ON EDUCATION

Every child, every human being, every man is in need of an education worthy of fitting today's society and satisfying its societal requirements. Education is obtained with honour and privilege, but needs not be taken as luxury. It is every living man's tool setting him assail righteously across the ocean of joy, prospect, good fortune and harmony.

Man is the controller of his own destiny. Education guides him towards this very same destiny which is filled with understanding and self-respect. It teaches him how to operate with willingness, will-power, motivation and maturity. It yields him several paths free from ignorance and blessed with gratifying knowledge.

Education is merely a must as it is the pathway to the doorway of bliss and wisdom. God made us all equal. An education propels us to promoting, strengthening and maintaining this equality which creates this bond between us.

Wayne Dyer's "Wishes Fulfilled" (Review by Vimal Kodai)

Dr. Wayne W. Dyer's "Wishes Fulfilled"

~ A Book Review ~

(By Vimal Kodai)

Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, the author of “Wishes Fulfilled: Mastering the Art of Manifesting” projects herein a masterpiece of a book to his readers: he has put diligent effort in the mastery of this written work... What amazes me the most about this book, is the fact that the writer connects with me while I pursue my reading: I am convinced by Dr. Dyer that whatever he has written is something tangible and it stands well-set for all of us readers. As such, the writer brings upon various themes which best explain, the ‘how?’ and the ‘why?’ human beings need to connect with their innermost self. Being highly optimistic a writer, Dyer convinces his readers that they could choose to make use of the very insightful and truly realistic principles presented in this book, if they desire to benefit from thinking processes which would lead to finding spiritual solutions. Dr. Dyer carries on by stating that there is a “Self”, an “Outer-Self”, an “Inner-Self”, and, a “Higher Self”—these are of great relevance to humans as they provide the latter with a thorough feeling of inner security, whereby, the underlying truth is that there is a divine presence within their spirits.

The last six chapters of “Wishes Fulfilled” come along with significant usages of the “I AM”. The latter words are symbolic to biblical scriptures, but they also promote the welfare of humanity, provided that they are used the right way. Furthermore, the author states that human nature is composed of the tendency of human beings to seek out better lifestyles. Indeed, we observe that throughout their history, human beings have shown persistence in their quest for adventure: they seek out better places to migrate, they are always in search for better opportunities that would bring them prosperity and good health; and finally, they strive to obtain true happiness within the realm of family unit. Thus, Wayne Dyer states that these tendencies are bound to manifest in the lives of humans, only if there is an eminent divine presence in their innermost selves. Finally, it is deemed feasible to say that Dr. Wayne W. Dyer has been successful in reaching out to his readers by his portrayal of the essences of life, which are namely: faith, love, passion, compassion, honesty, integrity, the earning of respect and illumination of the "Self" with spiritual knowledge—the latter elements are the ones that secure the day to day survival of all human beings. Wayne W. Dyer's "Wishes Fulfilled" indeed relays guided steps and principles to its readers so that the latter may achieve their spiritual goals methodically.

A critic and book review of "7 Ways to Obtain Divine Gifts & Powers"

A critic and book review of V.M Gopaul’s 7 Ways to

Obtain Divine Gifts & Powers

(By Vimal Kodai)

Readers would very easily depict a universally accepted doctrine of spiritual faiths and religious principles from V.M. Gopaul’s 7 Ways to Obtain Divine Gifts & Powers. The writer undertakes an in-depth journey to the core of a human being’s ideal “Healthy Spiritual Lifestyle.” My understanding of V.M Gopaul’s message to his readers is that one should always aim at deriving fresh joy and happiness in one’s life. Herein, the message of how to achieve this goal is brought forward in a beautifully engaged arena. Mr. Gopaul is in pursuit of showing to his readers that happiness can be obtained by attempting to use the seven simple systematic ways which are marvellously displayed in his booklet. Also, with a thorough and concise reflection given by him as the concluding portion of each of the eight chapters of his booklet, the writer gives a better personal summary to every one of them. As its title indicates, 7 ways to Obtain Divine Gifts & Powers has seven pillars which expand on thorough but precise spiritual principles that are very clearly described by the writer. I am not always in agreement with the fact that the deeds done by political figures in the history of mankind should have been addressed in such spiritual setting, but I endorse the fact that the writer portrays some of these personalities as the mere philanthropists who made a difference in today’s world. While stressing on various highlights in human history and by granting honourable merits to those humanitarians and great souls who made significant changes for a better and brighter tomorrow, Mr. Gopaul suggests that the latter indeed possessed divine gifts and divine powers. With borrowed quotes from the Bahá’ì sacred scriptures and from other biblical sources, 7 Ways to Obtain Divine Gifts & Powers is indeed directing its teachings towards the achieving of a “Healthy Spiritual Lifestyle.” Thus, V.M Gopaul's latest masterpiece reaches the heart of its readers while diligently guiding them to the doorway of acquiring spiritual and divine gifts and powers. I firmly believe that this book (or booklet) narrows in the gap between the searching for spiritual enlightenment and the obtaining of spiritual knowledge and divine intelligence. 7 Ways to Obtain Divine Gifts & Powers hails spiritual maturity as every man’s ultimate goal. To sum up, I have suited myself to choose the following Bahá’ù’lláh quote out of other several ones provided in this book; it is as follows: “Every pure, every refined and sanctified soul will be endowed with tremendous power, and shall rejoice with exceeding gladness.”

