My First Music Video

                             Making of The Song. 'Pigmandu'

 The song clearly states that it relate pollution. Actually the concept of the song was first meant to tease the people around, to stop them from polluting environment. And this song was first composed six years ago. 

During those days Kathmandu was really crossing its limits regarding pollution. But some organizations and government seemed to be curious and were making promises on bringing a big change. 

Years passed and there were times I thought that, now they might get the job done. But nothing happened. Recently it came to my notice that Kathmandu has been ranked on the top three position among the world's most polluted city. I felt like I must now work upon it. So recorded this video.

Problems I faced while making this song. 

I really have gone through hell when I just started of making ideas of how to get my job done. People around started teasing me that I was insulting my mother land. Some said that I'm a useless dreamer. As a whole almost all people said its not a good idea. Very few supported and encouraged me. Some people were there who said that it was the worst song that they had ever heard. Despite of what people said I kept focusing on my work. Finally I got a recording studio. And I got everything arranged. When the song was out people who heard were shocked with the song, but the response they made was still the same. They kept forcing me from doing the job. 

I was out of job for a year and all my money was spent. Yet, I didn't quit. I had now a video to make. I asked for a loan from my friends. And everyone denied. But one friend said he liked my concept and was ready to help me. But he had very little amount of money. Well it could be a good start, I said and I began my work. The video maker himself was not interested in my video. He just claimed for the money and told me to shoot the video myself. Unfortunately my camera was not working. I took it to repair but the elements necessary were not found in Nepal nor in India. 

Helpless, yet I didn't quit, I asked help from my students and my friends. But all I got was disappointed. They just asked for time and each and everyone of them wasted mine. Not a single one stood to help me. I now started feeling like I'm broken. But I didn't quit.

I started taking pictures and videos from my mobile, also some foreigners who visited Nepal helped me by providing their video. Finally with lots of hardships I got my video complete. 

Lets see what results I get. I just want people to come together and clean this man made pollution.

 

Parts of Speech

When we speak or write English or any other language, we use sentence. Sentences are made up of words combined together and is meaningful. All words, especially in English, are divided into eight parts. These parts are also termed as Parts of speech.

So let us begin our lesson with 

                                                          Parts of Speech

Speech means the expressions of thoughts in words. In easy words we can't read people's heart or mind. Like you can't hear what people think, Can you? so we need expressions to describe our thoughts. Thus, the thoughts expressed in words while speaking or writing is called speech.

 The parts of speech are as follows: 
1) Noun
2) Pronoun
3)Adjective
4) Verb
5)Adverb
6)Preposition
7)Conjunction
8) Interjection

We shall learn more about parts of speech in our next lesson.

Nobel Prizes

                                                        Nobel Prizes

Nobel prizes are given every year to persons who have made excellent contribution in the field of physics, chemistry,and physiology or medicine, also to persons who have crated the most outstanding literary work and who have made great contribution towards world peace. The Nobel Prize for economic sciences was started in 1969. Other Nobel Prizes were established in 1901.

The name in whose name the Nobel prizes were established was Alfred Bern hard Nobel, a Swedish chemist. he was born in Stockholm on 21 October 1833. His father Emmanuel Nobel was a scientist. Alfred Nobel had his education at St. petersberg in Russia and in Stockholm. he contributed his whole life to the field of Science. The discovery of dynamite enabled Nobel to become rich and get fame as days passed.

Alfred Nobel died on 10 December 1896  at the age of 63. He left behind a fabulous sum of $9.2 million as a foundation for the Nobel Prizes. The amount of each prize varies according to the interest from the fund.

Each Nobel Prize consists of a citation, a gold medal and about one million dollars. The prize may be shared by two or three and if no prize is given, the money is returned to the foundation. The selection of winners is done by distinguished persons of integrity and scholarship. The prizes are awarded every year on December, the anniversary of Nobel's death.

The First Writing

                                        The First Writing


Early Men did not know how to write, but they used to draw pictures of animals on the walls of the caves.These were magic charms to keep them safe from evil spirits and to ask blessings for good hunting.In time each pictures came to have a special meaning. When a tribe wanted to keep a record of an important hunt, they would scratch pictures of it on pieces of bark or on stones. this reminded them and their children of what had happened.

The Ancient Egyptians drew and painted pictures on the clay tablets which were afterwards baked hard, or on stone or wood. In time these pictures came to mean sounds or letters, and this was the beginning of the first alphabets.

The Persians and Babylonians also wrote on clay, but they had a different kind of alphabet. They formed letters by pressing the end of a wedge-shaped stick into clay tablets.

Great libraries of these tablets have been discovered. We can learn from how Persian and Babylonian rulers kept their accounts and records, and the tablets tell us the instructions they wrote to their generals and ambassadors.

But clay tablets were heavy and took up a lot of room, so the Egyptians invented a new writing material. This was made from the pith of the papyrus reeds which grew beside the River Nile. Strips of the pith were placed across each other. Then they were joined by glue and beaten together into a sheet. Finally this was dried and polished.

Rolls of papyrus were easy to store and smooth enough to write on with a reed pen. Ink was made from a mixture of soot, water and gum.

So many people liked using papyrus that the Egyptians were able to sell a lot of it to other countries. At one time the king of Egypt would not allow the people of Pergamum to made their own writing material from animal skins, which they scraped clean and polished. This parchment, as it is called, was even better to write on than papyrus. it was smooth and white and lasted for a very long time.

Regular use of tomatoes reduces chances of cancer. Why?

                                     Why Tomatoes?

Ripe tomatoes contain a high level of vitamin C and a chemical of Lycopin Caratinide, group of which is important and useful for health. Regular use of it saves our cells from harmful effects of tobacco and reduces the chances of cancer. Tomatoes can reduce the amount of damaged done to your body by smoking cigarettes.

