Today the sermon was given by a guest named Sumesh Jacob. Sumesh is a youth chaplin in CMA (I guess) and was in MX which he left. He was a classmate of Pastor Andrew. It was an interesting sermon, he gave. To be honest somehow I have always liked sermon of guest speakers than of KMC pastor's. May be because of me listening to them so often that I have got used to their style. Anyways, moving on to the sermon...
The importance of resurrection in 21st century. The grave is significant because it is empty. What is their of the resurrection which happened centuries ago. In the ever changing world of today what is its meaning. What have we already become due to the empty grave. And now what should be done because of it. The rising of Christ on death is the foundation oh Church today. (Romans 6:3-11) helps us realize that we already been raised in Christ. This realization is so vital to understand what we have already become if we believe in death and resurrection. Our life is hidden in Christ with God. In this ever changing world we tend to forget. It may be invisible to world and yourself that our salvation is secure and safe as once and for all a perfect sacrifice has been made.
Great preachers have been spreading the word of God. After one of the conference was over a preacher was packing his bag. A young man came to him and said that he wants to accept Christ and he was unable to do so in conference as he was shy. The preacher replied 'Too late ..Too late'. This young man was shocked and felt desperate. Then the preacher continued that 'You are too late by 2000 years now in order to accept Christ we have to just believe'
We should keep our thought on thing above and look at life in God's perspective. We should interact with world. Those with are heavenly minded the most are of greatest earthly use. We should continue to strive for setting our heart and mind daily on God in this ever changing world. We should concentrate on the word in this materialistic world. In super market if we see something beautiful we tend to want to have the thing even though its not a necessity. Same way its difficult to concentrate on Gods word. Our vision is so focused on earthly things we tend to overlook and forget heavenly things. Our morals and ethics must change, our life must make a difference by letting in Christ. How can this be possible with various weaknesses and struggle. Lord understand this problem of ours and that is why we are not alone in this world. We need not be discouraged and distressed. The reward is the promise that we will be with Him when He appears. That is the hope, that is the future. We should recognize what we have become and remind ourselves to strive daily.
The short and sweet sermon was ended by a beautiful rendition of the song Things we leave behind . His sermon was exotic and was topped by his deep baritone and amazing singing. I enjoyed it to the last minute and wish some day you all will also be able to listen to him
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
13/4/2008: Koramangala Methodist Church, Bangalore: Speaker: Pastor Andrew: Theme: Life Beyond Grave
I am little late in updating my post because of the time which I was unable to get. So sincere apologies to those who are following my Sunday Church experience. The passage for meditation was 1 Corinthians:15:50-58.
Pastor Andrew started with a little tale to humour and set the tone of his sermon. A man always use to sleep when a pastor preached. So one day a pastor thought of doing something different so that from the next time onwards at least this person would make an effort to keep awake. So when this man slept the pastor shot a question and said very softly that all those who wants to go to heaven stand up. The congregation except this man stoop up. Then he shouted all those who want to go to hell stand up. Then this man who was sleeping woke up in a hurry stood up. This man was puzzled and he then said to the pastor that I don't know what are we voting for but it seems that only me and you are in favour of it :)
Now the rest of the sermon went like this.
Some of the churches in Corinth (1 Corinthians 15:12) did not believe in resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:35) Some of the churches stopped believing in the resurrection of the dead. Churches in Corinth became materialistic and lost view of the future. (Mark 12:8) Jesus encountered those who did not believe in resurrection. They believed in life now and enjoying that life to the fullest. (Isaiah 38:18) They believed but not in the same way as it is to be believed. Today one of the major religion believes in the concept of reincarnation. Moksha is a higher state of and for the spirit. Marxist believe that the concept of life after death is what the rich propagate. The soul escapes the body which is evil (in some beliefs). Some said that the holy spirit is enough and they did not look at the future. (1 Corinth 15:50-58) Paul says we shall be transformed. Focus is on two type of people : one who is dead an the other who is alive in Christ. (1 Corinth 15:42) Paul says the phenomenon will happen when Jesus arrives. Those dead and those alive will undergo change. Spiritual body will undergo transformation. How is the spiritual body attainable (1 Corinth 15:45). Jesus is the life giving spirit. Flesh and blood will not inherit the kingdom of God. The holy spirit in power will resurrect us in spiritual life and give us a spiritual body. Body will be under full control and will be under the dominion of the holy spirit. Paul is talking about it being a mystery. New testament reveals plenty of things. It has answers because of Jesus Christ. When will the transformation happen ? It will happen in a split of time. (Revelation 11:15) The seven angel will sound the trumpet. Some of us are not believers. All of us will be raised but not in the same way as one images Jesus, But all will not enter the kingdom of God. This morning the Lord is calling you that 'I will give you the spiritual life'. the incorruptible is a body which God gives to each one of us. The sting (sin) is taken out from the bee (death) because of grace of God. Death drives its power from sin. When Jesus rose it lost its power. We sing doxology which is the doxology of the early Church as a sign of victory over death. Some may have come to church today from conflicting situation but God says 'Come to me'. Paul talks about steadfast heart. We should always work for and towards the kingdom of God. Our heart should perceive with the knowledge that its labour in Lord is not in vain. this morning the resurrection phenomenon is inevitable. We need to get involve in the kingdom of God. I believe in resurrection by faith. Do You??? Faith sees the way, faith sees light, faith is what we need to exercise.
Nice sermon I would have to say :)
Pastor Andrew started with a little tale to humour and set the tone of his sermon. A man always use to sleep when a pastor preached. So one day a pastor thought of doing something different so that from the next time onwards at least this person would make an effort to keep awake. So when this man slept the pastor shot a question and said very softly that all those who wants to go to heaven stand up. The congregation except this man stoop up. Then he shouted all those who want to go to hell stand up. Then this man who was sleeping woke up in a hurry stood up. This man was puzzled and he then said to the pastor that I don't know what are we voting for but it seems that only me and you are in favour of it :)
Now the rest of the sermon went like this.
