from person to person, but they all spring from the same hope: that something beyond our control might intervene in our favor. Yet in this yearning for the spectacular, we often overlook the most profound miracle of all: our own existence.

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We Are Stardust in a Sea of Stars

Look up at a clear night sky—free of the haze of light or smog—and you’ll see thousands of stars sparkling above. Each one is a sun, much like ours. And these visible stars are only a fraction of the Milky Way, which contains an estimated 60 billion stars. Yet the Milky Way itself is just one galaxy among hundreds of billions, possibly even trillions, scattered throughout the universe.

Every star could have its own system of planets, and among these may be worlds like ours. But for a planet to support life, it must exist in a delicate balance—in what's called the Goldilocks Zone, not too hot, not too cold. Add to that the need for liquid water, stable conditions, and time, and you start to see just how rare Earth-like life could be.

Using tools like the Drake Equation, scientists have speculated there could be tens of billions of potentially habitable planets in our galaxy alone—and possibly 50 sextillion (that’s 5 followed by 22 zeros) in the entire universe.

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The Cosmic Silence

With such staggering numbers, one might expect the universe to be teeming with intelligent life. Yet, we’ve heard nothing. Since 1960, SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) has been listening for signals from other civilizations. So far—silence.

This mystery is summed up in the Fermi Paradox, which asks: “If intelligent life is common, why haven’t we seen any sign of it?” Could other beings be deliberately avoiding us, dismayed by our wars and environmental destruction? Or perhaps we are truly alone, the only conscious observers in an otherwise silent universe.

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A Fragile Miracle

The late astrophysicist Fred Hoyle once compared the emergence of complex life on Earth to a tornado sweeping through a junkyard and assembling a fully functioning airplane. It seems absurd—and yet, here we are.

So what is the source of this improbable wonder? Religions attribute it to a divine creator. Scientists point to the Big Bang and evolution. But regardless of the explanation, one truth remains: something exists instead of nothing—stars, oceans, trees, thoughts, you.

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The Ultimate Miracle

In our pursuit of signs and wonders, we forget the ultimate marvel: we are here. Life exists. Consciousness exists. You, reading this, are part of an intricate and awe-inspiring universe that defies simple explanation.

So the next time you wish for a miracle, remember: you are already living one.

 

 

 

IF HE EXIST

 I drive joy there was a doctor in Benaras who spent 7 minutes in the morning and evening for mediation on God. Knowing this, his colleagues and friends laughed at him. One day they argued that he was wasting 7 precious minutes on something, which he had been misled into believing. The doctor replied, “Well, if God does not exist, I agree that I am wasting 7 minutes a day. But, if He exists? I am afraid you are wasting your entire lifetime. I prefer to waste 7 minutes rather than a lifetime. Why should you grudge me the 7minutes joy that I derive 4m.-

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Life as a Symphony of Actions

  

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  Life as a Symphony of Actions

If we closely observe the journey of human life, it becomes evident that it is nothing but a continuous flow of actions. These actions may be physical, sensual, mental, emotional, or intellectual in nature.

Physical Actions: Voluntary and Involuntary

Actions such as standing, sitting, lying down, walking, or speaking are examples of voluntary physical actions—those we perform consciously. In contrast, activities like the beating of the heart or digestion occur without our conscious control; these are known as involuntary actions. Together, both voluntary and involuntary movements constitute physical activity.

Sensual Actions: Perception and Execution

Sensual actions are carried out through our sensory organs. Seeing a clock, hearing music, tasting food, smelling a flower, or feeling the fur of a pet all involve the five organs of perception—eyes, ears, tongue, nose, and skin—also known as the Jnana Indriyas (organs of knowledge). These organs gather information from the external world.

In addition, there are five organs of action, referred to as the Karma Indriyas, which include the hands (for serving), legs (for walking), vocal cords (for speaking), and the organs responsible for excretion and reproduction. These execute the body’s responses. Thus, sensual actions are a combined function of both perception and response.

Mental Actions: The Power of Thought

When a thought crosses your mind—like "I want to drink coffee" or "I feel like watching a movie"—it is classified as a mental action. These are activities of the mind where desires, preferences, and planning occur.