A brief survey of Yoga: History of Yoga, Yoga practices and forms, and the benefits of Yoga

A Short briefing on Yoga practices      

       The word Yoga derives from the Sanskrit word 'yog.' It signifies the binding of the mind with the body through the discipline of the senses. The first book of Yoga, the Bhagavad-Gita, which is an excerpt taken from one of the most ancient sacred scriptures known to man, the Mahabharata, relates on how Lord Krishna instructed the greatest form of yoga (a transcendental form of yoga known as Karma Yoga) to his devotee, cousin and friend, Arjuna. The Lord advises that one should let go of irrelevant materialistic presences from this age of Kali (Kali Yuga.) Therefore, the Lord vividly recommends the practice of Yoga as it is crucial to liberating one from all miseries originating from our material world.

    The history of modern Yoga begins with the enlightening knowledge spread by the Great Indian sage, Patanjali. The latter instructed Yoga so that it serves as spiritual and philosophical guide to all humans. Swami Patanjali presented eight such Yoga Sutras which are the basic forms of Yoga(along with their sub-roots) destined to fulfilling the entire requirements of all yogis. As such, Yoga is the direct means through which human beings free themselves from materialistic bondage that creates chaotic effects upon their physical and spiritual well-being.

The Asana Yoga (Yogic Postures)

The eight forms of Yoga (The 8 pillars of Yoga) are as follows:

1) Pranayama Yoga (Yoga of Breathing)

2) Yama Yoga (Yoga of restraints)

3) Asana Yoga (Yoga of Postures)

4) Niyama Yoga (Yoga of Observances)

5) Pratyahara Yoga (Yoga of Withdrawal of senses)

6) Dharana Yoga (Yoga of Concentration)

7) Samadhi Yoga (Yoga of Absorption)

8) Dhyana Yoga (Yoga of Meditation)

          

Some more Asana Yoga (Yogic Postures)

LE MORNE: A World Heritage Site (A book review by Vimal Kodai)

LE MORNE: A World Heritage Site

(Book review by Vimal Kodai)

            This sensitive and historical booklet marks the great many facets of botany, history, geography, geology, and the epic journey of slaves and indentured labourers—in the very surroundings of Le Morne. I truly adapt to this booklet as a very mere reader who cherishes lots about the rich history of the Republic of Mauritius. I have learnt from other newly fed events depicted from this booklet which were brought forward and well-set by the author, Mr. Abdool Wahab Owadally.

            My having been a student of Mr. Jocelyn Chan Low (from Form I to Form 3) has obviously driven my curiosity and increased my eagerness to learn about what Mr. Owadally is so willingly quoting from excerpts taken from the former’s written historical masterpieces. I have diligently skimmed through this booklet, before reading it minutely, and while sharing an open mind as to how certain events shaped Le Morne to what it displays on this very day. The author suggests and distinctly mentions that this particular region is today a monument and moreover “A World Heritage Site.” I lay my convictions upon certain issues that trace this ‘heritage site’ and others that would suggest better characteristics of its Fauna and Flora that have shaped and which still to this day shapes the coastal area of Le Morne. To a broader extent, certain moral and ethical factors which have evolved around this site as it happens to claim its symbolic emblem, are by all means meaningful and embellishing—obviously, I refer back to slavery and its impact on this world ‘heritage site.’

            I truly believe that the booklet is rich; keen merit is deservingly aimed towards the author for the amount of research he has done, and for his provision of historical facts to shape his masterpiece. I regard this book as an accomplishment of high degree for it compiles botany, geology and history in a harmonious manner. I have revived certain key issues that slaves and indentured labourers faced during their early arrivals to Île de France and also during the British rule. My knowledge of botany is very poor, and I vividly say that likewise, any reader of my nature would have been overwhelmed to know all the Latin names of Flora that existed and which still exists in the region of Le Morne. Mr. Owadally sets aside a richly blended flavour of his very expertise of botany, geology, history and geography in his writing.

