My Life

ఒక పెద్దాయన అన్నాడు "మూర్ఖులు ఇల్లు కడతారు, తెలివైన వాళ్ళు అందులో నివాసం వుంటారు" అని. నీ దగ్గర లేని 50 లక్చలు పెట్టి ఆ ఇల్లు కొనే బదులు. అదే డబ్బు పొదుపు చేసుకొని మంచి పథకం లో పెట్టుబడి పెట్టుకుంటే 40 వేల దాకా వస్తుంది. ఒక పది వేలకు ఒక మంచి ఇంట్లో అద్దెకు వుండి. మిగిలిన డబ్బుతో కుటుంబం అంతా ఒక విలాసవంతైన జీవితాన్ని గడపోచ్చు. 6 నెలలకు ఒక సారి దేశ విదేశ యాత్రలకు కూడా వెళ్లొచ్చు (http://www.yhaindia.org/).   రోజూ బడికి ప్రమాదకరమైన రహదారుల్లో బైక్ మీద వెళ్ళడం కంటే కార్ లో వెళ్ళడం ఎంతో వుత్తమం. నువ్వు లేని ఎంత మంచి ఇళ్లైన, నీ పిల్లలకు, నీ అర్థాంగికి ఏం ప్రయోజనం? చాలీ చాలని బతుకులు బతికింది ఇక చాలు. అందరిలాగా లేని డబ్బుతో ఆస్తులు కూడగట్టుకునే క్రమంలో నువ్వు ఏం కోల్పోవడానికి సిద్దమయ్యావో నీకు తెలియట్లేదు. EMI (నెలసరి కంతులు) లో నీ జీవితాన్ని తాకట్టు పెట్టొద్దు.   మీ నాన్న నీకు ఏం ఆస్తులు మిగిల్చి వెళ్ళాడు? మీరు నెగ్గుకు రాలా? కని, పెంచిన పిల్లల పై, వారి సామర్థ్యం పై నమ్మకం లేని తల్లిదండ్రులే ఇలా వెంపర్లాడేది. పిల్లల భవిష్యత్తు కోసం ఆరాట పడుతున్నాం అన...

Yeah, it is very easy and convenient to say that it runs in my family. "My mom has got this, my grandma has got this, so did I." This is an escaping mentality; you are choosing a name for your laziness. If there is anything to be blamed, that is you and only you and your lifestyle. You had all these years to reverse and build a healthy body, and you didn't. Instead, you're blaming everyone else but yourself. Start taking responsibility for who you are and where you are. And don't keep blaming your upbringing. Now, you know that your upbringing is not up to the mark. Why don't you do something about it? Keeping on blaming somebody will not yield anything. Nevertheless, you choose to be lazy, and you call yourself a lazy person. Then, you should accept the medical reports in the same manner. You shouldn't make a hue and cry.

Have you ever been asked,  "Is your Dad bad?" Well, let's unpack that. Do you stand by idly while every Tom, Dick, and Harry insults him without cause? Do you allow others to exploit him? Is it fair to assume that someone labeled as "bad" is incapable of any good deeds? Speaking up for a father who may have made mistakes doesn't necessarily equate to love and affection. It's about navigating complex emotions and setting boundaries to protect oneself from toxicity. Personally, I have no desire to return to a turbulent existence devoid of both love and hatred. In that state of neutrality, it becomes clearer to distinguish between good and bad. I often find myself pondering the selfishness of humanity. When people are in need, they turn a blind eye to flaws and faults. But as soon as the need disappears, they're quick to compile a laundry list of wrongdoings. Ultimately, managing priorities isn't within everyone's capabilities. The b...

One person asked me, "Are you surprised to see the freedom here that you don't see in India?" I know what you are trying to interpret from this question. Yes, you are right. The context was about having a close relationship without marriage with whoever and whenever. IS THAT REALLY A FREEDOM ABOUT WHICH YOU CAN NOT REVEAL TO THE WORLD? IS THAT REALLY A FREEDOM THAT YOU CAN NOT CLAIM OPENLY? IS THAT REALLY A FREEDOM TO  ALWAYS REVOLVE AROUND SEX? IS THAT REALLY A FREEDOM TO HAVE ONSs (One Night Stands)? I call it extremism, not FREEDOM. I call it Hypocrisy. Why am I writing this post at all? Does it matter? Forget about it.

