विवश
Author Manish 'Pakhi'
अपराधी कौन?
अभी कुछ माह पूर्व मुझे मेरी एक विदेश यात्रा के दौरान मुझे एक बुजुर्ग महिला, जो के मेरी सहयात्री थीं, से वार्तालाप का संयोग प्राप्त हुआ। महज औपचारिकताओं से आरंभ होने वाला यह वार्तालाप उनकी सामाजिक गतिविधियों तथा योगदानों से होता हुआ कब उनके जीवनकाल की विषम परिस्थितियों तक पहुँच गया, पता ही नहीं चला। वह एक अत्यंत ही प्रखर, मृदुभाषी एवं सफल महिला थीं। वे अपनी जीवन यात्रा में विषद अध्ययन कर उच्च शिक्षा के शिखर पर पहुंची थीं। उनकी सफलता के पीछे छुपे उनके संघर्ष के विषय में जानकारी प्राप्त करने हेतु मेरा मन उत्सुक था, कि इस प्रेरणा को में उन अनेक युवक युवतियों तक पहुंचा सकूँ जो जीवन में किसी अर्थपूर्ण ध्येय को हासिल करना चाहते है। परंतु उनकी कहानी सुनने के बाद मैंने जाना कि उनके जीवन संघर्ष के आयाम मेरी कल्पना से परे थे। उन्होंने तमाम उपेक्षाओं से हार ना मानते हुए अपनी मंजिल को पाने की अपनी जिजीविषा को किसी भी प्रकार से क्षीण ना होने दिया था। उनके बचपन की एवं उनके परिवार के उनके प्रति व्यवहार को सुनने के पश्चात, मेरा मन खिन्न हो उठा।। शिक्षित परिवारों में भी बेटे और बेटी के भेदभाव की संकीर्ण मानसिकता शायद न बदल पाई थी। यह कविता उनकी व्यथा को व्यक्त करने का एक प्रयास है, एक माध्यम है।
Editorial Note – Happy New Year
Editorial Note – Happy New Year
Happiness in Daily Life
Happiness in Daily Life
Wish you all a very Happy New Year!!
The New Year invites us to pause, reflect upon our journey, and envision the path ahead. This year, I’ve again been privileged to forge meaningful connections with readers spanning the globe—from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, and France to Sweden, Ukraine, Hong Kong, Singapore, Portugal, Latvia, Finland, Luxembourg, Canada, Colombia, Poland, and Israel. These bonds have enriched my life immeasurably.
My deepest gratitude goes to each reader whose encouragement, thoughtful feedback, and wisdom have sustained this journey of writing. I treasure your presence and sincerely value your feedback and insights.
In my last editorial note, I talked about reflecting on the spaces and times around us; the dimension of ‘Tangible Illusions’. Today as the year of 2025 gives way to ushering in the new year of 2026, I reflect back on the ‘Intangible Realities’ that run the entire world starting from our individual interactions to group behaviours and to collective consciousness of beliefs and misbeliefs…I find the world is getting increasingly aggressive, loud and unapologetic about the soulless acts and profanities committed at all levels and at all places…
‘Intangible Realities’ referred to are the torrents of negative energies and the upheavals of unseen positive forces…The subliminal battles of evil and good in the planes of our consciousness…. Are they decisively leaning to the victory of the evil side!! Are we facing more negativity than a few decades back? Are we feeling more insecure and unsafe… If not, then why are bad behaviours going unchallenged, why evil acts are finding complicit and why impostors are being hailed in our daily lives…in families, social circles, at work or in larger regions…Is toxicity the only new normal. Is humanity buried…The invisible currents of jealousy, resentment, and anger from those around us can gradually erode our peace like a subtle poison coursing through our lives.
People find themselves inexplicably anxious, drained of energy, troubled without apparent cause – Unnecessary conflict: Disputes in the home without any solid reason. Bitterness in speech despite love being present, Uncontrolled thoughts, Lack of concentration and Self-doubt.
This is how invisible energies, the hidden emotions of others, and our own carelessness make us unhappy. We understand how poison can be hidden inside a golden vessel and how a burning ember burns the one who catches it more than the one who throws it.
We navigate through an immense energetic ocean, constantly interacting with invisible forces. We are shaped by our thoughts yet equally important is recognizing how profoundly the mental currents of others influence us. harmful energetic patterns. Contemporary science identifies these as “negative vibes,” while traditional teachings described them as unwholesome mental formations or afflicted consciousness.
When someone experiences anger in our vicinity or secretly nurses envy toward us, their inner turbulence doesn’t remain contained. These individuals continuously radiate disturbance outward—invisible waves of unrest that permeate the surrounding atmosphere. This raises an essential question: how can we safeguard ourselves from these disruptive energies?
1.Influence of association is inevitable: We cannot escape it, no matter how hard we try, unless we are fully enlightened. We often think that if we haven’t harmed anyone, no harm will come to us. This is an illusion. The Tathagata emphasized the importance of Sangha or good company. He used to say that it is better to walk alone than to walk with fools. Here, “fool” does not mean someone with low intelligence. Rather, it is the person who is unaware. If we are surrounded by people who constantly complain, blame others, or curse their fate, we will gradually start doing the same. Their negative energy will diminish our own.
2. The Principle of the Burning Ember: How does negativity work? By holding on to the burning coal of another’s anger. The person who harbours jealousy towards us, who wishes for our destruction, is the first to destroy their own peace. They make their own body and mind sick. But if we are standing near them and we are not careful, the heat of that ember will burn us too.