Lycopin Caratinide is also the reason why tomatoes are red in color. These substances are used in some of the more pricey facial cleansers too. If you want to try tomatoes for skin care, you need to start with about eight to twelve tomatoes. Peel the tomatoes and then place them on your face with inside of the tomato touching your skin. Leave the tomatoes on your face for a minimum of ten minutes, then wash. Your face will feel clean and shiny. Some redness may occur, but should fade with time.

Tomatoes contain a great deal of Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C,Vitamin K and Calcium. We will now proceed on how is it helpful for our body overall.

Tomatoes contain a considerable amount of calcium and Vitamin K. Both of these nutrients are essential in strengthening and performing minor repairs on the bones as well as the bone tissue.

Because of the Vitamin B and potassium in tomatoes, they are effective in reducing cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure. Therefore, by including tomatoes in your regular balanced diet you can effectively prevent heart attacks, strokes as well as many other heart related problems that may threaten your life.

Vitamin A in tomatoes works perfectly to keep your hair shiny and strong. In addition,eating tomatoes prevent the development of night blindness and is fantastic for improving your vision. 

Adding tomatoes without seeds to your diet has been proven in some studies to reduce the risk of kidney stones.

Tomatoes are packed full of the valuable mineral known as chromium. It works effectively to help diabetics keep their blood sugar levels under better control.

                       Eat Tomatoes, Stay Healthy

Why is chilly hot?

The presence of a kind of chemical Capsaicin in chilly makes it hot. Capsaicin and several related compounds are called Capsaicinoids and are produced as secondary metabolites by chilly peppers, probably as deterrents against certain mammals and fungi.The amount of Capsaicin make a chilly hot, less hot or more hot. The amount of Capsaicin in capsicum is very low so, it is not hot.

The Scoville Heat Unit is the heat measurement of a chilly. It is named after Wilbur Scoville, an American Pharmacist, who in 1912 devised the “Scoville Organoleptic Test” to measure the spicy heat, or piquancy, of chilly peppers. The measurement is taken by extracting some of the capsaicin from a chilly, and then gradually diluting it into a sugar and water mix, until the heat is barely detectable by a panel of tasters. The degree of dilution gives the chilly its place in the scale. A bell pepper has a zero Scoville rating, whilst a habanero has 100,000 – 350,000 Scoville rating, meaning it must be diluted this many times before its Capsaicin levels become undetectable.Pure capsaicin measures 16,000,000 scoville units.

Capsaicin normally take effect upon sensitive skin, eye contact, and inhalation, and cause burning/stinging pain, and can also produce nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain… and burning diarrhoea.

Capsaicin is hydrophobic that's why it doesn’t dissolve in water. This means that drinking water if you eat a hot chilly will not help. It is however, soluble in both oil and alcohol, drinking or eating dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese, etc will help, but beer or cider won’t do much to help.

Gemini

                                         

Gemini


Date: May 22- June 21

Symbol: The Twins

Ruling Planet: Mercury

Birthstone: Agate

Flower: Rose

Colours: Sky Blue, Black

Number: Three, Four

Day: Wednesday

Quality: Fixed

Greatest Overall Compatibility:Libra, Aquarius

Best for Marriage and Partnerships: Sagittarius


Strengths:Gentle, affectionate, curious, adaptable,ability to learn quickly and exchange ideas 

Weakness: Indecisive, inconsistent nervous 

Likes:Music, books magazines, chat with people, short trip around the town


Dislikes: Being alone, being confined, repetition and routine

Taurus

                                                      

  Taurus

Date: April 21-May 21

Symbol: The Bull

Ruling Planet:Venus

Birthstone:Emerald

Flower: Lily of the Valley

Colours: Natural Colours

Number: one, nine

Day: Friday

Quality:Fixed

Greatest Overall Compatibility:Virgo, Capricorn

Best for Marriage and Partnerships:Scorpio

Ruler Planet:Venus

Strengths: Reliable, patient, practical,devoted, responsible, stable


Weakness:Stubborn, possessive, Uncompromising

Likes:Gardening, Cooking, music, romance, high quality clothes, working with hands



Dislikes:sudden change, complications,synthetic fabric, insecurity of any kind

Aries

                                     

  Aries

Date: March 21-April 20

Symbol: The Ram

Ruling Planet: Mars

Birthstone: Diamond

Flower: Sweet Pea

Colours: Fiery Red, Orange

Number: Seven, Six

Day: Tuesday

Quality: Cardinal

Greatest Overall Compatibility: Leo, Sagittarius

Best for Marriage and Partnerships: Libra

Ruler Planet: Mars

Strengths: Courageous, determined, confident, enthusiastic, optimistic, honest, passionate

Weakness: Impatient, moody, short-tempered, impulsive, aggressive

Likes: Comfortable clothes, taking on leaderships, physical challenges, individual sports

Dislikes: Inactivity, delays, Work that doesn't use one's talent

Chapter XV

Naradiya Kirtan-Paddhati 

Generally our Haridasas, while performing the Kirtan, wear a gala and full dress. They put on a head-dress, either a pheta or a turban, a long flowing coat with a shirt inside, an uparane (short dhotar) on the shoulders and the usual long dhotar from the waist below. Dressed in this fashion for some Kirtan in the Shirdi village, Dasganu once went to bow to Baba. Baba asked him - "Well, bridegroom! where are you going dressed so beautifully like this?" 'For performing a Kirtan' was the reply. Then Baba said - "Why do you want all this paraphemalia-coat, uparani and pheta etc, doff all that before Me, why wear them on the body?" Dasganu immediately took them off and placed them at the Baba's Feet. From that time Dasganu never wore these things while performing the Kirtan. He was always bare from waist upwards, a pair of `chiplis' was in his hand and a garland round his neck. This is not in consonance with the practice generally followed by all the Hardidasa, but this is the best and the purest method. The sage Narada, from whom the Kirtan-Paddhati originated, wore nothing on his trunk and head. He carried a 'veena' in his hand, and wandered from place to place everywhere singing the glory of the Lord. 