A belo3w 10-year-old girl was s1aitting in front of God before going to school and pleading with Great God to make her do well on her sports day. A 6-year-old boy was praying to Great God to make him stand 1st in his exams before going to school. When will this God leave these young minds, very young minds? In fact, it is not the young minds who are to be free from the concept of God. It is the parents' minds which are to be educated. If a girl has to do well in sports, she must practice well. "You play the way you practice, not the way you pray to God." If a boy has to do well in his exams, he must study well. A well-prepared boy will not get failed if he doesn't pay God. Or A boy without any preparation will not do well by just pleading to God. When will this God get lost from the very young minds? You aren't what you believe or say you are, and you are only what you do and how you do it. Someone said that “When you come to an end, that’s where God begins...

We have voted for you to be a CM, not a priest. I was shocked to learn that Andhra Pradesh's Government has spent rupees of 4 thousand crores on Krishna Pushkaralu. What do you think? Whose money was that? That was not at all your money. That wasn't only Hindu's money. That was also Muslims, Christians, and many others' money. Then, how can you spend the taxpayers' money on a specific Hindu ritual? One should keep all their spiritual beliefs at home before occupying a CM's position. Many villages like ours still need roads, and the government is spending a lot of money to promote spiritual baths. We got to see on RTC buses saying, "Come and take dips in Pushkaralu and wash away your sins." How many dips in Godavari Pushkaralu will bring back the lives of more than 29 people who were killed in the stampede soon after you have left the place very safely with your loved family? Who are you to promote a spiritual bath? Please be a CM, not a priest. I...

Y es, it was time to cut and store the Sorghum Crop (జొన్న తోట)  for the coming Summer. But, there were no human resources to come and work in the fields at the moment. At the same time, Chandra Babu (My Cousin) came to buy a wall clock through online shopping. I booked the one he had chosen among thousands of wall clocks and paid money. The product was delivered, and I refused when Chandra Babu tried to pay back the money he owed. I proposed to him to come and work on my farm for two days instead of paying money. He agreed, and his next two days were completely packed.  It was an experience to see and understand the value of the wall clock and the time it shows... 

I belong to #AForgottenVillage called Pulleticheruvupalli, Vayalpad Mandal, Chittoor District. Yes, our village is completely forgotten by our government. We still don't have roads to our Village. Despite the fact that our very own MLA has been occupying the Chief Minister's chair for around three years, and the current CM is also from our district. He has been CM for about 12 long years. What is it all about? How do we look at it? Even After 69 long years of Independence, there are underprivileged villages like ours. Yes, underprivileged, while the rest of India is moving towards metro and bullet trains, reaching space, we from #AForgottenVillage are struggling to walk on the ground so severely. A good road to the outer world is still a dream in the 21st Century for us. How paradoxical it is in our country as every leader/politician pities the conditions of villages and makes big promises. But, on the ground, something hardly happens. I tweeted to #APCM @ncbn and Ne...

Yes, you got it right. I'm talking about the relationship between a man and a woman. Not anything else. Am I going to hurt people by quoting their stories here? It is my story more than anyone else. Shouldn't I have my opinion about the people around me? Yes, everyone is entitled to have their own opinion, and so do I. I'm not going to reveal anyone's identity but my perspective. It is up to you, you read it or scrape it. I shouldn't be so surprised when someone says that I'm interested in you, and if it doesn't work out, I've somebody else in the pipeline. I shouldn't be so surprised when someone says that I'm interested in you and no other man will touch me until you are in my country, and I'll count on you and keep hoping that you will change your mind. I shouldn't be surprised when someone says I'm interested in you, but you are my plan B. Why shouldn't I be surprised? This materialistic attitude has been prevalent s...

