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  Divine Serenity: Rishikesh Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas on the banks of the holy Ganges river, Rishikesh is renowned as a center for studying yoga and meditation. The Janaki bridge in Rishikesh is an iconic pedestrian and two-wheeler bridge that offers an unforgettable experience to anyone who crosses it to visit the ashrams. It's not just a physical journey to the other side, but an emotional one as well. The ashrams that dot the other side of the bridge offer a range of spiritual experiences to those seeking to embark on a journey of self-discovery. Janaki Bridge in Rishikesh The morning dips in the Ganges are particularly special. The sacred waters of the river are said to have a purifying effect, washing away negativity and leaving one feeling rejuvenated and positive. Even just sitting on the banks of the sacred Ganga and watching the flow of the water can have a calming effect on the mind. I recently had the privilege of attending the Advanced Meditation Progr...
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Sikkim- Rhenock to Nathu La Pass

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Nathu La Pass   Nathu La Pass is in the Dongkya range of the Himalayas and has a history of strategic importance because of its location on the old silk route. It is at a height of 14200 ft. It was closed after the 1962 war between India and China, and was reopened for trade on 5th July, 2006. During my short visit to East Sikkim, it was nothing less than a dream come true adventure for me when I visited it on 2nd Nov 2022. The sentiment of the people looking at the Chinese side was tinged with patriotic fervour. All kinds of patriotic slogans could be heard. At Nathu La pass The drive to Nathu La pass was the most mesmerizing one - giving the feeling of approaching the Kanchenjunga at every turn. The beauty of the breathtaking magnificence of Kanchenjunga is  entrenched in my memory. Kanchenjunga - as seen while driving up t0 the Nathu La pass. On the way, we stopped at the world's highest golf course - Yak golf course - courtesy Indian army. The picturesque Yak golf course h...
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It is inevitable...

It is inevitable... You shouldn't have settled down in Chandigarh. Punjab has the maximum cases of cancer. This was the advice I got from many near and dear ones when I had cancer. Then...IT seemed that the disease that caused the maximum number of deaths around me was none other than cancer. Even in the society where I live, there were three cancer deaths within a short span of few months. I survived - maybe I was still to complete many unfinished tasks or certain duties that had been assigned to me before I took birth. I moved on to be an Art of Living Teacher... grew professionally in my career, BUT lost my younger son. I saw different trajectories with time, and also learnt and realized that almost everyday thousands were crossing over to the other side. But now the scene is different. It is all about saving one's job and saving oneself from the virus called Corona virus. A couple of months back the morning newspaper had more of accident, murder, assault, molestation a...
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Vacation of Mind

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I recently interviewed someone and one of the questions – commonly asked – was, “ What’s your hobby?” Prompt came the reply,” Meditation” I said, “WHAT!” I found it too baffling. He was no ‘Swami Vivekananda’ but an ordinary 20 something M.B.A. aspirant facing me with a smile. And lo!   I, the interviewer didn’t know how to meditate till few years back. In fact, some years back, when I had my chemotherapy for my cancer treatment, few persons would advise me to meditate. I would just nod my head with a faint smile. How could I tell them – “Please don’t advise me, I don’t know how to meditate.” Every now and then, we bump into these tech- savvy intelligent youngsters who have learnt to give a vacation to their minds. We meet these ebullient, exuberant, euphoric youths bubbling with infectious positive energy, and we know – Mind is being taken care of. They work well, earn handsomely and know how to sharpen their axes.
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A NEW DIMENSION OF YOG SADHNA

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https://www.instagram.com/bhaskarkadian/?hl=en  You cannot be seriously committed to anything if you cannot be committed to the fitness of your mind, body and soul. Now, more than ever, the race is for fitness. Amid innumerable promising ways of making one fit, gym workouts and yog sadhna have surpassed all. With the burgeoning number of gyms, parallels are drawn between gym workouts and yog sadhna.  Both need concentration of mind. Both help you to remain fit. Whether it’s a gym workout or yoga, you should be conscious of how and when you breathe in and breathe out. You are in the present - complete focus is on what you are doing. Of course, people may opine differently... But what gives you inner strength and peace of mind? What keeps your soul healthy? What gives that eternal life to your soul?  You remain indefatigable despite hours of exhausting work. It has been gifted to us and we have known it for thousands of years but very few of us rely on ...
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In Awe of the Ganges