Mr. Cholkar's Sugarless Tea
 
Initially, Baba was known in Poona and Ahmednagar Districts, but Nanasaheb Chandorkar, by his personal talks and by Dasganu, by his splendid Kirtans, spread the fame of Baba in the Konkan (Bombay Presidency). In fact, it was Dasganu - May God bless him-who, by his beautiful and inimitable Kirtans, made Baba available to so many people there. The audience, who come to hear the Kirtans have different tastes. Some like the erudition of the Haridas; some his gestures, some his singing, some his wit and humour, some his preliminary dissertation on Vedanta, and some others, his main stories and so on; but among them, there are very few, who by hearing the Kirtan get faith and devotion or love for God or saints. The effect of hearing Dasganu's kirtan on the minds of audience was however electric, as it were. We give an instance here
Dasganu was once performing his Kirtan and singing the glory of Sai Baba, in the Koupineshwar temple in Thana. One Mr. Cholkar, a poor man serving as a candidate in the Civil Courts in Thana, was amongst the audience. He heard Dasganu's Kirtan most attentively and was much moved. He there and then mentally bowed and vowed to Baba saying - "Baba, I am a poor man, unable to support my family. If by your grace, I pass the departmental examination, and get a permanent post, I shall go to Shirdi, fall at Your Feet and distribute sugar-candy in Your name." As good luck would have it, Mr.Cholkar did pass te examination and did get the permanent post and now it remained for him to fulfil his vow, the sooner the better. Mr. Cholkar was a poor man with a large family to support; and he could not afford to pay for the expenses of a Shirdi trip. As is well said, one can easily cross over Nahne ghat in Thana District or even the Sahyadri Range; but it is very difficult for a poor man to cross Umbareghat, i.e., the threshold of his house. As Mr. Cholkar was anxious to fulfill his vow as early as possible, he resolved to economize, cut down his expenses, and save money. He determined not to use sugar in his diet; and began to take his tea without it. After he was able to save some money in this way, he came to Shirdi, took Baba's darshan, fell at His Feet, offered a coconut, distributed it with a clean conscience along with sugar-candy as per his vow and said to Baba that he was much pleased with His darshan and that his desires were fulfilled that day. Mr. Cholkar was in the Masjid with his host Bapusaheb Jog. When the host and the guest both got up and were about to leave the Masjid, Baba spoke to Jog as follows:- "Give him (your guest) cups of tea, fully saturated with Sugar." Hearing these significant words, Mr. Cholkar was much moved, he was wonderstruck, his eyes were bedewed with tears, and he fell at Baba's Feet again. Mr. Jog was also curious about this direction, regarding the tea-cups to be given to his guest. Baba wanted by His words to create faith and devotion in Cholkar's mind. He hinted as it were, that He got the sugar-candy as per his vow and that He knew full well his secret determination not to use sugar in his diet. Baba meant to say, "If you spread your palms with devotion before Me, I am immediately with you, day and night. Though, I am here bodily, still I know what you do; beyond the saven seas. Go wherever you will, over the wide world, I am with you. My abode is in your heart and I am within you. Always worship Me, Who is seated in your heart, as well as, in the hearts of all beings, Blessed and fortunate, indeed, is he who knows Me thus."

What a beautiful and important lesson was thus imparted by Baba to Mr. Chokar ! 

Two Lizards 

Now we close this Chapter, with a story of two little lizards. Once Baba was sitting in the Masjid. A devotee sat in front of Him, when a lizard tick-ticked. Out of curiosity, the devotee asked Baba whether this tick-ticking of the lizard signified anything; was it a good sign or a bad omen? Baba said that the lizard was overjoyed as her sister from Aurangabad was coming to see her. The devotee sat silent, not making out the meaning of Baba's words. Immediately, a gentleman from Aurangabad came on horse-back to see Baba. He wanted to proceed further, but his horse would not go, as it was hungry and wanted grams. He took out a bag from his shoulders to bring grams and dashed it on the ground to remove dirt. A lizard came out therefrom and in the presence of all, climbed up the wall. Baba asked the questioner devotee to mark her well. She at once went strutting to her sister. Both sisters met each other after a long time, kissed and embraced each other, whirled round and danced with love! Where is Shirdi and where is Aurangabad? How should the man on horse-back come there from Aurangabad with the lizard? And how should Baba make the prophesy of the meeting of the two sisters? All this is really very wonderful and proves the omniscience -- the all-knowing nature of Baba.
Post Script 

He who respectfully reads this Chapter or studies it daily, will get all his miseries removed by the grace of the Sadguru Sai Baba, Hence:


Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all

Chapter XIV

Ruttonji of Nanded :