3. The Golden Urn and the Poisonous Sweetness: It is easy to avoid an open enemy because we know they are an enemy. We can see it. But what about the person who is an enemy disguised as a friend? Many times, someone speaks to us very sweetly. They smile. They praise us. Their words are gentle. But sitting near them, we feel a strange fatigue. We want to leave . Our mind feels heavy. Why? They say, “I am our well-wisher.” But inside their minds, the poison of envy, malice, and ill will is present.
When someone speaks sweetly but harbours evil thoughts in their mind, a conflict arises within their being. This conflict generates a special kind of negative energy. Our highly sensitive consciousness senses this danger. That’s why we feel uneasy around that person. Our body and mind are giving us a signal: Beware, there is danger here. Get away from here. But we often ignore these signals. We get caught in a web of words and drink that poisonous liquid. As a result, we become victims of depression, anxiety, and conflict. Buddha says that truth is not seen with the eyes, but with inner intuition. Words can lie, but vibrations never lie.
4. Five Doors and Protection: How does this negativity enter us? Our body, like a fortress, has five main gates. Our senses: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin. Of these, the eyes and ears are the largest gates. What we hear is like food. If we eat contaminated food, our body will become sick. If we listen to contaminated things—criticism, gossip, pointless complaints, news of crime, frightening discussions— our mind will become sick.
Often, we think, “I’m just listening. I’m not doing anything.”
What do we see? Violent scenes, feelings of inferiority arising from seeing the wealth of others, or angry faces. When we see a disturbed person, subtle waves of fear or anger begin to rise within us as well. This is the principle of the mirror. Our mind begins to reflect the emotions of the person in front of us. Similarly whatever words enter the ear, they become a seed in the subconscious mind. In time, that seed will sprout and release poison into our behaviour.
Most People believe they are above these influences and their understanding of worldly matters is expedient and deep. Yet, an awakened mind can clearly see through their veneer of false bravados, feigned knowledge and assumed personas.
Every year brings us some revelations on the limitless potential of human capability – Sadly it is limitless on the negative side too. 2025 was one of those years which strengthened my belief in the principle of Three Obstacles and Four Devils in Buddhism. In Nichiren Buddhism, the Three Obstacles and Four Devils represent internal and external hindrances that inevitably arise as one nears enlightenment. The Three Obstacles include earthly desires (greed/anger), karma (opposition from family), and retribution (interference from authority). The Four Devils consist of physical/mental disharmony, earthly desires, the fear or disruption of death, and the “Devil King of the Sixth Heaven”—manipulation by those in power or authority.
But are we helpless? Are we merely puppets in the hands of others? No. let us learn the art of remaining pure, like the lotus flower, even while rooted in the mud. These challenges are viewed not as failures, but as proof of spiritual progress. By maintaining strong faith and courage, practitioners transform these obstacles into catalysts for profound personal growth and “human revolution.”
Regarding the protective shield and inner purification, Gautama Buddha said, “Be a lamp unto ourselves.” When darkness surrounds us, cursing the darkness will accomplish nothing. What is needed is to ignite a light within ourselves – अप्प दीपो भव. To protect ourselves from negative vibrations, we don’t need to change the outside world. We need to strengthen our inner system.
Eight powerful principles that can free us from all kinds of negativity and achieve Victory over Devilish functions are: .
1.The Shield of ‘Observance’: When someone shouts or insults us, they are directing their negative energy towards us. If we react at that moment, if we also become angry, it means we have taken that ember into our own hand. Now we too will burn. When hostile energy targets us, our refusal to engage leaves that negativity with its source. Protection comes through mindfulness: observing our emotional responses without immediate reaction, creating space between stimulus and response. In that sacred pause lies our freedom. When someone is negative towards us, we should say to ourselves: This is his anger, not mine. This is his unrest, not mine. I do not accept it. When we don’t react, the other person’s negative energy finds no basis. That energy bounces back and returns to them.
2.The Empty Boat Principle: There is an old story that Buddha’s followers often tell. Once, a monk was meditating in his small boat on the bank of a river. The river’s current was calm. Suddenly, he felt another boat collide with his boat. He was jolted. His concentration was broken. He became very angry. He thought, “What fool is this who doesn’t see that I am meditating here?” He turned to shout and curse at the person in the other boat. But as soon as he opened his eyes, he was stunned. The other boat was empty. There was no one in it. It was simply drifting along with the wind and the current of the river and had collided with his boat. All his anger vanished in an instant. Whom could he be angry with?
There was no one there. Buddha says that the people in society who are causing us pain, who are jealous, are all like that empty boat. They are not masters of their own minds. They are being carried along by the winds of their old habits, their conditioning, and their circumstances. They are not colliding with us intentionally. They are simply drifting unconsciously. If we consider them as individuals, anger will arise. If we understand that they are merely slaves of circumstances, that they are suffering, then we will feel compassion for them, not anger. And where there is compassion, negative energy cannot enter. The next time someone shouts at us, consider them an empty boat. Consider that the poor person is caught in the storms of their own mind. Sutra
- Cultivating the Opposite: When there is darkness, we don’t try to remove it with a stick. We bring light. Similarly, to remove a negative thought, we don’t fight it. Rather, the goal is to cultivate a positive thought. This is called “Counteracting Emotion” in Yoga and Buddhist philosophy. If we feel anger towards someone, forcefully bring forth feelings of friendship and goodwill towards them. This is difficult, but not impossible. Buddha had a very profound principle: hatred is never appeased by hatred; hatred is only appeased by love. If we silently pray for that person, wishing them well and peace, we have created white energy, white light. This white energy will instantly neutralize the other person’s negative energy, just as adding an alkali to an acid neutralizes it. This is the best weapon to defeat our enemies. Respond to their negativity with our positivity. This will shake them to their core and also protect us.
