Chronicle of Udupi & Spirituality

Chronicle of Udupi & Spirituality

By

Murali Murthy 

 Spirituality is very subjective and personal. There is absolutely no set of standard rules or standard way that one should feel spirituality.

End of the day, Spirituality is all about recognising and believing that there is someone more powerful, something more greater than myself and humans in general.

There are surely guidelines to suggest ways of engaging in spirituality, but how we feel it, sense it and experience it, is very individual.

For me, a visit to Udupi itself is expression of my Spirituality, connecting with my beliefs.

Ofcourse, Krishna being the central force, but it's everything associated with Udupi is an attraction for me and Preeti. Starting from the Drive to Udupi, the air, the people, the places, the beaches, traditional homes and ethnic way of life, everything leads to divinity for me.

Yet another lovely trip, ending on a high, feeling positive, with vibes and vibrations felt every single moment of these glorious 5 days. Feeling blessed, happy and filled with gratitude and contentment.

Visited some of the beautiful places and temples during this visit. Ofcourse, having the company of Preeti's parents in this Trip was a huge plus, as they showed us around and took us to newer places.

The Drive

Hariram Bhavan, Udhyavara

Udupi Krishna

Mahalakshmi Temple, Uchila

Pithrody beach

Vinayaka Temple, Udhyavara 

Kemmannu Hanging Bridge

Brahmalingeshwara, Yedabettu

Guru Narasimha, Saligrama

Kollur Mookambika

Vinayaka Temple, Guddattu

Vinayaka Temple, Anegudde

Durga Parameshwari, Kateel

Rajarajeshwari, Polali

Mangaladevi, Mangalore

Kadri Manjunatha, Mangalore

Kantara House

Frustrations & Disappointments - Part 6

The Voters Logic!

Yep . Done . Ticked . Inked . Voted.

Not because my vote will make a difference, surely not believing in the fairy tale that I am deciding the next Govt. I voted to shut those yappings who would say "You haven't voted so you don't have any rights to question".

I will believe in the election process, the day Political parties pledge to not reverse a mandate with money power. One would be a fool to believe Vote Power is stronger than Money Power.

And those WhatsApp Status today!

Most widely spread gyan - "Vote wisely". If half population is blindly voting based on cast, religion and lust for one man, other half voting for freebies & love for one family, and each believe their reasons are wise enough, responsible enough, what's the definition of wise and responsibility!

The Voter's Power

I am happy, that I was wrong.

I am happy, that I was proved wrong.

I am happy, that the audacity, arrogance, thick skinned thinking was defeated.

I am happy, that our country is still democratic, and it's not about one man.

I am happy, not because some other party won, but to make every politician realize they are not invincible.

I am happy, not because some other party won, but to make the politicians think about people as well, and not just about their Lordship.

I am happy, not because one party got defeated, but that people think beyond cast, hysteria, emotions and narratives.

I am happy, that people do not tolerate nonsense and be played with their sentiments.

Let's continue to ask questions, let's continue to point fingers at wrongs, now to a new set of "Leaders".

Let's see if Hindus will be whitewashed in Karnataka in next 5 years.

Let's see if Hinduism, which is by the way 4,000+ Years old, which survived Mughal and British barbarism, will now face existential crisis.

Hope the questions on sanctity of EVM is put to rest, now that it's in their favour!

Is it Stubbornness or Compulsion?

I feel it's just either one of these two when people go all out either to oppose or defend. The arguments used to justify is usually just convenience.

Be it Veg Vs Non Veg eaters

Be it Secular Vs Religious

Be it BJP Vs Congress

Be it Hindi Vs local language

The moment we align ourselves with a school of thought, we tend to vehemently defend and argue, and so is the other side.

This usually blurrs logic and introspection. A party in opposition wages war against price hikes, but continues to increase prices without mercy, when in power.

Be it a fake promise of bringing back Black money and distributing it to all citizens like Ramanavami Panaka, OR free distribution of money and facilities to all!

Don't ask me if I am spoiling the Nation, you did all these days, now it's my turn.

Don't ask me if I took 7 days to choose Yogi, but you are taking 4 days.

When the sole criteria to select candidates, CM is purely based on Caste across party lines, why talk about unity by religion?

When Caste divide is tirelessly being ensured by both people and Politicians, why do drama of unity?