Now let us come to the main story of this Chapter. In Nanded, in the Nizam state, there lived a Parsi mill-contractor and trader, by name Ruttonji Shapurji Wadia. He had amassed a large amount of money and had acquired fields and lands. He had got cattle, horses and conveyances and was very prosperous. To all outward appearances he looked very happy and contented, but inwardly, and really he was not so. Providential dispensation is such, that no one in this world is completely happy and rich; Ruttonji was no exception to this. He was liberal and charitable, gave food and clothing to the poor and helped all in various ways. The people took him to be a good and happy man, but Ruttonji thought himself miserable as he had no issue, male or female, for a long time. As Kirtan (singing glories of the Lord) without love or devotion, music of singing without rhythmical accompaniments, Brahmin without the sacred thread, proficiency in all arts without commonsense, pilgrimage without repentance and ornamentation without a necklace, are ugly and useless, so is the house of a man or house-holder without a male issue. Ruttonji always brooded on this matter and said in his mind, "Would God be ever pleased to grant me a son?" He thus looked morose, had no relish for his food. Day and night, he was enveloped with anxiety whether he would ever be blessed with a son. He had a great regard for Dasganu Mahajat. He saw him and opened his heart before him. Dasganu advised him to go to Shirdi, take Baba's darshan, fall at His Feet and seek His blessing and pray for issue. Ruttonji liked the idea, and decided to go to Shirdi. After some days he went to Shirdi, took Baba's darshana and fell at His Feet. Then opening a basket, he took out a beautiful garland of flowers and placed it around Baba's neck and offered Him a basket of fruits. With great respect he then sat near Baba, and prayed to Him saying- "Many persons who find themselves in difficult situations come to You, and You relieve them immediately. Hearting this, I have sought anxiously Your Feet; please, therefore, do not disappoint me." Sai Baba then asked him for Daksbina of Rs. five which Ruttonji intended to give, but added, that He has already received Rs. 3-14-0 from him, and that he should pay the balance only. Hearing this, Ruttonji was rather puzzled. he could not make out what Baba meant. That was the first time, he thought, that he went to Shirdi and how was it that Baba said that He had formerly got Rs. 3-14-0 from him? He cold not solve the riddle. But he sat at Baba's Feet and gave the balance of the Dakshina asked for, explained to Baba fully, as to why he came and sought His help, and prayed that Baba should bless him with a son. Baba was moved and told him not to be worried, and that that time his bad days had ended. He then gave him Udi, placed His hand on his head and blessed him saying that Allah (God) would satisfy his heart's desire.
Then after taking Baba's leave, Ruttonji returned to Nanded and told Dasganu everything that took place at Shirdi, He said that everything went on well there, that he got Baba's darshan and blessing with Prasad, but there was one thing which he could not understand. Baba said to him that he had got Rs.3-14-0 before. Please explain as to what Baba meant by this remark. He said to Dasganu, "I never went to Shirdi before, and how cold I give Him the sum to which Baba referred?" To Dasganu also, it was a puzzle, and he pondered much over it for a long time. Some time afterwards it struck him that Ruttonji had received some days ago a Mahomedan Saint, by name Moulisaheb, in his house and had spent some money for his reception. This Moulisaheb was coolie-saint wellknown to the people of Nanded. When Ruttonji decided to go the Shirdi, this Molisaheb accidentally came to Ruttonji's house. Ruttonji knew him and loved him. So he gave a small party in his honour. Dasganu got from Ruttonji the yadi or memo of expenses of this reception, and everybody was wonderstruck to see, that the expenses amounted to exactly Rs.3-14-0, nothing more, nothing less. They all came to know, that Baba was omniscient, that thought He lived in Shirdi, He knew what happened outside far away from Shirdi. In fact He knew the past, present and future, and could identify Himself heart and soul with anybody. In this particular instance how could He know the reception given to Moulisaheb, and the amount spent therefore, unless He could identify Himself with him, and be One with him?
Ruttonji was satisfied with this explanation and his faith in Baba was confirmed and increased. In due time afterwards, he was blessed with a son and his joy knew no bounds. It is said that he had in all a dozen (12) issues out of which only four survived.
In a foot-note towards the end of this Chapter,it is stated that Baba told Rao Bahadur Hari Vinayak Sathe, after the death of his first wife, to remarry and that he would get a son. R.B. Sathe married second time. The first two issues by this wife were daughters and he, therefore, felt very despondent. But the third issue was a son. Baba's word did turn out true and he was satisfied. 

Dakshina - Mimansa 

Now we shall close this Chapter with a few remarks about Dakshina. It is a well-known fact that Baba always asked for Dakshina from people who went to see Him. Somebody may ask a question, "If Baba was a Fakir and perfectly non-attached, why should he ask for Dakshina and care for money?" We shall consider this question broadly now.
First for a long time, Baba did not accept anything. He stored burnt matches and filled His pocket with them. He never asked anything from anybody--whether he be a devotee or otherwise. If anybody placed before Him a pice or two, He purchased oil or tobacco. He was fond of tobacco, for He always smoked a bidi or Chilim (an earthen pipe). Then some persons thought that they could not see the Saints empty-handed, and they, therefore, placed some copper coins before Baba. If a pice was placed before Him. He used to pocket it; if it was a two pice coin, it was returned immediately. Then after Baba's fame had spread far and wide, people began to flock in numbers; and Baba began to ask Dakshina from them. It is said in the Shruti (veda) that Puja of the Gods is not complete, unless a golden coin was offered. If a coin was necessary in the Puja of the Gods, why should it be not so in the Puja of the Saints also? Ultimately, the Shastras laid it down that, when one goes to see God, King, Saint or Guru, he should not go empty-handed. He should offer something, preferably coin or money. In this connection we may notice the precepts recommended by the Upanishads. The Brihadaranyak Upanishad says that the Lord Prajapati advised the Gods, men and demons by one letter "Da". The Gods understood by this letter that they should practice (1) "Dama" i.e. self-control; the men thought or understood that they should practice (2) "Dana" i.e. charity; the demons understood that they should practice (3) "Daya" i.e. compassion. To men Charity or giving was recommended. The teacher in the Taittiriya Upanishad exhorts his pupils to practise charity and other virtues. Regarding charity he says, "Give with faith, give with magnanimity, i.e. liberally, give with modesty, with awe and with sympathy. In order to teach the devotees the lesson of charity and to remove their attachment to money and thus to purify their minds, Baba extracted Dakshina from them; but there was this peculiarity, as Baba said, that He had to give back hundred times more of what He received. There are many instances, in which this has happened. To quote an instance, Mr. Ganpatrao Bodas, the famous actor, says in his Marathi autobiography, that on Baba's pressing him often and often for Dakshina, he emptied his money-bag before Him. The result of this was, as Mr. Bodas says, that in later life he never lacked money, as it came to him abundantly.
There were also secondary meanings of Dakshina, in many cases, in which Baba did not want any pecuniary amount. To quote two instances - (1) Baba asked Rs.15/- as Dakshina from Pro. G.G.Narke, who replied that he did not have even a pie. Then Baba said, "I know you have no money; but you are reading Yoga-Vashistha. Give Me Dakshina from that." Giving Dakshina in this case meant - `Deriving lessons from the book and lodging them in the heart where Baba resides'. (2) In the second case Baba asked a certain lady (Mrs. R. A. Tarkhad) to give Rs.6/- as Dakshina. The lady felt pained, as she had nothing to give. Then her husband explained to her that Baba wanted six inner enemies (lust, anger, avarice etc.) to be surrendered to Him. Baba agreed with this explanation.
It is to be noted, that though Baba collected a lot of money by Dakshina, He would distribute the whole amount the same day, and the next morning He would become a poor Fakir as usual. When Baba took His Mahasamadhi, after receiving thousands and thousands of Rupees as Dakshina for about ten years, He had only a few Rupees in His possession.
In short, Baba's main object in taking Dakshina, from His devotees was to teach them the lessons of Renunciation and Purification. 