Some of the churches in Corinth (1 Corinthians 15:12) did not believe in resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:35) Some of the churches stopped believing in the resurrection of the dead. Churches in Corinth became materialistic and lost view of the future. (Mark 12:8) Jesus encountered those who did not believe in resurrection. They believed in life now and enjoying that life to the fullest. (Isaiah 38:18) They believed but not in the same way as it is to be believed. Today one of the major religion believes in the concept of reincarnation. Moksha is a higher state of and for the spirit. Marxist believe that the concept of life after death is what the rich propagate. The soul escapes the body which is evil (in some beliefs). Some said that the holy spirit is enough and they did not look at the future. (1 Corinth 15:50-58) Paul says we shall be transformed. Focus is on two type of people : one who is dead an the other who is alive in Christ. (1 Corinth 15:42) Paul says the phenomenon will happen when Jesus arrives. Those dead and those alive will undergo change. Spiritual body will undergo transformation. How is the spiritual body attainable (1 Corinth 15:45). Jesus is the life giving spirit. Flesh and blood will not inherit the kingdom of God. The holy spirit in power will resurrect us in spiritual life and give us a spiritual body. Body will be under full control and will be under the dominion of the holy spirit. Paul is talking about it being a mystery. New testament reveals plenty of things. It has answers because of Jesus Christ. When will the transformation happen ? It will happen in a split of time. (Revelation 11:15) The seven angel will sound the trumpet. Some of us are not believers. All of us will be raised but not in the same way as one images Jesus, But all will not enter the kingdom of God. This morning the Lord is calling you that 'I will give you the spiritual life'. the incorruptible is a body which God gives to each one of us. The sting (sin) is taken out from the bee (death) because of grace of God. Death drives its power from sin. When Jesus rose it lost its power. We sing doxology which is the doxology of the early Church as a sign of victory over death. Some may have come to church today from conflicting situation but God says 'Come to me'. Paul talks about steadfast heart. We should always work for and towards the kingdom of God. Our heart should perceive with the knowledge that its labour in Lord is not in vain. this morning the resurrection phenomenon is inevitable. We need to get involve in the kingdom of God. I believe in resurrection by faith. Do You??? Faith sees the way, faith sees light, faith is what we need to exercise.
Nice sermon I would have to say :)
Friday, April 18, 2008
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Sunday, April 13, 2008
6/4/2008: Koramangala Methodist Church, Bangalore: Theme: Life after Death
The speaker this day was Pastor H. Mathew and if you are following this particular label then you must have known by now that I am not a big fan of his sermon. Still here is what I got that day.
The passage for this day was 1 Corinthians:15:35-49. Here is what the pastor had to say for this passage and theme.
Life beyond Grave is a peculiar and strange for a topic. In times of trouble like death, sorrow, loss or many more we tend to ask why such a sorrow full thing is happening. An example of such times could gauged from the story of a professor who was having picnic with his family and during the process of enjoyment his son got washed away in the river flowing by and ultimately died. Such grave situation or experiences may cause us loose our faith and question the credibility of such events in our life. Another story which was then narrated by the pastor. A pastor went to a hospital and there was a sic lady who was full of questions. She asked that I may not be doing exactly what God might has been expecting of me and now on my deathbed I am seeking answer to the question whether God will accept me...He asked her to sit and discuss this and explain but the lady was in a hurry and was not able to give time to listen to what pastor had to say.... We know that is going to come to each and every one of us. Philosophers expounded by saying that death leads to extinction of our life. Others said death is disembodiment of our soul. The pure soul gets released from the evil body. Others believe in re-incarnation. In Christianity this understanding is somewhat different. There are different interpretation and beliefs of this topic within Christianity also. With death one goes to heaven. Other believe that confess and then you will go to heaven. The concept is well understood and discussed in the apostle creed. There are three things which this passage specifically talk about. Death leads to a life. Their is a continuity in death and after death and the linking chain is the seed. Secondly their is a continuity between present life and future life. The new life awarded will be completely different which is a hope of betterment we have. The death is not necessarily physical but could also be because of long suffering. Their is this promise of resurrection the body will then be incorruptible. New body will be glorious an it will be power full. Sown in weakness but raised in power. ... This is when my pen stopped working and could not write down anymore but the thing which I hate the most I had lost him long time before.
The passage for this day was 1 Corinthians:15:35-49. Here is what the pastor had to say for this passage and theme.
Life beyond Grave is a peculiar and strange for a topic. In times of trouble like death, sorrow, loss or many more we tend to ask why such a sorrow full thing is happening. An example of such times could gauged from the story of a professor who was having picnic with his family and during the process of enjoyment his son got washed away in the river flowing by and ultimately died. Such grave situation or experiences may cause us loose our faith and question the credibility of such events in our life. Another story which was then narrated by the pastor. A pastor went to a hospital and there was a sic lady who was full of questions. She asked that I may not be doing exactly what God might has been expecting of me and now on my deathbed I am seeking answer to the question whether God will accept me...He asked her to sit and discuss this and explain but the lady was in a hurry and was not able to give time to listen to what pastor had to say.... We know that is going to come to each and every one of us. Philosophers expounded by saying that death leads to extinction of our life. Others said death is disembodiment of our soul. The pure soul gets released from the evil body. Others believe in re-incarnation. In Christianity this understanding is somewhat different. There are different interpretation and beliefs of this topic within Christianity also. With death one goes to heaven. Other believe that confess and then you will go to heaven. The concept is well understood and discussed in the apostle creed. There are three things which this passage specifically talk about. Death leads to a life. Their is a continuity in death and after death and the linking chain is the seed. Secondly their is a continuity between present life and future life. The new life awarded will be completely different which is a hope of betterment we have. The death is not necessarily physical but could also be because of long suffering. Their is this promise of resurrection the body will then be incorruptible. New body will be glorious an it will be power full. Sown in weakness but raised in power. ... This is when my pen stopped working and could not write down anymore but the thing which I hate the most I had lost him long time before.
Monday, April 07, 2008
M _ _ _ _ _ _ O ???
Ugadi: Kannada New Year (I Hope I got the meaning right): 7th April 2008. Sitting...rather lazily lying on the bed. Wondering what to do. Suddenly something catches my attention. The one that catches my attention is so compelling that no human being would be able to ignore. And I think I still belong to the category termed as "homo sapiens" so my reaction was nothing different. But before I did what any of us would have done I overheard a song which one among them was singing. It was ....
We are special for we can fly..
We are special for we let no one pass by...
We are special cause we are the night bhai's..
We are special and our sixth letter is 'I'..
We love humans for they are good..
We love humans for they produce our food..
We love humans for not only they help us feed..
We love humans as they also help us breed..
Puddle of water is what we call as home..
After becoming adult we start to roam..
The food which we have is called blood..
Plenty of which is present in humans flood..
'M' is the first letter of our name..
'M' is the first letter of our fame..
Do not wonder as our fame is widely known..
Malaria is what I think, they call it in humans home..
We are envied by plenty on earth..
Casper, All OUT..Of which there is no dearth..
But today we do not worry much because of them..