These Big Parties, don't they have think-tank, advisors? Why do they not say Freebies are bad, Caste based politics is bad?

The Caste calculations

4537, that's the no of Castes we have in India.

In the name of Social Justice, there has always been reservations, preference given to jobs, education and everything else to do with Govt and it's functioning.

Did you know that there is no provision in the constitution to provide justice based on economically backwardness, but the provision to provide justice is only based on socially backwardness.

I read a true story, as published in the News Paper. Railways was looking to fill couple of open position for officers, which obviously was reserved. When all the candidates failed in their exams, they eventually selected candidates based on "Best out of failed candidates".

So, even a unfit, unworthy candidate will be considered, if from socially backward section. That's the eligibility! How do we expect any department to excel, or India to develop as a Nation!?

Now all leaders are queuing up in front of newly selected CMs house, demanding to be made not less than Deputy CM, on the basis of their Caste! The demand for Ministership also is representation for Muslims, Lingayats, SC and the list goes on.

The party that lost and their analysis of the loss is limited to - Lingayats didn't vote and we lost!

It's been 7 decades since we have obligated ourselves in the name of Social Justice. How long do we pause our development, in the name of Caste system?

The irony of 2000

My birth, pointless existence and sudden death!

I was born on 08 Nov 2016. The reason of my birth was trumpeted as a masterstroke. I was supposed to be having best security features and I could not be copied, I was supposed to end farzi notes and end illegal transaction and stashing.

When I was born, Haters said standing in Queue was inconvenience. Bhakts compared it equal to standing along the Border for the sake of the country.

Some even went to an extent of saying I had GPS embedded in me and they could track where I am being stacked.

Probably my birth and death, is just part of the quarterly team building activity to keep the clapping boys busy with clapping and praising the lordship!

My existence was also pointless, as people could not just use me, they cursed me as I was useless as a medium of exchange.

Contrary to the purpose and logic of my birth, it was easier to stack me, as I was compact. Defying my purpose of birth, now I am being killed because I am found stacked and duplicates of me are in the markets in full swing. And this is also flayed as master stroke, surgical strike, what not!

Casa Piccosa

A weekend party at a place like Casa Piccosa is truly an entertainer.

The vibes, the music is indeed a stress buster, it makes you laugh, loosen up and groove along.

The artists who come to Casa Piccosa indeed know how to entertain the crowd by performing some peppy, catchy, hum-worthy numbers. After 2 to 3 pegs down, the crowd lose all inhibitions and starts dancing and screaming to their favourite songs.

What was interesting this time was, couple of group of millennials having a blast, having animated and exaggerated partying, insisted the artists to play Kannada songs and they hummed along all new and old Kannada songs as well.

It felt good that even Millennials take pride in sticking to their roots and to their mother tongue, and prefer Kannada even while partying.

The singers sang "Allah ke bandhe" song, the same young crowd with cigarette in one hand, Beer mug in another, in inebriated state, started shouting "Jai Shri Ram". It was a Pub with 100s of party goers having a nice time.

All the pride and delight in my eyes was shattered. I was aghast at their audacity to do so, not knowing the sanctity of uttering those words. I would understand if a Bhakt does so, but these young kids are already brainwashed with hatred and venomous intent brewed in their minds.

Is this what Hindutva is? Is this what Saffronization is?

The Poet in Me - 3

The strategy is Hope

When life is not throwing enough Rope,

When things are getting difficult to Cope,

When you don't see assurance afar even in a telescope,

The Slope is too much to Cope,

There is no choice but to walk that tightrope,

People come and Grope, when you are on that Rope,

Have trust in your Pope,

And let your strategy be Hope!

Many names of She

She is mystic, she is magical, She is a dream, she is an idea, She is a mystery, she is a fantacy, She is the Maya of Dil To Pagal Hai, She is the Nandini of Hum Dil De chuke Sanam.

She is near, yet so far...

I close my eyes and I smell her, I feel her...

I open my eyes and I don't see her or touch her.

She is Thridipta, she is Aarohi, she is Vandna, she is Deepanitha, she is Prathima, she is Veronica, she is Sithara, she is Viji, she is Anamika

My Roar

The roar of a wild boar, the roar of the gushing waters. I want to roar, not sure if it's sounding like scream.