Post-script 

Mr. B. V. Deo of Thana, retired Mamlatdar, and a great devotee of Baba, has written an article on this subject (Dakshina) in "Shri Sai Leela" magazine, Vol.VII, P.6-26, in which he says amongst other things, as follows:-
"Baba did not ask Dakshina from all. If some gave Dakshina without being asked, He sometimes accepted it; and at other times He refused it. He asked it from certain devotees only. He never demanded it, from those devotees, who thought in their minds that Baba should ask them for it, and then they should pay it. If anybody offered it against His wish, He never touched it, and if he kept it there, He asked him to take it away. He asked for small or big amounts from devotees, according to their wish, devotion and convenience. He asked it, even from women and children. He never asked all the rich for it, nor from all the poor."
"Baba never got angry with those from whom He asked Dakshina, and who did not give it. If any Dakshina was sent, through some friend, who forgot to hand over the same to Baba, He reminded him somehow of it and made him pay it. On some occasons, Baba used to return some sum from the amount tendered as Dakshina, and ask the donor to guard it or keep it in his shrine for worship. This procedure benefited the donor or devotee immensely. If anybody offered more than he originally intended to give, He returned the extra amount. Sometimes, He asked more Dakshina from some, than what they originally intended to give and, if they had no money, asked them to get or borrow from others. From some, He demanded Dakshina three or four times a day."
"Out of the amount collected as Dakshina, Baba spent very little for His own sake, viz., for buying Chilim (clay pipe) and fuel for His Dhuni (sacred fire), and all the rest, He distributed as charity in varying proportions to various persons. All the paraphenalia of the Shirdi Sansthan was brought, by various rich devotees at the instance and suggestion of Radha-Krishna-Mai. Baba always used to get wild and scolded those, who brought costly and rich articles. He said to Mr. Nanasaheb Chandorkar, that all His property consisted of one koupin (codpiece), one stray piece of cloth, one Kafni and a tumrel (tinpot), and that all the people troubled Him by bringing all these unnecessary, useless and costly articles."
Woman and wealth are the two main obstacles in the way of our Pramartha (spiritual life); and Baba and provided in Shirdi two institutions, viz., Dakshina and Radha-Krishna-Mai. Whenever they came to Him, He demanded Dakshina from them, and asked them to go to the 'SCHOOL' (Radha-Krishna-Mai's house). If they stood these two tests well, i.e. if they showed that they were free from attachment for woman and wealth, their progress in spirituality was rapid and assured by Baba's grace and blessings.
Mr. Deo has also quoted passanges from the Gita and Upanishads; and shown that charity given in a holy place and to a holy personage, conduces to the donors' welfare to a great degree. What is more holy than Shirdi and its Presiding Deity -- Sai Baba? 


Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all

Project Pigmandu

                                Pigmandu by devilmaitraiya

                                PIGMANDU

Our country Nepal is known throughout the world for its beauty but we Nepalese are destroying it. Project Pigmandu is all about making people aware and bringing them together to clean the man made pollution.

Who doesn't want to have a clean, green, well managed city? well we Nepali too dream of it. Our country is loved and hand crafted himself by the almighty god, she is blessed by mother nature. But we, we are reason for the pollution created? We are the one destroying her beauty and making her ugly. Today she being our motherland is being insulted all over the world and yet no body seems to care.

From rivers to temples, roads to mountains we have polluted each and everything, still we don't forget or hesitate to chant I love Nepal, Feel proud to be Nepali, The most beautiful country in the world bla bla bla. It seems like a person igniting earthen lamp and shouting we never have electricity cuts in our home.

 Its not true that the people are uneducated, whoever says so in context to Nepal either he/she is drunk or maybe smoked. Cause education about cleanliness is taught straight form their own house, even the religion they follow either Hindu, Buddhist or whatever, they all teach the same. Not a single home or religion support pollution. But whats wrong then?

People of Nepal have all turn out selfish, the blood from our ansistors of never letting the head held down of the country has turned out pale when it flows in us. We all now live for ourselves, work for money, and yes! wish for pleasures of our own body. Nobody cares about nobody all are busy living for themselves. People don't want to do work which has no benefit. So they all feel that cleaning is the responsibility of the government. Its government who should be responsible for all this. But is it? Is the government doing their work properly in Nepal, any work, except corruption, revolution, strikes and protest? 