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The Ganges... Awestruck, I stood at the Ghats of the Ganges when I went to Rishikesh this month. The Ganges during the monsoon looked so different than what it had during my last visit in January. Then it was the beautiful Ganges – I could bring home its water. Now... it benumbed me. The increased water level and the force of its waves should have actually intimidated me. But, there I stood - befuddled by my own emotions. No other river has filled me with such thoughts ...The Ganges is different.   I was lost in its transcendental glory, one day...I don’t know when, but I too would be one with its waves.   Every year, during this time its unparalleled beauty and serenity touch different dimensions. Undaunted by its massive force, with only love and devotion in their hearts, devotees throng Haridwar during this month to carry its water to a specific Shivalinga.   I wanted to bring home its water but I could not. I was told that we should not t...
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Two sides of speech

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“Mend your speech a little lest it mar your fortunes”  King Lear – Shakespeare Standing alone in a gathering, feeling left out, losing audience’s attention while expressing views on something – a nightmare for many. Why? There can be umpteen reasons varying from person to person. Result - some are conscious of their appearance whereas others are conscious of their voice or language. In fact, there are many who are paranoid about being laughed at or criticized. Such intimidating feelings can give sleepless nights to people of all age groups. Formal or informal – whatever the situation may be – the loners shy away without the confidence of being able to vent out their thoughts and feelings. On the flip side, some suffer from verbal diarrhoea. We run away from them as we find no interest in their verbosity – their never ending prolix. Shakespeare sensed it while giving us King Lear. We require speaking skills in every area of our life - personal life, social situations an...
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Amarnath - The mysterious, the mighty… the blissful

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On 2 nd  July, 2017, I stood under the water dripping from top and got soaked in the bliss. Looking up, I noticed the two white pigeons – the manifestations of the omnipotent. The last step of my long awaited ‘Amarnath yatra’ overwhelmed me with tears of gratitude. I was numbed by the majestic beauty of the place and the omnipotence of Lord Shiva. Suddenly, I became aware of others and heard someone talking about the Sheshnag mountain… and the one with the impression of the footprint of Lord Shiva. I looked back and noticed that the mountain really looked like a ‘Sheshnag’. And the breathtaking ice Shivlinga mesmerized everyone to such an extent that one just couldn’t take one’s eyes away from it. My Amarnath yatra was exciting and adventurous – the valley looked so serene from the chopper that we took to cover some distance. Like every year, there were apprehensions connected to the visit – I too experienced my bit but it was nothing in front of what I got by taking a...
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It keeps us from falling apart

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It keeps us from falling apart Places, worlds tell tales Of brave who fought hard battles  And then they heard the sound of life This thing inside sends us to fairytales You can't escape this twisting knot It keeps us from falling apart And it’s this touch of heart Keeping us away from stones Soft touch of a whispering sound And it shows you what you dream of And then the dream takes you And you remember yourself You can't escape this twisting knot It keeps us from falling apart And it’s this touch of heart Keeping us away from stones Dreams are bringing you to shore Only extreme senses would do Scream like you broke your bones Take yourself higher You can't escape this twisting knot It keeps us from falling apart And it’s this touch of heart Keeping us away from stones Lyric by- Paarth Kadian
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The Rise of the Ashes

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This poem is about understanding how mankind can come out of misery by understanding that no matter how bad the situation may be one should not give up one’s hope. Man has created misery for mankind and should understand that if he tries he can rise again. The ashes will rise again…. The fallen stones Have cut it deep In the eyes of the lord It may be obsolete All the love washed away in tears Reminds me of the days when the sun was near With no one around to bear the curse The trembling stars are going to be undone The spoken words   Have left the pain The lost have found   Their final rest The night now brings The end of days But soon The A shes will rise again.   Eyes are heavy Brain so numb Finding the dark so peaceful inside The fire is still there but the lips so cold Ashes still burning And the smoke doesn’t choke – no more Like the shadow in the dark Trying to come out and cry Feeli...
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