Want to feel fearless, not sure if I am seen as a struggler.

Its a victory cry, still not a war cry.

I can feel it running through my veins, it's done, I am in paradise of my own.

I stand in the middle of the Colosseum, up on a stage with arms wide open, head looking up the sky, with screaming audience in front of me.

My Guitar

I am scared to pickup that Guitar.

I am scared of the person I become when I hold that Guitar.

I am scared the music I make with that Guitar will disconnect me from this world.

I am scared the love for the Guitar will shatter my life, my dreams. Those shattered pieces makes lives of people around me difficult.

Yet, I can't live without that Guitar, the love for the Guitar is above everything. Almost every single possible emotion oozes out when I am playing my Guitar.

Each stroke of the strings brings in both pain and joy. Each note I play is a life experience. I play it to be inspired & to inspire.

What's your Guitar?

ತಪ್ಪೆನ್ನುವರ್ಯಾರ್

ತಪ್ಪೆನ್ನುವರ್ಯಾರ್, ಕೇಳುವರ್ಯಾರ್,

ನಿಂತವರ್ಯಾರ್, ನಿಲ್ಲೆನ್ನುವರ್ಯಾರ್,

ಸಾಕೆನ್ನುವರ್ಯಾರ್, ಬೇಕೆನ್ನುವರ್ಯಾರ್,

ಬಲ್ಲವರ್ಯಾರ್, ಬೆಂದವರ್ಯಾರ್,

ಬೇಡುವರ್ಯಾರ್, ಕಾಡುವರ್ಯಾರ್,

ಕರುಣಿಸುವರ್ಯಾರ್, ಕೊಟ್ಟವರ್ಯಾರ್, ಬಿಟ್ಟವರ್ಯಾರ್.

ಕರೆಯುವರ್ಯಾರ್, ಬೆರೆಯುವರ್ಯಾರ್,

ಹೆದರುವರ್ಯಾರ್, ಬೆದರುವರ್ಯಾರ್,

ದೊಡ್ಡವರ್ಯಾರ್, ಚಿಕ್ಕವರ್ಯಾರ್,

ತಿದ್ದುವರ್ಯಾರ್, ಹೇಳುವರ್ಯಾರ್,

ಗೆದ್ಧವರ್ಯಾರ್, ಸೋತವರ್ಯಾರ್,

ಕಂಡವರ್ಯಾರ್.

Selfie with life

I can't explain what I am going through, but I need your help.

I can't describe my problem, still be with me and support me.

If you have trust in me, hold my hands and dive along.

Take a selfie with me, not to look cool, not to display self love, but to take a selfie with life.

Feel my world, feel my pain, feel my happiness.

Don't lose hopes on me, I try, I might fail, but I have it in me to fight back.

I will let you know when I am done fighting, I will let you know when I want to give up, that's when I need you more. This time, to take more selfies with life.

Gyan Bhandar - Part 6

The theory of relativity

Instead of flying 16 hours to reach US, can I just hover in the air for 16 hours in the same position, and as the earth keeps rotating, will I not just end up in US?

Things doesn't work like that. The flight is not actually escaping Earth's gravity, but flying along with the Earth's movement, as the air around earth is also rotating along with everything within it's atmosphere, including the flight.

Though such out of the box thoughts sounds logical & rebellious too, our solutions to problems must have relativity to the context and to the problem.

Unless we understand and feel the gravity of the problem/situation, our solutions will never fix the problems, but just leaves us hanging in the air.

Problem Solving

When I see people struggle to solve a problem and try to help them with solution, I realise most of the times they are unable to solve, because they haven't even understood the problem clearly.

Problem solving is not really a skill, it's just common sense and attention to detailing, and ofcourse "thinking" being the vital aspect, apart from analytical & logical reasoning.

Not all problems are same, each problem is unique with new challenges. One can't have a tube of Fevicol, and paste it on all problems.

Observe a Cobbler, a Tailor, a Mechanic, a TV repair guy, they all first open up to analyse the problem and give a suitable fix.

Even Doctors order tests to diagnose and go to the root of the problem.

The first step in solving a problem lies in understanding the problem clearly. The next step is to break down the problem into smaller parts and jot down the problem clearly.