- Inner cleansing: We often say, “That person is very negative. I feel bad when I’m around them.” But a bitter truth is that a fly only lands where there is dirt. If our house is completely clean, a fly cannot stay there. Similarly, if there is already anger, greed, or fear hidden within us, only then does external negativity affect us. If there is no wound inside, we, sprinkling salt on it will not cause pain. Pain only occurs when there is already a wound. Therefore, before trying to change others, we should cleanse our inner self. Every day, sit in solitude for some time. Focus on our breath. See what is going on inside us. Are we still frustrated about something from the past? Have we not forgiven someone? Get that old garbage out. Forgive, and be free. The emptier and purer we are within, the more external vibrations will pass right through us; they won’t even be able to touch us. we will become transparent. Buddha says , just as a strong rock is not moved by the wind, so too a wise person is not disturbed by praise or criticism. The average person runs away from negativity. They want people to praise them. They want everything to be in their favor. But the seeker, the awakened one, knows that adverse circumstances are necessary to refine their strength.
- The Enemy is the Friend: The Enemy as the Catalyst. This may sound strange. But consider this: If there are no angry people in the world, how would we practice forgiveness? If no one insulted us, how would we practice tolerance? When someone spews negativity towards us, they are giving us an opportunity. They are testing us. They are seeing how alive our ego is. If their insult hurts us, it means that we still have a wound of ego within us. That enemy has only revealed that the wound has not yet healed. Therefore, Buddha says that we should be grateful to our critics. They are our free teachers. They introduce us to our weak points that we cannot see ourselves. The formula for transformation: The next time someone creates an obstacle, say to yourself, “This is not my enemy, this is my trainer. This person has come to teach me patience.” As soon as we think this, the effect of that person’s negative energy will disappear.
It will become fuel for us. We will use that energy to make our patience even greater. This is called ‘Changing poison into medicine’.
- The Power of Silence: Negative waves often spread through words. We talk too much. We waste our energy in useless arguments, explanations, and gossip. When we argue with a negative person, we descend to their level. We mix our high energy with their low energy. This is a great loss.The Buddha often remained silent. When someone asked pointless questions or insulted him, he would not respond. His silence was so profound and powerful that the other person would become calm on their own. Silence is not a weakness or Passivity. It has the power to unsettle unhappy people. The calmer and more silent a person is, the more influential their presence becomes. Practice speech fasting for at least some time every day. Do not speak when it is not necessary and do not speak unnecessarily faster or louder; both reveal your weaker and vulnerable self.
- Compassion to defeat negativity: Buddha says that hatred cannot be overcome by hatred, but only by love. When we understand that the person before us is not evil but rather suffering, that they are burning in the fire of their own anger, then compassion arises in our heart for them. Buddha said to Angulimal, the bandit, “I have stopped. When will you stop?” Buddha’s immense compassion melted Angulimala’s hardness. This is the power of positivity. If our positivity, our peace, is greater than the anger of the person in front of us, then that person will be defeated. They will have to change. Darkness cannot stand before light. Therefore, increase our radiance so much, expand our compassion so much that when a sad or angry person comes to us, they become calm. we don’t have to say anything. Our presence itself becomes medicine for them.
- Emptiness and Liberation – Revealing your true identity: Why are we unhappy? Because we consider ourselves to be a limited identity. “My name is this. My position is this. My honour is this.” When this small identity is threatened, we become disturbed. Buddha says we are not the body. we are not this name. we are like that infinite sky in which clouds come and go. Whether the clouds are black or white, it makes no difference to the sky. The sky is never tainted. The day we experience this truth that I am merely an observer, I am not this body, on that day no power in the world can make us unhappy. This is called the state of emptiness or Nirvana. Emptiness does not mean nothingness. Emptiness means completeness. When we renounce everything from within, all prejudices, all hatred, all attachment, then we become infinite. Then there is no difference between us and this universe. Then wherever we go, we become a source of peace.
Protect that sacred space within our heart. Be an Observer.
I pray you gain mastery over your mind, develop profound insight into others’ inner worlds, and help awaken humanity to its highest potential. May we collectively transcend our fundamental ignorance, conquering greed, anger, and jealousy—ensuring these destructive patterns don’t infect Artificial Intelligence, which would merely amplify our shadow selves.
Let us pursue enlightenment urgently, before creating autonomous machines wielding tremendous influence. Our consciousness must evolve before our technology does.
Wishing you a truly magnificent New Year filled with transformation and light!
From- “Manish ‘pakhi’
Conscience vs Con-Sense
Conscience-keepers are the people who uphold the moral values, sense of right and wrong and justice.
These are the people who have depth of character and a grounded view of life.
Conscience-keepers are the people whom others look up to as leaders and GO-TO persons. In an organization, if one feels there is something going wrong or against the norms, they can go to the conscience-keepers with the firm conviction of finding support and help.
Conscience-keepers practice the high standards of conduct and inspire confidence in others to do so. They act as the moral backbone of an organization and help develop a culture of mutual trust and psychological safety.
They advocate positive human traits such as sincerity and compassion.