My Childhood Friend 2 Kms away from my home, next to the road, a small pond . That was my dream spot during my teenage. I discovered this when I went for a long walk and later on, took my friends there many times. I very often went there and spent some time contemplating. It was so refreshing being surrounded by the trees and a small pond. Now, I realise why I'm interested in meditation.  I still remember walking to that place in the drizzle, wet road, smell of the soil... Just one visit to that place was so much for me during those days... Every mental noise was getting settled there...

Bharat Sevashram Sangha is the place where I headed after reaching Badrinath.  The office bearer looked at me from bottom to top when I asked for a room. Then he directed me to go to Swamiji, who was the in-charge of the ashram. Again same looks from top to bottom. He said that I would have to pay money; why not Swamiji, said I.  How many days? For 15 days. Will you eat outside, or will you eat in the ashram? I'll eat in the ashram only. Okay, per day 200/-. You pay a total of 2400/- instead of 3000/-.   I paid the money and got the room. It was so dirty. Still, I was happy to be able to reach that place. I told myself that I would stay here for 15 days, come what may. Went to the Bhagawat Gita session. There I felt I was really in an ashram. I cleaned the room as soon as I got back to the room and started feeling as if it was my home. There was puja (worship) in the evening, followed by dinner. There was segregation, all the people who wore orange cloth...

I typed "Yoga Jobs" in the search bar on FB. I responded to one of the posts and got a response in a day asking to fix an appointment for an interview. And that led me to land in a new country called Georgia (Not the American state called Georgia). It's neither in Europe nor in Asia. Found a new term called Eurasia. It all happened in a week. It was too quick to believe. I was a little suspicious as it was a FB post, and I was getting ready to go to the cold country. I spent a lot of money buying warm clothes, and this venture became the most expensive as I had to fly to Delhi from Bangalore on top of shopping as my flight tickets were from Delhi to Georgia via Sharjah. Went to see family (Many would understand that family means wife and children, in my case, no, I have neither of them;-)) Every time, I think, what if my Grandma doesn't exist when I return? That thought makes me look into her face with devotion. Another would-be colleague was also flying by the sam...

It's not the first attempt to go to the Himalayas. However, this time I really could go there. It was a 38 days journey into an unknown world within India. Still, there is a lot to be revealed. However, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Uttara Kasi, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Varanasi are no more unknown places to me. It took so many years to make it happen. You don't need much money to go to the Himalayas if you are a bachelor. There are places which offer free stay and free food. However, I paid for every place I stayed as I had some money. Many people are roaming in orange robes. Most of them are more psychos than Swamijis. There is no discipline. Speak the filthy language, get angry quickly, smoke, etc. I never want to be one of them. I never want to waste my time in the name of renunciation and sadhana. These all are lies. It seems that it is more of escapism than sadhana. I know many other places and options to do sadhana. This is not my cup of tea. As far...

One more job is added to the history. I can only say that five people have left the Spa team in the same month, and I'm one of them. It was not long-term. However, I still remember those teary eyes watching me until I disappeared into the ocean for the last time from the Island.   

These two terms are much talked about within India and outside India. I just woke up and started contemplating this topic, and I'm penning down my reflections. Hunger and thirst have no Eastern Culture and Western Culture. Every living being has to attend to their biological needs. Sleep? Yes, but the difference would be in the size of the bed. The richer, the bigger & thicker the bed. Anyway, a hard surface is healthier to sleep on. Water? Yes, the bigger the possession of the money, the more expensive water people choose. When everyone on earth can breathe the same air and still survive despite pollution & sickness causing germs. Then why can't we drink the water from the tap? In fact, the more the water is filtered, the lesser good it is. Maybe this is why health is more expensive to rich people irrespective of culture. It is said that 95% of human energy is consumed for sex and money. I think it is the height of ignorance to believe that the sexual act is an in...