Checking for dependencies, evaluating all possible outcomes and arriving at cause of the Problem will help in understanding the problem from head to toe.

Then it depends on how we confidently, convincingly convey that the fix you came up with, is the best possible solution!

Pai & his classic BCP!

A Business Management Case Study.

Narahari Pai owns a small shop right next to the entrance Arch of Anegudde Vinayaka Temple in Kumbashi.

His Mundakki Upkari is very famous and people visiting the temple do not miss eating the tasty Upkari he prepares, and neither do I.

Upto last time I visited, his wife was assisting him to run the shop. But age related ailments has left her confined to home, leaving Mr. Pai alone to run the shop.

Mr. Pai himself in his late 70s, dragging himself to run the shop. A stable business, regular and loyal customers for decades now, is under threat of extinction.

- Mr. Pai has lost interest in running the shop, as he is tired and don't want to run around anymore

- He has no hands or help in running the shop

- He doesn't want to hire anyone for help, as he feels no one else can do the job as he does, which he has tried and failed

- He doesn't have any drive to continue the business, and soon his product that he mastered and the business will die

- He is running the Shop due to forced obligation

His Ego, Failure to build second line, no support system, lacking vision to scale or expand are all the possible causes a good Product will die soon.

The Case is not very unique to Mr. Pai, many entrepreneurs, including me will face similar situation sooner or later!

Politicians and Diapers should be changed frequently - Part 4

Free free free

It's election campaign time and apart from abusing, blaming other parties, it's time to attract voters with freebies!

Loan waivers, free LPG cylinders, free travel for women & pension hikes by one party.

Other party will give free money to unemployed, free Rice, free electricity.

Our tax money will freely be distributed!

PF, GST officers send notices, harass us even if there is a delay in paying monthly taxes by few days, like loan recovery agents.

We struggle and bleed to pay taxes, just to be distributed freely?

And when I am looking to hire for an entry level position, the first question they ask is "What's the salary?" & do not turn up for interviews. When everything is free, why take the pain to work and earn!?

One more party crossed all limits of arrogance, audacity by openly saying they are here to kill democracy. When 4 candidates stood like losers on the dias, the "star campaigner" says "You are not voting for these local candidates, but you are voting for that one man and to hand over your future to that one man"

Democracy, elected representatives gaya thel lene.

When a P.M of the country visits my town, should he help people or cause trouble?

The P.M is in the house people...

And the security is so tight, that Bengaluru will come to a stand still this weekend.

I got a communication from my Office Building Management that the offices will be shut, as per Police instructions. The Police has also asked all shops, street vendors to not open today.

It's weekend and business stops, just because he is doing a Road show!

So, for whom is this RoadShow? Since movement is restricted, all roads cordoned, all shops shut, it's obvious the stunt is only for the Cameras and not for the real People. Afterall our Monologue Baba is only interested in Bhashans and not interactions!

What is laughable is the Police are also getting rid of stray dogs, monkeys in the route!

All the street Vendors yesterday evening in Jayanagar Shopping area were cursing that his Visit is only causing trouble, as it is he hasn't done anything good for them, and over that, this!

One went ahead and said that he likes Modi and that he is a good man, but they are tired of his antics and would still not Vote for him and insisted us also not to vote in his name.

It was such a respite to see the Andh Bhakthi hasn't spread to the real people and limited to social media and fanatics only.

Why should I Vote?

It's our right, a powerful right, it's our duty, it's our responsibility, it's our opportunity to change, to be the change, to choose our elected representative, to elect people to power, it's time to change, it's time to Vote!

Why should I vote?

50% vote in the name of/for the Vishwa Guru, most of them do not know or want to know the local candidate, but blindly vote for one man.

Other 50% vote based on cast, religion, freebies, money.

What if I want to Vote for the Grand old party? The reactions make me look like a culprit as if I have sinned.

What if I want to vote for fresh faces, new ideas? The reactions make me feel I am wasting my vote.

Soon people will be jailed if they voted for any other opposition parties.

Whatever is the outcome of the election, anyway those 17+ will always be up for sale. ED, CBI, Operation Kamala can turn any result upside down.

So, why should I vote when my vote doesn't really count!

All we can do is - as per the popular leader "Lavade na Bhojyam".