They are the true parent figures who encourage people to practice professionalism and also discourage unethical behaviour.
Conscience-keepers are the people of magnanimous stature and benevolent gravitas. They are stalwarts and pillars of the organization.
Conscience keepers are rare now.
They exists in memories of the past. With the changes in society, they became fewer and fewer. So have people, who sought them and their values.
Their diminution led to the growth of a Pseudo-Conscientious breed of people who would do all that they could discourage sincere and well bred, well-meaning people. Such people are called Con-Sense Creepers.
Con-Sense Creepers, invest their time and energy into building a network of like minded people ready to connive and put up a show of lofty talking hiding their ulterior and mean intentions.
They combine their opinions and voices to falsify the truths and creating deceptions. They coalesce easily and creepy as they are, base their actions to usurp power and fame thru Con-ship.
Con-sense-creeper ; the most pernicious, fecund and thriving cohorts of self-serving individuals hiding behind their feigned egos and masked cunningness.
They are charlatans and possessor of shallowest beliefs.
Con-Sense-creepers demonstrate majoritarian decision making putting up a show of democracy. In this process they first gather likeminded people in their inner circle to pursue matters of share interest silencing any conscientious voice.
On one hand they do everything to promote the interest of their likes thru unethical methods and unfair means, on the other hand they systematically discourage and distance good intentioned people. Con-Sense creepers would undermine the efforts, achievements and visibility of good intentioned people while exaggerating the achievements and visibility of their likes. When unchecked , They plot against good people to drive them away and to establish impregnable circle of Yes-sayers which can reward people of their types and punish or sideline people who are not their types.
Con-Sense creepers are perfect liars behind their glib façade. They threaten the people who are in lesser position and become overly charming and friendly to their authorities. It becomes difficult for the authorities to identify such chameleons and they consider them to be people basically good at heart with some inexperience and immaturity.
Con-sense-creepers become extremely insecure in testing times. While they do not hesitate to put good people on spot or throw them under the bus, for themselves, they may feign illness or injury as justifications to anticipated unfavorable outcomes of a testing situation. When they are under pressure, they do not hesitate to expose the unethical acts of their likes to save their skin.
Con-sense-creepers have grown desperately leaving no tenet, rule or ideals unbent.
The third category of people are By-Standers. These people have no particular principles or tenets in life of Conscience-Keepers and neither the unsatiable greed and jealousy for self-advancement like Con-Sense-creepers.
We can call them, Conscience- Sleepers.
Conscience sleepers keep their conscience in check to avoid undue struggle in life. They easily align with people on either side i.e. Conscience or Con-Sense. They selectively apply pragmatism and idealism and chose words or actions without being passionate about them. They align with majority in public and with minority in private.
They do not let themselves be identified with any polars. They feed on both sides equally and thrive.
Look around you and find the people, patterns, plots and potpourri of politics of inevitable characterization. Most Conscience-keepers are seasoned and discerning and believe in the good side of the people. They suffer persecution for their beliefs and mercy too. Most Con-sense Creepers are hardened and brazen. They pursue wrongdoing to a flashpoint often ending in upheavals. Most Conscience sleepers remain passive and gleefully ensconced in their noncommittal sub-human indifference.
Lets pray for all Conscience Keepers to grow stronger and stronger to lead humanity with humanity. They are rare gems in a decrepit society. May them all protect each other and save the world.
(c) Manish ‘ Pakhi’
Oneness of self and environment (Isho-Funi)
Characters:
Rohan: An officer goer, middle aged person
Dress code: Blue jeans, white T shirt
Sohan: Rohans brother studying in 12th
Dress code: Jeans , T shirt/ shirt
Rickshaw-wala:
Dress code: Kurta Pyjama /jeans/kurta
Boss:
Dress code : Pant / shirt and Tie
Environment: Dress code and make up: Face make up with dirty stain marks..
Jeans and white shirt same as of Rohan, Heart shaped pin up on T shirt with ” Gratitude, Respect ,Compassion “, “Responsibility” captioned
He will be wrapping a big dirty bed sheet all around with dirty. Polyethene bags, Toy Gun, and captions of ” Violence”, “Corruption” and ” Pestilence” pin ups..He will wrap this bed sheet thru out the skit until the last act when Rohan removes the stains , polyethene and the sheet..
_________________________________________________________________________________
Act – 1
Rohan: आज कल दिन ही खराब चल रहे हैं, कभी ट्रैफिक में फंस गए , कभी गाड़ी में टक्कर लग गई, बॉस ने फिर नोटिस की धमकी दे दी। घर में वैसे ही युद्ध छिड़ा है.. किस किस को समझाऊं.. इतना ख़राब माहौल है, इतने ख़राब रवैये हैं.. मन करता है बस……
Environment: Hello Rohan.
Rohan: तुम कौन है..और ये कैसा अजीब से भेष बना रखा है..चेहरे पे दाग, ये पॉलिथीन, ये बंदूकें, कौन हो तुम, क्या चाहिए तुम्हें..
Environment: हाँ हाँ , यहीं तो मैं आपसे पूछना चाहता हूं.. क्या चाहिए तुम्हें…
Rohan: किसने तुम्हें मेरे साथ टाइम पास करने भेजा है, कौन हो तुम..पहले तो मुझे कभी। नहीं देखा..
Environment: रोहन तुमने मुझे देखा है..अपने बॉस में, ट्रैफिक में, घर में, मैं तुम्हारा माहौल हूं..तुम्हारे साथ-साथ चलता हूं..