As to fight the enemy we have genetically changed..
Stronger than before, Stronger than ever..
I move in stealth to satisfy my hunger..
I mock this human by buzzing around his ear...
And play a little as I have no fear..
After the fun I get down to business..
Choosing the perfect spot I drink to fullness..
In the state of drunkenness I then try to fly back...
I am the Mosquito I instill fear with my act...
Sometimes an exception may also occur..
If an overzealous brother drinks more than what human can suffer..
A swoooosh is all he will hear as his last..
As a hand or a newspaper will come down in hard..
A loss or two can always happen..
But we are the MOSQUITO we hit back with vengeance..
We overwhelm our enemies in great numbers..
We are the Mosquitoes we never grumble..
A bite of an insect is what brought me back to senses. Then went my hand in full force towards origin of pain only to result in a squashed mosquito as a revengeful gain.
We are special for we can fly..
We are special for we let no one pass by...
We are special cause we are the night bhai's..
We are special and our sixth letter is 'I'..
We love humans for they are good..
We love humans for they produce our food..
We love humans for not only they help us feed..
We love humans as they also help us breed..
Puddle of water is what we call as home..
After becoming adult we start to roam..
The food which we have is called blood..
Plenty of which is present in humans flood..
'M' is the first letter of our name..
'M' is the first letter of our fame..
Do not wonder as our fame is widely known..
Malaria is what I think, they call it in humans home..
We are envied by plenty on earth..
Casper, All OUT..Of which there is no dearth..
But today we do not worry much because of them..
As to fight the enemy we have genetically changed..
Stronger than before, Stronger than ever..
I move in stealth to satisfy my hunger..
I mock this human by buzzing around his ear...
And play a little as I have no fear..
After the fun I get down to business..
Choosing the perfect spot I drink to fullness..
In the state of drunkenness I then try to fly back...
I am the Mosquito I instill fear with my act...
Sometimes an exception may also occur..
If an overzealous brother drinks more than what human can suffer..
A swoooosh is all he will hear as his last..
As a hand or a newspaper will come down in hard..
A loss or two can always happen..
But we are the MOSQUITO we hit back with vengeance..
We overwhelm our enemies in great numbers..
We are the Mosquitoes we never grumble..
A bite of an insect is what brought me back to senses. Then went my hand in full force towards origin of pain only to result in a squashed mosquito as a revengeful gain.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Self Help : Guide to Make your life Miserable
This is not the post to be read by weak hearted...
Cause the truth may be too bitter which cannot be parted...
This could be story of you and me...
The question is whether you are as acceptable as me...
Even if you are random browser ...
Read on, for you may become a successful poser..
A sure shot way to achieve what the topic says..
A lifetime of achievement is what you may gain..
Live your life with utmost grace...
Choosing your step for everyone to phrase...
Work hard to be where you want to be..
Cause that's the only place you can imagine yourself to be..
Be short sighted in all your preparation...
And world will train you to have no other notion..
The first big success in you quest..
Would be to reach your chosen nest..
The moment you reach you will realize..
You have lived only a fourth of your life..
Wonder a lot what to do next...
But rather enjoy yourself as a pest..
Sooner or later the inevitable will happen...
The dream house on a quick sand will get broken...
Left alone to fend on your own..
Now think the world as your own..
Move on to place on the world map...
Thinking it as a city which must not be taking naps..
Work as if there is no tomorrow..
Cause the rulers would not let you have any other tomorrow..
Work or no work the motto should remain the same..
That is to try and keep yourself sane..
Sooner or later you will realize something major...
The work you do is nothing more than bonded labour..
Now comes the time to seek..
Every romantic notion in movies which you got a peek..
Oh if you are still puzzled and guessing..
The notion is of love you should be seeking..
Your friends will assume that partners should be easy to come by..
But you should only wonder why all good things pass you by..
After all these you come to the final act...
Try to change things with all your tact...
Sooner or later you will learn this fact...
That life has long before, put you on the mat...
Frustrated by life will bring the ultimate realization...
What could be worse than the current position..
Brooding, grumbling, crying will be the things to do..
Accompanied by litres and litres of alcohol with you..
As an ultimate act of faith in the concept..
You will then start blogging your own percepts..
Then only each day will ensure..
That misery is yours for sure..
Cause the truth may be too bitter which cannot be parted...
This could be story of you and me...
The question is whether you are as acceptable as me...
Even if you are random browser ...
Read on, for you may become a successful poser..
A sure shot way to achieve what the topic says..
A lifetime of achievement is what you may gain..
Live your life with utmost grace...
Choosing your step for everyone to phrase...
Work hard to be where you want to be..
Cause that's the only place you can imagine yourself to be..
Be short sighted in all your preparation...
And world will train you to have no other notion..
The first big success in you quest..
Would be to reach your chosen nest..
The moment you reach you will realize..
You have lived only a fourth of your life..
Wonder a lot what to do next...
But rather enjoy yourself as a pest..
Sooner or later the inevitable will happen...
The dream house on a quick sand will get broken...
Left alone to fend on your own..
Now think the world as your own..
Move on to place on the world map...
Thinking it as a city which must not be taking naps..
Work as if there is no tomorrow..
Cause the rulers would not let you have any other tomorrow..
Work or no work the motto should remain the same..
That is to try and keep yourself sane..
Sooner or later you will realize something major...
The work you do is nothing more than bonded labour..
Now comes the time to seek..
Every romantic notion in movies which you got a peek..
Oh if you are still puzzled and guessing..
The notion is of love you should be seeking..
Your friends will assume that partners should be easy to come by..
But you should only wonder why all good things pass you by..
After all these you come to the final act...
Try to change things with all your tact...
Sooner or later you will learn this fact...
That life has long before, put you on the mat...
Frustrated by life will bring the ultimate realization...
What could be worse than the current position..
Brooding, grumbling, crying will be the things to do..
Accompanied by litres and litres of alcohol with you..
As an ultimate act of faith in the concept..
You will then start blogging your own percepts..
Then only each day will ensure..
That misery is yours for sure..
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, 30th March 2008, Koramangala Methodist Church, Bangalore
The Sunday after Easter was a little bit different in the sense of walked instead of biking to church. I reached early to hear the choir practicing songs for praise and worship and for a change I sat in the middle instead of the corners. The sermon was taken by Pastor Andrew and I was wide awake for most of its part, which was a different experience altogether.So here goes the sermon...