The feuding Bhakts

It is funny, entertaining & amusing to see Bhakts struggling, feuding, fuming, grumpy and coming up with all possible imaginary problems and warning of dire consequences just because Party C swept this election.

The consequences include: In next 5 years Karanataka will become mini Pak, corruption will eat us away, our lives will become miserable!

They are cursing the rest of the citizens as if all others (64% of Karnataka) are dumb and assume they voted just for freebies!

Even now Bhakts think it's all about religion, and if all Hindus had voted, Party B would still be in power. 84% population in Karnataka are Hindus, yet only 36% vote blindly. There are more intelligent & level headed Hindus, who can't be fooled all the time.

This should make them understand, for majority of Hindus, religion & Caste is at home, the way they believe in God and spirituality, and nothing to do with State & Country's governance. Let's just be objective, let's ensure any party in power does justice to our taxes. Let's question anyone who is erring.

If Freebies was the only reason Party C came to power, then they would never get a single Vote if entire India hoped for 15L in their accounts! Though there is sarcastic pleasure in seeing Bhakts whining, I pity them.

Bhakts need to calm down, realize that an Opposition Party can never win Election, but Party in Power can only Lose!

The loss is purely because of their Arrogance, Audacity & Ego, nothing else.

If people not happy with PM should go to Pak, shouldn't the ones who are not happy with local Govt be sent to UP/Guj?

The Power Centers

The fight for CM chair seems to be getting tougher, dirtier by the day. Going by their history (Rajasthan), they don't seem to know how to solve when there are two power centers. Understandably so, they always followed one family's wishes & orders, never have they seen two power centers. A fight in waiting in both states, yet they chose to postpone the problem, digging their own grave.

And this seems to be just the beginning, more complicated conflicts are yet to begin - Deputy CMs, Ministers, Portfolios, Rooms in Vidhana Soudha, New Cars, official Bungalows.

By the time the Govt settles the Lust of all the Leaders, and if they Survive without Govt collapsing due to internal brawls, 1 year will be gone without Governance.

Those waiting for Freebies, will have to wait for atleast 1 more year till they can start even thinking about it.

Meanwhile, it is a pleasant surprise that Bhakts have become analytical and logical. They have started to give logic of how impractical the implementation of Freebies are. That's why a Change is needed, they are now made to think and be analytical and raise questions.

Which they were never used to, ofcourse smartly they were always kept busy with Temples, Movies, Religion, hyper nationalism, hate and worshipping the Lordship.

The Central Vista

The new Parliament House is up.

Quite a dazzling building, whose grandeur oozes Indianness, Indian culture and History.

Was it needed? Yes, as time changes, needs evolve, technology upgradation, a need to tell our history to the next generations. The design is well tailored with our History, past empires. Afterall all the great temples and palaces built centuries ago is remembered and hailed as a piece of History.

The Man who envisaged such a grand building and successfully made it a reality, Modi surely deserves applaud.

However, the politics being played over the inauguration seems inappropriate.

The opposition opposing for silly reasons and for the sole purpose of opposing is tragic.

The temple of democracy being used to glorify one man and the chants of him during the opening ceremony is also in bad taste.

Deriving Inspiration - Part 6

The Provision Stores

The age old Provision stores had always been the go to Shop for our monthly grocery purchases. Monthly grocery shop visit always had a special place during the childhood days. We kids felt useful by helping parents lift the heavy bags and loading in dad's scooter. As a reward, one Dairy Milk chocolate and visit to the Hotel for a Dosa.

Parents, me, sister & the luggage all in one Scooter!!

Indeed the older days were golden as we found happiness in small things.

Nowadays, can't imagine carrying entire month's grocery in two-wheeler, it has to be in the Car.

Ofcourse, parents purchased what was required.

It's anyway no more Grocery purchases, it's Grocery Shopping!

The traditional provision stores have become a mere last minute curd, soap pickup shop.

We all now are used to these Super Bazaars, Hyper Bazaars and Super markets for Grocery shopping. These Bazaars spoil us with choices of varied brands, discounts, offers, yet mysteriously end up with a Bill atleast 2 to 3K more!

An excellent marketing strategy to encourage people to come and buy items at discounted price, yet lure us to buy more items that were never planned for.

