LEARNING IS LIFE

  Need and Relevance of Spiritual Education in Post-Modern Era: A Non-Poem   The post-modern world – Though digitally shrunk But all the more complex Has dawned on us *** Fast changing digital technology Created a lopsided life and world All the more materialistic All the more consumerist *** Cultural differences and diversity With umpteen religious expressions Have raised humanistic-ethical issues Amid religious chauvinism-n-violence *** Education is the only hope Spiritual pedagogy is the only hope For equity, inclusion, justice, peace By promoting a sense of self, meaning and connect    

 Ode to the Bhagavad Gita: Haiku Pious Vedic scripture The Blessed Bhagavad Gita - Ode to soulfulness!   The Gita - wise words - Those dispel gloom of ego  Through detached action  Deem duty as Dharm Performed through you as medium - Your eternal soul   Material world deludes - It causes dilemma and strife - Take refuse in God-n-Soul!   Detach from ego Detach from false transient world To realise God-n-Soul   Moksh -liberation Comes through selfless paths of Karm-, Bhakti-, Gyan Yog

  WORD CLOUD NON-POEM Make compassion – The deep loving kindness – Realise sense of connection With empathy-n-mutuality *** Make compassion – A bridge to pure state of mind   - A mind that’s free from desires A mind filled with peaceful co-existence *** Embrace all experiences As a journey of self-discovery Treating all with compassion As a shared humanity of all beings *** Practice compassion to fulfil the quest For being universally connected As a call of the moment That transcends all differences *** Practice and imbibe compassion For yourself and all others To connect and cause well-being For optimism   and resilience  

The World Thyroid Day, May 25, is observed  for raising awareness about thyroid disorders, promote early detection, and encourage proper treatment and cure. The aim is  to educate self and the public about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for thyroid diseases which  at present is one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders worldwide.  The theme for the observance in 2025 is "Thyroid Disease and Artificial Intelligence" to emphasizes the role of AI in improving diagnosis, treatment, and care for individuals with thyroid conditions which impact an their 'quality of life, affecting energy levels, mood, weight, and overall well-being.' [1] Currently, AI-powered tools are available for quick early diagnosis of thyroid disorders by analyzing medical images, identifying patterns, and predicting potential risks.  According to American Thyroid Association, a timely thyroid function testing and, vitally, adequate intake and/or dietary supplementation of iodin...

  According to an AI overview [1], in the context f science and spirituality, the term "spirit science" could be viewed as an intersection of scientific inquiry and spiritual or metaphysical concepts. "In Denmark, research has shown that spiritual needs are common among the population, suggesting a need for holistic care that considers the spiritual dimension of well-being," adds  the overview saying that the term is traditionally used for the studies that explores the nature of consciousness, the soul, or the spirit, often using scientific methods to investigate these concepts.  Consequent to studies in Denmark that report a significant portion of the population expressing a desire to learn about spirituality  regardless of their religious affiliation and research studies highlighting positive effects on the health and wellbeing of populace covering all age groups including school going children. Not only spiritual care has be incorporated as a part of health care ...

Self-awareness skill is the most basic life skill leading to postive psychology based self-growth in multiple-dimensions including attainment of spiritual intelligence by recognising oneself as a source of immense possibilities and acquiring a self-growth mindset. Here are the ABCs of self-awareness skill A: Awareness of the ability to understand one's own beliefs, thoughts, feelings, emotions and values as well as their impact on behavior and relationships B: Blending positive psychology based self-reflective feedback on how one's behaviour is affecting others and showing readiness for change C: Capability of the introspection and journal writing to analyse thoughts, feelings and behaviour on daily basis for continuous learning and renewal D: Practicing mindfulness in daily life activities and attentiveness training to improve behaviour and performance E: Evolving oneself by learning from mistakes, errors, adversities and converting then into opportunities and acquiring a grow...

The Buddhist festival of Vesak or Buddha Purnima commemorates the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and passing away. The followers consider the festival as the most sacred day in the Buddhist calendar.  HH the Dalai Lama, as a spiritual leader of the Tibetan Buddhism, in his message emphasized the significance of living a compassionate and harmonious life by following the Buddha's teachings and creating a peaceful and harmonious world.  On the occasion of Vesak-2024, HH the Dalai Lama had stated, "On this auspicious occasion, I offer fellow Buddhists everywhere my good wishes in leading meaningful lives filled with warm heartedness and compassion." there is no doubt that the core Buddhism values of compassion, harmony between people and  with the nature  are the hope for the world for the peaceful co-existence amid the current volatile conditions. MY FLOWER SUTRA TAMKA The Flower Sutra - Deem life as hidden treasure Of the mind and heart That's as vast as the Cosmos...