1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5
Corinth a place where church was established by Paul. Corinth a cosmopolitan city. Corinth a place where ship building was the major occupation. Corinth a place where many philosophy thrived. Corinth a place where people were fascinated by preachers and cult leaders. Corinth a place where people loved wisdom. Corinth a place of pluralistic community. Corinth a religious city, the light of Greece. Corinth a place where immorality thrived. Corinth a place where prostitution thrived. And here was a where a church was established. Bangalore is also cosmopolitan. Do parallel exist between our city and Corinth? How should we as a church be. Like flies getting attracted to dead meat are people flocking to this city like that.
1:21..What is wisdom of God, wisdom of man....Human wisdom is constantly craving for the quest for God. With human wisdom many Gods get created. If you recognize and portray how God should be then that can also be called as idolatry. Greeks looked for wisdom as God. Here Paul introduces Gods wisdom. We preach Christ was crucified. Crucifixion is humbling and shameful....and for Greeks Messiah getting crucified was foolish. Greeks were in lookout for personality who could speak but God's wisdom is not the same. God reveals himself as a God who suffers. The glory of God is experienced by his love and grace. God chooses a weak thing in life to show his love, grace and forgiveness. The cross is the power of God. It is the saving power and a power which overcomes the enemies. God's wisdom is that he operates in weakness which dismantles conventional beliefs. His ways are different. Ask God to show his wisdom. Here then will come the answer that he chose corinth when she was weak and sinful. The parallel is between the weak thing(cross) and weak people.So we should not boast as the glory is Gods'. Then ask give more evidence as I am not satisfied. 2:1 is an another example of God's wisdom. Nike ad says just do it, but here you can't do it all alone. When we recognize our weaknesses then God takes care of them. Our faith must be in the power of God not in our mere wisdom. Weakness could be anything. It could be loneliness, ill health, financial problem....God says that he will operate in our life with his wisdom we just have to submit.
Wow that day it was sounding more interesting than today when I tried to replicate it. Still I have to say the content is still good enough to be consumed by a believer.
1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5
Corinth a place where church was established by Paul. Corinth a cosmopolitan city. Corinth a place where ship building was the major occupation. Corinth a place where many philosophy thrived. Corinth a place where people were fascinated by preachers and cult leaders. Corinth a place where people loved wisdom. Corinth a place of pluralistic community. Corinth a religious city, the light of Greece. Corinth a place where immorality thrived. Corinth a place where prostitution thrived. And here was a where a church was established. Bangalore is also cosmopolitan. Do parallel exist between our city and Corinth? How should we as a church be. Like flies getting attracted to dead meat are people flocking to this city like that.
1:21..What is wisdom of God, wisdom of man....Human wisdom is constantly craving for the quest for God. With human wisdom many Gods get created. If you recognize and portray how God should be then that can also be called as idolatry. Greeks looked for wisdom as God. Here Paul introduces Gods wisdom. We preach Christ was crucified. Crucifixion is humbling and shameful....and for Greeks Messiah getting crucified was foolish. Greeks were in lookout for personality who could speak but God's wisdom is not the same. God reveals himself as a God who suffers. The glory of God is experienced by his love and grace. God chooses a weak thing in life to show his love, grace and forgiveness. The cross is the power of God. It is the saving power and a power which overcomes the enemies. God's wisdom is that he operates in weakness which dismantles conventional beliefs. His ways are different. Ask God to show his wisdom. Here then will come the answer that he chose corinth when she was weak and sinful. The parallel is between the weak thing(cross) and weak people.So we should not boast as the glory is Gods'. Then ask give more evidence as I am not satisfied. 2:1 is an another example of God's wisdom. Nike ad says just do it, but here you can't do it all alone. When we recognize our weaknesses then God takes care of them. Our faith must be in the power of God not in our mere wisdom. Weakness could be anything. It could be loneliness, ill health, financial problem....God says that he will operate in our life with his wisdom we just have to submit.
Wow that day it was sounding more interesting than today when I tried to replicate it. Still I have to say the content is still good enough to be consumed by a believer.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
I can never be the same...
I know I was lonely...
Looking out for someone comely..
I agree that I was searching..
Hoping to find someone pleasing..
I sincerely never believed..
That I can ever get someone so sweet..
But then you were there..
An angel out of nowhere..
"An angel" said I..
How could she ever be mine..
But Your heart was kind..
And you did not mind..
The devil of my heart..
Was in the lookout for a shot..
You gave me the look..
Merrier than the silver brook..
My search was over..
My heart was pleased forever..
My heart was glad..
I thought I will never again feel sad..
But I over looked the fact..
That my feelings were like a selfish act..
The bond created...
Was too weak that it easily got berated..
You were strong..
Your beliefs even stronger..
You said it was over..
Cause your promises are more important than your lover..
I can never believe ...
Cause my thoughts are not so easy to release..
I am trying hard to make you stay...
But it seems I am no more in the frame...
I cling on to hope..
To reach the roof without any rope..
You saw me as a devil I am..
I cannot argue cause that's what I am...
I wish you could stay...
Wish it every time I pray..
You made a believer..
Your love made me the happiest creature..
But here I am today...
Lost among the multitudes of the day...
Before (I met you)!! I was searching..
Before (I met you)!! I was looking..
Before (I met you)!! I was hoping...
You changed me...
And now you say you will leave me..
Now I am only hoping..
Trying to seek happiness which is not coming..
I have lost my faith..
Which is giving me the biggest pain..
Without you I am no more the same..
Without you I am going insane..
The only truth although it may sound lame..
That I can never be the same..
That I can never be the same..
That I can never be the same..
Looking out for someone comely..
I agree that I was searching..
Hoping to find someone pleasing..
I sincerely never believed..
That I can ever get someone so sweet..
But then you were there..
An angel out of nowhere..
"An angel" said I..
How could she ever be mine..
But Your heart was kind..
And you did not mind..
The devil of my heart..
Was in the lookout for a shot..
You gave me the look..
Merrier than the silver brook..
My search was over..
My heart was pleased forever..
My heart was glad..
I thought I will never again feel sad..
But I over looked the fact..
That my feelings were like a selfish act..
The bond created...
Was too weak that it easily got berated..
You were strong..
Your beliefs even stronger..
You said it was over..
Cause your promises are more important than your lover..
I can never believe ...
Cause my thoughts are not so easy to release..
I am trying hard to make you stay...
But it seems I am no more in the frame...
I cling on to hope..
To reach the roof without any rope..
You saw me as a devil I am..
I cannot argue cause that's what I am...
I wish you could stay...
Wish it every time I pray..
You made a believer..
Your love made me the happiest creature..
But here I am today...
Lost among the multitudes of the day...
Before (I met you)!! I was searching..