Knowing everything the citizens turn out the deaf ear to all this. Its easy for all to blame. So they keep blaming. Well project Pigmandu is all about it. Of uniting people  and bringing them  together to clean the country. To work as the helping hands for those organizations who are still trying but unable for achieving the grand success. 

So get yourself ready cause Project Pigmandu is coming soon..........

Jiri

Jiri, mini or little Switzerland on earth, this is what most of the people here in Nepal claim. There is no doubt that Jiri is really blessed with the beauty by mother nature.But 
                                  
             “Is Switzerland really like Jiri?”

Jiri is a valley located  at an altitude of 1,905 metres (6,250 feet) in the Janakpur Zone of north-eastern Nepal. Jiri is 188 Km far away from Kathmandu and is connected by a road named as Jiri road. The busjourney from Kathmandu to Jiri stops at Lamosunga for a lunchbreak. Bus or vechiles ride takes 6 to 8 hours due to narrow, winding roads but  beautiful hills settlements like, Thulopakhar, Dadapakhar, Mude, Kharidhunga, Boch, Makaibari, Charikot, Kiratichhap, Busti, Namdu, Mainapokhari and Hanumante pass before entering into the valley and make one's journey a sweet memory.

In 1952 the Everest expeditions led by John Hunt that put Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary on the summit for the first time in the history of Everest passed through Jiri. So Jiri is also called the "Gateway to Everest". Jiri is the home of an ethnic group called the Jirels and Sunwar. late king Mahendra established his summer camp in Jiri to travel eastern mountain regions in 1963. Similarly, late King Birendra visited this place in 1983 and 1987.

Why Jiri got compared to Switzerland?

Toni Hagen also known as the first foreigner to visit Nepal and also an honorary citizenchip card holder of Nepal.After taking a diploma in engineering and geology from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland. He took a doctorate in the geology and then became a research assistant at the Zurich Geological Institute.Hagen first visited Nepal in 1950 with a first Swiss development assistance mission. In 1952 he was employed by the government of Nepal and also worked for the United Nations.

He travelled 14,000 km criss-crossing the country on foot over 12 years, produced books and charted out Nepal's development pathways.Toni Hagen made a detailed geological map of Nepal, plotted sites for hydropower projects like Kulekhani and the Karnali Bend, proposed a east-west electric train artery, ropeways for mountain transport, and advocated rural eco-tourism. Hagen, was really touched by the scenery of the valley. It reminded him of Zurich, Switzerland and urged his government to invest for the development of Jiri.

As a result in 1951 Swiss team headed by Mr. Schulthes came to Nepal. And on their visit to Jiri they found out a lot of similarities between Swiss alpine highlands and Jiri valley and recommended government to start the developments programs similar to Swiss Alps. In 1959 Swiss government lunched Jiri multi purpose Development Project (JMDP),which established hospital, school, cooperatives, and agricultural development center, managed Forests and conducted various skill development trainings .Swiss president Arnold Kollar (1997) world famous film director Eric valley (2007) also have recognized Jiri as one of the most beautiful place on the earth by visiting it.

Jiri is quite small but really beautiful and green. View of Jiri from top looks very beautiful. There are small houses built in swiss model and one can visit technical institute there.Charlie pye smith in his book ‘‘ Travels in Nepal " called Jiri ‘‘ half caste offspiring of an improverished Nepalese mother and wealthy Swiss father ".The steady flow of trekkers later motivated the government to construct the first airport in the hill areas of Nepal. In 1960, a Royal Nepal Airlines Twin Otter landed at Jiri Airport, carrying a team of mountaineers. Later in 1968, the government established an airport at Lukla.

Jiri is a small town with around 16,000 population  having climate and vegetation similar to Swiss Alps.The daily arrival of tourists to this gateway to Everest soon improved the economic conditions of the locals. As a result there are numerous hotels and lodges in Jiri. In addition to it has restaurants where visitors can stay and experience the cultures of Jirels through the home stay in Sikri valley, Kot, Kharayoban and Dhunge. The local Jirel people are friendly and helpful.

Lukla- The gate way to Mount Everest

                                                           Lukla

Some people usually tourists generally describe Lukla as heaven on earth. Lukla is a town in Khumbu area in Solukhumbu District of Sagarmatha Zone of north eastern Nepal. Situated in the himalayan region it is a beautiful tourist area. It is the main gateway to Mount Everest.The town is located at an altitude of 2,860 meters (9,383 ft).

Lukla means place with many goats and sheep, there was a time when goats and sheeps were found in abundant but now-a-days tourism has become a part of livelihood earnings.Once a tiny farming community, Lukla is now a large trekkers town, with numerous accommodation options, many shops selling almost everything from batteries and soap to yak hair gloves and North Face jackets, and even a couple of internet cafes.Lukla is basically just an airport and a strip of hotels. There are two expensive, up-scale places which offer such luxuries as hot tubs, while the other hotels are pretty much a sameness.

Air transport is the only  means to reach Lukla due to the lack of roads.One can reach Tenjing Hillary Airport of Lukla by taking a half an hour flights from Kathmandu Airport. Usually fights take places between 7 am to12 noon as sky in the afternoon gets covered with fog and dust. One can have a breathtaking view of Mt Kongo and other Himalayas range on a clear day.

Temperatures in Lukla during prime trekking times can range from 14°F (-10°C) overnight to 55°F (13°C) during the day. It gets very cold here due to its altitude and one needs to make a proper arrangement of warm clothes and thick shoes for the journey. The price of food items is generally high as the air transport in the only means of suppling food. The ghee made yak milk, salt and garlic soup are the popular dishes of Lukla. Whereas tourists can order the food of their own choice as well. From 'Starbucks' to apple cheese cakes. you name it.