Rohan: Oh I see….You are the one…But don’t you think you could have been better..You have some responsibility towards us…
Environment: You need to take my responsibility..I am nothing but a mirror of your life state…You have to make a choice..in your one moment of thought if you are feeling anger, same will get reflected in me..if you demonstrate greed I will come plundering..If you remain humanistic and compassionate.. You will see the best of me…this is the principal of self-similarity or Mystic response.
Rohan: तुम तो मुझे ही दोष दे रहे हो…. I don’t understand.
Environment: Let me help you .. Can u recall what happened last Monday between you and your boss…
Flashback…
Boss: when you know you are as good as your yesterday performance, why do you keep telling me your achievement of last month. Are you interested in your job or not…
Rohan: I am doing my best. जब प्रोडक्ट्स में दम नहीं है तो मैं जादू तो नहीं कर सकता..और फिर इस कंपनी ने मेरे लिए ही क्या किया है…
Boss: तुम कुछ भी करने लायक नहीं हो..Let me tell you, pack ur bags if u can’t deliver. I will just wait to see this month’s performance. (Leaves.)
Rohan:( to himself).. He does not know how to talk.I wish recession had not hit us. जानता है मेरी मजबूरी है वरना ऐसी नौकरी तो मैं इसके मुंह पर मारता..
Environment: and then later when you reached home…
Sohan: भैया, आप आ गए..मुझे 500 रुपए चाहिए..क्रिकेट टीम में सिलेक्शन हुआ है। नामांकन फीस देनी है..
Rohan:(Shouts): तुम स्कूल पढ़ते हो या खेलने.. एक पैसा नहीं मिलेगा..Do you guys really know what I hv to go thru to earn this money…
Sohan: आपसे तो बात करना बेकार है.. आपको कोई प्यार नहीं है…नौकरी तो बाकी लोग भी करते हैं..आपको कोई अनोखा नहीं है..
Rohan: सभी मतलबी हैं..कोई मेरा स्ट्रगल नहीं समझता..
Environment: Your boss, Your Brother everyone’s behavior reflected your inner life state. And then next day when you were going to office..
Rohan: वैसे देर हो गई है ऊपर से ये ट्रैफिक..ऐ रिक्शावाले..आंखें नहीं हैं क्या..देख कर नहीं चल सकता..
Rickshaw Wala: तुम नीचे उतरो. बड़ी गाड़ी ले के ये सोचते हो कोई भी गरीब तो टक्कर मार के चले जाओगे.. निकालो 1000 रुपए मेरे रिक्शा की मरम्मत के..नहीं अभी तुम्हारी मरम्मत कराता हूं…
Rohan: (gives money) and rushes off.. पता नहीं सरकार रिक्शा बंद क्यों नहीं करवा देती..
Environment: Your life state chases you everywhere and I reflect it back on you..
Rohan: That means if I want to be happy, I need to change myself.
Environment: That’s it. A little change in you and I change. A little change in a society and I change. The land changes. These nuclear weapons I carry were not made by me, neither this plastic bags. These are all given to me by human kind.
Rohan: Let me try.
Act – 2
Next day on the road: seeing some body hit the rickshawwala अरे अरे क्या हुआ..चोट तो नहीं लगी..
Rickshaw Wala: साहब आप तो वही हैं जो मुझे उस दिन डांट रहे थे..
Rohan: मैं गलत था भाई.. तुम भी तो इंसान हो.. हम सभी अपना-अपना काम करते हैं…
Rickshaw Wala: बड़ी तरक्की हो साब आपकी…बड़ा नाम हो..
In office:
Rohan: Good morning boss. You are looking weary. Is everything OK…
Boss: Umm, head office not sanctioning any new headcount. says not justified with the kind of poor sales. Yesterday whole night I was awake. Finally, I have decided. I shall myself go in the field with a personal target of mine.. The company need extra efforts by all of us..
Rohan: Boss, I also realize that all jobs have merits n demerits..I irresponsibly criticized company n product both..
Boss: You are a hardworking person. I know last year we could not give u the promotion. I have recommended ur name this time..
Rohan : Thank you boss.
Comes home…
Rohan: सोहन, तुम्हें 500 रुपये चाहिए थे..ये लो..कल में जरा डिस्टर्ब था..वो इसलिए..
Sohan: नहीं भैया..मैं समझता हूं.. आप वैसे ही बहुत करते हैं..मुझे खेद है मैंने आपको घर में एंटर करते ही आपको परेशान किया.. मैंने ये भी सोचा भैया कि पढ़ाई में ध्यान लगा कर अच्छा करियर बनाऊंगा..
Rohan: (Frowns…It works)..
Environment: Hello Rohan…. क्या कहते हो…
Rohan: तुम बिलकुल सही कह रहे थे.I have to take your responsibility for my self, for society and for the land we live in….I need to change to change my environment.
( Starts removing polyethene, guns & clear stains from environment face & embrace him…)
Both then hold hands and show a sign of V towards the audience, Both are similarly dressed and the Heart shaped caption on environment shows
Human Revolution – 24 hours to live
Total Timed duration: 13 Mins.
(Scene opens, narrator is standing / seating on right facing the audience)
(1:01) Narrator 1: Our lives as human being are a complex fabric of many factors – our personalities, habits, karma, and family connections among them – in which we can easily become entangled and unable to free our selves. People spend their days fussing and fretting about immediate, minor problems and before they know it, their lives are over.