The festival of Buddha Purnima is related to the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Gautama Buddha in 563 BC. The Buddha did not believe in the existence of God and soul. Thus, Buddhism does not subscribe for theistic and materialistic world views that promote rites, rituals and conditioning. Buddhism suggests that humans should strive to shed sensual desires, worldly pleasures through practice of detachment and compassion. thus, freedom from desires is seen as a key concept in understanding the cycle of suffering (samsara) and the path to enlightenment (Nirvana).  The great teachings of the Buddha are meant to liberate sentient beings from strife and suffering by living a minimal, humble and compassionate life. Here are some haiku that convey the essence of the teachings of the Buddha. HAIKU: Freedom from desires - Honing Equanimity 'N compassion are prime. ~*~ Go for equity Seek welfare of whole mankind For peace to prevail ~*~ Live your transient life With compassion and h...

In Buddhism, the followers are meant to prepare themselves by purifying their minds by shedding the evils of violence, stealing, transgression, lying and intoxication which we used to due to pursuit of cravings. and materialistic conditioning. According to this blogger (https://www.speakingtree.in/blog/acquire-noble-pachsheel-mind-before-embarking-the-buddhist-spiritual-life). The followers of Buddhism are meant to purify their mind first by reaffirming their faith in the five principles called Panchsheel and practice them consciously till they become spontaneous or practitioners become examples of those principles. In Buddhism, a sheela is viewed as a virtue, good deed and ethical principle with two main underlying precepts: (a) The principle of equality (all living beings are equal); and (b) The principle of reciprocity (do unto others as you would wish them to do unto you) The five Buddhist principles or Panchsheelas are as follows. 1. Do not harm anyone or take life 2. Do not steal...

NON-POEM ON SELF-DEVELOPMENT Real development in transient life is - Self-development - Development of the self By the self For the self Which is continuous - That's the aim ~*~ Worldly development- Is materialistic Is objectified Is sensual Is competitive Is conflicting Is deluding ~*~ When the aim is  Self-development Then  vanish All  cravings All limitations All narrowness All disunity ~*~ Get into The process of self-development Strive continually From moment-to-moment To know the purpose, meaning and connect

SIGNIFICANCE OF BUDDHIST DIAMOND SUTRA        On the occasion of Buddha Purnima, contemplation on the the Diamond Sutra or Vajra Prajna Paramita Sutra is suggested to attain illuminating mindfulness. It is believed by the devout that the Buddha said the Sutra may be deemed as “The Diamond that Cuts through Illusion.”     In Buddhism, it is held that for developing the most fulfilled and awakened mind, the followers must strive for true wisdom by stilling their drifting minds and subduing their craving thoughts and acts of sensual gratifications.     One must contemplate on the Diamond Sutra to subdue the discriminative thoughts and craving desires leading to attainment of perfect tranquility and clarity of mind to get illuminated.  DIAMOND SUTRA TANKA VERSE Deem worldly events Deem conditioned mind's desires Transient illusions Watch as witness the transient world To cut through gloom like diamond  

  SHORT NOTE      Vesak Day, also known as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Day, is observed in many countries every year in the month of Vaishakha on the full moon day. In 2025, the festival is going to be celebrated on May 11 and 12 in different countries as well as at the UN.      For the Buddhists, the day is significant since it marks the birth, enlightenment and the liberation of Buddha Gautama. As Buddhism spread from India to many countries,,, consequently Vesak Day is celebrated in different ways across the world.       It was in 2000, the UN resolved to internationally observe the day of Vesak at its headquarters and offices in various counties. This year, the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, ICDV and IABU are the key organizers of UN Day of Vesak, informs the UN, Besides this, the White House, USA, will host a Vesak celebration on May 12, 2025.  CONTRIBUTION My article published in merinews.com was picked up by the Buddhist...

  In the year 2025, Buddha Purnima is going to be celebrated on Monday, May 12 in month of Vaisakha as a public holiday in India. It is celebrated with great devotion especially in Sikkim, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Bodh Gaya, Lahaul and Spiti district, Kinnaur, various parts of North Bengal such as Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and Kurseong, and Maharashtra  as well as other parts of India, informs Wikipedia.  Most followers of Buddhism go to Viharas to observe a full-length Buddhist sutra as worship place service. The day marks Gautama Buddha's birth anniversary, but also the day of his Enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana. The inset collage shows the pictures taken on an earlier Budhha Purnima night HAIKU: Solemn full white moon / Of pious Buddha Purnima  Reveals Truth of gloom ~*~ Waxing and waning / Bloom and gloom of cravings – / That cause suffering

International Labour Day or May Day is observed to celebrate success of workers for 8 working hours which was earlier 12 to 16 hours of Work provided in unsafe situations.       It was on May 1, 1886, that the labour class in US got united and took to streets against the unfair treatment and demanded paid leaves, proper wages and breaks for the workforce.  The main aim of the observance is to unite workers for social and economic advancement along with safeguarding the rights of the workers.      In India, the first Labour Day was organised in Chennai by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan in 1923 with red flags. The tradition continues till date with active participation of Left Wing Parties. In many parts of India, the observance is also called 'Kamgar Diwas'.      “As we celebrate Labour Day, we honour the men and women who fought tirelessly for workers' rights, which are so critical to our strong and successful labour force,” sa...