Before (I met you)!! I was looking..
Before (I met you)!! I was hoping...
You changed me...
And now you say you will leave me..
Now I am only hoping..
Trying to seek happiness which is not coming..
I have lost my faith..
Which is giving me the biggest pain..
Without you I am no more the same..
Without you I am going insane..
The only truth although it may sound lame..
That I can never be the same..
That I can never be the same..
That I can never be the same..
Easter, 23rd March,2008, Koramangala Methodist Church, Bangalore
Easter was the day which went too holy for me. Attended dawn service at 5 a.m. in KMC then attended 9:30 am service at KMC with my cousin and then attended the musical service at 6 pm in KMC. Unfortunately in all of them I was rather sleepy because of waking up so early. So attending all three services as an option did not turn out to be so good. Anyhow here are the excerpts from the three services.
1) Dawn Service 5 am: Luke 24:1-8. The sermon was taken by Pastor H Mathew and the inevitable happened that is in between service I was toggling between sleep and consciousness. So here are some random points I manage to remember. We look for living among the dead. We go to places to seek among those who cannot provide. Resurrection has provided greater hope. Recognition is one the stepping stone of proclaiming Jesus. Unexpected things are always a possibility and the impossible with men is possible with God. The only thing more I remember is the following and I like it very much. He said the following in reference with something which you guessed it right I have forgotten. He said The trains of thoughts on a lonely track, the greener grasses and the trees passes by. Well from these random phrases/sentences you must have realized that I was really sleepy.
2) 9:30 service koramangala. As from the excerpts of the sermon of the dawn services you might have realized that I was sleepy. What chances did I had to be attentive and awake during this service. Yes my friends the probability of that happening was 0, in spite of a very good sermon by Rev. Theodore Williams. He said We believe on Him as a living Christ. For time the Lord revealed Himself as a living one ( after crucifixion). One of this revelation was to Peter ....Luke 23:14..We cannot keep on worshipping him only during the time of troubles and sorrows. ..Suddenly on a long 'life' road Jesus happen to meet paralyzing, blinding sadness... We should open our hearts and allow the scriptures to do the rest. The urge is strong and it stays with us....not just as a problem but as saviour..He will never refuse invitation...The guest will then become the host. He will become the master. He is not an aspirin tablet for quick relief. So we should open our heart and submit. That's it, these are the few things I was able to assimilate during the time I was awake and I hope that you may gain something out of these incoherent aggregation of the sermon.
So the day ended in the evening in the church listening to beautiful rendition of some wonderful and meaningful praise and worship.
1) Dawn Service 5 am: Luke 24:1-8. The sermon was taken by Pastor H Mathew and the inevitable happened that is in between service I was toggling between sleep and consciousness. So here are some random points I manage to remember. We look for living among the dead. We go to places to seek among those who cannot provide. Resurrection has provided greater hope. Recognition is one the stepping stone of proclaiming Jesus. Unexpected things are always a possibility and the impossible with men is possible with God. The only thing more I remember is the following and I like it very much. He said the following in reference with something which you guessed it right I have forgotten. He said The trains of thoughts on a lonely track, the greener grasses and the trees passes by. Well from these random phrases/sentences you must have realized that I was really sleepy.
2) 9:30 service koramangala. As from the excerpts of the sermon of the dawn services you might have realized that I was sleepy. What chances did I had to be attentive and awake during this service. Yes my friends the probability of that happening was 0, in spite of a very good sermon by Rev. Theodore Williams. He said We believe on Him as a living Christ. For time the Lord revealed Himself as a living one ( after crucifixion). One of this revelation was to Peter ....Luke 23:14..We cannot keep on worshipping him only during the time of troubles and sorrows. ..Suddenly on a long 'life' road Jesus happen to meet paralyzing, blinding sadness... We should open our hearts and allow the scriptures to do the rest. The urge is strong and it stays with us....not just as a problem but as saviour..He will never refuse invitation...The guest will then become the host. He will become the master. He is not an aspirin tablet for quick relief. So we should open our heart and submit. That's it, these are the few things I was able to assimilate during the time I was awake and I hope that you may gain something out of these incoherent aggregation of the sermon.
So the day ended in the evening in the church listening to beautiful rendition of some wonderful and meaningful praise and worship.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Excerpts from Chop Suey: System of Down
Simply love these few lines...
Father into your hand
I commend my spirit
Father into your hand
Why have you forsaken me
In your eyes
Forsaken me In your thoughts
Forsaken me In your heart
Forsaken me
ohh trust in my self righteous suicide
I cry When angels deserve to die
In my self righteous suicide
I cry when angels deserve to die
Father into your hand
I commend my spirit
Father into your hand
Why have you forsaken me
In your eyes
Forsaken me In your thoughts
Forsaken me In your heart
Forsaken me
ohh trust in my self righteous suicide
I cry When angels deserve to die
In my self righteous suicide
I cry when angels deserve to die
How Dare I
How dare I feel the pain...
When loneliness ruled in all those rain...
Who gave me the rights to crib...
When I hoped only for some feeling in my rib...
The rights to sulk was never mine...
For the angels grace was much more than divine...
I ask..Is it right to think myself so lowly..
A voice replied..this realization can only be holy..
For the grace was not mine to obtain...
It was only my luck that could not refrain..
The absence which I may feel..
For it; was never and never will be a big deal...
I was living the happiness which was leased...
But How dare I even question its release...
I can only render a cry...
But then How dare I even cry...
How dare I...
How dare I...
When loneliness ruled in all those rain...
Who gave me the rights to crib...
When I hoped only for some feeling in my rib...
The rights to sulk was never mine...
For the angels grace was much more than divine...
I ask..Is it right to think myself so lowly..
A voice replied..this realization can only be holy..
For the grace was not mine to obtain...
It was only my luck that could not refrain..
The absence which I may feel..
For it; was never and never will be a big deal...
I was living the happiness which was leased...
But How dare I even question its release...
I can only render a cry...
But then How dare I even cry...
How dare I...
How dare I...
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Good Friday (21st March 2008, KMC : Koramangala Methodist Church) : Part 2
Carrying on from the previous post here are the elaboration of the last 4 verse by Jesus on the Cross.