Human revolution is transforming our actions and behavior to manifest the inherent goodness of our heart. The “heart is infinitely vast and profound. Our innermost heart , the attitude in the depth of our being determines everything. The natural process is for people to grow little by little with the passage of time conquering their own weaknesses . Human revolution is a step beyond that gradual process, propelling us rapidly in a positive direction.
In the following skit presentation we shall see how a young lad Bobby is able to learn the importance of 24 hours of life to bring about a lifetime of change in his attitude by changing his heart. His mother Arundhati practicing Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism perseveres in her determined prayers from her heart for Bobby to be able to manifest his Buddha nature and realise his greater mission.
(0:30) Narrator 2: Bobby is young student of class 11th who is extremely dissatisfied with his life. His behaviour is obnoxiously rude & irresponsible & disposition is that of an untidy wayward. While his parents love him and wants him to sincerely pursue his career, Bobby wants things to come to him easy. He has complaints about everything around him. He blames his environment for his failures and unhappiness which is obvious from his life style.
(Bobby enters from the left side of the stage with earphones plugged in. He has long untidy hair covering his whole face. He is wearing Capri , T shirt and a Big tattoo on his hand. )
(Bobby is seen walking on the street as he finds an old man wanting to cross the street…)
(The Old man call out to Bobby …)
(0:30)Old Man : Listen Beta ..Can you help me crossing the street…
Bobby: Arre Uncle Buncle. Can’t you see I am listening to my favorite song “ Heal the world”… why can’t you stay at home if you can’t walk. .. How can you have expectations from anyone on the street… I am not your servant… Huh…
Old Man (Nods): Heal the world… (waves at him) … Sorry to bother you my dear.. God bless you..
(Old Man walks out of the stage doddering and talking to himself..)
(As Bobby reaches near to his home, his neighbour Seema aunty spots him and calls out …)
(0:25)Seema Aunty : Hey Bobby..You come home late everyday.. Your Mom was worried..
Bobby: Seema Aunty.. aapka naam maine rakha hai..Prying Pain.. you have no other business but to pry on others .. How are you concerned what time I come and go… Mind your own business…
Aunty : Oh.. what a nasty tongue… I was only asking out of concern and look at the way he talks .. No manners ..
( Bobby reaches home….unmindful.. He throws his slippers and swagger ahead… Not able to see he stumbles on the table kept on the way and falls down..)
(1:35)Bobby: Damn it! It is such a small house ..One can’t even walk around freely.. all my friends have big houses..God knows why I was born in such under-achievers family..
Narrator 2: Bobby’s Mother Arundhati is a sober, educated & caring mother. She is practicing Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism and praying earnestly for his sons to become responsible. She knows that the power of Daimoku alone can penetrate a close heart and make some one manifest his Buddha nature. When she sees Bobby stumbling, she rushes to him admonishing gently out of deep concern.
(Arundhati runs into the stage from the right side.)
Arundhati : What Happened Beta !! Oh dear ..How did you not see such a big table..why can’t you put on slippers..
Bobby(Shouts): Mom ..I am hurt and your are worried about table and slippers.. I have never seen such insensitive parents.
Arundhati : But Bobby ..I was only trying to tell you that you got to be careful.. Life is..
Bobby(Shouts): Mom ..Not another lecture please..I am grown up enough to know what is good or bad for me…….Now let me take a selfi of mine..
Arundhati : Tumahara Chehra to dikh nahi raha hai…phir kya picture le rahe ho…
Bobby : Mom….agar mein baal hata kar picture loonga to my friends will not recognise me..Now get me something to eat..and leave me alone ..
(Arundhati gets shocked by the rudeness on her and leaves sobbing)
Arundhati ( to herself): I shall chant more. Sensei says there is no prayer of the votary of lotus sutra that goes unanswered. In the last discussion meeting kalpana had also shared how with daimoku she could change her anger into compassion for her daughter leading to complete transformation of a disharmonious relationship.
(2:00) Narrator 1: Meantime Bobby’s eyes are constantly focussed on his mobile phone..he is simultaneously toggling between Facebook, whats app & other sites..In between the promotional offers sent by different companies keep catching his fancy..he loudly keeps exclaiming and talking to himself.
Bobby: Aah.. chinky has changed his DP… Tobo is posting his pics from Vacations in Australia..
WoW!!! What is this offer ..
** Unlimited fun..Poolside party .. @ Rs. 20000 Mexican, Italian and Turkish Cuisine. For booking pls contact: 99999999
WoW …life is great there is so much to see!! Hey what is this..
** Own your dream home at zero down payment …zero interest at Manesar . For booking contact : Hawai Kila Properties..
( Father Deven enters the stage from right side with a briefcase in his hand..his walks with a tired lingering pace..)
Deven : Bobby.. Your Mom was crying.. You should respect her…she remains so much worried about you…why can’t you talk to her nicely..Go away … I don’t want to see your face.
Bobby(Shouts): Pop.. It is not like your times.. Please do not preach… You don’t understand how the world has changed…and as for seeing the face… my funky hairstyle anyway covers it.. Happy.. By the way I want I-phone 6 and Rs. 20, 000 for the poolside party… All my friends are going..
Deven : Nothing doing… you think money grows on trees.. we work so hard…
Bobby(Shouts): No big deal pop…all parents do that…I wish you had worked hard in your youth to become something today so I would not have to beg for money..
Deven : I would have worked hard… look at yourself..anyway pointless to talk to you…
( Deven slams the table and leaves..)