DIRE STRAITS: British Rock' n' Roll music band of the late 70s, mid-80s and mid-90s

 Dire Straits & Mark Knopfler  

       Mark Knopfler

          Mark Knopfler, lead singer and guitarist of Dire Straits successfully brought his 80s music band to well-deserved fame after the release of hit songs: "Once upon a time in the West", "Water of Love", "Sultans of Swing," "Money for Nothing", "Why Worry?", " "Walk of Life", "Brothers in Arms" & "Romeo and Juliet."

From left to right: John Illsley, Mark Knopfler, Pick Withers and David Knopfler

The British singer-guitarist-songwriter was the son of an architect. His brother, David Knopfler and he began learning the guitar while still in their teenage years. With much to look forward to, the two brothers teamed up with John Illsley, a University of London sociology student, and Pick Withers, a studio drummer, to officially launch their music entertainers’ career in July of 1977.

Dire Straits

The band of four began their U.K tour in 1978. Afterwards, with increasing commitments towards song-writing, song-composing and most of all, through their ingenious in guitar-playing, Dire Straits entered the 1980s with several thousands of fans entailing them. Admirers of Dire Straits mostly crazed for the sound of music derived from Mark's magical guitar touches. In the United Kingdom, Europe and around the globe, Dire Straits has been reckoned for its original music and songs. The band has also performed musical scores and soundtracks for movies, such as: "The Princess Bride" and "Local Hero."

Kṛṣṇa: THE SUPREME PERSONALITY OF GODHEAD... A book review (By Vimal Kodai)

The Story Book of Lord Krishna

      In 3500 B.C, there came an avatar of Lord Vishnu who brought upon theories, practices and principles set forth to transform and promote the lives of human beings. He restored order in the form of blessings; he undertook the responsibility of getting rid of demoniac presences from the surface of our planet and he delivered the most absolute and confidential transcendental knowledge through a prevailing discourse known to us all as the Bhagavad-Gita. 

Lord Krishna and Radha Rani

            

     Lord Krishna, the splendid avatar of Lord Vishnu blessed both evil and good by reinstating spiritual, social and political order in the lives of those forming part of the Yadu and Kuru kingdoms (or, Yadu dynasty and Kuru dynasty.) Descending as an avatar of Lord Vishnu, while demonstrating truthful and magnificent supremacy in the form of Lord Krishna, is no natural everyday occurrence which any human would witness for whichever predictable and obvious causes. As such, The Lord presented himself in the embodiment of Kṛṣṇa in order to reinforce measures which mankind needed to take when dealing with the then reigning tyranny and deceptions.

With Balrama, his devotee and elder brother

        His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada hereby relates all about Lord Krishna with a thorough emphasis on every minute details and every single event in the latter’s life. These are brought forward with spiritual grandeur and splendour. This book about the Lord is the veridical truth which depicts the purpose of his birth, childhood, adolescence, adulthood—his pastimes and his actions as it is dictated in the Holy Scriptures. The many killings of demons by Lord Krishna, his adventures and misadventures, his encounters and deliverances, his daily activities and pastimes, as portrayed in the written masterpiece, Kṛṣṇa: THE SUPREME PERSONALITY OF GODHEAD sheds enlightening and clear knowledge about the Lord and it describes very concisely and precisely the cause underlying his incarnation. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada illuminates the glowing adventures of the Supreme Being as per the latter's purpose on our planet. The swami has a specific objective in mind when he examines each and every daily encounters of Lord Krishna during the latter’s time spent among fellow humans. His devotees and close ones who are all part and parcel of his expanded self, develop a special spiritual attachment for him. They were blessed by his divine presences and by his footsteps marked on the several pathways of Mathurā, Vrndāvana, Gokula, Hastināpura, Ānarta, Sauvīra, Rājasthān, Kurukṣetra, Indraprastha and many other soils of India. 

With Balrama, leading the cowherd in the forests of Vrndāvana

       The genealogy of the Lord’s family circle and the extent of his kingship is described thoroughly by Swami Prabhupada. His participation in the battle of Kurukṣetra by leading the role of the charioteer of Arjuna (descendant of King Bharata,) is conclusively analyzed as being the ultimate cause of his incarnation as Lord Kṛṣṇa. Thereupon, the latter conveys the Bhagavad-Gita to the former.

With Arjuna, as the latter's charioteer on the battlefield of Kurukṣetra

      The prayers offered to Lord Kṛṣṇa are superseded by brief explanations of the Lord’s objectives behind his multiple divine presences. His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada has hereby combed through all events that required Lord Kṛṣṇa’s input into the several incidents which the latter accessed. Kṛṣṇa: THE SUPREME PERSONALITY OF GODHEAD is a book of valour which hails Lord Krishna as the owner and guide of the absolute truth.