4) "Eloi, Eloi,[a] lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"Mathew 27:46. This has probably been one of personal favourite. There is something about these few words which has always been able to attract. First of all Eloi Eloi....sounds tacky and cool and above all these words sounds that of a desperate/defeated man and I guess some point of time in our life some of us might have such an experience of desperation. Nevertheless different people can have different views on the point and the speaker who was going to speak on them was a choir leader. I had great expectation from him and I bet he did justice to these words by his own interpretation. I have to ask for excuse if I am unable to reciprocate the same thing he said over here. Anyhow here is what he said: Imagine the scene the one who is the healer, the one who is the preacher the one who is loved by many...is hanging on the cross. The one who proclaims intimacy with his father is crying out. If this does not make an impact on our lives then probably we are too used to it. Probably then nothing would ruffle our feathers then. Sometimes in our life we feel meaninglessness, abandonment, unloved ....These feelings gets enhanced by the media , by the people around us, by the overall environment. Today we are living ripped apart from God. Before death this becomes the deepest identification. It is said that Mother Teresa also felt forsakeness from God. Christ forsakeness reaches deep into our own.Sinlessness forsake the sinful creature. Greatest deed is what Christ did on the cross. So has He reached deep into our hearts to be more specific have we allowed Him that special place
5) Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." John 19:28. Meditation on these words were taken by a lady who along with one other lady maintains decorum/discipline in church during the time of communion. Her was the most impressive content which I was struggling to keep pace with. I will anyhow try to remember as much I can. The meditation undertaken went something like this Were they the words uttered by a desperate man. definitely not....Only cries of the disciples penetrated the slumber..The only thing flying higher were the doves...Thirst refers to physical thirst...These were words of humanity in divinity...Why did He endure thirst was it amazing love...was it amazing grace...Its spiritual dimension is the fulfilling of the old testament prophecy. John 4:34 Jesus thirst to fulfill His fathers work. Greek word used for fulfill means to complete. He thirsted for reunion with His father. Imagine God and the two on his two side. His heart thirst to save you and me. Why did not everyone was able to see that He was the Messiah. Probably because they were not thirsty. The one who thirst is the giver of living water. Irony of an empty soul is that it is perpetually dissatisfied. It shifts from one thing to another. A dry soul would be the one which does not know what it is missing. Whereas the satisfied soul knows who is God and goes to that thirst quencher. Are we in constant relationship with God? Do we thirst for Him. John:7:14 If anyone is thirsty come to me and drink
6) When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30. This was taken by another lady. Her content was also well formed but it seemed it was not coming naturally to her still her content did draw attention which I was unable to ignore. Still the things I remember I will pen down. He was caught, beaten and crucified. spiritually battered and physically broken on the cross. This was a cry of triumph on the cross. He had accomplished what he had come to do. The sense was of accomplishment can be guaged in five different ways (i) All prophesies were accomplished in just one man, Jesus. It was finished in Him. (ii) All forms of sacrifices were abolished because He sacrificing Himself on the cross. (iii) God justice were met. Full atonement had been made. The wages of sin was fulfilled forever and the ransom paid in full. (iv) The power of satan, sin and death were destroyed. (v) He ratified the eternal covenant i.e. God the Father, God the son and God the Holy spirit. Eternity passed and the son of God willingly submitted himself to the father to pave the path of cross. So question which should be asked by us the strength of the response we establish between us and God
7) Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23:46. This was taken by Reverend H. Mathews and I am sorry to say that I am not a big fan of his sermon at least in English. I lose his context and meaning more often than not. This is what I think he said. If we relive the same form of hardship as Jesus did on the cross what will be our reaction. These versus re-emphasize the trust of Jesus in his father. Elaborates the kind of faith we need to live in. (Jewish) mother often tell their children to pray these versus as prayer which shows the closeness of relationship. The presence of the father always accompanied Jesus. What is required by us is to delight in Lord and he will take care of all our needs. Sorry as i said I always drift a lot in his sermon.
This is it guys that was what I heard and probably understood on the 23rd of March KMC's Good Friday service.
4) "Eloi, Eloi,[a] lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"Mathew 27:46. This has probably been one of personal favourite. There is something about these few words which has always been able to attract. First of all Eloi Eloi....sounds tacky and cool and above all these words sounds that of a desperate/defeated man and I guess some point of time in our life some of us might have such an experience of desperation. Nevertheless different people can have different views on the point and the speaker who was going to speak on them was a choir leader. I had great expectation from him and I bet he did justice to these words by his own interpretation. I have to ask for excuse if I am unable to reciprocate the same thing he said over here. Anyhow here is what he said: Imagine the scene the one who is the healer, the one who is the preacher the one who is loved by many...is hanging on the cross. The one who proclaims intimacy with his father is crying out. If this does not make an impact on our lives then probably we are too used to it. Probably then nothing would ruffle our feathers then. Sometimes in our life we feel meaninglessness, abandonment, unloved ....These feelings gets enhanced by the media , by the people around us, by the overall environment. Today we are living ripped apart from God. Before death this becomes the deepest identification. It is said that Mother Teresa also felt forsakeness from God. Christ forsakeness reaches deep into our own.Sinlessness forsake the sinful creature. Greatest deed is what Christ did on the cross. So has He reached deep into our hearts to be more specific have we allowed Him that special place
5) Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." John 19:28. Meditation on these words were taken by a lady who along with one other lady maintains decorum/discipline in church during the time of communion. Her was the most impressive content which I was struggling to keep pace with. I will anyhow try to remember as much I can. The meditation undertaken went something like this Were they the words uttered by a desperate man. definitely not....Only cries of the disciples penetrated the slumber..The only thing flying higher were the doves...Thirst refers to physical thirst...These were words of humanity in divinity...Why did He endure thirst was it amazing love...was it amazing grace...Its spiritual dimension is the fulfilling of the old testament prophecy. John 4:34 Jesus thirst to fulfill His fathers work. Greek word used for fulfill means to complete. He thirsted for reunion with His father. Imagine God and the two on his two side. His heart thirst to save you and me. Why did not everyone was able to see that He was the Messiah. Probably because they were not thirsty. The one who thirst is the giver of living water. Irony of an empty soul is that it is perpetually dissatisfied. It shifts from one thing to another. A dry soul would be the one which does not know what it is missing. Whereas the satisfied soul knows who is God and goes to that thirst quencher. Are we in constant relationship with God? Do we thirst for Him. John:7:14 If anyone is thirsty come to me and drink
6) When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30. This was taken by another lady. Her content was also well formed but it seemed it was not coming naturally to her still her content did draw attention which I was unable to ignore. Still the things I remember I will pen down. He was caught, beaten and crucified. spiritually battered and physically broken on the cross. This was a cry of triumph on the cross. He had accomplished what he had come to do. The sense was of accomplishment can be guaged in five different ways (i) All prophesies were accomplished in just one man, Jesus. It was finished in Him. (ii) All forms of sacrifices were abolished because He sacrificing Himself on the cross. (iii) God justice were met. Full atonement had been made. The wages of sin was fulfilled forever and the ransom paid in full. (iv) The power of satan, sin and death were destroyed. (v) He ratified the eternal covenant i.e. God the Father, God the son and God the Holy spirit. Eternity passed and the son of God willingly submitted himself to the father to pave the path of cross. So question which should be asked by us the strength of the response we establish between us and God
7) Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23:46. This was taken by Reverend H. Mathews and I am sorry to say that I am not a big fan of his sermon at least in English. I lose his context and meaning more often than not. This is what I think he said. If we relive the same form of hardship as Jesus did on the cross what will be our reaction. These versus re-emphasize the trust of Jesus in his father. Elaborates the kind of faith we need to live in. (Jewish) mother often tell their children to pray these versus as prayer which shows the closeness of relationship. The presence of the father always accompanied Jesus. What is required by us is to delight in Lord and he will take care of all our needs. Sorry as i said I always drift a lot in his sermon.