Bobby: Oh …Middle class mentality…
( Bobby’s sister Dimple walks in with project file ..)
Dimple: Bhaiya, you had promised me you will help me in my project homework.
Bobby: Really!! My dearest sister..One blind person cannot lead another…I don’t have time for such useless things..
Dimple: It was AGAIN my mistake to trust you..I shall now be scolded tomorrow in class…
Dimple throws the project file and walks out of the stage angrily)
(1:00) ( Deven Again looks at the phone )
Everything is available on SMS ..Cant take my eyes off.. Here is another …
** Buy one and Get one…Shop at junkyard.com ..for every purchase of Rs. 15000 get exciting gifts and a 3G SIM . For registered users offer valid for
** life time
( Extend his hand towards the audience showing off mobile )
Wow life time offer !!
** Hi Sagittarious : Astro for today: The stars are telling, you will make losses in share market & profits in stocks. You may have serious health problems & You will not live for more than
** 24 Hours..
Bobby ( taken aback): 24 Hours … I shall live only for 24 hours…what is Astro.Com saying…Can’t be true… Can Astro.com make a mistake..No!! Its not a trial version now.. ever since I became their registered member all their predictions have been true… I have only 24 hours to live???.
(Bobby collapses on the bed, sits up , wipe his forehead lie down again , again sits up and finally raise his both hands in despair and falls into sleep )
(1:00) Narrator 1: Bobby is a classic example of the youth taking the virtual world as real world. While we may laugh at his lopsided view of life..we must remember that the time these young children spent on internet everyday left little room for them to explore & understand the real world…a world where friendships are not a click away, Offers do not come on SMSs and Identities cannot be faked ..They live their life in a virtual world where information is unlimited, contacts unlimited, entertainment unlimited and with no privacy, no boundaries and no inhibitions..
Narrator 2: While sleeping, Bobby sees a dream in which he goes to the doctor who tells him that he has seen his reports and unfortunately he has no more than 24 Hours to live.. The dream is very intense and next day morning Bobby gets up with a deep hangover …He almost believes that he will live for only 24 hours.. Astro.com and then this dream,, makes his young mind believe that his life was going to end..
(Bobby gets up late next day morning …scared and shaken ..He talks to himself…)
(1:20) Bobby ( Thoughtful): I always thought it would not happen to me…
(Bobby overhear the conversation between her mother, sister and seema aunty..)
Seems aunt: Arundhati…he behaves badly with all…
Dimple: I love him but he is very uncaring…
Arundhati: Seema and Dimple ..listen …I also used to think like you an year before but ever since I started chanting, my perspective changed. …..His life is calling out to me and I have to persever to do my human revolution to help him manifest his Buddha nature..He has a golden heart …
In our last study meeting we discussed Sensei’s guidance. Sensei refers to the famous work Emile of the French writer Jean Jacques Rousseau in 17th Century who portrays a boy who has reached puberty: “. A change of temper, frequent outbreaks of anger, a perpetual stirring of the mind, make the child almost ungovernable. He becomes deaf to the voice he used to obey; he is a lion in fever; he distrusts his keeper and refuses to be controlled” .
“ Do they have good “doctors” who can cure their “fever” at home and at school? This “fever” is peculiar to adolescents who have tremendous emotional ups and downs; are they being led toward a healthy course which leads to mature growth?” ..Indeed, children are the clear mirrors which reflect their parents and society at large.”
This guidance Seema, made me think about the actions I need to take to bring out the best in him.
(Bobby gets up and moves towards center stage facing audience)
(2:35) Bobby : Mom is talking in my favour.. She says I have a golden heart… How could she know everytime I misbehave, I berate myself and feel unhappy… and yet she is the only one who is always caring and gentle with me.. she never complains..
I had been so unmindful and self centred.. What can I do now to make her happy..I have only 24 hours ..
( Arundhati enters the stage from left side with Tea and newspaper & keeps it on the table)
Arundhati ( Hurt & withdrawn) : Bobby.. …Chai aur Akhbaar rakha Hai..
( Bobby gets up and hold Arundhati hand affectionately..)
Bobby (smiles) : Mom..please forgive me.. I always treat you badly… But you are so nice and take care of all my needs..
Arundhati (Stares at Bobby) : Bobby..are you OK.. Are you having fever…
(Looks bewildered .. rushes away glancing back to check many times until she leaves the stage)
Bobby: Mom.. Listen.. Mom…
Chali Gayin.. Let me make the bed and arrange the room. …Mom always used to say I leave my room in a mess and it takes her 1 hour everyday to clean it.
( Bobby start arranging the room..while Arundhati walks in again ..)
Arundhati ( Gently): Bobby …what are you upto.. I will do it… You will misplace everything..
( Bobby gives a broad loving smile to Arundhati and touches her feet)
Bobby ( Lovingly) : Mom.. You tirelessly work for all of us.. I have been such a miscreant..How can I repay the debt of my gratitude..I have such less time.. only 24 Hours.. Today I shall do all your chores..
Arundhati ( Gently): Bobby ..What is this new prank… Your father was very upset.. He works very hard to make us happy… You should not talk to him disrespectfully..
Narration 2: Bobby helps her mother whole day wholeheartedly and also does the project file of Dimple.
In the evening :
( Arundhati walks in from the side of the stage with Deven and points at Bobby)
Arundhati : Deven, Today whole day Bobby helped me ..he is changed.. He did not touch his phone also.