March to May and September to November months are the best time to visit.

Pathivara - The Holy Shrine

                 Pathivara -The Holy Shrine


Pathivara Devi shrine (3794m) is a popular pilgrimage destination of both Hindus and Buddhists located at a height of 12,448 ft, on the Northern side of Taplejung district, Mechi Zone in Eastern Nepal. The highest hill of Taplejung District where the holy shrine is located also called 'Pathivara Dada' is one of the attractions for the tourists in the district.

The Goddess at Pathibhara temple is believed to possess supernatural powers and is believed to fulfill the long-cherished dreams of her devotees. She is considered by her devotees as a manifestation of the divine feminine also determined with other names as AdiKali, Maha Maya, Maha Rudri among many other of her divine forms.

Pathibhara lies in the junction of three VDCS: Tapethok, Limkhim and PhawaKhola. The journey to Pathibhara starts from Suketar (2840m)  passing through Deurali, Ramitedanda, Chhatedhunga, Bhalugaunda and Phedi before finally reaching the temple, which is about 8-10 hours walk from Suketar. The airport at Suketar is the only airport of Taplejung district. Suketar is connected to Kathmandu and Biratnagar by scheduled flights. Beautiful views of Kanchenjunga and Kumbhakarna can be seen from Suketar.

The best time to visit the temple is from March through out to June and September to November. Pilgrimages can also have an opportunity to visit Kanchanjungha range, the waterfall at Sawa pokhari and the pond of Timbuk, during autumn and spring every year. The thick forest eco-system along the trail offers diversity of wildlife, birds, flowers and butterflies. 

                Story of Pathivara

It is believed that local shepherds lost hundreds of their sheep while grazing at the same place where the temple stands today. The distressed shepherds had a dream in which the Goddess Pathivara ordered them to carry out ritualistic sacrifice of sheep and build a shrine in her honor. When the sacrifice was offered the lost herd supposedly returned. The ritual of offering sacrifices inside the temple is believed to have started after the incident.

The hill goddess Pathibhara after which the place is named is believed by the devotees as a fierce goddess who can be easily pleased with simple and selfless act of compassion, prayer and sacrificial offerings (sacrifice in Hinduism denotes sacrifice of ego and greed), while is unmerciful and severe to one who has malicious intentions beneath.

Chapter XIII

The Inscrutable Power of Maya
Baba's words were always short, pithy, deep, full of meaning, efficient and well-balanced. He was ever content and never cared for anything. He said, "Though I have become a Fakir, have no house or wife, and though leaving off all cares, I have stayed at one place, the inevitable Maya teases Me often. Though I forgot Myself I cannot forget Her. She always envelops Me.This Maya (illusive power) of the Lord (Shri Hari) teases God Brahma and others; then what to speak of a poor Fakir like Me? Those who take refuge in the Lord wil be freed from Her clutches with his grace".
In such terms Baba spoke about the power of Maya. Lord Shri Krishna has said to Uddhava in the Bhagwat that the Saints are His living forms; and see what Baba had said for the welfare of His devotees: "Those who are fortunate and whose demerits have vanished; take to My worship. If you always say 'Sai, Sai' I shall take you over the seven seas; believe in these words, and you will be certainly benefited. I do not need any paraphernalia of worship - either eight-fold or sixteen-fold. I rest there where there is full devotion". Now read what Sai, the friend of those, who surrendered themselves to Him, did for their welfare.

Bhimaji Patil

One Bhimaji Patil of Narayanagaon, Taluka Junnar, Dist. Poona, suffered in the year 1909 A.D. from a severe and chronic chest-disease which ultimately developed into Tuberculosis. He tried all sorts of pathos (remedies), but to no effect. Losing all hopes, he ultimately prayed to God - "Oh Lord Narayana, help me now". It is a well known fact that, when our circumstances are well off, we do not remember God, but when calamities and adversities overtake us, we are reminded of Him, So Bhimaji now turned to God. It occurred to him that he should consult Mr. Nanasaheb Chandorkar, a great devotee of Baba, in this respect. So he wrote to him a letter, giving all details of his malady, and asking for his opinion. In reply, Mr. Nanasaheb wrote to him that there was only one remedy left, and that was to have recourse to Baba's Feet. Relying on Mr. Nanasaheb's advice, he made preparations for going to Shirdi. He was brought to Shirdi and taken to the Masjid, and placed before Baba. Mr. Nanasaheb and Shama (Madhavrao Deshpande) were then present. Baba pointed out that the disease was due to the previous evil karma, and was not at first disposed to interfere. But the patient cried out in despair that he was helpless, and sought refuge in Him, as He was his last hope, and prayed for mercy. Then Baba's heart melted an He said, "Stay, cast off your anxiety, your sufferings have come to an end. However, oppressed and troubled one may be as soon as he steps into the Masjid, he is on the pathway to happiness. The Fakir here is very kind and He will cure the disease, and protect all with love and kindness." The patient vomitted blood every five minutes, but there wa no vomiting in the presence of Baba. From the time, Baba uttered the words of hope and mercy, the malady took a favourable turn. Baba asked him to stay in Bhimabai's house, which was not a convenient and healthy place, but Baba's order had to be obeyed. While he was staying there, Baba cured him by two dreams. In the first dream, he saw himself as a boy suffering the severe pain of a flogging, which he received for not reciting his 'Swami-poetry' lesson before his class-master. In the second dream, some one caused him intense pain, and torture, by rolling a stone up and down over his chest. With the pain thus suffered in dream, his cure was complete, and he went home. He then often came to Shirdi, gratefully remembering what Baba did for him, and prostrated before Him. Baba also did not expect anything from devotees, but grateful remembrance, unchanging faith and devotion. People in the Maharashtra, always celebrate Satya-Narayana Puja in their homes every fortnight or month. But it was this Bhimaji Patil, who started a new Sai Satya-vrata Puja, instead of Satya-Narayana-vrata Puja, in his house, when he returned to his village.