This is it guys that was what I heard and probably understood on the 23rd of March KMC's Good Friday service.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Good Friday (21st March 2008, KMC : Koramangala Methodist Church) : Part 1
I have been thinking about this for a while and finally I am doing it i.e. to try and write out what the things I had heard and part of the thing which I may have assimilated. You may like it or you may not, I do not bother but I have decided that I will write about them anyhow. Anyways this post is the first of its kind in my blog and their will be many more in due course of time
Good Friday : Well I am not going to introduce its meaning and would not be preachy but instead write about what I had been preached. This post has seven section in accordance with the seven thing said by Christ on the cross and in accordance with the speakers speaking on these words in KMC.
1) "Father, forgive them. They don't know what they are doing." : Luke23:34. This was discussed by a lady and I was unable to get a single thing she wanted to say. To me it was too incoherent
2) "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." : Luke 23:42. These words were reflected upon by a guy. Although he is unknown to me as everyone else in KMC but one thing is confirmed that he was impressive and was able to engage me for the whole time. He started of by talking about some one. It went something like this. --- He was/wasn't probably there when thousands were fed. He was/wasn't probably there when the dead was raised. He was/wasn't probably there when people were healed. He was/wasn't probably there when ....By this time this speaker left me wondering who is the so called "He" is he talking about till the time when the sermon came to this. He knew who Jesus was and he was a thief. He knew that he was hanging beside two people. He knew that one was good and the other deserve his fate. Amidst all the insult mooted out by different people to this good man, one reacted differently inspite of being a robber. A transaction happened between man and God and an audacious question was asked "Remember me ......" . Good....well till now he was able to keep me interested by his beautiful oratory skills but the better part was yet to come when the speaker revealed his actual intentions/meanings. He said We may come to church every week and pretend to be as much holy as possible but the fact remains that we are caught in the ways of the world. God does not forget. God did not forget Joseph thrown into the pit by his brothers. God did not forget Daniel in the den. God did not forget Samson. God did not forget .... and God did no forget this thief. He will remember us but the question is will we ask Him ??
3) "Jesus said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son." He said to the disciple, "Here is your mother."": John:19:26-27. This word from the cross was taken up by the pastor. KMC has two pastors actually one reverend and one pastor. Have no idea what these titles stand for. But the one who is pastor is young and this guy lead the meditation of these words. His sermon went something like this. The scene shifted from the soldier to the present. Jesus went about doing miracles and now He was on the cross. The lady standing is a true mother and like any other she loves her child inspite of the world condemning her child on the cross as a criminal. On the cross Jesus glorified His Father and honoured his mother. Children has responsibilities towards their parents. That is what Christ was taking heed of while still on the cross. The point is a new life is possible if a relationship is thriving. A disciple took hers as her mother and it was beginning of a new relationship as a symbol of circle of faith. To us the mean of that faith is the church. As the community grows we should always welcome one another and accept. So we should allow these new brotherhood to prosper so that when time comes we be able to bring comfort to others. One of the examples he used was of a German Pastor during the time of Hitler who was killed for explaining Jesus as a Man for others The pastor concluded by saying Like wise we have to do the welfare of others like Jesus did even going through all that he went through on the cross
Good Friday : Well I am not going to introduce its meaning and would not be preachy but instead write about what I had been preached. This post has seven section in accordance with the seven thing said by Christ on the cross and in accordance with the speakers speaking on these words in KMC.
1) "Father, forgive them. They don't know what they are doing." : Luke23:34. This was discussed by a lady and I was unable to get a single thing she wanted to say. To me it was too incoherent
2) "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." : Luke 23:42. These words were reflected upon by a guy. Although he is unknown to me as everyone else in KMC but one thing is confirmed that he was impressive and was able to engage me for the whole time. He started of by talking about some one. It went something like this. --- He was/wasn't probably there when thousands were fed. He was/wasn't probably there when the dead was raised. He was/wasn't probably there when people were healed. He was/wasn't probably there when ....By this time this speaker left me wondering who is the so called "He" is he talking about till the time when the sermon came to this. He knew who Jesus was and he was a thief. He knew that he was hanging beside two people. He knew that one was good and the other deserve his fate. Amidst all the insult mooted out by different people to this good man, one reacted differently inspite of being a robber. A transaction happened between man and God and an audacious question was asked "Remember me ......" . Good....well till now he was able to keep me interested by his beautiful oratory skills but the better part was yet to come when the speaker revealed his actual intentions/meanings. He said We may come to church every week and pretend to be as much holy as possible but the fact remains that we are caught in the ways of the world. God does not forget. God did not forget Joseph thrown into the pit by his brothers. God did not forget Daniel in the den. God did not forget Samson. God did not forget .... and God did no forget this thief. He will remember us but the question is will we ask Him ??
3) "Jesus said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son." He said to the disciple, "Here is your mother."": John:19:26-27. This word from the cross was taken up by the pastor. KMC has two pastors actually one reverend and one pastor. Have no idea what these titles stand for. But the one who is pastor is young and this guy lead the meditation of these words. His sermon went something like this. The scene shifted from the soldier to the present. Jesus went about doing miracles and now He was on the cross. The lady standing is a true mother and like any other she loves her child inspite of the world condemning her child on the cross as a criminal. On the cross Jesus glorified His Father and honoured his mother. Children has responsibilities towards their parents. That is what Christ was taking heed of while still on the cross. The point is a new life is possible if a relationship is thriving. A disciple took hers as her mother and it was beginning of a new relationship as a symbol of circle of faith. To us the mean of that faith is the church. As the community grows we should always welcome one another and accept. So we should allow these new brotherhood to prosper so that when time comes we be able to bring comfort to others. One of the examples he used was of a German Pastor during the time of Hitler who was killed for explaining Jesus as a Man for others The pastor concluded by saying Like wise we have to do the welfare of others like Jesus did even going through all that he went through on the cross
Friday, March 07, 2008
दीवारों से मिलकर रोना अच्छा लगता है: Pankaj Udhas (Getting it in Hindi font was in itself a motivation to put it in my blog)
दीवारों से मिलकर रोना अच्छा लगता है,
हम भी पागल हो जायेगा ऐसा लगता है.