Deven : Really.. He slept without having food yesterday so I bought him a Pizza today.
Bobby: Sorry..Pop .. I had always been so rude.. How can I tell you how little time I have….I got an SMS from Astro.com that I shall live only for 24 Hours .. also I saw the dream yesterday that Doctors has told I won’t live for more than 24 Hours.. I wanted to make all of you happy..
For the first time I realized that real life was such a blessing… I always remained in my own unreal world without bothering that my real food panda was my mom, my real Flip-kart was you POP and my real twitter follower was our neighbour Seema Aunty…I also realised that when I told an old uncle rudely that I am not his servant it was wrong as one day I would also turn old..
Deven : Bobby…your heart has changed and that is the beginning of everything to change around you. There is no truth in the dream you saw or the SMS received from Astro.com.. I also received the same the SMS from Astro.com but it said you will not live for more than a life time …it did not say 24 Hours..
Bobby: Really…let me check the SMSs again..
Narrator 1: Bobby Checks and realized that the split SMS received was just in wrong sequence to cause this confusion
Bobby: Yes POP…there seems to be second part of the message received in wrong sequence… 24 hours is related to the message from junkyard.com which says “offer valid only for 24 Hours”.
Arundhati: Bobby ..In a way the wrong sequence made you realize that your behavior itself was the source of your unhappiness…your lesser self has died today and greater self has emerged. I am happy that you have changed.
Narrator 2: It is the heart that is important. Our innermost heart, the attitude in depths of our being determines everything. Our heart of faith is communicated to the universe. Selfishness, complaint, doubt, deviousness, conceit, arrogance and so forth are all causes of unhappiness for both ourselves and others. When we allow ourselves to be ruled by such negative attitudes, we are like a plane that has lost direction in a heavy fog. We can see nothing clearly. The distinction between good and bad, right and wrong becomes blurred.
(1:40) Bobby: This SMS and dream shook me and changed my mindset. 24 hours..just 24 hours to realise and change my attitude. When I overheard Mom calling me a Lion in fever I realised that my false pride and self-centeredness not my crown but in fact it was a devilish mess I was carrying on my head always dangling over my eyes and ears hiding my real identity. I take off this mess today to be able to see clearly & appreciate my real environment.
(Bobby Takes off the wig..and with that the wayward look goes away and a tidy, smart , bright youth face appears…)
(Bobby enters from the left side of the stage with NO earphones plugged in. He has trimmed hairstyle. He is wearing jeans and T shirt and there is no Tattoo seen on his hand )
(Bobby is seen walking on the street as he finds an old man wanting to cross the street…)
(Bobby goes out to the old man..)
Bobby: Uncle I am sorry my behavior the other day…Can I help you crossing the street..
Old man : What changed you my dear.. ( Talks as they cross the street..)
Bobby: My Mom …Uncle…and her belief in me..She practices Buddhism which tells her we all can transform our lives by doing our own human revolution..
Old Man : That is wonderful.. Come home some day with her to tell me more about this practice….Here is My address …( Gives the card, waves and walk out the stage)..
(As Bobby reaches near to his home, his neighbor Seema aunty spots him and calls out …)
Seema Aunty : Hey Bobby..tell your Mom I would join her for the chanting today
Bobby: Seema Aunty.. you!!
Seema Aunty : Bobby.. there is nothing more convincing than the actual proof..Your transformation could not have been possible without her earnest prayers …her own conduct based on as she said “ It is the heart that is important “
(As Bobby reaches home, Dimple Arundhati and Deven greet him and hug..
Narrator 1: As we do our best for the welfare of others, we break out of our narrow lesser self that is focused only on personal concerns, and gradually expand and elevate our life state. The commitment to others’ well being is what propels us to transform our life state and carry out our human revolution. The key is transforming ourselves.
Narrator 2: Dr Daisaku Ikeda, our mentor and President of Soka Gakkai International says that we cannot change our life state through science, politics or, economics-it can only be done through practicing the teachings of Nichiren Buddhism. And we have the great good fortune to have encountered this Buddhism in the present existence.
By continuing to chant Nam myoho renge Kyo, dedicating ourselves to kosenrufu, and achieving victories as Buddhists in our daily lives, we adorn ourselves and our families with good fortune. In our turbulent society, such good fortune always protects us and brings vibrant prosperity.
—-*—-*—-*—-*—-*—–
Props / material :
- Table / Chair.
- Mobile Phone
- Walking stick for the old man
- Project file
- Briefcase
- Tray with Cup and News paper
- Earphones
- Slippers
- Tattoo
- Empty Pizza box
Make up / Costumes :
- Bobby : part 1 : Wayward youth : Very loose Capri, T shirt , slippers
Part 2 : Bright young Man : Jeans , T shirt
- Arundhati : Lean and slender frame, Saree wrapper around the waist, efficient look
- Deven : Office goer – Normal Pant and Shirt
- Seema Aunty : Plump look, jeans and T shirt or saree..
- Dimple : Specs / Choodidar Kurta Pyjama
- Old Man : Walks with Stick , Kurta Pyjamamh or Pant and half shirt ( not tucked in)
My Quest of ‘Truth’
Indomitable Spirit – Scale the peaks
This inspiring clip from Markus Eder reminds me of the extraordinary ability of a human body and mind to push the limits and align with a higher consciousness to achieve a perfect coordination of strength and resiliency , direction and force, speed and judgment and above all grit and determination!!! Kudos and heartfelt respect!!
My Quest -Learnings from Buddhism