Monks' residence area My time in Na Uyana Monastery was something I longed for ages. Everything was so interesting. The way monks wear the robes and have food and everything else... Break Fast bell went off at 5.30 AM, and to my utter surprise, 30 people were holding 30 different dishes to serve with high reverence and devotion. Felt like crying when I sat with the bowl full of food, remembering how heart fully those people had served me. I could not finish the whole food and closed my eyes, sought apologies from the people who had served the food, and threw them in the bin.   I went to the meditation hall and sat down in one corner. It was so inspiring to sit with the people in orange robes. The lunch bell went off at 09.30. This time, I took very little food as I was not hungry in such a short time. Remembering that there won't be food for the remaining day made me eat.  It was so inspiring to listen to the stories of the monks. I found a monk who has worked for th...

         The long-awaited trip has finally begun. I was visiting a country without the purpose of the job. It feels good. My seat number lead me to the middle row middle seat. Oh, I missed those oceanic scenes this time. Anyway wanted to give it a try. Can I change to a window seat, please? I asked the flight attendant, and he showed me a way to an empty window seat smilingly. Thank you. Srilankan flight took off from Male to Colombo.       Looking down from the flight always gives me a sense of being a bird. I used to have flying dreams a lot. Air hostess, Lihini sat in front of me in preparation for landing. After a while, she asked me, "Are you Maldivian?" No, I'm from India said I. Then, she showed more interest in conversing. She: What is your job? Me: Teaching yoga She: Wow, I could see you being very relaxed Me: .... thanks Me: Are you a Buddhist? She: Yes, and my dream is to take my parents to Budh Gaya, India Me: Very nice. Do y...

Returned to Male after 58 days to spend time away from the  small island where I live and work. It always gives me a sense of lightness when I wander in unknown places. My inner voice gets more louder. Male is around 125 Kms away from the island where I'm living. It took around 30 mins by domestic flight. Straight away went to SBI (State Bank of India) to open an account for salary transfers. It was good to see such a prompt service in SBI. Exploration started on the streets of Male. Bought snorkeling gear to enjoy my next swim in the ocean. Converted the price into INR (Indian Rupees) and felt little bit heavy on the pocket. Though the gentleman at the shop mentioned that he gave me a discount as I look like Maldivian. People started speaking in Dhivehi (Maldivian Language) until I requested them to "Speak in English please." Saw a restaurant and wanted to eat something as I was hungry. Saw a vegetable rice and asked him is this without fish, "Yes" said h...

Lagoons Yes, wait was worth. Waited for 4 months to be here. Blue Ocean, White Sand and Lagoons. The lagoon word always reminds me of the 2 movies "The Blue Lagoon" and "Return To The Blue Lagoon". It surprises me when I look back on my previous post. Mumbai to Maldives. It's been 10 days here. Being next to the ocean always is a special feeling. Today is my first day off and been to snorkeling. My child hood fear has arisen in me for a while when I was over the deep ocean. Once I was rescued from drowning while trying to learn swimming back in my village. It was a great feeling to witness the marine world from the top. May be somebody else also doing snorkeling on us from the top. I was terrified with the first day experiences. Ordered vegetable rice after landing in Male and what I was served was rice with omelette. Requested him to take off the omelette and bring me the vegetable rice only. Tasted one hand full, oh no! found there is egg mixed in ...

Reached back to where I've started my unknown career 4 years ago. Yeah, that is Mumbai. Surprisingly, landed up at the same location where I lived for more than a month 4 years ago. This is the place where people use common toilets. You go there at 6.30 AM, there is a queue. You go at 7.30 AM, there is a queue. You go at 11.30 AM, there is a queue. How horribly toilets have been given less privilege in this modern era. People are living in a small room which is living room cum bed room cum kitchen cum bath room cum washing room. In spite of nation being so huge and wide. Why people are jumping into metros? Is it because, here, there are more opportunities to earn money. After all, what about basic needs of the human life? Then the question arises, why am I here leaving a beautiful farm house behind? Yeah, many have reached Mumbai like me. Any way, this is not my place for sure. I'm spending my 'waiting move' here and want to earn my livelihood while I wait for a good...