दुनियाभर कि यादें हमसे मिलने आती है,
शाम ढले इस सूने घर मी मेला लगता है.
कितने दिनों के प्यासे होंगे यारो सोचो तो,
शबनम का कतरा भी जिनको दरिया लगता है.
किसको “कैझर” पथ्थर मारूँ कौन पराया है,
शीश महल मी एक एक चेहरा अपना लगता है.
हम भी पागल हो जायेगा ऐसा लगता है.
दुनियाभर कि यादें हमसे मिलने आती है,
शाम ढले इस सूने घर मी मेला लगता है.
कितने दिनों के प्यासे होंगे यारो सोचो तो,
शबनम का कतरा भी जिनको दरिया लगता है.
किसको “कैझर” पथ्थर मारूँ कौन पराया है,
शीश महल मी एक एक चेहरा अपना लगता है.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Bob Seger - We've got Tonight
Wow simply "amazing" is how I can describe it. Amazing emotion and amazing hope
Bob Seger - We've got Tonight
I know it's late,I know you're weary
I know your plans don't include me
Still here we are, both of us lonely
Longing for shelter from
all that we see
Why should we worry, no one will care
Look at the stars so far away
We've got tonight
Who needs tomorrow?
We've got tonight
Why don't you stay?
Deep in my soul, I've been so lonely
All of my hopes, fading away
I've longed for love, like
everyone else does
I know I'll keep
searching, even after
today
So that there it is
We've got it all now
And here we are
What do you say?
We've got tonight
Who needs tomorrow?
We've got tonight
Why don't you stay?
I know it's late, I know you're weary
I know your plans don't include me
Still here we are, both of us lonely
Both of us lonely
We've got tonight
Who needs tomorrow?
Let's make it last
Let's find a way
Turn out the light
Come take my hand now
We've got tonight
Why don't you stay?
Why don't you stay?
Bob Seger - We've got Tonight
I know it's late,I know you're weary
I know your plans don't include me
Still here we are, both of us lonely
Longing for shelter from
all that we see
Why should we worry, no one will care
Look at the stars so far away
We've got tonight
Who needs tomorrow?
We've got tonight
Why don't you stay?
Deep in my soul, I've been so lonely
All of my hopes, fading away
I've longed for love, like
everyone else does
I know I'll keep
searching, even after
today
So that there it is
We've got it all now
And here we are
What do you say?
We've got tonight
Who needs tomorrow?
We've got tonight
Why don't you stay?
I know it's late, I know you're weary
I know your plans don't include me
Still here we are, both of us lonely
Both of us lonely
We've got tonight
Who needs tomorrow?
Let's make it last
Let's find a way
Turn out the light
Come take my hand now
We've got tonight
Why don't you stay?
Why don't you stay?
Thursday, February 14, 2008
The antique vase
This is a story mailed to by Eric and it is so amazing that it has to be in my blog
I have decided that henceforth I shall speak to you about my thinkings which have begun to take form after years of pondering.
There was a general in ancient China who retired after many years of military service. Not wishing to sit around doing nothing, he took up the hobby of collecting antiques.
One day, he sat in his study to admire his latest acquisition – a small antique vase. It was expensive but worth it. He turned it this way and that, examining the exquisite patterns that ancient craftsmen had worked into it.
Suddenly, a careless movement of his fingers caused the vase to slip from his hands. The general tried to catch it, but its slick surface was difficult to grasp. He dove forward to try again. It was a close call, but he finally managed to hold on to it, mere inches from the floor.
The general's heart was pounding rapidly. His breathing was frantic. He gripped the vase tightly and stood up slowly. After a while, he was able to regain some composure.
He was relieved to have avoided damage, but something was not right. Instead of elation, he felt only puzzlement. "In all my campaigns," he thought to himself, "charging against the enemy, leading men into battle, even facing much bigger armies than mine… I never felt as much fear as I did just now. Why?"
Throughout his military career, the general always recognized the possibility of losing his life, but it didn't frighten him at all. Somehow, on this particular day, the possibility of losing the vase frightened him a lot.
In an instant of clarity, he saw the problem. He had become too attached to the vase. That attachment was the cause of emotional turmoil. He looked at the vase again, seeing it in a completely different light. Then, with his mind perfectly at ease, he relaxed his hands. The vase dropped and shattered into pieces.
The self or wealth, which is greater?
Gain or loss, which is more painful?
I have decided that henceforth I shall speak to you about my thinkings which have begun to take form after years of pondering.
There was a general in ancient China who retired after many years of military service. Not wishing to sit around doing nothing, he took up the hobby of collecting antiques.
One day, he sat in his study to admire his latest acquisition – a small antique vase. It was expensive but worth it. He turned it this way and that, examining the exquisite patterns that ancient craftsmen had worked into it.
Suddenly, a careless movement of his fingers caused the vase to slip from his hands. The general tried to catch it, but its slick surface was difficult to grasp. He dove forward to try again. It was a close call, but he finally managed to hold on to it, mere inches from the floor.
The general's heart was pounding rapidly. His breathing was frantic. He gripped the vase tightly and stood up slowly. After a while, he was able to regain some composure.
He was relieved to have avoided damage, but something was not right. Instead of elation, he felt only puzzlement. "In all my campaigns," he thought to himself, "charging against the enemy, leading men into battle, even facing much bigger armies than mine… I never felt as much fear as I did just now. Why?"
Throughout his military career, the general always recognized the possibility of losing his life, but it didn't frighten him at all. Somehow, on this particular day, the possibility of losing the vase frightened him a lot.
In an instant of clarity, he saw the problem. He had become too attached to the vase. That attachment was the cause of emotional turmoil. He looked at the vase again, seeing it in a completely different light. Then, with his mind perfectly at ease, he relaxed his hands. The vase dropped and shattered into pieces.
The self or wealth, which is greater?
Gain or loss, which is more painful?
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
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