Emotional Actions: Expressions of the Heart

Beyond thought lies emotion. When you say, “I feel happy,” “I feel bad,” or “I feel love,” these are expressions not of thought, but of feeling. Such emotional responses—love, anger, compassion, joy—are called emotional actions, representing the deeper, more sensitive side of human experience.

Intellectual Actions: The Quest for Understanding

When you ask questions like "What is the moon?" or "How does a television work?", you engage your intellect. These efforts to analyze, understand, and inquire reflect intellectual activity. This level of action involves the reasoning capacity of the brain and our pursuit of knowledge.

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In conclusion, human life is a rich tapestry woven from various forms of action. From the simple movement of limbs to the profound workings of thought and emotion, every moment is shaped by activity. Recognizing this helps us understand ourselves more deeply and live with greater awareness.

Embracing Suffering: The Path to Inner Peace

Buddha was not a divine being, but a human—just like us. He experienced suffering in the same way we do. Yet, he met that suffering with openhearted compassion. If we approach him with sincerity, it's as though he gently tells us, “Your suffering opens the door to my understanding and my heart.”

For 45 years, the Buddha shared a single essential message: “I teach only one thing—suffering, and the path to transform it.” When we become aware of our own pain and acknowledge it, the awakened part of ourselves—the Buddha within—can begin to examine its roots and guide us toward freedom, peace, and joy.

Suffering was not something the Buddha rejected; it was his teacher. And just as he used it to awaken, so too can we. While the sea of suffering may feel endless, there is always a shore. The pain within you might feel overwhelming, but don’t postpone happiness until it disappears. Just as a gardener tends to a sick tree without ignoring the healthy ones, we can care for our suffering while still appreciating life’s beauty: the warmth of sunshine, the laugh of a child, a blooming flower. Suffering alone is not our purpose. Let us not become trapped by it.

Those who have known hunger understand the gift of a meal. Those who’ve felt cold treasure the warmth of shelter. Through hardship, we learn to see the miracles in everyday life. Do not deny your suffering—but do not lose sight of life’s wonders either. This balance is not only healing for you, but also brings hope to others.

I grew up surrounded by war. I saw destruction touch lives, culture, and even the land itself. As a young person, I carried deep sorrow. Once awareness enters your life, you cannot turn it off. Even today, the scars remain. There are nights when I lie awake, breathing mindfully, embracing not just my pain, but my country and the whole world.

It is through pain that growth becomes possible. Real joy and peace are born from suffering, not from avoiding it. Do not run from your pain. Welcome it. Sit with it, and share it with the Buddha. He will meet you with kindness, compassion, and mindful presence. With this guidance, you will learn how to hold your suffering gently, understand it deeply, and heal.

The Buddha called suffering a Noble Truth—because hidden within it is the map to liberation. By facing it, you will uncover the way to lasting peace.

 

IF HE EXIST

 I drive joy there was a doctor in Benaras who spent 7 minutes in the morning and evening for mediation on God. Knowing this, his colleagues and friends laughed at him. One day they argued that he was wasting 7 precious minutes on something, which he had been misled into believing. The doctor replied, “Well, if God does not exist, I agree that I am wasting 7 minutes a day. But, if He exists? I am afraid you are wasting your entire lifetime. I prefer to waste 7 minutes rather than a lifetime. Why should you grudge me the 7minutes joy that I derive 4m.-

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Rediscovering Humanity: The Call for Universal Brotherhood

  

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Rediscovering Humanity: The Call for Universal Brotherhood

In an age where mankind reaches for the stars, he continues to drift away from the people beside him. While he strives tirelessly to conquer nature, he rarely pauses to understand his own inner self. Global communication has made distant nations seem closer, yet our hearts and minds remain divided by invisible walls. Though man has walked on the Moon, he has failed to explore the depths of his conscience.

 

As he gains dominion over the natural world, he becomes a servant to his own unchecked desires. Scientific advancement surges forward, yet the essence of scientific thought—curiosity, empathy, and reason—is diminishing. Technological breakthroughs are abundant, but compassion and ethical wisdom are fading from human interactions.

 

In the pursuit of power, prestige, and recognition, mankind has cast aside the timeless values of kindness, humility, and unity. Divisions based on religion, caste, race, and social class continue to fracture humanity. The very economy that could unite us is instead fueling inequality, sowing seeds of conflict between the privileged and the deprived.