Pithrody Beach

The Sun goes down, beaches call you, don't want to lie, stare at the point where sky and water meets, you got plenty of life, mull over past mistakes, run over life ahead, I want to cry, I want to hug, I am happy!

Udupi & it's Magic

Such visits puts deep, vague thoughts. Is it finding myself? Maybe not everyone feels this way, people might just visit for a change or a break. It's how much one indulges the senses, the spirit.

Is this wandering or channelising?

The power of vibrations, vibes are felt everywhere, the places are trying to speak to me. It's in the air, it's in the people, it's in the drive, it's in the homes, it's in the water, it's in the temples.

It's acknowledgement of life, acknowledgement of what life is, acknowledgement of life we don't know, acknowledgement of life beyond our knowledge and vastness.

Brand Value

What makes Rolex, a Rolex..

Royal Enfield, a Royal Enfield..

Mercedes, a Mercedes..

Rolls Royce, a Rolls Royce..

Modi, a Modi..

Sachin, a God of Cricket..

Rajkumar, a man of gold..

It's the Legacy, Tradition, discipline. Grown by their loyal fans, making the Brand a larger than life entity, because both could establish an emotional connect.

The Brand value keeps mushrooming when the Brand steadily maintains and displays it's integrity, quality and ideals, for decades.

I have a brand, You have a brand in our own little worlds. But what is that Brand Value that you and me carry?

There is CIBIL Score, Sensex Points, GDP, why not a Score for Brand Value?

Value of Marriage

Another case in the Court that has social binding.

A couple in a Live-in relationship approached Court for protection from Public and Police harassment.

The court has denied any protection as it said Live-in is a Social Problem.

As we become a global society, many practices, way of life is influenced by other Countries, which could be a misfit to our culture and society, Live-in is one such! Coincidentally, off late cases of murders are also reported from the Live-in partners.

Is it the lack of confidence, trust on self or the other person? Is it the inability to commit? Or do they want to have a longer free trial period before committing?

We Indians choose our partners after couple of meetings, and stick to them for life. Though it defies logic to blindly trust each other and take the dive, it's the power, strength of deep rooted culture, tradition and values that makes it work.

The connect is decided with the "ting" factor that might happen in couple of meetings. It's surely a marriage between two families, than just 2 individuals. Upto couple of decades ago, the choice was never even with the individuals, but the families used to decide!

The scale at which we do our weddings, no.of people involving and participating talks volumes of the value of a marriage being beyond 2 individuals.

A Song, a Product

There are certain classics that you never get tired of listening to them a 1000 times.

Be it Carnatic Classic, Movie Songs or English Tracks, the composition and music arrangement is so strong that they become legendary.

Each such legendary composition itself becomes an institution, with every tune, every raaga, every chord, every note, every beat, a lesson.

There is always a scope of variation, reprised versions, rearrangement and improvisation by both the original composers and other singers as well.

But some songs just doesn't need any improvization, and remains a classic for eternity.

I have been an ardent, passionate fan of "Nothing else matters", and I have never seen the band change any tune, any chord, in their numerous Live performances. The listening experience has remained same for over 3 decades, since it was released in 1992.

Now that's the kind of Product to create. A product that can command respect, loyalty for decades, yet no consumers demanding any improvements, betterment, because the product doesn't need any change, but remains consume-worthy for decades.

Chandrayan III

It jumped off the Earth, swung and did a sling to the Moon at ease.

While Space, Moon, Stars are a dreamy affair, associated spirituality, and a fascination for us, a bunch of brilliant minds wanted to carry out scientific experiments there.

It's a proud moment for every Indian, an achievement that boosts Nationalism in each of us.

It could be just a Project for the Scientists, but it's beyond imagination for us ordinary beings that a machine can be maneuvered and safely landed on the Moon! It's indeed "Rocket Science".

A tight slap to those who doubted India's abilities and prowess.

On a lighter note, a project worth 650 Cr, a couple more lakhs spend for a better CGI simulation of landing would have been more pleasant to the eyes.

Another respite that it didn't become a political agenda, and no one claimed as their party's achievement.

The speach was also of how a proud P.M should address, and luckily no "Me, Me, I, I" claims.

Yes, certain Bhakts did use this to make fun of Pak, Opposition.

The opposition also mentioned it's because of previous Govt's/Leader's vision. Glad that due respect and applause are only for ISRO and no one else.