Bala Ganpat Shimpi

Another devotee of Baba by name Bala Ganapat Shimpi, suffered much from a malignant type of Malaria. he tried all sorts of medicines and decoctions, but in vain. The fever did not abate a jot and so he ran to Shirdi and fell on Baba's Feet. Baba gave him a strage recipe, in this case as follows:- "Give a black dog some morsels of rice mixed with curds in front of the Laxmi temple". Bala Shimpi did not know, how to execute this recipe; but no sonner he went home, then he found rice and curds. After mixing them together, he brought the mixture near the Laxmi temple, when he found the a black dog waving its tail. He placed the curds and rice before the dog. The dog ate it and, strange to say, Bala got rid of his Malaria.
Bapusaheb Booty
Shriman Bapusaheb Booty suffered, once from dysentery and vomitting. His cupboard was full of patent drugs and medicines, but none of them had any effect. Bapusaheb got very weak, on account of purgings and vomittings and, therefore, was not able to go to the Masjid for Baba's darshana. Baba then sent for him and made him sit before Him and said, "Now take care, you should not purge any more" and waving His index-finger "The vomiting must also stop". Now look at the force of Baba's words. Both the maladies took to their heels (disappeared) and Booty felt well.
On another occasion he had an attack of Cholera, and suffered from severe thirst. Dr. Pillai tried all sorts of remedies but could give him no relief. Then he went to Baba and consulted Him as what to drink that would allay his thirst and cure the disease. Baba prescribed an infusion of almonds, walnuts, pistachio (a kind of dry fruit), boiled in sugared milk. This would be considered, as a fatal aggravation of the disease by any other doctor or physician, but in implicit obedience to Baba's order, the infusion was administered and strange to say, the disease was cured.
Alandi Swami
A Swami from Alandi, wishing to take Baba's darshana, came to Shirdi. He suffered form a severe pain in his ear, which prevented him from getting the sleep. He was operated for this, but it served no purpose. The pain was severe and he did not know what to do. While he was returning, he came to take Baba's leave, when Shama (Madhavrao Deshpande) requested Baba to do something for the pain in the Swami's ear. Baba comforted him saying, "Alla Accha Karega (God will do good)." The Swami then returned to Poona, and after a week sent a letter to Shirdi, stating that the pain in his ear had subsided though the swelling was there, and in order to get the swelling removed, he went to Bombay for operation, but the surgeon on examining the ear said that no operation was then necessary. Such was the wonderful effect of Baba's words.
Kaka Mahajani

Another devotee named Kaka Mahajani suffered once from diarrhea. In order that there should be no break in his services to Baba, Kaka kept a tambya (pot) with water in some corner of the Masjid and whenever there was a call, he would go out. As Sai Baba knew everything, Kaka did not inform Him of his disease, thinking that Baba would of His own cure it soon. The work of constructing the pavement in front of the Masjid was permitted by Baba, but when the actual work was begun, Baba got wild and shouted out loudly. Everybody ran away, and as Kaka was also doing the same, Baba caught hold of him and made him sit there. In the confusion that followed, somebody left the a small bag of groundnuts. Baba took a handful of groundnuts, rubbed them in His hands, blew away the skins, and gave the clean nuts to Kaka and made him eat them. Scolding and cleaning the nuts, and making Kaka eat them, went on similtaneously. Baba Himself ate some of them. Then, when the bag was finished, Baba asked him to fetch water as He felt thirsty. Kaka brought a pitcher full of water. Then Baba drank some water and made Kaka also drink it. Baba then said, "Now your diarrhea has stopped, and you may attend to the work of the pavement." In the meanwhile other persons, who had run away, returned and started the work; and Kaka, whose motions had stopped, also joined them. Are groundnuts medicine for diarrhoea? According to current medical opinion, groundnuts would aggravate the disease, and not cure it. The true medicine, in this as in other cases, was Baba's word.

Dattopant of Harda
A gentleman from Harda by name Dattopant suffered form stomach-ache for fourteen yeas. None of the remedies gave him any relief. Then hearing of Baba's fame, that He cures diseases by sight he ran to Shirdi, and fell at Baba's Feet. Baba looked at him kindly and gave him blessings. When Baba placed His hand on his head, and when he got Baba's Udi with blessing, he felt relieved and there was no further trouble about the malady.
Towards the end ot his Chapter three cases are cited in footnotes:
1. Madhavrao Deshpande suffered from Piles. Baba gave him decoction of Sonamukhi (senna pods). This relieved him. Then after two years the trouble again recurred and Mahdavrao took the same decoction without consulting Baba. The result was that the disease aggravated but later on it was cured by Baba's grace.
2. Kaka Mahajani's elder brother, Gangadharpant, suffered for many years from stomach-pain. Hearing Baba's fame he came to Shirdi and requested Baba to cure him. Baba touched his belly and said, "God will cure". From that time there was no stomach-pain and he was completely cured.
3. Nanasaheb Chandorkar also once suffered from intense stomach-pain; he was restless the whole day and night. Doctors administered syringes which produced no effect. Then he approached Baba, who told him to eat Burfi (a kind of sweetmeat) mixed with ghee. This recipe gave him complete relief.
All these stories go to show, that the real medicine that cured the various diseases permanently was Baba's word, and grace, and not any medicines or drugs.
Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all