 

Worse still, the gifts of science and innovation—meant to uplift human life—are being weaponized to deepen these divides. Tools that could nourish the world are being used to endanger it. Greed and narrow-minded ideologies now threaten global peace.

 

It is time for a collective awakening. Humanity must recognize that we all belong to a single race—the human race. There is one true religion—the religion of compassion and coexistence. And there is one pursuit that deserves our commitment—the pursuit of service to others. Only when mankind embraces this vision of unity will a genuine sense of brotherhood emerge, and with it, the hope of a harmonious world.

Mastering the Mind in a Chaotic World: The Power of Mindful Living

In a world that never stops moving, how do we find stillness within ourselves?

 

We are living in an age of relentless turbulence—social, emotional, and digital. From non-stop news updates to growing personal and societal pressures, it's no wonder that many of us feel mentally drained and emotionally reactive. In these times, the art of mindful living is not just a trend—it's a necessity.

 

The Mind in the Storm

When life feels like a whirlwind, our minds are often the first to be swept away. Anxiety, fear, and impulsiveness creep in unnoticed. We're constantly reacting, rarely reflecting. And yet, many are beginning to seek emotional balance, trying to find stability amid the chaos. This is why mindfulness—the practice of pausing, observing, and engaging consciously—is gaining so much attention today.

 

Ancient Wisdom for Modern Minds

The 13th-century Buddhist teacher Nichiren once said, "We must become masters of our minds, not let our minds master us." His timeless advice encourages us to build a strong inner foundation, one that doesn’t sway with every emotional impulse or societal wave.

 

At the heart of mindfulness is the ability to stay grounded in the present moment—free from the chains of past regrets and fears of the future. In doing so, we unlock our natural capacity for clarity, kindness, and wisdom.

 

A Lesson from the Mahabharata

One of the most powerful stories that illustrates this kind of mindful leadership comes from the Mahabharata, through the character of Yudhishthir. Faced with the sudden death of his brothers and a mysterious riddle from a divine being (Yaksha), Yudhishthir chooses not to act out of desperation. He calms his mind, answers thoughtfully, and makes a just decision—choosing to revive his stepbrother Nakul, out of fairness to both his mothers.

 

His response wasn't driven by emotion or personal gain—it reflected compassion, wisdom, and deep moral insight. Moved by his integrity, the Yaksha revived all of Yudhishthir's brothers.

 

What True Mindfulness Means

This story teaches us that mindfulness isn’t just about staying calm—it’s about using that calm to act wisely and compassionately. In a world that rewards speed and reaction, it is mindful presence that allows us to respond with depth and purpose.

 

Every day, we encounter our own “Yaksha moments”—challenges that test our ability to remain centered and fair. Choosing reflection over reaction is the first step toward a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

 

Beyond Inner Peace: Living for a Greater Good

Buddhism encourages us not to stop at personal serenity. True fulfillment lies in building a life that’s resilient and outward-looking—one rooted in the desire to uplift others. As we work to help those around us, we grow stronger ourselves. Even adversity becomes an opportunity to create value.

 

In the words of Daisaku Ikeda, President of the Soka Gakkai International:

 

“As we work for the greater good, we build happiness for ourselves and others. The more we do for other people, the more path of our own happiness will open up.”

 

Final Thoughts: Anchor the Mind, Uplift the World

In these uncertain times, anchoring our minds is more than a survival skill—it’s a way to thrive. By mastering our minds, we gain access to a more compassionate, wise, and balanced version of ourselves. And with that, we can contribute to creating not just a peaceful inner world, but a more humane and harmonious outer one as well.

IF HE EXIST

 I drive joy there was a doctor in Benaras who spent 7 minutes in the morning and evening for mediation on God. Knowing this, his colleagues and friends laughed at him. One day they argued that he was wasting 7 precious minutes on something, which he had been misled into believing. The doctor replied, “Well, if God does not exist, I agree that I am wasting 7 minutes a day. But, if He exists? I am afraid you are wasting your entire lifetime. I prefer to waste 7 minutes rather than a lifetime. Why should you grudge me the 7minutes joy that I derive 4m.-

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